A wide river cut the floating island into two distinct halves. On one side stood Gothic and palace-style Western buildings. On the other, red-walled, vermillion-tiled Eastern structures stretched out, high-walled and grand.
In the very center of the river, a massive Mage Tower soared into the clouds. Close observers could see a gentle golden glow wrapping around its outer shell, runes of shimmering magic pulsing within that light. That aura was the protection of the Vishanti, shielding the entire island. In the hands of the Sorcerer Supreme — Dark Strange — that spell could repel even Universe-destroying assaults.
Inside the Mage Tower, on its first floor, Malrick sat on a rostrum made of white marble steps. Alongside him were nine other instructors. A long table in front of them was draped in dark brown cotton felt, embroidered with the runes of Kamar-Taj. Above them, the ceiling alternated between holographic outdoor scenes and ethereal magical diagrams.
To the side of the table sat Thor, who had hurried from Asgard just for this gathering. He laughed loudly, patting Loki on the back, praising the decision to make him a teacher: after all, Loki was one of the Nine Realms' most skilled mages. Loki forced a smile, though he clearly wished he could summon a dagger to stab Thor. His divine power was sealed, so instead he just bowed his head politely, secretly considering a new movie plot where he makes Thor his servant.
On Loki's other side sat Mordo, expressionless, holding a portrait — a painting of a bald woman wearing yellow robes, like a memorial portrait carried at a funeral. Tony Stark, seated next to him, slapped his forehead in exasperation.
"I don't know how to put this," Tony said. "We have two oddly dressed aliens, and someone holding what looks like a funeral portrait. When the students walk in later, will they think we're hosting a Halloween party?"
Mordo frowned. "This is not a memorial portrait. It's the Ancient One. And she has her own consciousness in it."
Before Mordo could continue, the painted figure spoke through the portrait in a gentle voice: "Tony's right. You should put me down before you scare the new students."
Ancient One looked helpless, but in a quiet, dignified way. Once, Malrick had even joked about hanging her portrait by the entrance to give newcomers the Wi-Fi password — calling her Kamar-Taj's "janitor." Now, though, Mordo insisted on carrying her everywhere, determined to show her what the Academy looked like. He was stubborn, but sincere.
Mordo responded softly, "Ancient One, the students will be honored to meet someone who protected Earth for so long. It would be a shame if you weren't here."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Just promise me you won't carry her into combat class."
Mordo opened his mouth to reply, but Malrick raised a hand to calm him. "The new students are here. Since Ancient One does not refuse, Mordo may continue as he wishes."
Ancient One, within her portrait, simply smiled at Malrick with eyes clear as water. Many would find that gaze unsettling, but Malrick remained composed, returning her smile with equal serenity.
At that moment, lively chatter rose outside the hall. Wong's voice echoed through spell-amplified sound: "This is the Mage Tower. We hold faculty meetings, meals, simulated combat, and stargazing classes here. Please keep quiet — the Principal and other teachers are prepared."
The heavy, enchanted metal doors creaked open, and Wong led the 345 new students inside. They came in all shapes and sizes, their eye colors and temperaments diverse. They quieted at once, marveling at the hall's grandeur.
The sun set on the domed ceiling in perfect harmony with the sky outside. Portraits on the walls seemed to move, and the students gasped in awe.
Malrick rose from his seat. He wore a black mage robe, distinct from the brown robes of the other instructors. He stood tall and addressed the students:
"Welcome to the Supreme Mage Academy. I am Malrick, your Principal, and I am honored you accepted our invitation and joined us today."
"This Academy is part of Kamar-Taj. For many of you, this is your first time here — and today marks our first class of new students."
"The next four — or perhaps six — years will be your time here, and I promise you it will be both wonderful and important."
"You have already received details about our courses. Soon, Sorcerer Wong will explain everything more fully."
"But new students, choose your major wisely. You must decide whether to join the Academy of Magic or the Academy of Mystical Arts."
"Each year, these two academies will compete in combat. Those who earn the most points can win the Principal's Scholarship."
"And for those of you who joined the Academy of Magic hoping to meet Superman — you may come to find me after dinner."
He sat back down, opening his robe to show the emblem on his chest.
A wave of stunned gasps spread across the hall as students realized: the Principal was Superman. Although his face had appeared to many before, no one always remembered it. But now, seeing him plainly, the students stared in recognition. Malrick's gaze held both power and warmth.
In the crowd, Shafika's excitement bubbled over. She almost rose to cheer, but control pulled her back.
As soon as Malrick sat, he raised his wrist. Tables emerged before the students, chairs moved into place, and food appeared — customized perfectly for each person. It was magical and precise.
Shafika began eating immediately, thinking she would catch the Principal later to thank him. Around her, the students relaxed, talking freely for the first time.
One whisper caught her attention: a student claimed that Nightmares — the creatures they rode — were the same as the ones in Hogwarts, visible only to those who had touched death. He said he had once seen a saddle float in midair and pick someone up — his family had been terrified.
Shafika felt her heart skip. If she could ride a Nightmare, did that mean she had witnessed death? It made sense — she had seen Superman take down two terrorists before. That had frightened her, but it had also saved her.
She ate faster, eager for tomorrow and to find Malrick again, so she could thank him.
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