The Cauldron of the Cosmos, the Axe of Angarruumus, the Book of Cagliostro, the Wand of Watoomb, the Staff of the Living Tribunal, Valtorr Boots of Vaulting.
In the movie "Doctor Strange" many magical artifacts flashed briefly on screen.
In the comic book stories, each of these artifacts has a significant origin and possesses extraordinary power.
Take the Staff of the Living Tribunal as an example.
To introduce this magical artifact, one must first explain what the Living Tribunal is.
It is an incredibly powerful deity serving under the big boss OAA who created the Marvel Omniverse, with a status equivalent to a grand steward.
In terms of ranking, the Living Tribunal stands above the Celestials.
In terms of power, having received authorization and gifts from OAA, it is sufficient to manage the balance of all Marvel multiverses—a true multiversal-level entity, at least two tiers higher than Skyfather level.
Bearing the name of the Living Tribunal and called a staff.
From the naming convention, it's obvious that this weapon must like the Book of Cagliostro, possess the effect of "borrowing power from the Living Tribunal."
Based on this premise, combined with the Living Tribunal own rank and power, even thinking with your toes would tell you that this staff might must be extraordinary.
But what's the reality?
In the movie, this thing is purely decorative.
Never mind using it against Dormammu and Thanos—it couldn't even handle Kaecilius, who had just been corrupted and become Dormammu minion.
Perhaps it was given such an impressive name purely for symbolic meaning, or perhaps it follows the setting from many Western fantasy works—the type of "specialized killing" weapon that's usually useless but can only unleash its power in specific situations or against certain types of enemies, with outstanding effects.
In any case, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Shi Xiaolei currently resides, this thing really has no use—it's genuinely useless junk.
Most of the magical artifacts stored in the New York Sanctum share the same nature as the Staff of the Living Tribunal.
So, throughout this journey, Shi Xiaolei hadn't been moved by any artifact or developed thoughts of "wanting to possess" them.
Even regarding the red cloak that occupied considerable screen time in the film, he was merely curious, nothing more.
That said, not actively asking for something doesn't mean refusing it when offered.
If the Ancient One insisted on giving something, he wouldn't mind accepting it.
Or rather, making decisions for Bayonetta and having her accept the Ancient One gift.
Like now.
"Since you like it so much, and Master Ancient One doesn't mind entrusting it to you, then you should take it."
As if cooperating with Shi Xiaolei words, the magical artifact that had transformed into a belt wrapped around Bayonetta forearm very timely "raised its head" and like an obedient pet snake, nodded at Bayonetta several times.
"Accept it."
The Ancient One also smiled: "From its reaction, it's clear that it's very willing to be used by you."
She wasn't the type to drag things out anyway, and she genuinely liked it in her heart.
Playing with the belt buckle with her slender fair fingertips, Bayonetta raised an eyebrow: "Then I won't be polite."
"Do you need a box?"
The Ancient One smiled, turning her gaze to Daniel: "Master Drumm, if you would."
"Yes."
"No need."
With one sentence, she stopped Daniel Drumm who was about to leave.
Bayonetta picked up the belt and casually swept it around her waist.
The deep red belt flexibly made a circle and in the blink of an eye had coiled around Bayonetta snake-like waist.
Perhaps to match her preferences, it even became somewhat thinner, very appropriately weaving itself into a shape that suited the aesthetic taste of a strong woman while not being overly flashy.
"Mm~, not bad."
Neither too tight nor too loose, and quite attractive looking.
Touching the belt at her waist, Bayonetta nodded with satisfaction.
Just like that, the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak fell into Bayonetta hands, becoming her first piece of new equipment obtained in the Marvel universe.
That's right, it was the same magical bands that had once bound Kaecilius in the movie plot, contorting him into a very embarrassing position.
Like the Staff of the Living Tribunal, these crimson bands also bore a big boss name—Cyttorak, known as the most powerful demon god in the Marvel multiverse.
Whether it's Dormammu, the ruler of the Dark Dimension, or Chthon, who ascended from ancient humanity to godhood and created the "Darkhold" bearing the titles of God of Black Magic, God of the Underworld, and Great Shadow, or even Mephisto, the demon lord who dwells in Hell, all are inferior to him in power.
Both belonging to the multiversal level of powerhouses, although somewhat restrained by attributes, in terms of overall strength Cyttorak might not be inferior to the Living Tribunal.
But unlike the Staff of the Living Tribunal, these crimson bands are obviously much more practical.
That staff can only be used to hit people, but these bands besides being used for whipping can also be used for binding.
Just this one function of "restricting enemy movement" already far surpasses the Staff of the Living Tribunal.
Add to that its self-awareness and ability to transform according to the user needs... if she doesn't mind, Bayonetta could even extend it countless times and weave it into bandage-style clothing to wear for increased defense.
The seemingly leather-like texture might not defend against blunt weapon strikes, but ultimately it wasn't made from Earth creature hide.
Perhaps it's dragon skin from some dimension, or perhaps it comes from other powerful magical creatures.
Its inherent toughness far exceeds leather products on Earth, and with Cyttorak energy infusion, these bands can't be cut by just any sword or blade.
For defending against sharp weapon damage, it's very effective.
With Bayonetta agility and the assistance of her cheat-like "Witch Time" facing enemies wielding heavy blunt weapons, she's almost impossible to hit.
And assassinations from agile enemies can't break through the defense of the Crimson Bands.
Although she might not actually use it as bandage clothing, undeniably with these bands, Bayonetta self-preservation ability has increased significantly.
The harvest was truly substantial.
As Bayonetta companion, Shi Xiaolei felt genuinely happy for her from the bottom of his heart.
Of course, considering that this thing bears a big boss name, and Cyttorak isn't like the Vishanti in standing on the side of justice, he still harbored some concern about whether these bands might bring hidden dangers to Bayonetta.
The Ancient One provided an answer to this.
"Don't worry, it's just a magical artifact."
The Ancient One smiled and said: "As long as you don't disassemble and analyze its structure, trying to replicate another one using the same methods, simple usage won't attract Cyttorak attention."
Attempting to replicate would be equivalent to analyzing Cyttorak power and learning his knowledge.
It would naturally attract the big boss attention.
Conversely, if it's just simple usage.
Only counterfeit manufacturers infringing on intellectual property would attract the attention of legitimate manufacturers.
Who would bother to closely monitor every ordinary customer who has purchased their products?
The Ancient One explained it very clearly, and Shi Xiaolei breathed a big sigh of relief: "That puts my mind at ease."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)