Chapter 528

It’s funny, I was getting College of Winterhold vibes as we walked through the halls. It was much less….structured in appearance. But there were clearly classes going on, clearly students learning from teachers and people just randomly studying in various places.

Of course, it wasn’t just studious lessons either. The Ancient One took me past a courtyard where they were doing combat lessons without magic funnily enough.

It seems like they taught hand-to-hand and martial arts here as well.

It didn’t take us long as she took us through several corridors, venturing deeper into the monastery-like building.

I glanced to the side to see a many sitting in a seat in the corner of the newest room that she led me into.

“Master Hamir, thank you.” She exchanged a polite bow with him as the man snapped a book shut, setting it on a nearby shelf before excusing himself without saying a word.

He never even once glanced at me.

She gestured to a table and I took a seat as she joined, tea already prepared and steaming infront of me.

“I thought robes denoted status within the sect?” I spoke randomly with the thought that popped in my head. “Along with that guy and some others before, they seemed to have their own sense of fashion.”

“We’re not a sect.” She corrected with a noticeable hint of amusement in her tone.

“Really? A secretive group of immortal-like beings hiding away in the mountains practicing the mystic arts?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Well, we aren’t immortal.” She responded.

“Ancient One.” I pointed at her, specifically calling out her title.

“To be honest, that was mostly due to just some legends that spawned around me when I wandered the world in the past.” She shook her head. “You make some vague comments, and they seem to propagate all over. One day I went down the mountain to some corner of the world, and wouldn’t you know it, there are some tales of this revered ‘Ancient One’ spreading the teachings of Magic to those lucky few.”

“How old are you exactly?”

“Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a lady her age.” Her lips twitched. “A couple thousand years, I don’t quite remember anymore. The calendar has changed enough that I can’t pinpoint the exact year of my birth.”

“That’s it?”

She blinked. “I’m sorry, is that not old enough? This is the first time I’ve told someone my age and they were disappointed.”

I shrugged, not bothering to explain that I literally kissed a woman older than humanity quite vigorously before coming here.

“With the name, ‘Ancient One’, I guess I expected a little more. Maybe you should go with something like ‘Somewhat Older One’?”

“Oh yes, that certainly just rolls right off the tongue.” She let out a faint snort at that.

I found my self smiling. Despite only knowing her for….hours, I felt I got along with her rather well. However, I was….skeptical about some things so I decided to change gears. “I’m curious why you’re being so good to me. It might make someone think you have a hidden agenda.” I took a sip of the tea I was given.

It was rather good.

“Oh, I do.” She admitted without hesitation. “It would be strange if I didn’t have one, I think.”

I tilted my head back and forth and couldn’t argue with that. “True, I suppose.”

“But if you wish for a more concrete answer, I can answer. I was already forthcoming with my intentions to apologize for my actions.”

“And I accepted the apology. Generally, we would have gone our separate ways after that.” I pointed out.

“Perhaps. And you could have refused my invitation and that would have mostly been the end of things.” She pointed out as well.

“Again, that’s true.” I did willingly accept her invitation to come on over. It was fully above board and without any sort of manipulation. Honestly, it’s refreshing when someone is just fully open about keeping secrets.

Everyone has secrets, every has their own goals and agendas. I don’t mind people ‘using’ me for their own benefits if they’re just open about it.

She hummed for a few moments under our combined silence before opening her mouth again. “There’s a Master within the temple. He’s from another dimension. If I had to describe him physically, he would be reminiscent of a Minotaur but with green fur. He’s a rather kind and soft-spoken man despite his large stature.”

“As interesting as that is, I don’t understand the point you’re making.”

She smiled warmly. “Our job is to protect the world from Mystic threats. Our job is not to gatekeep the world from visitors in its entirety. You call us magical police, which isn’t untrue. But if we’re using a similar example, we’re more like border patrol that sometimes has to deal with some internal matters.”

“I see.” I processed what she told me and the underlining insinuations. It seems we’re just dancing around the elephant in the room – that being my origin. “What if the world is going to shit by non-Mystic threats?” I asked curiosly.

