Stark might not have believed this from anyone else, but he trusted Luo Bai completely.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was now infiltrated by Hydra, even the ministers of the Security Council were Hydra agents. Hydra was a villainous organization with one goal: reshaping the world to serve their will, controlling humanity as their slaves. They thrived on chaos, sparking international wars and seeking to dominate the globe.
And now, they had infiltrated both the United Nations and S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Realizing this, Stark spoke urgently: "We can't hand over the Tesseract or the Mind Scepter. If Hydra gets their hands on them, they'll be even worse than Nick Fury ever was."
"Exactly," Luo Bai nodded. "Which is why I won't give them up."
Stark pondered for a mont before adding: "But the United Nations already issued a warning. If you don't hand them over, they might escalate things. I know you won't be concerned about that... but using force against them will only make you a global target."
Stark's concern was genuine. Luo Bai was the Sorcerer Supre, a protector of Earth who usually worked in the shadows. Stark didn't want him labeled as an international criminal.
"I'm worried that the Security Council will go to extre lengths," Stark admitted.
Luo Bai, seeing his friend's worry, reassured him: "Don't be. I have no intention of using force to solve this."
"So, what's your plan? Do you need my help?" Stark asked.
Luo Bai shook his head. "Not yet. I'm waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Stark asked, confused.
"Waiting for Hydra to make their move," Luo Bai explained. Without the Tesseract and the Mind Scepter, Hydra couldn't continue their human experints. They'd grow desperate and reveal themselves. Once that happened, their entire plan would be exposed.
For now, Luo Bai was in control of the situation. He wasn't in a rush.
In fact, he was more concerned for Stark's future. Judging by how events were unfolding, Stark would face greater dangers ahead.
"Don't worry too much about Hydra right now," Luo Bai said seriously. "You should focus on your own problems."
"?" Stark raised an eyebrow. "Are you talking about Wanda? I know I've made mistakes in the past, but I'm trying to protect the Earth now."
Luo Bai shook his head. "I'm not talking about Wanda. I'm talking about Killian."
"Killian? Who's that?" Stark asked, confused.
Luo Bai's expression turned serious. "Your future enemy."
Stark paused. He knew Luo Bai had the power to foresee the future, and as his friend, Luo Bai was giving him a heads-up. But Stark was determined to handle his own battles.
"Okay. I know I've got enemies ahead, but don't worry about . I'll get stronger. I can handle it," Stark said confidently.
Luo Bai expected that response. Given Stark's character, he would never let anyone else solve his problems. So Luo Bai didn't push the matter further.
"Alright, I need to get back. I have a new suit to work on," Stark said, turning to leave.
He hesitated for a mont, then turned back. "Actually, there's one more thing."
"Go ahead," Luo Bai prompted.
Stark seed unsure, but after a brief pause, he continued: "I don't want to trouble you, but Loki's attack made realize how dangerous the future could be. If sothing happens to ... I an, if I'm ever gone... could you look after Pepper?"
Luo Bai smiled. "There won't be a need for that. Don't forget, you promised to learn magic from ."
Stark chuckled, his worry lifting. "Alright, Sorcerer Supre."
With that, he left.
Once Stark was gone, Wanda, who had overheard the conversation, approached Luo Bai.
"You and Stark seem close," she noted.
"Yes," Luo Bai admitted. "He's one of the few people I consider a true friend. And he's helped more than once."
Wanda thought for a mont before asking, "What do you really think of him?"
Luo Bai pondered the question and replied, "He's a good man. But like anyone, he's made his share of mistakes."
Wanda didn't say anything more, but shifted the conversation. "What's this book?" she asked, holding up the one he'd given her earlier.
"It's a basic introduction to magic. It explains the origins and types of magic. You need to understand these fundantals first," Luo Bai explained briefly.
Wanda nodded and asked, "Where should I stay?"
"Ask Polaris," Luo Bai replied. "She's more familiar with the place than I am."
Polaris, who had just returned from her room, overheard and quickly offered: "I can show you around, Wanda. You can pick any room you like."
Wanda nodded silently and followed Polaris.
Wanda seed quiet, as if she hadn't fully adjusted to her new surroundings yet. But with Polaris by her side, Luo Bai wasn't too worried. The two of them likely had a lot in common.
With them gone, Luo Bai returned to the New York Sanctum and began studying the Infinity Stones.
After spending ti in the Dark Dinsion, Luo Bai noticed sothing disturbing: Chthon, the ancient being of dark magic, had been subtly feeding him power. Chthon seed to be trying to pull Luo Bai into the darkness.
Though Luo Bai tried to resist, Chthon was persistent. It felt like the dark god was grooming him as a vessel.
This power was both a blessing and a curse. Chthon saw Luo Bai as a potential host to return to Earth, hungry for his soul.
That ant Luo Bai needed to continue strengthening both his mind and soul.
After studying the stones for a while, Luo Bai embarked on a multiverse journey once again.
This ti, he took his physical body with him, aiming to absorb even more energy from the depths of the multiverse.
As it turned out, this decision was wise. By moving between universes, Luo Bai absorbed vast amounts of energy and gained valuable knowledge.
He visited several known universes—Earth-616, Earth-1610, Earth-199999, and Earth-688B. And yet, there were many more he hadn't explored.
Of course, it wasn't safe to visit Earth in every universe. The risks were too high.
After traveling for what seed like an eternity, Luo Bai felt his energy reaching its limit. Just as he was about to return, he suddenly heard a booming sound echoing across the universe.
A massive, dark object—so vast that its edges were invisible—hurtled toward him.
Before he could react, it collided with him, rging with his body.
For a mont, Luo Bai was stunned. He felt an overwhelming hunger flood his being, along with unimaginable energy and ancient knowledge.
Wait... What just entered ... Was that... the Phoenix Force?!
Wasn't it sealed away?! How did it escape again?
And why... why did it choose as its host?
This is the Earth-1298 universe, right?!
I was just passing through, and now... I'm... I'm so... hungry...
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