Chapter 27: Chapter 27: New York Temple
New York,
This is the main stage of the Marvel Universe!
Manhattan is also a global commercial and financial center. However, Greenwich, where the New York Temple is located, stands out amidst the surrounding skyscrapers.
All the buildings are imbued with retro colors, and diverse cultures are visible almost everywhere.
177A Bleecker Street.
Orion, carrying his luggage and dressed in formal wizard attire, stood expectantly before the door of the New York Temple.
His peculiar attire did not attract the attention of passersby on the street.
In fact, compared to other avant-garde artists, his outfit was hardly eye-catching at all!
The doorbell rang.
The doors of the New York Temple swung open.
A dark-skinned master of mysticism, clad in a dark green robe and wearing a warm smile, welcomed Orion inside.
[Name]: Daniel Drum
[Identity]: Temple sorcerer
[Attributes]: Practical (green), wise and brave (blue), knowledgeable (green), doomed (black).
[Practical ] (Green): He leads by example, emphasizing reliability and trustworthiness.
[Wisdom and Courage] (Blue): As the temple's sorcerer, his wisdom and strength are unparalleled.
[Knowledgeable and Experienced] (Green): He possesses secret knowledge beyond public awareness, a valuable source of advice.
[Doomed] (Black): His fate is sealed.He will die in near future.
"...Is your fate sealed?"
"It seems that when Kasillas will betray Kamar-Taj, and Master Drum will also meet his end!"
Orion was taken aback.
Now he, too, had become a guardian sorcerer of the New York Temple.
Could this mean he should worry about his own future?
"Orion!"
"I've been expecting you!"
"I hear you've only been a sorcerer for half a month, yet you've already mastered mystical weapons and sling rings perfectly?"
"The youngsters nowadays are indeed genius!"
The master of mystic arts gazed at Orion with admiration.
He wouldn't always remain at the New York Temple.
Regularly, he'd return to Kamar-Taj to report to Master Hamil on recent events.
He'd even send the secret book he acquired in the mortal realm to Master Murphyson.
Master Murphyson selected the knowledge that could be shared, storing it in the library. Orion's exploits were somewhat known.
"Master Drum."
"I still have much to learn."
Orion neither feigned humility nor arrogance, his demeanor modest.
More than boundless magic, he valued inner balance.
He was unaware of countless matters.
Should he act incautiously, he could become a puppet of a mysterious statue! That he couldn't tolerate!
"Orion."
"You're indeed as humble as Murphyson proclaimed."
"Henceforth, you're now a member of the New York Temple."
"Our duty is to monitor changes across North America."
"Upon any hint of a spiritual entity, this conch shell will sound."
"Guardian mages are also forbidden from fighting alone. I'll select a partner for you. Together, you'll ensure each other's safety."
Daniel Drum spoke eloquently.
Subsequently, a young girl, bearing a gentle countenance and wielding a standard magical implement, approached Orion.
She had delicate features, a high nose, and lively eyes.
Her well-tailored wizard's robe seemed crafted to showcase graceful, elegant curves.
"Is she my partner?"
The young wizard face was cold.
"Master Drum."
"...she is?"
Orion appeared also puzzled.
Did the guardian mage of the New York Temple truly forbid solo combat?
Did this imply he must remain vigilant at all times, keeping his secrets concealed?
"She's Sally Valence."
"She, too, recently assumed the mantle of guardian mage."
"It's serendipitous that your arrivals coincided. Perhaps it's destiny."
Drum chuckled.
"Master Drum."
"I don't think he has sufficient experience to serve as my partner."
Sally's eyes remained composed.
Disregarding Orion's sentiments, she forthrightly voiced her preference.
"Um?"
"Are you questioning a master of mystic arts arrangements?"
"Sally, temper your haughtiness. Despite your prestigious lineage, now that you're in the New York Temple..."
"You must adhere to my rules as well!"
Daniel Drum's tone turned severe.
Before he could finish, Sally pursed her lips, falling silent.
"Prestigious lineage?"
"Is Sally... also from a Hidden family?"
Orion's interest was piqued.
He perused Sally's dossier.
\[Name\]: Sally Valence
\[Identity\]: Guardian Mage
\[Attributes\]: Declining lineage (white), contradictory nature (white), favored by good fortune (green), clever and dexterous (green).
\[Declining Lineage\] (White): Hailing from an ancient secretive family, despite its waning influence, she lacks no comfort.
\[Contradictory Nature\] (White): Tough yet timid, outwardly hard but inwardly soft, delicate and frail, exceedingly envious of the strong.
\[Favored by Good Fortune\] (Green): Born under a fortunate star, she is perpetually favored by fate.
\[Clever and Dexterous\] (Green): Sharp and nimble, her prowess should not be underestimated.
"An ancient secretive family..."
"Is that even real?"
Orion's expression shifted.
How could someone blessed with good fortune still encounter misfortune?
It defied reason!
"Very well."
"Get acquainted."
"If cooperation proves unfeasible, adjustments will be made."
"Orion."
"Follow me."
"A room Prepared for you on the second floor."
Upon Drum's words, he made his way for the nearby staircase.
New York Temple.
Modest exterior, rich history within.
Its construction initially enchanted with spatial magic.
Despite its appearance of two floors, it housed everything, a near presidential suite!
"Miss Sally."
"Let me first stow my belongings."
Orion smiled, hastening after.
"How courteous..."
Sally muttered irritably.
A hint of bashfulness flickered across her graceful, beautiful features.
Did I speak too harshly earlier?
We can't let our guard down...
If Orion discerns my motives, it could prove troublesome!
Sally Valence remained on high alert.
After all...A reclusive, ancient family, long removed from the world.
Despite ancestral passing, they yet possessed vast resources and wealth.
She sought sanctuary under Kamar-Taj's auspices, ensuring her family's survival.
Departing from Kamar-Taj...
Promised dire consequences!
Sally still recalled the scorn she faced!
The hidden world...Never entirely tranquil.
Initially, she sought a potent ally.
Master Drum, instead, paired her with a pretty boy!
"I hope he won't hinder me..."
Sally's gaze deepened.
Watching Orion's receding form, melancholy gripped her heart.
A dwindling secret family...
A blessing and a nightmare!
"Orion."
"Here's your abode."
"Sally's room is adjacent."
"Without the correct magical mark, access to other rooms is barred."
"The same rule applies..."
"Other sorcerer cannot enter your quarters."
Drum pushed the door open.
Orion beheld a sumptuous, exquisite presidential suite.
Vintage furnishings, leather sofas, woolen carpets, silk curtains exuded opulence.
"Magical mark?"
Orion silently applauded.
This safeguard thwarted the cosmic spirit ball and the enigmatic statue from being purloined!
"Yes."
"Infuse magic into the door lock, activating a protective circle."
"Even a master of mystic arts will finds breaching this barrier challenging."
Drum explained.
"Allow me a try!"
Orion grasped the door handle, channeling magical energy through his frame.
In an instant...
A luminous veil emerged.
Master Drum's presence prevented his sealing the spell.
He first stowed his gear and positioned the secret techniques tome atop the desk.
Drum observed Orion's deft motions, nodding surreptitiously.
"Quite Orderly."
"Murphyson's appraisal proves spot-on."
"Orion."
"My quarters adjoin yours."
"For any discrepancy, feel free to ask."
Drum departed.
Thus...Orion formally resettled at the
New York Temple!
Lounging on his vast, plush bed.
Gazing at bustling traffic and towering skyscrapers beyond his window, pride swelled within!
End of chapter
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone