"Sorcerer Supreme, are you alright?"
"Supreme Sorcerer, what happened to the evil gods?"
"Everyone, stay alert!"
The joyous atmosphere of victory evaporated as the Sorcerers caught sight of the Ancient One. Her robes were stained with blood, and her aura wavered, suggesting grave injuries.
For centuries, the Ancient One had been their unwavering pillar of strength. No matter the enemy, her presence guaranteed victory. Her countless triumphs over the years had instilled a near-unshakable confidence in the Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj.
But now, seeing her battered and weakened, unease rippled through the gathered crowd.
The Ancient One raised a hand, her calm smile halting the approaching Sorcerers attempting to assist her.
With a graceful wave, the blood vanished from her body, and her golden robes appeared pristine, as if freshly donned.
Her voice, steady and composed, cut through the growing murmur.
"Do not worry," she assured them. "Although the evil gods were numerous this time, they have all been dealt with."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Now, let us celebrate. Once again, Kamar-Taj has defended the Earth and repelled the dimensional demons."
With another wave of her hand, the crowd parted, forming a clear path to the main hall.
The Ancient One walked toward the palace with her usual poise, her calm demeanor reassuring most of the Sorcerers.
After all, they reasoned, facing seven evil gods and sustaining injuries isn't unusual. She is still the Supreme Sorcerer.
The celebratory atmosphere returned quickly. Laughter and cheers filled the air as Sorcerers began gathering with their friends, their earlier worries pushed aside.
Amid the revelry, Lockhart and a few senior Sorcerers slipped away unnoticed.
Kamar-Taj, Bronze Hall.
The Ancient One, now dressed in a flowing white uniform, sat at the head of the chamber, her expression serene.
Two rows of Sorcerers, seated on either side of the hall, faced her in silence. Lockhart sat at the end of the left row, observing the room with quiet detachment.
Some Sorcerers appeared tense, their brows furrowed in thought. Others wore neutral or stoic expressions.
The Ancient One broke the silence. "Masters, let us begin by reporting the losses Kamar-Taj suffered during this war."
Her voice carried a note of finality, yet the room remained still. No one spoke, the weight of the question hanging heavy in the air.
"Let us start with the three major temples," she continued, her tone patient yet firm.
She turned her gaze toward a man in the second row. "Kaecillius, how fares the New York Temple?"
Kaecillius stood, bowing respectfully before speaking.
"Supreme Sorcerer, the New York Temple remains intact overall," he began. "However, the Twilight God's invasion resulted in the death of Sorcerer Nato, the temple's guardian."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Additionally, a significant number of ordinary people were turned into puppets and broke into the temple."
"But these issues have been resolved. Master Lockhart utilized a magical creature capable of erasing collective memories. The affected individuals had their memories cleansed and were safely returned."
Kaecillius shifted slightly before concluding. "The Twilight God was also suppressed, sealed using the Eye of Agamotto under Master Lockhart's command."
At the mention of the Eye of Agamotto, all eyes turned toward Lockhart.
Their gazes ranged from disbelief to caution and curiosity.
While raising magical creatures was not particularly unusual, the use of the Eye of Agamotto was another matter entirely.
The artifact was exclusively wielded by the Supreme Sorcerer, its secrets passed down through direct lineage. For another Sorcerer to utilize it was unprecedented.
Lockhart met their stares with calm indifference. His expression remained composed, though he nodded politely to a few Sorcerers he considered allies.
The Ancient One's voice broke the tension. "I entrusted the Eye of Agamotto to Lockhart for this mission," she explained.
"He possesses a unique constitution that allows him to channel its power safely."
Her words were matter-of-fact, yet they left no room for dispute.
"Let us move on. Arnold, how fares the London Temple?"
The Sorcerer overseeing the London Temple rose, bowing as he spoke.
"Supreme Sorcerer, the London Temple sustained no significant damage, thanks to your timely intervention," he reported.
"Aside from some minor energy losses, everything is under control."
The Ancient One nodded, her expression remaining neutral as Arnold took his seat.
