Marvel: You Call This A Sorcerer?

You can't imagine how frustrating it is to be woken from a deep sleep, feeling grumpy, yet unable to vent that frustration. The moment Ronan woke up, he already sensed something was wrong—without even needing Wong's reminder.

The legendary Convergence of the Nine Realms had begun!

It was a mysterious sensation, something that ordinary people would find almost impossible to notice. But for Ronan, it was as clear as day: the merging of the Nine Realms signaled that the Dark Elves' arrival was near.

Still half-asleep, Ronan, dressed in his pajamas, opened a portal and immediately arrived at Kamar-Taj. The second he stepped through the portal, he almost stumbled. Kamar-Taj was significantly colder than New York, and dressed as he was in thin sleepwear, he knew that even his enhanced constitution couldn't withstand the cold for long—he'd catch a cold in less than thirty minutes.

Yes, even sorcerers couldn't prevent the common cold!

"Hey, what's with the outfit?"

Seeing Ronan pop up out of nowhere, Mordo couldn't help raising an eyebrow. He didn't smile—he still had that serious expression on his face—but somehow, Ronan could tell Mordo's lips were twitching in an attempt to hold back laughter.

To maintain that cold and aloof image, Mordo really was tough on himself.

"Can't help it. I'm young and my body is strong," Ronan quipped. "Us old New Yorkers start our mornings like this. Keeps things real."

He patted his chest and tried to let out a loud yell, but was instead assaulted by a freezing wind that almost blew him away. Given the circumstances, Ronan decided against showing off.

He summoned his enchanted black cloak from his "space ring" and wrapped himself up tightly. Yeah, adding insulation to his cloak had been a great decision.

"I guess you New Yorkers really are something else. Even your thinking's different," Mordo commented. "I heard you've… gotten interested in someone?"

Wong approached from the other side, grinning ear to ear. He looked like someone who had finally gotten payback.

Ronan couldn't stand that smug look, especially from someone who dared to make fun of him.

"So, is this why you called me over so urgently?" Ronan glared, feeling more than a little suspicious that Wong had ulterior motives. Sure, the Nine Realms were starting to converge, but it wasn't quite time to take action yet.

More importantly, Wong had summoned him here just to ask about a potential love interest?

"What else could it be?" Wong replied, still smirking. "You were always saying you'd be a lifelong bachelor, so why the sudden change of heart? The iron tree has finally blossomed?"

Ronan shot Wong a flat look. "When did I say I was in love? Even if I were, that's called young love—'iron tree blossoming' is more suited to older folks like you." He patted Wong's shoulder, shaking his head dramatically as though he were pitying him for his ignorance.

"Screw you! I'm in the prime of my life," Wong retorted. "Middle-aged and still going strong!"

It had been a while since Wong experienced Ronan's signature sarcasm. He had forgotten how aggravating it was.

"Alright, enough. The Ancient One wants to see you," Wong said, shutting down any chance for more banter. He knew if Ronan started, he'd spend the whole day sulking.

Without waiting for a response, Wong turned and walked away, practically jogging. Ronan clicked his tongue at how fast Wong fled. "Didn't get my fill yet, why's he running so fast?"

After "sending off" Wong, Ronan turned his gaze to Mordo. But Mordo was too composed to take the bait; he merely picked up a staff from the weapons rack and waved over two apprentices who were sparring nearby.

"You two, come spar with me."

Ronan pouted at Mordo's avoidance. "Tch, not a single one of you can handle me!"

After "defeating" his "enemies," Ronan finally entered the Sanctum. The warmth inside was immediately comforting, akin to spring.

As always, the Ancient One sat in her familiar spot, sipping tea. This time, however, there was an amused smile on her face.

Ignoring her teasing smile, Ronan casually whistled and took his seat across from her. This wasn't being cowardly—this was just smart decision-making.

"It seems you've been enjoying your life as a student lately," the Ancient One said, setting down her teacup.

"Well, I am a student," Ronan responded. "Not much else for me to do—unless you're finally ready to pass on the title, then I'll gladly stop being a high schooler."

Ronan tried to deflect her meaning, picking up the tea a servant brought him and taking a sip. Yes, drink tea—ignore everything else.

"If you're so eager to take over, then how about tomorrow?" The Ancient One smiled.

"What?!" Ronan almost spilled his tea. They were joking, right? No one said they'd be serious about this!

"No thanks, Master. I'd rather keep my student status. New York is full of talented people—I'll just stay quietly among them," he said hastily, putting his cup down. No more jokes like that—not today.

