[Third Person's PoV]
"Wait, there's something I don't get. Why are you showing us around? Are you expecting us to learn magic or something?" Nightwing asked, glancing around in awe as The Ancient One led them through the vast library. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls lined the walls, each one a treasure trove of knowledge, collected over centuries by those who protected the Sanctum.
The Ancient One paused, turning to face the group with a serene expression. Felicia, eyes wide with curiosity, couldn't hold back her excitement. "Could we even learn magic? That sounds freakin' awesome!" she said, her voice full of hope.
With a soft smile, The Ancient One looked from Nightwing to Felicia, patiently addressing their curiosity. "Magic, at its essence, is the manipulation of energy—whether it comes from within oneself, the universe, or from other dimensions." She gestured gracefully to the rows of books around them. "You asked if you could learn magic, and the answer is yes—anyone can, in theory. The potential to harness these forces exists within everyone. However, the ease with which someone can access it varies. Some are born with an affinity, while others require discipline and training to unlock this potential."
She paused for a moment, letting the information sink in before continuing. "There are three main categories of magic: personal energies, which come from within; universal energies, the forces that bind and shape the universe; and dimensional energies, which are drawn from alternate dimensions and realms. Every form of magic stems from one or a combination of these sources."
"To make this more relatable," she said, turning toward Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider, "your bio-electricity, a form of chi, is already a manifestation of internal energy—personal energy. With discipline and training, that same chi can be harnessed to perform what we call 'Chi Magic,' enabling you to manipulate that energy for more than just your physical abilities. You could heal, defend, or even reshape the world around you."
She paused, meeting Felicia's gaze. "In other words, magic is not some unreachable force. It's about learning how to access and manipulate the energies that already exist, whether from within, the universe, or beyond. It just requires time, practice, and the right mindset."
Scarlet-Spider raised her hand as if she were in school. The Ancient One, amused, called on her after they moved out of the library.
"I kinda understand the part about personal energy, but could you elaborate on universal and dimensional energies?" Scarlet asked, confused.
"That is better shown than told. Gather around me in a circle," the Ancient One instructed. They hesitated, exchanging glances, before slowly forming a circle.
Felix stayed back, raising his hands in surrender. "I already went through this; I don't need to do it again."
"You know magic?" Felicia asked curiously.
Felix shook his head. "Magic involves a lot of reading. Every time I tried, I'd fall asleep immediately, so I gave up on it."
Everyone stared at Felix in disbelief, while Spider-Kat covered her face in disappointment. "I have a lazy son in the future, just great…"
Felix shrugged. "You call that lazy? I call it efficient. Why waste time learning magic when I can get someone else to do it for me? Like Uncle Ste—"
"Ah-ah-ah," the Ancient One interrupted, wiggling her fingers at Felix to stop him from saying more.
"Right, sorry."
"Now, before we begin, know two things: One, don't resist, and two, don't act on your instincts to stop me."
"Wha—" Before Ghost-Spider could finish her question, the Ancient One spun quickly, thrusting her palm and sending them all backwards, arching their bodies as their heads rolled back from the force.
They were soon spiraling through multiple dimensions, causing most of them to scream and flail as they traveled. Yet they were entranced by everything around them.
Peter remained still, absorbing everything, even though he had waited long for this moment. Despite wanting to enjoy it fully, circumstances dampened his experience. Still, he marveled at the beauty around him, thinking, 'To protect and preserve this beauty is one of the many reasons I fight.'
As they tumbled through a kaleidoscope of dimensions, the Ancient One's voice carried through the chaos, calm and steady. "What you're experiencing now is a glimpse of universal and dimensional energies. Universal energy is what shapes and binds the cosmos—it's the force that creates stars, governs gravity, and maintains the natural laws of reality. It is the very fabric of the universe itself, and learning to harness it allows one to manipulate these forces."
They hurtled through a dimension of pure light, where colors flowed like rivers and stars formed and died in seconds. "Think of universal energy as the lifeblood of existence. If you can tap into it, you can influence the natural order—control elements like time, space, and matter."
