I'll Be Waiting for Her Here

"Xia Yu, you've absorbed the fourth gem?"

Xia Yu and Ancient One strolled on the lawn of the base. Ancient One asked Xia Yu a question.

"Yes, space, power, reality, and Mind Stone; this is the fourth one, the Mind Stone. I don't know why, but after absorbing this one, I feel a little different."

Xia Yu answered honestly.

"This is a cycle, Xia Yu. The most powerful aspect of the Infinity Stones isn't their power, but rather the rules they govern. Although you haven't yet unleashed the full power of the stones, the four different rules have already begun to form a cycle."

The Ancient One shared Nick Fury's initial belief that she wouldn't easily trust others to save the world, unless it was a future she could foresee, such as Doctor Strange, who was the most outstanding of all the Sorcerer Supremes.

However, she did not see through Xia Yu. But as Doctor Strange was about to be born and her time to return to her Source drew closer, she began to have an Odin -like understanding of fate.

She began to trust Xia Yu, and even came here in person to talk to the Avengers, wanting to tell Xia Yu more about the Infinity Stones.

"Space and time don't need much explanation. Power is energy, reality is various tangible things, such as air, trees, stones, and water, while the Mind Stone is a kind of spirit, also a kind of thought. You can think of it as the brain in the Infinity Stones."

Listening to the Ancient One's words, Xia Yu recalled the first time Tony and Banner constructed the internal structure of the Mind Stone, saying that it was like a thinking brain.

You can also think of the Mind Stone as the controller among all the Infinity Stones. With it, you can better coordinate the functions of the various stones and better unleash their power.

"As for the most mysterious Soul Stone, it is said that no one has ever truly possessed it since the development of the universe, so I am not particularly clear about its specific functions. However, there is no doubt that the six stones can constitute everything in the universe; it is a great cycle."

"And now you possess four of them, like Mirror Dimension. There is no concept of time or life within it, but physically, it is already the prototype of a universe."

"Just like how you could easily erase my spatial magic before, although you still can't fully unleash the power of these gems, some people who have been transformed by the gems might be stronger than you, like Captain Marvel, or that little girl in the movie who uses red magic, her potential is greater than Captain Marvel's."

"However, you can completely suppress the power originating from these gems. If you want to fully unleash the power of the gems, you will need to absorb all six gems. You will then possess the power of a universe, albeit a nascent one that still needs to grow, but it is still a universe."

As she spoke, the Ancient One made a hand seal in front of her chest, Eye of Agamotto, the green Time Stone, slowly floated out.

"I don't know where the Soul Stone is, but if you need it, you can absorb the Time Stone, but I can't give it to you."

The Eye of Agamotto is the faith of all Kamar-Taj sorcerers, who swear to protect this gem with their lives. The Ancient One's actions moved Xia Yu inexplicably.

"Auntie, do you really believe I can save the world, or the universe?"

Xia Yu did not accept the gemstone, but instead asked Ancient One a question.

"I believe you can give this universe a better ending."

Ancient One stared intently into Xia Yu's eyes.

Xia Yu took a deep breath. As he came into contact with more and more people in this world, many of whom placed their hopes on him, this feeling...

Actually, it feels good to be trusted and needed, it's just that the pressure is a bit too much.

Xia Yu really wanted to absorb the Time Stone right now, but the system kept reminding him that he needed to complete a task first.

"Auntie, I just finished absorbing the fourth gem not long ago. I need more time. I'll come to Kamar-Taj to find you when I'm ready."

Ancient One didn't say anything else, just nodded and put away the gem.

"Then you need to accelerate your growth. I feel that my time is running out."

Xia Yu felt a pang of inexplicable sadness. Both Odin and the Ancient One were among the strongest beings in this world, but seeing them in their Hero years, Xia Yu was powerless to do anything about it. In Odin's words, these were predetermined events, and trying to stop them would only lead to greater disaster.

Stan Lee had actually told Xia Yu that to forcibly change something, one must possess immense power, which Xia Yu currently lacks.

Ancient One seemed to have figured out what Xia Yu was thinking.

He said to Xia Yu with a smile.

"Don't be so sentimental. Protecting this universe and returning to its Source is the best choice. Besides, you can't force things to change right now; that would destroy everything."

Ancient One patted Xia Yu on the shoulder, opened a portal, and left.

Xia Yu felt a little disappointed. Odin and the Ancient One truly gave Xia Yu the feeling of being an elder, but unfortunately, Xia Yu was powerless to do anything about their passing.

For the Ancient One and Odin, the future was not particularly bright. This world, this universe, was always plagued by crises, each one more serious than the last, seemingly endless.

Just like Iron Man and Captain America said in the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, everything we do is ultimately to end all the wars and go home.

Odin and the Ancient One also wanted to end this endless cycle, and Xia Yu's appearance gave them hope.

After seeing off the Ancient One, Xia Yu composed himself and headed into the base.

Nick Fury has not yet given him an answer.

"What's your decision, Nick?"

Xia Yu looked at Nick Fury, whose face was full of conflict.

"You don't need to overthink it. This isn't about choosing to be friends or enemies. We're still friends. It's just that in future crises, we need unwavering unity. You're simply choosing where to focus your efforts— the Avengers or S.W.O.R.D..?"

Xia Yu used you guys at the beginning, which directly kicked Nick out of the group. The meaning was very clear: you and Captain Marvel either come back to join the Avengers, or go your separate ways and do your own thing.

Xia Yu is now using you, which means he still considers Nick of his own.

"I'm going to S.W.O.R.D.. I'll have a good talk with Carol about the situation here. The best option is for us to come back and join the Avengers, or for me to come back on my own."

Faced with the future crisis on Earth, Nick Fury chose to return completely.

"Okay." Xia Yu looked at Nick Fury with satisfaction.

"If Carol Danvers thinks she can save everything, or has reservations about the Avengers' power, tell her I'm here waiting for her."

As he spoke, Xia Yu looked outside. Ancient One's words boosted Xia Yu's confidence.