"Is magic really that amazing?"
Betsy asked the question as she watched the buildings before her constantly flip, rearrange themselves, and spin.
"That depends on how you see magic, Miss Elizabeth." The Ancient One walked alone at the front, leading the way, but still turned back to answer their question.
"You know me, honorable Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One?"
Betsy was a little stunned. Why did it feel like everyone she met knew her, wherever she went?
"Strictly speaking, I wouldn't say I know you. I merely met another you while traveling through the multiverse."
The Ancient One waved a hand, and everyone felt the world spin around them. Then they found themselves in an old-fashioned wooden house, with a steaming cup of tea before each of them.
"Honorable Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One, I bring you greetings on behalf of K'un-Lun." Iron Fist Danny rose and cupped his hands in salute, his gentle, refined voice ringing out in the room.
"There's no need for ceremony, Mr. Danny Rand, sixty-sixth Iron Fist of K'un-Lun."
The Ancient One waved a hand, indicating that he needn't stand on ceremony, then turned her gaze to the group's leader, Thor Odinson.
"So, Thor Odinson, why have you repeatedly searched for the coordinates of my universe, even going so far as to open a portal across dimensions?"
Thor really hadn't expected the Ancient One to trace him the moment he opened a portal. Reading comics and watching movies in his previous life, he hadn't thought much of it, but now, aside from Hydra Captain and those weaker than him, everyone he met was stronger than the last.
Damn it, no wonder she'd died in his previous life because her special effects were too expensive. He'd only wanted to sneak in and pick up a girl, but he'd been caught on the spot.
That was a little awkward.
"Ancient One, I came to put an end to Ragnarok, and also for the Infinity Stones."
Thor didn't know whether she could tell if he was lying, so he decided to tell the truth.
"You may have the Time Stone, but I have one condition."
"If you won't agree, then... huh?! What did you say?!"
At first, Thor had assumed the Ancient One wouldn't agree. He hadn't expected her to be so quick about it. Something was fishy, definitely fishy!
She isn't planning to trick me into becoming the Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is she?
"You're overthinking it. I don't need you to become Sorcerer Supreme."
What the fuck?!
I've already mastered part of the Law of Mind and the Law of Soul. How the hell can you still read my mind?
That's a little unmagical, don't you think?
"It's just a little spell I created myself. There's no need to be so alarmed. If you mastered the complete Laws of Mind and Soul, I wouldn't be able to read you."
The Ancient One spoke calmly.
"But if we change the course of Ragnarok, wouldn't that mean changing the future? Aren't you going to stop us, Ancient One?"
Thor looked at the Sorcerer Supreme before him, who was clearly more powerful and more mysterious, and voiced the question on his mind.
"Thor, you should understand one thing: the future is never set in stone. I can see more than ten million possible futures, but I can't guarantee that the future will unfold according to any of the possibilities I've seen."
"Then why are you willing to give me the Time Stone? I've already mastered the complete Law of Time, and shouldn't it belong to the next Sorcerer Supreme?"
The Ancient One reached out and swept her hand through the air. The Six Infinity Stones and countless images of the multiverse appeared before everyone.
"Thor Odinson, you should know that the Infinity Stones are merely vessels for the laws, not the laws themselves. And there are differences between universes as well."
"The Law of Time you've mastered is indeed complete according to your understanding. You can use its power in different universes across the multiverse, but if you encounter a being who has mastered a similar power, you'll be helpless against them."
"There are differences between laws as well. The laws contained in the Infinity Stones of my universe are a level above those contained in the Infinity Stones of most other universes in the multiverse."
Hearing this, Thor came to a sudden realization.
You're really just saying you have a better grasp of the Law of Time than I do, aren't you?
"You've misunderstood, Thor. I haven't mastered the laws. I merely use them."
That's even more terrifying, isn't it?
You haven't even comprehended the laws, but just by using them, you can tell what I'm going to say next and what I'm thinking?
Isn't that overpowered enough? No wonder they had to ban you. If you didn't retire, how could all those crises on Earth play out afterward?
"Then what's the price?"
Thor was a little excited at the thought of mastering a more powerful Law of Time, but he also grew wary. The price probably wouldn't be easy to pay.
"It's simple. As long as you agree, I won't interfere with however you choose to intervene in this universe's future from now on."
The Ancient One picked up her teacup and took a sip.
"Ancient One, when you put it like that, I'm a little afraid to agree..."
"Then please leave."
"No, no, no, I agree! Just tell me what it is first."
The Ancient One gave Thor a meaningful look and said,
"Help the Scarlet Witch become Sorcerer Supreme and take my place."
"Huh?!!"
That's all she wants?
Something's not right. It's like she's seen right through my underpants.
He suddenly wished his golden finger were a system. At least it could block these overpowered people from sensing him.
"What about Strange? He's the future Sorcerer Supreme. You don't want him anymore?"
"Some time ago, I traveled through the multiverse and met a Strange who destroyed his universe trying to bring his beloved back to life..."
This plot's going further and further off course. How did you even run into Dark Supreme Strange?
That makes no sense, does it?
"Isn't Wanda also someone who would destroy the universe for her children?"
Thor instinctively gave Wanda away.
"You'll be there anyway, won't you?"
The Ancient One glanced at Thor.
"Damn it. With the plot going this far off course, I wouldn't even be surprised if Dr. Banner turned into One-Punch Man someday."
Thor knew he was truly out of options, so he could only nod and agree.
"The stone is yours. Do it as soon as you can. I've wanted to get off work for a long time."
The Ancient One casually tossed the Time Stone to Thor. As if she had laid down a great burden, she turned, opened a portal, and vanished.
"So? Valeria was right. You really did come here to pick up a girl?"
Betsy narrowed her eyes at Thor, who stood there doing nothing.
Classic Loki backed away with Baby Groot. Captain Carter, Iron Fist Danny, and Black Widow Natasha saw that something was wrong and retreated as well.
"Well... Betsy, you know, for the sake of Asgard's legacy, it's my duty. And you heard what Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One just asked of me. I... I don't have a choice. For the safety of the multiverse, I have to step forward, don't I?"
Thor steeled himself and explained.
"Thor, Emma Frost and I don't mind you having other women, but the problem is, you've only been with me for one day, and you've already fallen for someone else?"
Betsy had already begun rubbing her fists.
Thor was quickly forced into a corner. Just when he thought he was about to get beaten up, he felt something soft against his lips.
"Thor, I think making sure you don't have the energy to think about other women would be a very good way to handle this. What do you think?"