“Well, that is a rather difficult question to answer. The vast majority of the time, we do not interfere with the mundane world. Wars, death, famine….these things are unfortunately a natural part of life.”

“Would have taken a simple flick of your fingers to kill Hitler.” I played a bit of devil’s advocate, though I did agree with her stance.

“Undeniably. I could have ended the entire War with a snap of my fingers if I were so inclined. But where does it end? Humans need to handle human matters like the adults they are. I can’t babysit them every time a dictator or a would-be conqueror rises to power. And likewise who am I to say that they’re wrong. As much as I don’t like to say I agree with your example, if Hitler succeeded and thousands of years into the future, we had a utopia, would you be singing a different tune?”

“Ah, the philosophy of killing Hitler or not.” I snorted. “If you’re asking me seriously, I would still kill him. The future will take care of itself.” I finished with a shrug.

“That’s the problem. We’re not leaders, we’re not kings or what-have-you. These kinds of decisions shouldn’t be made by us. We are Masters of the Mystic Arts and our job is to simply continue to let the world keep spinning unabated by things beyond humanities’ comprehension.”

“Hypothetically, what if a country wanted to release enough Nukes to blanket the world?”

“Hypothetically, every rule has an exception, and certain countries may find that their weapons of mass destruction have suddenly disappeared in such a scenario.” She replied without missing a beat.

I was well aware I was asking blatantly absurd questions, but I was just curious at her response in how it differed from the ‘Magical Police’ back in Kunou’s world and how even my birth world handles supernatural stuff.

“Do you intentionally keep magic things a secret?”

“To an extent.” She revealed. “If tomorrow the world suddenly discovered our existence, I also wouldn’t care overly much. But it’s easier to do our jobs when we’re still obscure and unknown to the populace at large.”

“We went a bit off topic. We were talking about why you were being so nice to me and all that.” I leaned back, relaxing a bit.

“To be thoroughly blunt, we couldn’t afford to be anything but nice.” She didn’t hold back. “I can’t say it’s easy to predict you, Mr. Shimoda – “

“Wilhelm.” I interrupted. “Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg. Takao Shimoda is my birth name, but it’s not the name I go by.”

“Mr. Schweinorg then.” She smiled. “As you had guessed, I am able to….predict certain outcomes.” She said with an intentional amount of vagueness. “You are exceedingly difficult to catch any glimpse of. However, to be thorough, I looked at possible scenarios if we took a more hostile and blunt approach to your…..presence. The results were….well, I believe the word catastrophic is appropriate in this case.”

“How hostile?” I furrowed my brow.

“I admit fully that we have killed quite a few demonic beings who have tried to sneak in and cause harm to the world. In my haste, as I mentioned, I assumed because it had been the case every single time beforehand.”

Ah, I could read inbetween the lines.

Perhaps she couldn’t outline myself through whatever means she used to peer at possible futures, but the consequences are probably much easier to observe in some way.

If she and hers actually tried to kill me….if I was pushed enough, well, I would lose all guilt about destroying them as well.

So, she was being thorough when ‘checking’ in various ways to deal with me. Killing, ‘exorcising, etc.

I wouldn’t get upset from hypothetical scenarios.

Shit, I’m pretty sure atleast several pantheons back home have various ‘hypotheticals’ in case they have to deal with me.

So I can understand her stance now, she’s trying very hard to be friendly. Likewise, I do believe her attitude had been genuine up to this point.

She sat silently for a moment or two as I contemplated that before speaking again. “May I…?” She gestured to sir Wiggles that had still been sitting on my shoulder.

I rubbed him and he happily bounced over the table and into her hands.

Far be it for me to reject Sir Wiggles getting attention.

“He’s very well behaved….considering.” She spoke softly and it made me realize she understood his nature. “And it’s rare to see a genuine familiar these days. It’s fallen out of practice over the years. Mostly used by a few witch covens.”

To be fair, it’s common but not heavily used back home either. A lot of people simply don’t want the extra responsibility that comes with caring for a familiar.

Though, suddenly, her head jerks to the side and it looked as if she were watching something with a very serious expression.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

She blinked once and shook her head. “Apologies, someone just broke through the barriers of the world and it was via a method I hadn’t seen a long time. It caught me by surprise.”

