"With a creak, the door was pushed open. The Main Universe Captain America walked in, looking at the pale-faced Main Universe Doctor Strange, and said, "Steven, are you okay? I heard you've had some magic disruption. The Supreme Magician of the Central Universe sent over a magic potion."
The Main Universe Captain America took out a bottle of potion and placed it on the bedside table, then said, "Although I don't really understand magic either, the other Doctor Strange said it's quite effective. Remember to drink it before you sleep."
To the surprise of the Main Universe Captain America, the Main Universe Doctor Strange showed no hesitation, uncorked the bottle, and gulped it down in one go.
The Main Universe Captain America sat down beside him, placing his shield to the side, noticing the Main Universe Doctor Strange frown in some pain, with a flash of magic light in his eyes, which then slowly subsided.
"It really works, thank you."
The Main Universe Captain America smiled at him and then said, "The Supreme Magician of the Central Universe mentioned you weren't wearing the Life Support Ring, causing you to be exposed to the vacuum environment for a moment. This affected your respiratory system and might have exposed you to some radiation, so you need to stay in hospital for observation for a while. Don't think too much, just get well."
"How many died?" the Main Universe Doctor Strange looked at him and asked.
The Main Universe Captain America was silent for a moment, then said, "Preliminary statistics suggest about a dozen. In addition to ordinary Asgard warriors, there were two Thors and five Doctor Stranges."
The Main Universe Doctor Strange's hand tightened once again.
"There are always casualties in war," the Main Universe Captain America said, "Fortunately, this time the losses on the other side were greater than ours. Many of the Green Lantern ships they brought were disassembled, reconstruction will take some time, and require a lot of energy. They also suffered significant personnel losses, all of whom were superheroes, and we also captured three Lasso of Truths. It was quite a victory."
"If we had withdrawn, there wouldn't have been this battle."
"This battle was going to happen sooner or later. If not at the outpost, then at the Asgard Base frontline. There would still have been sacrifices. It's not entirely your fault, don't think too much."
The Main Universe Doctor Strange suddenly looked at Captain America and said, "Can you tell me about the wars you've fought?"
"What do you mean? World War II?"
"Yes, which battles did you participate in?"
"There are many. But most of the time I was engaged in behind-the-enemy-lines operations, rarely appearing on the front lines, though I have fought many street battles. If you want to hear, I can tell you about them."
"You've seen many people sacrifice themselves, right?"
The Main Universe Captain America nodded and said, "Yes, many have died in front of me. I've tried my best to save them, but life is very fragile. Watching them disappear is not pleasant, but I've gotten used to it."
"Used to it?"
"Yes, for a warrior, one must get used to sacrifice, even get used to nightmares about death, because one day I will die like that too. Fear doesn't change the result, it only hastens death. Those who cannot adapt to death will embrace it sooner."
"I've suddenly realized the gravity of this," the Main Universe Doctor Strange said, "It's not that you decide to fight a war and victory comes your way. Or rather, what arrives faster is a fear gripping your throat."
"New recruits are like that," the Main Universe Captain America said, "Before actually engaging in war, no one can imagine the brutality of it. Any place that treats death as commonplace is hell. You can only adapt, not escape."
"And I personally started this war..." The Main Universe Doctor Strange's grip on the railing turned white, "I didn't think it would be like this."
"I'm a bit puzzled, what's so unexpected about it?" The Main Universe Captain America asked, confused, "Didn't you think war causes death? That's common knowledge. Where there's war, there will be bloodshed and sacrifices. Didn't you know that?"
"I just... have never been so close to it."
"I see," the Main Universe Captain America sighed, "You thought you could stand high above, commanding soldiers on the front lines to seize victory and enjoy the wonderful results of war victory. But now you've realized that you are that soldier, and victory must be forged with your blood. But the taste of bleeding is unpleasant and makes you afraid."
After pausing for a moment, he continued, "If we were ordinary people living on Earth, perhaps you would have the opportunity to be that person standing at a Congress seat, commanding soldiers to risk their lives for you. Many such people have lived magnificently, never feeling the fear of frontline soldiers."
"But Steven, in the conflict of the multiverse, no one can stay unscathed. Disasters threatening the multiverse will see all living intelligent life as a whole. There's no humanitarianism, no nuclear non-proliferation, no room for negotiation. It will indiscriminately destroy everyone. Both the commanders and frontline soldiers face the same fear. That's precisely what we must overcome, isn't it?"
The Main Universe Doctor Strange remained silent, his gaze becoming vacant, as if his spirit was wandering through the cosmos. No one knew how he felt.
