Multiverse: Deathstroke

Chapter 311: Ch.310 Deal with the Ancient One

Chapter 311: Ch.310 Deal with the Ancient One

In the days that followed, Su Ming kept himself busy. First, he took Rogue and Jean Grey out for a shopping spree, fulfilling a promise he had made earlier.

Afterward, he paid Deadpool and Cable their wages, generously giving each $50,000. What that amount would be worth in the future wasn't his concern.

"Goodbye, hurry back before those women come after you again." Su Ming pushed Wade, who was lounging on his office sofa, snacking on various junk food.

That's right—during Su Ming's absence, Wilson Enterprises had once again advanced its snack food technology.

Cable shared the sentiment. While occasionally seeking Deadpool's help was fine, being around him constantly could drive anyone to a mental breakdown.

Now that his body had mostly recovered and the world was safe once more, he was ready to leave. He had already repaired Deadpool's belt, just waiting to say his goodbyes.

"Alright then." Deadpool patted his backside, licked his fingers, and stretched his waist. "See you around."

He dropped the half-eaten snack bag, fiddled with his belt, waved to Su Ming, and with a 'whoosh,' he vanished.

Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief, finally some peace and quiet.

Having Deadpool around was like having a fly buzzing in circles, making you want to grab it, yank out its tongue, and tie it in a knot around its neck.

Cable shot Su Ming a wry glance. He might be free for now, but he knew what awaited him back home—more of the same.

The two women waved goodbye, and after shaking hands with Su Ming, Cable disappeared from the office as well.

Su Ming leaned back in his boss's chair, spinning to look out over New York. The city still looked just as familiar, sunlight glinting off the skyscrapers, casting reflections of every hue.

"Boss, Steve has gone to Egypt. The information we released helped him gather his team."

Gin walked in slowly from outside the door, waiting until the extra guests had left before reporting to Su Ming.

Su Ming picked up a glass of whiskey from his desk, swirling the amber liquid inside. Everything was going according to plan. History was back on track.

Even if things had happened a little earlier than they should have, the Invaders had still formed—just as they were meant to be, as the first superhero team in history.

And thanks to Su Ming's influence, heroes in this world had started to appreciate working in teams.

"Excellent. In a few days, I'll borrow Howard Stark for a couple of days. The SSS serum I secured last time will be yours to use."

Su Ming took a sip of his drink, generously instructing Gin. This had always been part of the plan.

After all, the one doing the borrowing would be "Captain America." All Howard had to do was set up his equipment and leave—no risk of any secrets leaking out.

Later, Erskine would be brought in to carry out the procedure, then go back to tending pineapples.

Everything was under control.

"Boss, I don't think I need the SSS serum..." Gin hesitated, looking uncertain, clearly not enthusiastic about the idea.

Su Ming waved his hand, lighting a cigar as he gazed out the window. "There's only one dose of the serum. It won't turn you into some kind of monster, just extend your lifespan. It's for you. As for others, in a couple of years, I'll pay Hydra a visit to see if I can get the Infinite Formula."

"But I..."

Just as Gin was about to say more, a figure suddenly appeared in the office, standing beside Su Ming without warning.

"Mr. Wilson."

"Ancient One? Welcome! This must be your first time visiting my home. Please, have a seat."

Su Ming turned his head to see the bald woman smiling beside him, but he felt a bit anxious inside.

After all, even though the crisis was over, he still had the Cloak of Levitation and hadn't returned it yet. He didn't want to give it back—after all, nothing that fell into the hands of Deathstroke was ever returned.

He enthusiastically invited the Ancient One to sit on the sofa, offering her a cigar and some whiskey. But when he noticed her puzzled expression, he realized sorcerers had no interest in such things.

No smoking, no drinking, no perms—what a joyless life the Ancient One led.

"Ahem, Gin, go grab some of our company's products. Bring lots of snacks and spicy sticks." Su Ming gestured for Gin to make the preparations while he tidied up the mess Deadpool had left on the sofa.

It didn't matter if the Ancient One had no hobbies—Su Ming could introduce her to some. Wilson Enterprises had plenty of products; surely, there'd be something she'd enjoy.

"Mr. Wilson, I'm here today to discuss the timeline and the safety of the world with you."

The Ancient One remained smiling as she sat cross-legged on the sofa.

Su Ming's hands paused momentarily, then resumed tidying up the surrounding area. "Oh? But I've already taken care of Kang."

"Yes, while he was watching you, I was also watching him." The Ancient One admitted without hesitation that she had been observing the entire time. "You both arrived in this world simultaneously, and I noticed you both."

"Then you saw I was a normal person, so you reached out to me. But you saw he was a lunatic, so you avoided him, right?"

Su Ming had long known this was the case. Kang's meddling in the timeline couldn't have escaped the Ancient One's notice.

She had always known, but she chose not to intervene.

"Avoiding him wasn't because I thought he was mentally unstable or reckless. It was to prevent someone who could traverse time from discovering the existence of the magical world."

The Ancient One shook her head with a smile. She had come today to be transparent about the matter. The thought of a time-traveling villain learning about magic was a terrifying prospect, and she was well aware of the danger.

She herself couldn't travel through time. If such an enemy existed, it would be truly dangerous.

"Alright, so it seems I'm a lot better than Kang in your eyes. That makes me happy." Su Ming sat beside the Ancient One, pouring himself another glass of whiskey.

The Ancient One closed her eyes slightly, intertwining her fingers in a mystical gesture, choosing to move on from the topic.

"I have a proposition for you. Would you consider it?"

"What kind of proposition?" Su Ming asked, gulping down his drink. Talking about timelines always left him feeling uneasy.

"You've passed the trials set by me and the Vishanti, protecting our reality and world. You are now officially the next Sorcerer Supreme. Congratulations."

The Ancient One smiled warmly at Su Ming, nodding with satisfaction.

"No thanks, I'm not interested. I won't do it, no matter the offer." Su Ming refused flatly. The responsibilities of the Sorcerer Supreme were too great. He'd rather avoid such a burden.

"That wasn't a proposition; it was a declaration. The Vishanti have already made their decision. If you want to negotiate, you'll have to take it up with them yourself." The Ancient One's expression turned serious as she looked down at the coffee table in front of her, covered with cups. "But given that you don't know magic, it might take you at least a few hundred years to reach the Vishanti. By then, I'll be long gone."

"Ugh... What do they see in me? Can I change whatever it is?" Su Ming slumped back on the sofa, feeling defeated.

"Now, as for the actual deal, I know you're not eager to be Sorcerer Supreme, nor are you passionate about protecting Earth. So, I'm willing to pay you to take on this role."

Just as the Ancient One was about to continue, Gin returned, bringing samples of all Wilson Enterprises products and piling them on the coffee table before the Ancient One.

The Ancient One's eyes twitched slightly when she noticed the top item—a black lace lingerie set.