NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Struggles?
Chapter 9: Struggles?
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"Do you think the reason why no spell works is because of the mysterious energy within you?" Master Wong asked Peter in his calm voice, though his curiosity was evident.
"Yeah, I mean, a month isn't a long time to prove a theory. But I'm pretty sure about it," Peter replied enthusiastically. He had been holding onto these thoughts for hours, and finally, he let out all his frustrations.
Wong pondered Peter's words and then said, "Even though we sorcerers draw energy from other dimensions to weave spells, the process varies for each individual. Every person, every spell, is performed with different techniques, reasoning, and details. Are you sure it's not just a matter of incompatibility?" Wong asked with a sharp look.
Peter fell silent at that. "...Alright, I'm not one hundred percent sure about my theory. But it's worth considering, right?" he replied with a resigned tone.
Wong sighed deeply, "If your theory is correct, then why do Tao Mandalas and Portals work?"
Peter, confused by Wong's question, replied, "Hm? Like I said, it's because—"
"—because they draw energy from this universe. Peter, you're both right and wrong about that. But my question is, why do only Tao Mandalas and Portals work? You don't know this, but there are other spells you've learned that actually draw energy from this universe. So, why do only these two spells manifest?" Wong explained seriously.
Peter's eyes widened at this, his expression showing confusion. "What? What spells did I miss?"
Wong sat down and sighed, "There are many spells, Peter. For example, your favorite spell; the one that refills drinks and certain weapon spells that also draw energy from this universe. But in your practice, only Tao Mandalas and Portals have succeeded."
Peter blushed at the first part. "A drink-refilling spell? Seriously, Master Wong?" Peter scratched his head, then thought deeply, trying to understand Wong's point. "So, what makes these two spells different from the others?"
Wong pondered Peter's question, feeling just as puzzled. As a sorcerer accustomed to drawing energy from other dimensions, he had never really delved into the concept of internal energy like Peter's. However, he remembered something from his encounter with Strange's ghost, when Strange imparted knowledge about Peter's mysterious energy.
After a long reflection, Wong began to realize that perhaps the reason Peter could only use these two spells was because of his subconscious desires. "Peter, it's possible this energy responds to your deepest desires," Wong said slowly. "Like how you were resurrected after the mysterious energy pulled your body into The Forge."
Peter fell silent, pondering Wong's words. He felt a moment of clarity. When Wong mentioned The Forge experience, Peter recalled those moments. He remembered how the mysterious energy wove his body, bringing him back to life. In his mind, he began to realize that the reason why only these two spells worked was because they were deeply connected to his most profound desires.
Tao Mandalas reflected his desire to protect the people he loved, while Portals allowed him to go anywhere when his loved ones were in danger or when he needed to escape from danger. These two spells were born from his purest and deepest wishes.
Wong continued while Peter was still lost in thought, "From now on, we'll focus on training this energy, Peter. You must learn to control it and use it effectively."
There was a reason why Wong wanted Peter to learn to control this energy. He believed it had great potential to face greater threats than they could imagine. From Strange's ghost's memory and his personal request, he saw the possibility that this energy could be the key to protecting their dimension from looming threats.
Peter snapped out of his reverie and nodded. "I'll try, Master," he said, closing his eyes and trying to sense the mysterious energy. He vividly remembered how he couldn't feel it in Sanctum Infinitum. But now, after using spells that drew energy from this universe, he could feel a slight spark. It felt like something was smoldering inside him, something powerful and pure.
"Can you feel it, Peter?" Wong asked firmly.
"Yeah, I can feel a spark," Peter replied slowly. "Even though it's just a spark, this energy feels so strong. Unlike the usual energy I use for spells, it feels like it has a consciousness of its own."
Wong nodded. "Interesting. They've always been a mystery, and who knows what will resides in that energy. I hope you keep training it so it doesn't get out of control and reveal its nature and uses," Wong said seriously, knowing that an energy with its own will was somewhat unsettling for him. He could only hope that whatever will it had, it wouldn't become wild and threaten the balance of the universe.
"From now on, we'll focus on training this energy. You must learn to control it and use it effectively," Wong continued.
And so began Peter's intensive training. It took a lot of time, but he gradually managed to control the energy. Though difficult, he kept training with strong determination. Every day, he tried various spells focusing on the mysterious energy, but only the Tao Mandalas spell showed significant results.
Peter saw how the spell changed when using the mysterious energy. Tao Mandalas became stronger and more effective. The Orange glow from the spell is turning into white because the change of energy source.