Before, whenever they joked, the Ancient One would say "when you're ready, this position will be yours." But today, she changed her tone—that was too real for comfort!

"Are you sure?" The Ancient One smiled wider. "I can step down anytime if you're ready…"

Ronan quickly made a stopping motion with his hands. "Alright, alright, my bad. I shouldn't have pretended." He desperately tried to change the subject. "So, uh, how about the Convergence of the Nine Realms? Isn't that the real big issue right now?"

The more he heard her talk, the more serious she seemed—he couldn't tell if she was joking anymore!

"No need to worry about the Convergence yet," the Ancient One said, taking another sip of tea. "Thor hasn't arrived, which means we aren't at the critical moment yet. Let's discuss that girl you like."

"Girl I like?" Ronan sighed. "Master, why are you and Wong so nosy lately?"

"This is about your future," the Ancient One replied calmly. "As your mentor, shouldn't I care about your happiness?"

The Ancient One sounded exactly like a parent nagging their child to get married. If Ronan were older, it'd make sense—but he was only sixteen, turning seventeen in a few months! Why rush it?

"Master, didn't you say Supreme Sorcerers aren't supposed to get married?" Ronan pointed out. "And even if we did, it shouldn't be with someone ordinary—people from different worlds just can't understand each other."

The Ancient One chuckled. "There's no rule that prevents Supreme Sorcerers from marrying, nor any rule against having children." She continued, "And your second point doesn't really apply either. She may be ordinary now, but that doesn't mean she will always be. If you wish, you can even bring her here to Kamar-Taj."

Ronan's eyes widened at the Ancient One's offer. What was going on here?

"Master, does Gwen have magical potential?" Ronan asked cautiously.

"Most people have some magical potential, but not everyone is suitable to become a sorcerer," the Ancient One explained. "Talent isn't the only deciding factor—there are many other qualities that matter.

"While Kamar-Taj usually relies on 'fate'—accepting only those who actively seek us out—I'm giving you a special privilege." She winked at him.

"Wait, what?" Ronan was confused.

"That young lady does have potential—quite a good amount, in fact," the Ancient One confirmed. "While she may not reach the level of Mordo or Wong, she could still guard one of our Sanctums without any issue.

"Why not invite her to Kamar-Taj?" The Ancient One smiled. "You've met her parents, after all."

Ronan covered his face. He felt an overwhelming urge to run.

"Master, I just went over for a meal—how is this now about meeting the parents?"

"Oh, come now. They invited you to dinner, and as proper etiquette, we should extend an invitation in return," the Ancient One said. "That's basic courtesy, isn't it?"

"But, Master, inviting her to Kamar-Taj… doesn't that violate the rules?" Ronan protested. "Didn't you say we have to keep our identities hidden?"

The Ancient One put down her teacup, her smile widening. "Ronan, do you remember what I told you? Rules are not meant to bind you, and you must never let them hold you back.

"Everything I've asked you to do—from helping during the Chitauri invasion to warning S.H.I.E.L.D. and Tony Stark—were they in line with keeping our identities secret?

"You have never been constrained by the rules, and you should never let them restrict you. You are the most unique of us all."

The Ancient One had said something similar many times before. At first, Ronan didn't understand. Gradually, he started to get it, but today, the Ancient One added a new layer of meaning.

Ronan sighed. The Ancient One wasn't removing his restraints—she was adding new weight.

He knew freedom without limitations was a road to ruin. Freedom didn't mean being lawless—it simply meant not being bound by ordinary restrictions. None of it was simple.

"So, it still comes down to following my heart in everything I do?" Ronan looked up at her.

The Ancient One's smile widened even more. "Good, you understand the essence now. Invite her to Kamar-Taj this weekend.

"And don't worry about revealing your identity. That girl is more mature than you think."

She patted Ronan's shoulder. "Go change—the Bifrost is on its way. It's your turn now."

London, England.

It was noon, in the city known as "The Foggy Town." Winter hung over the city, a layer of haze blanketing the sky, making everything look gray and dreary. A distant rumble of thunder echoed from the clouds above.

Ronan stepped through a Mystic Gateway, now dressed in a new set of robes, his familiar Iron Man helmet on his face. Almost immediately, he spotted a familiar couple having a dramatic altercation—Thor and Jane Foster.

And no, it wasn't a fight between equals. Jane seemed to be the one slapping Thor, while he just stood there.

Oh, lovely.

Before Ronan could revel too much in their drama, the two kissed passionately.

"Really?" Ronan rolled his eyes. They were just slapping each other, and now they were making out?

Do you even realize that there are minors here?!

They're out here just showing affection, while all I get is a big dose of public display of affection?

"Hey, hey, hey! Calm down, you two. The cops over there are about to give you trouble."

Ronan immediately cast the powerful "Interrupt" spell.

The police were still watching, so why were they making out?!

Thor and Jane Foster instantly looked startled and pulled away from each other.

"Hey, you're…"

Thor looked at Ronan, about to call him by name, but Ronan quickly interrupted him.

"I am Mister Fantastic."

"Welcome to Earth, mighty Prince of Asgard."

Ronan crossed his arms over his chest. He had to keep his name a secret!

"Huh?"

Thor looked confused.

"You're the Mister Fantastic?"

"The sorcerer who can draw a circle and disappear?"

Jane Foster stared at Ronan, clearly recognizing him.

Ronan raised an eyebrow.

He didn't expect his reputation to reach all the way to the UK.

"Thor, let me make this clear. On Earth, don't call me by my name."

"We can't all be like you, debuting in the center of everything. We need to stay hidden."

Ronan ignored Jane's question and gave Thor a quick reminder.

He wasn't going to let Thor's carelessness reveal his real name.

"Fine, Mister Fantastic…" Thor dragged out the name.

Ronan rolled his eyes, pointing at the approaching officers.

"Oh, excuse me. I'll go handle that."

Jane smiled at Ronan and walked toward the officers.

Thor slowly moved closer to Ronan, staring at him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Ronan shivered under the intensity of Thor's gaze.

You've got a girlfriend, why are you looking at another man like that? Are you crazy?

"I think I told you to give Jane a Christmas present for me."

"Why didn't she get it?"

Thor's voice was soft, but Ronan heard every word.

Ssss!

Ronan sucked in a breath.

He forgot!

No, to be more precise, he forgot to deliver it.

There was just too much happening on Christmas Eve. He got distracted.

"Did you say that?"

Ronan kept a neutral expression.

"Didn't I?"

Thor wrapped his arm around Ronan's shoulder.

Uh-oh!

Ronan felt a sense of dread.

Just then, an explosion occurred not far away.

Boom!

A dark red energy wave exploded out from Jane Foster, sending nearby police flying.

Those poor officers—never did they think a mere mortal would one day be blasted by an Infinity Stone!

Yes, that dark red energy was none other than the Aether, also known as the Reality Stone.

Arguably the most powerful Infinity Stone.

It ignored any laws of physics—natural rules held no meaning before it.

Humans could achieve any dream, make any fantasy reality, if they held this power.

Of course, that introduction sounded impressive.

But Ronan knew the Reality Stone was also the hardest to use effectively.

Take this example:

The wielder could change 1 + 1 = 2 into 1 + 1 = 3, and do so easily.

However, the chain reaction that followed was not simple.

If 1 + 1 = 3, then what about 1 + 2?

If 1 + 2 = 4, what about 2 + 2?

If you changed 1 + 2 to equal 2, did that make 1 equal to 0? And what was the meaning of 0?

The wielder could rewrite natural laws, but they had to bear the consequences.

Exactly—this was the rule of using the Infinity Stones.

Whoever used them, whatever the outcome, they had to face it.

Thanos used six Infinity Stones in a flashy way, wiping out half the universe's population, seemingly without any issues.

But in reality, destruction was just another form of death.

Forget the "legal" aspect—law meant nothing to Thanos.

What consequences would Thanos face?

If you kill one person, their family will hate you. If you kill a million, a million families will hate you.

In the end, Thanos was decapitated by the Avengers not because of the snap's backlash, but because of that "hatred."

His body could withstand the damage from using all six Infinity Stones, but the price was unavoidable.

Of course, all of this was just Ronan's speculation.

Was it true? Ronan wasn't sure.

"Jane!"

Seeing his beloved girlfriend on the ground, Thor forgot all about Ronan.

He dashed over, lifting her up.

The remaining officers began to surround them, some even calling for backup.

"Mister Fantastic, I need to head back."

"I'll be back for you soon!"

With that, Thor activated the Bifrost and disappeared.

Looking at the familiar Bifrost pattern left on the ground, Ronan smirked.

That's it?

He called me for this?

Was the Ancient One's idea really just for me to come and do nothing?

Ronan couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Bzz.

At that moment, Ronan's phone rang.

