Kamar-Taj

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Kai arrived at the manor and found Samuel Sterns and Bruce Banner engrossed in their research. He called them to the underground conference room.

Samuel and Banner exchanged puzzled glances as they sat down, curious about what Kai wanted.

Feeling their eyes on him, Kai cleared his throat awkwardly before speaking.

"I brought you here because I've got something interesting," Kai said, pulling two blue pills from his pocket and handing them over. "These are cognitive enhancers — pretty powerful ones."

Samuel examined one closely, turning it over in his fingers. Meanwhile, Banner listened intently before asking, "Do you have more? I'd like to study them."

Samuel nodded eagerly.

Kai chuckled. He knew scientists like these two wouldn't pass up something like this. So, he handed Banner a few more pills.

"Study them all you want," Kai said, "but remember — don't try to recreate them."

Banner and Samuel both nodded in agreement, though their curiosity was clearly burning.

As they left, Kai turned to his system.

"They won't accidentally make their own batch, right?"

"Rest assured," the system replied. "The items I provide can't be replicated."

Kai felt relieved. The last thing he needed was for someone to mass-produce those pills — or worse, for him to end up hooked on them.

Before parting ways, Kai warned the two researchers, "By the way, if I find out anyone's been eating those pills, you're not getting any more."

Satisfied, Kai returned home, ready for some well-deserved rest. But then he remembered his earlier conversation with Yinsen.

Almost on cue, Kai's phone rang. It was Yinsen.

"Kai," Yinsen said, "you mentioned wanting to meet that magician. When are we going?"

"Uh... let's do tomorrow," Kai suggested.

"Sounds good. See you then."

The next morning, Kai woke early, got ready, and headed to the villa. Tony was still asleep — no surprise there — so Kai quietly grabbed Yinsen, who was already up, and the two set off for 177A Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village.

On the way, Yinsen asked, "So... what's the deal with this magician?"

"Well," Kai explained, "there's a group of sorcerers who protect Earth from extra-dimensional threats. They've built three sanctuaries — one in London, one in Hong Kong, and one right here in New York. That's where we're headed."

When they arrived, Yinsen looked at the tattoo parlor and the restaurant on either side of the address.

"Wait... *this* is the place?" Yinsen asked, clearly skeptical.

"It's concealed by magic," Kai explained. "To most people, it looks like nothing special."

Just then, a voice spoke from the doorway.

"What Kai said is correct. We've hidden the temple from prying eyes."

A bald, muscular man in training robes stepped forward.

"Temple Guardian," he introduced himself. "Name's Drum."

Kai returned the greeting. "I'm Kai, and this is Yinsen. We're here to see the Ancient One."

"The master's been expecting you," Drum said. "Follow me."

As they entered, Yinsen suddenly noticed the temple's true structure — an ancient building with ornate designs and an air of mysticism.

Inside, Drum led them upstairs to a glowing portal.

"Step through here," Drum said. "This leads to Kamar-Taj. The Ancient One awaits you there."

Kai nodded in thanks, then stepped through with Yinsen close behind.

The moment they arrived at Kamar-Taj, Yinsen turned to Kai.

"Wait... if this place connects to New York through a portal, why didn't we just come here directly?"

Kai chuckled. "Kamar-Taj's exact location is hidden — even to me. Plus, barging in without an invitation would've been rude."

Before Yinsen could respond, a calm voice called out.

"Welcome," the Ancient One greeted them. "Please, come forward. I've just made tea."

They followed her voice to a modest room where the Ancient One was pouring tea for them.

"Please, sit," she said, placing cups in front of them.

As they settled in, she turned to Kai.

"It's been a while," she said with a slight smile. "I wasn't sure if you'd still visit."

"Got caught up with some things," Kai admitted.

The Ancient One's gaze shifted to Yinsen.

"Relax," she said gently. "There's no need to be nervous. I see you're curious about magic."

"You... you can tell?" Yinsen stammered.

The Ancient One smiled knowingly. "I've learned a lot about you already. If you're interested in magic, you're welcome to stay for a while and see if you have a knack for it."

"Really?" Yinsen's eyes lit up.

"Of course," the Ancient One said warmly.

While the Ancient One spoke with Yinsen, Kai noticed something different. Her face hadn't changed since their last meeting, but her eyes seemed older — filled with wisdom and weariness.

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