The Ancient One didn't stand on ceremony—she picked up the teacup and took a small sip.
"This tea is quite good. There's… magical energy within it."
Her eyes brightened slightly. She could feel a faint increase in her own mana—minute, but distinct.
"I'm glad you like it, Master Ancient One," Lucas said, sipping his own tea. Of course it was special—this was tea from the Final Fantasy world, infused with buff effects. What did she expect, Lipton?
"You may call me Master Ancient One. May I call you Lucas?"
Lucas nodded.
"Lucas," she continued with her usual calm smile, her eyes deep and all-seeing, "can you tell me how you came to know of my existence?"
Lucas knew he couldn't tell her the truth, so he trotted out the same story he'd once used to bluff S.H.I.E.L.D.
"I learned of you from my teacher—Hydaelyn."
"Hydaelyn…" The Ancient One frowned slightly, the name unfamiliar to her. "I've never heard of such an entity. Could she be one of the gods from another branch of the multiverse?"
Lucas stayed silent, pretending to ponder. The Ancient One's expression hardened slightly; vigilance flashed through her eyes.
"Lucas," she said gravely, "I must know more about your teacher. I cannot allow Earth to fall under threat from any extraplanar deity."
Her tone was serious, though she made no move to attack him.
Lucas nodded solemnly, spinning the lie further. "I don't know much either. My master—like you—is a woman. She first appeared to me in a dream.
"She told me that Earth would soon face great danger, and that only great power could avert it. So she began teaching me magic—and to listen for the presence of the Summoned Beasts."
He paused, mentally giving himself a pat on the back. Not bad. Sounds convincing enough.
The Ancient One sank into thoughtful silence, her expression unreadable. Lucas wisely kept his mouth shut and focused on sipping his tea.
"Does your teacher have any other disciples here on Earth?" she asked at last.
Lucas shook his head. "No. She told me that across all universes, I'm her only disciple—her sole successor."
Hearing that, the Ancient One unconsciously relaxed a little. From what she could tell, this Hydaelyn didn't seem intent on invading Earth.
Entities like Dormammu couldn't simply enter another plane at will; they had to gather believers within it, building power through worship until they could manifest an avatar or fragment of themselves.
From what Lucas described, Hydaelyn had no such following—only one disciple. That alone lessened the threat considerably.
Still, the Ancient One had already used subtle spells to probe him for deception… and sensed none.
Of course, she had no idea that none of her mental probes would ever work. Not with the System inside Lucas—no one in the Marvel Universe could read or control his mind.
"You mentioned Summoned Beasts," she said after a moment. "Was the entity you called forth before—what some took for a demon—one of them?"
Lucas nodded. "Yes. Her name is Garuda—the Summoned Beast of Wind and Storm."
"I see."
The Ancient One inclined her head slightly, but she didn't press further on Garuda. Instead, her tone shifted, the air around her becoming still and heavy.
"Lucas, I once used the Eye of Agamotto to observe your timeline. Since you acquired your powers, not only your personal thread, but the entire world's temporal stream has become… chaotic.
"You are the greatest unknown in this universe."
Her voice was solemn now—more serious than when she had questioned him about Hydaelyn.
"This concerns the safety of Earth and all humanity," she said. "So please—answer truthfully."
"Will you bring harm to this planet?"
Lucas didn't hesitate for even a second. "Master Ancient One, Earth is my home. Who would destroy their own home? Besides, I have people I care about here. For their sake, I'll protect this planet."
The Ancient One stared at him silently for several moments, searching his face. Then, finally, a small smile returned to her lips.
"You pass, Lucas. I believe you."
Lucas merely nodded, saying nothing more. Of course I won't destroy the Earth—what, money's not fun to spend anymore? Women not pretty enough? The internet gone? No way.
"I've asked what I needed to ask," she said at last, draining her cup in one elegant motion. She could feel a faint surge of power within her, subtle but real.
"Well then, I should be going."
"Wait a moment, Master Ancient One."
Lucas stood, went to the counter, and retrieved a brown cloth bag—plump and fragrant.
"These are some rooibos tea leaves. You seemed to enjoy it, so please take some with you."
Before she could refuse, he pressed the bag into her hands.
"…Very well, I'll accept it. And you're welcome to visit Kamar-Taj sometime. You should know where the New York Sanctum is—through its portal, you can reach us easily."
The Ancient One inclined her head slightly, as courteous as an old-world noble. Then she traced a glowing circle in the air; a golden portal bloomed open.
"Farewell for now, Lucas."
"Safe travels, Master Ancient One."
The portal closed behind her, and Lucas finally exhaled, collapsing onto the couch.
That had been the most stressful bit of improvising he'd ever done. Fooling Nick Fury was one thing—but bluffing the Ancient One? That was playing with fire.
"System," he muttered. "That was your doing, wasn't it?"
[Ding~ The System did nothing. The host is naturally immune to all mental and psychic interference.]
"…Right. Figures."
Lucas lay back, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Koopo~ Koopo~"
A small voice chirped. His moogle fluttered over from its cushion and landed on his chest, waving its tiny wand.
"You're saying she noticed you?"
"Koopo~"
The moogle nodded, miming a few gestures with its little paws.
Lucas smiled and stroked its soft, plush head. "It's fine. She didn't mean any harm. Probably just curious."
The moogle purred happily under his touch—the softness was addictive. No wonder Skye loved cuddling it all the time.
Later, Lucas took a long bath. Without a proper bathhouse in New York, soaking never quite felt satisfying. After forty minutes in the tub, he still didn't feel as relaxed as he would've in a proper hot spring.
"Wait… why the hell didn't I just use the hot spring in the Chocobo Space?" he muttered, smacking his forehead.
With that brilliant realization and a sigh, Lucas flopped onto his bed—and drifted into sleep.
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