I Became Spider-Man's Cousin in Anime Crossover

Chapter 471 [Two Chapters Combined] The Ancient One Mage's Worries

The Ancient One, dressed in her bright yellow robes, remained serene and detached, as if the world's troubles were irrelevant to her.

"It's a bit later than I expected. It seems you are indeed more concerned about your companion's safety."

She slightly raised her eyes, looking at Riley Parker who was gradually emerging from the ripples of the dimensional barrier, a knowing smile appearing on her lips. As she casually greeted him, she gently pushed another cup of tea, already poured, across the table.

"The matter arose suddenly, and I did not have time to give prior notice before making this visit. Please forgive me, Your Excellency Venerable Master."

Riley nodded slightly, his attitude showing the respect due to an elder and a guardian of the earth.

He then sat down as instructed, took a symbolic sip of tea, and calmly looked at the other person.

"With your abilities, you should know why I've come, right?"

The Ancient One gently blew on the steam rising from the teacup, her eyes clear and bright: "For my disciple who went astray and embraced darkness, Kaecilius?"

"Yes," Riley answered crisply. "Not long ago, when I was about to execute a dangerous mercenary, someone opened a portal and rescued him. And this portal, although its edges clearly showed signs of dark energy corruption, filled with chaos and blasphemy, its core technology still originated from Kamar-Taj magic... As far as I know, the only one with the motive and ability to oppose me in this way is Kaecilius."

"After all, the honest, inflexible person next to you hasn't discovered your secret yet, and his beliefs haven't collapsed."

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"Of course, the reason I'm here is not because I can't track him down. Dimensional disturbances have traces, and the contamination of dark power has its source. Combining some of my own methods, finding his hiding place is just a matter of time."

This is no exaggeration.

Even without using the powers of other Riders, Riley possesses a built-in clone card in his DECADE form while transformed into Decade. This is enough for Riley to ensure Felicia's safety and kill Taskmaster before he can escape, all without revealing his Spider-Man identity.

But Riley did not do that.

The reason for this is that as early as when Riley had his suspicions, he had already secretly ordered the ninja soldiers to infiltrate Taskmaster's shadow.

Even the subsequent request for Felicia's help to track the Taskmaster was merely Riley's way of seeing the girl's eagerness to prove herself and her desire for a chance to demonstrate her abilities. He deliberately arranged a practical opportunity for Felicia. Even Felicia's recklessness, impulsiveness, and insistence on acting rashly despite advice were part of Riley's calculations.

And that's why Casillas seemingly managed to rescue Taskmaster right under Riley's nose and win a game against Riley...

Little did he know that from the moment Taskmaster met him, Casillas's hideout had already been under Riley's surveillance.

Before even taking one step, the next three, or even five, moves have already been calculated...

This is the normal level that a "modern-day Jia Xu" should have, isn't it?

"I have come here to confirm something with you."

Therefore, Riley, who could theoretically storm into the enemy's lair and kill Casillas and his men right now, showed no unease or panic. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and asked pointedly.

"According to your pre-arranged plan... is it only the Sorcerer Supreme who can deal with Casillas and his followers?"

That's the crux of the problem.

Riley needed to know whether taking action against Kaecilius would disrupt the Ancient One's plans, cause unnecessary misunderstandings, or even conflict.

Even more deadly is...

Riley was afraid that the old fox, the Ancient One, would cling to him and force him into the seat of "Sorcerer Supreme"!

"...Sigh, comparisons are odious... If Strange had half your cunning, I could rest easy."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi did not respond directly. Instead, she sighed and put down her teacup, her fingertips slowly tracing the smooth rim.

A complex emotion flickered in those eyes that had weathered the test of time.

There are sighs of regret for disciples who were once held in high esteem but have now fallen into depravity...

There is also a "little bit" of helplessness that the "successor" they favored was too smart, leaving them with absolutely no chance of early retirement.

