Whenever Noah sensed something was wrong, something inevitably happened. He had long since grown used to it.
This time was no exception.
Although he didn't know exactly what kind of mess would unfold, that didn't stop him from doing all the preparatory work in advance. One needed sufficient preparation to face unknown challenges, after all.
After Heimdall left, Noah planned to return to the London Sanctum. He had a lot of work to do.
Many tasks could be left to the High Council, but he needed to discuss specific agendas and issue orders. At the thought, he prepared to head back.
Sometimes Noah truly felt unlucky. He had just returned-only to find the Kree had gone mad. A bad feeling.
Shaking his head, Noah opened a portal-but before he could go, Tony and Steve stepped in front of him.
This confused Noah. Did these two have more ideas?
"Planning to head back already?" Tony blinked, then spoke directly.
"Need some help? Don't forget, I'm part of the magic community too."
"Help?" Noah tilted his head, then looked at the Helicarriers lined up and fell into thought.
Tony helping could be valuable, but Noah worried the kid might end up like the Tony of another universe-dying in battle. A living Tony was far more important than a heroic ghost. His mind, functioning like a CPU, was a rare asset.
But if Tony simply provided warships and support, it would be ideal. Years ago, Noah had gone to the Star Wars world and collected massive data, yet cloning technology had been the most used part-useful, but not his goal.
Now Tony had improved his work. Seeing the results was worthwhile.
Rubbing his chin, Noah nodded.
"All right, but one thing you must remember," Noah said.
"Watch your safety. Also, are your ships equipped with weapons?"
"Don't worry! They're fully armed!" Tony laughed proudly.
"To maximize effect, plus what I had on hand for early models, I used my new energy source. The later ones, including the mothership, combine new energy and magic! Believe me, the results won't disappoint!"
Tony had long been merging technology and magic. This was unsurprising.
Taking another look at the ships, Noah nodded. He wasn't sure how effective they'd be, but they could at least give the Kree ships trouble.
"And you, Steve?" Noah turned to Captain America. "What's your plan?"
"Sir, since this involves Earth's safety, the Avengers must participate," Rogers said firmly.
"At the very least, we must do something. We are also protectors of Earth."
"I'd love to say you aren't qualified yet, but..." Noah smiled. After a moment, he added, "I agree. But first, you have your own mission."
"What mission? Please tell me, sir," Captain America asked immediately, eager and disciplined.
Clearly, this Captain America was far more sensible than most national leaders. Noah considered that, had he not been lazy, he would have replaced many Western leaders long ago. He wasn't kind-the number of people who had truly died by his hand was impossible to count.
Noah shook his head, thinking of the gap between ordinary humans and a God-level being. Facing a legendary Lord of the Void would be no different.
He then told Captain America what needed to be done. It wasn't much, but it required time.
First, Fury needed to be informed to mobilize more groups. The intrigue among leaders didn't represent everyone else. Earth needed soldiers to face the threat-even cannon fodder.
Second, Tony's ships required warriors. Even just manning guns or beam cannons was essential. Mobilizing ordinary people was necessary. Fury would understand and act wisely.
Noah was already thinking ahead to post-war logistics. Although troublesome, he wasn't without trump cards. He simply didn't want to disturb Tony or Steve unless critical. Presumably, they also wanted to see how far their juniors could go.
Another key point: Steve was too weak. By human limits, he had achieved much, but in this world, the ceiling was far higher. Ordinary humans could reach ninth rank-the highest human strength. Noah, now semi-god, was leagues above. Steve's aura of "I can do this all day" would likely invite mockery from enemies.
Think of Thanos in the original movies-Captain America was toyed with easily. If Strange hadn't intervened with portals, the outcome would have been tragic.
But this Captain America was different. Although he had just received the seed of Light, it had been created by Noah. It had taken root and begun to provide power. Noah believed Steve's growth would be promising. With time, reaching Turalyon's level was possible.
"Is that so?" Captain America considered Noah's words, then looked determined.
"I understand, sir. I will contact Fury and recruit enough soldiers. I will work hard and won't drag anyone down again!"
"Keep it up. I hope you won't be like 2012," Noah said with a smile, pointing to Strange.
"My disciple, Strange, is also a Holy Light user. You know him-if you have questions, go to him. I'll be busy for a while, understood?"
"I understand, sir. I won't disturb you."
"Very well. May the Light be with you."
After resolving the minor issues with the Avengers, Noah returned to the London Sanctum.
Upon entering, he immediately had Wong and Mordo come to his office.
They clearly understood why Noah was in such a rush-Heimdall had found them first. Asgard seemed on the verge of war.
Once in Noah's office, he opened three portals. Other Grand Mages, seeing this, immediately approached.
They had heard of the Sorcerer Supreme's return but hadn't seen him. They assumed it was a routine meeting.
However, Noah pulled them all into the Mirror Dimension.
The Grand Mages realized things were serious. They waited quietly for Noah to speak.
Noah nodded, signaling Mordo to relay the situation.
Mordo, an excellent narrator, calmly informed everyone, leaving out nothing.
The Grand Mages' expressions turned serious.
"That is the gist of it. I believe you understand now." Noah waited.
"We cannot avoid this. Therefore, we must prepare. Now you understand why I called you here?"
"We understand, Sorcerer Supreme." The Grand Mages nodded respectfully and awaited Noah's assignments.
In Kamar-Taj, the Sorcerer Supreme always held the final say. Noah was no exception.