Chapter 26

He rode his bicycle to school.

Upon entering the school, Abel noticed that everyone was holding their mobile phones and watching videos, engrossed in some discussion.

Spotting Sean approaching from a distance, Abel waved and greeted him with a smile and a handshake. After the usual pleasantries, he asked, "Sean, what's everyone talking about? What happened?"

With a sigh, Sean patted Abel on the shoulder and replied, "Brother, sometimes I really wish you and my grandparents were from the same generation. Have you not been on Facebook, Twitter, or even watched TV since last night? Otherwise, you wouldn't be so out of the loop about this big news!"

It was true; Abel didn't have the habit of using his mobile phone, playing on the computer, or watching TV. Perhaps it stemmed from habits he had formed in his previous life—he preferred studying magic or reading various books. Without any electronic devices, he had developed a routine where he hardly ever used them, even though he felt he was quite good with technology.

He shrugged and smiled, saying, "Sean, you know I like reading. So, what's the matter?"

"I think from now on, if there's any major event, I'll have to give you a heads-up. As for what happened last night, let me show you two videos, and you'll understand."

With that, Sean handed his phone to Abel.

Taking the phone, Abel watched the video playing. The first was a blurry clip of Iron Man fighting Iron Monger from a distance, and the second was a clearer video of Tony Stark at a press conference. In the clip, Tony started with an official speech, but soon he tossed it aside and admitted to the reporters below that he was Iron Man!

After watching the video, Abel returned the phone to Sean. While most people might see Tony's speech as the emergence of a hero and a display of his bravado, Abel understood that Tony's words marked the beginning of a new era—the start of a gathering of heroes!

Of course, in Abel's eyes, this was irrelevant to him. His sole focus was to enhance his strength to eventually defeat Thanos, plain and simple.

Although that goal felt quite distant for him at the moment.

"So, what do you think? Isn't it amazing? Are you excited?" Sean asked eagerly.

Returning the phone, Abel blinked and replied nonchalantly, "Well, I'm really excited."

Sean frowned. "Your nonchalant attitude says otherwise. Don't you really find this exciting?"

"Hmm…" Abel thought for a moment, looked at Sean, and said, "If one day aliens invade New York and someone with a sledgehammer is flying through the sky, then maybe I'll get a bit excited."

"Oh, Abel, my brother, you really know how to tell a joke! Hahaha!"

Abel shrugged. He thought it was a bit odd. Sometimes, the truth was the easiest to overlook, while many people misrepresented the false.

School life continued peacefully, and Abel enjoyed that tranquility.

After classes, he headed straight to the Sanctum in New York. He intended to ask Kamar-Taj for assistance in completing a potion to alleviate his palladium poisoning.

Upon entering the Sanctum, Abel was surprised to find that Daniel was missing. Instead, Kaecilius greeted him.

"Hello, Master Abel."

"Master Kaecilius, it's been a while since I've seen you. Do you know where Master Daniel went?"

Anticipating Abel's inquiry, Kaecilius replied directly, "Master Daniel is currently on a mission, so I'm temporarily taking his place here at the Sanctum in New York."

Nodding slowly, Abel said, "I see. Please inform the Ancient One that I have something to discuss with her."

At this, Kaecilius paused briefly before responding, "In that case, it's perfect timing. The Ancient One asked me to send you to Kamar-Taj if you came to the Sanctum."

"The Ancient One wants to see me? What a coincidence."

"Master Abel, do you have time to meet with the Ancient One?"

"Of course, I wanted to meet her in person. Please, lead the way."

"Okay, please follow me."

Under Kaecilius's guidance, Abel made his way to the portal on the second floor of the Sanctum. As he gazed at the ornate door before him, Kaecilius instructed, "Master Abel, you can simply open the door and walk through to reach Kamar-Taj. I will wait for you here."

"Thank you, Master Kaecilius."

Kaecilius nodded slightly, and Abel pushed the door open, stepping inside.

As he passed through, Abel felt the space around him shift rapidly, transporting him to a slightly dimmed building. An Asian man with a sturdy build was waiting by the entrance. Upon seeing Abel arrive, he bowed slightly and said, "Master Abel, please follow me. The Ancient One is already waiting for you."

"How should I address you?"

Although Abel had an inkling, he still asked.

Sure enough, the Asian Kamar-Taj mage replied, "You can call me Wong. That's what all the sorcerers at Kamar-Taj call me."

"Thank you very much, Master Wong."

"Oh, just call me Wong. 'Master' feels a bit odd."

"Alright, as you wish, Wong."

"Thank you for your understanding."

The two made their way to a building with an ancient Chinese style, where the Ancient One stood in the center, absorbed in thought.

"Master, Master Abel has arrived," Wong announced.

Turning around, the Ancient One nodded at Wong and said, "Thank you, Wong. You can leave now."

"Then I will take my leave."

As Wong exited, the Ancient One turned her gaze to Abel and said, "Master Abel, it's good to see you again."

"Seeing you again was inevitable, in my opinion. I'm glad to see you, Ancient One."

"I heard you were planning to come see me?"

"That's correct."

"How fortuitous! I have someone busy I wanted to ask you about. Perhaps we can help each other based on the principle of equivalent exchange you mentioned. What do you think?"