"Kaecilius, he has abandoned the path of white magic, turning instead to the dark dimension to seek illusory eternity and power. He is no longer a disciple of Kamar-Taj, but a threat that must be stopped—that much is certain. As for who should take action…theoretically, protecting the safety of the Earth dimension and eradicating such a scourge is indeed the duty of the Sorcerer Supreme. Moreover, the legacy of Kamar-Taj has its rules; the transfer of power and responsibility requires clear rituals and recognition."

She spoke slowly, her voice carrying the weight of years.

But before she could even ponder for a few seconds, her feigned composure was met with an undisguised gaze that fell directly on Riley.

"However, rules are not rigid dogma. If at this moment, there is a hero who is strong enough and has a protective heart, willing to step forward and take on this responsibility to clear the way for the future official successor, then it is not impossible for him to do it and eliminate this cancer in advance."

As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly, and before Riley could refuse or give her a perfunctory answer, she continued to press the issue directly.

"Rieley Parker, although you are a visitor from another world, I have witnessed your unwavering mind, your growth, and your determination to protect those around you... The duties of the Sorcerer Supreme are heavy, but they can give you vision, resources, and authority, and also allow you to better protect everything you cherish."

"If you're willing, I can guide you now, allowing you to rightfully take on this responsibility. At that time, Casillas will naturally be a minor matter within your jurisdiction, awaiting your handling. How you deal with him will be entirely up to you. Even then, if you decide to take action against some small island in Japan, no one will stand up to stop you..."

In his words, the Ancient One was full of allure, almost breaking down and explaining all the benefits the Sorcerer Supreme possessed.

This is not even a hint, but a blatant inducement!

It was practically a direct statement: "Come and take over! I have more faith in you now, forget about that reserve!"

Riley felt an even greater pressure from this overwhelming "favor" than when he faced the Holy Lord with all twelve talismans.

He understood the deep concern for the original heir that was almost impossible to conceal behind the Ancient One's words.

Clearly, the experiences he had in the parallel universe, especially the various thrilling "negative examples" that Strange might (or had already) created in the future, made this powerful man, who had originally thought that he could retire peacefully after Strange took over the position of "Sorcerer Supreme," regret his actions prematurely.

In comparison...

Riley, despite his somewhat peculiar origins and occasional hints of dark thoughts, is an "anomaly" who, even when his mind is controlled and corrupted, always manages to firmly uphold his principles in crucial moments. He's practically a shining golden legend that the Ancient One unintentionally unearthed from a card pack!

This also explains why, when the Ancient One expressed her desire to learn magic at Kamar-Taj in Riley, she said things like "I'll only teach the basics" and "I'll stop here."

But in reality, he not only personally served as Riley's teacher, answering Riley's questions step by step, but the detail in his explanations and the abundance of his patience far exceeded the scope of "basic teaching"!

That was not some spur-of-the-moment advice at all, but a carefully planned long-term investment!

They are genuinely grooming Riley to be the next "Sorcerer Supreme"!

Even the Time Stone was given away without hesitation, without any concern that Riley would use it for anything immoral!

The bet is on Riley's loyal, righteous, and principled character!

Even though the Ancient One ultimately failed to "trick" Riley into becoming the Sorcerer Supreme...

With this established mentor-student relationship and the debt of gratitude for his teachings as a safety net, in case Strange gets into a mess one day that even the entire Kamar-Taj couldn't cover up...

Can Riley really bring himself to stand idly by?

Well thought out.

That's quite a scheme.

Riley sighed inwardly and gave the Ancient One a wry smile.

She went to great lengths and used every means at her disposal to find a more reliable "insurance" for Kamar-Taj and the Earth before retiring.

I used to think I got a huge advantage...

Indeed, there's no such thing as a free lunch...

After a moment of silence, Riley slowly stood up, meeting the Ancient One's expectant gaze.

Then, he solemnly performed a Dharma Master's salute, which was not particularly standard but was respectful enough.

This is the proper etiquette that Riley, as a student and junior, should show to his teacher.

"His Holiness the Supreme Master..."

His voice was clear and earnest, full of genuine respect, showing no disdain or arrogance despite the other party's straightforward "sales pitch."

