Farewell
Owen stepped into the VITAE living room, unable to stop himself from looking around. Several agents were packing things up, putting them into boxes as they prepared for the move. Even Owen felt a faint sense of sadness at the sight. After all, VITAE had been formed with them as its first members… and now it would cease to exist.
But after everything that had been planned, it was for the best.
VITAE was born as a global aid and support group. Something that would normally be extremely difficult to achieve, since many countries could reject a group like that, especially one so powerful. As always… everyone would want to control that kind of power.
Luckily, thanks to General Hawthorne's help, who had called in a few favors with the president back then, everything had managed to work.
But if what's coming is real… something bigger will be needed.
Much bigger.
Not just the existence of VITAE or the Avengers, but something capable of coordinating heroes and, at the same time, giving them the freedom to do what they have to do.
Protect the world.
At first, the association plan had really seemed insane.
But looking at it from different angles… it was far more functional than something like the Avengers, who only gather when there's a global threat. The association would be different. A constant support system for every hero, full assistance when needed… and continuous monitoring of villains.
Owen let out a faint sigh.
Then he looked toward a corner of the room.
Then he noticed something.
The workers… had disappeared.
All of them.
His gaze turned sharper.
And right at that moment, a portal opened in front of him.
"Old man… it's strange to see you after our last meeting," Owen said calmly as soon as he appeared.
"Hello, Owen. It seems your senses, as always, continue to improve constantly. Even perceiving the smallest traces of magic. You would make a great mage… a pity your total resistance prevents you from casting even a single spell," the Ancient One said with a calm smile.
"I already have enough problems in this plane. Having to worry about others… I'll pass," Owen replied calmly.
Though saying he wasn't interested in magic… was a lie.
But like the old man had said, his body's resistance completely blocked any use of magic.
His power came from his own energy, stored in his cells. It had been born from trying to withstand Wanda's chaos energy. It gave him great strength… but it also closed off his path as a mage forever.
"So… what brings you here? I did everything I could to not interfere in Strange's life like you asked. Though, honestly… choosing him as Sorcerer Supreme, knowing he's someone who could cause the destruction of the universe more times than he could save it… seems interesting," Owen said, looking at him directly.
"Don't worry. At least this Strange won't cause problems… that he can't solve," the Ancient One replied calmly. "And after all, you're still here… and the faction you created for the heroes. If necessary… to stop him."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted slightly toward the Eye of Agamotto on his chest, giving Owen a silent signal.
Owen frowned.
He understood.
Strange would cause problems.
But he also understood something else.
From his words… the association would work in the future.
"It seems that, after removing the weight of not feeling part of this universe… you stopped holding yourself back," the Ancient One said with a sincere smile. "And that's not a bad thing. It's good to see that you're no longer tying yourself to a line that stopped existing long ago."
"Yeah… even if it's still strange knowing a future that may or may not happen," Owen replied with slight annoyance. "But at least I still have information about those existences… so it's not that bad."
The Ancient One smiled faintly.
"The problem… will be the existences you don't know."
Owen looked straight at the Ancient One, trying to find something hidden in those words.
But he quickly changed the subject.
"It's time for my departure… so this could be my farewell," he said calmly.
Owen raised an eyebrow. He didn't think he was close enough to the Ancient One for him to come say goodbye.
The old man looked at him, as if he perfectly understood what he was thinking.
"The world will be in your hands now… that's why I felt the need to do it. Maybe we didn't know each other enough, but… in the end… it doesn't matter," he said, shaking his head suddenly, as if he had been about to say something else and decided to stop.
That, coming from someone like him… was strange.
"You'll have many trials to face in the future. Both you and the hero association will face many dangers… but I'm sure you'll overcome every single one of them," he added with the same calm as always.
"When are you leaving?" Owen asked with mild interest.
"I'm fighting Kaecilius as we speak… so it should happen any moment now," the Ancient One replied without giving it importance.
Owen stared at him, as if trying to confirm whether he was really in front of the real one… or some kind of projection.
But for someone at that level…
Maybe there was no difference.
"Then… have a good retirement," Owen finally said.
The Ancient One nodded with a slight smile.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Owen Colt. Always remember to stay true to those values you defend so strongly," he said as his final words.
A portal opened behind him.
And just like that, he turned and left.
Owen watched him disappear, frowning slightly at those last words.
And then—
The world around him cracked.
Like glass breaking.
The mirror dimension vanished.
The agents reappeared around him, walking, moving boxes, working… as if nothing had happened.
As if Owen had never left.
"Ah…," he let out a breath.
"First one disappears… and then the other dies. Then the two guardians of Earth will be gone… and the problems will start showing up more often," he muttered, with a slightly annoyed expression… but already prepared.
He looked at the bandages on his arms and clenched his fists slightly.
"Luckily… the association plans are already ready," he said under his breath.
He took out his phone.
Dialed a number.
"Announce the dissolution of VITAE. Order the agents to cease all active missions… and begin the social push against the registration law," Owen said firmly.
On the other side, there was only one reply.
"Alright."
The call ended.
Owen slowly lowered the phone.
He looked around one last time.
And then he left.