Marvel: You Call This A Sorcerer?

If Ronan didn't mishear, Tony Stark just mentioned Strange, right?

Strange, in this world, is just an ordinary surgeon.

Of course, he is at the pinnacle of surgery.

With Ronan's appearance, would his fate still be the same?

"I've checked everyone with the surname Strange. Luckily, this surname is quite unusual, so it wasn't too complicated."

"Among them, I found several very famous individuals."

"This Stephen Strange should be the most accomplished of them."

"You're saying… the monster he mentioned might be him?"

A holographic image of Stephen Strange appeared in front of Ronan.

But this Strange was completely different from the Strange Ronan knew.

A tall, handsome doctor in a white coat compared to a scruffy, bearded sorcerer with trembling hands…

The style seemed to be quite different.

"No need to look, I know who 'it' is talking about."

Ronan sighed. Dormammu is deliberately stirring up trouble, huh.

If he weren't so well-traveled, he might really have panicked.

"'It'?"

Tony Stark keenly sensed Ronan's choice of words.

"Mm, it indeed is 'it'."

"Can you find a place where we won't be disturbed?"

"I'll tell you about that 'it's' identity."

"Dormammu, the absolute ruler of the Dark Dimension, also the monster we at Kamar-Taj have been fighting against."

"When he became the ruler of the Dark Dimension, he began to conquer other dimensions."

"Dimensions that fail to resist are dragged into the Dark Dimension, forever sinking into darkness."

"And Earth is a target he has always been eyeing greedily."

Inside a room only Tony Stark had access to, Ronan waved his hands, telling Dormammu's story.

As the image of Dormammu appeared, it caught Tony Stark's attention.

Because this was the monster he saw in his dream!

"For thousands of years, Kamar-Taj has borne the responsibility of resisting Dormammu's invasion of Earth."

"Generation after generation of Sorcerer Supremes have but one duty."

"That is to protect Earth from the invasions of other dimensions."

"And Dormammu, among all known dimensions, is the most terrifying one."

"Because once he succeeds, the Earth will never rise again."

In the midair projection, Dormammu watched Earth with predatory eyes. One after another, tiny figures rushed out from Earth to fight Dormammu.

These small figures represented one Sorcerer Supreme after another of Kamar-Taj.

As for their appearance or power, Ronan certainly wouldn't show that.

"Since you've always been resisting him, why do I still have these dreams?"

Tony Stark frowned; this was what he couldn't understand.

Ronan remained indifferent.

"The Dark Dimension's infiltration is omnipresent, not limited to large-scale wars. There are also many small infiltrations."

"If you can't understand the Dark Dimension, let's put it differently."

"Hell, have you heard of it?"

With a slight wave of Ronan's hand, the scene in midair vanished.

Tony Stark first nodded, then opened his eyes wide.

"There's really a hell?"

He had always thought hell was just a myth, non-existent in this world.

Even after Thor appeared, it was proven that the so-called realm of gods was actually just aliens.

They came to Earth thousands of years ago, fought wars, and the uneducated humans of that time mistook them for gods.

Hence, these legends remained.

But now, Ronan tells him there's a hell in this world!

"Of course, and it's existed for many years."

"After generations of Sorcerer Supremes worked hard, all passages between hell and the human world have been sealed."

"But occasionally, demons from hell still sneak into the human realm."

Ronan nodded. From a normal person's perspective, it's hard to understand. But it's the truth.

"Then why have I never seen these so-called demons?"

Tony Stark prided himself on having first-hand intelligence, not the processed information governments feed to the public.

Yet he had never heard of demons.

"First, don't think it happens often. In the past decade or so, there have been fewer than four smuggling incidents."

"The most recent one was four years ago."

Ronan smiled. Of course, the one influenced by the Time Variance Authority didn't count.

Those only proved timeline tampering, not a true hell invasion.

"Out of those four incidents, in three cases the demon was killed by our sorcerers the moment it entered the human realm."

"Only one case caused some trouble and took half an hour."

