In his past life, the Patronus Charm lacked such potent strength, its energy never reaching this level of purity. When the magic from that world carried over to this one, most spells remained largely unchanged. However, a few transformed in subtle or significant ways. The Levitation Charm and Unlocking Charm, for instance, saw minor adjustments, but the Patronus Charm underwent the most dramatic shift, its energy now imbued with an extraordinary quality.
In his previous life, the Patronus Charm was primarily used to repel Dementors. Sebastian initially thought it might be a useless relic in this world, but when he experimented with it and sensed its unique power, he realized it was different. That's why he sought the Ancient One's expertise to analyze the spell's effects.
Now, it was clear: when confronting negative forces or dark magic, the Patronus Charm could become Sebastian's ultimate weapon.
Of course, that potential depended on mastering the spell fully. In its current state, Sebastian could only conjure a silver-white mist extending three or four meters around him, unable to form even the basic corporeal shape. For now, it served best as a defensive shield.
In his past life, Sebastian had witnessed Dumbledore's Patronus Charm envelop an entire school in radiant protection. That immense power was the goal he aspired to. If he could achieve Dumbledore's mastery, he could become a formidable foe to dark forces and negative energies in this world.
At the very least, it might give him a fighting chance to escape threats like Dormammu.
The Ancient One, her flawless face glowing softly in the dim light of the training ground, turned to Sebastian. Her bald head accentuated the serene elegance of her features, a testament to the timeless power she drew from the Dark Dimension. "Master Sebastian, if you'd mastered this spell earlier, facing the dark cult's followers would've been far less challenging."
"Magic takes time to learn," Sebastian replied. "Back then, I hadn't grasped this spell yet. It couldn't be helped. But Dormammu's ambitions for Earth persist, and his dark cult followers are likely still scheming in the shadows. We'll cross paths again, and mastering this spell now will prepare me for that."
"Very well. If there's nothing else, I'll step away for a bit. I have matters to attend to."
"Master Ancient One, thank you for your help."
"The more trouble, the better."
With a nod, the Ancient One turned and left, her graceful figure moving with effortless poise.
Sebastian returned to his quarters.
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While the Ancient One sat cross-legged on a cushion, her eyes closed in meditation. Her consciousness soon drifted to a shadowy realm.
This space shimmered with gentle light. Beneath her feet, a sea of white clouds rolled softly, while above, a sky swirled with seven vibrant colors. Suddenly, three massive, ethereal heads materialized in the heavens: a long-haired woman on the left, a tiger's head on the right, and a striking bald man in the center. They were the Vishanti, the mighty Trinity, her powerful allies.
"That child's magic doesn't originate from this world."
"Of course, I've always recognized the uniqueness of Sebastian's magic. But for this world, an additional magical tradition is beneficial, isn't it?"
"The spell you analyzed earlier possesses an exceptionally pure quality, ranking among the finest positive energy magics in this realm. When he matures, he could become a formidable protector of Earth against Dormammu's ambitions as a dimensional lord. We believe he's a strong candidate for the future Sorcerer Supreme."
"What about Stephen Strange?"
"He's undoubtedly another candidate for Sorcerer Supreme, but it's too early to determine who's better suited. Sebastian's future remains shrouded, beyond even our vision. The universe holds countless mysteries, and we cannot claim to know all."
"So, what are you suggesting?"
"Seize an appropriate moment to introduce him to the Book of the Vishanti. It will accelerate his growth and forge a connection with us. A crisis looms, and after you depart, Earth will need a powerful guardian."
"I understand!"
The Ancient One opened her eyes slowly, the soft gloom of her sanctum greeting her like an old friend. This place—a hidden refuge carved between the worlds—hummed with the quiet pulse of ancient magic, a stillness she'd come to rely on. She caught her reflection in a nearby mirror: a face untouched by the years, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light, her bald head framing eyes that carried the weight of endless wisdom. There was a serenity there, yes, but beneath it, something stirred.
She'd lived through centuries, watching empires turn to dust and apprentices flicker in and out of her life like moths drawn to a flame. None of it had ever shaken her—not truly. But then there was Sebastian Shaw. Not a boy anymore, though she still saw traces of that youth in him, but a young man who'd slipped into her thoughts and refused to leave. He'd rattled the balance she'd spent lifetimes perfecting.
His magic was something else entirely—wild, untamed, a force so potent it seemed to ripple through the boundaries of reality itself. She'd stood by silently as he trained, watching the way he shaped spells with a precision that shouldn't have come so easily to someone his age. His instincts were razor-sharp, almost unnerving. But it wasn't just his power that held her attention. It was him—his spirit, woven from threads of kindness and rebellion, lingering in her mind long after he'd left the room.
She was his master, tasked with guiding him through the forbidden corners of magic, preparing him for truths he couldn't yet grasp. Where others came to her hungry for power, Sebastian was different. He brought her something she hadn't realized she needed: a quiet comfort, a soothing presence that eased the weariness she'd carried for too long.
Folding her hands behind her back, she felt the familiar weight of the Dark Dimension's cloak against her shoulders, its faint whispers weaving through her thoughts—promises, warnings, all tangled together. Is this affection I keep buried dangerous? she asked herself, the question heavy in her chest, laced with a longing she couldn't quite name.
