While the world was abuzz over the virtual world helmets, Malrick and Wong arrived in New Jersey. Their mission was clear: recruit teachers for the Supreme Mage Academy.
As one of Earth's oldest and most prestigious magical institutions, Kamar-Taj had unparalleled access to intelligence. Within two days, Wong compiled a list of recommended candidates. Since they only needed instructors for Potionology and Divination, Liang focused on two names from the list, relying on his memory.
He also marked one name to avoid: a Witch named Agatha. According to Malrick , she was a rogue element in the magical community—unpredictable, reckless, and selfish. Her power, however, was formidable: she could absorb all magic directed at her. In a parallel universe, Agatha even drained the abilities of Celestials Tiamut and Arishem the Judge. Malrick shuddered at the thought of such a witch entering Kamar-Taj; he feared she could one day leave the Sorcerers as mummified husks.
"Is this the place?" Wong asked, standing before a dilapidated shop on a deserted street. Dust covered the parked cars, and the neglected buildings suggested a long-forgotten area.
"Should be," Wong replied, checking his notebook. The faded shop sign read "Psychic," with some letters missing.
The two pushed open the door. A crisp chime rang. The interior exuded a medieval European aesthetic: earthy yellow walls adorned with strange ornaments, white candles of varying heights flickering in display cases, and a divination table with a crystal ball at its center.
"Damn… this reminds me of Trelawney's Divination class," Wong muttered. "But the atmosphere here is even more mysterious."
Malrick studied the room. "Are you sure? It looks like a Gypsy Witch's hideout—like an old shaman selling herbal remedies."
A voice floated from behind a curtain. "Hehe, I used to sell potions, but that service is no longer available. May I help you? Past, present, future—I can tell you all, for a price."
An elegant elderly woman emerged. Her white hair was coiled at the back, with two curls framing her face. Her sharp features gave an impression of depth and mystery.
"She does resemble a shaman," Wong whispered.
Malrick nodded subtly. "Say your lines, Wong."
Wong cleared his throat and addressed her formally. "Excuse me, are you Lilia Calderu?"
Lilia, leaning against the doorframe, straightened abruptly. One hand remained hidden under her shawl. "Who are you?"
"Cough, cough," Wong stammered. "Madam Calderu, I am Wong, librarian of Kamar-Taj, and this is our Sorcerer Supreme…"
"Kamar-Taj?" Lilia's eyes widened. She raised her hands in surrender. "Wait! I've never had dealings with Hell or other dimensions. I am a good witch!"
Wong smiled gently. "Of course. Your nearly 450 years in the archives show a spotless record. We are here to…"
Suddenly, Lilia shifted, speaking in an undulating tone about seemingly unrelated matters. Her teacher persona seemed to vanish for a moment, replaced by another consciousness.
"Oh, Malrick? Good day!" she exclaimed, bowing politely.
Malrick stepped forward and extended his hand. "It seems we've found the right person."
Lilia shook his hand but then froze, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "Um… are you… trying to arrest me?" she asked awkwardly.
"No, congratulations on being hired by the Supreme Mage Academy," Malrick reassured her.
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Ten minutes later, the two traveled via portal to another part of New Jersey, a region steeped in witch lore. Centuries ago, European witches fleeing the Church had settled here, passing down magical knowledge over generations.
"Malrick, I don't understand," Wong said, following closely. "That Lilia seemed to have multiple personalities. How can we be sure she'll teach Divination properly? Won't she frighten young students?"
Malrick shook his finger. "She doesn't have multiple personalities. Her talent in divination is nearly unmatched on Earth. What seems like multiple personalities is actually her consciousness traveling freely through her own timeline.
"Just now, when she called my name, that was her future self reaching back to her current body. At that moment, she was teaching a Divination class."
Wong's eyes widened. "She's that powerful? Incredible!"
"Witches may be slightly weaker than Kamar-Taj Sorcerers in combat, but in knowledge-based magic, they excel," Malrick continued.
Wong nodded. "Then the next witch we recruit will likely be exceptional as well."
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