The problem was that most sorcerers on Earth lacked the innate energy reserves needed to release magic freely for attacks. Instead, they had to rely on channeling magic through artifacts to reduce energy consumption while enhancing attack or defense capabilities. Among Earth's sorcerers, only the Ancient One could directly use magic as a weapon without reliance on tools.
"Your starting point is far too high—almost absurdly so. But that's not a bad thing. This means you'll likely grasp what I need to teach you much faster," the Ancient One said. "Take the rest of the day to rest and adjust your mindset. We'll begin your formal training tomorrow."
However, the Ancient One wasn't being entirely honest. She didn't want Wanda to rest for her own sake but needed time to process her own thoughts. What kind of prodigies surround Han Yu?
It was already outrageous that Han Yu himself was so overwhelmingly powerful, but now even the women around him were astonishingly strong. The Ancient One couldn't help but think that if Han Yu knew how to teach magic, Wanda might already have become a Sorcerer Supreme by now, leaving her with nothing to do.
The Ancient One sighed, feeling as if her years of experience amounted to nothing. Here she was, surpassed by a young woman in her twenties. It completely shattered her worldview.
Meanwhile, Han Yu and his companions had arrived at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. The moment they entered, Han Yu felt the weight of countless stares directed at him. He noticed groups of people whispering to one another while pointing in his direction.
At first, this behavior seemed hostile, but upon observing their expressions—regardless of whether they were male or female—there was no malice. Instead, there was… astonishment. Or perhaps, delight?
Han Yu turned to Ultron and Pietro, pointing at his own face. "Is there something wrong with me today?"
Pietro shook his head cluelessly, but Ultron, ever perceptive, chuckled knowingly. His advanced sensors picked up the whispers around them with ease.
"It seems your exploits—taking down Hydra and resolving the Sokovia crisis—have spread like wildfire in S.H.I.E.L.D.," Ultron said, grinning. "They're all talking about you. It's all good things, though. Some are even speculating that you're the real hidden director of S.H.I.E.L.D. They're just shocked at how young you look."
Han Yu rolled his eyes, easily recognizing the flattery in Ultron's tone. "The security measures at S.H.I.E.L.D. are appallingly bad. Even my identity can't stay hidden," he muttered, ignoring Ultron's teasing.
The trio stepped into an elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. As expected, the elevator would soon be cleared of everyone except them.
Along the way, the elevator stopped several times, and each time, the new passengers would freeze in shock upon recognizing Han Yu. They would steal glances at him, whispering that he looked even younger in person than in the photos.
Though they tried to keep their voices low, the elevator was a confined space. Han Yu and his companions heard every word.
What made it worse was the behavior of Pietro and Ultron. They exchanged knowing looks, their gazes practically screaming, Our boss is amazing. They even chimed in agreement with some of the whispers, which only made Han Yu more uncomfortable.
"If either of you says another word, I'll throw you out of this elevator," Han Yu hissed, his voice low enough that only Pietro and Ultron could hear.
Both immediately fell silent, knowing full well that Han Yu wouldn't hesitate to follow through. After all, neither of them could die from such a fall, so Han Yu wouldn't feel the slightest guilt about it.
When they reached the top floor, they found Nick Fury, Captain America, and Natasha already engaged in a discussion. To Han Yu's surprise, even the Winter Soldier was present.
"Han's here," someone said as they turned to greet him.
When Han Yu arrived, Captain America approached him with a handshake. Noticing the two individuals behind Han Yu, he quickly recognized them as part of Han Yu's team from the shop. Since Han Yu was now effectively operating as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s de facto director, no one would question the people he brought along.
Moreover, anyone accompanying Han Yu was bound to be a formidable force. Captain America smiled and invited the trio to sit.
"What's the current situation?" Han Yu asked as he settled into his seat.
"Our satellites are actively tracking Pierce. As soon as he shows himself, we'll detect him immediately," Natasha reported.
"How are you conducting the detection? Standard facial recognition?" Han Yu inquired further.
"Yes, but our search equipment is comprehensive. It should be sufficient," Natasha replied.
"It's clearly not enough," Han Yu remarked, his gaze shifting to Ultron. Without needing a verbal cue, Ultron understood.
He moved to the computer and began typing swiftly on the keyboard. Watching a near-two-meter-tall individual maneuvering a keyboard with precision was an unexpected sight.
"Steve, look at his fingers," Winter Soldier whispered to Captain America.
Upon closer inspection, Captain America noticed thin green beams of light emanating from Ultron's fingers. Each time a finger descended, the beam struck the corresponding key, allowing him to type with incredible accuracy despite his large frame.
"What are you doing?" Nick Fury asked. While he knew Ultron was part of Han Yu's team, Fury couldn't help but feel uneasy seeing him interact with a computer connected to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s extensive network.
"Done," Ultron announced, ceasing his movements. He turned to Han Yu, who nodded in approval. Ultron continued, "This is a program our leader had us develop—the X-System. It's a super-advanced search system. I've just uploaded it to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellites. With this, we can conduct the search much faster."
"Really? I don't buy it," Fury said skeptically. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellite surveillance capabilities were among the best in the world. The idea of a system superior to theirs was hard to accept.
"Let's see for ourselves," Ultron replied confidently. "The X-System uses S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellites to cross-reference the target's characteristics with a global DNA database. It can also analyze behavioral patterns and movements. Even if someone uses advanced disguise techniques, subtle habits and mannerisms are impossible to fully conceal. The X-System detects these minute details to locate the individual."
If such a system truly existed, it would make hiding anywhere on Earth nearly impossible.
The group glanced at Han Yu, who stood nearby with a faint smile. Every time he appeared, this young man managed to astonish them.
At that moment, Ultron's voice rang out.
"Found him!"
"Where?"
"The system shows… Pierce is in this building!"
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