He pressed a button on his helmet, answering the call.

"Hello, who is this?"

Ronan sighed in exasperation.

"It's Tony Stark. Where are you right now?"

"I think we need to meet."

What Ronan didn't expect was Tony Stark's voice on the other end.

Even weirder, Ronan could hear the sound of wind roaring past.

"What do you need?"

Ronan frowned, conjuring a portal and vanishing instantly.

When he reappeared, he was near Big Ben.

"Never mind, I'll just track your phone."

"Jarvis, locate his phone. I need his exact position."

Tony Stark's voice echoed again.

But this time, he wasn't talking to Ronan.

Ronan rolled his eyes—of course Stark would try that.

That's why he had already changed locations.

"Hmm?"

"London, near Big Ben?"

"Don't you have school? Why are you in London on a holiday?"

The sound of the wind in Tony Stark's background had stopped.

Even as a superhero, even as billionaire Tony Stark, there were still rules to follow.

Flying from the U.S. to the U.K. might be visa-exempt, but you still needed paperwork.

Customs inspections couldn't be avoided either.

And showing up as Iron Man would mean illegal entry—no getting around it.

"Just handling some business."

"So, when are you coming?"

Ronan found a coffee shop, ordered a cup, and sat.

Stark couldn't portal-jump like he could, so by the time Tony arrived, Ronan figured he'd be back in New York.

"Wait for me—I'm fifteen minutes out from landing."

"Fortunately, a Stark Industries plane is headed to London and is about to land."

"I'll be right there."

With that, Tony Stark hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, Ronan chuckled.

Damn rich people!

To them, borders were meaningless!

Before Ronan even finished his coffee, a flashy sports car pulled up outside.

The limited-edition car drew everyone's attention.

But what really caught people's eyes was Tony Stark stepping out of it.

Suddenly, screams echoed from the London crowd.

Tony Stark—a handsome, rich superhero. It was no surprise he was popular everywhere.

For every person who loved him, though, there was also someone who hated him.

Seeing Tony wave at the crowd and flash his perfect smile, Ronan buried his face in his hands.

Did this man not know the meaning of "low profile?"

Him alone was one thing, but Ronan didn't want that kind of attention.

Tony's fame was obviously enough that the shop owner gave him a private room to avoid the disturbance.

Ronan had planned to sneak in once the crowd dispersed.

But Tony headed straight for him.

"Come on, let's go to the private room," Tony gestured.

Ronan rolled his eyes—now he could only follow Tony through the crowd.

Once the door closed, the noise disappeared.

Tony held up a finger, signaling Ronan to wait, then pulled a small orb from his pocket.

After pressing it, two beeps sounded.

"This jammer can block the world's most advanced listening devices and cameras."

"Now we can talk."

Tony settled into a chair.

Ronan stared at him, exasperated.

"Do you realize, coming to find me so publicly means S.H.I.E.L.D. will know within ten minutes?"

Ronan sighed.

Tony was being reckless—nothing good could come of it.

"I know. That's why Jarvis filed a report for you."

"You came on the earlier Stark Industries flight; I was on the recent one."

"How do you even know about S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Tony seemed curious.

It was clear he'd prepared well, anticipating S.H.I.E.L.D.

Hearing his arrangement, Ronan looked slightly more at ease.

Otherwise, he would've had to find a way to deal with S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Ever since I got involved with you, S.H.I.E.L.D. has been watching me."

"They questioned me about our conversation and even tried to kidnap me and my…"

"Classmate."

"S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't feel like a government agency. More like a terrorist group."

Ronan glanced at Tony, casually setting a trap for S.H.I.E.L.D.

Tony's expression changed instantly when Ronan brought it up.

He glanced around, leaning forward.

"I did some research—S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't as simple as we think."

Tony lowered his voice.

Ronan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"What did you find?"

"Their defense systems were designed by me. They have no secrets from me."

"However, there's a part of their database that's classified as Level 10."

"Those files aren't online—I suspect they use paper records."

Tony shrugged. To him, none of this was difficult.

"So, what did you find?"

Ronan asked curiously.

"I found several secret projects conducted by S.H.I.E.L.D."

"And some of these projects weren't signed off by Nick Fury, but by someone else."

"Research of that level wouldn't proceed without Fury's approval."

"So, I suspect there's another faction within S.H.I.E.L.D., at odds with Fury. Something's being kept secret."

You had to give it to Tony—he deserved his title as a genius.

He deduced someone was opposing Fury just from that.

