Ch.19 Exchange! Just an Exchange!

Actually, Wong hadn't misheard. Ronan wanted to learn… no, to exchange knowledge about the Mirror Dimension spell. He had been eyeing that spell for a long time.

In Ronan's eyes, this was undoubtedly the coolest spell ever, no exceptions.

Of course, spells like the "Body of Hogoth" were on another level and even more impressive.

Imagine this: with just a wave of your hand, you create a Mirror Dimension, trapping your enemies in place, while they can't even touch you, despite being face to face. How cool is that?

In his previous life, Ronan had dreamed of having this ability.

He fantasized about using it during class to transfer himself into the Mirror Dimension, where he could play games while the teacher couldn't see him.

Cough cough.

Of course, that last part was more of a current life wish.

So, he had always wanted to learn this spell.

However, for some reason, the Ancient One had never taught it to him.

Whenever Ronan asked about it, the Ancient One would always say, "The time is not yet right."

Perhaps in the Ancient One's eyes, once Ronan learned it, he'd never pay attention in class again?

Ronan had no idea why.

But his purpose for coming here wasn't just to secretly learn the spell—he had another motive.

Once he returned to his world, he would "accidentally" show off the spell in front of the Ancient One. Then, with righteous indignation, he would accuse Wong of teaching him.

All to get back at Wong for those three Burger King meals!

After all, Wong did teach him, so Ronan wouldn't be lying.

"The reason I want to learn… I mean, exchange this spell with you," Ronan began, "is that the Ancient One once said something interesting."

"The different parallel worlds have subtle differences, with many of them being nearly identical."

"So, the Mirror Dimension spell in different worlds might be slightly different too."

"That's why I want to exchange ideas with you."

Ronan's face remained unchanged, showing no sign of embarrassment.

As for pride?

Heh, he already turned red once earlier—what more did they want from him?

Wong's expression, however, became more and more peculiar.

Because he had never heard the Ancient One say anything like that.

In fact, he hadn't even read about such theories in any of the magical tomes.

"Really?"

"Why didn't the Ancient One ever mention this to me?"

Wong scrutinized Ronan's face, trying to find any sign of deception.

But who was Ronan? What was a little thing like "face" to him?

Still, Wong's question did give Ronan a tiny bit of pressure.

It wasn't that the Ancient One hadn't told Wong—it's that she never said that to anyone!

Not even to Ronan!

He had made it all up!

And the reason was simple.

Though the parallel worlds were similar in many ways, there was one thing that remained constant for all sorcerers of Kamar-Taj.

All their magic, or mana, came from borrowing power from the Vishanti.

So, their spells were derived from that power.

The Vishanti were a trio of ancient gods, which is why many spells were named after them.

For example, the "Body of Hogoth" and the "Eye of Agamotto" were all named after these ancient deities.

"Well, I am the candidate for the next Sorcerer Supreme," Ronan said, whistling as he felt a slight twinge of guilt return.

Sometimes, he really admired himself.

Truly worthy of being the next Sorcerer Supreme.

When it came to lying, he had no natural talent.

Maybe all his talent points went into charm.

Oh, and perhaps a few into showing off.

"So why hasn't Strange mentioned any of this?" Wong still had his doubts.

"Strange is Strange, and I'm me. Can the business of the Sorcerer Supreme be deceptions?" Ronan immediately rebutted.

"Besides, Strange has only been learning for a few years, while I was raised by the Ancient One herself."

"She even checks my homework! She treats me like her own son!"

"Strange? He's just a minor disciple at best."

Ronan wasn't about to let someone compare him to Strange—it was the ultimate insult.

That brought to mind the Ancient One's words.

"He's the best among us."

Bah!

Ronan refused to admit that Strange was better than him in any way.

At the very least, in terms of brains, Ronan was absolutely more developed!

"Uh… okay, okay, don't get worked up. I didn't mean to doubt you."

Wong quickly waved his hands, thinking he had accidentally offended Ronan.

After all, he didn't know Ronan's temperament yet, and it wouldn't look good if he said something wrong.

After all, the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj across the multiverse were all part of the same family.

For now, at least.

"Alright, so let's exchange knowledge, then?" Wong finally relented.

"Where would you like to start?"

Wong had dropped his suspicions. After all, Ronan's jacket unzipping by itself and the Eye of Agamotto in front of him couldn't be faked.

Not to mention, he had heard about the things Tony Stark and the others were involved in.

So, he trusted Ronan, more or less.

Hearing this, Ronan was quite satisfied and nodded in approval.

"Let's start with the basics."

Ronan glanced at Wong, who seemed slightly stuck.

"Yeah, I'll just watch how you perform the movements, make sure you're doing them correctly, and see how proficient you are at casting."

"I wouldn't want to accidentally hurt you if we spar."

By now, Ronan couldn't even be bothered to pretend to blush.

Perhaps this was what growth looked like.

Even your shamelessness could grow.

"Alright then, let's start from the beginning," Wong agreed.

"Need me to explain while we go?"

Wong assumed the starting stance for the Mirror Dimension spell.

It had been years since he had done it; after all, he no longer needed hand gestures to open a portal.

Just that alone placed him at the top of the sorcery pyramid.

"Of course, this will determine if your theoretical knowledge is up to par."

"Let's start from the top!" Ronan said, pleased with Wong's cooperation but suppressing a grin.

Heh...

You swindled me out of three triple-burger combos in one world, so in this world, I'll swindle a spell from you.

Consider it paying your own debt.

With this thought, Ronan felt immensely satisfied.

Someone as generous as him wouldn't hold onto grudges over something as small as this.

Yep, peace of mind achieved!

Though Wong was still a bit perplexed, in the end, he could only shrug and begin his "exchange" event.

When was the last time he was taught anything, anyway?

He shook his head at the thought.

Never mind. Time to start.

"The Mirror Dimension is a simple spell. Once you sense the space around you, you can create a mirrored dimension, a world that functions like a reflection."

Wong felt like he was back in the early days of learning magic.

Ronan: …

That sounded so deep. Honestly, Ronan felt a bit lost.

He knew what space was, and he knew what a mirror was.

But how on Earth was he supposed to sense space?

Seeing Ronan's wide, innocent eyes, Wong couldn't help but hesitate.

"Uh…"

"Should we start with sensing space?"

Wong gulped.

"Yes, we'd better start there," Ronan nodded seriously.

"After all, if we miss a small detail, our exchange might fail."

Hearing this, Wong couldn't help but grimace and take a deep breath.

Now he was seriously starting to doubt if this so-called future Sorcerer Supreme wasn't just self-proclaimed.

Had the Ancient One made a mistake?

"Alright, we'll start with sensing space."

"As long as we enter a meditative state, clear our minds, and… well, do this and that, you can start to sense the space around you."

Ronan:⊙_⊙

I don't understand at all!

"Okay, first, get into a meditative position."

"Then, slowly feel the surroundings…"