She could feel that on the other side of that door lay an ancient and pure energy she had never encountered before.
It wasn't Chaos Magic, nor was it HYDRA technology, but something more fundamental, something closer to the origin of the World.
Pietro walked to her side. "Sister, are we going in?"
Wanda nodded. "Going in."
Mavuika was the first to step into the Portal, Loki followed behind her, and Wanda and Pietro followed suit.
The Ancient One was the last to enter, and the Portal slowly closed behind them.
The sparks dissipated, and the street returned to peace.
Only the glass shards shattered by the Impact shimmered with fine light in the morning sun.
...
Kamar-Taj.
Sunlight spilled onto the ancient stone slabs, warm and tranquil. The pine trees in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, and the distant snow-capped mountains appeared exceptionally pure against the blue sky.
Several young mages were practicing magic in the courtyard. Seeing the Ancient One lead a group of people in, they all stopped their movements and looked at these strangers with curiosity.
The Ancient One nodded slightly to them. "Continue practicing."
The young mages quickly withdrew their gazes and resumed their practice.
The Ancient One led everyone through the courtyard and into a spacious tea room. The tea room was simply decorated with wooden tables and chairs, bamboo curtains, and an ink wash landscape painting hanging on the wall.
In a corner sat a small stove with Water boiling on it, steam curling upwards.
"Please, sit," the Ancient One said.
Everyone sat around the table; Mavuika sat next to the Ancient One, Loki sat opposite Mavuika, and Wanda and Pietro sat at the other end.
The Ancient One poured a cup of tea for everyone. The tea was a light green, clear and bright, emitting a faint fragrance.
Mavuika picked up her teacup and took a sip. Her eyes lit up slightly. "Good tea."
The Ancient One smiled. "This is wild tea picked from the Himalayas. There are only a few ounces a year. Your Highness is lucky to have arrived in time for it."
Mavuika looked at her. "Did you prepare this specifically for me?"
The Ancient One did not deny it. "I knew you would come, though I truly didn't expect it to be today."
The two drank tea and chatted about old times. Mavuika asked about the changes in Kamar-Taj, and the Ancient One asked about the recent situation in Asgard. They were like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years—few words were spoken, but every sentence was just right.
Loki sat to one side, quietly drinking tea and listening to their conversation. His gaze occasionally swept over the ink painting on the wall and occasionally fell on the young mages practicing magic in the courtyard.
Wanda and Pietro sat in the corner. Pietro held his teacup, taking small sips, but his eyes were fixed on the mages outside the window.
They were using magic to condense various shapes; some were practicing Spatial Gates, while others were practicing Energy Shields.
"Wanda," Pietro lowered his voice, "they are learning magic."
Wanda nodded. "Mm, I see. And it looks very different from my magic."
Pietro was silent for a moment. "Do you think... we could learn it too?"
Wanda glanced at him. "You want to learn?"
Pietro thought about it. "I don't know, but I think you could learn. Didn't you always feel like you weren't skilled enough at controlling your power?"
"Everyone here knows magic. Maybe they can help you master your power faster?"
Wanda didn't answer. She watched the young mages outside the window; their faces showed focus, sweat, and smiles.
They weren't training to become weapons, but to master a craft, to protect themselves and others.
That was a feeling Wanda had never experienced.
Strange walked into the tea room, the wound on his abdomen already bandaged. He sat down next to the Ancient One, looked at Mavuika, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.
"Your Highness Mavuika, may I ask you a question?"
Mavuika nodded. "Mm, go ahead."
Strange chose his words carefully. "Your power—is it innate, or was it acquired through learning?"
Mavuika thought for a moment. "Innate, but it also requires learning."
"Asgardians are born with divine power, but how to use it, how to control it, how to grow, and how to maximize its effect in battle—all of these require learning."
Strange nodded. "I see."
Mavuika looked at him. "The Ancient One says you will become the most powerful Sorcerer Supreme."
Strange glanced at the Ancient One, then turned back to Mavuika. "I don't know why she says that. Right now, I can't even open a simple Portal properly."
Mavuika smiled softly. "The Ancient One never says anything without reason. If she says you can, you can."
Strange fell silent.
The Ancient One smiled from the side, saying nothing.
Mordo also walked in and sat next to Strange. He glanced at Wanda and Pietro, then at Loki, and finally his gaze landed on Mavuika.
"Your Highness Mavuika, I have a presumptuous request."
Mavuika looked at him. "Speak."
Mordo took a deep breath.
"Could you stay at Kamar-Taj for a few days? I would like to ask for your guidance on some questions regarding the use of energy. Sorcerer Ancient One often says that the application of Asgardian divine power and Kamar-Taj's magic have subtle similarities. If I could receive your guidance, I would benefit greatly."
Mavuika glanced at the Ancient One, who nodded with a smile, meaning 'as you wish'.
Mavuika thought for a moment and then said, "Staying for a few days is fine, but I wouldn't call it 'guidance'. Exchanging insights is no problem."
Mordo's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Wanda and Pietro exchanged a look. Wanda whispered, "It seems we'll be staying here for a few days."
Pietro shrugged. "That works too. The tea here is quite good."
Sunlight filtered through the bamboo curtains into the tea room, casting dappled light and shadows on the wooden table. The fragrance of tea curled, the steam was misty, and everything was quiet and beautiful.
Mavuika held her teacup, watching the young mages practicing in the courtyard through the window. Their movements were still unrefined, but there was light in everyone's eyes.
It was a thirst for knowledge, a reverence for power, and a belief in protection.
She suddenly remembered what the Ancient One had just said: "What is meant to happen will happen. All I can do is pour you a cup of tea when you need it."
Perhaps this was the wisdom of the Sorcerer Supreme—not to change fate, but to have a cup of tea, a smile, and a listening ear ready when fate arrives.
Mavuika finished the tea in her cup and set it down.
"Sorcerer Ancient One."
"Yes?"
"This tea of yours is indeed excellent."
The Ancient One smiled. "If Your Highness likes it, you may take some with you when you leave."
Mavuika also smiled. "Then I won't be modest."
Outside the window, the sun was just right.
A day at Kamar-Taj had only just begun.