"But he has no future," Strange said softly. Such was the nature of the universe's power: what was gained had to be paid for.
In Strange's view, the power Rumlow wielded was merely another modified version of Lending Magic. At most, the lending system of Kamar-Taj had been replaced with some unknown technological grafting system. But no matter what, the debt would eventually have to be repaid.
The repayment date might be pushed back step by step as technology advanced, but it would always exist, like a Sword of Damocles hanging overhead. Their situation was even more dangerous than that of Kamar-Taj's mages.
At least, as long as Kamar-Taj's mages did not act recklessly, randomly study forbidden spells, or come into contact with terrifying magical entities and Dimensional Power, they would not easily face dangers such as corruption and erosion before their lives came to an end.
But for Rumlow's technological grafting, its safety and stability rested entirely in the hands of the technology's provider. The slightest mistake or loophole, and one's soul would be cleanly harvested by the source of that power.
"That isn't quite right." Rumlow heard Strange's words and rebutted him with some disagreement. "What does Master Strange believe counts as having a future?"
Strange paused, not answering immediately, because he could tell Rumlow did not expect an answer from him right now.
"I'm an agent, a spy, a soldier. Most of the time, my life is in danger. To someone like me, lacking strength is what truly means having no future.
This world was changing too fast—so fast that even being in the middle of it made my head spin. I used to complete mission after mission brilliantly with guns, ammunition, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technological products. But now, if I still relied on those old methods of