There are truly many unique geniuses in the Marvel Universe, and their performances are breathtaking.
Strange was undoubtedly one of the superheroes who started later but achieved the greatest success; his talent was as powerful as ever.
Even after the entire playing field changed, he adapted effortlessly.
Beyond marveling at these super geniuses, Noah felt relieved he had stayed ahead. Otherwise, he wouldn't even know where he would have been left behind.
Perhaps when this kid studies Domains in the future, his speed will surpass other Grand Mages. He's already starting to fuse these powers-it's incredible.
Noah was filled with endless emotion.
Fortunately, the boy ended up in his hands. Otherwise, Earth's magical world would have suffered a massive loss.
After checking Strange's condition, Noah stood up, planning to head to New York with him.
Strange had hospital duties there, one of his weekly routines.
His Watson was also waiting, so he needed to pick her up.
Noah, meanwhile, planned to see old friends in New York: Tony, stationed at Avengers headquarters, and Director Fury, now overseeing both SWORD and SHIELD.
Since they shared a destination, they set off together.
Strange wasn't in a rush for the hospital, so he followed Noah to the Avengers base.
Normally, outsiders weren't allowed, but Noah was no outsider, and Strange wasn't technically one either.
Years ago, Tony had guided Strange to London to meet Noah. Now, Strange occasionally returned to the hospital and had even been invited to join the Avengers.
"You agreed?" Noah asked, curious.
"Not for now," Strange shook his head. "I didn't know your thoughts. As a Mage, it doesn't matter if I join. My responsibilities are fundamentally different. They can't handle magical threats."
"True." Noah nodded, shrugging. "Joining or not is your choice. Understood?"
"I understand, Mentor," Strange said with a smile.
They chatted and laughed as they entered the Avengers base.
Unlike the original timeline, this version of the Avengers was semi-official from the start.
Steve Rogers, holding a military rank, acted as the representative of official figures. His status reassured Washington that one of the commanders was accountable.
After construction and management, the base had full living and training facilities. Funding came from the Stark Group, though public perception framed it as a formal semi-official institution.
Among current members, aside from Tony, most were from special agencies or the military.
Even Ant-Man, Scott Lang, recruited from the private sector, had connections through his father-in-law, a former high-ranking SHIELD official.
Tony didn't care for semantics. He didn't particularly like Captain America, but as a commander, he could cooperate professionally.
Noah and Strange entered easily, thanks to Strange's presence.
Strange was well-known at the base, though ordinary soldiers didn't understand why he declined the Avengers.
The Avengers were recognized as Earth's protectors, attached to SWORD, with excellent benefits. Why refuse to join?
"Hey, Tony, long time no see!" Noah and Strange arrived at Tony's office.
Tony, sitting at his computer, a hand rotating mid-air while stirring coffee, immediately stood.
"When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Why should I? So you could pick me up?" Noah laughed, sitting down. "By the way, what are you looking at? And have you seen your parents?"
"Spacecraft data," Tony replied, sipping coffee.
"If Earth's technology wants to progress, space exploration is key. Seeing my parents was heartwarming. It... gave me a lot of feelings."
Tony sighed, memories flickering in his expression.
Noah noticed his time-travel point was still the 1970s, around Tony's birth. The place looked exactly like the movies.
Tony didn't go alone. Steve Rogers accompanied him. Tony agreed after Noah left the universe, lacking a guarantor.
The two returned to 1970s America, disguised, and entered the base.
Tony met Howard Stark leaving work to see his wife. Through him, Tony learned more about his father and understood the complexity of his feelings.
Tony combined the young man in front of him with the stern memory of his father and finally understood him.
He had already tried to forgive his father, but this time, he experienced sudden emotional transcendence. He realized how great his father truly was.
It was a pity his father was already dead in his universe.
Tony could only make himself better.
Steve Rogers unexpectedly met Peggy Carter. Seeing her photo on her desk left him overwhelmed, sometimes unfocused.
Tony knew but didn't need to comfort him. Captain America's sense of duty ensured he recovered quickly and worked harder.
"He got your wish?" Noah laughed. "And Rogers along with you?"
"Pretty much," Tony nodded, then sighed. "But it's difficult; I can't truly see them. It remains sad."
Noah patted Tony's shoulder.
"Do you have any of your parents' DNA?" Noah suddenly asked.
"DNA?" Tony blinked, eyes widening.
"Shh, keep it down," Noah waved. "Although magical conversion isn't complete due to power system issues, I have some methods. It will take time. And you..."
"And I..." Tony's face lit up with excitement.
"Need to make preparations in advance!"