"It didn't enhance your strength, yet it changed you? What exactly does that mean?"
Qin Xiao couldn't make sense of the Ancient One's words.
If anything, Tony's Revive-Revive Fruit fit that description better.
That fruit didn't increase strength at all—
its effect only triggered upon death.
Could the Age-Age Fruit have some hidden property?
"There are things I cannot tell you for now.
But personally… I thank you."
The Ancient One couldn't reveal her reliance on dark dimension magic.
Nor could she explain that the fruit had freed her from it.
Even if she didn't know how long it would last—
this moment of lightness was something she hadn't felt in centuries.
Her sincere gratitude left Qin Xiao completely stunned.
What is happening?
Did I break something?
Did Dormammu take over her body?
Questions flooded his mind.
He had clearly underestimated just how perfectly the system matched fruits to individuals.
The benefits the Ancient One gained—
far exceeded his expectations.
"So… what exactly happened?" he asked again.
"I cannot explain the specifics.
But regarding your request yesterday—
I agree.
Do you still wish to learn more magic?"
She shifted the topic.
Yesterday, she had hesitated.
Now—
she had made her decision.
The Age-Age Fruit had given her too much.
This was, in a way, repaying Qin Xiao.
"I do. And in return, I'll share insights on developing Devil Fruit abilities."
Qin Xiao seized the opportunity.
Teaching her fruit development—
meant she would grow stronger faster.
And through the system—
he would passively gain more power.
Combined with his own learning—
his rise would accelerate dramatically.
At this rate, reaching Skyfather-level—
or even beyond—
was only a matter of time.
What he didn't realize—
was that even without his guidance,
the Ancient One would still explore the fruit on her own.
"Then let's continue with portal training."
She began explaining again.
But—
"I've already learned it."
Qin Xiao interrupted.
"You have?"
Now it was her turn to be surprised.
Had she been meditating longer than she thought?
Long enough for him to master another spell?
But she was certain—
it hadn't been that long.
Qin Xiao smiled.
This—
was the benefit he gained from her.
He put on the Sling Ring and began casting.
Zzz—
Zzz—
Golden sparks formed a circular gateway.
On the other side—
the New York Sanctum appeared.
The portal stabilized.
The Ancient One nodded.
"Your casting speed is slow.
But… you've indeed mastered it."
"Who's there?!"
At that moment, Daniel sensed the disturbance.
He rushed in—
and froze when he saw who it was.
"Master Daniel, apologies for the intrusion," the Ancient One said gently.
Daniel blinked.
She looked the same—
yet somehow…
different.
More alive.
Before he could process it—
Qin Xiao stepped through the portal.
"Master Daniel, has anything major happened in New York recently?"
Coming here wasn't random.
Qin Xiao wanted information.
The sorcerers kept a low profile—
even S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't fully know about the Sanctums.
So opening a portal here was the safest option.
And Daniel, as guardian of the New York Sanctum—
was always well-informed.
Daniel glanced between Qin Xiao and the Ancient One.
"Something major is always happening in New York.
What exactly are you asking?"
There was a slight edge to his tone.
Perhaps… he still remembered their last encounter.
"Then… anything related to Stark Industries?"
Qin Xiao adjusted his question.
"Yes."
Daniel answered immediately.
"Tony Stark's temporary bodyguard—Frank—
has been put on a wanted list."
Qin Xiao froze.
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