"And everyone involved was subjected to a memory-erasing spell, so you knew nothing."

Ronan curled his lip. He wouldn't mention that he was the one who handled that troublesome case.

Young people, facing a succubus for the first time, always hesitate a bit.

That's why Ronan insisted on using a "bridal carry" move whenever he saw a succubus afterward.

A dark stain, a naked, blatant dark stain!

"Memory-erasing spell?"

Tony Stark exclaimed.

He instinctively took two steps back, looking at Ronan warily.

Just from the name, he could guess its meaning.

He never expected Ronan could control others' memories!

"Relax. With our relationship, even if I used the memory-erasing spell, you wouldn't notice."

Ronan waved his hand, telling Tony Stark to calm down.

Hearing this made Tony Stark even more nervous.

What do you mean I wouldn't notice if you used it?

Don't you realize that sentence is self-contradictory?

Can this be considered a 'benefit' of a good relationship?

However, this tension was only temporary, and Tony Stark quickly returned to normal.

Since Ronan said so, what could he do?

Anti-magic armor is nowhere in sight, and he hasn't even found a clue.

"So, you're telling me all this to warn me of Dormammu's danger?"

Tony Stark returned to the original question.

"No, I just want to tell you that Dormammu can only influence you through dreams."

"Of course, if you court death and insist on following Dormammu's words, then I can't help you."

"After all, I see a few people every year who believe in evil gods. In the end, their minds and bodies get twisted."

Ronan curled his lip. He really didn't get their logic.

It's one thing to worship normal gods, but to worship an evil god?

Moreover, most black magic records describe how terrifying these evil gods are.

If an evil god's power is infused into someone, at best they become inhuman and unrecognizable; at worst, they transform into another species entirely.

Either way, the result is that Kamar-Taj's sorcerers kill them.

What's the point?

"Cough, cough."

Hearing Ronan's words, Tony Stark shivered.

Anyone with normal intelligence and the cautionary tales from numerous fables would know that tampering with such power ends badly.

Of course, abnormal people aren't included. They can't understand.

"Close your eyes. I'll help solve your dream problem."

Ronan glanced at Tony Stark. He decided to take back that "tattoo."

Originally, it was just a simple rune to contact Ronan, a very basic spell.

But according to the Ancient One, due to some of Ronan's weird operations, this little spell had become not so simple.

So, Ronan decided to remove it first.

Tony Stark obediently closed his eyes.

He really didn't want to see that big-headed monster in his dreams anymore.

If that creature was a beauty, it'd be fine, but unfortunately, it's a big-headed monster.

More absurdly, it seemed the monster got closer every day.

He feared that one day he'd be eaten in his dream.

As Ronan cast the removal spell, the symbol on Tony Stark's hand gradually disappeared.

For some reason, Tony Stark suddenly felt much lighter.

"Alright, from today on, you probably won't have those dreams anymore."

"If you do, just come find me."

Ronan waved at Tony Stark and planned to return to his workstation and continue being a salary thief.

Tony Stark isn't short of money, and Ronan needs it!!!

The London Sanctum will forever be his pain!

All his money-spending plans written on that piece of paper had gone down the drain.

So, he needs money!

"But what about that Strange?"

"Who is he?"

Tony Stark suddenly remembered that name.

If Dormammu mentioned him, it means that person must be special.

Ronan stopped in his tracks and sighed helplessly.

"Tony, like I said, curiosity can kill not only cats but humans too."

"Cats have nine lives, you have only one."

Of course, after saying this, Ronan counted silently in his mind.

He believed these words alone wouldn't persuade Tony Stark.

Because Tony's curiosity is too strong.

3

2

1

"At least let me know something I can understand, right?"

As expected, Tony Stark couldn't resist his curiosity.

Ronan turned around and gave him a silent look.

"Fine, I can tell you some insignificant things."

"Remember after the Battle of New York, when you saw another version of yourself?"

Ronan mentioned another matter.

Hearing it, Tony Stark became more excited.

That was his future self?!