She turned her gaze to the right side of the room. "The Hong Kong Temple?"
A heavy silence followed.
The Sorcerers glanced around, confusion evident as they realized the Hong Kong Temple's guardian Sorcerer was absent.
At this moment, Byron, the law enforcement elder seated at the front right, rose and spoke gravely.
"Supreme Sorcerer, I must apologize deeply to you. This war was born from the grave failures of the law enforcement officers under my command."
Byron's voice carried the weight of guilt and accountability as he continued.
"The traitor David infiltrated our ranks and led over twenty Sorcerers in a coordinated act of sabotage. During the chaos, they released the Evil God Dusk, allowing it to invade the Hong Kong Temple."
He paused briefly, his voice tightening. "Using deceit, they bypassed the temple's formation, resulting in the near annihilation of the Hong Kong Temple's guardian Sorcerers. The World's Light Magic Array was destroyed, and the energy core was seized."
"In the end, the rift was opened, becoming the very source of this dimensional invasion."
As Byron finished, an oppressive silence blanketed the hall.
The gravity of his words pressed down on everyone, making even breathing feel difficult.
Clatter, clatter, clatter.
The soft tapping of fingertips against the armrest echoed in the chamber.
The Ancient One, her head resting on one hand, tapped the armrest of her seat thoughtfully with the other. Her calm demeanor only heightened the tension.
Byron's upright posture faltered slightly under the weight of the moment.
"Supreme Sorcerer," he said, bowing deeply, "the responsibility lies entirely with the law enforcement officers. We failed to detect the traitor David and allowed these catastrophic losses to occur.
"I am prepared to accept any punishment you deem fit."
The Ancient One's gaze shifted to Byron, her expression unreadable.
After a moment, she extended her hand, and Byron felt his body rise as though an unseen force gently pulled him upright.
The Supreme Sorcerer's voice, steady and composed, filled the hall.
"The traitor David was cunning and meticulous. It is understandable that his actions went unnoticed for a time."
Her tone sharpened slightly. "However, the consequences of this failure cannot be ignored. Elder Byron, you and the law enforcement officers involved will forfeit ten years' worth of resources as penance."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing.
"In addition, the capture of David must be achieved within one year. Those who succeed will earn the right to assume the position of Law Enforcement Elder."
Her gaze fixed on Byron. "Until that time, you will remain in your current role on a provisional basis."
Byron exhaled audibly, relief softening his tense expression.
Though the punishment was severe, it came with an opportunity for redemption. If David were captured within the allotted time, Byron's failures could be mitigated.
This is my chance to make things right.
His resolve solidified as the Ancient One spoke again.
"Elder Byron," she said, "for the pursuit of David, you may coordinate with Master Lockhart. He previously reported clues related to David during his tenure as a temporary law enforcer."
Byron blinked in surprise but quickly nodded.
His impression of Lockhart had already been favorable. From disrupting Dormammu's arrival to single-handedly holding the dark vortex, and even sealing the Evil God Dusk, Lockhart's strength and achievements were undeniable.
Byron glanced at Lockhart, who returned his gaze with a calm, steady expression. With a nod of understanding, Byron took his seat.
The meeting continued as other Sorcerers reported the impacts of the dimensional invasion on their respective responsibilities.
Despite the Hong Kong Temple's devastating losses, the damage to other areas was minimal and largely reparable.
When it was Lockhart's turn, he rose and gave a concise account of his role:
Loki's summoning of the alien fleet.
The incursion into Vientiane World.
His efforts to erase the memories of ordinary people exposed to the supernatural.
His report was met with murmurs of approval, and after finishing, he sat back down.
By sunset, all reports were completed, and the Supreme Sorcerer had addressed rewards and punishments accordingly.
As the meeting concluded, the Sorcerers rose and began filing out of the hall.
Lockhart followed the crowd, his thoughts already shifting to the Vientiane World and assessing its post-battle state.
But as he reached the threshold, the Ancient One's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Lockhart," she called, her tone calm yet commanding, "stay. I have something to discuss with you."
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