The Cosmic Cauldron, the Axe of Angarruumus, the Book of Cagliostro, the Wand of Watoomb, the Staff of the Living Tribunal, the Boots of Valtorr… In the movie "Doctor Strange," many magical artifacts briefly appeared.
In the comic book version of the story, each of these artifacts has a significant origin and possesses extraordinary power.
Take the Staff of the Living Tribunal as an example.
To introduce this magical item, one must first explain what the Living Tribunal is. It is an immensely powerful deity, serving under OAA, the creator of the Marvel Omniverse, holding a position equivalent to a chief steward.
In terms of cosmic hierarchy, the Living Tribunal ranks above the Celestials. In terms of power, he has received authorization and gifts from OAA, sufficient to manage the balance of all Marvel multiverses. He is a genuine multiversal entity, at least two tiers higher than a Skyfather-level being.
Bearing the name of the Living Tribunal and called a staff… From its naming convention, it's evident that this weapon, like the Book of Cagliostro, must have the effect of 'borrowing power from the Living Tribunal.' Based on this premise, combined with the Living Tribunal's own cosmic rank and power, it's clear even to a fool that the staff's power would not be lacking.
But what about in reality?
In the movie, this thing was purely a decorative item. Forget about using it against Dormammu and Thanos; it couldn't even handle Kaecilius, who had just been corrupted and become Dormammu's minion.
Perhaps it was purely for symbolic meaning that it was given such an awesome name, or perhaps it continued the trope found in many Western fantasy works, belonging to that type of 'specialized killer' weapon that is usually useless but can unleash its power with exceptional results only in specific situations or against certain types of enemies.
In any case, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Shi Xiaolei currently resides, this thing is truly useless—a genuine white elephant.
And most of the magical artifacts stored in the New York Sanctum are just as useless as the Staff of the Living Tribunal.
Therefore, all this time, Shi Xiaolei had not been tempted by any of the artifacts, nor had he ever thought of 'wanting to own' them. Even the red cloak that occupied a significant amount of screen time in the movie, he was only simply curious about it, nothing more.
However, not actively asking for something doesn't mean refusing it.
If the Ancient One insisted on giving it, he wouldn't mind accepting it. Or rather, he would make the decision for Bayonetta and have her accept the Ancient One's gift.
Like now.
"Since you like it so much, and Master Ancient One doesn't mind giving it to you, then just take it."
Perhaps in cooperation with Shi Xiaolei's words, the magical artifact, which had transformed into a belt and was coiled around Bayonetta's forearm, opportunely 'raised its head' and, like a docile pet snake, nodded at Bayonetta several times.
"Take it," the Ancient One also smiled, "Judging by its reaction, it's quite clear it's very willing to be used by you."
She wasn't one to be indecisive, and she genuinely liked it… Twirling the belt buckle with her slender, fair fingertips, Bayonetta raised an eyebrow, "Then I won't be shy."
"Do you need a box?" The Ancient One smiled and turned her gaze to Daniel, "Master Drumm, if you please."
"Yes."
"No need." Stopping Daniel Drumm, who was about to leave, Bayonetta picked up the belt and casually swiped it around her waist.
The dark red belt deftly circled, and in a blink of an eye, it was coiled around Bayonetta's serpentine waist. Perhaps to suit her preferences, it even became a bit thinner, perfectly weaving itself into a shape that suited the aesthetic taste of a strong woman, yet wasn't overly flashy.
"Hmm, not bad." Not too tight, not too loose, and quite good-looking. Bayonetta touched the belt on her waist and nodded in satisfaction.
Thus, the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak fell into Bayonetta's hands, becoming the first new equipment she acquired in the Marvel Universe.
That's right, it was the very magical band that had bound Kaecilius in the movie's plot, twisting him into a very embarrassing posture.
Like the Staff of the Living Tribunal, this dark red magical band also bore the name of a powerful entity—Cyttorak, hailed as the most powerful demon god in the Marvel Multiverse. Whether it's Dormammu, the ruler of the Dark Dimension, or Chthon, who ascended from ancient human to god, created the Darkhold, and bears the names God of Dark Magic, Lord of the Underworld, and Lord of the Great Shadow, or Mephisto, who dwells in hell as a demon lord, their power is all beneath his.
As a powerful being of the same multiversal level, although his attributes are somewhat countered, in terms of overall strength, Cyttorak may not be inferior to the Living Tribunal.
But unlike the Staff of the Living Tribunal, this dark red magical band is clearly much more practical.
That staff can only be used to bludgeon people, but this magical band, besides whipping people, can also be used for binding. Just this one function of 'restricting enemy movement' already far surpasses the Staff of the Living Tribunal.
Furthermore, it possesses self-awareness and can shapeshift to suit the user's needs… If she doesn't mind, Bayonetta could even extend it countless times and weave it into a bandage-like outfit to wear, increasing her defense.
Its leather-like texture may not defend against heavy blunt force attacks, but ultimately, it is not made from the hide of an Earth creature. Perhaps it's the hide of a dragon from another dimension, or perhaps it comes from other powerful magical creatures; its inherent toughness far exceeds leather products on Earth. Coupled with Cyttorak's energy infusion, this magical band cannot be cut by just any sword.
It is very effective for defending against sharp weapon damage.
With Bayonetta's agility and the 'Witch Time' ability, which is like a cheat, she is almost impossible to hit when facing enemies wielding heavy blunt weapons. And assassinations from agile enemies cannot break through the defense of the Crimson Bands… Although she might not actually use it as a bandage-like outfit, it is undeniable that with this magical band, Bayonetta's self-preservation ability has greatly increased.
The gains were indeed significant.
As Bayonetta's companion, Shi Xiaolei was genuinely happy for her from the bottom of his heart.
Of course, considering that this item bore the name of a powerful entity, and Cyttorak was not on the side of good like the Vishanti, he still harbored some concern about whether this magical band would bring hidden dangers to Bayonetta.
To this, the Ancient One provided an answer.
"No need to worry, it's just a magical artifact," the Ancient One said with a smile, "As long as you don't attempt to dismantle and analyze its structure, or try to replicate another one using the same method, simply using it will not attract Cyttorak's attention."
The process of attempting to replicate it would be equivalent to analyzing Cyttorak's power and learning his knowledge. It is only natural that this would attract the attention of a powerful entity.
Conversely, if it's just simple use… Only the infringing party of a counterfeit product would attract the attention of the original manufacturer. Who would idly monitor every ordinary customer who has purchased their product?
The Ancient One explained it clearly, and Shi Xiaolei greatly exhaled in relief, "That puts my mind at ease."