"Stark Tower has a hundred floors. Without an elevator, even someone as strong as the Hulk would curse the endless stairs."
"So if you intend to climb all the way up under your own power, sir, I'm afraid it will take quite some effort."
Holding the girl in his arms, the man turned around. A woman stood behind him, dressed in yellow robes, her face hidden beneath a broad hood.
What drew the most attention, however, was the circular halo gradually fading behind her. Within it lay a scene entirely different from their surroundings.
"I see. Thank you for the warning."
"If I am not mistaken, you have crossed a great distance specifically to seek me out."
Zhongli remained unperturbed, as though he had known the woman would arrive.
"In that case, I am Zhongli. I came here at a friend's request. Might I ask what brings you to me?"
Zhongli set Qiqi down and took her hand instead. He regarded the person before him calmly, without a ripple of emotion in his eyes.
The woman raised her head slightly, a complicated look in her eyes beneath the hood. She reached up and pulled it back, revealing her face.
She had a fair, clear complexion. Though there was not a single hair on her head, she still looked quite young.
Yet that appearance, combined with her attire, distinctly reminded Zhongli of a monk.
"My name is the Ancient One. I am Earth's Sorcerer Supreme."
"Heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical threats."
"Mages like me protect the world from magical ones."
The Ancient One slowly approached. Her gaze lingered on the man before her, then fell upon Qiqi, whose hand he held.
"Many people have appeared recently who possess powers that do not belong to this world. Those