Chapter 31: The Anomaly (Part 1)

"Umbrella Corporation aside, now there's this thing. The world is getting more and more interesting," Daniel Davis muttered with a helpless smile as he looked at the massive glowing circle in front of him. It was about ten meters in diameter, resembling countless sparkling, transparent glass shards, constantly flickering with a strange light.

Although it was his first time seeing this, Daniel recognized it immediately. It was an anomaly point, a remnant of an ancient invasion. If it were just the glowing circle, he might not have been sure, but with the underground base holding dinosaurs, there was no doubt.

"So this is how Umbrella's zombie dinosaurs came about," Daniel thought. Initially, he believed the zombie dinosaurs in Raccoon City were created using genetic engineering by Umbrella. However, the appearance of the anomaly point made him reconsider.

"Anomaly points are portals to another world. Judging by the military base's state, this anomaly must have been here for a long time. Maybe this entire island was built because of it," Daniel speculated, feeling his theory made sense. It was unlikely they'd build an artificial island here without a good reason.

"Room." After a moment of contemplation, Daniel approached the anomaly point and activated his surgical fruit ability, combining it with his magic.

Half an hour later, he withdrew his surgical fruit ability. Clasping his hands together, a massive golden three-dimensional magic array appeared around the anomaly point. As the golden array shrank, the anomaly point also slowly diminished until both vanished.

"This troublesome thing can't be allowed to exist," Daniel muttered to himself. Suddenly, he sensed a change in his surroundings. He quickly moved aside, only to see a person in a yellow robe, even the head covered by a yellow hood, standing where he had been.

"The Sorcerer Supreme," Daniel immediately brought a hand to his chest and bowed respectfully.

Despite his calm appearance, Daniel's heart was pounding. Why had the Ancient One shown up? He feared she might take back his suspended ring, thinking he was up to no good with all the times he'd used portal and mirror magic.

Daniel knew well that using magic on Earth without the Ancient One noticing was impossible. The magical barrier from the three Sanctums covered the entire planet, not only defending against dimensional invasions but also monitoring magical activities on Earth. The Ancient One could detect any significant magical energy fluctuations if she wished.

Usually, she wouldn't concern herself with minor matters, much like a nation's leader wouldn't worry about petty crimes in a small village. Otherwise, she'd be overwhelmed. That's why Daniel dared to use portal and mirror magic.

"Do you know what that is?" the Ancient One asked softly as she walked to Daniel's side.

Although she didn't specify, Daniel knew what she was referring to.

"It looks like a portal, possibly to another world," he replied. Daniel couldn't reveal his full knowledge about the anomaly point but could explain its nature. For a Kamar-Taj sorcerer skilled in portal magic, analyzing the anomaly's nature was straightforward.

"Take a look at this," the Ancient One said, handing him a book.

Seeing the book's title, Daniel was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, he accepted the book.

The Book of Cagliostro. It was the only book at Kamar-Taj Daniel hadn't read. Knowing he'd eventually leave Kamar-Taj, he had copied many books onto his computer for future study, especially those involving spells used by the future Sorcerer Supreme, such as the Form of the Icon and the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak.

He didn't have Strange's photographic memory, after all.

The Ancient One hadn't stopped him. Many of her magical books were also available online, like the Key of Solomon, the Grimoire, and the Infernal Dictionary. However, the Book of Cagliostro was different; it was about time magic and was securely locked in the library. Those chains were enchanted by the Ancient One, making it impossible to access without her consent.

This confirmed Daniel's suspicion that the Ancient One's death was intentional. Otherwise, Kaecilius could never have accessed the book's dark ritual to summon Dormammu.

Seeing the Ancient One's calm demeanor, Daniel began reading the Book of Cagliostro. He had always been curious about it.

Kaecilius wanted to save his wife, but instead of using the Time Stone to reverse time, he sought more complex means.

When Daniel reached the middle of the book, he found two pages stuck together. Understanding this was the Ancient One's way of preventing him from seeing the dark summoning ritual, he continued reading after a brief pause.

"Am I taking Doctor Strange's job?" The Book of Cagliostro wasn't thick. With the Ancient One not rushing him, Daniel finished reading and began contemplating its contents.

Daniel couldn't deny his interest in the Time Stone, one of the six Infinity Stones, but the dangers associated with it made him hesitant.

"Thank you, Sorcerer Supreme." The Book of Cagliostro was indeed remarkable. Even after a quick read, Daniel felt he had a deeper understanding of Kamar-Taj's magical system.

"You're welcome. If you encounter such anomalies in the future, just close them," the Ancient One said before undoing the mirror space and disappearing herself.

"This is time," Daniel murmured, watching his barely moved watch. The Ancient One's mastery of time, even without the Eye of Agamotto, was impressive. He had spent considerable time reading the book within the mirror space.

"It's nothing compared to when the Ancient One stopped all of New York."

The greatest benefit Daniel gained from the Book of Cagliostro wasn't knowledge of time magic. For now, he couldn't use it. Using time magic required one of two conditions: possessing the Eye of Agamotto or having immense power like the Ancient One to fuel time magic, though it would still be inferior to the Eye of Agamotto.

"I have another task now. Luckily, the Ancient One only asked me to close anomalies when encountered, not actively search for them," Daniel realized the reason behind the Ancient One showing him the Book of Cagliostro. Anomalies were caused by the Eye of Agamotto, or rather, the Time Stone.

Time shouldn't be manipulated lightly. The Ancient One didn't use the Time Stone to save Kaecilius' wife for this reason. Generally, dimensions could heal themselves from minor time magic uses, like the time stop spell she used earlier, which would naturally dissipate. But the Time Stone's power was different, having the potential for significant disruptions.

Only Daniel and the Ancient One could close anomalies. Most Kamar-Taj sorcerers weren't powerful enough for this task. Daniel's ability to close anomalies stemmed from his combination of the surgical fruit ability and magical skills.

"Take it one step at a time. Most anomalies are short-lived and disappear before being noticed, and many occur over oceans, given Earth's large water coverage," Daniel thought, beginning to loot the military base. He took tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, armored vehicles, missiles, various firearms, and ammunition, along with research equipment.

He had to stop only because he ran out of Pym Particles.

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