He began to understand how this energy worked and how to control it. The spell became not only a shield but also a powerful weapon.
With that thought, Peter started analyzing and trying to feel more than just a spark of the mysterious energy. He only hoped that whatever it was, he could quickly control it, understand its nature, and discover what spells he could create or perform with this type of energy.
Just like the masters before him who sought benefits from other-dimensional energy and created spells from it, Peter would do the same with the mysterious inner-dimensional energy within himself and create spells from it.
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On that Friday, Peter felt his head was full of thoughts about the mysterious energy he had been training with Master Wong. Since morning, he had been daydreaming, contemplating the exercises he had been through. His eyes were vacant, even as the teacher explained the lesson in front of the class. The teacher's voice sounded like a distant murmur, barely reaching his consciousness.
"Peter, are you okay?" Ned, his best friend, asked during recess. "You seem really out of it today. Is something wrong?"
Peter snapped back to reality and gave Ned an awkward smile. "Yeah, I'm fine, Ned. Just a little tired, maybe."
Ned looked at him suspiciously. "Tired? Haven't you been getting enough sleep? You know we have exams next week."
Peter nodded. "Yeah, I know. I just need a bit of time to clear my head."
Gwen, who was sitting across the table, noticed Peter with a concerned look in her eyes. "Peter, you don't seem focused today. Is there anything I can help with?"
Peter sighed and tried to muster a reassuring smile. "There's nothing to worry about, Gwen. I've just... been thinking a lot lately."
The day dragged on slowly. Peter tried to follow the lessons, but his mind kept drifting back to the mysterious energy and the training he had to undergo. He felt burdened by this new responsibility, but he knew he couldn't give up. When the school bell rang, Peter felt a bit of relief. He realized he had to find a way to cope with this burden without letting it affect his school life.
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At the police station, George Stacy continued his duties as usual. However, for the past few months, he had been dealing with a persistent headache. The source of his stress was a figure that was always a topic of discussion among New York police officers: Ghost-Spider. This vigilante continuously interfered with their work. Although Ghost-Spider's actions were extremely helpful in apprehending criminals and minimizing civilian casualties, they still operated outside the law.
"Chief Stacy, there's another report about Ghost-Spider from last night. They helped stop a bank robbery in Midtown," a detective reported to George.
George took a deep breath, feeling his headache worsen. "Thank you, Roberts. Were there any casualties?"
"Fortunately, no. Ghost-Spider managed to subdue the robbers before they could hurt anyone," Roberts replied with a hint of admiration before handing over the report and returning to his desk.
George nodded as he watched Roberts leave, but his mind was still in turmoil. Ghost-Spider always managed to escape after every action, making it difficult to capture or interrogate them. Their identity remained a mystery, even though there was video evidence uploaded to a YouTube channel seemingly made by Ghost-Spider themselves. However, this evidence wasn't enough for an official indictment.
George's colleagues at the police station didn't seem to mind Ghost-Spider too much. Many believed that Ghost-Spider's actions helped reduce the crime rate in the city. But for George, a vigilante operating outside the law was still a threat that needed to be addressed.
"Chief, you look tired. Are you okay?" asked one of the younger detectives, Lisa, as she passed by George's desk.
George gave a faint smile, trying to calm himself. "I'm fine, Lisa. Just a bit of a headache, probably from overthinking."
Lisa nodded, but the concern was still evident in her eyes. "Ghost-Spider really makes us all think hard. But we have to remember that they've helped a lot of people, Chief. Maybe we should find a way to work with them."
George sighed deeply again. "I understand, Lisa. But as law enforcers, we can't allow vigilantes to operate without consequences. The law must be upheld, and that includes Ghost-Spider."
After finishing his report, George returned to his office. He opened his laptop and started playing the videos uploaded by Ghost-Spider on YouTube. He tried to find any clues that could help him identify the person behind the mask. However, every time he felt close to discovering something, Ghost-Spider always managed to elude him.
George felt frustrated. He understood that Ghost-Spider had good intentions, but as a police officer, he couldn't ignore that vigilante actions broke the law. Their mysterious identity only added to George's headache. Even though there was clear video evidence of their actions, it wasn't enough for an official charge.
"Chief, there's a call for you from the command center," one of the officers interrupted his thoughts.
George nodded and picked up the phone. "Stacy here," he said firmly.
"Chief Stacy, we just wanted to inform you that Ghost-Spider was just seen around the East Village area. They just helped apprehend an armed robber," reported the officer on the other end.
