Crimson light swirled around Wanda like an elfin spirit. The dancing lights illuminated the surroundings, highlighting the vivid red of her hooded cloak. Under the brilliant shine, her light blonde hair took on a reddish hue. Her delicate features appeared even more beautiful in this moment.

"How beautiful…" Gwen gasped, her eyes widening behind her mask as she watched the scene unfold. At that moment, Wanda Maximoff resembled Freyja from mythology.

"The Scarlet Witch is indeed even more alluring!" Hode exclaimed, his gaze fixed on Wanda as she floated in the air. It was undeniable that Wanda was more captivating now than ever. He finally understood why most people found the darker version of the witch to be more enticing.

Wanda spread her arms, and the crimson light surged like a tide towards the burning scene. Under its suppression, the roaring flames were gradually pushed back. Even the surrounding black smoke was compressed into a single ball by the chaotic magic's power. As the crimson light condensed inward, Wanda's expression grew increasingly grave. This was a massive manipulation of chaotic magic that required extremely precise control.

"Whew…" Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and Wanda continually moved her hands. Back in Germany, she had attempted to contain an explosion, but that had resulted in dire consequences. She could even clearly sense the emotions of those around her—filled with pain, despair, and fear. The appearance of these feelings caused her control over the chaotic magic to waver, and the flames she had been suppressing began to spread outward.

Hode furrowed his brow as he observed Wanda's pained expression. He knew full well that accomplishing all of this was not truly difficult for the Scarlet Witch. The real challenge lay in Wanda overcoming her inner barriers. This was something he could not assist with; she could only rely on her own strength to get through this ordeal.

He floated beside Wanda, controlling his form. "Forget the past. Right now, only you can save them. Remember what I said before. This isn't a challenge for you; trust me, you won't fail!"

His deep voice resonated in Wanda's ears. She didn't turn around, but she knew Hode was right beside her. Even through the searing heat of the flames, she could clearly smell Hode's familiar cologne.

"I…" Wanda took a deep breath, her gaze growing steadily more resolute. Yes! That was right! Only she could save the people inside; only she had the ability for it. Regardless of whether she attempted it or not, this was the only choice she had. Even if she wanted to back down now, it was too late; she could only try her utmost.

Her thoughts drifted back to the words Hode had spoken the previous night. "Chaotic magic is not just about destruction; it can create and alter everything!"

"So I can do it! Create everything!"

With each detail she recalled, the crimson light became even more dazzling. She pressed her hands tightly together, the crimson light flowing more smoothly between her fingers. As if this was the most natural thing in the world.

With the brilliance of the light, Wanda's heart grew increasingly determined. The fire that had begun to spread was being compressed at an accelerated pace.

Buzz!

With a resonant hum, the strange crimson light erupted like a tidal wave. The pulsating crimson energy surged toward the entire block. Like a roaring tide, the area was enveloped in red light, even changing the color of the sky to crimson. From below, it appeared as if a sea of red had formed.

"What is this? Is this the power of the Scarlet Witch?"

"It's so beautiful… but does it really change the world?"

"Who would have thought superheroes possessed such tremendous power!"

"She's not going to destroy the entire block again, is she?"

It was unclear who shouted this, but the once-dazed crowd quickly turned into a state of panic. Thanks to media portrayals, the Scarlet Witch had become synonymous with destruction. As they witnessed the bizarre spectacle, fear spread through the crowd like contagion. The unknown power filled everyone with dread; they wanted to move but found their legs trembling uncontrollably.

Yet at that moment, someone suddenly noticed the inferno on the lower floor was extinguishing at a visibly rapid pace. Under the embrace of the crimson light, frost began to form. The frost crept along the ground and up the walls; as the temperature dropped, the flames completely vanished.

"The Scarlet Witch extinguished the fire!"

"This is incredible! I can't believe she actually came to save us!"

"Yay! My daughter is safe!"

"Who was just saying they wanted to kill us?"

The crowd watched in amazement, wide-eyed. They never imagined that the Scarlet Witch, whom they thought would bring destruction, would actually quench the flames. If this continued, the fire would soon be fully extinguished by her.

"The green mist is turning into frost and dissipating!"

Gwen slowly descended to the ground, her eyes wide as she took in the scene before her. She hadn't anticipated Wanda's power would be so formidable. This was a building spanning thousands of square meters! All the flames had been contained by Wanda alone, with signs of the fire already dissipating.

"It seems she's finally crossed the barriers within her heart!"

Hode returned to the ground, pulling out a cigarette to smoke, murmuring with satisfaction. Once she had broken through her psychological obstacles, Wanda would soon emerge from the shadows. Moreover, after this experience, her mastery of chaotic magic would surely grow stronger.

Watching the diligent young witch, he slightly bowed his head to light the cigarette, a smile tugging at his lips as he exhaled a plume of smoke.

Before long, the raging inferno was finally extinguished. As Wanda completed her task, she let out a sigh of relief.

As she landed, the air erupted with deafening cheers.

"Long live the Scarlet Witch!"

"It worked! The Scarlet Witch has saved us!"

"The Scarlet Witch truly came to help us!"

"I will never doubt the Scarlet Witch again!"

Everyone couldn't help but cheer at that moment. In that instant, the Scarlet Witch shattered the stereotypes planted in their minds by the media. They gathered around Wanda, surrounding her in excitement.

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, the Scarlet Witch wiped away the tears shimmering at the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand.

She had lost track of how long it had been since anyone had cheered for her. Now, the people around her were expressing their gratitude. She knew very well that her success was all thanks to Hode, who had steadfastly stood by her side.

All chapters at (l)(i)(n)(k)(t)(r).(e)(e) / (c)(l)(o)(u)(d)(r)(u)(n)(t)(L)