Watching the imminent explosion and Thor's twisted yet stubborn expression, Peter collapsed to the ground.
Especially after hearing Noah say that the gem could easily destroy a planet.
Peter was standing right at the center of that power.
At that moment, he was convinced he was dead.
Even though he didn't understand why he was still alive, he didn't dare hope it was luck.
"Relax. This is the Mirror Dimension," Noah said, glancing at the stunned Peter and explaining helplessly. "You've heard of it, right? Even science is researching it."
"The Mirror Dimension?" Peter swallowed. "That thing science still can't explain... and you can just use it like this?"
"Because it's not difficult," Noah shrugged. "We're trained for it. Space is mysterious, sure, but it's not a big deal."
"You people are really... absurdly amazing," Peter muttered, nearly choking on his words. "Good thing we came here. Otherwise, who knows what would've happened to my ship."
What would have happened was obvious.
It would have been completely destroyed.
They wouldn't have died-not even Peter-but drifting helplessly in space was not an experience Noah wanted on his record. At the very least, he didn't want a line like:
Gem operation error. Sorcerer Supreme Noah and the King of Asgard drifted through space together.
Thor subduing the Power Stone took some effort, but it wasn't as bad as expected.
Five to ten minutes later, he gradually stabilized.
At that moment, Thor looked strange. His entire body was faintly suffused with purple light. He was clearly exhausted, but the important part was that he wasn't injured.
Noah watched as the newly formed storm slowly dissipated.
That was enough.
He opened the Mirror Dimension and led Wong and Peter out. Thor was still recovering. When he saw them, he forced a weak smile.
If the environment weren't so harsh, he would've laid down and fallen asleep on the spot.
"Did it work?" Noah asked, observing him carefully.
"More or less," Thor replied. His body ached, but he extended his hand anyway.
The purple Power Stone rested obediently in his palm.
"This thing has its own will. It wasn't easy," Thor said. "Fortunately, it accepted me. Otherwise..."
Noah nodded.
He didn't ask further.
After his own experience with the Space Stone-being dragged across the universe like luggage-he knew these trials were different for everyone. Asking wouldn't give him anything useful.
The matter was settled.
They could leave.
As for Peter's payment, Thor had no intention of making things difficult. The only issue was that Thor didn't carry money, cards, or anything remotely similar.
So they had to return to Xandar.
Currency still existed, but most transfers relied on biometric verification. Peter's ship clearly didn't support that. As for why Peter hadn't asked for a deposit, the answer was simple.
He had been scared stiff.
Looking back now, the entire encounter felt like a nightmare.
"Honestly," Peter said after boarding the Milano, finally relaxing, "what's going on with Earth now? Why are there so many mages?"
"Earth always had many mages," Wong replied calmly, pointing at Noah. "They usually stay hidden. Selection works like his case. Most enter mage academies."
"Mage academies?" Peter stared at Noah. "That's actually real?"
"Very real," Noah said, shrugging. "The magical world is far larger than you think. Magical communities exist everywhere. They're managed by Ministries of Magic-names differ by region, but the standards are similar."
Since they had time, Noah didn't mind explaining.
At the same time, he wondered if his interference would change Peter's future. Would he still get beaten up by Rocket and Gamora? Without the Guardians, Peter probably wouldn't survive long.
As for his biological father?
Noah knew that man was dangerous.
Not someone he wanted to provoke right now.
They chatted casually as they returned to Xandar. Peter remained wide-eyed the entire way, especially after learning Noah's status in Earth's magical world.
Coincidentally, Yondu called Peter the moment they arrived.
Noah shook his head.
He had no interest in watching another father-son drama.
After Thor transferred the agreed amount, they boarded their ship without delay and set course for Asgard.
"Seriously," Noah said, looking at Thor, who still seemed a bit listless, "how do you feel now?"
He had to ask.
Odin loved his son. Noah didn't want misunderstandings, especially considering Odin's relationship with his own teacher.
"Feel?" Thor rubbed his head and sighed. "Like it beat me senseless over and over, then suddenly decided I was acceptable."
Noah studied him and nodded. "Sounds like the Power Stone suits warriors."
"Obviously," Thor grinned. "In that space, I couldn't even use the Thor Force. I fought it with will and raw strength. Damn it, it hurt."
So every gem had a temper.
The Time Stone seemed gentler. Or maybe it simply entrusted the Ancient One to choose. As for the Space Stone, Noah realized that without his physique and magic affinity, that trial could have easily killed someone.
His situation was not reproducible.
Absorbing Infinity Stone power directly usually ended one way.
Death.
"Oh," Noah said suddenly, stroking his chin. "How are you using the Power Stone?"
"Using?" Thor paused, then understood. "You mean absorbing it like you did, or wielding it?"
"Something like that."
"I treated it as a comrade-in-arms," Thor replied. "I already have lightning. I don't need other power. And it has its own will."
A comrade-in-arms.
That was new.
Noah hadn't sensed anything like that from the Time or Space Stones. If they had consciousness, they never showed it.
At least Thor hadn't made the mistake of absorbing the stone.
Noah could do it because of the system and Carol's physique-both irreplaceable. Anyone else trying would have died.
"A smart choice," Noah said, patting Thor's shoulder and casting a recovery spell. "So, by our standards, what's your level now?"
"Thanks," Thor said, feeling better almost immediately. "Your system? Let me think... eighth-tier... level seven?"
"Seven," Noah corrected, glancing at his panel.
"Eighth-tier, level seven," Thor repeated, nodding. "Strange way to measure. But if I use the Power Stone, I don't think it's weaker than your dragon transformation in New York two years ago."
"Ninth-tier?" Noah's eyes lit up.
That was a very pleasing outcome.
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