Chapter 173 : Multiverse
The Ancient One sat quietly in a quaint chamber, sunlight streaming in through the window, casting a warm glow across her serene and profound expression.
She wore long ceremonial robes and held a teapot in her hand, leisurely preparing tea.
As Stephen Strange and Alex Ray stepped into the room, they were immediately enveloped by the tranquility and calm radiating from the Ancient One.
Strange studied her carefully. Her eyes were deep and piercing, as if they could see through all things.
Though her face remained calm, there was an unmistakable aura of majesty and mystery about her.
And somehow, she seemed to have anticipated their arrival—two small teacups were already placed on the table in front of her.
Strange couldn't help but marvel inwardly: This sorcerer is truly on another level.
Baron Mordo escorted Alex Ray and Strange into the room. After bowing respectfully to the Ancient One, he turned to leave.
But as he turned away, his expression shifted—his face darkened, revealing his dissatisfaction and simmering resentment at Strange's presence.
Why is an ordinary man allowed into Kamar-Taj? Mordo seethed inwardly.
" Mordo," the Ancient One said, her tone even, "please take Alex Ray on a walk through the grounds. I'd like to speak with Strange privately."
Mordo immediately turned back, forced a smile, and gave a small bow. "Of course."
Alex shrugged at the request, nonchalant. "No problem," he said casually.
After all, this was just a private conversation between a potential master and disciple—no need for him to get involved.
When Strange heard the Ancient One address him by name, his eyes widened in surprise. He turned to look at Alex, silently questioning: Did you tell her my name?
But Alex had already turned and was walking away, leaving Strange without an answer. Strange could only assume it must have been Alex who mentioned his name earlier.
He really does care about me, Strange thought. He must've spoken up on my behalf.
In truth, Alex Ray had done nothing of the sort. He'd only come to Kamar-Taj to recharge his Sling Ring and figured he might as well bring Strange along.
Eventually, Strange would have made the journey here anyway.
While Strange and the Ancient One remained in the quiet chamber to begin their conversation, Alex didn't linger or try to eavesdrop. He wasn't particularly interested in what they were discussing.
What did interest him, however, was the Kamar-Taj library.
For a time traveler like him, this place was an absolute must-see.
Any time traveler who hasn't been here clearly isn't doing it right, Alex mused.
So, he turned to Mordo and said, "No need to escort me—I'll go to the library on my own."
Without giving Mordo any room to object, Alex left on his own.
Not that he had any desire to hang around Mordo, anyway.
Even though Mordo hadn't done anything overtly hostile, Alex could sense the subtle animosity in him.
It wasn't the kind of hatred that would lead to a direct attack—not yet—but Alex wasn't the kind of person to linger near someone who bore him ill will.
Unless Mordo ever dared to harm him or someone he cared about, Alex wasn't interested in confrontation.
At most, for the Ancient One's sake, he'd make sure Mordo's body remained intact if it ever came to that.
Alex strolled down the winding corridors of Kamar-Taj. Before long, he found himself standing in front of the library doors.
He gently pushed them open and stepped inside.
There, he spotted a chubby Asian man sneakily eating something. The man looked incredibly pleased with himself.
When he noticed Alex entering, he quickly stuffed the food away and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
Alex instantly recognized him—Wong, the Kamar-Taj librarian.
Despite his goofy appearance, Alex could sense Wong's formidable magical power.
Alex had always felt an affinity for fellow Asians, and Wong gave off a familiar, comforting vibe.
Of course, Alex already knew Wong's personality well.
Back in Manhattan, a fellow countryman could either be a friend—or a bullet in the back.
Many of them used each other for personal gain. It was rare to meet someone genuine.
"Hey, Wong," Alex greeted. "I've heard a lot about you. I'm Alex Ray."
Wong's eyes lit up. Seeing someone of Asian descent, and hearing the name, his demeanor instantly changed.
"I know you," Wong said, stepping closer. "Alex Ray—the Lord of Hell's Kitchen."
He beamed. "I'm a fan. Seriously—well done."
Wong was a staple at Kamar-Taj, but he stayed up to date on everything going on in the outside world.
Just this morning, he had gone to Hong Kong to grab breakfast and a newspaper.
He'd been especially impressed when Alex "threw the big mushroom" at Japan—a reference to a Hydra nuclear warhead being neutralized. And now, to meet the man himself?
Unbelievable.
"If you're here to read, just ask. I know every book in this place," Wong said eagerly. "Also... can I get your autograph?"
Alex chuckled at Wong's enthusiasm. This guy really is the heart of the Marvel Universe, he thought.
In his previous life, Alex had seen a meme joking that Marvel might as well be called "Wong's Universe."
And truly, Wong was a powerful wizard—someone who had saved the Avengers countless times.
He was also the only one who could open a portal using sheer willpower alone.
Unlike most mystics, Wong lived like a real person—he watched TV shows, earned his paycheck, and cleaned up after Strange's disasters without complaint.
To Alex, Wong was more deserving of the title Sorcerer Supreme than Strange.
But in the comics, that title had never gone to Wong. Instead, it had been Iron Man, Captain America—protagonists with more public presence—who were granted the mantle.
Maybe someday that would change…
Alex had also heard a more cynical but common theory—that the reason Wong became the Librarian and a top-tier sorcerer was because he was a relatively low-budget character to cast.
"I see you're eating sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf," Alex said with a grin. "Next time, come down to Hell's Kitchen. I'll treat you to breakfast."
He could already smell the savory scent wafting from the rice packet, and he suspected Wong had been sneakily eating on the job.
Wong's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Didn't expect you to be a fellow enthusiast! I tell you, I used to hit up Hong Kong street stalls daily—best food in the multiverse."
But Alex was only half-listening. His focus was interrupted by a sudden mental notification from the system:
"Congratulations, host. Wong has successfully added you as a friend."
"Current favorability: one star."
"Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Ring of Raggadorr."
"Would you like to integrate it?"
Without hesitation, Alex thought, "Integrate immediately."
The next second, he felt the surge of mystical energy flow through him. The spell associated with the Ring of Raggadorr activated.
Don't be misled by its flashy name—the Ring of Raggadorr was, functionally, a magical shield. Still, for Alex, it was a welcome addition.
His thoughts immediately shifted to a potential strategy: if he could befriend all the sorcerers in Kamar-Taj, he might unlock every spell available in the order.
But he quickly dismissed the idea.
As long as he brought Stephen Strange into his "family," he'd eventually gain access to all magic anyway.
Just as Alex was still plotting, Wong suddenly called out, "The Sorcerer Supreme is looking for you, Alex!"
The shout broke his concentration.
Alex looked up and saw Wong pointing toward the far side of the training grounds.
Turning, he spotted Doctor Strange and the Ancient One standing together, waiting for him.
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As the plot unfolds, it dives deep into the Spider-Verse, Avengers War and the Marvel Multiverse, weaving in epic elements from Endgame, God of Stories Loki, Kang the Conqueror, the Council of Kangs, the Council of Reeds, and even Franklin Richards.
Expect mind-bending twists with Deadpool breaking the fourth wall, going on a rampage that includes killing everyone... even the authors themselves.
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