Noah's actions in New York all those years ago remained deeply ingrained in people's minds. Interestingly, magic seemed to interfere with all recording equipment. Since Noah was unwilling to be filmed, no one could capture his face clearly.
As a result, all records of him depicted a tall, upright figure with a hazy countenance, accompanied by unimaginably terrifying magic and near-world-ending destructive power.
The awe and praise from ordinary people naturally drew the attention of the wizards. The first wave of departing mages consisted mostly of young people who had grown up under Noah's influence.
They felt a sense of kinship with these mundane soldiers-their potential future comrades. Thanks to the proactive friendliness of the soldiers, they quickly connected.
Through these interactions, the soldiers learned a great deal about the magical world. The strange and miraculous anecdotes left them in utter amazement.
Most astonishingly, they realized that the wizard who looked so young was indeed young. They learned of the status he held across the magical community and just how fearsome he truly was.
Noah had always been a terrifying presence. There was no doubt about it. As the mundane world became familiar with these young wizards, they understood the true standing of Sorcerer Supreme Noah Finier.
He had revolutionized the gap between pure-blood and mundane-born wizards, creating a relatively fair environment for learning and competition. Although hierarchy still existed, the starting point had changed.
Furthermore, he had accomplished incredible feats. He was the man who had transformed the entire magical world. Such a person could only be described as miraculous.
Most importantly, he was powerful-recognized as one of the strongest wizards alive. How could such a wizard not inspire awe?
Yet Noah would never know. After seeing off the first batch of departing wizards and soldiers, he went to meet Fury.
Fury's situation hadn't changed. He was arguably the most disliked person among the financial powers of America, Europe, and beyond.
It couldn't be helped. His blunt, military-style publicization of the war guaranteed he would never be popular with capitalists. Anyone disrupting their economic systems became their most hated enemy.
But Fury didn't care. With these wizards behind him, he was safe.
It wasn't that he didn't understand politics-he understood all too well what the capitalists would do. That's why he chose to announce the news directly, without delay.
Had he let them bicker and debate, everything would have gone cold by the time action was taken. Bureaucracy takes time, implementation takes time, and market adjustment even more time. By then, the mages' retaliation would have arrived. Forget the economy-it would be a question of survival.
Fury refused to gamble. Western thought prizes individualism, and elites embody this extreme. They would sacrifice everyone else's interests to satisfy themselves, indifferent to the lives of others.
If given even an inch of leeway, ordinary people would be finished.
Thus, Fury requested the wizards' help. Once he received permission, he acted immediately.
"Tell me, are you planning to stop being Director once this is over?" Noah asked as he entered the Avengers' office.
"You've made such a mess. Aren't you worried about your future?"
"Not at all. With you guys around, what is there to fear?" Fury smiled unscrupulously.
"They all know my relationship with the wizards. As long as that remains strong, I have nothing to fear. However, I do plan to move S.W.O.R.D."
"Move it?" Noah tilted his head. "You're not moving the base, are you? Where?"
"The Moon," Fury said casually.
"S.W.O.R.D. will be stationed there. Remember the Skrulls? They've returned to the Milky Way-the Asgardian envoy told me. I contacted their leader, Talos. They'll settle on the Moon, and I'll move S.W.O.R.D. there. From now on, the 'Fury' appearing on Earth likely won't be me personally."
Noah gave him a strange look. How had Fury ended up following the same path as the original timeline?
Noah didn't care. Given Fury's predicament, this was the best course of action. He had offended almost all of the Western world; many surely hated him. For safety, leaving Earth was wise.
As for the Skrulls, Noah hadn't known. They must have gone straight to Asgard. Refugees from the Kree, now that Asgard was at war, they were likely willing to help.
It could also be interpreted as a gesture of fealty. With no home, they would not be safe even if they found one. They also had acquaintances in the Milky Way-some wizards on Earth.
Though Earth was technically under Asgardian rule-a fact neither its people nor its wizards acknowledged-outsiders saw it differently. It was natural for the Skrulls to go to Asgard.
With Skrulls who could shapeshift into any race appearing, Thor wouldn't turn them away.
Their settlement was simple: the Moon. Familiar with Earthlings, close to Earth, appropriately sized, and well-positioned-they would live there.
"Fine. Looks like you'll be a turtle in a shell from now on," Noah mocked.
"So the Skrulls will help manage S.H.I.E.L.D.? Aren't you afraid of accidents?"
"Don't I have you guys?" Fury grinned.
"As long as you're watching, nothing will go wrong. I've negotiated with them-they understand their situation and need our help."
"Handle it yourself," Noah waved dismissively.
"Well, I wish you a better future, old man. At least someone handles the headaches for you now."
"Hey! I'm still young!" Fury's dark face reddened.
"Don't think thirty years of knowing me lets you insult me. I'm in my prime!"
"Ha, Americans are all the same. Mention age, and it's like stepping on a cat's tail, regardless of gender."
"Aren't you British the same? Looking down on everyone while you're the most backward yourselves."
I'm not British! Noah thought, but didn't argue. His soul wasn't, even if his body was.
With a snap of his fingers, two glasses appeared, soon filled with liquor. Fury sniffed-Tequila Rye.
"This isn't cheap. Where did you get it?"
"Good stuff. Can't let it go to waste. It's Tony's anyway-don't be shy."
Noah smiled, sipped, and asked, "Have you considered sending some talent to study in Asgard?"
In this world, the relationship between Asgard and Earth's magical circle was solid. Thor's kingship didn't require formal diplomacy, but everyone knew of their existence.
Earth refused to acknowledge Asgardian sovereignty, but Thor didn't mind. Most realms under Asgardian rule were loosely managed. Asgard itself was the exception; other realms were left largely to their own devices.
The only exception was Earth's magical circle. With Noah as Sorcerer Supreme and his good relationship with Thor, Earth wasn't viewed as a vassal.
"Actually, we've already discussed this with the Asgardian envoy," Fury said.
"He'll pass the message to Thor. But with all the recent trouble, even if an agreement is reached, it will have to wait until after the war."
"Naturally. Focus now is on this damn war," Noah laughed, raising his glass seriously.
"To victory."
"To victory, and to everyone fighting in it," Fury replied, raising his glass.
"Cheers."