“….something concerning?”

“Not at all.” She smiled. “Some have permission to come and go. It’s just been some time since these ones have paid our world a visit.” She hummed. “New Mexico is going to be popular for a bit due to a certain hammer.”

“A hammer?” I perked up. “Is it a good hammer?” Because I need a hammer for my Nidhavellir Spell symbol.

Her lips curled up. “Oh, most certainly a good hammer. You’re welcome to go inspect it for yourself.”

Why did she sound extremely amused as she said that?

Regardless, I was here for something particular. “About Vibranium.”

“Ah yes, Vibranium. Specifically, what are your intentions for it?”

“For a sword.” I said simply.

“Well….that’s significantly more mundane than I anticipated. Very well, The story of Vibranium. Basically, a meteor hit the planet some tens of thousands of years ago, that’s where Vibranium comes from. It hit the African continent and was discovered by a tribe living there.”

“Oh, so they should be open to selling, right?” This might be easier than I thought.

She let out a laugh. “Oh heavens no.”

“…..I feel like I’m the butt of a joke here.”

“They are…..and I’m being generous here, the most advance country in the world.”

“….alright. Well, I might have some stuff they’re willing to trade. I have some rare and exotic metals myself. And I don’t need much Vibranium I don’t think.”

“They’ve also completely hidden themselves from the rest of the world. Everyone believes they merely possess a rock-sized chunk of the precious metal and that they’re a third-world country with severe poverty issues.”

“….the fuck?”

“Quite.” She chuckled. “Suffice to say, you won’t have any luck simply purchasing it despite them having a literal mountain of it underground.”

“Because they won’t give up their masquerade for some gold.” I frowned.

“I could be wrong, if you have something sufficient to trade with. Or maybe if you do offer enough money, they would be willing to offer you a small bit.” She continued to scratch Sir Wiggles’s head. “I almost forgot to ask, what’s this adorable boys name?”

My annoyance quickly disappeared. “Behold, Sir Wigglesbottom Fluffytail Octavius Benedict III, Crown Prince of the Emerald Kingdom, Duke of Carrot Island, General of the northern Armies, Lightning born, The Devil Slayer. Head of Chaldean Department of Phantasmal Beasts. King of France, First Mate of the Flying Dutchman and King of Asgard, and Sorcerer Supreme!”

She gave me the most deadpanned look. “I don’t recall handing over my title.”

“Sorry, it already happened. Sir Wiggles is now the Master of Kamar Taj, leader of the Masters of the Mystic Arts.” I sighed helplessly.

“Well, I can say that we’re in good hands then. But if it’s the same for you, I will continue to handle the day-to-day activities to not burden our Sorcerer Supreme.”

“Sir Wiggles finds this acceptable.” I nodded.

She smiled warmly again. “Now, on to other matters. If you insist on the approach of asking them to purchase their metal, I’ll give you the relevant information. For now, I wish to discuss a trade in knowledge. Rare is it for someone versed in Mysticism to find their way here as you did. Most of the time, they’re usually hostile entities or accidental arrivals of the mundane variety like in Master Rintrah’s case. If you would be open to a trade, I’m sure we can reciprocate to your liking.”

“I’m not against a trade in knowledge, I’ve hoarded quite a bit over the years myself. If you’re willing to make copies, I don’t mind leaving some books with you about various things.”

“That would be most wonderful. However, I do wish to request nothing of….displeasing nature.”

“I thought you didn’t reject the ‘darker stuff’ outright?”

“We don’t teach it here. And there’s a difference that should be addressed. There are of course some things we don’t accept here that will see to your expulsion if practice. Using an example, Necromancy is something we don’t look kindly towards. Certain degrees of it will land you with a one way ticket out of the mountain if caught. However, even Necromancy pales in comparison to some of the more….darker aspects of Mysticism. The kind that taints your soul and corrupts you just from practicing or knowing them. Those sorts are kept under a very tight lock and key.”

