The renowned Conqueror Kang bowed slightly, a friendly smile on his face.
He looked harmless.
However, Ronan remained highly vigilant.
In his previous life, while watching shows, Ronan had learned a lot about Conqueror Kang.
In the comics, Conqueror Kang was an incredibly powerful being, perhaps even a match for or stronger than Thanos.
But in the TV show, Kang was portrayed as pitifully weak.
More specifically, he had a death wish.
Judging by the current situation, this Kang seemed to be the latter.
"Apologies, future Sorcerer Supreme," Kang said.
"I apologize for my subordinates' actions."
Kang presented himself humbly, as if sincerely offering an apology for the earlier events.
However, Ronan grew even more cautious.
He had some knowledge of Kang's abilities from that show.
Just the ability to teleport instantly was already a significant threat.
As the mastermind behind the TVA, it seemed unlikely that Kang's power was limited to that alone.
"The famous Conqueror Kang."
"Looks like I underestimated the Time Variance Authority's influence."
Ronan lifted his chin slightly, subtly conveying a few things.
By mentioning Kang's name first, Ronan was implying that he knew and understood him.
Then, by admitting to underestimating the TVA, Ronan suggested that he didn't know everything.
He didn't know if Kang would buy it, but Ronan figured it was worth a shot.
"Though I bear this name, I may not be the one you know."
Kang smiled humbly.
"So, does my appearance require someone of your stature to step in and clean up this mess?"
Ronan maintained his composure, becoming even more cautious the more humble Kang appeared.
If a powerful person is arrogant, that's expected, as their strength backs it up.
But when a powerful person is humble, either they're hiding something, or they're genuinely modest.
Either way, such people are harder to deal with than the arrogant ones.
"No, I'm merely here to apologize."
"In my memory, I've met three Sorcerer Supremes, all of whom have transcended the timeline."
"That's the nature of the Sorcerer Supreme's power, but also their responsibility."
"But you are different."
Kang slowly raised his head, looking directly into Ronan's eyes.
He seemed to be searching for something in Ronan's gaze.
Unfortunately, Ronan still had his sunglasses on.
"And how am I different?"
Ronan's expression turned curious.
Did he already realize I'm the protagonist?
Well, he is Conqueror Kang, after all.
"While you are the destined Sorcerer Supreme of this timeline, even before you've assumed the title, you've already transcended this timeline."
"I cannot see your past, nor can I glimpse your future."
"You are the most unique of them all."
Kang smiled as if he didn't notice Ronan's expression.
Transcended… this timeline?
Ronan's expression shifted.
Why did he specifically say "this timeline"?
And what exactly does he mean by transcending?
"I know you have many questions, but I don't have the answers."
"What I've said is just what's stored in my memory. I don't have any related answers."
Kang shook his head, fully aware of what Ronan wanted to ask.
"So, your purpose in coming here is just to spout riddles?"
Ronan raised an eyebrow.
This guy seems fishy.
He's clearly trying to mess with my state of mind. This guy deserves to be taken down!
"No, I'm only here to apologize."
"And I have a small request."
Kang bowed even lower this time.
A request?
"Go ahead,"
Ronan didn't immediately refuse.
If it was something doable and beneficial, he might consider it.
If not, no big deal.
Either way, he wouldn't lose anything.
"If you meet me again in the future…"
"Please kill me."
With that, Kang gave Ronan a deep bow.
Without waiting for Ronan's reply, he was instantly enveloped by a portal and disappeared.
What the…?
Watching Kang vanish, Ronan couldn't help but flip him off.
What does that even mean?
First, he tries to mess with my head, and now he's asking me to do him a favor?
And no compensation?
Did this guy skim off the benefits others gave him?
Oh well, Ronan could only shrug.
Kill him next time they meet?
Well, they'd deal with it when the time comes.
With that, a golden portal appeared, leading back to the familiar rooftop of the New York Sanctum.
Ronan, having successfully completed his mission, hummed a tune as he returned to the rooftop of the New York Sanctum.
But things were different from what he remembered.
Bruce Banner hadn't left, and the Time Stone was still hanging around the Ancient One's neck.
Completely intact.
Woohoo.
Did their negotiation fail?
Ronan took off his sunglasses and looked at Bruce Banner with interest.
Bruce wore a troubled expression.
Could Ronan's presence have caused the Ancient One to doubt Doctor Strange's prophecy?
Did she not give them the Time Stone and instead treated Bruce as a liar?
If that's the case, things just got interesting.
"Ronan, you're finally back."
Bruce's gloomy expression brightened as soon as Ronan arrived.
He quickly stepped forward and shook Ronan's hand tightly, as if greeting a long-lost family member.
Huh?
Ronan was a bit surprised.
"You know my name?"
Ronan discreetly pulled his hand back.
First, he wasn't into this whole emotional reunion thing.
Second, Bruce's grip was too strong—it made his hand tingle.
Did something I just did alter the timeline, causing Bruce to suddenly remember me?
Or is it something else?
"It was I who told him. He doesn't know you."
"At least, not everything about you."
The Ancient One smiled as she approached Ronan, seemingly hinting at something.
"And this is…"
Ronan was more confused than ever.
The Ancient One smiled and shook her head, then removed the Time Stone and placed it around Ronan's neck.
Ronan was taken aback by the gesture.
What's this?
Is this some kind of trust-passing ritual?
Does she already think I'm good enough to take over her role?
Or is she planning to go off with Bruce to save the other world?
But even if that's the plan, shouldn't she take the Time Stone with her?
What's the deal with giving it to me?
Wait a minute…
Suddenly, Ronan seemed to realize something.
"Don't overthink it. They've come to borrow the Time Stone, and I initially couldn't agree."
"After all, as Sorcerer Supremes, one of our responsibilities is to protect the Time Stone."
"But his world needs saving, and I, as Sorcerer Supreme, must remain to protect this Earth."
"So, Ronan…"
"Would you go in my place?"