After leaving Lock Industries, Viper glanced back before pulling out her phone and making a call.
"I'm being watched. I can't participate in the next phase of the operation."
"Understood…"
A deep voice responded, and Viper hung up immediately.
It was a shame she hadn't fully captured Lock Industries, but what she had achieved was enough.
Viper's eyes curved in a faint smile, far removed from the brazen confidence she had displayed in the office earlier.
She wasn't afraid. In fact, she still held all the cards. Her confidence came not from recklessness, but from certainty.
Soon, Hydra would have dominion over this world. After all, this was a rare collaboration.
Nolan stood in his office, watching Viper leave in her car from the window. A small smile played on his lips.
"Red Queen, get Matt on the line. I think we're about to enter a period full of bureaucracy and delays."
Though he was confident he could reclaim the company, the process would hardly be smooth.
During this time, he would maintain control over the company, but various negotiations and transactions would certainly face constraints.
It wasn't a disaster for Lock Industries, but it was still a headache.
That evening, a plane took off from Lock Industries, heading toward Kamar-Taj.
Kamar-Taj had long been the residence of the Supreme Sorcerers. Nestled deep in the Himalayas, it was nearly impossible to locate.
For Nolan, this was no obstacle.
Though hidden, Kamar-Taj offered no secret from the Ancient One. Ever since he had met her, Nolan had been seeking the location.
He had never been there, but he had prepared for this journey.
The situation in New York seemed minor in comparison. Tracking Viper would take time, and the corporate disputes over Lock Industries would drag on.
This was the perfect opportunity to visit Kamar-Taj and perhaps witness magic firsthand.
Nolan felt a surge of anticipation.
A day later, in the Himalayas, Nolan advanced swiftly in his Mjolnir-powered armor. The snow beneath his feet did not slow him.
With his low-thrust propulsion system, he crossed mountain peaks almost in the blink of an eye.
After traversing a stretch of terrain, he reached the summit of a snowy peak and gazed toward Kamar-Taj.
Without hesitation, he sprinted forward. Approaching a cliff, the propulsion system fired suddenly.
A powerful gust propelled him forward, sending him hurtling toward the opposite peak.
Boom!
Nolan crashed heavily in front of Kamar-Taj. The impact sent snow flying in all directions.
Sorcerers rushed to surround him.
Nolan ignored them.
"I'm here to see the Ancient One!"
The sorcerers exchanged startled glances, but quickly stepped aside.
No one doubted Nolan would harm the Ancient One. She was, after all, the Supreme Sorcerer and protector of Earth.
"Follow me."
Just as Nolan prepared to ask for directions, a man approached.
He introduced himself politely.
"You may call me Mordo."
Nolan nodded and followed. With Mordo guiding him, he soon reached the Ancient One.
She sat cross-legged on a cushion, eyes closed, as still and serene as a lifeless statue.
Upon Nolan's arrival, the stillness dissolved.
The Ancient One opened her eyes, greeting him with a familiar smile.
"You have arrived."
Nolan cut straight to the point.
"Ancient One, you've caused me a lot of trouble!"
The Ancient One smiled softly.
"All is fate," she replied.
Nolan cursed inwardly. Fate? He didn't have any fate! If fate existed, he shouldn't even be in this world.
Though seething, he contained his anger. Facing the Ancient One was one thing. Recklessly losing his life was another.
"I don't care about fate. But because of that box of yours, I ended up in another world. Returning was a struggle, and even my company was taken by others. I need an explanation!"
His voice rose with raw anger, perfectly reflecting his emotions.
"What did you see in the other world?"
The Ancient One asked.
Money. Lots of it. What else could he have seen?
Nolan gritted his teeth but answered cautiously.
"It was a world of superheroes, filled with dangers, though not as complex as this world."
The Ancient One smiled again.
"Do you know where that was?"
"At first I didn't, but later I realized it was another Earth. I saw many familiar faces, though their roles were completely different from here."
Nolan looked at her intently.
"That is the multiverse, right?"
He needed confirmation, an answer he expected.
"Yes."
The Ancient One smiled.
She regarded Nolan closely. Over the years, she had witnessed countless futures. Each faced different fates.
But one day, everything changed, and Nolan caught her attention.
She had seen the future Supreme Sorcerer and looming threats even apocalyptic events that seemed hopeless.
Yet when Nolan appeared, she discovered a crucial variable.
"Ancient One, I am here for an explanation."
Nolan's words brought the conversation back to its core.
The Ancient One's expression softened.
"And what compensation do you seek?"
"I want to learn magic."
Nolan stated his goal plainly.
Mastering magic would dramatically enhance his power. Even the mere ability to teleport instantaneously promised unmatched mobility.
The Ancient One rose and led him outside.
Outside, sorcerers were drawing circles and practicing spells continuously.
"You may try."
She handed Nolan a Mystic Ring.
A Mystic Ring!
Nolan's heart raced.
"I wonder if I even have the talent for magic."
He had expected the Ancient One to challenge him, perhaps refuse him access, but she handed him the ring without hesitation.
Mordo approached upon seeing them.
"Mr. Lock, are you here to learn sorcery?"
"Yes. I want to see if I have any aptitude."
Mordo nodded.
"Then step inside. Observe the sorcerers' movements and seek to understand the essence of their craft."
Nolan stepped forward, watching and attempting to mimic the movements.
He expected failure.
If he had real magical potential, the Ancient One would not have made it so easy.
Yet, half an hour later, a faint glow appeared.