Chương 220: Chapter 221: Doctor Strange: I've Finally Arrived at Kamar-Taj!
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"When it comes to being undefeatable, Professor X takes the cake," Stephen Strange said, "His attacks are truly unnoticed and defy spatial constraints. I just wonder how far his ability to enter someone's mind extends. If it's far enough, his power would be truly terrifying. Imagine sitting in one city while he instantly enters your mind from another."
"Nightcrawler's abilities are also remarkable," Steve Rogers commented, "His teleportation is unbeatable when used effectively."
"But the most powerful is undoubtedly Phoenix," Bruce Banner added, "Apocalypse is formidable, but once Phoenix gets involved, the situation turns immediately. And that's without her even fully matured. If she does grow to her full potential, I believe she could handle someone like Apocalypse on her own."
[This round of questioning ends, prepare for the return of the questioner.]
Another round of questioning concluded, and the heroes disappeared.
[Questioning complete, rewards issued.]
[Host gains "Magic Immunity," capable of resisting all magic.]
[Host gains "Super Environmental Adaptation," enabling survival in extreme environments such as vacuum, space, extreme cold, extreme heat, strong acids, and lack of oxygen.]
"Oh? They even awarded me the rewards meant for Iron Man?" Li Cheng raised an eyebrow.
After multiple rounds of questioning and receiving various rewards, this was the first time that he and the questioners had received identical rewards.
"Nevertheless, this ability is quite impressive. Just like that Blackthorn, incredibly powerful, but died immediately in space. With this adaptation ability, I can avoid that kind of situation." Li Cheng was relatively satisfied with the ability to adapt to extreme environments.
Living in the Marvel world was truly dangerous.
He had only watched a few Marvel movies, and he had no idea what happened after defeating Thanos. Who knew when an unknown apocalypse might suddenly arrive? This super environmental adaptation ability could be incredibly useful in such scenarios.
"With this magic immunity, have I become the nemesis of Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch again?" Li Cheng couldn't help but think. These two magic powerhouses, if their magic was ineffective, how much combat power would they have left?
...
Stephen Strange looked around; it was no longer pitch black.
He was back in his hospital room.
He still held a piece of parchment in his hand.
"Ouch, it hurts!" Stephen Strange suddenly felt a wave of pain. The parchment slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground.
In the real world, he had just been injured and was lying in a hospital bed. But during the questioning in the question space, he hadn't felt any pain, perhaps due to the time dilation effect. But now, the pain hit him full force.
"Alright, Stephen, now that you have this parchment, there's no need to search for the Pantheon," Nick Fury said.
"I indeed don't need to anymore," Stephen Strange replied, "After spending some more time in the hospital, I'll be discharged, and then I'll head to Kamar-Taj immediately."
"I'll have Coulson accompany you. It's good to have someone to look out for you," Nick Fury suggested.
"I actually can manage on my own," Stephen Strange instinctively wanted to refuse. After all, in the future, he was the only disciple of the Ancient One.
"Stephen, I know what you're worried about. I'm not sending Coulson to be your apprentice. Of course, if any of those sorcerers take an interest in Coulson, I won't stop them," Nick Fury explained, "This map is no small matter; it must not fall into the wrong hands. You need someone to provide you with protection. Remember that incident where your watch was stolen? Coulson may not be able to handle super villains, but dealing with small-time thieves is a piece of cake for him."
"Alright then, I'll go with Coulson," Stephen Strange agreed.
In truth, Stephen Strange didn't think much of it. Nick Fury's request to send Phil Coulson along had ulterior motives. He was curious to see if Coulson could stay at Kamar-Taj to learn magic.
Now that he knew the location of Kamar-Taj, Stephen Strange didn't want to waste a moment. However, the reality was that he had no choice but to delay his plans. After all, he had just survived a car accident.
And so, Stephen Strange endured nearly three months of agony in the hospital bed before finally being discharged.
The first thing he did was to contact Phil Coulson and together they set out for Kamar-Taj.
With the map in hand, he didn't wander aimlessly like in the video. Instead, he accurately found his way to Kamar-Taj.
"This is it." Standing before the same worn door as in the video, Stephen Strange said to Phil Coulson.
"Why do I sense some nervousness from you?" Phil Coulson asked.
