[Ding! Host has completed this universe's task. Return to original world?]
James glanced at the system, smirking. "Not yet. Let's explore."
As he planned his next move, a golden portal spun open. The Ancient One emerged, her yellow robes fluttering, gaze deep and authoritative.
"You don't belong here," she said softly but firmly.
James chuckled. "Good to see you again, Ancient One."
Her brow furrowed. "You know another me?"
"Not just know. Days ago, she offered me the Sorcerer Supreme gig."
He raised a finger, golden magic tracing a Kamar-Taj protection rune. "Your magic," she said, intrigued. "But your energy isn't Vishanti or Dark Dimension."
"Sun," James smiled. "I rebuilt the system my way."
She studied him, then said, "Those gems aren't yours."
"I know," James nodded. "But here, Thanos will claim them. The Time Stone's gone too—Stephen Strange will hand it over."
The Ancient One froze. "What?"
James realized his speed had outpaced events—Banner hadn't time-traveled yet. Meeting her gaze, he said, "In the future, Strange trades the Time Stone to Thanos for a slim victory chance, costing half of all life."
Her fingers tightened, as if calculating. "You're certain?"
"Absolutely," James said. "It's beyond this timeline."
She touched the Eye of Agamotto, closing her eyes. Opening them, her expression mixed. "The Time Stone's blind to this. You took them to stop it?"
"Partly," James admitted. "Better I hold them than Thanos. If they're needed, I'll return."
She smiled faintly. "Another me saw you as a Supreme candidate?"
James shrugged. "She liked my style."
The Ancient One shook her head, amused. "Maybe I should retire early."
"No plans to guard for centuries?" James teased.
"Time's no chain for me," she smiled. "But one question."
"Shoot."
"Know cross-dimensional communication magic?"
"Not yet," James said. "But I can learn now."
She traced a golden rune. "This is Kamar-Taj's cross-dimensional comms spell. Try it with your energy."
James's eyes glowed, solar energy surging. His fingertip ignited the rune, sending a dimensional ripple.
"Your learning speed…" she marveled.
"Thanks," James grinned. "Next time, let's chat retirement plans."
She nodded, stepping toward her portal, but James stopped her. "What?"
"We're going together," he smiled.
His super vision had spotted Brooklyn—Bruce Banner at the Sanctum Sanctorum, and a system prompt:
[Hidden Task Triggered: Defeat Thanos, Save the Avengers.]
[Rewards: Growth Points, One Random Reward.]
New York Sanctum
Bruce Banner stood at the Sanctum's rooftop door, nervously adjusting his shirt. He pushed it open.
"Anyone here?" He scanned the empty hall, filled with ancient books and artifacts.
A golden portal opened, the Ancient One stepping out, followed by a man in black armor with a golden "S" on his chest.
Banner recognized her but not him. "Ancient One!" he rushed forward. "I'm Bruce Banner, from the future. I need your help."
She smiled calmly. "I know you, Dr. Banner. Time travel is rare, but I foresaw you."
Banner exhaled, then tensed. "You know why I'm here?"
"The Time Stone," she nodded. "But you're too late."
"What?" Banner blinked.
The man spoke. "Because I have it."
Banner studied him—black armor, golden patterns, eyes piercing. His presence was overwhelming.
"Who are you?" Banner asked warily.
"James Holden," he smiled. "Call me Superman."
"Superman?" Banner frowned, recalling comics.
"Dr. Banner, he's from another universe," the Ancient One explained. "He holds the Space and Mind Stones. The Time Stone is temporarily his."
Moments ago, she'd entrusted James with the Time Stone, to be returned after use, while the others were his to keep.
Banner's face paled. "That's impossible! The stones must stay in their timeline, or it'll cause chaos!"
James shook his head. "Wrong. If they stay, Thanos collects them, snapping away half of life. I take them to stop that."
Banner gaped. "You know about Thanos? Wait, you've seen the future?"
"No, I know your story," James shrugged. "You're time-traveling to collect stones, revive Thanos's victims, right?"
Banner was floored. Only the Avengers' core knew the plan, yet this man did too.
His comms buzzed with Tony's voice. "Banner, something's off! No Tesseract, no scepter! The 2012 battle ended early, and they're talking about some 'Superman.' What's up?"
"I've got the stones. Head back, I'll catch up," Banner replied.
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The plans are now available.
Rank A: Read 20 chapters in advance + free waifu.
Rank S: Read 30 chapters in advance + 10 waifu