Marvel: You Call This A Sorcerer?

Earth.

Stark Industries.

Ronan sat on the couch in Tony Stark's house, watching Tony tinker with his Iron Man armor with great interest.

It was the fully assembled Mark 42.

Of course, it was still the high-tech, mechanical kind of Iron Man armor, not yet developed into the later nanotechnology version.

Although nanotech armor is much more convenient to wear, it lacks the mechanical charm of the earlier designs.

At least, that's how Ronan saw it.

"Are you interested in this?"

Tony Stark noticed Ronan's curious expression but didn't stop what he was doing.

Apparently, he was installing the latest combat modules into his armor.

"I'm just wondering if your armor can withstand a direct hit from me."

"No, I should say—how many hits it can take from me head-on."

Ronan sat with his legs crossed, lounging on the couch, and delivered a direct blow to Tony Stark's ego.

Tony couldn't help but roll his eyes and decided not to talk to Ronan anymore.

The guy was just too annoying!

Meanwhile, in Tony's mind, anti-magic armor just became a priority on his to-do list.

"Tony!"

At that moment, the lab door suddenly swung open, and Pepper Potts burst in.

Following closely behind her was their familiar driver and bodyguard, Happy Hogan.

In front of everyone, Tony Stark and Pepper Potts hugged each other right in the middle of Ronan's line of sight!

Caught off guard, Ronan found himself force-fed a generous helping of relationship fluff.

Enough!

You two are really too much!

Ronan nearly slammed the table in protest.

"Are they always like this?"

"So oblivious to their surroundings?"

Ronan turned his head and pointed at the couple as he asked.

Happy shrugged. Scenes like this were nothing new to him—he had long since developed an immunity.

After all, what hasn't he seen, big or small?

He had been by Tony Stark's side throughout their countless breakups and makeups.

This was just par for the course.

"Oh, sorry, I just got a little carried away,"

Perhaps hearing Ronan's comment, Pepper Potts calmed down from her initial excitement and stepped back from Tony's embrace.

The male lead of this hugging scene shot a glare at Ronan.

Could you talk any less?

"Ever since you were seen being taken away by a beam of light a few hours ago, I've been looking for you."

"I thought you'd gone missing."

Pepper glanced at Tony, wiping her tears.

It was clear she had been deeply worried about him.

Knowing Tony Stark's penchant for getting into trouble, she had every reason to think he'd found himself in yet another mess.

Thankfully, he was back now.

"You didn't tell Pepper about the Bifrost?"

Tony Stark looked at his bodyguard in confusion.

"Bifrost? Did you mention that?"

Happy wore a puzzled expression.

"Yeah, the Bifrost—I didn't mention it?"

Tony's expression conveyed several meanings in an instant.

Happy immediately got the message.

"Oh, oh, oh, right, right, right, you told me before, but I forgot."

"That thing's called the Bifrost? Right, the Bifrost."

"As for what it does, well…"

Happy's expression turned awkward; he was running out of things to make up.

While he was good at taking the blame, there wasn't much he could do in a situation where he had no clue what was going on.

"Thor invited me to Asgard for a visit. It was just... a little abrupt in timing."

"But now I'm back, so it's all good."

Tony shifted slightly, trying to block Pepper's view of the experimental table behind him.

He didn't want her to see what he was working on.

"Good thing you're okay. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do."

"Now that you're back, you're not planning to go out again, right?"

Pepper looked up at Tony expectantly.

Ooh, drama!

Ronan watched the scene unfold with a mischievous grin, nodding approvingly.

Yes, that's the way to ask!

"Uh, well…"

"I..."

"Right, we have a guest here. It's rude to ignore a guest."

Tony shot a glance at Ronan, who was grinning like a troublemaker, and pushed him forward as a scapegoat.

A masterful diversion.

Though Pepper had already noticed Ronan sitting there, Tony's comment made her feel a bit embarrassed.

