Marvel: Ned the Master of Mystic Arts

"Hey, Ned, when did you realize you had magical talent? Uh... I mean, why did you decide to study magic?"

Chubby Leeds seemed a bit nervous in front of Ned, likely because he regarded him as a world-saving supreme magician.

"It was my grandma."

Ned made up a story casually, "Grandma always told me that our family has some unique magical gifts, and my fingers often feel this tingling sensation."

"Yes! I feel the same way!"

Chubby Leeds exclaimed excitedly when he heard Ned's words but quickly realized that shouting like this in front of so many superheroes might not be appropriate.

So he tried to suppress his excitement and said as calmly as possible, "I... I mean, I also often feel tingling in my fingers. Uh... could you help me see if I have any magical talent?"

"Is that so?"

Looking at the familiar face in front of him, filled with hope and nervousness, Ned was reminded of how he had once sought to learn magic from the Ancient One at the New York Sanctum.

Patting Leeds on the shoulder, Ned said, "Leeds, remember this: magic is something anyone can learn. Talent is secondary. What matters most is having a heart that stays true."

"Yes, young man," Captain America added, listening to Ned's words. "As long as you remain kind and brave, even without talent, I believe you can become a respected master of the mystical arts."

"Yes, sir! Thank you, Captain America!"

Encouraged by both Ned and Cap, Chubby Leeds felt a surge of confidence and nodded firmly.

After the others had left, Chubby Leeds found Peter and whispered to him, "Hey, Peter, I've made up my mind. I'm going to take my talent to Kamar-Taj!"

"Ned?" Peter said, surprised. "The way you're talking... are you imitating Kobe?"

"Oh! Of course, he's my idol," Chubby Leeds said proudly.

"Okay, but... Ned, do you even know where Kamar-Taj is?" Peter asked, pointing out a critical issue.

"I think the Kamar-Taj sorcerers wouldn't miss Tony Stark's celebration party, right?"

Chubby Leeds pleaded cleverly, "Peter, as a good friend, you'd be willing to introduce me to them, wouldn't you?"

"Uh... fine."

"Hey, Mr. Strange? Wong?"

Not long after, Spider-Man brought Chubby Leeds to Dr. Strange and Wong, who were both busy devouring lamb shanks.

"Yes? What is it, Peter?"

Strange casually set down his lamb shank when he saw Peter and Leeds approach.

Crunch, crunch.

Wong, however, continued munching away unabashedly. Seeing Peter's glance, he explained between bites, "Funding for sorcerers is tight. It's been ages since I've had the chance to enjoy meat like this. Don't worry, I'm listening."

Crunch, crunch.

"Uh... okay. Actually, it's about Ned. After learning about the other Ned, he wants to try studying magic. Do you think he can?"

Peter explained honestly.

"Oh~ Ned..."

Strange glanced at Chubby Leeds, nodded, and said, "I must say, the rounder version is easier on the eyes."

Noticing Chubby Leeds sneaking glances at the Cloak of Levitation behind him, Strange raised an eyebrow and said, "What? Interested? Let me tell you, don't even think about it. She's picky and extremely loyal."

Whoosh!

"Aaaah! Help! Peter!!!"

Before Strange could finish, the Cloak of Levitation shot into the air, draped itself over Chubby Leeds, and carried him flying sky-high, leaving only his miserable screams echoing in the air.

"Ned!"

Spider Man exclaimed and then turned to Dr. Strange, saying, "Mr. Strange, please forgive him. Ned definitely didn't mean it. Please let him off the hook!"

Indeed, Peter assumed this was Strange's doing, suspecting it was because Ned had been eyeing the cloak.

Though Peter doubted Strange would be so petty, he couldn't think of another reason.

"What's going on? Was that Ned? How did he get chubbier again?"

Hearing the commotion, Rhodey looked up and commented.

"That's Ned, but not the one you know," Tony said, holding his daughter's hand. Glancing at Chubby Leeds, he pretended not to care and added, "Looks like our world's Ned is pretty great too, even getting tested by Strange. That guy's the Sorcerer Supreme."

"Wow," Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, marveled. "If Strange himself is testing him, that's huge. But wait... isn't Wong the Sorcerer Supreme now, since Strange was AWOL for five years?"

"Exactly," Ned said, sipping a soda. "And this doesn't look like a test. Just check Strange's face."

Sure enough, Strange's expression was dark as he tried to reason with the rebellious Cloak of Levitation. After a moment, the cloak gently returned Chubby Leeds to the ground.

As if responding to Strange's summon, the cloak detached itself from Leeds, though one corner lingered on him for a moment before fully letting go.

"Mr. Strange, did Ned pass the test?" Peter asked cautiously.

"Well... let's say he might have," Wong stammered, still in shock, his lamb shank forgotten on the ground.

Whoosh!

"Have him report to 177A Bleecker Street in three days," Strange said curtly, pulling the Cloak of Levitation back and storming off, seemingly having an intense discussion with it.

"Peter! I passed the sorcerer's test!"

Still dazed, Chubby Leeds stared at Strange's retreating figure and suddenly exclaimed excitedly to Peter.

"Hey, Ned, would you like to become my personal disciple? You may not know this, but I'm the Sorcerer Supreme, the leader of all Kamar-Taj sorcerers."

Wong, now composed, walked over, patted Chubby Leeds on the shoulder, and gave him an approving look.

"Th-thank you! I won't let you down, Sorcerer Supreme!"

Chubby Leeds, his eyes shining with excitement, clenched his fists and said earnestly.

"Congratulations, Ned," Peter said with a smile, genuinely happy for his friend.

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