Alright. Step one in my new Marvel life: get somewhere fabulous to live. No way was I squatting in some random apartment with questionable plumbing. I wanted New York, I wanted style, and I wanted security.
First, I tested something from my newly acquired library: Harry Potter Apparition. A spark of magic, a tug in the chest, and boom—the city sprawled beneath me. Skyscrapers like towers of glass and steel, yellow cabs weaving like enchanted creatures along streets below. I landed on a rooftop, my witch's robe fluttering dramatically, silver hair catching the sunlight.
"Perfect," I muttered. "Step one: check."
Step two: money. I didn't have any mundane currency, but my magic had that covered. A subtle push of Legilimency—reading minds, influencing thoughts—was all it took. The bank manager, a nervous man in a dull gray suit, suddenly found himself compelled to believe I was a trustworthy, high-profile investor.
"I… yes, of course, Miss… Elaine," he stammered, as I handed him the funds I'd manifested. "A penthouse apartment… of course. Absolutely."
I suppressed a grin. "Easy," I whispered under my breath. Who said being a magical genius didn't pay off?
By the afternoon, I had the keys to a gorgeous penthouse apartment overlooking Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern furniture magically arranged to my taste. A kitchen that looked like it belonged in a cooking show. And best of all: I set up my own magical runes for defense, invisible sigils layered across every door, window, and wall. Anyone dumb enough to break in would regret it.
Satisfied, I collapsed onto my plush sofa, sipping tea I'd conjured with a wave of my hand. Everything was perfect. This was my playground now.
Until… I heard a soft "clink" behind me.
I froze. Not because I was scared—please, I was Elaine, reborn witch-genius, descendant of La Fay—but because that sound carried the weight of someone who could peer straight into your soul.
I spun around.
And that's when it happened.
A voice—calm, measured, impossibly precise—cut through my reverie.
"Fascinating wards," it said.
I spun around. There she was. The Ancient One, sitting cross-legged on my couch, a delicate teacup in hand as if she belonged in my living room. She sipped slowly, eyes glinting with quiet amusement, as if she'd been watching me for hours… or centuries.
"Uh… hi?" I said, forcing a casual smile. Perfect Elaine, don't freak out. Stay chill. You're a witch. A genius witch. You can do this.
She set the cup down with a single, precise motion. "You're powerful. Far more than you should be at your apparent age."
My mind immediately kicked into overdrive. Hide the reincarnation. Hide the extent of my power. Smile and nod, Elaine, smile and nod.
"Ah… well, you know. Luck, talent… years of study." I tilted my head coyly. "I mean, I did spend a few months in a magical library the size of the multiverse. Nothing crazy."
She raised an eyebrow. Ah, she's perceptive.
"I see," she said, her voice gentle but sharp. "You've been trained. Not just naturally gifted… educated. Very well. I am here to offer you something."
I felt my pulse quicken, excitement and mischief twisting together. "Oh? Do tell."
"Kamar-Taj. Training. Guidance. A place to master your abilities beyond even what you have now."
I smiled, but inside I groaned. Yeah, thanks but no thanks, Ancient One. I didn't spend all that time in my infinite mental library to take orders. I want adventure. Flirting. Cute girls. Maybe even Wanda. Seriously, this world has her.
"I… appreciate the offer," I said, keeping my voice soft, polite, yet unmistakably firm. "But I think I'll pass on joining Kamar-Taj. I… have other plans. Adventures to undertake. Places to see. People to meet. Some of them—potentially very cute people."
The Ancient One's eyes narrowed slightly. Perceptive, indeed. "And you would rather wander the world alone, without guidance?"
I grinned, shrugging. "Not alone. I'm… selective with my companions." I let a hint of flirtatious smirk cross my lips. "And besides, I'm far too strong to need oversight. I can handle myself. Really, I can."
Her eyes studied me intently, and I fought the urge to squirm. I was hiding more than just my power. My infinite mana. My multiversal magic access. My genius mind. And yet… somehow, I wanted to be liked. Not just feared. The Ancient One could be… scary.
"Very well," she said after a long pause, sipping her tea again. "But be warned: your power is remarkable… and will draw attention. There are forces in the multiverse—both magical and mundane—that will seek to test it."
I bowed my head lightly, hiding my thrill at the challenge. "I live for that, honestly. Nothing like a little danger to spice up a magical girl's life."
Her lips quirked, almost a smile. "And… your intentions? Your morals?"
I leaned against my penthouse railing, looking out over the city. "Friendly intentions. But a girl's gotta look out for herself. And sometimes, if someone's too hot and dangerously powerful… well, maybe I'll flirt. Or date. Not hurting anyone… yet."
The Ancient One hummed thoughtfully. "You are audacious. Clever. Dangerous."
"Thank you! I try!" I beamed, flicking my silver hair over my shoulder. "But hey, I also promise I'm fun. Really fun. You'd love hanging out with me. I could even show you a few tricks from other multiverses."
She chuckled softly. "I will be watching. For now… enjoy your city. But remember, Elaine… even the most independent must choose allies wisely."
I smiled brightly, inwardly fist-pumping. Yes! Friendly, cautious, but still on my terms. And did she just… compliment me? Amazing.
Once she faded—just as casually as she appeared—I leaned back on my couch, letting the sunlight wash over me.
"Wanda, I'm coming for you," I muttered under my breath, a gleam of mischief and desire in my golden eyes. "And no one's stopping me. I'm Elaine, the multiverse's ultimate magical genius. Absolute power, infinite mana, and way too hot to ignore."
And just like that, New York had officially become my playground.