“Fair enough.” I saw no reason to argue with her points, they were very straight forward and with good logic behind them. “To be honest, I don’t practice that kind of stuff. I have a wide range of knowledge, but my specialties lay in Lightning-elemental spellcasting, Runes, and Onmyōdō. However, I’m proficient in quite a bit more.”

I began setting books out on the table. Copies of the wand-based spells, copies of the tomes from Skyrim, and even stuff from other places.

Obviously, I wasn’t just going to drop everything I had into her lap, but it was a good start.

“You’re welcome to explore the temple at your leisure. No where should be off limits to you outside of private chambers and the vault where we keep the darker stuff, as I said. I will make sure it’s known that you have free access to the Library and the Relic chambers. However, please do not take anything without permission this time.”

“Oh, so this is where you keep the good stuff?” I pursed my lips.

“It’s one of the locations. We simply don’t keep too many powerful Relics at the London Sanctum due to the degree of incidents that happen in that area. And keeping everything in one location seems too much like putting your eggs in all one basket. So, a hefty portion of the more powerful Relics are kept in the American Sanctum away from the more magically inclined locations.”

Huh, she was being really forthcoming, wasn’t she? I suppose we’ve already reached that point then. I gave her shit for her age, but honestly, once you get that old, you’re probably done with the bullshit.

“Got it, raid the American Sanctum when I’m free.”

I could see her roll her eyes. “Try not to cause too much of a problem for any sanctum. They’re literally focal points for Earth’s Mystic defenses.”

Huh, that’s neat. I’ll have to look into that.

So many new things to explore, I’m excited!

“By the way, do you know of a goddess with black hair in a death realm that likes to throw swords at people?”

“….no? And that was oddly specific.” She seemed taken aback.

Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter.

“So how does one normally get their hands on a ‘relic’?” I asked. “You mentioned some sort of ‘resonance’?”

“You mean other than simply stealing them?” She gave me a look. “But yes, that’s the most simplistic method. Often, certain individuals appear that just align so well with a Relic that they act up when getting close. You met Master Mordo, he has several Artifacts that have chosen him over the years. His primary weapon is known as the Staff of the Living Tribunal, it chose him when he was still an initiate when wandering the halls of Kamar Taj.”

“What if you don’t get ‘chosen’?”

“Well, it’s not like we don’t have other avenues. We’re not that rigid yet. For…lesser Relics – and I use that term loosely in this context – you can simply apply for them. The majority of the time, if something isn’t particularly noteworthy, we’ll basically sign off on it without a second glance.”

Hmm, makes sense I suppose.

“What are your plans?” She then asked. “Do you wish to visit the library? Explore the Temple? Or simply wander off somewhere?”

“To be honest, I want to try my hand with the – what was the place called, Wakanda? I’ll go see if I can’t convince them with ample amounts of money or other valuable things.”

“Well, it’s your prerogative. But I don’t see you succeeding.”

“I just have to be my normal charming self to convince them.” I adjusted my tie.

“…..As long as you don’t create problems that threaten the world.” She shook her head. “Don’t expect help from me or rather us here at Kamar Taj. We have certain….ancient agreements.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“It was before my time. And even I’m rather vague on the details, only following my predecessor’s teachings.”

“So there are Ancienter Ones?” I looked at her before standing up.

“Wait until I tell you about the Ancientest One.” She smiled. “Would you like a lift?” She offered, the beginning of her Portal Magics faintly forming.

I snapped my fingers, creating my own portal. Of course it wasn’t to Wakanda because I didn’t have any idea where that actually was, but I just wanted to make a point. “You have my permission to change your underwear after this.”

“No one likes a showoff.” She dismissed her magic. “If you give me a moment, I can retrieve the records we kept on Wakanda before you depart.”

@***@

I actually stepped out of a portal this time.

Sir Wiggles was absent, or more specifically, I left him with the Ancient One because he seemed to enjoy her attention. I also let Lady Wiggles join in and the Ancient One seemed equally excited at the new addition of the pregnant Lady Wiggles.

But I didn’t really want to waste any time, I specifically came here for Vibranium. And despite also using this chance as a working vacation, learning new things, exploring, and doing some work, I did want to knock out the main objectives first.

