章 227: Chapter 228: Doctor Strange: The Ancient One Split Me in Half!
Bathing in this red light, the Widows broke free from Dreykov's control, gaining their own free will and thoughts.
"Hey, are you okay?" Yelena Belova ran over to help Natasha Romanoff up.
"The farther away from here, the better," Natasha Romanoff said to the Widows who had been attacking her, "You can make your own choices now."
Due to Melina Vostokoff as Kovac shooting at the critical part of this "Sky City," there was a massive explosion, and the place began to collapse. The Widows quickly evacuated.
After copying the data from the Widows, Natasha Romanoff also escaped before the explosion engulfed the area.
For such an advanced "Sky City" to be on the brink of complete collapse and destruction just because someone fired a gun was absurd.
Regardless, the impending destruction of this wicked place was good news for anyone.
Well, not anyone – at least not for Dreykov.
Unfortunately for him, he wasn't a deity either. The "Widow Empire" he had meticulously crafted in the sky was being destroyed, and all he could do was flee in disgrace, without even the ability to intervene and save it.
Since this "Widow Empire" was in the sky, planes were naturally involved. Dreykov had already boarded a plane with his bodyguards.
As the plane was about to take off, Yelena Belova reached out and shot a rope onto the plane, using it to climb on board and stand at the back.
She stood next to a "large chimney" at the tail of the plane, took out two sticks, and combined them into a long stick.
"Yelena!" Natasha Romanoff saw this scene and shouted, "Don't do it like this!"
"It's going to be fun!" Yelena Belova shouted back.
"She's up there!" Dreykov inside the plane also saw Yelena Belova and yelled, "Hurry up! What are you waiting for?"
However, their actions were too slow.
Yelena Belova used the long stick to jab at the tall "chimney" at the back of the plane. The plane instantly exploded in a massive fireball, consuming everyone inside, including Dreykov.
After piercing the plane with the stick, Yelena Belova fell into the air and plummeted toward the ground.
Of course, Natasha Romanoff wouldn't just watch her sister die like that. She grabbed a parachute and jumped as well, catching up to Yelena Belova in mid-air.
The scene darkened, and the video ended.
"This battle was really tough," Clint Barton couldn't help but comment, "You and Yelena almost died there."
"Not anymore," Natasha Romanoff said, "It'll be much easier to destroy that place now." Then she turned to Tony Stark, "Tony, but I need your help."
"You want me to help you crack that pheromone thing, right?" Tony Stark understood what Natasha Romanoff was asking for.
"That's right. I didn't expect Dreykov to use that trick on me too," Natasha Romanoff said.
"That's easy," Tony Stark said, "His method actually has significant drawbacks. As long as you can't smell his pheromones, you're safe. I can prepare an observation drone for you, so you can watch him from a distance. You have your arrows – once you see him from afar, you can take him out. I can also make you an anti-toxin mask that filters out his pheromones."
"To think of such a method to prevent being killed, that guy's actually quite talented," Nick Fury finished watching the video and couldn't help but admit that Dreykov was resourceful, "But he's too cruel, treating those Widows like mere objects, not human beings."
"That guy's even more ruthless than HYDRA," Bucky Barnes sympathized with the Widows, "He deserves to die!"
[The sixth question is about to begin. Please be prepared.]
[Please watch the following video.]
The scene began with Stephen Strange driving a luxury car through the night.
After parking, he adjusted his already immaculate suit, opened the car door, and stood there waiting.
Soon, a very beautiful woman approached.
Almost everyone present knew her – she was Stephen Strange's colleague, Christine Palmer.
"Good evening, handsome," Christine Palmer was wearing a lovely blue dress, smiling.
"I just pulled this out of the dryer," Stephen Strange said to Christine Palmer, "But you – you're radiant."
"I came for dessert. You promised me caramel pudding," Christine Palmer got into the car.
"Perhaps we can make it even better than that," Stephen Strange closed the car door for Christine Palmer.
Soon, the luxury car entered a mountain road.
"Not good!" Inside the answering space, Stephen Strange's expression changed as he saw the scene, "There's going to be an accident! This road is exactly the same as the one I had an accident on before!"
