Wong was about to say something when Doctor Strange interjected, "The structure of this disruption spell isn't overly complex, but it'll take several days to unravel. Unfortunately, time is the one thing we don't have."
He then turned to Noah and continued, "Noah, I don't know why you're searching for that book, but I trust it's for something important. I'm sorry I couldn't help you."
"And I must thank you for saving Wong's life. He's my best friend, and as a token of my gratitude, please accept this."
Doctor Strange stretched out his hand, magical energy swirling and condensing into a golden, glowing pendant. The pendant was circular, with four intertwined golden curves forming the symbol of Kamar-Taj.
Noah recognized the emblem instantly. It had appeared in Doctor Strange, most notably as the design of the Sanctum Sanctorum's iconic circular window.
"Don't underestimate this item," Strange explained. "It not only signifies that you have aided the Sorcerer Supreme and earned Kamar-Taj's friendship, but it also serves as a repository for spells. At the moment, it contains one charge of the Unseen Flame and one of Astral Projection."
With a gentle push of his hand, Strange sent the pendant floating toward Noah.
"Thank you. I'll gladly accept it," Noah said with a smile, taking the pendant and hanging it around his neck. A wave of warmth immediately spread through his body as he instinctively understood how to use the artifact.
This pendant was a user-friendly magical tool, requiring no prior knowledge of magic—much like a remote control with a single button. Moreover, it had a built-in identity verification mechanism, ensuring only the intended recipient could wield it.
In the Marvel Universe, there were many such artifacts that required no magical training to use. For instance, the Bone Sword of Agamotto, capable of granting regenerative powers, and the Vishanti's Hand, which enabled interdimensional travel.
Frankly, this was an unexpected surprise. Noah had saved Wong purely to gain an ally for the journey ahead, enhancing their collective safety, without expecting anything in return.
He hadn't anticipated Doctor Strange, much like a grateful fox in a fable, would bestow a reward. Indeed, goodness is often rewarded—something to celebrate.
Noah forced back a wide grin as Wanda gave him a curious look. "Ahem. Doctor Strange, I think I heard Wong mention something about casting a spell?"
The astral form of Doctor Strange furrowed his brow slightly and sighed, "Twenty minutes ago, I went aboard S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier to investigate. Their scientists are stumped by this virus. If technology fails, perhaps magic can offer a solution."
"I intend to cast a spell in the sky to see if it can cure the zombie virus."
Noah pondered for a moment before responding, "Doctor Strange, I understand your resolve, but I fear this crisis isn't something a single spell can resolve."
Strange's expression grew complex. He sighed deeply, then smiled bitterly, "You're right. But I have no other choice. I must try."
Noah nodded silently, lost in thought.
Doctor Strange's plan wasn't just unlikely—it was downright impossible.
In the Marvel Universe, three prominent zombie plagues existed: the Voodoo Curse, the Cannibal Virus from Punisher vs. Marvel Universe, and the Hunger Virus they currently faced.
The Hunger Virus had a cure, but in this universe, Earth-2149, all the superheroes perished at the outbreak's onset. As a result, no one ever developed the antidote.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had its own mystical consultants, like Doctor Voodoo, whose magical expertise was significant. If he couldn't solve the problem, Strange certainly wouldn't succeed. The antidote would only be created decades later in the Earth-616 main universe, long after Earth-2149 was beyond saving.
Noticing Noah's silence and skepticism, Strange shook his head. As he said, he had no choice but to gamble on a slim chance.
"Well, I suppose you don't plan to stay in the Sanctum Sanctorum forever, do you? The outer wards have been broken by the druid master, and the zombies will soon discover this place."
"Indeed, we're heading to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier for refuge and to regroup," Noah replied. Then, turning to Wong, who was staring at a bookshelf in silence, he asked, "Wong, why don't you come with us? You've heard the Doctor Strange—the Sanctum is no longer safe."
Before Wong could respond, Strange interrupted, "Exactly my thoughts. Wong, accompany them to the Helicarrier. That's an order from the Sorcerer Supreme."
With that, his astral projection dissolved into the wind, his Astral Projection spell voluntarily canceled.
"Fine, as you command, Sorcerer Supreme," Wong said with a resigned sigh.
Noah approached Wong and spoke softly, "Wong, I know this is a difficult choice for you, but the Sanctum is no longer safe. We must leave."
Wong remained silent, his eyes betraying an inner struggle. His deep loyalty to the Sanctum clashed with his responsibility as the Sorcerer Supreme's servant. Eventually, he relented, smiling bitterly, "Alright. Since it's an order, I have no choice. I'll go with you to the Helicarrier."
Doctor Strange's voice echoed faintly, as if carried by the wind, "You've made the right decision, Wong."
Wong nodded, steeling himself for the journey ahead, though his heart was heavy with reluctance.
"What's our plan? Do you have a way to reach the Helicarrier?"
In this version of the Marvel Universe, the Sling Rings used in the MCU were not as readily available. Other alternatives existed, but they required preparation.
Noah nodded. "A Quinjet is en route to pick us up. Let's move quickly—time is short."
The group gathered their belongings and stepped out of the Sanctum. Ignoring the shattered remains of the druid master at the door, they slipped into a narrow alley.
The alley was winding and narrow, forcing them to stay close and alert, ready to face any potential threats. Though the sounds of battle in the city had diminished, the eerie silence weighed heavily on them.
Surprisingly, during their ten-minute walk, they encountered no zombies. Only the occasional distant growl or the sound of wind sweeping through desolate streets broke the silence.
"We're almost there. Just two more turns to the rendezvous point."
Finally, they arrived at a basketball court where a massive Quinjet awaited them. Its metallic hull gleamed, exuding an air of power. Scattered around the area were the bodies of zombies—ordinary infected civilians judging by their attire.
Beside the Quinjet, several armed soldiers stood guard, their weapons ready. As Noah's group approached, the soldiers waved them over. The team's movements were sharp and vigilant, their every gesture radiating caution.
One of the soldiers, seemingly the leader, stepped forward and greeted them sternly, "Welcome. Are you Noah White? We've received orders to escort you safely to the Helicarrier. Time is of the essence. Let's move quickly."