"Sean, good morning. How are you doing today?"
"Sebastian, good morning to you as well. Have you heard the news yet? Tony Stark from Stark Industries is missing. The internet is saying he might have been captured by terrorists somewhere overseas. It is absolutely terrifying when you think about it. How is it that even people that rich and powerful can just vanish like that without a trace? I mean the man has billions of dollars and the best security money can buy."
Hearing this Sebastian was momentarily stunned by the information. He had seen the news about Tony Stark twice before in passing but it had not stuck with him at the time. Now the memory returned to him clearly though it was no use dwelling on it at this moment. All he could do was wait patiently for Tony Stark's return to civilization. Iron Man would soon appear in this world and change everything.
Sigh.
It looked like New York was about to become a lot more dangerous in the coming years.
In about ten years the greatest crisis would descend upon the Earth. And he only had ten years to prepare himself for it.
Of course maybe he could prevent it all from happening. Maybe he could nip every danger in the bud before it bloomed into something catastrophic. But for that he needed power. The power to handle everything that was coming.
And he was the key to obtaining that power.
Sebastian knocked on the door and pushed it open before walking in.
He looked at Daniel standing in the living room and nodded with a smile on his face.
"Master Daniel, I am here again. I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Master Sebastian you are already familiar with this place after your many visits. Please make yourself at home and do not stand on ceremony."
It had been two months since Sebastian and the Ancient One had first come here to this sanctuary. During this time his life had returned to a peaceful routine without major incidents.
The only difference was that he now visited the New York Sanctum every other day to read the books there and expand his knowledge. Every Sunday Sharon would also come to his house for dinner helping to maintain their relationship. Although Sebastian found it a bit odd that Sharon visited so frequently Alisha seemed genuinely happy with it. So he never raised any objections to her presence.
The space inside the New York Sanctum was far larger than it appeared from the outside when viewed from the street. There were many corridors on each floor winding like a labyrinth through the building. The library where Sebastian read was located on the first floor. It did not contain books on powerful combat magic or dangerous spells. Instead they were mainly focused on the theory and history of magic in this world. At most there were a few books that recorded minor utility spells. Sebastian had glanced through them carefully but he had not secretly learned any of the magic without permission.
The principle of equivalent exchange was not just an abstract concept for Sebastian. It was a practice he lived by every day. As someone deeply dedicated to magic and the pursuit of knowledge he could never steal magic from another school of learning. Even if it was just some minor spell or cantrip. Sebastian did not view it as simply a small magic trick that did not matter. If he wished to learn something he would formally propose an exchange. Starting with a proper understanding and agreement. No shortcuts or dishonesty.
The books he was currently reading had been exchanged with the Ancient One. In return Sebastian had made improvements to healing potions and other brews suited to this world's biology and materials.
Sigh.
That said the magical trade and communication network in New York had been around for almost two hundred years now. It was extremely secretive and could not be easily found unless someone introduced you to it. Or you knew exactly how to access it through specific channels. No wonder he had not been able to find such a place on his own before meeting Daniel.
Lately he had been improving the recipe for Draught of Living Death. There was only one known material from his previous world available in this one. But he was looking for a possible replacement that would work just as well.
Still the process of doing all this on his own did not sit well with him at all. In his past life he had a house elf that would handle everything perfectly for him. In this life there were no such creatures to assist him. So he had to do everything himself from start to finish. It seemed setting up a research institute or maybe even a full company was inevitable at this point.
While lost in thought Sebastian began to organize the books on the table along with his own handwritten notes. He was preparing to leave for the day.
Just then Daniel arrived carrying a cup of hot tea. He paused when he saw Sebastian's movements indicating departure.
"Master Sebastian you returned quite early today compared to your usual schedule. Is something the matter?"
"Daniel, thank you very much for the tea but I may not be able to drink it today. I am really sorry about that."
"It is no problem at all. I will drink it myself then. No sense in letting good tea go to waste."
Hearing Daniel's words Sebastian smiled with appreciation.
"Then I will come back the day after tomorrow as usual. I am planning to visit the places where New York mages communicate and trade today. Hopefully I can find what I need along the way for my research."
Daniel had originally thought Sebastian simply wanted to go home early to rest. But when he heard Sebastian's actual words his face immediately turned serious with concern.
"Master Sebastian do you mean you are going to the exchange office in New York? The one in Hell's Kitchen?"
Seeing Daniel's suddenly serious expression Sebastian nodded with confirmation.
"Yes I plan to go there and have a look around. See what materials and knowledge are available."
"If that is the case please allow me to accompany you on this trip. It is known as the no care zone among mages. The danger level is very high for the unprepared. If it is your first time going there you will undoubtedly face many problems and potential threats. Let me guide you properly."
Daniel's desire to accompany Sebastian stemmed from his intention to protect his safety and well being. While Sebastian's reason for accepting was that Daniel seemed very familiar with the place. Having him along would not only save the trouble of finding the entrance. But also help avoid inflated prices from the people inside who might take advantage of a newcomer. He still needed to save money after all for his various projects.
Although both were thinking for different reasons the outcome was the same. In the end it was decided that Daniel would accompany Sebastian to the exchange. Of course before they could leave Daniel had to contact Kamar Taj to arrange for someone to temporarily take his place. The sanctuary could not be left unattended even for a short time.
About five minutes later Daniel's temporary replacement arrived at the sanctum. It was a burly man with an angular face and a gloomy expression. He had a gentlemanly demeanor that somehow suggested the air of something darker beneath the surface.
There was no doubt in Sebastian's mind as soon as he saw him.
Kaecilius!
At this point in time Kaecilius had not yet departed from the Ancient One and Kamar Taj in betrayal. Nor had he become a follower of Dormammu and the Dark Dimension. However he was already quite well known in Kamar Taj for his skills. As one of the Ancient One's most talented disciples Kaecilius was more popular than his fellow student Karl Mordo. He had greater strength and fame and a more impressive personal life. Many believed that Kaecilius was destined to be the Ancient One's successor when she eventually stepped down. And Kaecilius himself certainly thought so as well.
Today Kaecilius was still the same polite and disciplined mage he had always been. He saluted both Daniel and Sebastian formally.
"Master Daniel you can leave everything to me for now. I will guard this place with my life. This must be the esteemed Master Sebastian as mentioned by the Ancient One herself."
"Mage Kaecilius hello. It is an honor to meet you."
Sebastian responded politely while studying the man carefully.
"I hope we can have a proper conversation sometime Master Sebastian. I have heard interesting things about your unique magic."
"There will definitely be a chance for that in the future I am sure."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries Daniel changed into the clothes he used when he acted outside the sanctuary. He and Sebastian then left the New York Sanctum together. They made their way toward the entrance of the mysterious place where mages communicated and traded. Hell's Kitchen.
After getting off the subway the two of them walked into a narrow alley between buildings. Daniel opened the mirror dimension with practiced ease. He guided Sebastian through it carefully ensuring they did not attract any unwanted attention from normal people. Finally they emerged at an ordinary looking restaurant in Hell's Kitchen. In the middle of the room Daniel opened the mirror dimension again. He walked out with Sebastian into the real world.
This was the entrance to that mysterious place where mages gathered!