Chapter 52: New Type Of Magic , Teaching Complete 3
As the Ancient One and Makima moved about the sanctum, both of them crouched slightly to clean the slick floor. The Ancient One's hands worked methodically, while Makima's movements were efficient, her sharp gaze occasionally flickering toward her companion.
Makima broke the silence with a faint smirk. "Is there a magic that can ease this kind of… mundane work?"
The Ancient One chuckled softly, her tone light yet laced with wisdom. "Yes, there is. But the lesson is in the labor itself. Sometimes, even a good worker finds meaning in the act, no matter how troublesome the task."
Makima's smirk widened slightly, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Troublesome, huh? Like secretly opening a portal to a baby oil factory?"
The Ancient One paused, letting out a small laugh as she shook her head. "Your tricks are indeed troublesome, Makima. But they do reveal your resourcefulness."
With the floor finally cleaned, the Ancient One straightened and gestured for Makima to sit with her. "Now, let's move to something more… mystical. Have you ever considered the ability to separate your soul from your body? Astral projection, as we call it."
Makima raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You mean forcing someone's soul out, or doing it to myself?"
"Both," the Ancient One replied, her calm gaze steady. "This magic can be used for a variety of purposes—learning, exploration, even combat, though I do not encourage violence unnecessarily."
To demonstrate, the Ancient One sat cross-legged and placed her hands on her chest in a meditative gesture. With a subtle shift in energy, a shimmering, translucent version of herself—the astral form—rose gracefully from her body. Her physical form remained seated, perfectly still.
Makima watched intently, her analytical mind processing every detail. After a moment, she raised her hand, her yellow-ringed eyes narrowing in focus. With a subtle flick of her wrist, she mirrored the Ancient One's gesture.
A faint glow enveloped Makima, and moments later, her own astral form emerged, standing above her physical body. The transition was smooth, and she observed her ethereal self with a mix of curiosity and satisfaction.
The Ancient One's astral form floated nearby, a serene smile gracing her face. Her voice resonated softly, carrying both approval and wisdom. "Impressive. You grasped it quickly."
Makima's astral form tilted her head slightly, a smirk returning to her lips. "Of course. Watching and adapting are what I about do best." She paused, glancing down at her physical body lying calmly below. "I have just received a great teacher, after all."
The Ancient One inclined her head, her expression warm but measured. "It's a powerful ability, but one that requires discipline and understanding. Remember, control is not just about domination—it's about knowing when to let go." Her tone shifted slightly, carrying a subtle edge. "That said, I can see you still follow your husband's footsteps, breaking the rules bit by bit. Perhaps I'm wrong—or perhaps not—about whether you can truly follow his way, which is to do whatever he wants without hesitation."
She paused, her ethereal gaze piercing Makima's. "And I will take it as a compliment, then, that I am praised as a great teacher."
Makima's smirk faltered briefly, her sharp gaze softening for a fleeting moment before determination reignited in her expression. "Understood," she said, her tone unwavering. Her astral form straightened as she met the Ancient One's gaze directly. "Now… what's next?"
After both of them returned to their bodies, the Ancient One extended her hand, conjuring a glowing portal. The swirling energy revealed a path to the snowy heights of Mount Everest. Without hesitation, the Ancient One stepped through, her robes billowing softly in the wind of the transition. Makima followed, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes scanning their new surroundings with curiosity.
As the biting cold of Everest enveloped them, Makima's voice broke the silence, carrying a hint of sarcasm. "Shouldn't you be teaching me about the Mirror Dimension instead?"
The Ancient One turned slightly, her serene expression untouched by the harsh environment. "What I'm about to teach you is far beyond the Mirror Dimension. That's merely a tool, a limiter of sorts. What I'm going to show you now is not something any Sorcerer Supreme of the past has dared to fully embrace." Her gaze grew sharper. "Tell me, Makima, have you heard the terms warp space and matter itself?"
Makima's smirk returned, tinged with pride as she replied, "My husband, Kang Woo, transformed a basement—a forgotten, desolate place—into a realm filled with snow, aurora skies, and grand castles. All with nothing but his will."
