Magic Apprentice

After settling Howard and his group, Josh planned to take a few days of proper rest. He still had plenty of time, so there was no rush to return to Hogwarts so early.

As for the people brought over from the Marvel Universe, arranging them was much simpler. Master Ancient One went straight to Josh’s library to study the materials he had given her. Though she had only just begun, they had opened a new door for her. All of Josh’s materials came from renowned wizards; even if their strength did not match Ancient One’s, their theoretical knowledge was at least sound.

Natasha obediently stayed by Josh’s side, but Josh felt that having her learn magic from him would simply be a waste. So he discussed it with Garen and asked him to properly train her. In the end, Garen helplessly told Josh that their methods were not very compatible.

Garen was a straightforward warrior. Though he considered how to use techniques to secure victory, he would never think of ambushing someone or concealing himself to deliver a fatal strike. Natasha was agile; aside from teaching her a few swordsmanship techniques, he had little else he could teach her.

That gave Josh a bit of a headache, but after thinking it over, he decided to set the matter aside for now. Perhaps one day he could find a world with assassins and bring back a capable one to properly train the girl. For now, she could learn Battle Qi first.

Howard, meanwhile, went out with Josh’s guards to thoroughly survey Constantinople. Josh’s territory was vast, but Constantinople itself was not particularly large. Moreover, in a world centered on agriculture and plantations, the cities were not all that large in scale.

Besides, Josh had no intention of trying to become fat in one bite. Taking things slowly and ensuring quality was the best choice. In truth, Howard did not have many places to survey. He only needed to inspect the area around the castle and build all the new developments around it.

"So, how many companions are you planning to find?"

That evening, after everyone had finished dinner, Josh and Garen went up to the rooftop to drink. They had been companions for a year. Although Josh’s travels had not encountered the same disastrous situation as the first time, Garen had still dutifully protected him, even if it often seemed unnecessary.

"Not many. The people who can travel with me aren’t necessarily better in greater numbers. And honestly, our journey has only just begun. What’s wrong? Why ask that?"

"Nothing. We haven’t been through many worlds, but they’ve all been quite interesting. I’m worried that one day you might find a way to Valoran while I’m not around. That would make me feel terrible."

"It’s not like we can’t anchor that world."

Josh was somewhat confused. He looked at Garen’s complicated expression, then quickly understood. Garen had probably become worried after seeing Master Ancient One, afraid that his strength would fail to keep up and he would be left behind here. That made Josh want to laugh.

"Don’t worry, buddy. Honestly, I’ve felt great spending this past year with you. And even if we find Valoran, I’ll leave behind a Void Gate. A companion as outstanding as you isn’t easy to find. Master Ancient One is only a guest here. She probably has no interest in traveling with us."

The feeling of being acknowledged was quite nice. Though Garen still cared deeply about Valoran and Demacia, so what? If Josh had the chance to find the world from his previous life, he would definitely leave behind a Void Gate and go back from time to time. That was his root, after all.

Of course, there were also those who hated their own worlds, or who were hunted by the so-called gods of their world—or by the entire world itself. If such people had a chance to leave, they would never want to return unless every enemy in that world was dead. Only then might they feel a little nostalgic.

"Besides, you possess a remarkable power. It simply hasn’t been guided out yet. Honestly, I think your worries are unnecessary. I’m the one who should be worried. What if one day you surpass me and decide to leave? Where would I find another good partner like you who quietly gets things done?"

"Why do I get the feeling you’re looking for a meat shield to silently block magic for you?" Garen was probably in a much better mood after hearing Josh’s reassurance, and he began joking as well.

"You figured that out? How strange. I don’t think I’ve ever said it out loud."

"I knew wizards were no good."

"Thank you for the compliment. And I’m stronger than you, so if you don’t want a beating, you’d better say something nicer!"

The two drank beer from the Marvel Universe and talked nonsense all night. It was not until the next day, when Howard went looking for people everywhere, that he learned from a maid that the two were still on the rooftop, drinking and talking nonsense. At some point, a grill had even appeared on the ground, covered with all kinds of meat.

"Huh? Howard? Why are you here? I thought you were going to keep surveying the territory."

