บท 18: Ch.18 The Sorcerer Supreme’s Affairs
That's right, it was the Eye of Agamotto.
In the movie, many mistakenly believed the Eye of Agamotto was simply part of the Time Stone. But that wasn't true.
The Eye of Agamotto, passed down through generations of Kamar-Taj sorcerers, was an immensely powerful artifact.
It could see through many illusions and break dark magic. It could even observe both the past and the future.
Yes, the Ancient One's ability to see the past and future wasn't solely due to the Time Stone—it was thanks to this artifact.
Of course, whether or not the Time Stone enhanced its abilities, Ronan wasn't sure.
"How do you have this?"
Wong clutched his chest, but he could still feel the familiar sensation of the Eye of Agamotto hanging from his neck. It hadn't disappeared.
So where did the Eye this person was wearing come from?
"Wong, you may look like a simple, honest guy, but I know you're smart," Ronan sighed, clearly catching on to Wong's act.
"If you weren't smart, you wouldn't have been able to handle my homework."
"So, how about we talk normally, okay?"
Ronan could tell Wong was playing dumb. On the outside, Wong might look chubby and friendly, but Ronan knew better. Wong wasn't as simple as he seemed.
He had once tricked Ronan into giving him three triple-decker burgers from Burger King—combo meals, no less—just for helping with homework.
Sure, the homework was done beautifully, and the teacher was pleased, but Ronan felt cheated. After the "Burger King Incident," Ronan swore never to trust Wong's harmless-looking exterior again.
Despite this, Wong's expression remained serious.
"Are you another version of Strange from another world?" Wong asked, his expression growing more puzzled.
"No, you look nothing alike. You're much... different."
Wong's face shifted from serious to confused as he struggled to find the right words.
Ronan, on the other hand, just shrugged, completely unconcerned.
"You were going to say I'm more handsome, right?" Ronan grinned. "And I have more of that Sorcerer Supreme vibe."
He stretched his arms wide, as if presenting himself. At the very least, he looked more like a Sorcerer Supreme than Doctor Strange ever did.
"Alright, I'll admit, you're more handsome," Wong conceded. "But as for your qualifications as a Sorcerer Supreme, I can't say."
Wong relaxed a little but stayed cautious. Even though they had revealed their identities, Wong knew that versions of the same person from parallel universes could have completely different personalities—one could be good, and the other evil.
"Though the Ancient One hasn't retired yet, I am her successor in my world," Ronan added. "I'm sure Strange would make a great surgeon there."
Ronan shrugged again. As far as he was concerned, there weren't many Sorcerer Supremes out there who were as handsome and capable as him. Of course, that didn't include the Ancient One.
But compared to Strange? No contest.
"The Ancient One?"
Hearing that title, Wong's face softened into a look of nostalgia. The Ancient One had been his teacher as well, and once the Sorcerer Supreme of this world.
But sadly, she was gone now.
Seeing the sadness in Wong's eyes, Ronan couldn't help but smirk.
Oh, master, you've really tricked everyone good, haven't you?
You're not even dead, but you faked your death just to pass the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Strange?
The great Ancient One, stabbed to death. How absurd.
And the fact that everyone believed it? That was the most unbelievable part.
"Alright, stop giving me that nostalgic look," Ronan interrupted. "It's making me feel weird."
"After all, in my world, the Ancient One is alive and well. She still checks my homework every day, and she's very strict about it."
Ronan couldn't help but complain.
For heaven's sake, she was the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme! Wasn't her duty to protect the world? How did she have time to check his homework?
It just didn't make sense!
"Homework?" Wong's face twisted into an expression of disbelief. "You're still in school?"
Seeing Wong's baffled look, Ronan rolled his eyes.
What's that look for? Haven't you ever seen a Sorcerer Supreme candidate do homework? Just because I'm in high school doesn't mean I should be underestimated!
"Want me to take you to my world and ask your other self how he feels about a high schooler being the Sorcerer Supreme?" Ronan quipped, turning away to avoid Wong's expression, which was becoming harder to ignore.
Otherwise, he might just end up punching someone.
"No, thanks. I don't plan on transmigrating into other worlds," Wong quickly waved his hands, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.
Seeing another version of himself would probably make things even more awkward.
With that, the conversation stalled. Neither of them spoke, and Ronan, as the guest, took the time to study the room's layout.
Though it was another Sorcerer's Sanctum, the decor had its subtle differences.
At the very least, Strange's taste was worse.
"So, what brings you here?" Wong finally broke the silence after a couple of minutes. "Looking for Strange?"
"Didn't Stark tell you? Strange has been gone for five years."
But Ronan shook his head.
"I'm not interested in Strange. I just wanted to see if there were any differences between this Kamar-Taj and mine."
"And also..." Ronan trailed off, glancing at Wong with a mischievous look.
Wong couldn't help but shiver.
Why did he suddenly have a bad feeling about this?
"And also?" Wong asked cautiously, regretting it the moment he said it.
By asking, he had just given Ronan an opening to make his request.
As a sorcerer, even from another universe, Wong had no real way of refusing a request from someone like Ronan, especially if it involved something important.
Was Ronan going to ask to see some forbidden texts?
That couldn't be, right?
"Uh, well, I was hoping... I could ask for your guidance. Or maybe, we could exchange knowledge about using Mirror Dimension."
"I'm still a bit lacking in that area," Ronan said, coughing nervously as he glanced at Wong.
"No, absolutely not!" Wong rejected the idea instantly.
But halfway through his sentence, he hesitated, his resolute expression slowly shifting to one of confusion.
Wait... What did Ronan just ask?
"Hold on," Wong said, trying to clarify. "Did you say... Mirror Dimension?"
Ronan nodded solemnly, his face calm and unbothered. All traces of nervousness had disappeared.
Sure, he valued his pride, but not that much.
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