So, she decided to let Tony off the hook for now.

"Sorry, I got a little too excited just now."

"Are you the... intern from before?"

"I think we've met."

Pepper seemed to remember Ronan's face.

Her memory was quite impressive.

Then again, it might be because the last time she saw Ronan, Tony Stark had been present.

Though she met plenty of people every day and couldn't remember everyone, anyone connected to Tony Stark was hard to forget.

"Ah, yes."

"After that day, Tony insisted on making me his big brother. I couldn't refuse, even if I tried."

"He even said if I didn't agree to be his big brother, he'd jump into the Mississippi—"

Before Ronan could finish the word "River," Tony leapt forward and clamped a hand over his mouth.

He shot an awkward smile at Pepper, who looked thoroughly confused.

"Ha…"

"My little buddy likes to joke around."

"Actually, he wanted me to be his big brother, and I saw potential in him, so I agreed."

Tony gave Ronan's shoulder a firm pat to sell his story.

You dare take advantage of me?

Ronan raised an eyebrow and discreetly jabbed an elbow into Tony's ribs, making him let go of his hand willingly.

Letting go wasn't optional—his ribs hurt too much!

"Alright, Tony, we don't have time to waste."

"Thor and the others are still waiting for us. After all, we're about to face a villain trying to destroy the Nine Realms!"

"There are many dangers ahead, so you must finish designing your Iron Man armor."

Ronan glanced at Tony, his figure suddenly exuding an aura of righteousness.

You like to take advantage of me, huh?

Well, this is your consequence!

The remaining three people each reacted differently to Ronan's statement.

Happy looked tense, though there was a hint of something odd in his gaze as he glanced at Pepper.

Tony Stark looked utterly resigned. He had hoped to keep Pepper in the dark.

After all, once Pepper started worrying, it would become a real hassle.

But who would've thought that, despite his successful topic shift, Ronan would steer it right back on track?

Pepper Potts, meanwhile, looked puzzled.

"Wait, what are the Nine Realms?"

"And danger? What danger?"

This time, Pepper ignored Tony and turned to Ronan instead.

She expected him to provide answers.

"Honestly, it's not that dangerous. There's just this group of dark elves who want to use a cosmic phenomenon occurring in the next few days to destroy Earth and the other eight planets, plunging the universe back into darkness."

"As for their strength, well, fighting Thor is like fighting a kid for them."

"No big deal."

Ronan waved dismissively, adopting an air of nonchalance.

The more he spoke, the stronger Tony's urge to strangle him grew!

This shameless rascal!!!

"What the…"

Pepper covered her mouth, refraining from completing the sentence to maintain her ladylike image.

She stared at Tony in disbelief, her expression clear as day.

Explain this to me!

But at this moment, Tony Stark had no explanation to give.

The words had already been said; there was no way to take them back.

"Tony, it's fine. You still have Pepper. If something happens to you, think about how sad she would be."

"So, you don't need to go. I have no family or attachments—I can go to the front lines."

At this moment, Ronan walked up to Tony Stark, patted him on the shoulder with a solemn expression.

An aura of tragic heroism immediately filled the air.

?????

Tony Stark's face was now full of question marks.

When did I say I wasn't going?

And what's with your overdramatic display? Are you trying to say I'm a deserter?

"Tony, tell me, is what he said true?"

At this moment, Pepper Potts interrupted Tony Stark, who was just about to speak.

Tony sighed and slowly walked to Pepper's side, holding her hand.

"Pepper, I must honestly tell you, what he said is true."

"The Earth is once again in crisis, and I can't stand by and do nothing."

"So…"

"I'm sorry, but I might have to break my promise again."

Tony Stark looked at Pepper Potts. He had promised her before that he wouldn't take risks anymore.

But this time, he had to go back on his word.

Pepper looked up at Tony, her right hand gently stroking his face.

Then, unexpectedly, she smiled.