"I am deeply grateful for your high regard and expectations of me, as well as your unreserved guidance over the years. I will always remember it. The 'authority' you described is indeed a powerful asset in protecting those around us."

He changed the subject, his posture still respectful, but his refusal was as firm as a rock.

"However, it is precisely because I am deeply aware of the immense responsibility that the title 'Supreme Master' carries—an endless watch over the entire dimensional network of Earth. An eternal duty to contend with countless ancient beings and potential threats. A selfless dedication that must come at the cost of most of my self, and even all of my freedom. I examine myself and do not consider myself a saint, far from being that great."

"Moreover, the existing bonds and promises have already formed a complex web."

"As an elder brother, as a companion, as a line of defense in the shadows of this city... the responsibilities I bear now are not as grand as those of the Sorcerer Supreme, but they are voluntarily undertaken and I must fulfill them with all my might."

"My energy and path have already been planned for this, and I fear I will have little energy left to support such a 'mountain'."

He raised his eyes, his gaze clear and firm.

"Your Holiness, I am not being humble, but rather I am self-aware. With my current 'capacity,' forcing myself to do so would not only fail to satisfy you, but would also put everything I cherish in the danger of being neglected. This is neither what you would like to see, nor what I desire."

Regarding the matter of Casillas, I will investigate and resolve it according to my own methods and principles, trying my best not to disrupt your plans. If the situation necessitates a direct confrontation, I will also do my utmost to minimize the impact, and will seek your opinion as soon as possible before taking any action.

His words were polite, well-reasoned, and expressed respect for the Ancient One and the Kamar-Taj system, while also clearly defining his own boundaries.

This is not to deny the Ancient One's good intentions, but rather that Riley had already chosen his own path.

Gu Yi listened quietly, the eager anticipation on her face gradually fading, returning to a deep, calm state.

But she wasn't angry. Instead, she revealed a faint sense of helplessness, as if to say "I knew it," and a deeper appreciation that perhaps even she herself didn't fully understand.

After all, if Riley had agreed immediately after hearing about these benefits...

The Ancient One then began to wonder whether Riley, who had rashly accepted the heavy responsibility for some short-sighted gain, was truly capable of fulfilling the duties of the "Sorcerer Supreme."

She leaned back in her chair, picked up the cup of tea that seemed a little cold, and took a small sip.

"Capacity...planning..." She murmured these two words, shaking her head, as if talking to herself, yet also as if speaking to Riley. "You always draw such clear lines, calculating responsibilities and commitments so precisely... Oh well, forced relationships aren't relationships. The doors of Kamar-Taj will always be ajar for you. As for teaching..."

She looked up, and this time her smile had a more genuine, even slightly mischievous, teasing quality, as if her previous straightforward and enticing offer was just a casual attempt.

"Consider it a small investment made in advance by an old man worried that after he retires, no one will be able to clean up the messes left by his good-for-nothing apprentice. In case my good-for-nothing apprentice causes a huge disaster someday, you can't pretend you didn't see it for the sake of our teacher-student relationship. At least... you should lend a hand and help carry the load, right?"

In her words, the Ancient One clearly put aside the idea of ​​forcibly bringing Riley under her wing. Instead, she maintained this special connection in a more relaxed way, one that was more in line with Riley's personality.

Riley breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and a sincere smile appeared on his face: "You're joking. If that day ever comes, I will definitely do my best to help."

The atmosphere immediately relaxed. Gu nodded, saying nothing more. He simply waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.

Everything that needed to be said has been said, and everything that needed to be laid has been laid.

Riley nodded again and turned around. Like the dimensional barrier of the aurora borealis, it appeared silently once more.

With one step, Riley's figure vanished from the rooftop of the New York Temple along with the rapidly dissipating dimensional barrier.

The Ancient One sat alone, gazing in the direction Riley had disappeared. She looked down at the teacup in her hand, and after a long while, she sighed softly, her whisper drifting away on the wind.

"Stephen, Stephen, you'd better step up your game..."

"The senior brother I found for you is extremely stubborn, and his methods are even more radical..."

"Pray that you'll never need to ask him for help..."