Odin’s Eye of the Storm—the pinnacle of offensive magic Sebastian Shaw had mastered in Asgard. Long forgotten by its people, this spell had been eclipsed by Asgard’s advanced magical technology. Why learn a spell when a weapon could replicate its power? The culture’s obsession with martial prowess over sorcery had buried this formidable magic in obscurity.

Yet, in Sebastian’s hands, it roared back to life.

His right hand trembled, the wand quivering from the strain of channeling such power. He steadied it with his left, the Frost Ring and Ring of Harnessing Power glinting faintly. Below, the Azure Dragon and the Mandarin stood amidst the wreckage of the fortress. Singed and disheveled, they were far from defeated. The Azure Dragon’s massive form shielded the Mandarin, its scales deflecting the storm’s worst blows. Killing the Mandarin would be no simple task.

Worse, Sebastian’s magic was nearly spent. Over the past year, Asgard’s rare materials and relentless training had pushed his power beyond what he’d known in his previous life, rivaling his strength at Hogwarts, his reserves were finite. The battle had drained him, leaving him unable to unleash another spell as devastating as Odin’s Eye of the Storm.

Coincidentally, the Mandarin was also weighing retreat.

His pursuit of Sebastian had been driven by one goal: seizing the power of authority Sebastian wielded. With nine rings remaining—once ten, until Sebastian claimed the Ring of Harnessing Power—the Mandarin stood at the peak of mortal power. To ascend further, he needed authority, any kind, and Sebastian’s was the most accessible on Earth. That’s why he’d sent the Doctor to investigate and make contact.

But the Doctor, a double agent for both the Ten Rings and AIM, had his own agenda. Rather than follow orders to merely observe Sebastian, he schemed to claim that power for himself. He wormed his way into Alisha Shaw’s life, hoping to manipulate her to get to Sebastian. The plan backfired spectacularly. Enraged, Sebastian crushed the Doctor with ease, leaving no room for resistance.

This was why, upon meeting Sebastian, the Mandarin disavowed the Doctor’s actions, claiming they weren’t his orders.

Whether Sebastian believed him was irrelevant. His true aim was to send a message to anyone daring to threaten Alisha: cross him, and he’d fight to the death.

The Mandarin had become the perfect target to prove that point.

Now, the Mandarin was battered, half his body charred, one ring stolen, and his fortress reduced to rubble. The Azure Dragon, his hidden trump card, had failed to overwhelm Sebastian. The display of authority was undeniable—Sebastian had made his point.

He knew killing the Mandarin was beyond his current strength. Continuing the fight risked depleting his magic entirely, leaving him vulnerable to unforeseen threats. Better to withdraw now, preserving his power.

The Mandarin, too, saw the futility of pressing on. Gazing at Sebastian, who commanded the storm like a god, he burned to reclaim his ring. Yet, he recognized Sebastian’s weakened state. Victory was possible, but at a steep cost—one he couldn’t afford.

Behind Sebastian loomed the shadow of Kamar-Taj, and above all, the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme. Her presence was a blade poised over every mystic’s head, an unignorable threat. Killing Sebastian would provoke her wrath, a risk even the Mandarin couldn’t take lightly.

Moreover, a fatal strike against Sebastian would leave the Mandarin gravely wounded. His enemies, they’d pounce on any weakness. Losing a ring was a setback, but recoverable. Crippling the Ten Rings or himself? That could take years to mend.

Amid this tense standoff, the third sentient being present—the Azure Dragon—had simpler concerns. What’s for supper? Yesterday’s meal was lackluster. Perhaps something richer tonight?

Sebastian and the Mandarin locked eyes, their gazes piercing the storm. In that moment, they read each other’s intent: neither wished to continue this battle.

A wry chuckle escaped them both. The Mandarin spoke first, his voice smooth despite his wounds. “Mr. Shaw, are you satisfied with this consultation?”

Sebastian’s lips curved. “Of course, I must thank you for your cooperation.”

The Mandarin’s eyes flicked to the stolen ring. “I wonder if Mr. Shaw could return my Laser Beam ring?”

“Laser Beam?” Sebastian feigned confusion. “I’m afraid I don’t know it. I have only three rings: the Sling Ring of Kamar-Taj, my Frost Ring, and the Ring of Harnessing Power. No Laser Beam here.”

At the mention of the Sling Ring, the Mandarin’s expression tightened. Only Kamar-Taj’s sorcerers bore such rings, a mark of their elite status. No outsider could claim one. It was proof of Sebastian’s ties to the mystic order.

He saw through Sebastian’s dodge—the Ring of Harnessing Power was his Laser Beam. But with no desire to prolong the fight, he let it slide. There would be time to reclaim his prize later. No need for a deathmatch now.

The Mandarin’s smile returned, calculated and sharp. “In that case, I must’ve misplaced it. No matter, I’ll find it myself. With my palace in ruins, I won’t keep you as a guest.”

Sebastian nodded, his own smile easy. “Perfect. I must return to my mother and ensure her safety. I’ll take my leave.”

Without hesitation, he waved his wand, dispelling the storm. A glowing portal snapped open, and Sebastian stepped through, vanishing before the Mandarin’s eyes.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep