Charles watched the joint product launch of Pym Technologies and the Hidden Sand Puppet Shop on TV, surprised to learn that the Hidden Sand had partnered with Pym Technologies.
However, he was curious about which of his subordinate had managed to make this connection.
The Pym Particle technology intrigued Charles, as he suspected it could be one of those rare, recharge-worthy items.
Even if it couldn't be recharged, the Pym Particles held immense power, allowing entry into another quantum realm, a world that Charles found immensely fascinating.
Additionally, they could enable time travel, providing access to alternate worlds.
He considered instructing the Hidden Sand to maintain a good relationship with Pym Technologies, though he wondered which one from the Pym Technology they'd connected with.
Switching channels, Charles found news related to the Physical Enhancement Serum.
A female news anchor reported, "According to our sources, after the Hidden Could ninjas went public with the serum, the Hidden Sand followed suit."
"This development raises the possibility that other ninja factions—such as Leaf, Mist, and Sound—may also have their own serums. The era of a superhuman society might be closer than we think."
Charles found the idea of a superhuman society a bit fanciful. The cost of the serum wasn't going to drop anytime soon.
Even if other companies managed to replicate it, the product would hardly be made available to the masses.
Perhaps if an even more advanced generation of serums emerged and the Earth entered an interstellar age, this might become possible.
Changing channels again, he encountered some criticism: calls for the Hidden Sand and Hidden Cloud to open up their technology for public advancement were growing louder.
Charles skimmed through the various opinions and then lost interest; protests from the general public wouldn't affect the availability of the serum.
Turning off the television, Charles waved his hand, summoning a portal to Kamar-Taj.
Rising, he stepped through and was instantly transported there, the portal closing behind him.
As he arrived, the sorcerers at Kamar-Taj greeted him with respect, "Supreme Merlin."
Charles nodded in return and walked toward the Ancient One's quarters.
Just then, Kaecilius emerged from his room and greeted him, "Supreme Merlin. Are you here to see the Ancient One?"
Charles nodded, "I have a few matters to discuss with her."
Kaecilius nodded, "The teacher is inside."
Without dwelling on Kaecilius—the future rogue disciple who would serve Dormammu—Charles continued inside.
"Sorcerer Supreme."
"Supreme Merlin."
After exchanging greetings, the Ancient One looked at him and asked, "So, have you decided to take on the role of Sorcerer Supreme?"
Though she had no plans to repay the debt owed to Vishanti, if she could pass the position on to Charles, absolving herself of any debt, she was more than willing.
While she wasn't entirely certain of Charles's potential as the Sorcerer Supreme, she felt he might do just as well as Strange.
Hearing her offer again, Charles remained indifferent. He didn't have a strong attachment to Kamar-Taj's techniques.
Though Sorcerer Supremes often escaped without repaying their debts, the cost of borrowed power was unavoidable from the start.
Charles suspected the Ancient One's bald head was the result of these magical costs.
Besides, he'd leave it to Strange to confront Dormammu in a time loop.
"Ancient One, I haven't come here for the title of Sorcerer Supreme," he replied.
"I'm confident your future apprentice will be well-suited for the role."
The Ancient One smiled and said, "However, right now, both I and the trinity of Vishanti have greater faith in you."
Charles emphasized, "I am the Supreme Merlin of the Merlin lineage."
To him, the title of Sorcerer Supreme offered limited benefits—a mere label. He had his own means of acquiring the Time Stone in the future, if needed.
"Ancient One, my visit today is mainly to consult you on one particular matter," he said.
The Ancient One nodded, "Go ahead."
"How can one sense natural energy?"
After a brief pause, the Ancient One replied slowly, "In our universe, most energies—apart from those within the caster—are already claimed."
"I'm not sure what type of energy you mean by natural energy, but…"
With a wave of her hand, various forms of energy appeared around the Ancient One: dark energy, white magic, chaos magic, crimson magic, the Phoenix Force, dimensional magic, and the primal forces of Hell… countless sources of power unfolded before Charles, mesmerizing him.
"But all these forces have their own masters. If you wish to wield such power, you must either seize it directly or borrow it from its source," she explained.
"As the universe expands, new stars and dimensions continue to emerge. If you find unclaimed power, you can harness it too," she continued.
"As for fundamental forces like magnetism, light, wind, fire, thunder, and water, anyone can learn to manipulate and practice them—they have no specific master."
Charles realized that the Marvel Universe and the Shinobi World had fundamentally different definitions of natural energy. Disappointed that he hadn't found the answer he sought, he just nodded.
"I understand, Ancient One."
Sensing his disappointment, the Ancient One suggested, "You might find what you're looking for in the library."
"Thank you, Ancient One," he replied before heading to the Kamar-Taj library to search for books related to natural energy.