After staying for a while, the Main Universe Captain America left, and then the Main Universe Thor arrived. The Main Universe Doctor Strange seemed to snap back to reality, glancing at the Main Universe Thor.
"Hey, are you okay?" Main Universe Thor greeted him, then said, "They say you might have to stay here for a while, so I came by to check on you."
"Did you see them?" Main Universe Doctor Strange suddenly asked.
"What?"
"Your counterparts, did you see how they died?"
"Uh, yeah, I saw. Honestly, they were pretty unlucky. Luckily, I reacted quickly and didn't step into the trap." Main Universe Thor said awkwardly, "I just messaged them, and they said the sensation of pain when death arrived was retained, but the process was fast, only the initial moment was quite painful, then it felt like waking up from a nightmare. So, you don't have to worry too much."
"Don't you feel..."
"Feel what?"
"Don't you feel afraid?"
"Watching someone who looks just like me die in front of me is indeed a bit weird, like watching a horror film. You know, like a ghost suddenly choking you in the mirror." Main Universe Thor shook his head and then said, "But as for being scared, not really. Death is death, everyone dies."
Main Universe Doctor Strange fell silent again. Main Universe Thor thought he might have said something wrong, so he thought for a moment and added, "It's not because I'm particularly strong, but it's because Asgard's culture is like that. To us, honor is more important than life."
"To tell you the truth, the two Thors who died in this battle are actually cheering. Everyone is celebrating them in the group because they were the bravest in the entire fight, perfectly showcasing Asgard's spirit of honor in the face of strong enemies. They've even recorded it and plan to show it to Odin. Maybe Odin will give them an award."
"But those who survived are not disappointed either, because it means they can fight more battles. Just before I came here, they were saying it's been a long time since they had such a satisfying battle. They should thank you for that."
With that, Main Universe Thor grinned and said, "Initially, a few people thought it might be boring and didn't come, and now they're all rushing over here with excitement. But they missed the most spectacular battle, such a pity."
Main Universe Doctor Strange couldn't help but turn his head, as if there was nothing to say with such a born battle maniac.
It was then that Main Universe Thor realized he might have gotten carried away, and he couldn't help but scratch his face before saying, "Actually, I know what you're thinking, it's nothing more than rookie syndrome. The worst situations encountered on the battlefield are far worse than what was imagined before the war, and that can be overwhelming. But when you keep fighting, you'll find there's no worst, only worse. There are things more tragic than death."
"...Like what?"
"For example, everyone dies, but you survive. For example, your closest friend dies saving you, and you survive. For example, someone you could have saved still dies in front of you. For example, you tried everything, but ultimately, both death and failure arrive together."
"Thor." Professor X's voice suddenly appeared at the door. Main Universe Thor instinctively looked over and was surprised to see a young Charles standing in front of him, his mouth hanging open.
"Wait a minute, you really are young, and you really don't need a wheelchair!" Main Universe Thor stood up, looking at Charles.
Charles smiled helplessly and then gestured towards the door. Main Universe Thor scratched his nose awkwardly and walked out.
Charles came over and sat by the bed, poured a glass of water for Main Universe Doctor Strange, and asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Main Universe Doctor Strange seemed to regain some energy as he took the water and gulped it down, then wiped his mouth. This somewhat rugged behavior didn't quite suit him.
"I think it's a good approach," Charles suddenly said, "If the psychological shift hasn't happened yet, then start by imitating it in behavior. Making yourself act like a warrior can greatly reduce the fear. Erik did the same back then."
"You don't think I'm being naive, do you?" Main Universe Doctor Strange looked at him, "I resolutely started this war, yet now I feel afraid."
"If you put every person in history who started a war on the front lines, they might not perform better than you," Charles said.
Main Universe Doctor Strange slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it didn't quite look like a smile. Charles continued, "Although you're not in a good state now, I still have to notify you that the main participants of this war need to return to Earth for a meeting. If you think your physical condition can handle it..."
Main Universe Doctor Strange had already sat up, taking a deep breath and saying, "I'll go back now."
Charles reached out to stop him for a moment, then said, "I'm afraid I must remind you, some very pragmatic individuals in the ordinary people government will require everyone to conduct extremely thorough reviews and self-assessments. Some scenes that might terrify you will be repeatedly replayed, not just in pictures, or even videos, but directly extracted memories played in your mind by me. This might exert some pressure on your mind. If you feel like you can't handle it, I can tell them you didn't pass the psychological assessment and temporarily can't attend the meeting."
Main Universe Doctor Strange paused briefly with his hand on the teleportation portal, but only briefly, then he said without looking back, "I'm not sure if I can handle it, but I must go. I only ask one thing from you—if I have a stress reaction, knock me out in time. Thank you!"