"In his timeline, Strange is one of the Sorcerer Supremes."

Of course, Ronan didn't mention what happened afterward. Explaining would be too complicated.

Tony Stark just needed to remember this point.

"So, you mean…"

"In this world, Strange is not a Sorcerer Supreme?"

Tony Stark keenly grasped the key point.

Also, he vaguely understood something huge.

"Exactly. In this world, he's just an ordinary person."

"You'll never see the day he performs magic in front of you."

"Unless…"

Ronan himself laughed before finishing.

Unless fate in this world shifts toward the 616 universe, causing Strange to have a car accident again.

Of course, if he got into another accident now, who knows if he'd just lose his hands or his life.

"Unless what?"

Tony Stark pressed on.

"Anyway, just remember one thing: in his entire life, he absolutely won't be able to perform magic."

"After all, some things have already…"

However, as Ronan finished speaking, his originally smiling face turned stupefied.

He looked at Tony Stark with confusion.

Damn.

Could this guy be a jinx?

The reason is simple: at that very moment, Ronan felt an enormous pulling force.

The target of this pulling force was Ronan!

And whoever was trying to take him away was not on Earth!

No, more precisely, not even in this universe!

Someone from another parallel universe was using some unknown method to pull Ronan over!

Faced with this situation, Ronan quickly took out his phone, found Wong's number, and sent a text message.

6969.

These four digits were the entire content of the text.

After returning from the 616 universe, Ronan thought that maybe one day he would encounter people from other parallel universes again.

So, he set up a code for emergencies.

The code meant: there's an urgent matter, he might be gone for a long time.

Just a little notification.

As for why these digits, Ronan explained simply:

69, seeing it is like inversion, representing Yin-Yang chaos and the overturning of heaven and earth, symbolizing the most urgent situation.

Maybe Wong doesn't understand what the most urgent situation is, but the Ancient One will.

After sending the text, Ronan resisted the pulling force with all his might and turned to Tony Stark.

"Whatever you see next, don't panic."

"I need you to tell Gwen I had to go home for something so she won't worry."

Ronan took a deep breath. Even though he tried to resist, the outcome wouldn't be good.

Being taken away was inevitable.

It was just a matter of time.

"Wait, what are you going to do?"

For the first time, Tony Stark saw such a serious expression on Ronan's face.

This meant the matter was definitely not simple!

"I might have to visit a parallel universe, the return date unknown."

"So…"

Ronan stopped mid-sentence.

Because he was already feeling dizzy.

When Ronan safely "landed" again, he found himself standing on a busy street.

This place was very familiar to Ronan.

Because on the tall building in front of him stood several letters:

STARK.

This was New York, at least a New York with a Tony Stark.

Ronan narrowed his eyes and felt his internal magical power. He drew a circle in midair with his index finger.

A golden spark flashed for one second, then vanished.

Mm, he could still use magic, meaning this parallel universe still allowed it.

If so, that meant this parallel universe still had the Vishanti, and naturally Kamar-Taj existed here too.

How to put it…

The reason Ronan did so much testing was simple.

This time's crossing was completely different from the last one.

Last time, to go to the 616 universe, Ronan used two methods:

One was his mystic portal.

The other was the Pym Particle method Tony Stark's team developed.

This time's crossing was different from those two methods.

It felt more like… a summoning?

Yes, describing it as "summoning" was more accurate.

This time Ronan was summoned by someone from another parallel universe using a very special method.

That's why Ronan had to do so many tests, to ensure he could protect himself and fight back if needed.

Ronan looked around. This was a familiar New York, a familiar street.

But to confirm which parallel universe this was, the best way was to do one thing.

Ronan extended his right hand and stopped a taxi.

He got into the back seat.

"177A Bleecker Street."

A dozen minutes later, after enduring the inhumane reckless driving of this Indian driver, Ronan finally arrived at his destination.

If not for his good physical condition, a normal person would have thrown up in the car.

He had experienced such classic Indian driving many times.

Looking at the familiar entrance, Ronan walked up and prepared to knock.

