"Sorcerer Supreme!"
"Revered Malrick, hello!"
When they returned to Kamar-Taj, it was already nighttime, though it was still day in New York.
The group walked through the ancient compound toward the training grounds. Along the way, several sorcerers respectfully bowed to Malrick. He had earned their recognition and respect.
As per Kamar-Taj's ancient tradition, every sorcerer bowed upon encountering the Sorcerer Supreme.
Dr. Bruce Banner looked uneasy. He respected local customs deeply. Years ago, in an effort to better control his emotions, he'd trained under spiritual masters in Cuba and had learned the importance of temple etiquette.
Now, walking through this ancient and solemn sanctuary, he felt its weight—its history. He grew tense.
Watching each sorcerer bow to Malrick, Banner hesitated, then awkwardly clasped his hands in front of his chest, unsure of what to do.
"Um, should I bow too?" he whispered to Tony Stark, who was walking beside him. Being with Tony helped him feel slightly less out of place.
"Bow? Why?" Tony shrugged. "Try it if you want, but I bet he'd appreciate it more if you just asked if he's had dinner."
Tony followed behind Malrick, glancing around with curious eyes. Unlike Banner, he showed no hint of restraint.
This wasn't what Tony expected from a sanctuary of mystic arts. Where were the Gothic towers, thunderclouds, and eerie silence broken only by distant ravens?
Instead, everything here felt... normal.
Shouldn't sorcerers wear billowing robes and keep their faces hidden in shadow?
Instead, a striking female sorcerer in a form-fitting training outfit passed by. Tony raised an eyebrow. "So much for mystery," he muttered, eyeing each passerby like they were rebellious students at a magic academy.
Malrick caught Tony's expression.
"What ridiculous nonsense are you thinking now?" he asked. "Sorcerers at Kamar-Taj are Mystic Artists. They're nothing like what you're imagining."
He pierced through Tony's thoughts at once. "Also, what are you doing tagging along here? You haven't even mastered the data in your optical computer, and now you want to learn magic too? Don't be greedy—you'll end up with nothing."
Tony grinned and stretched his neck. "Sorry, I didn't catch any of that. In the mind of a genius, there are no limits. I want everything."
Malrick sighed. "Fine, genius. Go pick an empty room for your temporary quarters. Wong will begin your magic training soon."
He turned to Banner. "You too. Settle in. Magic isn't something you'll learn overnight."
Malrick led them into the training grounds, where Wong and Mordo waited, barely able to contain their excitement.
Unlike Tony and Banner—still bewildered—Wong and Mordo were eager for what was to come.
"Looks like you two are ready," Malrick said, looking at them.
"Of course," Wong replied. "First thing I packed was my luggage!"
With a flick of his wrist, he opened a portal and pulled out a bundle wrapped in coarse cloth.
"Uh... isn't that a little too old school?" Malrick raised an eyebrow, turning to Mordo. "What about you?"
"I'm ready as well."
Mordo opened his own portal and retrieved a sleek, silver metal suitcase from his quarters.
Tony nudged Banner, whispering, "Told you. Everyone here could pass for an international thief."
Malrick's attention stayed on Mordo. "I have to admit, your luggage is surprisingly modern—much more than Wong's."
Wong frowned. "I chose this style because I thought I might be going to some ancient magical sanctuary for training. You know, in movies, magic societies usually look... outdated."
The others stared at him.
He was a sorcerer himself and still bought into magical stereotypes?
"If that works for you, I won't argue," Malrick said, clearing his throat. "Now, I'll scout ahead. You two help Tony and Dr. Banner find rooms. I'll return shortly."
He activated his traversal ability, preparing to search for a parallel Universe.
Tony spoke up. "Wait. Are you planning to cross over to..."
"Yes, to a Universe with a different magical system," Malrick said without turning back. "Powerful sorcerers can communicate across realities. As long as your strength allows, dimensional travel isn't an issue."
He wasn't about to explain the full details of his traversal powers—especially not to Tony.
After all, in the Marvel Universe, traversing dimensions wasn't unheard of. Many mystics could open portals to other realms.
Wong and Mordo exchanged glances, both catching the implication. "He's going to a parallel Universe?"
Mordo hesitated. "Won't that disrupt the natural balance of another world?"
"No," Malrick replied. "I'll speak with that Universe's embodiment of Eternity before doing anything. You don't need to worry."
Both sorcerers were stunned.
Eternity? He could communicate with Eternity?
Their eyes widened with awe.
Malrick didn't mind the reverence. His traversal power allowed him to connect with the consciousness of entire worlds. In that sense, communicating with Eternity wasn't far from the truth.
Tony stepped forward. "Wait, aren't you going to tell us why you're going? Take us with you!"
"I... I wouldn't mind tagging along either," Banner added, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
He wasn't the type to cause trouble, but his scientific curiosity was impossible to suppress.
Malrick nodded after a moment. "Fine. Consider it a test run for the duel happening in four months."
He looked at Banner. "But you stick close to me and don't cause problems."
"Of course! You have my word, Superman," Banner said quickly.
Tony's ears perked up. "Duel? Wait, Asgard? That sounds familiar..."
"Ask Mordo and Wong," Malrick said as he closed his eyes and began searching.
[Keywords: Harry Potter, magic]
[Confirm traversal]
Malrick expended minimal energy and vanished from the Marvel Universe.
Mordo and Wong were stunned again.
"He didn't use a portal! His spatial magic is... terrifying," Mordo said, stunned.
Tony leaned toward them. "So... what's the deal with Asgard?"
Banner joined in, curious. "Isn't that the mythical Norse kingdom? You're telling me it's real?"
Wong looked at both of them, his expression growing serious. "You're absolutely right…"
---