Chapter 27: The Deal

[Rohan Pov]

After stepping through the portal, in an instant, I found myself standing in the outer courtyard of Kamar-Taj in Nepal. The morning sunlight bathed the surroundings in a clear, blue sky, revealing the majestic mountain peaks.

I hastily dropped the bags I had been lugging, sighing in relief. The strain of carrying everything here had left my shoulders numb.

Formally, I greeted the Ancient One, "Master, it's good to see you again."

"It seems your journey this time was different from the first," she remarked.

Surprised, I inquired, "How so?"

"The first time you entered our world, there was no disturbance in space-time. However, this time, there was a noticeable disruption that I could sense easily."

"Well, that makes sense. This time I physically arrived here; the first time, I was reassembled, so I came as... data? I guess. Anyway, I've brought many things with me this time. Where should I keep them?"

We didn't linger in conversation. Mordo, who stood beside the Ancient One, stepped forward and offered a hand to help with the belongings, guiding me to a nearby room.

The room was sparse, with only a long table in the center.

For the next hour, I meticulously unpacked and arranged the items on the table — from books and potions to various plants, old charmed objects, magazines, and clothes. The room became a small time capsule of the wizarding world.

The Ancient One and Mordo, intrigued, examined the potions, plants, and even flipped through a copy of The Daily Prophet featuring moving pictures.

As they were engrossed, I unveiled the last item – the broken box the Ancient One had given me, wrapped in a red cloth.

"Master, there's something I'd like to show you," I said, unwrapping the cloth.

Both the Ancient One and Mordo approached as they observed the shattered pieces.

"What's the meaning of this? Did you break it?" Mordo asked angrily.

"No, it actually exploded. I also got a little injured. Care to tell me what this thing was for?" I replied, unfazed by Mordo's anger, addressing the Ancient One.

I then recounted the events leading to the explosion, detailing the tremors, the storm, and the eventual destruction.

"That's impossible," Mordo asserted, backing away. The Ancient One, however, examined the pieces closely, using hand signs to reassemble them into a new form.

"This box is a personal satellite I created. Its purpose was to collect information about your world and its magic. It was never meant to explode," she explained.

"Maybe it short-circuited?" I quipped sarcastically.

"Don't take magic so lightly; it does not work like that," Mordo retorted, offended.

Ignoring us, the Ancient One continued, "As you said, it worked for a few hours, which means it did function as intended, at least for some time."

She unfolded the box like a lotus, revealing a broken pentagonal container emitting an orange light. Extracting the pentagonal prism from within, she explained, "This is the core. If the outer case studied the environment, the core collected a small sample — a part of your world compressed into 3 cubic meters. However, the world itself rejected the Eldritch magic spell, leading to the box's destruction."

In confusion, I asked, "The world caused the explosion?"

"Yes," the Ancient One confirmed. "The Eldritch magic spell was recognized as unnatural, and the world responded by destroying the box and the foreign magic itself. It's like a body defending against a foreign pathogen."

Both Mordo and I were surprised by the revelation.

"There are still residues left on the debris you brought," the Ancient One said with a smile, covering the items with an Eldritch shield. "We should shield everything here in case a similar incident occurs. We still don't know anything about the Beyondverse."

Turning to Mordo, she instructed, "Have these items taken to the outer cabin on the mountain. We don't want anyone near them in case of an accident."

Mordo promptly went to work.

The Ancient One then looked at me with her knowing smile and suggested, "There's something you'd like to talk with me about, I presume? Let's discuss it over tea."

I was shocked and asked, "How do you know I have something to talk about? Have you seen this in the future?"

"No, your eyes told me. You wanted to talk to me after you arrived today, but you kept postponing it. Also, living for more than 600 years helps me know people very well, so there's that "

===

We went into her room, and she made tea for both of us. As we sipped our tea, I thought about what I wanted to say, and she patiently waited for me to speak.

After a moment, I spoke determinedly, "I need to get stronger to protect my brother. But it's tough. I can't do magic, and I'm not a mutant. Technology is an option, but I'm not a genius, and it'll take a long time to build everything."

Her face softened as she listened.

"But there's another way, a faster way with fewer side effects – the super soldier serum."

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked, sipping her tea.

"Because I want you to help me get the serum formula," I said, looking determined.

Putting down her cup, she raised an eyebrow and said, "Mr. Rohan, if you want me to use the time stone to get the formula, I can't help you."

I leaned in, my eyes showing frustration and urgency, "Why?"

"Because the timeline is back in order," she explained calmly.

Surprised, I leaned back, "But how? I'm still here, and I'll be making changes in the future. This should be impossible."

"I know, but it seems the timeline has slowly integrated you, making you a part of it. If you use the stone to create a different branch, it will cause problems."

Realization hit me. The system did say something like this about the first teleportation. This must have been what it did. it made it as if i was always in the timeline.

"What happens to the timeline when I leave?" I asked, confused.

"Nothing. You won't create a new branch, so it's like you were alone in a room for two months."

It was amazing. Morpheus had planned for Keng and TVA all along, so he made me a part of the timeline. But this meant I was under constant watch. But this doesnot change anything, i will do what i will do, i just cant use the timestone. If my future is set in the sacret timeline, so be it.

"Let's make a deal. What do you say?" i said with full confidence

"A deal?"

"Yes, I don't need the stone's help. I just need a fellow sorcerer to help me get what I need. In return, I'll bring you the Philosopher's Stone from my world."

She narrowed her eyes, curious and cautious, "Why do I need the Philosopher's Stone so much that I'd help you?"

"It helped Flemmal live for 600 years. It might do the same for you, replacing the dark dimension."

"But the timeline is set. I can't change my death, and it'll affect Mordo, Kaecilius, and others."

"Then just don't tell anyone the truth. Keep the symbol on your forehead for everyone to see. This will keep the timeline intact. I have read about the dark dimension and i know you must be constantly fighting to stay in control.The Philosopher's Stone might help you live comfortably until the end. Think about it," I said, quietly leaving.

I didn't hear from her the whole day, and according to Mordo, she was busy with the magical items I had brought back.

The next day, I got called by the Ancient One first thing in the morning. I went to her room, and she was waiting for me. She looked at me and said, "I want to talk about the deal."