"You're having an accident now because of the butterfly effect caused by the answering space. If it weren't for the answering space, you wouldn't have been able to call me and wouldn't have had this accident," Phil Coulson explained, "Could it be that the video is showing the accident that 'should have' happened to you without the intervention of the answering space?"
"If that's the case, then there's no need to worry," Tony Stark said, "Later, when the Ancient One was attacked and sent to the hospital, the first person you contacted was Christine. She's perfectly fine."
"Even so, I don't want the accident to happen to her," Stephen Strange said, "That wouldn't be a pleasant experience no matter what."
The Stephen Strange in the answering space was quite worried, but in the video, he was having a very pleasant conversation with Christine Palmer.
"Come on, tell me. I know you're prepared," Christine Palmer said to Stephen Strange, "You can't improvise, just tell me."
"Alright." Stephen Strange cleared his throat and began, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues..."
"No, stop!" The speech had barely started when Christine Palmer interrupted, "I fell asleep already. Skip the preamble and get to the point."
"But I only said 'good evening'," Stephen Strange replied.
"You should've stormed the stage, screamed and applauded like a contestant on 'The Price Is Right,' be more enthusiastic," Christine Palmer offered her advice.
"The price of what?" Stephen Strange hadn't seen that show.
"We need to celebrate," Christine Palmer said.
"We are celebrating," Stephen Strange said.
"You just successfully performed a hemisphereectomy surgery. The surgery was very successful," Christine Palmer said.
"The surgery should have been successful," Stephen Strange replied.
"Yes, it's very impressive in my eyes," Christine Palmer said.
"So are you," Stephen Strange said. Just then, a large truck appeared ahead. Without hesitation, he overtook it, but as he changed lanes, blinding headlights came straight at them, startling Christine Palmer.
Fortunately, Stephen Strange reacted quickly, hit the brakes, slowed down, and changed lanes. Through a series of maneuvers, he avoided the oncoming vehicle.
"It's alright, you're alright," Stephen Strange patted Christine Palmer's shoulder.
Screech!
However, accompanied by a sharp braking sound, another car suddenly came from behind.
Bang!
That car crashed directly into Stephen Strange's luxury car. The car swerved left and right on the road a couple of times before flipping off the mountain road and into the water.
Inside the car, Stephen Strange slowly opened his eyes and turned to see the woman beside him was no longer moving.
"No, no, no, Christine!" Stephen Strange pleaded, "Wake up, Christine!"
However, Christine Palmer didn't wake up again. The next moment, the video showed her funeral, with Stephen Strange standing there, watching as the flower-covered coffin was being buried.
Then, the scene shifted, showing a bearded Stephen Strange standing in a bustling crowd.
The scene shifted again, showing Stephen Strange in his sorcerer's robes, practicing his spellcasting.
Afterwards, Stephen Strange obtained the Time Stone, the Ancient One passed away, and various other scenes flashed by.
Then, the video ended.
[Who split Stephen Strange, who would become the Sorcerer Supreme, in half?]
[A. Universal Overlord Thanos]
[B. Death Goddess Hela]
[C. Captain Marvel Carol Danvers]
[D. Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One]
[If answered correctly, you will receive the Devil Fruit "Sparkle-Sparkle Fruit." If answered incorrectly, one year of lifespan will be deducted.]
"This seems to be another parallel universe," Tony Stark remarked after watching, "In our world, Christine didn't die, and there's no indication that she and Stephen had a car accident together."
"That's right, it's likely another parallel universe," Steve Rogers said, "But in this universe, the turning point for Stephen becoming Doctor Strange is different. He's no longer driven by the desire to heal his hands, but to save Christine."
"So, in this parallel universe, who could have split him in half?" Natasha Romanoff pondered, "And who could even do that to him?"
"Putting aside the reason for splitting him in half, this person's power must be extremely formidable," Steve Rogers said, "Remember, at that time, Stephen had already become the Sorcerer Supreme."
"The Ancient One was previously known as the Sorcerer Supreme, and we've seen her power. Stephen also became the Sorcerer Supreme. Does that mean his power is now on par with or even surpasses the Ancient One's?" Bruce Banner mused, "Such power... to think that someone could split him in half?"