If I upgraded the metal of Greed, I was confident in getting it to absorb Fenrir’s Saliva without issue.

Of course I had other metals to work with, but after what Gramps explained about Vibranium – well, I wanted to check it out before making any decisions.

I had an old map out in my hands and a notebook under my arm as I noted my locatin.

I was about….10 minutes away from the Wakanda border?

It was only a few countries southwest of Egypt, interestingly enough. This country doesn’t exist on any other Earths that I’ve visited before.

Supposedly the most advanced country in the world, completely hiding themselves away. It sounded rather absurd to think about, but then I’m reminded in how many worlds that Magic is kept a secret.

Sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable blah blah.

Well, I can say that the air here is rather fresh!

I should visit Africa more often; it really is a beautiful place. It’s just another reminder that even back home, there are so many amazing places to explore and visit that don’t need such extreme measures to travel to.

But I digress.

The trek to Wakanda only took like twenty minutes, mostly because I was admiring the views.

I opened up the notebook I had, basically just copied information from the records they had at Kamar Taj. And I got a pretty good idea of what I was going with, the supposed ‘Border Tribe’ handles the border, which sounds rather obvious. But more so, they are literally stationed at every conceivable entrance to Wakanda, acting as border patrol.

There were some farmsteads up ahead, densely packed enough to look like a village at first glance.

I looked at the map, then at the natural formations around me and I measured my steps carefully.

Counting them, I took a couple more steps forward, took out a chair and sat down on it.

And then, I waited.

It didn’t take long for me to be noticed, but no one came over immediately. Instead, they just kept stealing glances at me, whispering to each other and seemingly gesturing stealthily to bring others over.

Oh well, I was just patiently waiting and bided my time.

It was important to be polite when I was the one asking for something.

Eventually, after what felt like a couple hours, several people rode over on horses. I couldn’t hear them from this distance, but several of the farmer pointed at me and clearly were talking to the newcomers before they started approaching me.

I crossed my legs, taking up a non-aggressive pose with my hands in my lap. “Good day, gentleman.” I greeted them.

They didn’t greet me back.

In fact, they didn’t express much emotion at all seeing me, their feet shuffling until they were about 10 feet away from me.

I made it look like I was reaching into my pocket to take out a pair of glasses, they tensed slightly before seeing that it wasn’t anything dangerous.

I hummed as I put them on, giving them a once over.

Oh, wasn’t that interesting? These…guards, they were wearing these thick cloaks, almost like blankets. Different designs, different colors, different styles, but they all wore one. I couldn’t comment on the cultural aspect, but they were all giving off strange energy.

It wasn’t Magic of course, but even my Rune-carved glasses could atleast see that faint energy.

“Who are you, what do you one?” The one in the front was the first to speak, a thick accent, though I suppose I would be the one with an accent since it’s their home.

“Good evening, my name is Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg.” I politely introduced myself. “As for what I want, I wanted the opportunity to purchase some Vibranium from you. I have much to trade, Gold, precious stones, precious metals.” I decided to just lay all my cards on the table.

The man’s face didn’t change. “Go away outsider, we have no Vibranium here.”

“….everyone knows that Wakanda has Vibranium though.” Well, the Ancient One did say they were going to reject me. So time to work that Schweinorg magic. “I don’t need a lot, perhaps four pounds of it.” If my estimates were right considering it was less than a third the weight of Steel. “I’m open to negotiations.”

I put on my most charming smile.

“Go away.” He said again with a gruff tone.

“Alright Mr. – what was your name again?”

“I didn’t give you my name.” He responded bluntly.

“Alright Mr. I-Didn’t-Give-You-My-Name, let’s talk price.” Clapped my hands, only to pull them apart revealing a gold coin and I flicked it over to him. He caught it easily, giving it a look without any change in expression still. “Ten-Thousand of those for four pounds of Vibranium.”

There seemed to be a flicker of something, surprise in his gaze?

“We have no Vibranium.” He repeated again.

