The Man of Steel in Marvel

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"Not just this one."

Jiro walked toward the next bookshelf. "An Introduction to the Mirror Dimension, Basics of Astral Projection, Compilation of Defensive Spells... these are all on my to-read list."

For the next three hours, Jiro absorbed Kamar-Taj's magical theories with incredible efficiency.

Unlike regular sorcerers who need to practice spells and hand gestures over and over, he used his super brain to categorize and store all the knowledge instantly, building a complete theoretical framework in his mind.

Just as he finished the last page of Higher Dimensional Mathematics, the Ancient One spoke up.

"Your way of learning is truly astonishing, Mr. Jiro. But magic isn't just about theory. It requires resonance with the dimensions... and spiritual growth."

Jiro put the book back on the shelf. "I'm not planning to actually use these spells yet. But understanding the theory is the first step."

He pointed to his eyes. "My heat vision wasn't something I was born with either. I only mastered it after understanding how solar energy interacts with the biofield."

The Ancient One nodded thoughtfully. "So you believe that, with deep enough understanding, it's possible to cast spells without relying on the Sling Ring? Like you said—using your own body as the medium?"

"Maybe." Jiro walked toward the restricted section, deep within the library.

"But right now, I'm more interested in what our enemies are capable of."

As soon as his fingers touched the replica scroll of the Book of the Dark, Wong jumped forward like a bolt.

"No! That book is way too dangerous! Even the Sorcerer Supreme—"

"Let him read it," the Ancient One said again, calm but firm. "Mr. Jiro is right. We need to understand our enemy."

Jiro unrolled the scroll and skimmed through the twisted, disturbing text.

As he read on, his brow furrowed. "The way the Dark Dimension corrupts people is even sneakier than I thought... It doesn't go after magical weaknesses—it targets emotional ones."

The Ancient One stepped beside him. "Really? Maybe you've seen something the rest of us missed."

"Look here." Jiro pointed to a section of what looked like ordinary spell annotations. "The Dark Dimension doesn't just smash through protections. It creates cracks in the sorcerer's mind—through fear, doubt, pride... those are the real entry points."

The Ancient One's face turned serious. She stayed silent for a long moment before speaking softly, "You're right. Five hundred years ago, it was a sorcerer's greed that allowed Dormammu to break through our defenses the first time."

Wong sucked in a sharp breath. "Sorcerer Supreme! That's top secret..."

"There's no need to keep it secret anymore." The Ancient One looked at Jiro with a complex expression in her eyes.

"In just three hours, Mr. Jiro uncovered a truth we haven't been able to fully grasp for centuries."

Wong was too shocked to say a word. He just stared at Jiro like he was witnessing something beyond comprehension.

The Ancient One let out a long breath, her face a mix of exhaustion and relief—something rarely seen.

"Come with me, Mr. Jiro."

She opened a portal to a terrace. "Looks like we have more to talk about."

Out on the terrace, the icy wind from the Himalayas howled past, but the two of them were surrounded by a warm barrier.

The Ancient One gazed out at the snowy peaks for a long time without saying a word.

"Jiro."

She finally spoke, her voice more serious than ever. "I'm asking you once more to consider taking on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme."

Jiro raised an eyebrow. "I thought we already had that conversation."

"At the time, I didn't fully understand what you were capable of."

She turned to face him, her eyes glowing with a strange light.

Jiro didn't say anything, waiting quietly for her to continue.

"I originally thought Doctor Strange would be my successor," she said with a bitter smile. "But then you showed up. In just a few hours, you've learned magic that takes others decades to understand.

You found a flaw in our defenses even I hadn't noticed. You even..." She paused. "Your mind is already at the level of a Sorcerer Supreme. And maybe soon, you won't even need a Sling Ring to open portals."

Jiro looked off into the distance. "But power isn't all it takes to be the Sorcerer Supreme."

"Exactly."

The Ancient One's voice grew more passionate. "You have power, but you don't abuse it. You find weaknesses and fix them. You've turned down authority, but you're willing to take responsibility. Those qualities matter more than any magical talent."

The cold wind whipped at her yellow robes, making her look more like a humble monk than Earth's mystical protector.

"I've seen what's coming, Jiro. Dormammu is just the beginning. Thanos, collapsing dimensions, the restructuring of the universe... This world needs someone stronger than me to protect it."

Jiro went quiet for a moment, then suddenly asked, "In this universe, did you ever see how you die?"

The Ancient One's face froze for a second. "I saw... a lot of possibilities.

But one thing's certain—when I die, someone must take my place. Otherwise, Earth will fall into endless darkness."

Jiro let out a breath, the white vapor fading in the cold air.

He turned to look her straight in the eye. "I can't accept being the Sorcerer Supreme. I've still got my own path to walk. There are things I need to deal with."

The Ancient One's shoulders dropped slightly, but what he said next made her lift her head again.

"But—"

Jiro's tone turned teasing. "If that day ever really comes, I'll step up. I still live on Earth, after all.

Until then, I promise to help protect the three Sanctums and fight against Dormammu and any other threats."

A flicker of relief crossed the Ancient One's eyes. She nodded slightly. "That's more than enough. Thank you, Jiro."

They stood together on the terrace in silence as the first rays of morning light pierced through the clouds, painting the snowy mountains gold.

"It's morning," Jiro finally said. "I should head back. Tony's probably wondering where I disappeared to."

The Ancient One smiled. "You're welcome here anytime. Kamar-Taj will always have a place for you."

She opened a portal to New York. Just as Jiro was about to step through, he suddenly stopped.

"Master."

He spoke without turning back. "Try to stay alive a bit longer. This world still needs you."

With that, he stepped into the portal and vanished into a swirl of golden sparks.

The Ancient One stood alone in the morning light, a faint smile on her lips.

She whispered to herself, "No, Jiro. What this world will truly need... is someone strong."

After Jiro left, Mordo came up beside her. "Do you really trust him?"

The Ancient One looked up at the stars. "I trust his choices. In every future I've seen... he always stands on the side of the light."

"Even if he doesn't want to become the Sorcerer Supreme?"

"Especially because he doesn't want to," The Ancient One turned and walked back into the Sanctum.

"Real heroes never fight for power."

Under the night sky of New York, Jiro hovered above the clouds, thinking back on everything that had happened today.

The magical knowledge from Kamar-Taj had opened a new door for him, giving him a clearer understanding of the power systems in this world.

"....."