George felt his headache worsen. "Thank you for the information. Make sure the patrol teams stay vigilant," George replied before hanging up the phone.
He put the phone down harshly and leaned back in his chair. His colleagues might not mind Ghost-Spider too much, but for George, this was a significant issue. As the police chief, he had the responsibility to maintain order and uphold the law, and the existence of a vigilante like Ghost-Spider only made his job more difficult.
George stared at his laptop screen, which was still playing the Ghost-Spider videos. He felt a mix of frustration and admiration. Although Ghost-Spider's actions were very helpful, they were still a vigilante operating outside the law.
He knew he had to find a way to address this issue, either by capturing Ghost-Spider or finding a way to work with them. But for now, his headache only grew worse, and he knew this was a significant challenge he had to face.
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Sunday arrived, and Peter visited Gwen's house as usual to perform a routine check on her Ghost-Spider equipment. They sat in Gwen's workspace, surrounded by advanced gadgets. Peter was still daydreaming, his mind focused on the mysterious energy he had been training with.
"Peter, you seem a bit out of it," Gwen remarked while examining one of her devices. Peter snapped back to reality and gave a weak smile.
"Sorry, Gwen. I've just been thinking a lot about my training with Master Wong."
Gwen nodded, putting down the tool she was working on. "Training must be tough. Is that why you haven't been focused in class?"
Peter sighed, then replied, "Yeah, something like that..."
Gwen observed Peter for a moment, then stood up and walked over to him. She gently patted his shoulder, signaling for him to join her. They walked out of the apartment and sat on the balcony. Gwen didn't say anything and just sat there, and eventually, Peter joined her.
"So, how's your theory going?" Gwen asked after a long silence.
Peter took a deep breath and then began to recount his conversation with Wong about the mysterious energy.
"I see." Gwen said after hearing Peter's story about his and Wong's thoughts on the energy and their steps to understand it. "So, have you managed to control the energy yet?"
Peter looked at Gwen, seeing the curiosity in her eyes. "It's still difficult. I can feel the spark of the energy, but I can't fully control it yet."
Gwen nodded and then said, "This energy is supposed to respond to your subconscious desires, right?"
Peter nodded. "That's the theory. I still have to study its true nature to be sure."
Gwen gave a small smile and then invited Peter to enjoy the view. "You're stronger than you think, Peter. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before you master it."
Peter nodded at Gwen's words, smiling. "Thanks, Gwen."
They sat on the balcony for a while, enjoying the tranquility and fresh air. Peter felt a bit lighter after talking to Gwen.
"By the way, how's your day as Ghost-Spider been?" Peter asked, trying to shift the conversation to something lighter.
Gwen smiled warmly. "Pretty busy, as usual. I've been patrolling a lot and helping the police catch criminals lately. The most challenging part is making sure no one gets hurt during the action. I always make sure to get people out of harm's way before continuing the chase, just like you said. And having priorities in those critical moments helps me come up with better plans. Thanks for the advice, Peter."
"Yeah, we can't just go around hitting the bad guys. Human lives and property damage are the reasons we fight against criminals. So we can't act like them, not caring and destroying things around them just for their own selfish reasons," Peter replied.
Gwen nodded at Peter's response. "You're right. But where did you get all this hero experience from?"
Peter didn't answer, just gave Gwen a meaningful smile. Peter felt proud seeing how Gwen carried out her role as Ghost-Spider with such responsibility and diligence. The advice he gave Gwen was inspired by the principles from My Hero Academia, a series that deeply inspired him about the steps to becoming a hero. In the series, heroes like All Might and Deku always emphasize the importance of protecting human lives above all else.
Peter reminded Gwen of the fundamental principles of heroism adopted from My Hero Academia. The first and most important step is to ensure no civilians are involved or trapped in dangerous situations. In the series, this is often depicted with heroes always making sure the area is safe before jumping into action. Gwen has applied this principle very well, always ensuring the people around her are safe before taking action.
The second step Peter conveyed is the importance of incapacitating the criminal as quickly as possible to avoid inadvertently causing property damage. In My Hero Academia, we often see heroes using their powers very carefully to ensure public and private properties are not damaged. Gwen also learned to carry out her actions with minimal property damage.
Another thing Peter always emphasized is the importance of comforting and reassuring civilians or victims while rescuing them. Gwen has done this very well, always providing encouraging words and ensuring people feel safe around her.
As a result of all this, societal issues are minimal, and her YouTube fans keep growing. Gwen has followed his advice well, and the results are clear. Peter is incredibly proud to see how Gwen has grown as a hero, upholding the principles of heroism from My Hero Academia and applying them in her daily actions as Ghost-Spider.