“Look, can we be candid for a moment?” I tried to be approachable in my tone. “I know you have a lot of Vibranium, I don’t care about what you all are doing hiding away. I just want to buy a few pounds of it, then I’ll be on my way.” I offered sincerely.

I could imagine that they have to be careful with their ‘secret’ so just being forward and direct is probably the best path.

“Your giant shield…” I pointed way behind us, it was only barely noticeable and only so because I was wearing these special glasses. “Yeah, I can see the giant shield poking over the mountains, presumedly it’s around your capital city? And I can even see your cloaks glowing…” I pointed to them next.

They stilled, eyes widening.

Honesty is often the best policy in these kinds of situations.

When you make inroads and find common ground –

Ah, they’re pulling weapons out.

Several of them held up these weird bead-like bracelets to their ears and started shouting orders as they lit up.

“You will come with us, now!” The assumed leader, held up a curved sword, pointing at me and making a declaration. Well, it wasn’t curved like a scimitar, it was curved forward, interestingly enough.

Well, things escalated quickly.

What did I do wrong?

I found myself siging amidst the commotion.

Ddraig, I was polite, right?

[You were very polite.] He responded

I nodded to myself.

They were shouting, but I wasn’t having any of it, lots of calls to surrender, to get on the ground, etc etc.

I took out an Apple and bit into it right in front of them, slowly chewing it a few times before swallowing. “A simple rejection would have sufficed. Sure, I would have annoyed you for a few more minutes with several more offers, but that’s about it.”

“This is your last warning, put your hands behind your head and get on the ground.” The ‘leader’ of these guys commanded, and he looked ready to follow up on it this time.

“No, I don’t think I will.” I pointed at the ground. “Unless you want to cross sovereign lines and break international law. I’m fairly positive Wakanda borders end just under three feet infront of me, but I left room for error.”

Well, it didn’t mean anything to me, maybe not to them either, but it would assuage my guilt when I inevitably teach them the error of their ways.

And it’s not like I couldn’t understand their point of view, it’s just that I didn’t really care.

I tossed my apple; it made an arc in the air and all eyes seemed to follow it for a brief moment. It smacked right into ‘something’ before hitting the ground. That ‘something’ made a small noise – a rather human noise.

Invisibility tech?

My interest is piqued.

But I generally don’t fuck with regular people.

A few people appeared ‘out of thin air’, of course I could see them the entire time. These ones were wearing different garb and held metal spears.

Were those made of Vibranium?

I had the urge to steal one, but from what I understood, already forged Vibranium was a bitch and a half to reforge, nearly impossible outright without certain variables.

Whatever, this was just my first stop. It’s not like there won’t be any other Vibranium deposits in the world. If a meteor crashed into the land here, there most likely were broken pieces of that same meteor that hit other places, most likely the ocean.

However, tracking it down will be hard when Vibranium and Magic don’t play well together.

I turned around to leave and then I felt something.

A pulse of energy emanated from one of the spears, I turned around just in time to see it and my hat was flying off my head.

The hat that I was happy to have found…..now had a big hole through it, steam drifting off the seared edges.

I wasn’t angry.

I wasn’t angry.

My Reiatsu didn’t surge outwards.

I wasn’t pressing them to the ground, forcing their souls to shudder under the weight until they collapsed, unconscious.

I wasn’t angry.

Steal their stuff?

No, that would give them an excuse.

I had a better idea.

@***@

“You’re back.” The Ancient one greeted me. “How was your trip?”

I threw the hat on the table next to her.

“….you didn’t destroy the country, did you?”

“I have more self-constraint than that.” I snorted. “But I do have a favor to ask.”

“Hesitantly, I will ask for details.”

“What do you know about Nigeria? The country that I was in that bordered Wakanda?” I asked.

“Not much? It was never a particularly Magical hotspot. Why, what do you want to know?”

“Oh, not much. Name of their current president. Land costs, specifically the lands bordering Wakanda. Oh, and any treaties and border laws shared between the two countries would be wonderful.”

I paused again.

“And some painting supplies, I’m going to need a lot of painting supplies.” I muttered.

@***@

A/N

Obviously, he’s going to write the Wakandan government a stern letter reprimanding them for their actions and nothing else.