"Do you think I ever truly believed that promise?"

"I've known you for so long. How could I not know what kind of person you are?"

Pepper said this with a smile.

Hmm?

Ronan shuddered slightly, sensing that something was off!

"Go. Be a hero—the hero you envision yourself to be."

"And I know you wouldn't be content just standing by, would you?"

With that, Pepper Potts rose on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to Tony Stark's.

Tony seemed moved by her words as well.

He lowered his head, embracing Pepper tightly, the two of them kissing passionately.

For a moment, Ronan stood there, completely dumbfounded.

What the hell is this?!

Right in front of everyone, you two are making out like there's no one else here? What about propriety?

Look over there at Happy—wait, where's Happy?

Ronan turned to look at where Happy had been, only to realize that at some point, Happy had slipped out of the lab.

What the heck?!

So, I'm the only one left to endure this show of affection?

You two have truly mastered the art of public displays of affection, haven't you?

What about the law? What about decency?

Finally, just as Ronan was about to unleash a blast of Vishanti's Wrath, the two finally stopped kissing.

Their lips parted, but their gazes remained deeply connected.

It was as if, if no one else were around, they might just start doing something completely 404-worthy.

"Alright, you two, I don't mean to interrupt, but seriously, that's enough."

"You don't care that there's a minor standing nearby, but at least consider the Great Crab God's displeasure, will you?"

"If this goes on, who knows what might happen to you two."

Ronan couldn't help but complain.

Tony Stark raised an eyebrow at Ronan, his face full of smug delight.

What's the matter? I have a girlfriend, and you don't, right?

Seeing his smug look, Ronan almost wanted to flash his right hand.

No, not to fight—just to show off the Ring of Raggadorr.

"Alright, Tony, get back to work."

"I'll be waiting to hear the good news of your victorious return."

Pepper stepped back from Tony's embrace. Before leaving, she even smiled at Ronan and then turned to leave the lab.

Ronan, meanwhile, stared at Tony Stark with dead fish eyes.

Hah.

Showing off your love, huh?

When Thanos comes, I'll casually pluck a stone from that Infinity Gauntlet and shove it right into your chest!

Half an hour later, the Bifrost once again descended on the rooftop of Stark Industries.

The two of them returned to Asgard.

Thor stood next to Heimdall to greet them.

Seeing the fully armed Tony Stark and Ronan now dressed in his sorcerer's robes, Thor couldn't help but smile.

Everyone knows—fancier gear means more combat power.

"Friends, thank you!"

Thor gave them another passionate hug.

Although he didn't want to involve his innocent friends, he had no other choice now.

Honestly, he knew that on his own, he couldn't defeat the Dark Elves.

But as the heir to Asgard, he had to shoulder this responsibility!

"When this war is over, I promise I'll treat you—"

Before Thor could finish his sentence, Ronan interrupted him.

"Forget it, Thor. Let's save those words for after we win the war."

Ronan sighed. He truly didn't understand why people loved to make dramatic proclamations before a battle.

Don't they know those kinds of flags are dangerous?

Thankfully, Ronan was a part-time Silencer, or things could've gone south.

The group reconvened in the palace, and Ronan once again met Jane Foster.

Compared to the last time he saw her, Jane looked noticeably weaker.

At least now, it seemed she didn't even have the strength to slap Thor.

As Thor detailed the plan, Ronan suddenly had a spark of inspiration. Glancing at the others, who were intently listening to Thor's tactical discussion, Ronan discreetly formed a seal.

A clone replaced Ronan in the room while he silently slipped away.

The next second, Ronan appeared in another palace chamber.

Inside were only Odin and Frigga.

"Honorable Lord of Asgard, All-Father Odin,"

"On behalf of my teacher, I extend my greetings."

Ronan mimicked the Ancient One's formal greeting as he spoke.

Odin, seated on the throne, nodded, his face unreadable.

