Taking the Pill

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Recalling what the Ancient One did in the movie, Kai knew that in a few years, she would leave Earth due to her short lifespan, passing the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Doctor Strange.

However, Kai also remembered that after Strange took over, he struggled to keep the dimensional threats at bay. It was only after the Ancient One and Odin were gone that Thanos dared to attack Earth.

Kai knew his own strength was nowhere near that of the Ancient One or Odin yet, so he didn't want her to leave too soon. His plan was to build a stronger connection with her, hoping to help her extend her time on Earth until he was powerful enough to protect the planet himself.

Until then, Kai believed staying low-key and growing stronger in the background was the smartest move.

Thinking about this, Kai realized Yinsen staying behind to learn magic was the perfect opportunity. It gave him an excuse to visit often and keep tabs on the Ancient One's condition.

As if on cue, the Ancient One summoned a disciple to guide Yinsen through his first steps in magic training. After Yinsen left, the Ancient One turned to Kai.

"Kai," she said, "since our last meeting, I've attempted to look into the future several times... yet I failed every time. Right now, you are the only unpredictable factor — the only one who might change what's to come."

"So... what I do can change the future you once saw?"

The Ancient One smiled slightly and glanced toward Yinsen practicing in the courtyard.

Kai realized she was right. Yinsen's survival alone had already shifted things. Perhaps the future wasn't as fixed as he'd once believed.

Feeling a bit more hopeful, Kai chatted with the Ancient One for a while longer, then said goodbye to Yinsen — who was already immersed in his magical training — and returned to Tony's villa.

Tony, busy tinkering with his suit upgrades, heard Jarvis announce Kai's return. His voice boomed from the speakers.

"Kai! Where's Yinsen? I need him!"

Kai headed to the basement, where Tony looked up in confusion.

"Where's Yinsen?" Tony asked again.

"He's staying at Kamar-Taj to study magic," Kai said.

Tony stared blankly. "Wait... you're serious?"

When Kai nodded, Tony abandoned his work entirely and dragged Kai to sit down, demanding the full story.

After explaining everything, Kai added, "I'm planning to visit Yinsen in a few days. If you want to come, I can bring you along."

"Sure, yeah... but you know, I'm not *that* curious," Tony muttered, feigning indifference.

Kai just smiled knowingly and took out a few pills.

"By the way," Kai said, "I've got these. They can enhance brain function and improve intelligence."

Tony raised a brow. "Magic pills?"

"Nope, just science. But trust me, they work."

Tony handed one to Jarvis for analysis. Moments later, Jarvis reported:

"Sir, the pill matches Kai's description. However, there's an unknown compound I cannot replicate."

"Exactly," Kai said. "And remember — only one per person. Any more than that, and you'll get addicted."

Tony examined the pills thoughtfully. "Got it."

Kai left Tony with a few pills for study and returned to the manor.

Inside, he found Samuel Sterns and Banner lying motionless on the couch. Gear was nearby, casually watching over them.

"How long have they been like this?" Kai asked.

"Less than five minutes," Gear replied.

Kai sat down, expecting to wait a while — after all, it took him an entire afternoon to recover when he first tried the pills.

But within minutes, both Banner and Samuel stirred and sat up.

Kai blinked in surprise.

"System," he asked silently, "Why did they adapt so much faster than I did?"

"Host," the system answered, "it's simple — they use their brains far more frequently than you do."

"...Fair point," Kai muttered.

Turning to the two, he asked, "How do you feel?"

Samuel closed his eyes for a moment, then smiled.

"Yeah... I can feel it. My mind's sharper, and I think I know how to crack that problem I was stuck on."

Without another word, Samuel hurried back to his lab.

Banner, still processing the change, looked at Kai.

"Even after testing it myself, I still can't believe you have something like this," he said. "If the government hears about this... they'll come after you."

Kai grinned confidently. "Let them try."

Before leaving, Kai asked Banner and Samuel to send Tony the details of their experience for reference.

The next day, Tony called.

"Hey, Kai... you got any more of those pills?"

Kai chuckled. "Why? Did you already try one?"

"Of course! And let me tell you, I'm sharper than ever — I swear I've improved way more than Banner and Samuel."

"Doesn't matter," Kai said. "I told you — only one pill per person."

"Yeah, yeah..." Tony sighed. "Alright, fine."

Then Tony's tone shifted. "So, when are we visiting Yinsen? I've got a little lullaby prepared for him — wouldn't want him feeling homesick out there."

Grinning, Kai quickly recorded Tony's words.

"Oh, Tony... you just gave me a fantastic gift for Yinsen."

"Wait, no! You can't show him that!" Tony protested.

"Well... what are you offering me to *not* show him?" Kai teased.

"Don't worry, I've got something for you," Tony said. "Might not be much, but trust me — it's worth it."

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