Marvel, start by marrying the Scarlet Witch

Carl had joined Kamar-Taj not out of a sense of duty, but for the opportunity to tap into secrets about the multiverse and ancient dimensional entities—knowledge that even his past life's understanding of Marvel lore hadn't fully revealed. Kamar-Taj's ancient library and the Ancient One herself were invaluable sources of such arcane truths.

Though he'd watched countless Marvel films and shows in his previous life, there were still too many gaps in his understanding—details omitted, simplified, or altogether unknown. Being affiliated with Kamar-Taj gave him more than just access to magical knowledge; it gave him protection. So long as the Ancient One remained in power, even the most formidable enemies might think twice before acting against him.

As for Kamar-Taj's sacred mission to safeguard the Earth? Carl had no illusions. While the Ancient One lived, no true catastrophe would occur without her intervention. And when she eventually passed, it would be Carl's decision whether or not to take up that mantle. If Earth genuinely faced annihilation, and if he had the power to help, he would. This planet was still his home—home to his friends, his subordinates, and his future.

After hearing his reasoning, the Ancient One gave a serene nod and placed a modest card on the table.

"You're welcome at Kamar-Taj anytime," she said. "Our doors are always open for magical exchange. And your tea," she added with a soft smile, "is quite excellent. When you visit, you must try ours."

With a graceful wave, she opened a glowing circular portal, stepped through, and vanished.

Wanda leaned forward, picking up the card left behind. Her voice was laced with curiosity as she read aloud:

"Sanctum Sanctorum, 177A Bleecker Street, Manhattan."

Carl chuckled and took the card from her. "Wanda, looks like we're due for a long-distance trip in a few days."

The main temple of Kamar-Taj was located deep in the Himalayas, just outside Kathmandu, near Tibet. It meant their trip could double as both a magical pilgrimage and a scenic journey. The idea of traveling together lit up Wanda's eyes.

"A trip—just the two of us?" she said, beaming. "That sounds amazing!"

Since their marriage, Carl had been wrapped up in the operations of the Hudson Group and various world-altering side quests. They hadn't had time for even a brief getaway. Just the thought of spending quiet days alone with him thrilled her.

"Let's set the departure for four days from now," Carl said, smiling. "Plenty of time to pack and relax."

He didn't mention it to Wanda yet, but his interface had just issued a new side quest.

Mission:

Help Thor defeat the Destroyer in Old Bridge, New Mexico within three days.

Reward: Three months of small world cultivation time.

Carl tapped his fingers thoughtfully. This was the point in the timeline where Odin cast Thor to Earth for humility training. But unlike the original timeline, S.H.I.E.L.D. was currently entrenched in internal war with Hydra. They likely had no resources to dispatch Coulson.

That meant changes.

The butterfly effect was spreading—plotlines diverging. The system's generous reward of three months' cultivation time implied this wouldn't be an easy task. Still, Carl had no regrets. Without intervening in canon events, he would never have reached his current level of strength.

---

At a classified S.H.I.E.L.D. base—Pegasus Project Facility

Nick Fury stared across the dimly lit lab at Dr. Erik Selvig.

"What's the status?" he asked. "Can the Cosmic Cube be adapted into portable energy weapons?"

Using the intelligence Carl had secretly supplied, Fury had deployed top-tier lie detection, extensive background checks, and a brutal internal sweep. The result: Hydra's agents—led by Alexander Pierce—had been purged, at least temporarily.

But the war wasn't over. Now Fury needed weapons. Fast.

The Pegasus Project had originally aimed to develop superluminal travel and harness new energy sources through the Cosmic Cube. It had stalled after the Kree incident—and the accidental creation of Captain Marvel. But now that the Cube was recovered, Fury was determined to restart the initiative.

Selvig sighed. "It'll take time. The Cube's output is unstable. It's already shown signs of fluctuation. Pushing it could be dangerous."

A month ago, Erik Selvig had been peacefully lecturing at a university. Then Jane Foster—his late colleague's daughter—had dragged him to New Mexico to chase an unusual celestial anomaly. A week later, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents appeared and hauled him into this top-secret lab.

Talk about a rough week.

"Do what you can," Fury urged. "But don't stop development. The world's depending on this, Doctor. You're doing what Captain America did—you're saving lives. If Hydra regroups, World War III is inevitable. I know you don't want that."

Selvig muttered under his breath but nodded. "Fine. I'll continue."

"And as a favor, maybe let Jane and Daisy leave?" he added hopefully. "They're not much help here. Just bored."

Fury gave a lopsided smile.

"Jane Foster is one of the top astrophysicists alive. She stays. As for her intern, Daisy... well, she's gaining valuable experience. I'll even get her an official internship certificate. Once you finish your work, Doctor, you'll all be free—and generously compensated."

He knew better than to let Selvig work without some leverage. The Cosmic Cube was too important.

---

Meanwhile… far away on the desolate world of Titan

A Chitauri sorcerer bowed low, clutching the Mind Stone scepter tightly in clawed fingers. Before him sat a massive, brooding figure—Thanos, the Mad Titan—enthroned in cosmic silence.

"Great Thanos," the sorcerer intoned, "the Cosmic Cube has awakened. It lies in the human world. They crave its power. But only you, my Lord, can truly wield it."

Thanos opened his eyes slowly. A twisted smile curled across his face.

"Summon Gamora," he growled. "And Nebula. And the other too ."

He stood to full height, his towering presence filling the chamber.

"They have a new mission."