"Are you leaving after only a month? I feel like it's quite good here; you could stay longer…"
Wang's somewhat introverted nature meant he didn't have many friends at Kamar-Taj.
Mike's arrival for a month added some vitality to his unchanging life.
Although their relationship hadn't reached the point of life-and-death friendship, they had become very good friends.
Knowing Mike was leaving, Wang was somewhat reluctant.
"All good things must come to an end," Mike said. "I had originally planned to personally bid farewell to Ancient One before leaving and thank her for her hospitality during this time. But she seems to be very busy lately, and I haven't seen her…"
"So, when you see the Sorcerer Supreme later, please convey my thanks to her on my behalf."
With the connection to Ancient One, Mike's movements within Kamar-Taj were very free.
This also allowed him to "milk" almost all the mages at Kamar-Taj within a month.
Such great kindness must be thanked.
"Alright, I will convey your message to the Sorcerer Supreme," Wang nodded honestly.
He accepted the fact that Mike was about to leave.
"Don't be discouraged, Wang. I'll probably settle down in New York later, and you can visit when you have time…" Mike said, "Of course, when I have time, I'll also come back to Kamar-Taj to see you and Ancient One."
"Next time we meet, I'll bring you gifts, such as the latest CDs, delicious food, or some interesting storybooks…"
Wang's easygoing nature was somewhat like that of a homebody.
Nearly a month of interaction had given Mike a good idea of his hobbies.
He loved food and music, and when he had nothing to do, he would read some "extracurricular readings" to pass the time.
After bidding farewell to Wang, Mike walked towards the Kamar-Taj plaza.
Over the past month, he had not only gotten along well with Wang but had also become good friends with the future Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Stephen Strange.
So, before leaving, he planned to go say hello to him.
"Oh, my goodness. Stephen, your progress is truly astonishing…"
"Yes, I remember he was the last among us to condense magic before. I never thought he could now use magic so skillfully…"
"As expected of the person the Sorcerer Supreme thinks most highly of…"
"…"
After a month of study, the latest batch of mage apprentices at Kamar-Taj had all mastered the basic use of magic.
At this moment in the plaza, Stephen, who had caught up from behind, was demonstrating relatively advanced magic to everyone.
The level was roughly being able to skillfully use magic to conjure various complex geometric shapes.
If categorized by rank, he could already be considered a basic mage.
"It's nothing; my ability to use magic is thanks to the guidance of Master Hamir and Mr. Mike." Stephen, who had finished demonstrating his magic use, greatly enjoyed the admiring gazes of the other apprentices.
However, being self-aware, he didn't take all the credit.
It should be noted that Stephen's initial purpose for coming to Kamar-Taj was to cure his trembling hands.
It was precisely because of this "problem" that he had doubted himself, which led to his inability to condense magic for so long.
It wasn't until the Sorcerer Supreme summoned Master Hamir, who had lost an arm, and demonstrated to Stephen that magic could be used even without hands.
Only then did Stephen have a sudden realization and immediately condensed magic.
As for Mike, he had shared many small tips on using magic with Stephen.
Stephen, who already had good magical talent, naturally became the top student among the new batch of magic apprentices after understanding his true self and having someone give him special tutoring.
"Hi, Stephen, and hello everyone." Mike greeted the magic apprentices after arriving at the plaza.
"Hello, Mr. Mike." xN
"Mr. Mike, are you here to share your magic experience with us again today?"
"Mr. Mike, have you had breakfast yet…"
"…"
Sunny, handsome, approachable, and willing to share his magic experience, Mike was very popular among the magic apprentices.
Especially the female apprentices.
When Mike appeared, their enthusiasm was so intense that they seemed eager to cling to him.
"I'm here to say goodbye to everyone this time. I'm about to leave Kamar-Taj, and I also wish you all success in your studies here in advance." Mike smiled as he responded to everyone, stating his purpose.
Knowing Mike was leaving, the apprentices expressed their regret again.
"Stephen, I'll be settling down in New York later. If you have any troubles or difficulties, you can come find me." After dealing with the enthusiastic apprentices, Mike went over to Stephen.
"I will, Mr. Mike. Once I become a formal mage, I'll visit you in New York," Stephen nodded seriously.
A gentleman's friendship is as pure as water; that's probably what it was like.
"Keep it up, I have high hopes for you. In the future, you will definitely become the most powerful mage," Mike encouraged Stephen again, then turned to leave.
Behind him, Stephen shook his head, speechless.
The Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One had also said similar words of encouragement to Stephen.
She had even stated in front of Stephen that he was the most talented mage at Kamar-Taj.
However, Stephen, having witnessed Mike's inhuman magical talent, had always been skeptical of this claim.
"You're that traveler the Sorcerer Supreme brought back, aren't you? I heard your magical talent is very strong…"
While Stephen was lost in thought, Mike, who had walked to the edge of the plaza, was stopped by someone.
The person had long, half-gray, half-white hair; it was Kaecilius, who had just returned from a mission.
As one of the first people to study magic with Ancient One, Kaecilius also possessed magical talent far surpassing others, and was even implicitly recognized as the senior disciple at Kamar-Taj.
However, when he returned this time, he heard that Ancient One had brought back a stranger with even greater talent.
The strong naturally have their pride, and with Baron Mordo instigating from the side.
This led Kaecilius, who had just returned and hadn't even caught his breath, to seek out Mike, who was preparing to leave Kamar-Taj.
"He doesn't look like much, does he?" Kaecilius observed Mike's overly young face, then arrogantly said, "Do you dare to compete and prove who is the most magically talented person?"
As the "senior disciple" of Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius naturally had to protect his position.
As for the method, it was "killing the chicken to warn the monkeys."
Especially since Mike was not from Kamar-Taj, it made Kaecilius's actions even more uninhibited.
The commotion here quickly attracted the attention of the magic apprentices in the plaza.
Subsequently, upon hearing that "Senior Disciple" Kaecilius was going to initiate a "duel" with Mike.
Many formal mages living in Kamar-Taj also came to the plaza to watch the spectacle.
"Isn't this bullying? Kaecilius's actions this time are too rash…"
"Yes, he doesn't even think about how long he's been studying magic. And how long has Mr. Mike been at Kamar-Taj…"
"…"
With more people, the scene naturally became chaotic.
Seeing many people pointing at him, Kaecilius also realized that his actions this time were ill-considered.
However, already somewhat cornered, he had no intention of backing down.
He spoke again: "Well? Do you dare or not? Say something?"
Yes, he decided to go all the way.
"Mike, do you need me to call Wang over?" Stephen, who had rushed to Mike's side upon hearing the commotion, asked in a low voice.
"No need," Mike shook his head, looking at Kaecilius and Baron Mordo, whose expressions were dark behind him, and asked, "How do you want to compete?"
Two clowns, not worth too much attention.
If it really comes to it, just deal with them and then explain the situation to Ancient One.
It shouldn't be a big problem…
Kaecilius had no idea he was dancing on the edge of death.
Upon receiving Mike's response, a triumphant smile appeared on his face, and he said, "I won't bully you; we'll just compete in magic control."
With that, Kaecilius extended both hands, instantly condensing many orange-red magic light rings, and as the rings continuously deformed and enlarged.
Finally, a huge magic protective shield formed above everyone's heads.
And those orange-red light rings were adorned within it like lotus flowers.
And that wasn't all…
Having completed the defensive magic construct, Kaecilius then used his other free hand to condense several thick magic whips.
Wielded, they resembled giant pythons, carrying an unstoppable momentum.
"As expected of the Kamar-Taj 'senior disciple,' he actually simultaneously used such powerful defensive magic and offensive magic…"
"Putting aside his character, Kaecilius's magical talent is indeed unrivaled…"
"…"
The mages who came to watch the spectacle all exclaimed in admiration after witnessing Kaecilius's exquisite hybrid magic.
Hearing these comments, the magic apprentices who were closer to Mike couldn't help but start to worry about him.
"How about it? As long as you can perform the same operation, I'll admit defeat to you." Kaecilius, having received a chorus of praise, put away his magic and looked at Mike triumphantly.
It wasn't that he looked down on Mike.
That series of operations had almost condensed all of Kaecilius's magical experience of over a hundred years, so he didn't believe he would lose.
Since he wouldn't lose, what was the harm in being arrogant?
"A very wonderful performance," Mike commented, and also clapped his hands very generously.
His posture was like someone watching an interesting monkey show.
"Performance?" Seeing Mike's nonchalant demeanor, Kaecilius felt like he had punched cotton, then unhappily said, "I hope your magic control is as tough as your mouth."
"Of course," Mike nodded slightly, reminding him, "Watch out, I'm coming."
As his voice fell, Mike went before Kaecilius like a gentle breeze.
Then, he lightly pressed his palm against the other's chest.
