Introducing Cosmic Magic, Lin Du's Interest Was Piqued

Nick took a deep breath of the night air, his speech quickening as he struggled to conceal his urgency.

"We discovered an ancient and powerful treasure—the Cosmic Cube. The energy it contains is beyond imagination, but it is also filled with the unknown and danger."

"Our think tank is at a loss, and I... I believe that only you, Lin Du, can unveil its mysteries."

Even if Lin Du could not directly unlock the Cosmic Cube's secrets, his power alone was enough to contend with Dormammu. Getting out of any predicament would be effortless for him.

Lin Du's true strength, which he had yet to reveal, was precisely the miracle Nick longed to witness for himself.

That was why Nick had not listened when Black Widow said they could bring Lin Du to S.H.I.E.L.D. later to discuss things.

The moment he heard that Lin Du was about to become the Sorcerer Supreme, he had rushed over impatiently.

When Nick mentioned the Cosmic Cube,

Lin Du's eyes suddenly narrowed, and an indescribable surge of excitement rose within him.

The Cosmic Cube... it was one of the six Infinity Stones. Possessing it was equivalent to holding the key to traversing the stars.

And according to what he knew, when Nick and the others went to retrieve the Cosmic Cube, Loki would also appear to seize it.

And Loki had another Stone in his possession.

Being able to obtain two Stones at once could not have been better.

Nick had clearly come to seek his help in controlling the power of the Stone.

Afterward, the Stone would become S.H.I.E.L.D.'s treasure.

But how could he allow something that had fallen into his hands to slip away?

Seeing that Lin Du showed no reaction,

Nick thought Lin Du intended to refuse him.

But if Lin Du was unwilling to help them resolve the matter of the Cosmic Cube, their universe would suffer a devastating blow.

Light flickered in Lin Du's eyes as his thoughts raced.

Of course, he knew the value of the Cosmic Cube, as well as its dangers.

But what drew him in even more were the challenges and opportunities it presented.

He glanced at Nick and said calmly, "Nick, I accept your request, but I have my own condition."

Nick froze for a moment, then a trace of delight flashed through his eyes. "Name it. As long as I can do it, I'll agree."

Lin Du smiled faintly, a hint of cunning in his expression. "I want the Cosmic Cube."

As for Loki's Stone,

Nick probably had not yet discovered that Loki would appear near the Cosmic Cube.

So for now, he could simply pretend not to know.

Lin Du's demand caught Nick somewhat off guard, but he quickly composed himself.

He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Lin Du, I understand what you mean."

"But the Cosmic Cube is an important mission for S.H.I.E.L.D. It concerns the safety of the entire universe."

However, the power of the Cosmic Cube was far too terrifying.

S.H.I.E.L.D. might not have any way to fully control its power.

Lin Du, with his formidable magic, might be the only person capable of resolving this crisis.

If the Cosmic Cube fell into the hands of an ordinary person, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He pondered for a moment before finally making up his mind.

"Lin Du, I can agree to your condition, but you must guarantee that the Cosmic Cube will not become a hidden danger threatening the peace of the universe in your hands."

Nick looked directly into Lin Du's eyes, hoping to find a trace of promise within them.

Lin Du nodded.

Since he could achieve what he wanted,

what did it matter if he gave Nick a promise now?

After learning why Nick had come to Kamar-Taj, Lin Du prepared to immediately head to Ancient One's quarters.

Before going to S.H.I.E.L.D., he needed to hand over Kamar-Taj's affairs to Ancient One.

Lin Du hurried through Kamar-Taj's ancient corridors, having already made up his mind.

The Cosmic Cube, this powerful Stone, would surely fall into his hands.

This would be an unprecedented challenge, but he also knew that it was exactly the power and opportunity he sought.

When he met Ancient One, Lin Du explained the entire matter to her.

Ancient One nodded slightly. "Lin Du, do you know what you are doing? The Cosmic Cube contains enough power to overturn the entire universe."

Lin Du nodded. Naturally, he knew the Cosmic Cube's energy.

Otherwise, he would not have chosen to leave with Nick at this time.

Without wasting any more words, Lin Du spoke directly to Ancient One.

"Ancient One, I need to go to S.H.I.E.L.D., but before I do, I need to settle Kamar-Taj's affairs."

Ancient One sighed. She knew Lin Du's determination, and she knew his abilities.

She spoke slowly. "All right, I will support you."

"But remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, Kamar-Taj will always be your home."

Lin Du nodded, accepting Ancient One's blessing.

At the same time, he began arranging Kamar-Taj's affairs.

"There are matters waiting for me outside, but before I set off, I need to ensure everything in Kamar-Taj runs smoothly."

As he turned, Lin Du's gaze swept lightly over Mordo and Wong.

"Mordo, Wong,"

"While I am away, I'll leave Kamar-Taj's daily affairs and defenses in your care."

"We must remain fully vigilant against the dangers lurking in the shadows."

Mordo nodded slightly. "Go without worry, Lin Du."

"With us here, Kamar-Taj will stand as firm as a rock."

With the arrangements complete, Lin Du raised a hand and activated a Portal.

He then turned his gaze to Nick.

"Nick, follow me through the Portal back to S.H.I.E.L.D. in a moment."

As Lin Du moved his hand,

an invisible ripple of energy quietly emerged.

A deep-blue radiance flashed, and then a Portal appeared in midair.

Standing before the faintly glowing Portal, Lin Du casually waved his hand, and it slid open.

Nick followed close behind, disbelief flashing in his eyes.

Though he knew nothing about magic, he had heard that sorcerers usually needed to perform complicated rituals before casting spells.

But Lin Du needed no preparation at all. With a wave of his hand, the Portal appeared so abruptly and miraculously.

Knowing that every second mattered to Lin Du, Nick suppressed the questions filling his mind and stepped through the mysterious door right behind him.

In an instant, a dizzying sensation overwhelmed them. By the time they blinked again, they were standing inside S.H.I.E.L.D.'s imposing headquarters.

As his feet touched the ground, the familiar surroundings eased some of Nick's tension.

He turned to look at Lin Du, only to find him utterly calm, as though that leap through space had been no more remarkable than taking a stroll outside.

That unruffled composure deepened Nick's awe of Lin Du's strength.

Before Nick could think further, Lin Du was already striding toward S.H.I.E.L.D.'s core—the command center.

There, a massive screen was displaying live surveillance footage of the Cosmic Cube.

Nick hurried after him, already calculating every move that would follow.