The Kryptonian: Reborn in Marvel as Bruce Wayne

The Sanctum Sanctorum was an impressive sight, even from the street. I approached the massive door, half expecting it to open on its own. When it didn't, I knocked.

No answer.

I knocked again, harder this time. Still nothing.

Letting out a sigh as I fixed my glasses, I called out, "I'm here to see the Ancient One. Either open the door, or I'll open it myself."

For a moment, silence. Then, beneath my feet, an orange disk of light materialized, glowing with intricate symbols. Before I could react, I was pulled into another world—into the Mirror Dimension. Maybe I shouldn't have threatened them.

The New York streets around me twisted and folded in ways that defied logic. Glass shards floated midair, and the buildings bent like paper being crumpled by an unseen hand.

"Impatient, aren't we?"

The voice was calm, firm, and came from a bald woman in yellow monk robes standing a few feet away. Her expression was unreadable, yet her eyes seemed to pierce right through me.

"You're the Ancient One," I said, more as a statement than a question.

"And you," she replied, tilting her head slightly, "should not exist."

Her words hit like a hammer, but I shrugged them off, I didn't care if she knew the truth. "Yeah, I know, but I worked really hard to come to this world. My life back then was shit, so here I am."

She stepped closer, studying me like I was some kind of anomaly—and maybe I was. "Your presence disrupts the natural flow of time. Every breath you take shifts the balance of the universe."

"That's nice," I said casually. "But let's cut to the chase. Your plans? Well you might want to change it as things are going to be very very different from now on."

Her brow furrowed slightly, though her tone remained calm. "You presume much. Do you believe your vision is greater than mine?"

"Not greater," I admitted, crossing my arms. "But better. Your intentions are noble, but they're flawed. I need you alive, I know who you are and what you been through. I know about what will come in the future and I know how to save not only it but you as well."

She studied me for a moment, then asked, "And what would you do with this world you're so eager to change?"

"Make it better," I said simply. "I have the power, the resources, and the knowledge to reshape the future. But before I take up the mantle of a hero, I want to master the mystic arts. That's why I'm here."

Her expression softened, but her gaze remained sharp. "You speak with conviction, but conviction alone does not make one worthy."

"Then test me," I said.

She was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will teach you. If you can use what I teach to better the future, you may continue your training. If not, I will bind your magic and banish you from ever learning the mystic arts again."

"Deal," I said without hesitation.

She extended her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, the Mirror Dimension shattered like glass, depositing us in the heart of Kamar-Taj, the air was thick with incense.

"Welcome to Kamar-Taj," she said. "Your lessons begin now. It is time to open your mind."

Her thumb pressed against my forehead, and my world exploded.

Colors I didn't have names for streaked across my vision. I saw galaxies being born and destroyed in the span of seconds. Dimensions collided and stretched into infinity. My mind felt like it was expanding beyond the confines of my skull, touching the edges of reality itself. It felt like hours as I went through the craziest acid trip in my life.

When I came to, I was on my knees, gasping for breath. The Ancient One stood over me, calm and collected as ever.

"Next time," I muttered, pulling myself to my feet, "a little warning would be nice."

"Hmm, follow me."

She led me through the halls, explaining the history of the mystic arts, the purpose of Kamar-Taj, and the responsibilities of those who wield magic. Her words were measured, every sentence a lesson in itself.

Finally, we arrived at the Grand Library.

"This is where you will begin," she said, gesturing to the shelves upon shelves of ancient texts. "Study. Learn. When you are ready, I will return."

I raised an eyebrow. "No instruction? Just… read?"

She smiled faintly. "Reading is a form of instruction. The answers you seek are within these pages."

With that, she left.

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A month later, the Ancient One returned. She spoke briefly with the librarian, who pointed to me. I was at a corner table, surrounded by piles of books, yawning as I stretched my arms over my head.

"Finished already?" she asked, her tone tinged with amusement.

"Every book in here," I said casually. "Except for your personal collection. I figured those were off-limits."

Her brow arched. "You've read them all?"

I nodded. "And understood them."

"I see," She tossed me a small metallic object. I caught it without hesitation. "A Sling Ring, with it you are able to open a portal to wherever you can invison." she explained. "Try it."

Slipping it onto my fingers, I raised my hand, and copied what I seen them do in the movies since unlike Dr. Strange I did not take a class. The image of Wayne Tower formed in my head as I focused. I got a couple sparks at first before I managed to create a successful portal that opened infront of the familiar glass doors of the tower. I couldn't help but get exited over it, before I closed the portal.

The Ancient One nodded, impressed. "Your progress is remarkable. Now, we move on to the next stage."

She waved her hand, and the air around us shimmered. The Mirror Dimension engulfed us once more.

"Let us see how well you can learn the art of spellcasting," she said, her voice calm but firm.