The Ancient One raised a brow, clearly impressed. "That, my dear, is an advanced form of reality manipulation—something that likely required a combination of his immense willpower and perhaps the Reality Stone itself. What I'm about to teach you doesn't compare to such grandeur, but it's a foundation. A tool. And it's dangerous."
She raised her hand, and as she channeled power from the Dark Dimension, a mark began to glow faintly on her forehead. Makima's sharp gaze narrowed as she observed the Ancient One's movements.
Extending her hands, the Ancient One made intricate gestures, the air around her crackling with energy. Suddenly, the snow-covered Everest and the space surrounding them shifted—splitting and bending without breaking. The mountain seemed to fold upon itself, the ground beneath them warping as though reality itself was rippling like water.
"This," the Ancient One said, her voice resonating with power, "is a low-level form of reality warping. By channeling energy from Dark Dimension , you can manipulate the fabric of space and matter. It's subtle but potent. Dangerous in the wrong hands."
Makima's eyes gleamed as she absorbed the sight, her mind racing with possibilities. "Interesting," she murmured. " This is where control meets creativity."
The Ancient One's expression softened slightly, though her gaze remained steady. "However, you don't need to channel power from the Dark Dimension as I do. The power you wield… it resides within you. It's innate, as though it was always meant to be yours."
Makima's sharp yellow-ringed eyes narrowed slightly, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Are you being sarcastic or taunting me?"
"Neither," the Ancient One replied calmly. "I'm simply stating the truth. There is something inside you, something given freely—a power far beyond anything this universe has ever known. And as you grow and get stronger, it aids you, unlocking more and more of your full potential."
Makima tilted her head slightly, her voice taking on a measured tone. "Are you talking about the Commandment of Piety that resides inside me?"
The Ancient One gestured to her forehead, where the faint mark from channeling the Dark Dimension's power lingered. "Did you notice this mark on my forehead, Makima? It is the mark of one who uses the power of the Dark Dimension. And there's always a cost. Though I have subdued Dormammu's influence over me, it's a tenuous balance. Without vigilance, I could become a Mindless One—a being stripped of identity, enslaved to his will. Dormammu is a terrifying entity beyond time itself. And when my time ends, I know well that he will claim my soul."
Makima's gaze grew contemplative as the weight of the Ancient One's words settled over her. For the first time, she truly began to understand what Kang Woo's gifts to her represented. It's not just a privilege… not simply a means to elevate me to a higher being. It's something far greater—a power devoid of cost, a true testament of his will.
Her voice was quiet but resolute as she finally responded. "I understand now."
The Ancient One's expression remained serene as she continued, "And for another reason, Makima, what resides within you is not something a typical high-ranking demon would possess. It's reserved for beings of the highest tier—rulers, kings. I can't fully describe it, but I sensed something faintly similar about 300 years ago."
Makima nodded slowly, processing the information with her usual composure.
The Ancient One's tone shifted, tinged with sarcasm. "I take it you're not surprised that I've lived this long?"
Makima smirked faintly, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes glinting with amusement. "I didn't bother counting, but I've lived for more than a century. And Kang Woo—my husband—is around 10,000 years old."
The Ancient One's brow arched slightly, clearly intrigued. "Have you ever heard of Lucifer? The legendary demon from the deepest depths of Hell?"
Makima's tone remained calm, though her words carried a sharp edge. "He's dead. Kang Woo killed him and took his power—something called the Authority of Extinction."
The Ancient One's calm composure faltered slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing her face. "Lucifer wasn't just any high-ranking demon or ruler. He was the foundation of much of what shaped the multiverse. His influence extended far beyond Hell, and his power was unparalleled. And yet… your husband killed him?"
Makima tilted her head slightly . "Lucifer is really that famous, ?"
The Ancient One nodded slowly, her tone heavy with respect and intrigue. "Famous would be an understatement. He was considered a constant—an entity beyond the reach of even gods. That your husband not only defeated him but wielded his power speaks volumes."
The revelation of kang woo enemies is actually multiversal threat make makima very shock . The Ancient One's serene expression softened as she watched Makima sit down, her sharp demeanor giving way to a rare moment of vulnerability. Tears of gratitude shimmered in Makima's sharp yellow-ringed eyes, rolling silently down her cheeks.
