This cataclysmic change in his Domain made Noah's scalp tingle.
Especially when he detected a faint aura of life within, he didn't know what to say.
Was the Void more suitable for gestating life?
Noah shook his head. This was entirely beyond him. Life wasn't something you could fully understand just by reaching god-level.
He liked a saying from his soul's ancestral home: Every profession has its specialty.
Unless one were a god specializing in life, grasping such things was impossible.
Noah had no plans to study life; he was a mage, nothing more.
The sudden pulse of life in his Domain left him stunned. After some thought, he decided not to dwell on it.
He had long been prepared-his Domain was developing according to a complete universe. Life had just appeared a bit too early.
Closing his Domain, Noah left the System Space.
He instructed the System to continue the fusion. The System had no intention of refusing; it was likely more interested and motivated than Noah now.
Leaving his room, Noah arrived at the living room just in time for breakfast.
Everyone knew of his return and had thrown a party-though everyone seemed happy except Lily, who looked a bit cross.
Noah's return meant they had a pillar of support. Even if he wasn't the actual controller of the Sanctum, Wong and Mordo wouldn't contest his authority.
Noah was the Sorcerer Supreme, and the Supreme Council at the top of Kamar-Taj was, in a sense, his solo act.
Mages like the Council members didn't mind. Having a powerful, smart, open, and restrained leader for a group of strong mages was the best arrangement.
After breakfast, Noah checked on Wanda's progress.
Wanda, the weakest among those with Infinity Stones, had grown rapidly. She had reached the eighth rank-a powerful mage-and her strength was still skyrocketing.
The Infinity Stones had unimaginable effects when paired with the right attribute.
Noah couldn't help but sigh.
The Mind Stone had likely unlocked Wanda's special abilities, effectively making her. Holding it, the stone aggressively boosted her without harm, achieving resonance that led to this massive growth.
Noah was envious. Among all stone-bearers, only Wanda had this mode. For Noah and others, having the stone's recognition was far from having it actively help.
With the stone's aid, she would soon surpass ordinary mages. How she'd proceed afterward was another question-relying entirely on a stone wasn't always good.
For now, she was a genius whose growth dwarfed everyone else, without suffering the agonizing trauma of her original history. At least, that was good.
"Your growth is excellent. You truly suit the Mind Stone," Noah said. "However, you need combat experience to digest what you've gained and knowledge to fill other gaps. The library is your best bet. For combat, spar with Charles-it will benefit you greatly."
"I understand, Mentor," Wanda said obediently, letting her increased strength not change her attitude toward Noah.
Noah's suggestions were etched into her mind. Her performance pleased him-he wouldn't need messy methods to control stone-bearers. Wanda's situation was simple; the rest was up to her.
She was Eric's daughter, and Charles was Eric's lifelong friend. Noah had no doubt Charles would help.
The Sanctum's library was vast; Wanda couldn't finish it in a year, which was enough to build a solid foundation.
After breakfast, Noah decided to go for a walk. He wanted to check on others.
Mrs. Highfane supported this decision, believing he needed time to adjust. Wong and Mordo were speechless-he had created the Council to run off whenever he pleased.
Noah ignored the banter, helped Mrs. Highfane clear the table despite her complaints, and left the Sanctum for Baker Street.
Having checked on Wanda, he now checked on his other disciple.
Strange was no longer limited to London. Besides part-time exorcism, he returned to New York for his medical career. Wong had told Noah this, which he found fine. Strange's original alias might have been a misunderstanding, but it expressed his true inclinations.
"Perhaps this suits him best."
Stepping through a portal, Noah entered 221B Baker Street.
He was lucky-Strange was in London today.
Noah's sudden appearance startled him, but once he realized his missing mentor had returned, he became immensely respectful.
"Not bad, I've heard about your recent performance." Noah sat. "Doctor by day, exorcist by night. The Ministry hasn't troubled you?"
"No, Mentor," Strange replied quickly. "They know my situation, so they've given me leeway in both the British and American Ministries."
"Good. Keep it up. This has always been your dream, hasn't it?"
"Thank you, Mentor." Strange bowed again, clearly pleased.
Noah observed him; his progress was outstanding. Though he couldn't match Wanda, the spatial fluctuations he emitted surprised Noah. His specialization proved terrifying.
Most importantly, Noah sensed the Holy Light seed he had left in Strange had begun to sprout. The light was now part of Noah's power system, processed by Noah and the System.
Since their power systems were of the same lineage, Strange used Noah's Holy Light seamlessly.
Because Strange constantly used this power to save people, its growth was unprecedented.
Even more intriguing, Strange's spatial power and Holy Light were beginning to fuse.
"Is this... the performance of a unique genius of the Marvel Universe?"