Before he could raise his right hand, the door suddenly opened, and a boy walked out.

The boy wanted to say something, but the door slammed shut behind him.

Standing behind him, Ronan twitched his mouth because he saw the boy's face.

Peter Parker—

No, to be precise, another Peter Parker.

One about Ronan's age but looking younger.

In an instant, Ronan understood which universe he had come to.

He even knew why he was brought here.

"Um…"

"Their tempers are a bit fiery."

Peter Parker also saw Ronan and tried to save face.

Ronan took a deep breath and stepped forward to knock on the door.

As soon as he tried, the door opened again, and a young girl he didn't know answered.

"Who are you looking for?"

The girl seemed wary.

"I'm looking for Wong or Strange, either one."

Ronan glanced inside; it was still the winter-festival-themed New York Sanctum.

Though sorcerers have great physical resilience, wouldn't this cold interior decoration affect the heating?

"Okay, come in and wait a moment."

With that, the girl let Ronan in.

Knowing Wong and Strange's names was enough proof that he knew them.

Otherwise, he wouldn't know to come here.

Not long after Ronan entered, Wong slowly appeared from another side.

When he saw Ronan's face, his stern face turned into one of surprise.

"How are you here?"

Wong instinctively asked.

Ronan couldn't help rolling his eyes.

"You think I want to be here?"

"Every time I come, it's never something good. I'd rather stay in my own universe!"

Ronan almost raised his middle finger.

It's obviously your problem, and you're asking me why I'm here.

Does that make sense!!!

"What exactly is going on?"

"Could it be…"

Wong suddenly looked up towards the second floor.

He knew Peter Parker had just left after seeking help.

And now, coincidentally, Ronan arrived.

"That's right, I was summoned by you."

"Even more ridiculous, you didn't even greet me before summoning."

Ronan casually tossed a spell ring into the fireplace. The originally dim flames flared up again.

He then sat down next to the fire.

It was even colder inside the Sanctum than on the street.

"So, tell me. Why did you bring me here this time?"

"Don't tell me Thanos is invading Earth again?"

Although Ronan knew what happened, could he say it outright?

Obviously not.

He just wanted to go back as soon as possible.

After all, just a few Spider-Man villains were nothing more than small fry to Ronan.

Might as well treat this as an accidental trip.

"Relax, for so long, you're the only visitor from a parallel universe."

"Our Earth is very safe."

Wong sat down beside Ronan. He was glad to catch up.

Even though Ronan tricked him once to learn a spell, it didn't matter.

It's not every day two people from parallel universes meet.

"Then if there's no danger, send me back now."

"I have very important things to do."

Mm, Ronan's "very important matter" was going back to do his homework.

His clones can't cross parallel universes, which is annoying.

Ronan can't leave his clone in his universe to attend classes for him.

Otherwise, he'd love to stay and play a few more days.

"I don't know what happened. Ask Strange."

Wong pointed upstairs, indicating he knew nothing.

Ronan showed a contemptuous look.

"You, a dignified Sorcerer Supreme, don't know what Strange did?"

"Then what are you even doing…"

As Ronan spoke, urgent footsteps sounded from upstairs.

Strange hurried down with small quick steps.

"Wong, we're expecting a new guest—"

Before he finished, he also saw Ronan sitting across from Wong.

"You mean the new guest is him?"

Wong glanced back at Strange, pointing at Ronan.

For a moment, Strange was speechless.

The consequence of his mistake was right before him.

"Strange, you haven't done something incomprehensible again, have you?"

Ronan crossed his arms, looking strangely at Strange.

He recalled something he had been mocking:

In the mirror dimension, being trapped by a high school student who never learned magic, using knowledge from class, and even losing his Sling Ring so he couldn't escape.

This must be that incident, right?

"While I admit my spell went wrong, the consequences should involve someone related to Peter Parker, not you…"

Strange paused halfway, suddenly thinking of something.

Ronan: "Oh, speaking of Peter Parker…"

"He was my buddy back in the day."