*55

Although it couldn't completely solve her issue, having some relief was better than none.

Being controlled by others was a familiar feeling for Ava. Even with the possibility of a cure, she had no intention of betraying Hermione.

Just one look at the devastation around her was enough. Betray Hermione one moment, and you'd be gone the next.

What good would a cure do if you couldn't live to enjoy it?

Wait a minute...

What did Hermione just say?

Magic?

After the initial shock, Ava looked at Hermione with wide eyes.

Hermione twirled her wand, conjuring fireworks, and smiled. "I'm a wizard!"

Ava's mouth dropped open. "What?"

After a moment, she began to process the truth.

A wizard... No wonder she had such formidable abilities.

This was fantastic!

The stronger Hermione was, the greater Ava's hope for a complete recovery.

What was S.H.I.E.L.D. compared to this? Ava decided to be a loyal follower of Miss Wizard from now on!

Hermione cast another "Manifestation Spell."

With her current magical power, the spell would hold on Ava for about seven days, requiring a refresh weekly.

Ava was surprisingly accepting. For the first time in her life, she felt truly at ease.

Is this what being normal feels like? Ava nearly wept with joy.

"Thank you, Master Wizard!"

"My name's Hermione Granger. Just call me Hermione. 'Master Wizard' sounds silly," Hermione said casually.

It wasn't because Ava was a beautiful woman, but because she was now an ally.

"Ava," Hermione said suddenly.

"Huh?"

"Return to S.H.I.E.L.D."

"What?"

Ava was startled and stammered, "L-Little Hermione... What do you mean?"

Seeing Ava's alarm, Hermione explained, "I'm not abandoning you. It's just that following me isn't useful. It's better to go undercover at S.H.I.E.L.D. and relay any news you find."

Hermione hadn't figured out how to position Ava yet.

Ava relaxed.

Then she hesitated, looking awkward. "But with your magic, I can't phase anymore..."

"It's okay."

Hermione had anticipated this issue and handed Ava an item.

"This is an invisibility cloak. With it, you can switch between visible and invisible at will, maintaining the illusion of your powers."

This item was crafted using Nicolas Flamel's alchemy notes. His life's work was essentially encoded in the [alchemy] section of the magic book, full of peculiar items.

With this alone, Hermione was now a competent alchemist.

Of course, this was a handmade item, not comparable to Harry's Deathly Hallows' Invisibility Cloak. It could be detected by magical means but was sufficient for Ava.

Ava examined the cloak in surprise, and after testing its invisibility, she was overjoyed.

"Alright!"

---

"Fury, you're going to be busy," Hermione mused, surveying the ruins.

Just as she was about to leave, everything shattered like glass.

The flames, the corpses, everything froze, as if she had entered a space apart from reality.

"The Mirror Dimension!"

Hermione exclaimed and attempted to Disapparate.

But the next moment, she collided with the barrier.

Boom!

A clear thud.

Her escape failed.

"Ouch, ouch..."

Hermione clutched her nose, tears welling up.

Level 3 Apparition wasn't enough to breach the Mirror Dimension's barrier. She could teleport within it, but spatial barriers halted her.

Commonly known as a teleportation mishap.

Guessing who it might be, Hermione rubbed her reddening nose and turned.

Sure enough, a bald woman in yellow robes stood not far away.

Hermione: "..."

With a sweet smile, she approached the Ancient One, gently took her hand, and said, "Ah, Master Ancient One! It's an honor to finally meet you!"

The Ancient One allowed Hermione to hold her hand and said calmly, "Then why did you try to run?"

"Just a reflex when scared," Hermione said, sneaking glances at the Ancient One, preparing to escape to Hogwarts.

She couldn't believe she'd enforce laws across dimensions!

Seeing no reaction from the Ancient One, Hermione continued, "What brings you here, Master Ancient One? I'm just a humble wizard, not on par with Kamar-Taj..."

Before she could finish, she was interrupted.

"Kamar-Taj's sorcerers pick their feet. Who knows how the Ancient One practices?" the Ancient One quoted with a smile.

Hermione's smile froze.

Boss, what's your deal with eavesdropping?

"Master Ancient One, you know I'm just a child. I meant no harm, just exaggerating! I'd rather not be a true duck!"

Hermione wiped away nonexistent tears.

The Ancient One glanced at the surrounding bodies, smiling.

"That's... That's... They attacked me first! According to the Constitution, Criminal Law, and Juvenile Protection Law, I have the right to defend myself!"

Seeing the Ancient One's expectant expression, Hermione's face fell. "Fine, just say what you need. I won't run."

"Don't worry, I mean no harm. I just wanted to see you," the Ancient One said calmly. "And if you truly wished to leave, I couldn't stop you."

Hermione perked up.

How could she know...?

Sensing Hermione's thoughts, the Ancient One nodded slightly. "Yes, although the future is obscured, your presence is always in the blur."

Hermione wanted to ask more, but the Ancient One suddenly said, "Young wizard, someone will arrive soon. Why not visit Kamar-Taj?"

After a moment's hesitation, Hermione nodded. "Alright, thank you, Master Ancient One."

Since she'd been caught, she might as well be gracious. Besides, she was curious about Marvel's sorcerers.

Seeing Hermione agree, the Ancient One waved her hand, conjuring a portal with orange sparks.

---

Stepping through the portal, Hermione found herself in a courtyard.

Looking around, she recognized it as the training ground from the Kamar-Taj scenes in the movies.

Watching the sorcerers practicing magic, wielding shields, slashing, and whipping, Hermione was speechless and glanced at the Ancient One.

Are you sure these are sorcerers?

Without the effects, they looked like Spartan warriors!

The Ancient One smiled. "Casting ranged spells requires strong magic. Not all sorcerers can do it."

Hermione shrugged, noncommittal.

In her view, a mage was a magical fortress, casting spells from afar. Melee combat wasn't her style.

The Ancient One said no more, leading Hermione inside.

Soon, a sorcerer served tea.

Hermione sipped, her eyes lighting up.

"Mmm! Delicious!"

She felt a cool sensation in her mind, enhancing her mental strength.

The magic book's response thrilled Hermione.

Legilimency proficiency +1+1+1...

Occlumency proficiency +1+1+1...

Though it didn't increase her magical power, it improved her mental magic proficiency, refining her magical control.

For instance, she could now quickly pinpoint answers in a mind rather than sifting aimlessly.

"Glad you like it."

The Ancient One smiled serenely.

"So, Miss Wizard, can you tell me where you're really from?"