He was still so young, his curiosity endless, tethered to an innocence she'd left behind centuries ago. Yet in the spaces between—after lessons, during the clash of their practice duels, or on those long, quiet walks through snow-covered trails—something had grown between them. It wasn't just attraction, though that flicker was there. It was deeper, a connection that felt inevitable, like their paths had always been meant to cross.
Is this just loneliness? she wondered. A crack in the walls I've built after all these years? Or was it more—a truth she was afraid to face, a desperate wish to feel something real, to love again, before time slipped away entirely?
Her eyes drifted to the Eye of Agamotto on the table, its stillness a mute testament to the choices she'd carved out, the secrets she kept locked away. The Book of Vishanti loomed in her mind, its power a siren call laced with ruin. She knew it was no good for Sebastian—not now, maybe not ever. Its secrets held a jagged edge, side effects she fully understood would spell disaster for him if he touched them.
Still, a faint smile curved her lips. The universe would unfold as it always did, weaving its strange, intricate patterns. She wouldn't run from it—or from the quiet stirrings in her heart.
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Sebastian gazed at the cloth bag in his hand, a broad smile lighting up his face. Using the Undetectable Extension Charm, he had expanded its inner space to match the size of his bedroom—a remarkable feat. Creating a hidden base or secret laboratory, however, was still beyond his current magical abilities.
He carefully packed all his magical items into the bag, including experimental records, data on Kilgrave's cells and genes, and detailed notes on recreating Veritaserum. These were stored with great care. Once he began collaborating with Tony and set up his own lab, Sebastian planned to use artificial intelligence to prioritize restoring the Veritaserum formula.
Next, he turned his attention to Tony's situation. Days had passed, and complications could arise at any moment. The current solution was only a temporary fix, not a cure. He needed Jarvis's computational power to perfect the potion recipe.
Without hesitation, Sebastian opened a portal, stepping directly into Tony's temporary New York apartment. After his California mansion was destroyed, Tony had relocated to New York with his essential belongings, fast-tracking plans to build Stark Tower and launch a clean energy initiative powered by the arc reactor.
Tony, startled by Sebastian's sudden arrival, clutched his chest in mock panic. "Sebastian, if you show up like this again, I will be scared to death by you sooner or later. Once I'm having some deep communication with a model right now, it's not just me embarrassed, you'll be embarrassed too!"
"If you still have the heart to get along with models now, then I really have to admire you."
Sebastian grabbed two glasses from the apartment's bar, pouring whiskey for Tony and soda for himself. Tony took the whiskey and handed the soda to Sebastian.
"You're not of legal drinking age, drink some soda."
Sipping his soda, Sebastian got to the point. "Then why am I here?"
"It won't be the potion you said finished, right?"
"It's not accurate, but it's almost there."
Tony froze mid-sip, setting his glass down with a sharp clink. He turned to Sebastian, eyes wide with urgency. "What do you mean? It can be done right away?"
"The problem of alternative materials has basically been identified. All that is needed now is to determine the measurement and ratio. I have brought the corresponding data. It is too time-consuming for human experiments, so I want to ask you if there is any way to help."
"Yes! Of course there is! The Jarvis I made is the most powerful artificial intelligence on earth. As long as the corresponding data is accurate, Jarvis can quickly calculate the measurement and ratio. You brought those data ?"
Seeing Tony's enthusiasm, Sebastian didn't delay. He pulled a folder from his enchanted bag and handed it over.
Tony skimmed the documents for a few minutes, then hurried to his workshop. He fed the pages into a scanner and began directing Jarvis to process the data, diving into work with intense focus.
Not wanting to interrupt, Sebastian left the workshop and settled in the living area. He retrieved his notebook from the bag, reviewing his notes and adding new entries.
During this time, Pepper arrived with a new assistant, intending to introduce her to Tony. Seeing him engrossed, she chose not to disturb him. She approached Sebastian with a warm smile. "Sebastian, good to see you. Keeping Tony in line?"
"Trying my best," he replied, returning her grin. Their brief chat was easy and genuine, hinting at a growing ease between them, though strictly professional given her role in Tony's life. Pepper then left with her assistant, a poised woman with long, wavy hair and a confident demeanor.
Sebastian watched the assistant depart, noting her sharp presence. He suspected she was a S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, likely sent to monitor Tony. "You've got an interesting job," he said lightly as she passed, earning a quick, intrigued glance from her. "It's never dull," she replied with a faint smile, suggesting an openness to future exchanges.
He nodded thoughtfully, guessing her true identity but keeping his distance.
S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't backed off, but it was none of his concern. As long as they didn't interfere with him, he had no interest in their covert operations. If S.H.I.E.L.D. focused solely on protecting the world, their sometimes questionable methods could be excused. They were, in their own way, global guardians.
The problem was Hydra, lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ranks. Getting tangled with S.H.I.E.L.D. risked stumbling into their schemes, and Sebastian had no patience for complications. He preferred to steer clear.
As he mulled this over, Tony burst out of the workshop, tablet in hand, and plopped down beside Sebastian, buzzing with excitement. "Sebastian, it worked, it really worked. Jarvis calculated the best proportioning meter, and then, can you start preparing the potion?"
Taking the tablet, Sebastian studied the formula displayed on the screen, nodding slowly. "Yes, we can start, brewing the blood cleansing potion!"