This is for the chapter I didn't upload yesterday.
...
Leon decided not to voice his question after all.
"The chaos in the timeline makes it impossible for me to see the future clearly," the Ancient One said, her tone thoughtful. "The future is tangled, and it's incredible, Leon."
She extended her right hand, a flash of emerald light revealing a necklace—the Eye of Agamotto, an artifact only the Sorcerer Supreme could wield.
"It holds one of the universe's most potent powers: time. It allows me to glimpse the future, but meddling with time often means time meddles with you, as it has now." The Ancient One gave a weary smile. Time was indeed an elusive force.
For ages, following the sacred timeline, she believed the future was in her control, and she had made plans to retire and stage her own "death" with that assurance. She had tampered with time countless times, yet time had finally pushed back—Leon was the source of that upheaval. He had shattered the unshakeable sacred timeline, leaving her with no advantage in predicting the future. If she could, she would gladly abandon this role entirely.
With each day, she felt more mentally and physically drained. So, she had finally decided to abandon her original choice for Sorcerer Supreme and instead offer it to Leon. Though she didn't fully understand what supported him, she sensed he had power close to that of a Sky-father, and with the title of Sorcerer Supreme, he would likely achieve that level soon.
As for his character, her long observation had convinced her he had ambition, but not the same insatiable greed of Dormammu or other demonic entities. It was a kind she could tolerate. In short, Leon seemed the perfect candidate to carry this burden.
Regarding her debts to the Vishanti, she wasn't concerned. She had no intention of repaying them. She was already allied with a powerful being, and she doubted the Vishanti would risk angering such a deity.
However, Leon didn't look particularly pleased. He liked the idea of protecting Earth as his own backyard, but that didn't mean he was willing to become an overworked sorcerer. Why should he play the role of a mere worker again?
In his last life, he'd had enough of that. This time, he intended to be the boss. Otherwise, why would he bother training Wanda and the others?
Or maybe…
Thinking about it, Leon realized he didn't have to take on the role of the labourer; he could suggest some other labourer for it. He had one particular candidate in mind for this job. After all, he had to utilize the valuable resources of Kamar-Taj. It would be a waste not to.
Leon's eyes gleamed as he looked at the Ancient One and said sincerely, "I have my own path, but I know someone who would make a good candidate, if you're open to it."
"You mean that young girl?" The Ancient One immediately understood who he was hinting at, giving him a knowing smile. "You're really willing to stir up trouble for me. You know very well who is behind her."
"He's more terrifying than anyone," She said.
Leon replied with a smile. "So, what do you say?"
The Ancient One hesitated. Behind Wanda was an ancient god whose power rivaled even the Vishanti's. But she soon relaxed—there was no rule saying Wanda couldn't be Sorcerer Supreme. She had seen many Wandas in the multiverse acting as the Sorcerer Supreme.
Leon didn't seem concerned about the risks. He understood the nature of Wanda's chaos magic: it was rooted in the primal energies at the birth of the universe, outside the confines of typical black or white magic. This type of magic, born from cosmic-level forces, wasn't bound to good or evil; it was raw potential, chaotic and unpredictable. Chthon had tapped into this energy, but that didn't mean he could wield it fully. He'd marked Wanda as his own because he foresaw her potential to become the Scarlet Witch and hoped to control her path step by step.
Chaos magic itself embodies the original spark of cosmic consciousness, allowing events both strange and seemingly impossible. It's neither wholly constructive nor destructive, neither good nor evil. It's a force of pure potential, operating on a level beyond morality—a game of chance, constantly balancing life and death.
Leon knew that even without him, Chthon would eventually be swallowed up in Wanda's origin story as she grew stronger. And Leon, with time on his side, could ensure Wanda's growth would keep Chthon at bay. He had already set his plans in motion, using the Sky Blade to study the nature of chaos magic. Given enough time, he could craft specific countermeasures against Chthon.
This was why he hadn't touched the Darkhold yet. Also known as the Black Magic Bible or the Chthon Scroll, the Darkhold contained powerful spells recorded by Chthon himself. But any who delved too deeply into it risked having their souls corrupted or even possessed by the dark god.
This artifact—the Darkhold—was a remnant left by Chthon after escaping Earth. But in Leon's eyes, it would undoubtedly become Chthon's most fatal flaw.
The greatest strength of Angel Civilization Technology lay in information warfare: understanding the enemy, analyzing the source of their power, and devising countermeasures. To Leon, it was pure strategy. With light and dark forces in play, he held the advantage, and he wasn't planning to lose.
As Sorcerer Supreme, Wanda would have access to vast magical knowledge to fortify herself. In time, she'd grow so powerful that she wouldn't need to rely on anyone's support. Wanda would be the one others would look up to for strength.
Even if Vishanti itself gathered all its courage, it wouldn't dare to challenge a fully mature Wanda.
The plan was working perfectly—Leon was pleased.
Ancient One, the clever old vixen, exchanged a glance with Leon, and in each other's eyes, they saw mutual understanding. They shared a quiet smile, lifting their teacups in silent acknowledgment.
"I believe she will make an excellent Sorcerer Supreme," Ancient One said softly.
"Indeed," Leon replied with genuine seriousness. "She's exceptional, and I have no doubt about her potential."