"Magic is just a few steps ahead of science, that's all..."
Patch's final words thundered through Melinda and Coulson's minds. If what he said was true, then wasn't magic just a higher form of technology manifested within individuals?
"You're right. Anything that science can't currently explain can be classified as magic," Patch said again, clarifying.
"Wait…"
Melinda didn't argue about magic anymore. Instead, she asked another question. "Mr. Mavis, you just said we're right… You can see what I'm thinking?"
Her tone was serious. Extremely serious.
She and Coulson were senior agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., both carrying many secrets unknown to others. And since they couldn't determine if Patch was dangerous, the thought that he could see through their minds was deeply unsettling.
But then, Patch spoke the very words she feared most.
"Miss May, I've already told you — this is my domain. Everything here is under my control. Naturally, that includes your thoughts."
Melinda's expression stiffened in alarm, but Patch's tone shifted.
"But don't worry. I won't reveal what I see."
"Mr. Mavis, the problem is we can't trust you right now," Coulson said, stepping forward.
"But you don't have a choice, do you?" Patch replied with a smile.
"True," Coulson sighed, nodding. "We can't do anything about you for now. However…"
"Mr. Mavis, don't forget — we're senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. If anything happens to us, or if classified information leaks, S.H.I.E.L.D. will not sit idly by."
"Oh, Coulson, I know…"
Patch waved impatiently. "You're that so-called organization protecting Earth's safety, right? You've told me that several times already. Speaking of which, that reminds me of something."
He suddenly grew serious, looking directly at the two agents.
"Coulson, Miss May, what I'm doing isn't so different from S.H.I.E.L.D."
"We're both protecting the Earth's safety. The only difference is—you protect what's visible."
"I protect the hidden threats most people don't even know exist."
He glanced at them and added, "And yes, that includes you."
You? Protecting the Earth? Are you kidding?
Melinda and Coulson exchanged strange looks. They thought Patch was already doing well enough by not destroying the planet, let alone protecting it.
But in this space, Patch could see every thought that crossed their minds. Naturally, he saw their disbelief.
And truthfully, Patch wasn't joking at all.
After obtaining the Main God Space and studying the True Arcana of the Wizard, his understanding of this world's mysteries deepened — and he discovered many hidden dangers on Earth that were never mentioned in the original stories.
Though the planet appeared peaceful now, the threats lurking in the dark were far from few.
To convince Melinda and Coulson, Patch spoke again. "It seems you don't believe me?"
Not just disbelief — not even a hint of belief. Their skeptical expressions made that clear.
"In that case, take a look at this."
He suddenly raised his hand toward the starry sky above. The calm expanse split open with a crack.
Coulson and Melinda turned to look.
"What… what is that?"
Melinda's voice trembled as she pointed toward the rift, her face pale.
Through the tear in space, they saw a horrifying sight — countless planets consumed by darkness, floating endlessly in a vast shadowed cosmos. Within it stood a colossal giant.
The being's size defied imagination. Coulson estimated it might even be larger than Earth itself. Its body was wreathed in pitch-black flames, emanating a sinister, malevolent aura.
Evil. That was the first word that came to their minds.
"Dormammu, ruler of the Dark Dimension," Patch said heavily, sensing their fear and awe.
"Dark ruler?" Melinda gasped.
"Yes," Patch nodded. "Long ago, Dormammu was once a sorcerer. But in pursuit of greater power, he abandoned his mortal form and merged with the Dark Dimension, becoming its sovereign."
"By devouring other dimensions, Dormammu continuously grows stronger. And Earth…"
Patch paused.
"What about Earth?" Melinda asked urgently.
He took a deep breath, looking at them both. "Earth is one of his targets."
"He wants to devour Earth?" Coulson asked, his voice tense.
"Exactly." Patch confirmed with a nod.
Coulson and Melinda both drew sharp breaths, staring again at the burning giant in the dark void — Dormammu. The sheer scale of such a being was beyond comprehension. If he truly reached Earth, the consequences would be unimaginable.
With Earth's current level of technology, they wouldn't be completely helpless — but survival would be near impossible.
They both turned toward Patch instinctively. Perhaps only someone like him could stand against such a threat.
Seeing their thoughts clearly, Patch smiled. "That's why I said I'm also protecting Earth — just in a different way than S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Mr. Mavis, I—"
Melinda began to speak, but a thunderous voice suddenly roared, drowning out her words.
"Who dares to spy on me?"
Patch's head snapped upward, his calm expression instantly darkening.