In the end, it all came down to a difference in perception.
It seemed like the Ancient One deliberately posed this question for Ronan to think about.
In Ronan's mind, something like this shouldn't be possible.
While Ronan's explanation suggested that perhaps an error occurred when they traveled through the timeline, causing them to end up in his parallel universe, the explanation felt a bit too forced.
If the chances of making such an error were that high, why didn't the same thing happen when others traveled through time?
It didn't make sense.
Smack.
At that moment, the Ancient One lightly tapped Ronan's shoulder.
"What makes you believe that their universe is the primary universe, and ours is the parallel one?"
"Why can't their universe be the one that branched off as a parallel universe?"
The Ancient One's words left Ronan stunned.
What?
Wasn't it obvious?
Their universe was the primary one, and ours was the parallel...
At this thought, Ronan suddenly froze, an unsettling realization washing over him as he looked at the Ancient One in disbelief.
"Though I don't know why you've mistakenly believed that their so-called universe is the primary one,"
"I can tell you with certainty—"
"There is no such thing as a primary universe and a parallel universe between the different universes."
"If you really want to make a distinction, then there's only one rule."
"The place where you are is the primary universe, and every other place is a parallel universe."
With those simple words, the Ancient One shattered all of Ronan's previous assumptions about the Marvel universe.
When Ronan had encountered Tony Stark and the others from that alternate universe, a thought had solidified in his mind:
"Oh, so I've transmigrated into a parallel universe."
But Ronan had never considered that, in the eyes of the "locals," their own universe might be the primary one, and everyone else—those from other universes—were merely visitors from parallel worlds.
"So, you've known from the start that those people came from a parallel world?"
"Then why do their rules differ from ours?"
Ronan had secretly visited the barbecue restaurant after school that day.
But he didn't see the "agreed-upon" old Steve Rogers there.
At the time, Ronan had thought something might have changed in the future, causing this universe's Steve Rogers not to return to the past.
However, after hearing what the Ancient One said today...
It all started to make sense.
"You're already familiar with the concept of parallel universes, right?"
"They're similar, yet different."
"Perhaps after their universe branched off, it underwent some unknown event—a catastrophe, a reset—that changed its fundamental rules."
"Of course, that's just my guess."
The Ancient One smiled warmly at Ronan as she laid out her "guess."
But Ronan felt the urge to roll his eyes.
Master, your confident tone doesn't make it sound like a mere guess.
Did you forget that I met one of your "avatars" in that other universe?
Wait, not an avatar—weren't they all just you?
Of course, that's just his guess!
"So, according to your theory, the six Infinity Stones have transcended the timeline."
"But is that even possible?"
Ronan scratched his head—this was all he could do now.
The things the Ancient One was talking about were nearing the limits of his knowledge.
People often said that the appearance of mystical powers was a huge blow to the worldview of ordinary humans.
Ronan didn't have much trouble accepting this—after all, he had even experienced being transported to another world.
But when the Ancient One started discussing concepts like transcending the timeline, even Ronan found himself lost.
This blind spot was just too vast.
"Don't overestimate the concept of time."
"Compared to the universe, time is insignificant. Without the universe, the concept of time wouldn't even exist."
"But even without the concept of time, the universe remains the same."
"Whether the rules of the universe change, I can't say. But what I can tell you with certainty is that, in our universe, the six Infinity Stones have transcended the timeline."
"Of course, you could even say that someone might have intentionally altered the rules of our universe or others."
"Whether that person exists, though..."
At this point, the Ancient One trailed off, her gaze shifting toward the mural.
Even though the mural only showed a few simple movements, like a brief animated scene lasting just a few seconds, the Ancient One seemed to be seeing something far beyond Ronan's comprehension.
No time, yet the universe still exists?
Could there be something, or someone, beyond the universe itself?
Suddenly, Ronan's mind seemed to explode with understanding.
It all made sense now!
The universe was still the same, but the rules within each universe were not fixed.
In other words, the idea of "God playing dice" was not valid.
As for the possibility that someone deliberately altered certain rules, one thought instantly crossed Ronan's mind:
The Watcher!
At this realization, Ronan raised his head and looked toward the sky.
Though the ceiling above was rock, Ronan's gaze seemed to pierce through it and beyond, as if he was seeing something that didn't exist.
A short, bald figure with glowing eyes and a shiny head—this being definitely didn't look human.
This bald, small figure was observing all the parallel timelines with great interest. Between him and the timelines was a barrier—like a box separating them.
As he directed his gaze toward one particular timeline, an inexplicable feeling washed over him.
It was as if… someone had noticed him?
No, that wasn't right!
It wasn't being seen, but rather being sensed?
The bald figure's expression changed drastically!
This had never happened before!
They were born at the dawn of the universe, their technology millions of years ahead of anything else.
How could anyone possibly detect their presence?
Though some universes had theorized about beings like the Watchers, these were just theories.
People believed in the possibility, but no one had ever truly perceived their existence.
But this time, it was different.
Someone seemed to have sensed him!
The Watcher frantically observed all the timelines, but that feeling had vanished as quickly as it came.
When he reviewed all the timelines, there was nothing out of the ordinary.
So, in the end, he dismissed it as a moment of paranoia.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Ronan had already snapped out of it.
In that fleeting moment, he felt as though he had glimpsed the Watcher.
But then, it was as if nothing had happened.
So, Ronan simply chalked it up to his lingering impressions of the Watcher from his past life.
Square head!
If you dare stalk me, one day I will stand right up in your face, and you can look to your content!