Marvel: Ned the Master of Mystic Arts

Late in the Month of May

In Front of Midtown High School

A short guy, just over 5 feet tall, wrapped an arm around the shoulder of a chubby guy next to him and said enthusiastically, "Hey, Ned! Summer vacation has finally started. So, what's your plan for the summer? There's a tech expo in Manhattan next week—are you going?"

The short guy's name was Peter Parker. A plain name, an ordinary surname, and an even more unremarkable person. Compared to his other classmates, his "nerdy" identity made him even more overlooked.

That's why he cherished his only friend, Ned Leeds, so much.

Ned glanced at the short guy who had an arm around his shoulder. It was hard to believe that this guy would someday become the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

But his face, which bore a 70-80% resemblance to Tom Holland, and the recent interview with Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, served as stark reminders. This unassuming short guy was destined to be Iron Man's protégé—Spider-Man.

"Sorry, Peter, I already have plans for the summer. I won't be able to go to the expo with you," Ned said apologetically, looking at Peter.

"It's fine. You don't have to apologize. I can go by myself," Peter replied, but it was clear to anyone paying attention that disappointment was written all over his face.

"Hey, Peter, don't be like that. I'll bring you back a surprise—you're going to love it!" Ned said, patting Peter on the shoulder as he noticed his friend's downcast expression.

"Really? Thanks, Ned!" Peter replied, his face lighting up.

After parting ways with Peter, Ned walked the streets alone, deep in thought about his plans for the summer—or more specifically, how to successfully catch the attention of the Ancient One and learn magic.

That's right. This Ned was no longer the same chubby kid from before. He was originally a model citizen from another universe.

On a stormy night filled with thunder and lightning, a bolt of lightning struck him down like he was Nick Fury.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself reincarnated as Ned Leeds.

Once he understood his new identity and the general situation of this world, having seen Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ned made up his mind. He had to go to Kamar-Taj to learn magic. He couldn't let his newfound potential go to waste.

After all, considering how casually he had opened a portal in the movie, he figured that if he started studying magic now, before Ultron even came into existence, and kept learning until Thanos arrived, he could definitely deal with that "Purple Grape Titan."

As for going back home… being an orphan with little to no prospects, the Ned from his original world felt there wasn't much to go back to anyway.

Still, learning magic wasn't an easy task. Kamar-Taj was known for its strict selection process and emphasis on sincerity and personal history. Every sorcerer at Kamar-Taj had a story to tell.

If he just showed up out of nowhere, the Ancient One wouldn't take him in. After all, even though he had incredible potential, the Ancient One wouldn't know that unless he began learning magic.

If she already knew, the movies wouldn't have portrayed Doctor Strange as her successor. After all, wasn't Ned just as good a candidate?

The question was: how could he successfully join Kamar-Taj and start learning magic? This was something that required careful planning.

Back home, Ned quickly ate dinner and went to bed early. After all, he needed to be well-rested for tomorrow—his big day to apply as a sorcerer.

The Next Day

"Grandma, I'm heading out!" Ned shouted, gulping down a glass of milk and grabbing a piece of bread as he called into the house.

Without waiting for a response, he rushed out the door.

Taking the subway to Manhattan, Ned hailed a cab that dropped him off at "Bleecker Street."

"177A Bleecker Street," Ned silently recited the address in his mind, feeling energized as he began his search.

As a Marvel fan, Ned vividly remembered the address Doctor Strange had given Thor in Thor: Ragnarok.

Using his sharp observation skills and intelligence, Ned quickly found the New York Sanctum, which bore the distinct emblem of Kamar-Taj.

Looking up at the symbol, Ned's excitement bubbled over as he rang the doorbell.

"Who are you looking for?" The door opened, and a Black man in sorcerer robes, sporting a Nick Fury-like haircut, stepped out. He frowned as he eyed Ned with curiosity.

"I…" Before Ned could answer, a kind and calm female voice called out from inside, "Let him in, Master Daniel."

Although clearly puzzled, Master Daniel stepped aside and let Ned enter, following the instructions.

Inside, Ned saw two people. One was a bald white woman, and the other… well, who cared about the other person. The important thing was that the Ancient One herself was here!

Ned's original plan was to use the Ancient One's name to gain entry into the Sanctum, then find an opportunity to reveal his magical talent—perhaps by interacting with the artifacts inside.

This would surely draw the Ancient One's attention and convince her to teach him magic. After all, once his talent was exposed, combined with the Ancient One's knowledge of his true nature, she wouldn't refuse his request.

But now, standing face-to-face with the Ancient One, all of Ned's plans went out the window. He had no idea what to do.

"Mr. Leeds? Aren't you a bit early—by twelve years?" The Ancient One smiled warmly at Ned, adding, "Hmm… you seem to know me?"

"Of course not. Sorry, I think I've got the wrong place." Ned quickly turned to leave.

He knew any lies would be useless in front of the Ancient One. Without even trying, he decided to leave immediately.

But as soon as he turned around, he found his path blocked by Master Daniel.

The Ancient One's voice rang out again, "Mr. Leeds, it seems you're a little… different."

Ned froze, then reluctantly turned back to face her.

Before Ned could respond, the Ancient One appeared before him in an instant, pressing her palm firmly against his chest.

In the blink of an eye, a sensation of weightlessness washed over him. Glancing down, he saw his own body suspended in the air, now faintly translucent.

Looking at himself, he realized he was now in his "astral form."

Ned, familiar with Marvel lore, knew exactly what was happening. He immediately gave up any resistance and braced himself for whatever the Ancient One had planned.

The Ancient One studied his astral form for a moment, then said simply, "Sorry."

With a twist of her hand in the air, Ned's astral form merged back into his physical body.

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