American comics: Starting with Luke the Maker

“We can believe what we see.” Master Wang wasn't surprised by Strange's distrust. He couldn't believe it either when he first heard the news. But the researchers from Hebron had actually managed to do it. They were constantly innovating technically, repeatedly refreshing his understanding and worldview of the mystical world. So now, seeing the disbelief on Strange's face, he vaguely saw himself from the past.

For a moment, Master Wang suddenly thought that letting Strange's worldview shatter a bit more seemed quite good?

“Believe what we see?” Strange was stunned by Master Wang's words.

“Yes, nothing proves things better than seeing with your own eyes, hearing with your own ears, touching with your own hands, and perceiving with your own senses. Kamar-Taj currently has several of these recipients undergoing psychological adjustment and residing here. Would you like to come and take a look with me?” Master Wang stopped and turned to face Strange, inviting him.

Although Strange remained silent, he followed closely behind Master Wang. His curiosity was jumping wildly in his chest, urging him to follow.

Together, they arrived at a newly built hall. Much of Kamar-Taj's layout and architecture was unfamiliar to Strange. There were more mages here, but the atmosphere was also more lively. This liveliness referred to the presence of people.

In his memory, Kamar-Taj was mostly a place of hermits and ascetics, isolated from the outside world, but this Kamar-Taj didn't have that sense of isolation. People could be seen everywhere, and so could mages in various robes, radiating power.

“I wanted to ask before I came, what's with all the different robes they're wearing? I don't remember Kamar-Taj having this kind of dress code.” Before entering the hall, Strange looked at the mages moving back and forth inside and subconsciously asked.

“Are you referring to the colors or styles of those robes? Here, they symbolize the differentiation of magic disciplines.” Master Wang glanced over and replied. Seeing Strange's curious expression, he patiently explained further: “The magic disciplines at Kamar-Taj are now very complex, so complex that those who don't understand will be completely confused. There are old schools that adhere to tradition and new schools that embrace change. These two schools are further divided internally based on the different powers they use.

“Generally speaking, most new apprentices entering Kamar-Taj study new school magic, with the elemental school of the Ancient One being the main focus. This school is relatively safe, stable, and the power of its spells is strong enough. The disadvantage is that many things are only theoretical. Without certain talent, after reaching a certain level of strength, they need to find their own way to create spell models and formulas that belong to their stage of power.

“Another school follows certain traditions. With the ability of psionic energy to replace the power of other dimensions, mages can use the replication characteristics of psionic energy to safely use the powerful spells passed down from Kamar-Taj. The disadvantage is that the entry threshold is a bit high and it's quite selective.

“But whether it's the new school or the old school, the core is psionic energy, there's no doubt about that. And wanting to control psionic energy also requires facing many troubles. Different psionic energies have different effects on the improvement of spells and the mind. It will subtly affect the user's mind, causing them to constantly deviate in a certain direction. Those colored robes represent the type of psionic energy they mainly cultivate. And here, those in blue robes are from this hall. They study the psionic energy doctor lineage created by Stephen. They are responsible for guiding and eliminating the hidden dangers in personality deviations brought about by long-term cultivation of psionic energy, as well as providing psychological counseling.”

“Psionic energy doctors?” Strange was very interested in the magic created by his counterpart in this universe.

“You have talent. Many Stranges have great talent in this lineage, provided they were once doctors.” Master Wang glanced at Strange, a smile appearing on his face. In any case, Kamar-Taj has a great need for psionic energy doctors! It even needs to support places like S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Time Variance Authority.

“This magic discipline is still being built and growing. Currently, the most complete and widely used system is the soul scalpel. This spell can be used to remove psionic energy-derived growths, reverse personality deviations under the influence of psionic energy, dissect the soul and emotions of life, and handle materials formed by dimensional life and creatures.”

“Sounds dangerous. Is it really okay to spread it?” The first thing Strange realized after hearing this was the power and danger of this spell. It could do so much, and it would also be a good tool for evil and killing.

“What spell is safe? The mystical world is like this. We can only screen. But there's no need to worry about this. Generally speaking, mages who practice soul medicine are sensitive to souls. An evil person can't hide here at all. They can easily discern a person's good and evil in an environment where they spend time together day and night. Those who are profound can even see the color of the other person's soul and personality at a glance.” After asking, Master Wang patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.

At that moment, they arrived at a room inside the hall. After some spring breeze-like cleaning measures, they entered a somewhat empty small room.

In the room, there was a man in a blue robe and several different life forms that seemed to come from various races. Some looked like insects, some had skin colors different from the people of the Nine Realms, and only one looked like a human.

“Rumlow.” Master Wang extended an invitation to the human, signaling him to come over.

“This name and person… I seem to have some impression.” Watching the man walk towards them with a sharp pace and murderous aura, Strange was momentarily disturbed by his memories.

“A member of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Master Wang whispered in response.

“S.H.I.E.L.D.? That's a Hydra!” Strange was surprised for a moment.

“What's so surprising? I understand the history of changes in many universes. Since S.H.I.E.L.D. still exists at this point in the world, then Hydra still exists. Isn't that normal?” Master Wang shrugged: “Relax, the current Hydra has long abandoned that unrealistic program of so-called world control. Although they still have some petty thoughts, they are generally still very honest. Nick likes these elite agents very much. Didn't you want to believe what you see? Rumlow is a member of the grafting surgery.

“The desire and pursuit of power by Hydra members, as well as their dedication to becoming experimental subjects, has always been so fanatical that I don't understand it. But I have to say, Rumlow is indeed one of the best.”(End of chapter)