"Indeed, even though all four individuals in the options are powerful, I don't think any of them could split Stephen in half," Tony Stark said, "Maybe Stephen couldn't defeat them, but the power difference wouldn't be so extreme that he'd be split in half!"
"Options C and D are quite unexpected. Could these two actually be the ones to go after Stephen?" Clint Barton questioned.
"We don't know the circumstances of that parallel world. Anything is possible. In another parallel world, Thanos and Star-Lord are friends. The Ancient One or Carol might clash with Stephen in that universe," Nick Fury explained.
"But clearly, the Ancient One can be ruled out," Scott Lang chimed in, "First, she's already deceased. Second, even if she were alive, Stephen was her student. Even if there were disagreements between them, I doubt she'd go so far as to split someone in half."
"I think we can probably rule out Carol too," Stephen Strange added, "As Scott mentioned, even if I had disagreements with Carol, it wouldn't escalate to the point of fatally splitting me in half."
"Perhaps it's like Thanos getting 'redeemed,' and in this world, you've turned 'dark' and become a villain set on destroying the world, and someone has to kill you to save the world," Bruce Banner suggested.
"I turned dark? To destroy the world?" Stephen Strange shook his head, "That's impossible."
"Even Thanos got redeemed," Bruce Banner reminded.
"Maybe it's Carol turning dark. That would explain why someone would go to such extremes," Clint Barton speculated.
"Okay, Bruce, you're right. Given what happened with Thanos being redeemed, we can't completely dismiss the possibility of me turning dark," Stephen Strange admitted, "But I think for now, we don't need to consider that possibility. If even the basic notions of good and evil are reversed, how can we even approach this question? I could be the villain, Thanos and Hela could be heroes – everything's in chaos. It's impossible to reason through this, so how can we answer the question?"
"You're right," Bruce Banner agreed.
"So, Thanos or Hela, who split Stephen in half?" Nick Fury posed the question.
"Based on our own world, I still think it's Thanos," Stephen Strange concluded, "Hela is powerful, but I have no connection with her. She mainly confronts Thor. I'll go with A!"
[Answer incorrect! One year of lifespan deducted!]
Answer wrong.
Fortunately, Stephen Strange didn't yet know the exact effects of the "Sparkle-Sparkle Fruit," otherwise, he might have been devastated.
It's not an exaggeration to say that with the "Sparkle-Sparkle Fruit," he could almost be invincible in this universe.
"If it's not Thanos, could it be Hela?" Clint Barton wondered.
"While Hela is also powerful, could she really split Stephen in half?" Natasha Romanoff questioned.
"She likely could," Steve Rogers said, "Throughout history, Thanos has aimed for the entire universe, while Hela has mainly targeted Asgard. This gives a sense that Thanos might be stronger than Hela, but is that really the case? Because of Odin's presence, Thanos never dared to come to Earth. Does that mean Odin's power is greater than Thanos's?"
"Without a doubt, my father Odin is stronger," Thor affirmed.
"But Odin couldn't kill Hela," Steve Rogers pointed out, "If he could, why did he only seal her away instead of completely eliminating her?"
"So you're saying that father isn't a match for Hela?" Loki shook his head, "No, Odin doesn't kill Hela simply because she's his child. He can't bring himself to do it."
"Loki's right. Hela isn't a match for father," Thor agreed.
"I think both of you are letting your personal feelings towards Odin and Hela cloud your judgment of their power," Steve Rogers stated, "You're being influenced by your emotions."
At this point, the scene started to play out.
It was a rainy night. Stephen Strange sat there, holding a glass of wine in one hand and the Time Stone in the other, but his thoughts were on Christine Palmer.
He wondered whether he should use his magic to save the woman he loved.
"It seems like you're settling for cheaper stuff now," Wong walked over, his hands behind his back. He stood beside Stephen Strange and asked, "How long has it been?"
"It'll be two years tonight," Stephen Strange replied, "Why aren't you asleep?"
"I need the Sorcerer Supreme's room," Wong requested, "And what are you up to?"
Stephen Strange didn't reply. Instead, he flipped his palm, covering the Time Stone in his hand.
But, how could he hide anything from Wong's eyes?
