Henry knew very well that defeating Modu was practically impossible. The difference in strength was vast—one was a newly trained mage, the other a seasoned Archmage of Kamar Taj. But that didn't mean there was no way to turn the tables.
Kamar Taj's mages often preferred melee-style magic, using energy shields and combat techniques rather than flashy spells. But Henry wasn't content with that. He wasn't just any student anymore. He was a mage. And magic should look like magic.
So, Henry stopped attacking.
Modu blinked in confusion. "Why'd you stop? That's it? You only learned one spell, didn't you?"
Henry shook his head, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "Of course not."
With a wave of his hand, he began casting again—this time channeling a different kind of magic. Modu's expression shifted as he recognized it: object retrieval magic.
It was one of the more advanced basic techniques, rooted in space manipulation theory. Similar to portal creation, but with a twist—it allowed the caster to reach across distances and summon specific objects. It wasn't often used in battle, but it had its uses. Modu didn't interrupt. In his mind, even if Henry retrieved something, it probably wouldn't tip the balance of power.
"This is interesting," Modu said, watching him intently. "Trying to arm yourself mid-duel? Smart. But with your current level, I doubt you can handle many enchanted objects."
He wasn't being sarcastic—it was just the truth. The Marvel universe had no shortage of powerful artifacts, but the stronger the item, the higher the requirement to wield it. Not everyone could casually pick up a weapon infused with cosmic energy.
Henry knew that too. Which was why he had no idea what would come through the portal. He left it entirely up to fate—and maybe, a little help from his ever-reliable lady luck.
He considered trying to summon one of the Infinity Stones. They were among the most powerful items in existence. But the risk was too great. Even Thanos had difficulty controlling them without a gauntlet, and Henry didn't want to end up as a glowing corpse just because he got cocky.
No, he thought. Not worth dying for a friendly sparring match.
So, he let the spell unfold, focused on the general idea of "powerful artifact," and extended his hand into the dimensional rift. Let fate decide.
What happened next left Modu speechless.
"I was going to say... Kamar Taj has plenty of great magical tools. If you needed something—wait, what the hell?!"
His jaw dropped as he watched Henry pull out... a hammer. A very specific hammer.
It was Thor's hammer—Mjolnir.
Modu stood frozen, his expression warping in disbelief.
"That's Thor's hammer!" he gasped. "How the hell did you summon Mjolnir?!"
Henry was just as stunned. He hadn't expected this. But at the same time, he felt something click into place. Mjolnir, forged in the heart of a dying star and enchanted by Odin himself, could only be lifted by those it deemed worthy.
And somehow, he had passed the test.
He gave the hammer a curious glance, then turned to Modu with a calm smile. "You may continue."
"..."
Modu didn't respond right away. The silence stretched on until he finally muttered, "This thing was forged from a star, you know. Did you really need to bring a stellar weapon into a sparring match?"
Henry shrugged. "I just wanted to prove I've mastered basic magic."
Modu's eye twitched slightly. "Right. And next time you'll summon the Tesseract, I suppose?"
He couldn't believe it. Mjolnir wasn't even on Earth—it was in Asgard, a different dimension entirely! Retrieving it meant Henry had cast an inter-dimensional retrieval spell. That wasn't basic magic. That was advanced space-time manipulation.
Most mages spent years just learning to sense cross-dimensional boundaries. This guy had been studying for what—weeks?
"How did you do it?" Modu finally asked, trying to sound calm. "You mastered cross-dimensional object retrieval? Already?"
Before Henry could answer, another voice cut through the courtyard. It was calm, serene, and held infinite wisdom.
"It seems the future is indeed as I saw it. He is the Supreme Mage."
Both men turned to see the Ancient One approaching, her usually unreadable face tinted with genuine surprise.
She hadn't intervened earlier because she wanted to observe Henry's progress. But she hadn't expected this.
Not only had he summoned Mjolnir, but he had done so with ease. That required mastery of dimensional understanding, magical precision, and control that few mages achieved even after years of training.
"It wasn't the future that was mistaken," she murmured, "it was me."
She stopped a few feet away. "Henry, come with me for a moment. Modu, please wait outside."
The sudden request made Modu feel both relieved and embarrassed. Thank the stars—he wouldn't have to continue sparring against someone who pulled Norse god weapons out of thin air.
"Yes, Supreme Mage," he said quickly and stepped aside.
Henry followed the Ancient One into the hall of relics. He was confused. The duel had ended, sure, but what now? Was he in trouble? Or was this something else entirely?
"What's going on?" he asked once they were alone.
The Ancient One didn't speak right away. Instead, she removed the amulet hanging from her neck—the Eye of Agamotto. It glowed faintly, a soft green light pulsing in the center.
She stepped forward and offered it to him.
"This is the Eye of Agamotto," she said solemnly. "Inside it resides one of the six Infinity Stones—the Time Stone. You must protect it with your life."
"Wait—what?!" Henry's eyes widened. "You're giving me the Time Stone?!"
It didn't make any sense. She was the current Sorcerer Supreme. The guardian of Earth. The protector of the timeline. Why would she hand over something this important?
"I don't understand," he said. "Why me?"
"Because the future has already answered that question," she replied. "I've looked into every possibility. Countless timelines. And in the ones where Earth survives the coming darkness, there is one constant—you, holding the Eye."
Henry stood frozen, staring at the amulet in disbelief.
"I thought perhaps I could change it," the Ancient One continued. "Maybe guide the path differently. But today… you summoned a weapon not even Odin's Vault would release without consent. You've proven yourself worthy not just of the hammer, but of magic itself."
She stepped back, the Eye still glowing in her palm.
"Accept this responsibility, Henry. The fate of reality might depend on you one day."
Henry looked at the Eye. It pulsed again, as if responding to him.
The thought of holding an Infinity Stone was insane. Unimaginable. But at the same time… it felt right. Like this was what all of his strange luck had been building toward.
Slowly, he reached out and took the Eye.
The moment his fingers wrapped around it, a strange warmth filled his body. Not searing or painful—just… timeless.
He could feel the universe expand within him. He could feel time. As if he could touch it.
Ancient One gave a nod of approval.
"From now on," she said, "you are its guardian."
Henry still couldn't believe it. Just a few weeks ago, he was a college student picking up a delivery. Then he was in a cave with Iron Man. Then learning magic. Now… he was holding one of the most powerful objects in existence.
He let out a breath.
"Okay," he said softly. "I'll protect it."
The Ancient One smiled faintly. "Good. Then your training truly begins."this
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