---
The Sanctum Sanctorum was rarely this silent.
Doctor Stephen Strange stood alone in the Orb Chamber, eyes locked on the swirling crimson ripples that danced across the fabric of time. The Orb of Agamotto trembled in place, humming like a warning bell that never stopped ringing.
Wong entered slowly, a concerned look on his face. "It's him again, isn't it?"
Strange didn't look away. "Ron. The anomaly that defies every rule of time, space, and balance."
"You said he's not a threat."
"I said he's not hostile," Strange corrected. "There's a difference."
He waved his hand, and images of Ron began to form—hovering above Times Square, defeating Loki, kissing Natasha Romanoff atop a tower of his own creation.
"A mortal who surpasses the Infinity Stones," Strange whispered. "His stats double every second. He's already at a point where he can rewrite reality if he chooses… and it's still growing."
Wong stepped closer. "So what's the play?"
Strange closed his hand, dissolving the images. "We need to speak to him. Before someone else does."
---
Meanwhile, in Ron's tower…
The morning light poured into the lounge where Ron and Natasha sat on opposite couches, coffee mugs in hand. For a moment, everything was peaceful. Normal. Almost domestic.
"Are we… together now?" Natasha asked cautiously, trying not to smile.
Ron looked at her, genuinely surprised. "Do you want to be?"
She hesitated. "I don't know. But I know I haven't slept that peacefully in years."
Ron nodded. "Then that's a good start."
Suddenly—a ripple in space tore open midair. Magic surged. Ron immediately stood, his power flaring for a split second before calming.
Doctor Strange stepped out, his Cloak of Levitation billowing behind him.
Natasha was already holding a pistol, though she knew it wouldn't help.
"Ron Carter," Strange said with narrowed eyes. "We need to talk."
Ron raised a brow. "Strange. Sorcerer Supreme. You're not here for tea, I assume."
"I'm here because your existence is unraveling the multiverse."
Ron blinked. "I've barely done anything."
"That's the problem," Strange replied. "You haven't even started—and already, timelines are collapsing around your power. You're not a fixed point. You're a living singularity."
Ron stepped forward. "So what? You're here to erase me?"
"No. I'm here to see if you can control yourself. Because if you can't… others will come who won't ask first."
Natasha stepped beside Ron, eyes hard. "If you threaten him, you go through me."
Strange raised a hand. "This isn't a threat. It's a warning. The Living Tribunal is watching. The Celestials are waking. If Ron ascends any further without control, the universe will classify him as a universal threat."
Ron didn't flinch. "Let them watch."
Strange frowned. "That kind of pride destroys gods."
Ron's voice dropped low. "I'm not a god, Doctor. I'm the man who makes gods obsolete."
---