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Day by day, Peter grew more adept at controlling the mysterious energy. He began to feel more confident and strong. Though there was still much to learn, he knew that with strong determination and practice, he could master this energy completely.
"Good job, Peter. Keep training," Wong said, his tone still firm. "We have much to learn about this energy. Don't stop until you fully understand it."
Peter nodded with determination. He knew the journey was long, but with Wong's guidance, he was confident he could master this mysterious energy. Every day, he trained with the Tao Mandalas spell, strengthening his connection with the energy and increasing its effectiveness.
During his training, Peter realized how crucial his emotions were in controlling this energy. Whenever he felt doubt or fear, the energy became unstable. But when he focused on his desire to protect and find safety, the energy flowed more smoothly and strongly.
Wong continued to oversee Peter's training, providing guidance and encouragement when needed. Although Wong was not accustomed to internal energy like this, knowledge from Strange's ghost helped Wong understand and assist Peter on his journey.
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After an intensive training session at Kamar-Taj, Peter rested in the courtyard with Wong. He felt tired but satisfied with his progress. "Master Wong, I feel like I've gotten much better at controlling this energy. Thank you for your guidance," Peter said sincerely.
Wong looked at Peter with firm yet appreciative eyes. "You've worked hard, Peter. Remember, the journey is still long. Keep training and never stop seeking answers. This energy might be the key to unlocking your greatest potential."
Peter nodded, and they decided to head back to the New York Sanctum. However, this time they chose to take a longer route. Instead of using a portal as usual, they decided to walk through Kamar-Taj, heading to the library and then to the room behind it that connects each Sanctum to Kamar-Taj.
They passed through the beautiful and tranquil courtyard of Kamar-Taj, where Peter could feel the calmness soothing his crowded mind. After a while, they reached the library. Wong took the opportunity to give Peter some additional advice. "Remember, Peter, this energy is a part of you. You must learn to unite with it, not just control it."
Peter reflected on Wong's words as they walked through the library, admiring the collection of ancient books containing mystical knowledge. They then continued to the room behind the library, where the doors connecting each Sanctum to Kamar-Taj were located.
As they approached the three large doors that connect Kamar-Taj to the other Sanctums, the Eye of Agamotto, situated in the center of the three doors, suddenly opened. Peter, who was dragging his feet towards the door, stopped for a moment, sensing something was amiss.
"Master Wong, what's happening?" Peter asked anxiously.
Before Wong could answer, the energy within Peter began to move on its own. Wisps of milky white shadows with a faint seven-colored glow emerged from his chest and entered the Eye of Agamotto, directly touching the Time Stone. Wong could only watch with wide eyes as Peter struggled to control himself.
Suddenly, an explosion of energy occurred as the two entities made contact. For a few moments, chaos erupted around Peter and the Eye of Agamotto. Waves of energy reverberated through the room, causing everything around them to shake violently.
Peter felt as if time had stopped. He sensed incredible power flowing through his body but also immense pain. For several seconds that felt like eternity, the world seemed silent.
Then, as quickly as it started, the energy wisps returned to Peter's body, and the Eye of Agamotto closed. Everything returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. Peter collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
Wong immediately approached Peter, his face full of concern and tension. "What did you do, Peter? What just happened?" his voice carried a mix of anger and worry.
Peter, still shaken, could only shake his head. "I don't know, Master Wong. The energy... it moved on its own. I couldn't control it."
Wong helped Peter up and examined him carefully. "We need to look into this further. Maybe there's something wrong with your energy."
They conducted a thorough examination of Peter and the Time Stone. Despite the energy explosion, no abnormalities or irregularities were found. Peter also scanned himself but found nothing suspicious.
After a while, Wong sighed deeply. "It seems like there's nothing wrong, but we must stay vigilant. Whatever just happened, we need to ensure it doesn't harm you or anyone else."
Peter nodded, still feeling a bit weak. "I understand, Master Wong. I'll be more careful."
Even though everything seemed to return to normal, Peter felt an uneasy sensation lingering. He couldn't ignore the strange incident. There was something unresolved, something nagging at his mind.
As night fell and Peter lay in his bed, his thoughts returned to the incident with the Eye of Agamotto. What really happened? What did those energy wisps mean? How were they connected to the Time Stone?
With many unanswered questions, Peter knew this was the beginning of a greater journey. Something bigger awaited him ahead, and he had no idea what challenges he would face in the future.
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