After finishing the formalities and transferring responsibilities, Mordo gave a courteous nod and took his leave.
"Supreme Mage, I still have matters to attend to," Mordo said. "If there's anything you need to know, Wong will assist you."
Henry returned the nod. "Understood. Go ahead."
As Mordo disappeared through a nearby corridor, Henry glanced down at the thick stack of scrolls and parchment documents in his hand. Each one was a catalog of magical artifacts, protected relics, warding techniques, and ancient recorded spells. His eyes twitched.
He knew that becoming the Supreme Mage would come with responsibilities—but he hadn't expected to be handed an entire library's worth of material on day one.
No wonder Doctor Strange spent so much of his time reading after ascending to the title. There was simply too much to absorb.
Seeing the way Henry stared at the documents like a man reviewing tax forms, Wong offered a small smile and stepped closer. "Kamar-Taj has accumulated knowledge for centuries. It's natural to feel overwhelmed. But you don't need to memorize everything overnight. Ask me whatever you need—I'll answer what I can."
Though it was their first extended interaction, Henry trusted Wong. He knew from memory—and the alternate timeline he hailed from—that Wong was one of the most reliable and honest sorcerers alive.
"I appreciate it, Wong. Truly," Henry said, exhaling as he tucked the papers under his arm. "In that case, can you take me to the temple archives and artifact storage? I'd like to get a better sense of the resources we're working with."
"Of course," Wong replied, already turning toward the portal gate. "Follow me."
As they walked through the shifting corridors of the Sanctum, Wong spoke again, his tone informative. "Each Sanctum temple has a designated guardian. Their duty is to protect the temple from external threats and ensure that its energy is balanced and secure."
He paused briefly before continuing. "The New York Sanctum was previously under the direct protection of the Ancient One. With her departure, Master Daniel has temporarily assumed that role. I oversee the Hong Kong Sanctum, and Master Silisia is stationed at the London Sanctum."
Henry wasn't surprised.
Before becoming Kamar-Taj's librarian, Wong had indeed served as a temple guardian. It fit his character perfectly—loyal, disciplined, and unshakable.
"Do you have any particular plans for the guardians going forward?" Wong asked.
Henry gave it a moment of thought. He knew where Wong was going with this: now that he was Supreme Mage, he would need to decide how to handle temple oversight, especially during this vulnerable transitional period.
He already knew the answer.
"I'll personally oversee the New York Sanctum for now," Henry said. "I'm still unfamiliar with a lot of Kamar-Taj's inner workings, so I'd rather not change too much until I understand the system fully. The Ancient One's previous arrangements will remain."
Wong nodded, visibly approving of the answer. "Wise. The New York Sanctum sees the most unpredictable activity anyway. It's good to have someone strong there."
A few moments later, they arrived at the temple.
The ornate structure stood proudly within its own pocket of folded space. As they entered through its circular golden gate, a robed man approached, his pace quickening as he caught sight of them.
"Master Daniel," Wong called, motioning to Henry. "This is the new Supreme Mage—Master Henry."
Daniel's expression shifted rapidly from neutrality to surprise, then to awe.
He quickly bowed. "Supreme Mage."
Henry offered a gentle nod in return. "Master Daniel. It's good to meet you."
Daniel's eyes lingered on Henry's youthful face. For a moment, he forgot to hide his astonishment.
"You look… very young," Daniel said before he could stop himself.
Wong cleared his throat harshly, and Daniel flinched.
"My apologies! That was rude of me, Supreme Mage," Daniel stammered. "I didn't mean any disrespect. I'm just… surprised."
Henry smiled, undeterred. "Don't worry. I understand your reaction. With my age and lack of presence at Kamar-Taj until now, it is surprising."
He knew appearances could be deceiving. Doctor Strange hadn't looked particularly experienced either when he took the mantle. But unlike Stephen, Henry hadn't yet publicly demonstrated his strength.
Which meant… there were probably still doubters among the Kamar-Taj ranks.
Henry made a mental note.
I'll have to make a demonstration soon. Strength convinces more than words.
"How long have you been practicing magic, Master Daniel?" Henry asked with interest.
Daniel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Oh… it must be over thirty years now."
Henry smiled. "Impressive. With your experience, perhaps we can exchange ideas sometime soon. But for now, would you mind giving me a tour of the Sanctum?"
"Of course, Supreme Mage," Daniel said, regaining his composure. "Shall we begin with the second floor?"
Henry gestured for him to lead the way.
Daniel took the stairs up first. As Henry placed a foot on the first step, he channeled a soft ripple of energy through the soles of his feet. In response, the entire staircase trembled slightly—and then began to shift.
To Daniel's shock, the stairs moved on their own.
The spiral structure curved upward like an escalator made of stone, lifting Henry and Wong effortlessly to the next floor.
Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief.
That's… space magic!
Not only that, but Henry had cast it passively—without gestures or incantations. As far as Daniel knew, only a handful of mages in existence could manipulate spatial flow to such a refined degree.
His confusion was so deep that he didn't even react when Henry stepped off beside him.
"Master Daniel," Henry said lightly. "We've arrived."
Daniel snapped out of his daze. "R-right. Please—this way."
Wong leaned closer to Henry and whispered, "Do we really need to go upstairs like that?"
Henry smirked. "Come on. I'm the new Supreme Mage. Gotta establish dominance somehow."
Wong shrugged. "Fair. I just thought it was… stylish."
Henry chuckled. "Wait until you see the next trick."
Just as he said that—
CRACK.
The sound of breaking glass echoed through the hall.
Wong and Daniel tensed.
Before anyone could react further, something flashed red in the air—spinning, trailing wisps of energy.
A cloak flew directly toward Henry, stopping mere inches from his chest.
It hovered, observing him.
Henry blinked.
"Wait a minute… is this—?"
Wong stepped forward, stunned. "The Cloak of Levitation. It… it chose you."
The ancient relic floated up, then down, brushing Henry's shoulders. Then it settled itself neatly over his back, the red fabric adjusting like it had found its rightful place.
Henry looked down at it.
The cloak twitched proudly, as if saying finally.
Wong shook his head in disbelief. "That cloak has sat in the Sanctum for generations. It's never accepted anyone since the previous Supreme Mage. And now it's chosen you without hesitation."
He exhaled slowly, then added with a grin, "You're ridiculously lucky."
Henry raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe it just appreciates style."
The cloak flared in response—as if nodding in agreement.
Wong laughed. "Alright. I take it back. Maybe you and the cloak were meant for each other."
Daniel, who had stood frozen until now, finally managed a few words. "Supreme Mage… with your mastery of space magic and now the cloak choosing you, I believe you've more than earned your title."
Henry smiled. "That's good to hear."
Because as far as he was concerned—this was only the beginning.
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