"Saitama, how about this? This church is one of New York's most famous, rebuilt after centuries of history and war."
Pepper Potts smiled as she introduced it. She wore a neat suit this time, specially chosen for the rare occasion of accompanying her elusive guest outdoors.
"Not really a fan of churches."
Saitama muttered, both hands full of shopping bags.
In truth, "church visits" were just an excuse. Pepper's real mission, assigned by Stark, was to drag Saitama out grocery shopping.
After discovering that Saitama's favorite pastime was visiting discount supermarkets, Stark had even bought several scenic ones across New York—just to keep his baldy shareholder entertained.
"Uh… Saitama, walking outside is still good for you. According to the map, the next supermarket is only a few minutes away. Shall we head there now?"
Pepper sighed, pulling up her holo-navigation.
Saitama's eyes brightened. "Let's go. Not far, right?"
For the first time, he showed some interest. Pepper nearly rolled her eyes. He owned half of Stark Industries but had zero rich-man airs. For a discount deal, he'd cross all of New York.
"Wait."
Just as they were about to leave, Saitama stopped. His gaze shifted to the church.
"What is it, Saitama? Tired? Should I call Happy to pick us up?"
Pepper, heels aching, tilted her head curiously.
"There's fighting inside. That's Strange's energy."
"Fighting? But… it's a church. Besides, there's no sound. The police can handle it."
Her words were cut short by the groaning twist of reality. The church's walls bent like a kaleidoscope, the ground rolling and folding. Space itself distorted outward like a spreading virus.
"Oh my god! What's happening?!" Pepper screamed as her vision spun.
"You can't escape, Doctor."
Kaecilius's sinister voice echoed from within the church. Empowered by Dormammu's dark energy, he now dwarfed even Mordo and Strange, twisting space at will.
At the church doors, Strange staggered back, alarmed. Through the chaos, he saw Pepper and Saitama caught in the effect. His doctor's instincts flared—he couldn't let innocents die.
A fiery portal opened. "Quick! Leave! This place isn't for you!"
He thrust it open for them. But gravity shifted, dragging Strange back as the church doors slammed shut.
Saitama calmly handed Pepper the bags. "He's right. Go home and watch TV. Oh—and take these with you."
"Wha—Saitama, what's going on? Am I dreaming?"
Before she could resist, Saitama lightly kicked her through the portal.
Whoosh—
Pepper tumbled out, landing face-first on a sofa. Groceries rained down like hail.
Across from her, Stark, mid-swig of wine, froze.
"…Weren't you at St. Paul's Cathedral? How the hell—?"
Pepper shot him a look. "You're drinking again?"
"Huh? No, I thought that was yesterday… You must be seeing things." Stark sheepishly hid the bottle.
Pepper huffed, then grew anxious. "Forget it. Go save Saitama—he's in trouble!"
Stark smirked. "Saitama? Don't worry. Even if the world ends, that guy won't die. He's a monster."
Pepper: "…"
Inside the cathedral—
"Strange, you can't run forever. You still don't know the Ancient One's secret."
Kaecilius's laughter echoed as he toyed with his prey, his zealots in pursuit.
"Dormammu is the true master, the savior of worlds! I don't seek to rule—I seek to save!"
"You slaughter innocents and call it salvation? You're insane!" Strange shot back, fleeing.
But suddenly—
"Achoo!"
A sneeze broke the deadly chase.
Both Kaecilius and Strange froze.
There, in the corridor, stood a bald man in a plain T-shirt, flip-flops, and pockets stuffed with his hands. A slacker's face, rubbing his nose.
"…A person? Here?" Kaecilius blinked. He had sealed the area. Only Strange and his zealots should be inside. Yet a random bald guy had appeared?
"The civilian?!" Strange's eyes widened. Was this his mistake? Had the portal dropped Saitama here?
"Hey! Get out, now!" Strange yelled.
But Kaecilius's eyes narrowed. Killing one more or one less meant nothing. Especially a weakling human.
"Dispose of him. That garbage is in the way."
With a cold snort, Kaecilius waved his zealots forward.
(End of Chapter)
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