"It's the Ancient One." Stephen Strange replied.
"Stay calm, your future isn't any less than hers." Phil Coulson reassured.
"Entering this door, my life will never be peaceful again." Stephen Strange said.
"That's right, walking through this door means you'll have to deal with challenges like Thanos and Dormammu." Phil Coulson chuckled, "You can still turn back now."
"Why would I turn back?" Stephen Strange chuckled, knocking on the door.
Soon, the door creaked open, and the figure of the Ancient One appeared before them. Surprisingly, she had personally opened the door for them.
"Stephen, you've arrived much earlier than expected." The Ancient One looked at Stephen Strange, then at Phil Coulson, finally fixing her gaze on the former.
"You knew we were coming?" Stephen Strange instinctively asked, but the moment the words left his mouth, he felt it was a silly question. To someone like the Ancient One, who could perceive the future, what was so surprising about knowing he was coming?
"Although you asked the question, you don't seem very surprised that I knew you were coming." The Ancient One smiled, "I guess you've already learned from that question space who I am, haven't you?"
"You know about the question space?" Phil Coulson expressed surprise.
Indeed, the Ancient One was undeniably one of the most powerful beings on Earth, if not the universe.
But there were more than a few incredibly powerful individuals revealed by the question space. Thanos, Dormammu, the Infinity Stones, Ultron – whether from this universe or others, they had all been exposed by the question space.
In Phil Coulson's mind, the question space was the most impressive. Who cared about the Ancient One or Thanos? They were all secondary.
Therefore, the fact that the Ancient One was now talking about the question space left Phil Coulson amazed.
Was the Ancient One even more formidable than he had thought?
"Come inside and talk." The Ancient One led Stephen Strange and Phil Coulson inside, prepared tea just like in the video, and said as she brewed, "Actually, I can't see the question space and have no idea what it looks like."
"If you don't know about the question space, how do you know about it?" Stephen Strange couldn't help but ask.
"Even though I can't see the question space, I can see you." The Ancient One handed a cup of tea to Stephen Strange, "Every time the questioning ends, you discuss matters related to the question space. Just from hearing your conversation, I know you've just come out of the question space."
"I see." Stephen Strange took the tea and had a sip. "We've discussed you as well."
"Yes, I've heard all of it." The Ancient One smiled.
"Did we get it right?" Phil Coulson couldn't help but ask.
"You've said so much, which part are you asking about?" The Ancient One also handed a cup of tea to Phil Coulson.
"One day in the future, you'll be ambushed by Casilius…" Phil Coulson asked, "Do you already know about this?"
"Ah, you're talking about my death." The Ancient One nodded slightly, "Yes, I know."
She seemed so nonchalant, as if they were discussing something as trivial as having tea or a meal.
"Since you know, why allow it to happen?" Phil Coulson asked, clearly puzzled.
"Because that's how my story goes." The Ancient One chuckled, "I'm supposed to exit the stage at that particular time, in that particular way."
"Is that really how your story goes?" Stephen Strange furrowed his brows upon hearing this, "Who wrote your story? And who decided that a story must unfold this way?"
"Stephen, I thought you came to me to treat your hand." The Ancient One remarked.
"Do you really not care about your own life and death?" Stephen Strange asked.
"It's a fact that people will eventually die," the Ancient One said with her usual calm tone.
"But when and how I live or die should be under my control. I don't want to be dictated by some preordained fate of when and how I should die," Stephen Strange remarked.
"I believe you." The Ancient One replied, "With that question space, perhaps you can achieve that."
"Ancient One, is your story predetermined fate?" Phil Coulson asked.
"Predetermined fate? You could say that," the Ancient One answered.
"What's the use of predetermined fate?" Phil Coulson added, "Even someone as powerful as you can't resist it?"
"I understand you have many questions, but your level of understanding isn't enough. Discussing these topics won't be beneficial," the Ancient One smiled, not continuing to answer. Then she turned to Phil Coulson and said, "Mr. Coulson, if you wish to tour here, I'll have Mordo act as your guide. If you have urgent matters, feel free to attend to them."
That was a direct dismissal.
"I do have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave." Phil Coulson felt a bit disappointed that he wouldn't be able to learn magic, but he didn't show it and left immediately.
This time, Mordo still led Stephen Strange back to his dormitory. As he left, he handed a small note to Stephen Strange.
