"It's really strange. Someone like you would actually ask for help. It really surprises me a bit."
"You can recognize me even after I've become like this."
With a look of surprise on her face, Artoria looked at the 'Steve' in front of her. Although the body was not his, Artoria could be completely certain that this guy was Steve from his soul and consciousness. It seemed he had been hit by the magic of someone who could use soul magic, had been driven out of his body by someone, and his body had been occupied. But because this guy was quite cunning, he had also taken someone's body. Looking at this appearance, it should be a middle-aged uncle-level character, not much different from Steve. This was what Artoria analyzed, but it was enough to surprise Steve. She didn't expect the'Senior Sister' to be so smart. Basically, without needing him to explain too much, she recognized him. It really surprised Steve too much.
"Where is your body?"
Facing Steve's astonished little eyes, Artoria felt strange. Thinking about it, it was true; now Steve was looking at her familiarly with a stranger's face, and anyone would feel uncomfortable. This stranger's face acting like he was familiar with you really made people feel too discordant. Covering her forehead and looking at Steve, Artoria asked Steve, "You ran out carrying someone else's body, so where is your own body? It wasn't fed to the dogs by the other party, was it?"
"I guess right now, it's looking for me all over the world!"
After hearing Artoria's words, Steve visibly let out a sigh of relief. When battling Mordo, he had carelessly fallen for the other's trick, and his soul had been forced out of his body. The opponent had successfully taken his body. Fortunately, he had sent everyone from Kamar-Taj out to exterminate demons; otherwise, if the opponent used his body to commit evil deeds, he would have felt very guilty. As it turned out, the opponent had not anticipated his unorthodox tactics and was left stunned. The opponent wanted to take back his body, but how could Steve let him have his way? He immediately started running. His body didn't practice magic, so it didn't have much dark magic power. Even if he wanted to practice, it would take some time. As for Mordo, the dark magic power currently on his body would be gradually neutralized by the dark magic power carried by Mordo's soul whenever he used magic. Although it was the same for him, he always had many ways to save his life, so he wasn't worried about Mordo doing anything to his body; he had little tricks to solve it. Fortunately, the opponent hadn't snatched the Time Stone. With this item, Steve could chat with Artoria with peace of mind.
"Even so, if you are away from your body for too long, once you merge back, or if it adapts to your body, you two might never be able to return to your own bodies."
Seeing Steve still looking leisurely, Artoria kindly reminded him, lest he overdo it and be unable to return to his own body, forcing him to live in this body forever. With Artoria's keen eye, this body was far inferior to Steve's original one. Although the surging dark magic looked intimidating, it didn't mean it equaled combat power. Steve's original body was very formidable, with all talent points maxed out; even the most difficult space and time magic, he could Master instantly. In using the Time Stone, this guy was definitely more skilled than even Artoria.
"I understand. I have already used a little trick and left a backup plan."
Artoria's words made Steve, who was using a portal to get a cup of coffee, pause, and it also made him instantly focus. He hadn't thought of this problem. After all, when fighting, who would care about the consequences? As long as you can win or survive, you can think about other things later. Artoria's reminder made him remember that he still had a backup plan he had left behind, which allowed him to recover from his daze to calmness, and even gain a bit of composure.
"As long as you understand."
Since he said so himself, Artoria didn't intend to say anything else, but she would help if she could! It could be considered living up to the Ancient One's teachings. After chatting with Steve for two hours, he explained Mordo's background and the cause and effect, and most importantly, Steve's own plan. After listening, Artoria frowned. This guy had actually decided to take a risk. Artoria had to admire this guy's courage. Without any hesitation, Artoria expressed her willingness to help. After all, it was his life; he could court Death however he wanted.
"Has the plot of Doctor Strange reached this point already? Truly interesting."
After Steve left, Artoria looked at the dessert in front of her and began to recall things from before she transmigrated. She had basically watched all the Marvel movies, but Marvel was a massive prehistoric pit. There were many things different from the Marvel comics, with complex intersecting world lines and mysterious future directions. Artoria didn't know where the plot would develop next. That was why Artoria stayed at home, waiting for the events to unfold. Based on the display of Artoria's own strength, she believed the 'plot' would come to her on its own. And here it was.
"Artoria, has someone come over?"
While Artoria was playing games and drinking, Gaea suddenly appeared. Looking at Artoria, who was playing games comfortably, Gaea glanced at the two cups on the table and asked Artoria. She hadn't seen anyone leave the room when she returned just now. Most importantly, there was a lingering trace of disgusting dark magic in the air. Gaea didn't mind Artoria making some friends, but most people who practiced dark magic were of crooked mind. Gaea was afraid Artoria would be hurt or deceived.
"It's nothing, just an old acquaintance."
Gaea's inquiry made Artoria realize that when Steve left, he forgot to make his cup disappear. This made the corner of Artoria's eye twitch. She needed to explain to Gaea, but after thinking carefully, Artoria felt she hadn't done anything bad, nor did she have any guilty conscience, so Artoria replied to Gaea very calmly. After saying a few words, Artoria threw Steve's cup directly into the trash can.
"Have there been any movements from the Inhumans recently?"
Not wanting Gaea to focus too much on this matter, Artoria directly asked Gaea about the task she had sent her to do recently. The Inhumans had been completely sealed off recently. Crystal, that little girl, hadn't slipped out for such a long time, which meant the Inhumans must have something going on, but it didn't have much impact, which was why they cut off all contact with the outside world. Artoria hoped Gaea would collect some internal information on the Inhumans to confirm that these guys were just living leisurely and not plotting to take over the world. As the saying goes, one must guard against others. Even though Artoria had a good relationship with the Inhumans, it was limited to Crystal, the King, and the Queen, plus a dog. She had no interaction with other Inhumans.
"Something did happen. It seems their important treasure was stolen, which is why they are on full alert."
Sure enough, something had happened. Listening to Gaea's report, Artoria understood what had caused the Inhumans to be in this state. If there was anything the Inhumans cared about the most, it was definitely the Terrigen Crystals. This was a top priority related to the strength of the Inhumans and the awakening of their powers. Even the lives of the royal family had to be ranked after this item. One could imagine how angry the Inhumans were. Artoria understood the reason. The Inhumans dared not come out to search for the Terrigen Crystals, surely because they didn't want to destroy the friendship they had worked so hard to build with humans, so they chose to seal the city. But the people Artoria could think of who would steal the Terrigen Crystals, besides Mutants, were only S.H.I.E.L.D., or Hydra.
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