"The future Sorcerer Supreme, I wonder—did your teacher send you to Asgard for this?"

Odin's tone was somewhat cold as he looked at Ronan.

As the ruler of Asgard, how could he not be aware of the little schemes happening behind the scenes?

The only reason he hadn't intervened was that he chose not to.

Now, though, here he was, appearing before Ronan.

"No, quite the opposite. My teacher did not instruct me on what to do."

Ronan shook his head, denying Odin's suggestion.

While invoking the Ancient One's name might make Odin more cautious, it wasn't necessary.

Ronan's visit wasn't about Kamartaj formally engaging with Asgard.

"Then in what capacity have you come to Asgard?"

Odin's tone grew more severe.

But his so-called authority didn't faze Ronan in the slightest.

Of course, the pressure was there, but not much.

"As a friend."

"A friend of Thor's."

Ronan looked up at the high and mighty Odin.

When he gave his reason, Odin's expression showed a brief flicker of surprise.

A friend?

"There's no interest involved between Thor and me—just friendship."

"He doesn't represent Asgard, and I don't represent Kamartaj."

"So if you're unhappy with my decisions, all I can say is that helping a friend… surely…"

"Isn't such a big deal, right?"

Originally, Ronan had wanted to say, "You can't control that," but he swapped out the words at the last second.

After all, he was on someone else's turf—it wouldn't do to act too arrogantly, right?

Ronan wasn't some overpowered protagonist who could kick down Asgard's gates and punch a millennia-old Odin.

"I'm grateful Thor has a friend like you."

"As a mother, it makes me happy to see Thor have friends willing to face danger alongside him."

Frigga interjected before Odin could speak, voicing her own thoughts.

Her choice of words was precise.

She spoke as a mother, not any other title.

It was also a reminder to Odin: Yes, you're the All-Father, but you're also Thor's father.

He's your own son, after all.

"You flatter me; I'm just doing what any friend would do."

"Besides, didn't His Majesty Odin make an agreement with my teacher? During the Convergence of the Nine Realms, should any problems arise, I'm allowed to assist Thor."

"And today alone, I've ridden the Bifrost twice. As the Lord of Asgard, there's no way you wouldn't notice that."

"So, everything we've done so far has your tacit approval, hasn't it?"

Ronan first expressed his thanks to Frigga before turning his gaze to Odin.

This time, it was Odin's turn to remain silent.

The entire palace fell into a brief silence.

Finally, after about ten seconds, Odin spoke again.

"As the Lord of Asgard, I cannot stand by and let Thor act recklessly, nor can I ignore the invasion of the Dark Elves without taking any action."

Odin looked at Ronan.

However, Ronan shook his head.

"But as Thor's father, you hope he'll quickly grow into a competent successor, don't you?"

"If you force him to follow orders blindly, when do you think he'll become a suitable leader?"

Ronan showed no fear of Odin's supposed majesty and delivered a statement that left Odin speechless.

For a moment, Odin had no response to Ronan's words.

Because he couldn't refute them.

He understood all too well that for a successor to truly grow into a leader, it wasn't an easy process.

No amount of teaching or guidance could compare to letting him face challenges on his own.

There were times when Odin had genuinely looked down on his son, thinking he was just a brute.

But at some point, he noticed that a group of people had gathered around Thor.

Some were childhood companions of Thor, but it was undoubtedly Thor's charisma that influenced them to stay.

And to revolve around him.

"Is that so?"

"Perhaps I've overlooked the merits of this child."

At this moment, Odin glanced at Frigga.

Hearing his words, Frigga's face lit up with a radiant smile.

She knew that once Odin said this, it meant he would let Thor "act recklessly."

"Ronan, thank you for coming to help."

"You know, I'm something of a sorcerer myself."

"If you don't mind, I could teach you a few spells that I'm rather good at."

Frigga smiled at Ronan, offering a token of gratitude.

While friends don't usually expect rewards, the adult world isn't that simple, is it?

