Chapter 110: Kamar-Taj
Arthur searched in New York for the Supreme Sanctuary but couldn’t find it. He recalled that there should be a sanctuary in New York, yet after driving around the city for three days, he never once saw any sign of the Supreme Sanctuary.
Could it be that he had to go all the way to the Himalayas to find Karmateji? Arthur thought glumly.
Arthur and Wanda embarked on an impromptu trip. Of course, he still informed Steve Rogers about their travel plans. Steve had grown weary of Arthur’s frequent sudden departures and no longer bothered to comment.
Dressed casually with backpacks and sunglasses, Arthur and Wanda wandered the streets, snapping photos as if they were on vacation.
They flew to Kathmandu, Nepal, where records indicated Karmateji resided.
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, sits on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The city is steeped in religious atmosphere.
Arthur and Wanda played the part of tourists, exploring Kathmandu’s sights, capturing a one-day travel vlog, visiting many historic landmarks, and sampling local Nepali street food.
Wanda was delighted that Arthur had finally brought her along. Previously, whenever she expressed a desire to join him, Arthur had always refused.
This time, regardless of whether they found their destination, Wanda felt the journey itself was meaningful.
She thoroughly enjoyed Arthur’s leisurely approach to their journey. She understood him well—he was someone who deeply cherished life. Arthur had once said his dream was simply to live a happy, ordinary life in this world.
Arthur had a passion for enjoying life, especially when it came to food. To the other Avengers, Arthur’s personality was often described as lazy and indulgent.
Wanda held Arthur’s hand as they strolled through Kathmandu’s bustling streets, curious about every vendor’s wares.
The streets were packed like a marketplace, and Arthur had already fended off three pickpockets targeting him.
They eventually stopped at a restaurant owned by a Chinese man. Arthur conversed fluently with the owner in Mandarin.
Wanda ate Nepali specialty hand-eaten rice and curry dumplings, unable to understand the exchange between Arthur and the owner.
“We came here from New York for travel. How long have you been in Nepal?” Arthur asked.
“I’ve run this shop for nearly ten years. I’m originally from Tibet; my wife is Nepali,” the owner replied.
“You must have lived here for quite a while. I have a question for you,” Arthur said.
“What is it? I’ll tell you whatever I know,” the owner answered.
“Do you know Karmateji? We came to Nepal specifically to find Karmateji. I heard that Karmateji is home to a group of extraordinary people,” Arthur inquired.
“I know where Karmateji is,” the owner said, staring at Arthur for a moment before deciding to share.
“Really? That’s wonderful! Thank you so much!” Arthur exclaimed happily. What luck—to find their destination just by asking at a casual meal.
“The true saints live in Karmateji—practitioners with great divine powers. Last year, my child suffered from a rare illness. After trying many hospitals without success, an elderly Nepali man guided me to Karmateji, and only there was my child cured,” the owner shared his experience.
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. Those seeking Karmateji were usually in search of healing; few knew that Karmateji was the guardian of Earth.
The owner gave Arthur an address, saying that would lead them to Karmateji.
After finishing their meal, Arthur and Wanda followed the directions and found a modest house opposite a temple.
It was incredibly low-key. Had they not been told it was Karmateji, they would have mistaken it for an ordinary Nepali home.
“Are you sure this is the place? This can’t be right,” Wanda said incredulously, staring at the small wooden door. Could this really be where the Supreme Sorcerer lived? It didn’t look the part at all.
“This should be it,” Arthur said, stepping forward to knock.
After a moment, a dark-skinned man opened the door, eyeing Arthur and Wanda warily. “Who are you looking for?”
“This is Karmateji, right? We’re here to see Master Ancient One,” Arthur said, recognizing the man as Karmodu.
“This isn’t the place you’re looking for. You should leave,” Karmodu said cautiously.
“I told you it was the wrong place. Let’s go,” Wanda whispered, pulling Arthur’s hand.
Arthur patted Wanda’s hand and looked at Karmodu. “You’re Master Modu, aren’t you? We’re from New York and need to speak with Master Ancient One.”
“You know me? Fine... come in,” Karmodu said, letting them inside and leading them toward the main hall.
Along the way, they passed two Karmateji disciples who glanced at them suspiciously before hurrying on.
“Is something wrong?” Arthur asked, puzzled. Why was everyone so on edge?
“Wait here. I’ll fetch my master, Ancient One,” Karmodu said, leaving Arthur and Wanda alone in the hall.
Arthur and Wanda took in the historic ambiance of the hall.
Soon, a bald woman dressed in black entered, hands clasped behind her back. Arthur immediately recognized her as their sought-after Ancient One.
“Supreme Sorcerer, it’s an honor to meet you!” Arthur greeted respectfully.
Wanda jumped slightly—this frail-looking woman was the strongest on Earth? The Supreme Sorcerer?
“Who are you? This is strange... it can’t be!” The Ancient One scrutinized Arthur with disbelief.
“My name is Arthur Yorn, and this is Wanda. We’ve come to learn magic from you, Master Ancient One,” Arthur explained.
“You shouldn’t still be alive, and she shouldn’t be here,” the Ancient One said, shocking Arthur.
“What do you mean I shouldn’t be alive?” Arthur asked.
“Your fate was meant to end at sixteen years old. Yet not only are you alive, I sense immense power within you,” the Ancient One explained.
Wanda frowned hearing that Arthur should have died at sixteen. Was this woman trying to deceive them? She held her tongue.
Arthur was stunned. Sixteen was when he had traveled through time—was the original Arthur already dead then? Had his soul taken over his body?
“Because of your anomaly, this world has deviated from its original path, moving toward an unknown future. You’ve essentially created a new cosmic timeline,” the Ancient One continued.
“What? Because of me, this world’s timeline has diverged?” Arthur understood. The world consisted of many multiverses, and any anomaly could alter reality.
“Yes. Your existence has changed the original timeline. This universe has veered away from the prime universe,” the Ancient One confirmed.
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