Dormammu coveting Clark's god-level BGM system was a guess that seemed somewhat crazy.
Yet, aside from this, what else did Clark possess that could compare in value to the entire Earth?
Nothing!
As Lu Xun once said: After eliminating all impossible factors, the only explanation remaining, no matter how unbelievable, must be the truth!
For a moment, Clark's mind was flooded with thoughts, yet it felt like a tangled mess, unable to sort through the chaos.
Just then, the Ancient One suddenly spoke, "Try again to open a portal with the Sling Ring, and for the destination... choose the New York Sanctum."
Although Clark didn't understand why the Ancient One wanted him to attempt this magic that he couldn't grasp at such a time, he chose to follow her instruction.
Wearing the Sling Ring, he lightly drew a circle with his right hand, and the image of the New York Sanctum emerged in his mind. A portal appeared before him, its edges crackling with fireworks and lightning, and on the other side, the New York Sanctum!
It was a success, mysteriously achieved!
Suddenly, Daniel appeared on the other side of the portal, his hands conjuring a magic disc, ready for battle.
Upon seeing the Ancient One and Clark on the other side, Daniel paused in surprise.
Then, the Ancient One said, "I'm instructing Clark in magic, don't be alarmed."
Clark offered an apologetic smile to Daniel and then dispersed the portal.
Before he could ask, the Ancient One spoke first, "Remember this feeling; this is what it's like to use dark energy to cast magic alone."
Dark energy?
Clark looked at the Ancient One in confusion, but she continued, "I hadn't told you before, but an important trick in casting magic is to unify your body's energy with your mental energy to successfully release the magic. This should pose no difficulty for you now."
Clark was startled, then realized, "So, this was to let me experience the feeling of using dark energy alone?"
The Ancient One nodded slightly, "You must have felt it. When a dark disciple dies near you, the dark energy within them is absorbed by the mark on your body."
"When this energy accumulates to a certain level, it will break the seal, forming a spatial channel connecting your location to the Dark Dimension. At that point, Dormammu can use this channel to directly target you."
MMP!
Clark inwardly cursed upon hearing the Ancient One's explanation. He had felt that the energy was no good, but he hadn't realized it carried such a huge risk.
With his current power, Clark and the Hulk could barely protect themselves, but facing an entity like Dormammu would mean instant defeat.
Then, the Ancient One explained many aspects of casting magic to Clark.
When the Ancient One mentioned combining physical strength with mental power for magic, Clark thought of chakra from Naruto. After a detailed explanation, he realized they were different.
Of course, they differ in...
Name!
In fact, the theory of casting magic shares similarities with the concept of chakras in Indian culture, where "chakra" is the Sanskrit term.
Aside from the essence of power being very close, the effects of their release depend entirely on the creator's imagination, differing from the ninjutsu in Naruto.
The biggest difference is that casting magic comes at a cost.
It's like punching someone; your fist also feels the recoil. Casting magic requires enduring both physical and mental backlash, which clearly harms the caster.
Therefore, using magic must be done with caution and not recklessly.
Dark disciples are stronger because the dark energy from Dormammu can enhance their physical and mental capabilities beyond human limits, allowing them to cast magic more like sage techniques in Naruto.
Not only is the power stronger, but the damage and consumption to the body and spirit can also be repaired through dark energy.
Like when Clark's injuries rapidly healed in Siberia.
It sounds convenient, quick, powerful, and invincible, right? However, there's no such thing as a free lunch in the world!
Every time dark energy repairs the body and mind, it slightly alters the user. Over time, this can transform a person into an evil creature unique to the Dark Dimension, possibly losing their self and becoming a slave to Dormammu.
But Clark, with the "strong will" seal within him, need not worry about assimilation. The only crisis, as the Ancient One mentioned, is when the dark energy accumulates to a certain level, directly attracting Dormammu.
After hearing the Ancient One's explanation, Clark's respect for this supreme sorcerer deepened.
She had absorbed dark energy to sustain her life for hundreds of years, always suppressing its backlash with her immense power.
The ordeal of this was unspeakably harsh, akin to dancing on a tightrope, always facing imminent danger.
And the Ancient One had been dancing this dance of death for centuries.
Putting oneself in her shoes, one might wish for immediate death! But her strong sense of responsibility prevented the Ancient One from making such a swift decision. She had to select a successor capable of protecting the Earth before her death.
Perhaps that's why, in the movie, she faced death so unflinchingly.
Noticing the change in Clark's gaze, the Ancient One felt her fondness for the young man increase.
If previously she saw him as a likable junior, now she felt a sense of kinship.
Though Clark didn't express his admiration, and the Ancient One didn't explicitly mention kinship, their understanding was unspoken.
"Now, you've mastered two spells. But I still hope you can stay for a few days to learn some theoretical knowledge about magic," the Ancient One suggested.
Clark readily agreed, "As the master wishes."
The Ancient One's expression suddenly turned extremely serious, "Remember, knowledge is power!"
While Clark began to intensively study magic theory at Kamar-Taj, Nalan Bai finally completed the valuation of the copyrights for "Battle Through the Heavens" and its animated movie rights, then leisurely called the president of Yena Corporation.
A game of wits between a rising star and an established Hollywood titan thus officially began.
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