In Kamar-Taj's library, shelves towered, laden with ancient scrolls and the scent of parchment and incense. James, in black armor, stood out in the mystical ambiance.
"The largest collection of Earth's magical texts," the Ancient One explained, her yellow robe flowing. "From Vishanti to Agamotto, the Sorcerer Supremes' knowledge."
Librarian Wong eyed James. "Who's this?"
"A guest, Wong," the Ancient One replied. "He can access anything."
Wong, shocked, asked, "What field?"
"Everything," James said, his vision scanning the shelves. "Especially the multiverse and the Dark Dimension."
Wong choked. "Those texts are dangerous, even for seasoned mages!"
"Let him," the Ancient One said, watching James.
His superhuman vision analyzed the library instantly: classifications, hidden sections, sealed texts. He approached a shelf, touching gem-encrusted books. "Your magic differs from Asgard's. They use divine blood; you borrow dimensional energy."
Wong gaped. James grabbed Fundamentals of Space Principles and read it in two minutes, fingers flipping pages at inhuman speed.
"Spatial folding… dimensional anchoring… energy nodes…" he murmured, closing the book. He tried a portal, but only sparks appeared.
The Ancient One smiled. "Even Superman must respect magic's laws."
James shrugged. "Just testing. I memorized the book. I lack an energy channel, but I can use my own body."
Wong stammered, "You… memorized the entire book?"
"Not just that one," James replied, moving to Introduction to the Mirror Dimension, Astral Projection, and Compendium of Defensive Spells.
In three hours, he absorbed decades of magical knowledge, organizing theories in his mind. The Ancient One watched. "Your learning is astonishing, but magic requires dimensional connection and mental discipline."
James shelved a book. "I'm not casting spells yet. Understanding's the first step. My heat vision came from understanding solar energy and my bio-field."
The Ancient One nodded. "You think you can cast spells without a sling ring, using your internal energy?"
"Maybe," James said, approaching the restricted section. He touched a copy of the Book of Cagliostro. Wong leapt. "No! That book's too dangerous!"
"Let him," the Ancient One ordered. "Knowing the enemy is key."
James skimmed it, frowning. "The Dark Dimension's sneakier than I thought. It exploits emotional weaknesses, not magical ones."
He pointed to a passage. "It invades through fear, doubt, pride—not brute force."
The Ancient One tensed. "You're right. Five centuries ago, a mage's greed let Dormammu breach our defenses."
Wong choked. "Sorcerer Supreme! That's confidential!"
"Not anymore," she said, eyeing James. "In three hours, he uncovered a mystery we haven't solved in centuries."
Wong stared at James like an anomaly. The Ancient One sighed, mixing fatigue and relief. "Follow me."
On a terrace facing snowy mountains, she said gravely, "James, I ask again: consider becoming Sorcerer Supreme."
James raised an eyebrow. "We've been over this."
"I didn't yet grasp your full scope," she replied. "You absorbed decades of knowledge in hours, spotted flaws I missed. Soon, you won't need a sling ring for portals."
James stayed silent. She continued, "Strange isn't ready. You're an ideal guardian: powerful yet restrained, wise yet responsible."
The wind roared, but their shield held. "The Sorcerer Supreme isn't just about strength," James said.
"Exactly," she replied, fervent. "You refuse power but accept responsibility. That's rare. A darkness looms—Dormammu, Thanos, cosmic upheaval. Earth needs a stronger protector than me."
James asked, "How do you die in this universe?"
The Ancient One froze. "I've seen… many futures. All lead to my death. Someone must succeed me, or Earth falls."
James exhaled, his breath clouding in the icy air. "I can't be Sorcerer Supreme. I have my own path, my own fights."
The Ancient One's shoulders fell, but he added, "But if Earth's in danger, I'll be there. It's my home. I'll protect the sanctums against Dormammu and other threats."
The Ancient One smiled, relieved. "That's enough. Thank you, James."
They watched the dawn break. "Time to go," James said. "Tony's probably wondering where I am."
The Ancient One opened a portal to New York. "Come back anytime. Kamar-Taj is open to you."
James paused. "Mage," he said without turning, "live long. Earth needs you."
He stepped through. The Ancient One, alone, murmured, "No, James. Earth will need a hero."
Mordo approached. "You trust him?"
"I trust his choices," she replied, gazing at the stars. "In every future, he stands with the light."
"Even if he refuses Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Especially because he refuses," she said, returning to the sanctum. "True heroes don't seek power."
Under New York's night sky, James floated, reflecting on Kamar-Taj. Magic had opened new perspectives on the Marvel Universe, deepening his grasp of its forces.