Trade

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Everyone arrived at the section of the castle specifically designed to welcome guests. After they sat down, Master Gu Yi removed her cloak, revealing a shiny bald head.

For some reason, Ivan always found bald heads a little off-putting. Every time he saw one, a strange feeling washed over him. He thought about it further. Thanos, Darkseid, and now Gu Yi – all bald heads. Purple, gray, yellow, and even Professor X's white head and Nick Fury's future black one. Was being bald a prerequisite for becoming powerful, a sign that bald heads would rule the universe?

Ivan shook his head, dispelling these strange thoughts. He was about to speak when the ever-anxious Dumbledore beat him to it. "Master Gu Yi," he said in a questioning tone, "are you aware of the dangers involved in borrowing Dormammu's power? How is your body holding up? How much has the dark power corrupted you?"

Master Gu Yi sighed helplessly. "I had no choice. Since Dormammu discovered the coordinates of this world, he's been slowly eroding it with his power. The last time he planned to come to Earth, I was forced to absorb his power to repel him in desperation. The situation was critical. If I hadn't acted, the world would have been destroyed."

"Ah, I see! I misunderstood you," Dumbledore sighed again, worry etched on his face. "What will you do now? How long can you hold on with your current condition? Is there any way to reverse it?"

"I don't know. Right now, I'm just trying to find a suitable heir to take on the burden of resisting Dormammu's invasion after I'm gone..."

Master Gu Yi was interrupted mid-sentence. He turned his head abruptly towards Ivan. Could you have been a better candidate here? Through their previous encounters, Master Gu Yi recognized Ivan's strength as equal to his own. If Ivan were willing to join Kamar Taj and learn magic, wielding the Eye of Agamotto, he would surely be able to resist Dormammu.

With a forced smile, Master Gu Yi addressed Ivan, "Sir, may I ask..."

Ever the cunning old soul, Dumbledore immediately reacted upon seeing the ancient mage's expression. "Forgive me," he interjected quickly. "It seems introductions are in order. Master Gu Yi, this is Dr. Ivan Shaw. You can call him Dr. Ivan. His knowledge of magic far surpasses mine."

"Greetings, Dr. Ivan," Master Gu Yi said, his voice hopeful. "I apologize for the earlier events. Now, I would like to ask you: would you be willing to join our Kamar Taj and inherit the responsibility of protecting Earth and fighting against Dormammu?"

Ivan shrugged. "Honestly, I'm still confused. Can you tell me more about Dormammu?"

Only then did Master Gu Yi realize her oversight. She needed to explain things clearly in haste. Embarrassed, began to explain who Dormammu was.

In truth, Ivan knew more about Dormammu than Gu Yi did. However, he kept this knowledge hidden. Revealing too much could arouse suspicion.

"I understand the situation now," Ivan said. In short, a multidimensional evil entity named Dormammu seeks to invade this world and seize the Eye of Agamotto, the Time Gem guarded by Kamar Taj. You've been resisting his invasion and protecting Earth. You absorbed his dark power to fight back during the last encounter, but it's now corrupting your body. Is that right?"

"Yes," Master Gu Yi replied sincerely. "Earth is in grave danger. Dormammu's next attack could be imminent. I hope you'll reconsider and help us."

"While I admire your actions," Ivan said, "I'm afraid I must decline. I prefer a life of freedom and pursuing my studies. I can't accept your request. However, I do have some ideas about your condition. Perhaps I can help alleviate it."

Master Gu Yi's face flickered with disappointment at Ivan's rejection, but Ivan's following words piqued her interest again.

"That's intriguing," he said.

"Tell me your thoughts on Dormammu's evil power."

Ivan, understanding Gu Yi's skepticism about healing him, continued unfazed. "Based on your explanation, Dormammu's power seems to be a dark force. However, by devouring countless dimensional worlds, it has transcended, becoming more potent than the rule-based magic we wield. This is why it became deeply rooted in your body after absorbing some of its power. While you can suppress it, complete eradication seems impossible."

"Precisely," Master Gu Yi agreed. "Though weakened, this dark power holds a purer essence. It's now deeply ingrained, extending my lifespan. But this has a limit. I fear I won't last beyond a decade."

A sly smile spread across Ivan's face. He snapped his fingers. "Then a deal is possible," he declared. "I'll help suppress the darkness in exchange for using the Eye of Agamotto for three weeks." As he spoke, he offered Master Gu Yi a fist-sized bead that seemed to hold a faint inner light.

Master Gu Yi reached out and took the bead. A mysterious power surged through her arm, spreading warmth throughout her body. The dark power eroding her was instantly suppressed.

"This is light!" she exclaimed. It was so pure and so comforting. But unfortunately, the amount is limited. Otherwise, it could purge the darkness entirely.

Ivan had been observing Gu Yi's expression closely. Upon seeing the change, a satisfied smile emerged. The next part of the negotiation seemed promising.

"This is the power of light, governed by specific rules," Ivan explained. "It originates from a powerful being in your universe called Ego. However, his power wasn't self-cultivated; it was an inheritance from his ancient godly lineage. While I can facilitate its use, it's still unfamiliar to you. I extracted some of his power during my research and sealed it within this bead. There are limitations, but its potential is vast."

"Inheritance, you say? It's a shame," Gu Yi remarked. "Even a powerful light-based ability like that gets passed on. It seems the powerhouse who wielded the Law of Light has perished. Having them around would've simplified dealing with Dormammu's darkness."

"Indeed, a pity," Ivan conceded. "Since the universe's birth, countless powerful beings have emerged, and countless more seek enlightenment. This light cultivator is just one of them, likely meeting a similar fate."

Ivan's words caused both Dumbledore and Master Gu Yi to fall silent. They understood his point. They too would face mortality, with an unknown future beyond.

"Let's move on from such heavy topics and discuss the trade," Ivan interjected, sensing their somber mood.

"While this bead is important to me," Master Gu Yi explained, "the Eye of Agamotto is sacred to Kamar Taj. We'd give our lives to protect it. Its importance precludes me from agreeing to your request without understanding its purpose. What do you hope to achieve with the Eye?"

Aware of the Eye's significance, Ivan readily replied, "I wish to study the power of time. However, I understand your concerns. You can stay by my side during the research process to supervise. Additionally, we can find a witness to sign a magical contract, ensuring everything is above board."

"A magical contract?" Master Gu Yi inquired, surprised. "Our strength renders ordinary contracts powerless. Furthermore, finding suitable witnesses is incredibly rare. What purpose would it serve?"

"Trust me," Ivan asserted confidently, "this will work. The witness I have in mind is extraordinary. They will ensure neither of us can violate the contract, and their fairness is absolute. You might not believe it now, but you'll understand when you see it."

Despite lingering doubts fueled by Ivan's confidence, Master Gu Yi took a chance. They agreed to meet again in three days. Ivan would take the bead, and Master Gu Yi would bring the Eye. Together, they'd meet the witness to finalize the contract.

"Excellent. By the way," Ivan suddenly remembered, turning to Dumbledore, "Mr. Dumbledore, are you joining us for this?" He had almost forgotten him in his conversation with Gu Yi.

Dumbledore, clearly feeling overshadowed by the more powerful beings, expressed his disinterest in staying. "No need to fret," he said. "Our wizarding world is in turmoil. I must return to oversee matters. You two handle your affairs. I won't impose."

Neither Ivan nor Master Gu Yi objected. Ivan personally escorted Dumbledore and Harry out of the castle, watching them depart. He then returned to continue finalizing the agreement with Master Gu Yi, who left after confirming the remaining details.