"Of course, I'd be delighted to learn."

Ronan's eyes sparkled.

Everyone knew that while Frigga had been stunningly beautiful in her youth, she was far from being just a pretty face.

She could even discern that her son had traveled through time to meet her, and her words could foretell her own death.

If he could learn a thing or two from her, it would be an excellent opportunity for him.

After expressing his thanks, Ronan glanced at Odin and felt the call of his clone from within.

"My apologies, Your Majesties, but I must leave for now."

"Thor's plan has already begun, so I'll excuse myself."

Ronan bowed again to Odin and Frigga before disappearing from the spot.

Watching the spot where Ronan vanished, Odin couldn't help but sigh.

"Compared to last time, he's grown again."

"Are you ready, Ronan?"

Just before stepping onto the Bifrost, Thor looked nervously at Ronan.

Ronan was their only hope of reaching the Dark Elves' domain.

If something went wrong with him, the entire plan would fall apart.

"Relax. I may not be able to beat that spicy Malekith, but I can definitely run if needed."

"You don't need to worry about my safety."

Ronan patted Thor on the shoulder, speaking truthfully.

With the Space Stone in hand, there was no situation where Ronan couldn't escape.

He cherished his own life too much.

"Alright, then everything depends on you."

Thor patted Ronan's shoulder in return before turning to Heimdall.

Heimdall, as always, remained silent, inserting his giant sword into the slot.

With a gentle twist, the Bifrost activated.

A cascade of colors swept over Ronan, and once again, he experienced the sensation of rapid teleportation.

This feeling was completely different from traveling through portals or using the Space Stone.

It was an entirely new experience.

Buzz!

As the light of the Bifrost boldly descended onto a desolate, ravaged planet, Ronan's figure emerged.

This was the domain of the Dark Elves.

Damn!

The moment Ronan regained his sight, he couldn't help but curse.

The reason was simple: in his direct line of sight, a dozen Dark Elves were already surrounding him.

Among them was none other than Malekith himself.

It seemed they had anticipated the Bifrost's arrival.

"Another Asgardian?"

"No, you're not Asgardian. You're a Midgardian."

Malekith's voice was grating as he looked at Ronan.

"Ah, it seems you have a good eye."

Ronan patted the dust off himself, stretching his stiffened joints.

"You came here using the Bifrost, which means you're allied with the Asgardians."

"So, what's your purpose for coming here?"

Malekith took a step forward, seemingly curious about Ronan's intentions.

However, after asking, he immediately provided his own answer.

"Never mind. Whatever your purpose is, you're going to die."

With that, he waved his hand, and the Dark Elf soldiers behind him raised their weapons, charging at Ronan.

This no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point behavior was something Ronan found quite agreeable.

Of course, not when it came to enemies.

Snap!

Just as the elves were about to encircle Ronan, he snapped his fingers.

In an instant, Ronan jumped out of their encirclement.

"Ah, perhaps you've never faced a sorcerer before."

"How could you be so careless against a sorcerer?"

Ronan's voice echoed from behind them.

With him appeared a glowing, golden portal.

Through the circular portal, Thor and Tony Stark led their small team into the fray.

Following behind them were Sif and Thor's other friends.

At least in terms of numbers, they were no longer at a disadvantage.

Seeing the group emerge, especially Jane Foster at the end, Malekith's expression shifted noticeably.

The Aether.

It was right there on that woman!

"You dare bring the Aether here?"

"It seems you've truly inherited Odin's arrogance!"

Malekith took a step forward, his entire demeanor becoming more intense.

Clearly, he had no respect for the young and inexperienced Thor before him.

He didn't even think much of Odin, let alone his heir.

Thor twirled Mjolnir in his hand, faint sparks of lightning dancing across its surface.

A confident smile appeared on his face.

"You want the Aether?"

"Come and take it, then!"

"But you'll have to get through me first!"