"There’s no need."

Howard did not stand on ceremony. He sat down directly, then casually took a beer from the bucket Josh had tossed to one side. The bucket was filled with ice, keeping the beer refreshingly cold. Though it was autumn, beer was still best when ice-cold.

"I’ve looked over your territory. Honestly, it gave me quite a shock. I really can’t imagine a world where magic is so widespread being this backward. Are you really unwilling to use magic to drive development? This place looks like Earth from several centuries ago. It hasn’t even gone through an Industrial Revolution."

"That’s more or less how it is, but isn’t that fine? I don’t need you to start any Industrial Revolution. You know what that would mean. I have no interest in overthrowing any ruling class, since I’m one of them myself. I only need to live better, and for my subjects to live better too."

Josh’s goal was very clear. This world developed according to its own rules, and he had no desire to court disaster. Besides, these ideas had existed for who knew how many tens of thousands of years. Changing them would probably be difficult. Ensuring that his people lived comfortably and turning this place into a paradise in others’ eyes was the more meaningful choice.

Howard was a smart man. Naturally, he understood that he was merely complaining, because Josh would never change the status quo. He also understood one truth: never oppose the whole world. Just look at Germany in his own world. He had already learned from Josh about that country’s fate after its crushing defeat.

"Of course. This place will definitely become somewhere everyone longs for. But honestly, buddy, the blueprint you showed me isn’t very practical. There are too many things in it that I’m unfamiliar with—things like using spells. I simply have no way to implement those. If we’re only building a castle, though, that won’t be a problem at all."

Howard’s question made Josh realize that Dumbledore had actually given him the complete Hogwarts blueprints. Josh had not been in the mood to examine them before. Even if he read them, he would not understand them, so he had simply ignored them. But Howard’s reminder made him realize just how much was hidden within them.

Fortunately, Josh had already planned to let Howard broaden his horizons, so this was not a difficult matter. Besides, the Wizard World was originally at the level of the 1990s. Its technological development was far ahead of the 1940s, and Howard could even become an apprentice at Hogwarts to learn magic. Why not?

"Get ready. In a few days, I’ll take you to another world. It’s the United Kingdom in the 1990s. I think there’ll be plenty there for you to learn from."

"But if I disappear for too long, it might cause some unnecessary trouble."

"It’s fine. Time flows in parallel between that world and yours. In other words, however long you stay there, only that much time will pass in your own world. There won’t be any impact at all. I’m even planning to let you get in touch with magic and more modern science there."

"Is that so? Then I definitely have to see it."

If he let an opportunity like that pass him by, Howard would be an idiot. He had originally worried that he would spend a year studying in that world, only to discover that seven years had passed in his own. One could imagine how miserable that would have made him feel.

By then, even if he returned, he probably would not have the influence he had now. Though he was confident that he could become one of the foremost figures of any era, the government and military would certainly want to have a long talk with him. Not to mention whether his money would even still be there.

Maybe they’d already declare me dead and nationalize all my technology and wealth.

Howard thought maliciously. His era was in the middle of a war. If the country ran out of money, it really might do something like that. So being away for too long offered Howard no benefit at all. Josh still needed Howard’s influence in the Marvel Universe.

"By the way, I still don’t know what kind of role you play in that world." Howard suddenly remembered that he did not seem to know what the world he was about to visit was like. "That world is the United Kingdom in the 1990s? But why would something like magic exist there?"

"That world is the same as yours." After taking a swig of beer, Garen took the initiative to explain. "Its power level is just far too low. Josh and I basically have no opponents there. The magic side is merely hidden among ordinary people. Ordinary people with talent go to a magic academy to study. That’s all."

"That’s it?"

"That’s it." Garen nodded, then pointed at Josh. "This guy is even a professor at that magic school. Oh, no. Since he performed so absurdly well, that magic school directly gave him the position of head of a house."

"So what would I be if I went there?"

"A Magic Apprentice, I suppose?" Garen gave Howard a disdainful look. "You can’t wield a sword, and you can’t use magic. Being an apprentice is already pretty good."

"…"

Thanks to reader Huang Xiyun for the tip! Thank you, thank you!