"I'll go make some tea." Wong didn't expose him either and simply suggested, "I advise you to join me, so you don't do anything impulsive."
After Wong left, Stephen Strange held the Time Stone up in front of his eyes, examining it for a moment, and finally made a decision.
The next moment, he returned to the past.
Back to that sorrowful night when Christine Palmer had left forever.
He stood before his luxury car, dressed immaculately.
Christine Palmer walked towards him, wearing a beautiful dress.
"Good evening, handsome," Christine Palmer greeted with a smile.
The person he had thought about day and night suddenly appeared before him. Stephen Strange's heart raced, and he was so excited that he could hardly speak.
"Is something wrong?" Christine Palmer noticed Stephen Strange's unusual behavior and asked.
"I think I had a minor heart attack just now," Stephen Strange fabricated.
"A heart attack, doctor?" Christine Palmer walked up to Stephen Strange and said, "Cheer up, Stephen. You promised to treat me to caramel pudding."
"Christine, if you ask, I'd give you the whole world," Stephen Strange proclaimed.
"Just let me hear it, please. Come on, I know you've prepared a fantastic acceptance speech for tonight," as they drove, Christine Palmer said something similar to what she had before.
"I haven't prepared anything. I'm planning to improvise," Stephen Strange recalled Christine Palmer's previous words and said, "I'll run up on the stage, shout and cheer like a game show contestant, and high-five everyone."
"Are you serious, or are you just messing with me?" Christine Palmer laughed, "No way, now that you've said it, you have to follow through."
"As long as you're by my side, it's all good," Stephen Strange replied.
This was a genuine statement.
As genuine as it gets.
"Wait a second, have you ever watched a game show?" Christine Palmer inquired.
"No, but there's a first time for everything," just then, the large truck from before appeared ahead of their luxury car.
Last time, Stephen Strange had overtaken it without hesitation, almost immediately resulting in a car crash.
But this time, he didn't overtake. He slowed down and followed from behind.
"What's happening?" Seeing Christine Palmer's puzzled expression, Stephen Strange couldn't help but ask.
"I don't know, you seem really happy," Christine Palmer remarked, "Whoever changed your personality owes me a basket of cupcakes."
"Maybe you make me happy," Stephen Strange said.
"Tonight will be a memorable one," Christine Palmer commented.
Boom!
Right at that moment, a car suddenly rammed into them from behind. Stephen Strange's luxury car scraped against the road with a sharp sound before flipping off the highway and plunging into the water below.
The outcome was no different from the previous time, it was an exact replica.
"No, no, no! Not again! Christine!" Stephen Strange shouted in despair.
Without a moment's hesitation, he once again returned to the past.
"Hello there, handsome," Christine Palmer walked towards him with a smile.
"Your chariot awaits, milady," Stephen Strange ushered Christine Palmer into the car.
This time, he drove straight ahead.
"We're not taking the turn," Christine Palmer observed as they passed by a bridge on the side, and couldn't help but ask, "Isn't the bridge over there?"
"We're taking a different route," Stephen Strange said, "It's fine, we won't have any problems."
Boom!
Ironically, just as he finished saying this, a large truck came from the side and crashed into their car, sending it soaring into the sky.
Here we go again!
Stephen Strange returned to the past for the third time.
Even when changing the route, Christine Palmer's accident couldn't be avoided. So Stephen Strange came up with a new idea – not going at all!
You had an accident in a car, didn't you?
I'm not driving.
If you're not on the road, how can the accident happen again?
"You're supposed to accept the award. This event is in your honor," after Stephen Strange expressed his reluctance to attend, Christine Palmer said.
"Let's stay at home, order pizza and caramel pudding," Stephen Strange suggested.
"No way, how can this beautiful dress of mine get stained with oil?" Christine Palmer retorted, "Let's go dancing. I promise we'll have a blast."
Listening to Christine Palmer, Stephen Strange and she danced together. But as they danced, Christine Palmer clutched her chest and collapsed, lifeless.
Stephen Strange went back again!
This time, no dancing. They sat in a pizza parlor eating pizza.
However, even this time, Christine Palmer couldn't escape her fate. A gunman entered the pizza parlor and shot her dead.
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[END OF CHAPTER]
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