Marvel: The Ultimate Superman-Chapter 144. A Reflection on the Source of Magic

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As Nolan's thoughts settled, his movements stopped, and the incantation was completed.

Suddenly, orange magical energy began to crystallize into shimmering fragments, spreading outward from Nolan as the center.

In an instant, the ground swept by the fragments shimmered and reassembled like waves. The surrounding scientific equipment also rippled like water.

This strange phenomenon lasted only a moment, so brief that even Otto only felt a flash of light pass before his eyes.

It seemed like nothing had changed, but the space around them glittered faintly like reflected glass.

Otto saw the orange magical energy disappear from Nolan's hand, but didn't ask any questions,, he knew he wouldn't understand anyway.

"Magic isn't all that difficult."

With a thought, Nolan's finger flickered with orange energy. Suddenly, Otto felt the loss of gravity, his body lifted into the air as if carried by some invisible force.

"A zero-gravity state? This... This is incredible."

Otto twisted his body slightly, floating freely like drifting in water.

"Amazing magic, it can even alter the parameters of dimensional space. Though, of course, that's thanks to the power of the Vishanti. Turns out cultivating magic really does require a powerful patron. Not every source of magic can achieve this level."

Nolan muttered to himself.

Crash~

The sound of glass shattering rang out. The space around them fragmented like broken crystal. Otto, who had been floating, suddenly dropped to the floor with a heavy thud.

"What an extraordinary power..."

Once again, Nolan's display left Otto, the staunch materialist, doubting his worldview.

...

Wong stared at the projection as Nolan's figure vanished, then reappeared, preceded by that crystalline effect.

That was the Mirror Dimension.

Just moments ago, Nolan had disappeared into the Mirror Dimension.

"Two days to master the Mirror Dimension..."

Wong turned toward the Ancient One, as if hoping she'd tell him it wasn't real.

Although part of him hoped Nolan would pull off a miracle, now that it actually happened, he felt... overwhelmed.

He had practiced for decades and only grasped the Mirror Dimension a few years ago.

And now, someone who had only practiced magic for five days had performed it right in front of him.

"Mm."

The Ancient One nodded. To be honest, she had expected Nolan to eventually master the Mirror Dimension, but she hadn't anticipated it would happen in just two days.

Even if he used an external aid, it didn't matter. He'd grasped the essence of the spell.

After all, even Kamar-Taj's mages relied on tools, like the Sling Ring.

Magic wasn't easily grasped without help.

Even she used external power. In fact, most magical systems did.

And when you borrow power, you must repay it.

That's why, after Kamar-Taj sorcerers die, their souls and magic go to serve the Vishanti. And that's considered a favorable deal.

If it were darker entities like Dormammu, you'd often have to pay the price before you died.

The true nature of magic... is equivalent exchange.

That's why in the Middle Ages, magic was often synonymous with alchemy.

Unless your source of magic was from an unconscious energy dimension, there was always a cost. And most known dimensions have owners.

To wield great power, you must bargain with these dimensional entities.

Wong couldn't help but ask, "But how did he do it? Using that shard?"

"If you're curious, you can ask him yourself. As for Mordo... there's no need to tell him. Let him discover it on his own."

The Ancient One smiled as she poured herself another cup of tea from her seemingly endless teapot.

"Alright."

Wong nodded. When Nolan returned tomorrow, he'd ask him directly. He was just too curious.

Nolan was practicing magic in a way totally different from theirs.

"Looks like Mordo's going to be quite embarrassed this time."

...

Back in the lab, Nolan turned to Otto and asked, "Is the anti-Magneto armor ready?"

"Still working on a rapid demagnetization process. But the micro-scale nuclear reactor is showing promise."

"Good. Prioritize the research."

Nolan opened a golden portal and stepped through. On the other side, Norman Osborn's office.

Ever since mastering portal magic, Nolan couldn't be bothered to walk anymore unless it was a place he hadn't visited yet.

Norman was at his desk reviewing documents when he noticed a strange glow forming. He tensed and moved his hand toward the alarm.

The glowing sparks formed a circle, and Nolan stepped out.

"Boss!"

Norman stood up, then frowned slightly.

"I thought you were away?"

"Just got back. I went to study magic."

Nolan dropped onto the couch. He'd return to Kamar-Taj tomorrow. Now that he had mastered portals and didn't need to attend classes, he just needed time to read through their library.

After all, no rule said a scientist couldn't learn magic. Magic was simply another way of understanding the universe.

In fact, there were universes where Tony Stark became the Sorcerer Supreme.

Some even had magical armor.

Scientific inquiry is just a mindset to observe, categorize, deduce, and master.

People just tend to study technology because physics is easier to observe.

If humans had first encountered magic, then scientific development might have focused on magic research instead.

"Magic?"

Nolan formed a small portal and reached his hand through it.

On Norman's desk, an identical portal appeared. Nolan's hand reached through and took Norman's pen.

"This... is incredible!"

"It's really not. Once you understand how it works, it's simple."

To Nolan, now that he'd grasped the essence of magic, it was just about expanding knowledge and absorbing more systems.

He could even mix different sources of energy to create his own spells.

But he still had one major problem: the source of magic.

He couldn't rely on someone else's magic forever.

"I need to figure out how to trick some dimensional demon lords..."

Then Nolan paused.

Didn't he already have a temporary source of magic?

Black Sky. Or rather, The Beast.

He'd already burned that bridgecmight as well keep milking it.

"Time to study some demonic magic."

A thousand ideas flashed through Nolan's mind.

If magic were just borrowed energy plus the right runes and incantations...

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