The Ancient One leaned slightly toward her, her tone calm but filled with genuine concern. "Are you alright, Makima?"
Makima wiped a tear away, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, "For so many years in my world, we—the invalid beings—were nameless entities. We existed only as the embodiment of respective concepts and the fear they invoked. That was the source of our power. And yet… because Kang Woo killed most of the demons and, by default, demons never really came out to where the uppermost hell resides, we devils—who are invalid compared to demons—were able to enjoy freedom. Many times, we fought against humans because it's in our nature, but we never had to meet our king himself. I never imagined. Of all the concepts, all the invalid devils in my world, I was the one who got promoted. I was the one who had the opportunity to meet the most important man in the multiverse."
Her lips curled into a soft, bittersweet smile as she continued, her voice filled with awe. "And as my husband claims, he was once the ruler of the Ninth Hell itself. Yet he abandoned it all—not for some grand purpose, but because he wanted to eat ramen and Korean food. Then… he met me. How lucky and blessed I am to have crossed paths with him."
The Ancient One listened in silence, a faint smile of understanding playing on her lips. After a moment,
Makima's gaze shifted back to her, a flicker of curiosity replacing her gratitude. "I forgot to ask Kang Woo just how terrifying the high-ranking demons of the deepest Hell are. How powerful are they, really?"
The Ancient One's expression grew serious, her voice low and measured. "One of the Seven Demon Princes of Hell could rival Dormammu in his Dark Dimension, where his power is at its peak. And even among them, such beings are rare. Each possesses immense power and abilities that defy comprehension, along with personalities so horrifying they could drive mortals mad."
Makima leaned back slightly, her smirk returning, albeit tinged with wry amusement. "You know what's funny, Ancient One? In my world, the uppermost layer of Hell—where devils go to reincarnate—is actually closer to the First Layer of Hell itself. Kang Woo once told me that if I knew the right passage, I wouldn't even need to fight Gaia to return to my world. And maybe, just maybe, the devils in my world have never known the true terror of demons. They're already too terrified of my husband to even consider it."
The Ancient One chuckled softly, her calm demeanor returning. "Perhaps that fear is what keeps them in check. Your husband's legacy clearly extends far beyond his immediate presence."
The Ancient One's tone shifted as she straightened, a gleam of focus lighting her eyes. "Now, Makima, you've reached a state of acceptance—a clarity that makes it far easier to learn the fundamentals of reality warping. I didn't expect this to happen so soon."
Makima raised an eyebrow, curiosity laced with skepticism. "Hmm? What are you talking about?"
The Ancient One met her gaze evenly. "Your concept of control… it isn't limited to dominating living beings. Your power can extend far beyond what you've imagined. It's time to tap into that potential. Follow my gestures."
Makima stood, brushing the snow from her clothes, her sharp eyes fixed on the Ancient One. The Ancient One's movements were deliberate and fluid, her hands forming precise patterns in the air. "Warp Space and Matter as I wield it—rooted in the power of the Dark Dimension—is instinctual and difficult to teach. But I know you can achieve it."
Makima took a deep breath, her focus sharpening as she summoned every ounce of power within her. Her original power—the control concept—merged with the energy of her darkness manipulation, the negative energy fueling her essence, and the latent mana coursing through her veins. The air around her began to hum, the ground trembling faintly as the energies intertwined, coalescing within her.
The Ancient One's voice was steady, almost commanding. "Now, let go of your arrogance and ego. Embrace your acceptance. Humility does not weaken you; it strengthens you. Accept who you are and use that truth to act."
Tears welled up in Makima's eyes, the weight of her journey—her transformation—pressing on her chest. She closed her eyes, letting the emotions flow freely as she whispered to herself, I am Makima. I am control, but I am more than that. I am not my past. I am not invalid. I am worthy.
When her eyes opened, they gleamed with unparalleled clarity, her tears falling freely down her cheeks. She extended her hands, her power surging as her acceptance transformed into pure, unrestrained will. A dark aura enveloped her, shifting and shimmering with the raw energy of her being.
Makima raised her arms, her voice steady and resolute. "I am Makima. And I will show you what I can do."