Within S.H.I.E.L.D., there were only two Level 10 agents: Nick Fury and Alexander Pierce.

Fury was nominally the only Level 10 agent, but Pierce had full access.

It was Hydra, after all—putting the snake in charge was fitting.

But Tony had only deduced there were factions within S.H.I.E.L.D.

One side was S.H.I.E.L.D., and the other was Hydra.

"What if I told you…"

"That S.H.I.E.L.D. is Hydra?"

"In other words, S.H.I.E.L.D. has already been fully infiltrated by Hydra?"

When Ronan said this, Tony's triumphant expression froze.

Hydra—what kind of organization was that?

Most people didn't know.

But Tony Stark certainly did.

His father, Howard Stark, had fought Hydra alongside Captain America, Steve Rogers.

One was the unsung hero behind the scenes, the other the hero in the spotlight.

More importantly…

"No way!"

"S.H.I.E.L.D. was founded by my father. It can't be Hydra!"

Tony immediately protested.

He refused to believe Ronan.

Because if it were true, it would be horrifying.

Hydra, which had disappeared for over half a century, had been hiding within S.H.I.E.L.D.?

If true, what was left of S.H.I.E.L.D.?

Thinking about the organization his father built being compromised, Tony couldn't stay calm.

No matter how much he disliked S.H.I.E.L.D., he had to consider his father's legacy.

If S.H.I.E.L.D. was compromised, wouldn't his father be tarnished too?

If so, Tony needed to prepare.

"Believe me or not, that's up to you. I only heard it."

"Oh, from Mister Fantastic."

Ronan shrugged, acting indifferent.

He had told Tony the truth—it was up to Tony to decide.

"Can you contact him?"

"Why haven't I been able to reach him?"

Tony blinked, surprised by Ronan's information source.

Ronan smirked.

Of course, he knew Tony had been trying to reach him.

After that one time, when Tony called him at 3 a.m., disturbing his sleep, Ronan had blocked him.

No wonder Tony couldn't reach him.

"I can contact him. I'm not someone who calls people at three in the morning."

Ronan rolled his eyes. He could put up with many things, but disturbing his sleep was second on his list.

Blocking Tony was lenient—if pushed, Ronan would make Stark experience illusions again.

Tony surely wouldn't want that twice.

"I thought…"

Tony started, meaning to say he thought sorcerers didn't sleep.

"Don't tell me you think sorcerers don't have Wi-Fi or cell signals."

Ronan gave Tony a strange look.

When would people stop thinking of sorcerers as outdated?

These top students had the weirdest ideas.

"Fine, back to S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Did Mister Fantastic mention anything else?"

Tony returned to the point.

"No, but that day he used my body to talk to someone claiming to be an FBI agent."

"His name was… Phil Coulson?"

Ronan seemed to struggle to recall.

But as soon as he said the name, Tony shot up from his chair.

"No way!"

This was the second time Tony said it that day.

He hadn't expected this kind of bombshell when he came to see Ronan.

"What do you mean?"

"I think that was his name."

Ronan looked blankly at Tony.

But inwardly, Ronan couldn't help grinning.

A man Nick Fury claimed was dead, now alive before them.

What would Tony think?

Add in the S.H.I.E.L.D.-Hydra connection…

"How much is Fury hiding from us?!"

Tony's face darkened.

Actually, that was exactly what he was wondering.

He didn't think Ronan was lying—it would be easy to verify.

If Ronan said he saw him, checking surveillance would confirm it.

Ronan wasn't lying—so Fury had to be.

"I don't know. I don't know Nick Fury."

Ronan shrugged, pushing it all away.

Now, he had put Fury firmly in Tony's crosshairs.

Fury's reputation with Tony probably couldn't sink lower.

"I see."

"If you can reach… him, tell him I need to meet."

"It's very, very important!"

Tony looked Ronan in the eye, deadly serious.

"What is it?"

Ronan raised an eyebrow.

He wasn't planning to go out in the cold late at night.

He just wanted to stay home and play games.

"I've been having strange dreams lately."

"For instance, I dream I'm in complete darkness."

"A strange creature, all face, tells me to find someone."

"But I wake up whenever I hear the name."

"This has gone on for days—last night, I almost heard it."

Tony rubbed his temples, clearly tired from poor sleep.

The more Tony talked, the stranger Ronan's expression grew.

Why did the creature Tony described sound so familiar?

"That creature…"

"What color was it?"

Ronan asked tentatively.

"I don't remember, but the eyes…"

"They were blue."