Stephen Strange, a renowned surgeon, was once most proud of his steady and skillful hands. With these hands, he had performed countless complex surgeries and saved many lives.
However, after a serious car accident, those very hands became his greatest burden. Despite undergoing several surgeries, they could not be restored to their former state. His strength weakened, his flexibility declined, and most importantly, his hands were no longer steady.
It was precisely to heal his hands that he painstakingly sought out Kamar-Taj and became a sorcerer.
At that time, his greatest desire was to quickly learn mystical arts to restore his hands. But after a series of experiences, Strange's mindset began to change.
If it were the Strange who had just arrived at Kamar-Taj, given the ability to use the Time Stone freely, he would have found a way to heal his hands immediately, rather than continuing to study magic and using a more 'orthodox' method to treat his injuries.
The current Strange understood something: power that could endanger the world should not be used lightly for personal reasons.
Although he had not yet become the Sorcerer Supreme, he already understood what it meant to 'protect Earth properly.'
Tony looked at the sorcerer in front of him and nodded. He didn't continue speaking with Strange but instead turned to greet Wong, who stood nearby.
Wong still wore his usual expression, like the whole world owed him money, but Tony knew this was just how Wong looked when he wasn't particularly emotional. It didn't mean he disliked anyone.
In fact, Wong was quite the interesting person, often making sharp or dry comments with a deadpan face that could leave people speechless.
This time, Wong didn't say anything strange. He brought Strange to meet Tony not just to introduce them, but for a more important reason.
"You said you wanted me to meet a very important person, and that's Stark?"
Thinking about it, that seemed reasonable.
Stark Industries was a world-famous corporation. Stark himself was a celebrity and also a member of the Avengers. Since the mission of the Kamar-Taj sorcerers was to protect the world, it was only natural for them to connect with the Avengers, who also protected Earth.
However, Strange soon realized he had misunderstood. Wong's main purpose in bringing him here was not Tony.
"Is Master Ethan here?"
As one of the Ancient One's most trusted sorcerers, Wong knew more than most. For example, he knew Ethan rarely stayed in this world, so he wasn't sure if they would be able to meet him on this trip.
But even if they didn't, meeting Tony would be worthwhile. Tony was a powerful sorcerer, and if Strange encountered trouble in the future, he would have someone to turn to.
"You're in luck. He happens to be around lately."
Tony knew Wong had brought Strange to see Ethan. Perhaps in Wong's view, with the Ancient One gone, Earth was at its most vulnerable, and Ethan was the last safeguard Kamar-Taj could rely on.
Following Tony to Ethan's residence, Strange couldn't help but imagine what kind of person Master Ethan was. But when he finally saw him, all his previous assumptions were completely overturned.
He thought Ethan would be an elderly man. Even if this powerful sorcerer had lived for many years through magic, he should still show some signs of age, right?
The Ancient One was quite old as well. Based on the information Strange had gathered at Kamar-Taj, she was at least several hundred years old.
Although she didn't appear elderly, one could still see the traces of time on her face.
But this Master Ethan in front of him?
Even if he wasn't a white-bearded old man, he shouldn't look this young. This youthful appearance, like someone just entering adulthood, felt like some kind of cruel joke.
Since Wong referred to him as "Master Ethan," Strange had already placed him on the same level as the Ancient One in his mind. So he immediately dismissed the possibility that Ethan was truly that young.
Moreover, as someone who had genuinely studied magic, he understood how difficult it was to improve. He considered his own talent quite good, but without the opportunity involving Dormammu, it would have been impossible to reach his current strength in such a short time.
Aside from his appearance, Ethan lived in a mansion in an affluent neighborhood. When he appeared, he was accompanied by a tall, beautiful woman. The scene looked more like a young master from a wealthy family than a powerful sorcerer.
Strange turned to Wong with a questioning look: Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?
But Wong ignored his expression completely. Once Ethan appeared, Wong stepped forward and respectfully greeted him.
Most of the sorcerers at Kamar-Taj didn't know much about Ethan. A small number of them even assumed he was no different from the rest, especially those who had met him when he first arrived in the Marvel Universe.
Only a few close to the Ancient One knew that Ethan was a powerful sorcerer capable of freely traveling across multiple universes.
Since Wong often saw Ethan and frequently assisted during his discussions with the Ancient One, he had access to much more knowledge than the average sorcerer.
He knew Ethan not only possessed immense power but also held the Space Stone.
Whether considering his strength or his magical artifacts, Ethan was someone on par with the Sorcerer Supreme. Moreover, Wong had benefited greatly from listening to Ethan and the Ancient One discuss magic. In a way, Ethan could even be considered one of his teachers.
With all this combined, it was only natural for Wong to show such respect.
After the greeting, Ethan turned his gaze to Strange, clearly aware that the Ancient One's successor was very curious about him.
"You're wondering why Wong brought you to see me."
"A little."
Strange couldn't sense any mystical aura from Ethan. It was like facing an ordinary young man. Yet Wong had reminded him that the person he was about to meet stood on equal footing with the Ancient One. The inconsistency between what he saw and what he had heard left him confused.
"There's nothing strange about it. The Ancient One's departure has left Kamar-Taj without a core. Although you've done well so far, taking over her role is no easy task. You will face trials one after another."
That was why Wong had brought Strange here. Simply put, he hoped Ethan could provide some guidance to help Strange grow stronger.
"So..."
Strange had already suspected this, but until it was confirmed, he still had some doubts.
"So... Wong thinks you might not be able to handle those challenges on your own right now."
Ethan looked at Strange. There was a slight twitch at the corners of his mouth and eyes. The proud former surgeon clearly disliked being underestimated, but he knew Wong meant well, so he didn't express his frustration. He simply kept his emotions bottled up.
"But I think Wong underestimated you, Stephen. You don't mind if I call you that, do you?"
Ethan made a small gesture, inviting him to sit. Only then did Strange realize that, without noticing, they had already arrived in the garden, and he just happened to be standing next to a chair.
When had they moved?
Strange looked around. Not only had he not noticed the movement, but he also didn't feel any energy fluctuations or spatial shifts. That meant the other party had precise and seamless control over energy.
That alone was enough to prove Ethan's strength. At the very least, Strange couldn't do something like that right now.
As soon as he sat down, he noticed tea and pastries had appeared on the table before him. Having gotten used to drinking tea during his year at Kamar-Taj, he picked up a teacup, took a small sip, and quietly waited for Ethan to continue.
He had already let go of all his previous doubts. From Ethan's seamless use of spatial magic, he knew this was definitely a formidable sorcerer. Those moves just now seemed simple, but to a fellow mage, it was obvious how difficult they really were.
What he didn't know was that this exact set of gestures was something Ethan had learned from him.
Strange had once used this method to entertain Thor, stunning the proud God of Thunder and smoothly taking control of the conversation.
Ethan took a small sip of juice and continued, "You are a very talented sorcerer. Earth needs young people like you to protect it. There's no doubt, the future belongs to you."
Being called a young man by someone who looked even younger than him felt odd, but Strange couldn't find a way to refute it. The power Ethan had already shown proved that his real age was far older than his appearance suggested.
How old? That was impossible to say. But judging from Wong's respectful attitude and Ethan's clear status, Strange could only keep quiet and listen.
"However, since you've come, it wouldn't be right to let you leave empty-handed..."
He was the Ancient One's successor, and in a way, could be considered a fellow disciple or junior. Since he had come to visit, it would be inappropriate not to give him something.
Ethan didn't think too long. Just by glancing at Strange's hands, he already knew what kind of gift he should prepare. It would certainly be something Strange would like very much.
(To be continued.)