CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 035: THE POTENTIAL OF CHAOS MAGIC! WANDA’S DUAL PERSONALITY!

At that moment, downstairs at the Northern Tower, Gwen had already changed back into her usual clothes and was waiting in the lounge for Lorien and Wanda to return.

But when she checked the time, she frowned.

"Something’s not right," she thought. "Even if they were moving slowly, with the Scarlet Witch’s abilities, they should have been back by now."

She glanced outside. There wasn’t the slightest sign of Lorien or Wanda.

"Forget it, I’ll wait a little longer. They should be back soon."

...

She didn’t know how much time had passed before Lorien finally appeared—accompanied by Wanda, whose legs seemed a little unsteady.

Gwen spotted them instantly. She grabbed her small green backpack and hurried over.

"You’re finally back! Let’s hurry before the Ferris wheel closes!"

Lorien, still savoring the lingering thrill from the cabin ride earlier, nodded with a hint of guilt.

"Alright, let’s go."

Inside, though, he promised himself, Gwen, I’ll make it up to you later.

Wanda, meanwhile, looked completely satisfied, a faint smile fixed on her lips. She greeted Gwen warmly.

"Come on, the Ferris wheel’s about to close. Right, Lorien?"

Lorien nodded again, still silently berating himself.

"Yeah, let’s go."

Not that the Ferris wheel’s schedule really mattered to them now—if Wanda wanted it open, it would open. If she wanted it closed, it would close.

Damn... Lorien scolded himself again. She used to be such a good girl. How did I end up leading her astray? I barely even taught her anything...

...

Half an hour later, the three of them stood once more before the Ferris wheel Lorien and Wanda had just ridden.

Same as before.

Same method.

As Wanda shot Lorien a secret wink, the three of them stepped into the cabin again.

"Wow..."

Gwen leaned against the window, gazing out at New York’s night skyline with awe.

"It’s so beautiful..."

If you didn’t know better, you’d think this was her first time seeing such a view. The Ferris wheel was only 200 meters high, yet Gwen had been in buildings far taller than that.

The real difference was the angle.

From this spot, the Ferris wheel offered a sweeping, almost cinematic view of the entire city, especially Manhattan. The crisscrossing grid of streets—though not the most efficient design—looked stunning from up here.

And then there was Central Park, stretching more than ten kilometers long and several kilometers wide. From above, Manhattan looked like a perfectly arranged, intricate circuit board, with Central Park sitting right in the middle like a CPU.

It really did look like one. And it was beautiful.

...

As he took in the view, Lorien suddenly remembered something and smiled at Gwen.

"Gwen, how’s your friend doing?"

"Ah? Uh..."

Gwen’s toes curled in embarrassment. She thought for a moment before carefully answering.

"Um... she’s doing fine. She’s been slowly trying to get used to and explore new things, just like you suggested, Lorien. I believe it won’t be long before she’s ready to meet people again!"

She straightened her back, her voice growing more certain.

"Just give her a little more time. I’m sure she’ll be willing to open up to all her friends. I promise!"

She really did sound like she was talking about a real friend.

Lorien nodded, reassured.

"Looks like my advice really helped her. That’s good. Just let her take her time—no need to rush."

Hearing his gentle tone, Gwen felt her heart melt. She nodded sweetly, a shy smile on her lips.

"Okay. I’ll tell her."

...

After the Ferris wheel slowly completed a full rotation, Gwen pointed toward the entrance gate.

"It’s Black Widow."

Lorien and Wanda looked over—it really was Natasha.

"Oh no..."

Wanda’s expression softened with a hint of sadness as she turned to Lorien.

"I have to go. I need to prepare for tomorrow’s mission."

"It’s alright." Lorien reached out to pat her head with a smile. "We’ll see each other again in a few days. When you’re free, come find me—it’s no problem.

Besides, your magic can open space portals, even gates to other dimensions. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to go anywhere you want, no matter where you are."

"Really?!" Wanda and Gwen asked at the same time, surprised.

"Yes, I’m certain." Lorien nodded. "Magic is incredibly powerful, and Wanda’s magic is among the strongest of the strong. So believe in yourself—there’s nothing you can’t do."

Wanda glanced at her own hands. She hadn’t thought of herself as being as powerful as he made her sound... but his words filled her with confidence.

"I understand. I’ll master those abilities as soon as I can!"

...

When the cabin door opened, Lorien, Wanda, and Gwen stepped off and walked over to Natasha.

Natasha, seeing they’d been out enjoying themselves, offered a quick apology.

"Sorry, Wanda, but we need to compile the full report on the Lizard crisis before tonight. That’s why I had to come get you early."

Everything that needed doing today had already been done, so Wanda gave a small, satisfied nod. After hugging Lorien, she turned and said briskly,

"Let’s go. I don’t want to waste any time."

...

Wow. Even Lorien felt the shift.

Just moments ago, in front of him, Wanda had been the sweet, affectionate girl-next-door. Now, back with the Avengers, she was all cold authority and sharp efficiency.

Was she... playing the contrast game?

...

(80 Chapters Ahead)

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