Marvel: The Ultimate Superman

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"You'll begin structured training soon," Nolan told Wanda as they stepped out of the portal. "We'll set up a daily meditation regimen too. As for the Avengers? Put their nonsense on pause. That's all just playground politics now."

He turned to leave when Wanda called out teasingly.

"Wait, don't you want your reward?"

"What reward?" Nolan turned—

—and was instantly met with a kiss on the cheek, warm and unexpectedly fragrant.

Wanda pulled back with a faint blush. "That... a good enough gift?"

Her lips curled into a smile, but her cheeks were still pink. Despite all her power, she'd never really done something so forward before, not with Vision. And not like this.

Vision was a synthetic companion. Nolan was real.

Nolan stared at her face so close, so alive. Shame I can't put you on a lab bench now.

"Stealing a kiss? Go meditate," he said dryly.

"Hmph!" Wanda rolled her eyes and turned away in mock frustration. "And don't forget you still owe me dinner!"

She vanished into a portal of her own making, leaving Nolan shaking his head. With a sigh, he returned to the lab and opened the tomes the Ancient One had given him.

By sunrise, he had absorbed every page.

The Eye of Agamotto wasn't just a tool it was a universe-bending artifact. With time reversal, timeline observation, and dimensional shielding, its potential was vast. With it, he could even channel the combined defense power of the Three Sanctums to repel invading dimensional entities.

"...Time to retrieve the Cloak."

Nolan swapped out his lab coat for sorcerer's robes and texted Wong:

> Nolan: "Heading to the New York Sanctum."

He could've ported there himself, but he'd never visited. The Sanctum's location, 177A Bleecker Street, was easier reached with a guide.

Seconds later, a portal opened.

Wong stepped out, arms crossed. "Took you long enough. You're the first person I've met who treats the Ancient One's orders like suggestions. Wait... is that the Eye?"

His eyes locked on the green gem hanging from Nolan's neck.

Nolan gave a small nod.

Wong inhaled deeply. "Then it's official. She's chosen you as her successor."

"No pressure, right?"

Wong cracked a rare smirk. "Let's go."

They stepped through the portal into the New York Sanctum. The atmosphere was saturated with mystical energy, ancient yet alive. Just ahead, a bearded mage in ceremonial robes approached.

"Greetings, Master Wong," he said with a courteous bow. "It's been a while."

"Good to see you too, Daniel."

Wong motioned to Nolan. "This is Doctor Nolan. From now on, he'll be overseeing this Sanctum."

Daniel's gaze dropped to the Eye. His expression barely flickered but Nolan could feel the shift.

"So it's true," Daniel said, respectfully bowing. "Welcome, Master Nolan."

Despite the calm exterior, Nolan could sense the shock radiating beneath. Daniel, an elder mage, had guarded this Sanctum longer than Nolan had been studying magic. Compared to the likes of Mordo or Kaecilius, Nolan was virtually unknown in the mystical community.

But Daniel said nothing more.

"Per the Ancient One's orders," Wong added, "Daniel will remain as your advisor. The mantle is yours now."

"I'm honored," Daniel said, visibly relieved. "Honestly, I've been itching to retire. Maybe travel. Visit some old friends before they forget I exist."

Wong turned to Nolan. "Get familiar with the protocols. Protecting the Sanctum isn't a passive role."

"I'll handle it."

Wong nodded once more. "Farewell, Daniel. Pass along my regards to the others."

"Of course." freewebnoveℓ.com

As Wong disappeared through the next portal, Daniel led Nolan through a shifting corridor into a warmly lit chamber.

"Sit," Daniel said with a smile.

The room felt like an ancient study of mahogany, scrolls, floating relics, and works.

As they sat across from each other, Daniel casually asked, "How's your teacher's health?"

Nolan blinked.

"You don't waste time, huh?"

Daniel chuckled. "You always talk about subtlety. But you grew up here, didn't you?"

"Guilty."

Daniel's eyes softened. "She's tired, isn't she?"

Nolan nodded slowly. "You already know."

"I've seen her at her peak," Daniel said quietly. "Back when she hunted demons across dimensions. These days, she barely leaves Kamar-Taj."

"Now I understand why."

Daniel's voice took on a more serious tone.

"The Sanctums aren't just physical fortresses. They're surveillance towers watching over dimensional gates like the Dark Dimension, Crimson Cosmos, Hel, and countless others."

"If anything breaches into our realm," he continued, "the Sanctum alerts us. And if the threat's serious, the Old Guard what you'd call the Ancient Circle steps in to neutralize it."

"So... my job?" Nolan asked.

"Study. Meditate. Drink tea. Occasionally vaporize something horrible from another plane of reality."

"...That's oddly relaxing."

Daniel chuckled again.

"Unless it's something too strong for the field teams. Then it's your turn."

"Got it."

As Nolan looked around the study, he felt a strange sense of calm settle over him.

He wasn't just learning anymore.

He was responsible now.

And somewhere, just beyond the veil of this dimension, dark forces were already watching.

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