"Is the Wi-Fi fast here?" Stephen Strange asked.
"You didn't treat that like a spell?" Mordo couldn't help but say, "When I first came, I thought it was some sort of incantation."
"Magicians can't be primitive people, after all." Stephen Strange borrowed Mordo's line.
"I've finally arrived at Kamar-Taj. I wonder if I can become as powerful as the me in the video." In the dead of night, Stephen Strange lay in bed, unable to sleep as he tossed and turned.
He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The excitement stemmed from stepping into this place, signifying that he was no longer an ordinary person, but a formidable sorcerer capable of wielding immense power.
The nervousness arose from the realization that his enemies were also powerful – Thanos, Dormammu. Were these really the kind of foes that a mere Earthling should face?
Especially Dormammu; in the video, he had gone to such lengths to fend him off, dying countless times before succeeding.
Death was a great fear. When Dormammu truly arrived, did he have the courage to face him?
As he lay sleepless, pondering his familiar yet unfamiliar future, he once again entered the question space.
This time, the individuals entering the question space were exactly the same as before, with no additions or subtractions.
"Stephen, we just said our farewells, and here you are again." Phil Coulson said, "So, how are you adjusting to life in Kamar-Taj?"
"To be honest, it's a bit difficult." Stephen Strange replied, "Even though they have Wi-Fi there, it's still different from my previous living conditions."
"Are you finding their accommodations too basic?" Nick Fury asked.
"Of course not." Stephen Strange explained, "It's just that when I'm there, I can't help but wonder if my life as an ordinary person has come to an end."
"Stephen, have you started learning magic from the Ancient One?" Thor immediately showed interest upon hearing this.
"Yes, I've just arrived at Kamar-Taj." Stephen Strange said, "But I haven't had a chance to start learning magic yet."
"That's great news!" Tony Stark couldn't help but comment, "Stephen, don't slack off. We're looking forward to you becoming a master and fighting alongside us."
"I wouldn't dare to slack off. I'm eager to become even stronger." Stephen Strange replied.
"Fury, didn't you send anyone else to Kamar-Taj?" Tony Stark glanced at Nick Fury, "This doesn't sound like you."
"As a matter of fact, I did." Nick Fury said, "Coulson went to Kamar-Taj with Stephen, but the Ancient One had no intention of keeping him. So, I understand now – the Ancient One will only teach Stephen, not anyone else. Everyone can rest assured, I won't try to interfere with the Ancient One again."
"That's good to hear." Tony Stark said. He was actually worried that Nick Fury might harass the Ancient One in an attempt to get more people to learn magic.
"By the way, Thor, did you go to the dwarves?" Nick Fury asked Thor.
"I went there. I've already asked them to forge a new Stormbreaker," Thor said.
[The Q&A session now begins. Please prepare, answerers.]
[In stopping the Vulture Adrian Toomes from stealing a plane, how did Spider-Man Peter Parker prevent the crashing plane from flying into the city?]
[A Enter the cockpit and control the plane's direction.]
[B Rescue the pilot being held hostage by the Vulture, allowing them to control the plane.]
[C Attach the plane to the surface of an ocean liner, using its weight to prevent the plane from continuing to fly.]
[D Use spider silk to pull the wings, altering the wing angle to change the plane's flight path.]
[For a correct answer to this question, you will gain 10 years of life. For a wrong answer, 1 year of life will be deducted.]
"The Vulture? Another super villain has appeared," Nick Fury said, rubbing his temples with a hint of discomfort, "Why are there so many restless individuals? Can't they just behave themselves?"
"The good news is that this Vulture doesn't seem that strong," Stephen Strange commented, "First, 'Vulture' is quite an ordinary nickname, unlike titles like 'Supreme Sorcerer' or 'Universal Overlord.' Second, his crime is airplane theft. Only weaklings engage in theft, right? The strong just take what they want."
"If he's only at the level of airplane theft, many of us could easily handle him," Natasha Romanoff chimed in.
"Stopping a plane from flying into the city, Steve, does this scene seem familiar to you?" Bucky Barnes asked Steve Rogers.
"I may be getting old, but not so old that I'm constantly reminiscing about the past," Steve Rogers replied, "I believe Peter will do better than I did back then."
