Steve Rogers couldn't wrap his head around it. He had no idea what the Mage meant.
Not only was Captain America confused, but Tony, standing beside him, and Strange, who had just arrived from a ship, were equally dazed.
Noah's powers were numerous and complex. Most importantly, anyone who learned them could become extraordinary.
But why was Noah giving Steve some kind of power? Steve clearly wasn't one of them.
"Uh, sir, I..." Steve felt his mind in chaos. He tried to calm himself and asked, disbelief clear in his voice, "I don't seem to have any talent for learning magic, and I..."
"It's not magic." Noah smiled.
"I know you're confused. Strictly speaking, you aren't one of us at all. It's strange why I would give you a share of this unique power, isn't it?"
Steve nodded, still very confused. Why would this Mage, at the peak of the magical world, choose him?
Tony remained silent, his inner confusion evident in his stance.
Strange, however, seemed to understand. He stood calmly to the side, observing. He had guessed Noah's intent: the Mage meant to hand the power of Holy Light to Captain America.
But since it wasn't given as magic, what form would it take? Strange's curiosity deepened. He had used Holy Light in the magical form himself but never considered other possibilities.
Noah had no intention of leaving them in suspense.
"Think of it as an experiment," he said. "And this experiment is beneficial to you."
"An experiment..." Steve frowned. The word triggered unpleasant memories. Human experiments had never been legal or moral. His own participation in the Super Soldier program had been far from pleasant.
And HYDRA's experiments... Steve didn't need to think twice.
If the man before him weren't righteous, or if Steve could have fought him, he might have lashed out.
"Yes. An experiment." Noah smiled and raised a finger.
In the next instant, a golden, seed-like glow appeared at his fingertip.
The golden light was so pure it seemed angelic. It radiated honor, justice, and everything noble-things one could feel but not fully comprehend.
Both Tony and Steve were momentarily stunned.
What was this power? How could something feel so... right?
The only calm figure was Strange. He observed the seed of Holy Light, letting out a quiet sigh. Even as a user of this power, its presence always evoked a strange illusion.
"What... what power is this?" Captain America asked, captivated. He stared unblinkingly at the golden seed. "Is this the power you intend to give me?"
"Yes. This is the power of Holy Light." Noah smiled.
"This is only a seed. The way I use it is magical, but it will not manifest solely in magic. It has far more potential."
"Why me?" Captain America closed his eyes, then opened them fully resolved.
Noah nodded with approval. Such firm will, combined with Holy Light, meant that even in another world, Steve would be an exceptional Paladin-one who could even resist the will of the Light.
"Because of your character." Noah tilted his head. "In the Middle Ages, you'd embody the eight chivalric virtues. A man like you wielding Holy Light would have unimaginable impact. You are suited for it, and you will need it in future battles. Haven't you noticed your role has been shrinking?"
Steve fell silent. He had felt it-the increasingly unimaginable threats they faced. Aliens causing chaos on Earth had always stretched his limits.
Now, a power appeared that felt perfect for him. How could he not be moved?
He gazed quietly at the seed. A decision formed.
"Sir, you truly just want to observe how this power manifests beyond magic?"
"Why else? I obtained this in another world. Its effect is best seen in healing and saving people. Ask Strange-he's a user too."
"Dr. Strange? Understood. One last question: what is this power called?"
"Holy Light."
Far above, in Asgard, Thor stared at a mountain of reports, headache mounting.
Even after half a year in this role, the accumulated business was staggering. Handling it was worse than seeking a worthy opponent for battle.
"What are you doing?" Loki walked in with a report.
"Ah? Oh, right, I know! It's very severe!" Thor's previously blank eyes regained life.
"Damn it, there's been too much trouble lately!"
"Oh? Then tell me exactly what's so severe." Loki's vein twitched. He felt cursed with bad luck-losing the election to this fool was humiliating.
Fortunately, Thor treated him well. Loki was still the second most powerful in Asgard.
"Forget it. I don't expect an answer. But know the situation is critical." Loki tossed a document onto the table.
"The Kree have gone mad. They've deployed troops alongside Thanos."
"The Kree and Thanos together?" Thor frowned. "Ronan was bad enough. Now this?"
"Who knows? But the Kree are prepared. We must be careful." Loki said directly.
"Hela is already at the front. We need to prepare. Our enemy isn't just the Kree-they have Thanos."
"So what? We can handle it." Thor waved casually, his axe appearing in his hand.
He turned to leave, but the red energy binding him stopped him. He glared at Loki.
Sighing, he sat back. His brother was warning him to respect his current position. He could still lead troops but needed to finish this administrative work first.
"If it were the old me, I'd fight immediately," Thor muttered. "But now..."
"Can we find out what the Kree are thinking?" Thor asked. "How is logistics? How many soldiers are ready?"
"Not bad. I knew you'd rush to the battlefield. I've handled everything. You need to inspire our people and contact our allies."
"Handled? Loki, you truly are a qualified Prince Regent! But who are our allies? Can't we rely on ourselves?"
"No. Don't forget our Mage allies. When trouble arises, they do their part."