Chapter 163: The Eye of Agamotto
Mordo, the elite sorcerer, finally calmed down under Doctor Strange’s persuasion. However, the look in his eyes when he glanced at Gene was far from friendly.
"M-Mr. Mason... I didn’t expect it to really be you," said Doctor Strange, extending his hand toward Gene. "I’m Stephen Strange. We met briefly at a banquet once, though I imagine you’ve long forgotten..."
"Doctor Strange, the genius of the surgical world," Gene replied calmly, his voice as precise as ever as his gaze briefly shifted to Strange’s trembling hands. "For minds like yours, I never forget. After all, my brain’s built a little differently."
Gene pointed to his own head, his tone dryly humorous.
"I still can’t believe it..." Strange looked at Gene with awe. "When the Ancient One spoke of you, I thought it was some kind of myth. Who could imagine that a figure as prominent in the scientific world as you... was also a master of the mystic arts. And... in that kind of body..."
"Existence defines reason," Gene said serenely. "In my eyes, science and magic are simply two paths leading to the same destination. They don’t conflict—they complement."
"What utter nonsense," Mordo scoffed with a cold snort, but the other two ignored him completely.
"I could sense your respect for the Ancient One from your words just now," Strange said softly. "Even though she’s gone... your tone tells me you still honor her memory."
"We had our differences," Gene replied in a low voice. "But that doesn’t change the fact that she gave me everything—shared all her knowledge without reservation. That’s why I’m here now."