The Ancient One smiled kindly at Ronan as she revealed her ultimate plan.
What?!
Ronan's mouth dropped open in shock. Things were taking a turn he hadn't anticipated.
Even though he had predicted something like this, hearing it directly from the Ancient One left him somewhat dazed.
Wasn't the normal plot supposed to be that the Avengers borrow the Time Stone, have a big showdown with Thanos from another world, and then Tony Stark 2 delivers the snap that defeats him?
In the end, Captain America returns the Infinity Stones, and everything wraps up neatly, right?
Hadn't the Ancient One seen this "plot" unfold countless times already?
Why the sudden change in the script?
Doesn't she worry about the future timeline being altered?
And seriously, we're talking about Thanos here!
With his current fragile little body and his "mighty" level of 5, going up against Thanos was pretty much a death wish.
So, Ronan shook his head furiously like an electric fan.
"No way, no way, I still have homework to finish."
"You know, master, if I don't finish my homework, the school will dock my grades."
"If my grades drop, I won't graduate, and then I'll be a dropout."
"A dropout, you hear!"
"That would bring shame to Kamar-Taj!"
Ronan instantly came up with a highly reasonable excuse.
Bruce Banner, standing nearby, looked as if he had just seen a ghost.
Homework?
The future Sorcerer Supreme still has to do homework?
"Don't worry, I'll excuse you from school, and as for your homework, you won't need to worry about it."
"I'm sure those asking for your help would be more than willing to assist with such a small request," the Ancient One said, still smiling, as she glanced at Bruce Banner.
Bruce quickly caught on and nodded eagerly.
"No problem, no problem. I'd rather do high school homework than save the world."
Ronan opened his mouth but couldn't find the words. He really didn't want to go!
What happened to keeping things steady? He still had so much youth left to live.
How could such a big decision be made so easily?
"Master, I actually have something really important to handle."
"I have a girlfriend at school—she's got fair skin, long legs, and comes from a rich family."
"If I leave, my future livelihood could be in jeopardy."
"Do you really want that for me?"
Ronan's eyes sparkled with pitiful light, and while it might not have made him irresistibly charming, it would've moved anyone with a bit of compassion to pat him on the head.
But the Ancient One? She had no heart!
"Don't worry, you won't be in any real danger."
"You need to understand that this is a necessary step on your path to becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, so it must be done."
The Ancient One maintained her serene smile, unaffected by Ronan's pleas.
No, that's a lie!
The script doesn't go like this!
And master, have you forgotten?
You told me when I was six that you wouldn't reveal our future destinies.
Are you breaking your own vow now?
Frustrated and cold inside.
When will we little apprentices ever be able to stand up for ourselves?
"Ronan, remember."
"You are the most special among us, the only one."
"So, don't worry."
"Make sure to talk to Strange when you meet him. No need to rush back."
With that, the Ancient One patted Ronan on the shoulder, turned, and walked through the rooftop door, leaving no room for Ronan to refuse.
Ronan twitched his lips.
You bigwigs—why do you all use the same excuse to rope people into things?
First Kang the Conqueror, and now you, master?
Also, I distinctly remember you telling Strange that he was the best among us.
And look how that turned out for him.
He got tangled up and beaten by a kid in the Mirror Dimension.
That's what being "the best" looks like?
But all these complaints stayed locked inside Ronan's mind.
He really didn't want to go!
He hadn't fully grown yet, and now he was supposed to participate in the final battle?
What happened to letting the DPS characters develop a bit longer?
How come the top laner just dived in with Flash?
This isn't fair!
Seeing Ronan's complicated expression, Bruce Banner hesitated, unsure of what to say.
"Um… Ronan."
"Should we… get going?"
His question earned him a sharp glare from Ronan.
Still frustrated and cold!
"I'm just a high school student! One who still has homework!"
"What does saving the world have to do with me?"
"Master, can't you reconsider? Wong seems like a good candidate—honest and strong."
"Maybe you should think it over again?"
"I really don't want this thing."
Ronan waved the Time Stone in his hand and yelled down toward the stairwell.
But his heartfelt plea received no response.
Bruce Banner, standing nearby, gave a little smirk.
If you don't want it, why are you clutching it so tightly?
Afraid I'll steal it right here on your turf?
Still, Bruce knew he had to convince Ronan to bring the Time Stone along.
Without it, their plan couldn't be completed.
And without that, they wouldn't be able to bring back their lost comrades.
With this in mind, Bruce's eyes filled with determination.
This was their last chance.
If they lost this opportunity, no one knew what their future would hold.
They had already wasted five years.
Now, they were just one step away.
He had to convince Ronan!
Bruce took a step forward and gently patted Ronan on the shoulder.
"I understand how you feel, especially when faced with danger."
"I've backed down before, and so has Hulk."
"But now, we have a chance to bring everyone back, and we have to take it."
"We've prepared ourselves to lay down our lives if needed, even if it means that day comes sooner than expected."
"For us, it's worth it."
Bruce sighed, his face filled with sorrow, as if he were remembering the comrades he had once fought beside.
Sadly, they were all gone now.
Ronan leaned back slightly, instinctively taking a step backward with his right foot.
The pitiful expression on his face vanished, replaced by a strange look.
What's going on?
Why is this turning so emotional all of a sudden?
Should I be adding background music for Bruce Banner here?
A sad violin?
Or a mournful trumpet?
Maybe a piano?
And did Bruce's speech just… persuade me?
Did I just got Talk-no-Jutsu-ed?