In the past, others had begged him for treatment. Later, he had become the one begging others to cure him, yet to no avail.
Last night, while getting a haircut, Strange had brought up the subject with Sennsei Wang at the village entrance. The man had said that in the East, it was called Retribution. He had delayed countless patients in the past, so now he himself would be delayed. It was that simple.
Huaxi Village truly deserved its reputation as the greatest village in the world before Kamar-Taj's mountain gate. Even its barbers spoke words full of philosophy.
Through those words, Strange recognized the mistakes of his past. He also began to wonder whether some invisible god had truly manipulated the damage to his hands, all to punish his former attitude toward the poor.
So today, not only had his appearance changed, but his whole bearing was somewhat different as well, as though he had realized something.
But after an entire day, he still had not been allowed through the gate.
That evening, at the same time as last night, the gate creaked open again. The greasy, shirtless man poked his head out with a cheerful smile, took away yesterday's bowl, and handed him a plate containing a Big Fish.
"The Sorcerer Supreme went fishing with Odin during the day. He was worried you'd starve to death, so he gave you one. I'm Mordo, a Great Mage of Kamar-Taj."
"Hello, Master."
"I like people who can endure suffering. Eat while we talk?"
"Alright, Master."
Strange had not eaten all day, and by then, he was already digging in with his hands.
Mordo squatted down, his greasy gaze moving from Strange's face to his butt, then to his trembling hands.
"You came to find someone to heal your hands?"
"Yes.