Got it! Here's the chapter where Stephen Strange finally nails his first real magical success — with Mark and Wong there to witness, mentor, and tease just a little.
CHAPTER 19 – Fractured Reflections, Part IV: First Light
A New Dawn
The morning sun filtered softly through the windows of Kamar-Taj's training hall.
Stephen Strange woke feeling… different. Determined, focused — no longer weighed down by frustration.
Mark and Wong were already there, practicing quietly, when Strange entered.
"I'm ready," Strange announced.
Mark raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Last time you said that, you nearly turned the training hall into a bonfire."
Wong only smiled gently.
The Spell
Today's task was simple: conjure an energy shield — a shimmering barrier to block attacks.
Strange stood in the center of the courtyard, fingers twitching nervously.
He closed his eyes, breathing steady.
Focus on the flow. Feel the energy. Don't force it.
Softly, he whispered the incantation.
A faint shimmer flickered.
Then stronger.
The air rippled, forming a glowing dome around him.
Mark and Wong exchanged surprised glances.
The shield held steady as a small rock bounced harmlessly off it.
Strange opened his eyes, a smile breaking through for the first time.
"I did it."
The Reaction
Mark clapped slowly, grinning. "Well, look who's finally getting it."
Wong nodded. "Good control. You're starting to understand the dance."
Strange exhaled, relief flooding him. "Feels… amazing."
Mark smirked. "Now try not to explode it."
Lessons Learned
Afterward, Mark pulled Strange aside.
"You've got talent, but remember: magic isn't about power. It's about balance."
Strange nodded, his confidence growing.
Wong added, "And patience. Always patience."
A New Beginning
That evening, Strange sat quietly by the fire, shield spell shimmering faintly in his palm.
Mark and Wong sat beside him, silent companions in a world that was slowly becoming less foreign — and more his own.