Massing sorcerers for war was inevitable, especially with Noah leading.
The Grand Mages of the High Council were ready to support Noah fully as Sorcerer Supreme.
Noah had experience in this-years ago, he had convinced countless sorcerers to defend against an alien invasion.
He didn't expect mobilization to be an issue, and compared to years past, the average quality of sorcerers had improved dramatically.
However, he didn't plan to handle recruitment personally this time.
It was time for the Council to prove its worth.
"How many combat-ready sorcerers does Kamar-Taj currently have?" Noah asked after a moment.
"I don't need official ranks. Just those capable of standard combat. Our enemies will likely be similar to ordinary humans."
"The number is substantial." Mordo stood immediately.
"Including academy students, it's massive. But I advise against sending under-qualified sorcerers to the front. They should continue studying and decide to join once proficient."
Noah tilted his head. He understood Mordo's concern-he didn't want children or weaker sorcerers getting killed.
But Noah already had a plan.
Both students and weaker sorcerers needed experience. This was the perfect opportunity.
He rubbed his chin. "I understand your worries, but these sorcerers need training. A sorcerer's life should be full of combat, not just research. I've lost count of battles fought to reach this point. Even at the academy, I ran into plenty of trouble."
"But not everyone is you, Noah," Wong sighed.
"If everyone were like you, Earth would already be the most powerful magical civilization. But that would bring chaos. Your talent for attracting trouble is obvious."
Noah shot Wong a glare. Trouble wasn't his fault.
Noah didn't argue. Wong wasn't exactly lucky either. Why else would he have run into the Kree and Carol Danvers on Noah's first trip to New York after joining Kamar-Taj? Even if Noah asked to go, Wong had been the meat shield.
Opting not to bicker, Noah outlined his idea.
It wasn't groundbreaking, but as a modern youth well-versed in web novels, he had a few tricks.
In those stories, protagonists completed missions for rewards and recognition.
Noah planned to replicate that-but as the administrator issuing missions and rewards, not the protagonist taking them.
It suited his current status perfectly.
He would assign tasks to "unqualified" young sorcerers, letting them complete missions and earn rewards.
Rewards could be a specific jutsu, notes from a master, or other appealing items.
Currently, Asgard, Thanos, and the Kree were in a standoff.
A major war might not break out immediately, but small skirmishes would be frequent.
This phase would give young sorcerers time to adapt and improve.
Noah shared his thoughts without reservation. Unsurprisingly, the Grand Mages fell into deep thought.
They seemed to find the method promising.
Wong, however, tilted his head, stared at Noah, opened his mouth, closed it, and finally said, confused:
"What you just described... sounds like a video game quest loop?"
"Oh? You play MMOs too?" Noah looked surprised, then nodded.
"Exactly. Like a game. But it's useful, isn't it? Especially for young, inexperienced sorcerers."
"Ga... Game?" Mordo's lip twitched.
The other Grand Mages wore equally strange expressions.
After a pause, Mordo asked tentatively, "Is this appropriate? Won't it cause problems?"
"Can't you tell yourself if it will?" Noah shrugged.
"All I can say: it's risky but practical. I don't just plan this for Kamar-Taj; I'll promote it to all magical departments. Even the mundane world is making plans. It would be embarrassing if the wizarding world did nothing."
Noah's words left Mordo speechless, but it made sense upon reflection.
Even if the idea came from something absurd like an online game, it worked.
The other Grand Mages gave it serious thought and eventually agreed.
Large-scale battles were unlikely now, making it the perfect time for weaker sorcerers to gain experience.
Even if they hadn't agreed, the Sorcerer Supreme likely would have mandated it.
Trusting Noah was instinctive. Recently, they had been learning to think independently.
That was good. Subordinates who couldn't think would make the Council pointless.
With the plan settled, the Grand Mages would now negotiate with magical departments.
Noah shouldn't waste time on these details. Even they shouldn't be bogged down in errands.
The task would likely fall to Master Mages, Council assistants.
Noah rubbed his chin. Am I tricking ambitious but under-qualified young people into doing the legwork?
"Well, I'm technically young too, if you go by physical age..." Noah shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
"I'll leave contacting departments to you. Brainstorm rewards for mission completion."
"What if a talented youth completes a high-difficulty mission and wants you as a mentor?" Victor finally asked.
"Then set mission ranks," Noah said without hesitation.
"We have plenty of sorcerers. If all else fails, contact the mundane world or Asgard, compile a mission scale, assign difficulty. Simple."
"You're making this more like a game," Wong rolled his eyes.
"You might as well find a hardcore gamer for advice," he added, regretting it immediately as Noah's eyes lit up.
Noah was indeed planning to take his advice. Wong decided to stay silent.
After the meeting, Noah went outside and called Fury.
"Damn it. Nearly thirty years, and every time I call, it's a massive disaster."
Fury picked up instantly, dead-eyed.
"I have a phobia of you. Fine, what is it this time? I'm busy mobilizing troops!"
"It's something very interesting." Noah ignored the complaint.
He was pleased Fury acted fast-it showed he took the matter seriously.
On the mundane level, Fury remained the most reliable guy around.