"For this question, we can eliminate option A," Peter Parker was the first to analyze, "Because I can't fly a plane. Flying a plane isn't a skill I need in my everyday life or in my life as a crimefighter, so I won't bother learning it. So, option A can be ruled out."
"Correct, now how about option B? Analyze that one for us," Tony Stark said, impressed by Peter Parker's clear thinking and analysis of option A, a slight smile on his lips.
He was really growing fond of this kid.
"I think we can rule out B as well. The question says the Vulture is 'stealing' on the plane. If he's hijacking the pilot, is that still 'stealing'? Doesn't that become robbery?" Peter Parker explained.
"Good analysis," Steve Rogers nodded, "Go on."
"A person's nickname is usually indicative of their abilities. Since this person is nicknamed 'Vulture,' he should have the ability to fly. Since he's only stealing on the plane, I don't see a need for him to hijack the pilot," Peter Parker continued.
"What about option C?" Stephen Strange said, "Option C can indeed prevent the plane from flying into the city."
"Option C isn't viable either," Peter Parker shook his head, "Using silk to attach the plane to the surface of an ocean liner would indeed stop the plane, but it would put the people on the liner in danger. I wouldn't risk other people's lives to stop the plane."
"Good analysis, kid," Stephen Strange said, "You can make your choice now."
"The first three options have been ruled out, so I choose D!" Peter Parker said.
[Correct answer! Reward distributed!]
Spider-Man gained an additional ten years of life.
Previously, he lost some years due to incorrect answers, and now they were being replenished.
Soon, the video started playing.
As the scene began, Peter Parker, dressed in a very simple "costume," slid into a factory through a strand of spider silk.
In the vast factory, only one person stood, seemingly occupied with something. It was none other than the Vulture, Adrian Toomes.
"Hey, didn't expect this, did you?" Peter Parker shouted at Adrian Toomes.
"Peter, I didn't hear you come in," Adrian Toomes said, leaning against a table.
"It's over now. I've got you," Peter Parker said, advancing step by step toward Adrian Toomes.
"I have to say, Peter, I really, really admire your courage," Adrian Toomes picked up his coat from the table and put it on, "I can see why Liz likes you, truly. When you walked into my home, I thought, 'Is this the kid?' But now I understand."
"How could you do this to her?" Peter Parker asked.
"To her?" Adrian Toomes said, "I haven't done anything to her, Peter. Everything I've done, it's for her."
"Yeah," Peter Parker reached out, shooting a blob of web that stuck Adrian Toomes' hand to the table.
"Peter, you're young, you don't understand how this world works," Adrian Toomes chuckled at Peter Parker's action.
"But I understand that selling weapons to criminals is wrong," Peter Parker said.
"You think your friend Tony Stark got his money to build that big tower from legitimate sources? And what about all his little gadgets?" Adrian Toomes retorted, "Those people, Peter, those high and mighty ones with power and influence, they can do whatever they want. But people like us, like you and me, they don't care at all. We lay the groundwork for them, we fight and bleed for them, but they don't give a damn about us. We have to pick up the scraps, feast on their leftovers. That's how this world is, and I know you understand what I'm saying, Peter."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Peter Parker asked.
"Because I want you to understand, and also," Adrian Toomes paused, "It takes some time for it to take flight."
As he finished speaking, a flying device suddenly zipped past Peter Parker's back. He flipped backward to dodge it, and the device turned around and charged at him again. Peter Parker shot a strand of web and grabbed onto a beam, jumping up onto it just as the device flew by again. Peter Parker continued to dodge effortlessly.
"Sorry, Peter." Adrian Toomes used a knife to cut the web from his hand.
"What are you talking about? That thing didn't even come close to touching me," Peter Parker shrugged.
"That's right, but, it wasn't meant to touch you," Adrian Toomes said.
Only then did Peter Parker sense something was wrong. He quickly turned around and saw the flying device cutting through the pillars in the factory.
He finally realized, a bit too late, that every time the device attacked him, it would cut several pillars.
The attacks on him were just a diversion—the real goal was to cut down the pillars of the factory!
But he realized this a bit too late. All the pillars had been cut, and the factory collapsed, burying him beneath the debris.
"Boss, they've started the engines," at that moment, a voice came over the radio by Adrian Toomes' side.
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