As the Astral Projection magic took effect, Kaecilius's soul was squeezed out of his body like mist.
Astral Projection: During this period, the body without soul control becomes incredibly fragile.
"This is the Sorcerer Supreme's Astral Projection ability; I didn't expect Mr. Mike to learn it…"
"It's truly incredible; if he were willing to join Kamar-Taj, he would surely be the next Sorcerer Supreme…"
"…"
The Astral Projection ability can only be used by mages whose understanding of magic has reached a certain level; it is equivalent to a more advanced application of magic.
The principle behind it is very subtle and also very difficult to learn.
At least, before Mike came, only the Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One at Kamar-Taj could use this move.
Compared to Mike, who could also use this move, Kaecilius's magic control, while very good, was only in the realm of ordinary geniuses.
The two were no longer on the same dimension, so there was naturally no comparison.
"I lost—"
After Mike stopped applying his ability, Kaecilius, whose soul had returned to his body, bowed his head in shame and turned to leave.
His hurried appearance even made it clear that he feared Mike.
And that was indeed the case…
The process of Kaecilius's soul leaving his body only lasted a few seconds for bystanders, but in his soul dimension, these few seconds were infinitely stretched.
It could have been years, decades, centuries, or even longer.
Kaecilius, at least, never wanted to experience that feeling of despair again.
As for decorum and face, in the face of fear, they were long since irrelevant.
"That's great, Mike. You actually defeated the Kamar-Taj 'senior disciple'…"
"So Mr. Mike is that strong? I love it…"
"…"
After Kaecilius and Baron Mordo left in embarrassment, the magic apprentices cheered excitedly, congratulating Mike.
"Alright, alright, it's just basic operation. As long as you all work hard, maybe someone will be able to do it soon…" Mike looked at the fiery gazes of the female apprentices rushing towards him and felt it was more troublesome than being targeted by Kaecilius earlier.
Mainly, none of their appearances could compare to girls like Regina.
Yes, Mike, who judged by appearance, was that shallow.
"Stephen, remember our agreement. See you next time."
In a hurry, Mike greeted Stephen again, then left Kamar-Taj through a spatial portal.
A farce ended with it.
While the magic apprentices were still marveling at Mike's magical abilities, some formal mages who had come to the plaza to watch the spectacle fell silent.
Earlier, when Kaecilius's soul left his body, that faint wisp of black energy around his soul could easily be sensed by powerful mages.
This inevitably led people to wonder if Kaecilius had betrayed Kamar-Taj and fallen into the embrace of darkness.
…
"Tony, you haven't slept for nearly three days and three nights; you need rest—"
Inside Stark Tower in New York, Tony's personal secretary Pepper angrily burst into Iron Man's workshop.
In the cluttered workshop, Tony was manipulating robotic arms, researching his anti-armor series.
Yes, a month had passed since the last alien invasion, but Tony still couldn't detach himself from that war.
Whenever he thought of the overwhelming alien fleet at that time, Tony felt palpitations and anxiety, unable to sleep or eat.
Even "teammates" like Hulk and Mike, who had shown immense power in that battle, filled Tony with worry.
That kind of uncontrollable power made Iron Man, who excelled in intellect, feel very insecure.
Therefore, to cope with the infinite possibilities of the future, Tony urgently needed to research more powerful armors, including the Hulkbuster armor, Anti-Mike armor, and others, which he had put on his agenda.
"Pepper, I've warned you not to disturb me when I'm working…"
Tony, who was busy, had no time to deal with Pepper, and said without looking up, "Please leave, and close the door for me, thank you—"
After the palladium poisoning and Obadiah's betrayal, Pepper, who had given Tony a lot of help during those incidents, had actually gained Tony's trust.
The two had feelings for each other, and their relationship was growing day by day.
They were just a tiny bit away from becoming lovers.
However, unfortunately, Tony, who was now solely focused on creating stronger armors, clearly had no extra thoughts for personal romantic matters.
"At least eat something, why don't I bring you some food later…" The more emotional Pepper, looking at Tony's haggard face, couldn't help but feel a little heartache.
So she tried to find something to distract Tony.
Otherwise, with his level of focus, he would sooner or later collapse at his workbench.
"I said, get out!!! Don't disturb me again!" Because of Pepper's nagging, Tony, whose inspiration was interrupted, instantly became irritable.
"Okay, okay." Pepper, who was inexplicably yelled at, turned and walked out of the workshop with an extremely wronged heart.
Then, she gently closed the door.