Next, they plunged into a darker, more chaotic realm, where monstrous figures loomed, and the very air felt heavy with tension. "Dimensional energy, on the other hand, is power drawn from alternate realms and planes of existence. Each dimension is governed by its own rules, and some are home to entities far older and more powerful than we can imagine. They offer their energy to those who know how to ask, though often at a cost."
They passed through surreal landscapes—cosmic spirals, cascading worlds, and dimensions with colors and forms beyond anything they had ever imagined. Despite the overwhelming strangeness, they were transfixed. Each dimension had its own unique beauty and order, even if chaotic at first glance.
The Ancient One's voice remained steady. "By tapping into dimensional energies, one can achieve feats that defy the laws of our world—summoning, banishing, even reshaping reality itself. But be cautious; the power you borrow is not your own, and every realm has its price."
They flew through a fiery dimension, where colossal beings roared in battle, then into one made entirely of shifting geometric shapes. Felicia, her eyes wide with awe, shouted, "This is insane! We're really moving between dimensions!"
The Ancient One smiled, her voice soft but serious. "Indeed. These energies surround us and permeate us. With the right knowledge, anyone can access them. But remember, great power comes with great responsibility. The more you open yourself to these forces, the more they can shape you."
Peter almost laughed when she said the quote—almost.
Gwen tried to speak, but the rapid journey left her breathless. Harry, though more composed, felt the weight of the experience pressing down on him, his mind racing with thoughts of the endless beauty and danger within each realm.
"You are witnessing only a glimpse of what exists beyond the physical universe," the Ancient One continued, her voice now omnipresent. "These dimensions are where magic draws its power—whether from the raw energies of reality itself, from conscious beings, or from forces beyond your wildest dreams."
Suddenly, the rush of their journey began to slow, as if gravity were reasserting itself. The chaotic swirl of sights and sounds settled into a more familiar sensation. The Ancient One's voice softened as they neared the end of their journey. "Remember, these realms may seem distant, but they are connected to everything you know. Magic allows you to shape reality, to protect, to heal, and sometimes, to destroy."
Before they could go further, Peter, Gwen, MJ, and Felicia froze. Their surroundings changed abruptly. They were no longer floating in the vastness of space; instead, they found themselves trapped in a giant spiderweb, cocooned in silk.
From the darkness beyond the web, eight glowing red eyes appeared. A sinister voice echoed around them: "Grow stronger, my little spiderlings. A great war awaits you all in the future~"
Without warning, they were ripped from the cocoon and hurled back into the swirling dimensions, continuing their multiversal flight.
When they finally slowed and re-formed into their physical bodies, they landed on solid ground, slightly dazed. The Ancient One stood before them, hands calmly clasped. "Now," she said with a serene smile, "this is where your true understanding of magic begins."
All at once, they collapsed, gasping for air.
"THAT WAS SO COOL!" Firestar exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement, her interest in magic skyrocketing.
Nightwing chuckled in amazement, clearly taken with what they had just experienced. He and Firestar slowly rose to their feet.
But Spider-Man, Gwen, MJ, and Felicia were still on all fours, shaking with fear and drenched in sweat. Their breathing was ragged, and their faces pale with terror.
Felix looked down at them, concerned. The Ancient One furrowed her brow, confused. "What did you four witness that has you so unsettled?"
"A-A-A..." Ghost-Spider stammered, unable to form words.
Spider-Kat, however, had no such problem. "IT WAS A FREAKY-ASS GIANT SPIDER!"
Scarlet-Spider swallowed hard and added, "It... mentioned something about a great war..."
Ghost-Spider hugged herself tightly, whispering, "Who the hell was that...?"
Felix's eyes widened in shock, and Nightwing and Firestar shared equally alarmed expressions. The Ancient One wore a solemn look as she responded, "I believe you have just met the true source of your powers... the Great Weaver."
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