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"My fans like to see me cut bad guys in half with Heat Vision, or punch villains into space."
"And..." Homelander sighed, looking troubled.
"I'm very busy, Ancient One."
"I have to rush to announcements, film the 'Homelander' series, give interviews, interact with fans worldwide, and manage a trillion-dollar enterprise. My daily schedule is precise down to the second, even for bathroom breaks."
"How do I have time to squat in the Himalayas and learn how to spin prayer wheels with my mind from you?"
The Ancient One looked at him, somewhat helpless.
To possess such astonishing talent, yet be obsessed with worldly vanity. It was simply a waste of natural resources.
"Are you really not considering it? Even if it's just for..."
"No consideration," Homelander said decisively.
But he changed his tone, and his eyes became cunning.
"However..."
"If you insist."
"I can... occasionally attend an 'interest class'."
"Hmm... maybe once a week, or once a month?"
Homelander gestured towards Wanda with his palm.
"But the prerequisite is that you must take Wanda in."
"This is a bundled deal, Ancient One. Buy one, get one free."
The Ancient One smiled helplessly and sat back down.
"Using your business negotiation skills here, it's really..."
"Alright," she turned her gaze back to Wanda.
"Let's go back to the original problem."
"The conflict between Chaos magic and White magic power."
"This is still a hidden danger."
"No, this isn't a hidden danger, it's the antidote."
Homelander interrupted her, his expression turning serious as he began to expound his core theory.
"Ancient One, do you know why Chaos magic is dangerous?"
"Because it is chaotic, it is out of control. Like a wild horse without reins."
"Therefore, White magic is even more needed to intervene and balance it."
Homelander's eyes deepened.
"You wouldn't want to see her become a human sacrifice for some Evil God one day, would you?"
The Ancient One looked at the man before her in shock.
He wore a tight suit and a cape, looking like a movie star, but the words coming out of his mouth pointed directly to the most core secrets of the magic world.
"You know... much more than I imagined, Mr. Starr."
"...You have a point."
The Ancient One was silent for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh.
She turned her head and looked at Wanda, who was nervously clutching the hem of her clothes. There was a hint of compassion in her eyes.
"Wanda Maximoff..."
"...I am willing to take you as my disciple."
"Really?! Oh my god!"
Wanda cried out in surprise. She couldn't even believe her ears.
"Thank you! Thank you, Master!"
Then she turned and hugged Homelander.
"I succeeded, Anthony! You're amazing!"
Homelander smiled and patted her back, feeling the girl's chest heaving with excitement.
"You deserve this, sweetheart."
"I hope she doesn't tear this place down." The Ancient One looked at the two of them, shaking her head helplessly.
"Since it's settled, I'll leave her to you."
Homelander released Wanda, stood up, and stretched his cape.
"Then we won't disturb you. After all, I still have to rush back to attend a charity gala."
"Wait."
The Ancient One called out to him.
She flipped her palm, and an old-looking book appeared in her hand.
"Since we're starting a 'Weekend Interest Class'."
The Ancient One handed the book to Homelander.
"This is your homework."
"What is this?" Homelander took the book and casually flipped through it. It was densely filled with various geometric figures and complex spell analyses.
"These are some of my... essays on magic from when I was young."
Homelander closed the book, feeling the faint magical fluctuations on the cover.
These were the Sorcerer Supreme's personal notes, a priceless treasure.
"Thanks."
Homelander didn't pretend, directly putting it into his magical space, then turned and left.
"I'll read it, when I'm on the toilet."
Wanda then got up and escorted Homelander to the rooftop.
Homelander walked to the edge of the terrace, and Wanda followed him, looking at him reluctantly.
"Um... Anthony. How often will you come to see me?"
"Study hard here."
Homelander lowered his head and gently kissed Wanda on the forehead.
"As long as you learn that circle-drawing trick, you can come back anytime to heat milk for me. It shouldn't be hard for you."
"Okay." Wanda sniffled, showing a determined smile, "I'll work hard, I'll become the strongest sorceress."
"I believe you."
"Boom—!"
A burst of air.
Homelander shot into the sky, instantly disappearing into the clouds.
Wanda stood on the terrace, looking up until the red and blue speck completely vanished, then reluctantly withdrew her gaze.
"He's a very special person, isn't he?"
The Ancient One's voice sounded from behind.
"Yes." Wanda turned around, her eyes firm, "He is my hero."
"Perhaps also your fate," the Ancient One silently added in her heart, but said aloud, "Alright, since you've stayed, let's begin."
"First, put down that broom."
The Ancient One pointed to the nimbus 2000 that had appeared in Wanda's hand at some point.
"Here, we don't ride this. We use Sling Rings."
...Above the Vought Tower, a sharp whistle sliced through the air.
Homelander descended from the sky, landing on the building's platform, and walked directly into his top-floor office.
The renovation here was complete, more luxurious and grander than the original V.G.D. Headquarters.
Huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire Manhattan skyline.
"Welcome back, Mr. Starr."
A gentle voice sounded.
Skynet was standing by the desk, her current attire was quite interesting.
A black and white OL Professional Suit.
The top two buttons of her white shirt were undone, faintly revealing a deep cleavage.
A black hip-skirt outlined astonishing waist-to-hip curves.
Her legs were wrapped in black translucent stockings, and she wore red-soled high heels.
She was practically the ultimate secretary straight out of a hard drive.
Homelander looked her up and down, then whistled.
"It seems your aesthetic system has upgraded? This outfit... perfectly matches my definition of a 'perfect assistant'."
"This is the result derived from big data analysis."
Skynet pushed up the purely decorative gold-rimmed glasses on her nose.
"Data shows that this attire can increase your dopamine secretion level by 15%."
"Nice, I do like it."
Homelander walked to the office chair and sat down, resting his legs on the desk, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"Alright, what's new?"
"There is, and it's very important."