The tip of Mount Everest trembled as Makima's power coursed through the mountain. The snow and rock quaked, but it didn't stop there. The entire mountain began to warp and reshape. Snow cascaded down in massive avalanches, the ground itself splitting and reforming as if answering her command. Slowly, Mount Everest was transformed—not just the peak, but the entire mountain, every inch molded by her will.
The Ancient One watched, her expression a mixture of astonishment and respect, as Makima stood amidst the chaos she had unleashed. The towering mountain shimmered with a faint, orange light, as if it had been imbued with a fragment of Makima's essence. The storm calmed, leaving only silence and the transformed Everest, reshaped into something almost unrecognizable—an emblem of Makima's power and her acceptance.
Makima lowered her hands, her body trembling as she exhaled deeply. A faint smile graced her lips as she whispered, "I've done it , i've finally done it ."
The Ancient One stepped forward, her voice carrying a rare note of awe. "You've done more than that. You've transcended. You've embraced who you are—and in doing so, you've elevated yourself to something greater."
The Ancient One pressed her palm to the ground, resetting Everest to its original form. The once-shimmering mountain returned to its natural state, as if the monumental display of Makima's power had never occurred. With a simple circle gesture through her Sling Ring, the Ancient One opened a portal, and the two stepped through, returning to the New York Sanctum.
Once inside, the Ancient One moved swiftly, conjuring another portal. She retrieved two ornate tomes—one on Mystic Arts Magic and the other on Mirror Dimension Magic—and handed them to Makima.
Makima glanced at the books, her sharp eyes gleaming with curiosity. "We can still learn here. We still have time—as long as we have."
But before she could continue, Makima was suddenly surrounded by a glowing light that radiated from her form. Her expression tensed, and she turned to the Ancient One, demanding answers.
The Ancient One's expression softened, a touch of sadness evident in her serene demeanor. "I have time, Makima. But you… you do not. I never told you why I was pressing you so much. This is the reason. Your presence here is temporary. I can feel the strain of your timeline pulling you back to the moment where the Lost Books are located. I am very sensitive to disruptions in time, and yours is nearing its end. That's why I've been doing everything I can to pass on my knowledge—the magic where I am strongest, the Dark Dimension's magic and warp space and matter as fast I could . And for the Mirror Dimension and Mystic Arts, I trust the books I've given you will guide you."
Makima opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, the Ancient One stepped forward and hugged her.
Makima froze, her sharp demeanor faltering in the face of the unexpected gesture. "What's this for?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise as she tried to hide the fact that she was genuinely enjoying the embrace.
The Ancient One chuckled softly, her tone filled with warmth. "I know how to reorient the spirit to better heal the body. And you, my dear Makima, crave this, even if you won't admit it outright. Your husband has already given you the love and care you've longed for, but I believe it is my duty as your teacher to do so as well. If I don't nurture my disciples, I would be failing as a teacher."
For a brief moment, Makima allowed herself to let go of her control. Her arms hesitantly wrapped around the Ancient One in return. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice uncharacteristically soft.
The Ancient One stepped back slightly, her expression growing serious once more. "Makima, I have one request, if you are able to fulfill it."
Makima tilted her head, her smirk returning as she attempted to mask her emotions. "You're immortal, aren't you? If you want to buy your way out of Dormammu's clutches, I can talk to my husband."
The Ancient One smiled faintly and shook her head. "My time is near. I've seen it clearly through the Time Stone. In a few years, I will die, and Dormammu will claim my soul. But I have no desire to buy my way out. Instead, I wish to exchange my soul with your husband—the Demon King—in return for freeing all the souls trapped in the Dark Dimension, should he ever manage to kill Dormammu."
Makima's expression shifted, her composure breaking as sadness and surprise flickered in her eyes. "Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you free yourself? We could be friends… in the future."
The Ancient One placed a gentle hand on Makima's shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "Death is what gives life meaning. To know your days are numbered, your time is short. I've made mistakes in my life and as a teacher. This… this would be my way of atonement."
Makima's gaze lowered for a moment, her voice quiet but resolute. "I'll tell Kang Woo. And if he can, he'll do it—not for you, but for what you're trying to achieve. You're a better teacher than you give yourself credit for."