VCM For example, even if Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, masters advanced fire manipulation techniques, it doesn't necessarily mean they will benefit him.
In some cases, they might even mislead him.
And compared to what Ethan is going through, Johnny's struggles are nothing.
At least Johnny understands that he's dealing with fire.
But on the other side of the spectrum, vector control—seriously, who can even tell him what kind of mystical knowledge could apply to that?
"Look, there's no need to be so discouraged. While I don't know the exact way to enhance your ability, I do know one universal truth. Using supernatural powers requires more than just understanding the rules; it also depends on mental strength. If you improve your mental power, your control over your ability will naturally become stronger," the Ancient One explained.
"That makes sense." Ethan nodded in agreement.
Sorcerers need mental strength to cast spells, and mutant abilities seem to follow a similar principle.
When he healed Katie before, he had felt completely drained.
But back when he stomped Abomination into the ground a few times, he hadn't felt tired at all.
That meant his exhaustion wasn't like a magician running out of magic or like Mikoto Misaka's 'battery depletion'—it had to be due to excessive mental strain.
So, no matter what kind of power someone has, strengthening their mind is always beneficial.
"Wait a second… wouldn't that mean telepaths are the strongest mutants?" Ethan suddenly realized.
"Ordinary mutants use mental power to enhance their abilities, but telepaths rely solely on their minds," the Ancient One explained, clearly having studied mutants thoroughly.
After all, she had plenty of time.
"That's true." Ethan nodded.
The most famous example was Professor X, the most powerful mind in the world.
Then there was Emma Frost, who possessed both telepathic and diamond form abilities—but the catch was that those two powers were incompatible and couldn't be used simultaneously.
If there was any mutant whose mental power could complement other abilities perfectly, it was Jean Grey.
Which is why… the Phoenix chose her.
With virtually limitless energy and unparalleled psychic strength, she was like an infinite cheat code.
No wonder she was nearly impossible to kill in the original timeline.
If Ethan's vector control hadn't included an energy manipulation aspect that happened to counter Phoenix's power, and if it weren't for her split personality giving him a moment to strike, he never would've managed to take her down with a forced instant kill.
If the battle had dragged on, he would've been the one to lose.
"Ethan, this is a mental strengthening method I've modified. It should work for most mutants." The Ancient One suddenly extended her finger and tapped Ethan's forehead.
Instantly, he felt a mysterious force attempting to enter his mind.
His instincts screamed at him to activate his ability, but he forced himself to suppress it with sheer willpower.
As the foreign energy settled into his consciousness, he momentarily fell into a trance.
A stream of words and images formed in his mind, detailing this spiritual meditation technique in full.
"Thank you. I'll accept it, then." Ethan expressed his gratitude.
"No need to thank me," the Ancient One replied. "This isn't a free gift—I came here to ask a favor of you."
"Name it. As long as it's within my power, I'll do it," Ethan responded without hesitation.
While his parents had been disciples of the Ancient One, he himself hadn't interacted with her much.
Ethan didn't owe anyone anything.
So, it was better to settle this favor and move on.
"I'll be leaving soon for something very important," the Ancient One said, gazing off to the side of the road. "Before I go, there's a long-standing issue I need to resolve."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
"You'll be heading back to New Mexico soon, correct? I need you to retrieve a mystical artifact for me. It's called the San Venganza Contract."
Ethan frowned, the name triggering a memory. "If you're sending me, that means it's not something you can personally get involved in. Where is it?"
"That… I don't know." The Ancient One shook her head.
Ethan blinked. "So, you're asking me to find a needle in a haystack?"
"I may not know where it is, but I just placed a special mystical mark on you. Anything connected to the contract will be drawn to you."
Ethan folded his arms. "Right, so I'm bait."
"The Order of the Mystic Arts can't intervene directly without alerting certain… forces. That's why I need you," she explained.
Ethan let out a long sigh. "Fantastic."
"Don't worry, if things get critical, I'll step in," the Ancient One assured him before suddenly shifting her gaze to Ethan's pocket.
"Someone is looking for you," she remarked. "Since I've finished explaining, I'll take my leave."
With that, she opened a portal and calmly stepped through.
Ethan blinked after her, then felt a vibration in his pocket.
He reached in and pulled out his phone.
Just as he did, Nick Fury's name flashed on the screen.
He narrowed his eyes. How did she know Fury was calling?
Was it because of that mark? Or did she peek into the future like some creep again? Just how often does she use the Time Stone?
Then again, with something this important, it made sense to keep it close at all times.
Pushing aside his suspicion, he answered. "Yeah? What's up?"
"There's a situation with Coulson," Fury's voice came through the line.
Ethan sighed. "Let me guess, he's in mortal danger again, and I need to go fix it?"
"Not exactly," Fury replied.
Moving Coulson out of New York had been a good call—otherwise, he might've ended up as collateral damage in Tony's latest mess.
But now there was a new problem.
Fury had sent Coulson to New Mexico to investigate what was supposed to be a simple fallen object—maybe a meteorite, maybe some space debris.
The plan was to retrieve it, let the science division take a look, and move on.
Except, it wasn't some debris.
It was a hammer.
A hammer that defied every known law of physics.
They couldn't move it. Couldn't so much as budge it.
Fury rubbed his temples.
Between Tony, Ethan, and the endless chaos they attracted, he never got a damn break.
Maybe it was time to retire and let Hill or Coulson take over.
With a weary sigh, he filled Ethan in on the details and asked him to try his luck at retrieving the hammer.
Ethan listened, and when Fury was finally done, he let out a slow exhale. Then, his tone turned skeptical. "So let me get this straight. You called me, send me halfway to New Mexico…"
He paused for dramatic effect. "Just to pick up a hammer?"
Silence.
Fury took a moment before replying. "Let me clarify."
Ethan waited.
"It's an alien hammer."