"I collected some magical creatures while I was at Hogwarts," Banner said.

"They can assist me in battle, so I was thinking, maybe I could become more of a... beastmaster-type wizard?"

"Sounds like you found quite a few," Malrick tilted his head with interest.

"Not bad," Banner replied, raising the worn leather briefcase he was carrying. "Professor Dumbledore introduced me to a wizard named Newt Scamander. He's a brilliant naturalist and taught me a lot about magical creatures."

He patted the briefcase lightly. "This was a gift from him. It contains an enormous internal space with diverse environments—deserts, grasslands, wetlands. Over the past six months, I've raised several magical creatures inside. Hulk and I have both grown quite fond of them, and most of them like us too... except for a few, like Graphorns and Erumpents. They're still a bit wary. Hulk wrestled with a few of them and has this habit of grabbing their horns and riding them around."

Banner chuckled, a little sheepish. "I actually meant to ask if I could bring them back. But as you saw when we were leaving, Hulk wouldn't stop hugging Professor Hagrid. I didn't even get a chance to step out and make the request."

"Hagrid's got that effect," Malrick nodded. "He's like a big brother figure to Hulk, isn't he?"

"Exactly," Banner smiled. "I think that half-giant energy resonates with Hulk in a good way."

"No need to apologize," Malrick said, eyeing the case. "But you've mentioned so many magical creatures. Shouldn't we get a look at them?"

Banner nodded eagerly and opened the case. One by one, the group descended through the opening.

They stepped down into a small wooden hut within the briefcase's enchanted space. A simple ladder led down from the hatch. The room was cramped, filled with magical supplies and ingredients stacked neatly on shelves. A pair of double doors sat off to the side.

Tony stepped forward and pushed them open. The view beyond made all of them pause.

A moonlit prairie stretched out, wild and beautiful. Tall grasses swayed in the wind, occasionally parting to reveal odd little beasts with long necks and wide eyes—creatures that looked like whimsical cousins of alpacas. Overhead, skeletal-winged creatures glided down from above. Off to one side, hippogriffs stood quietly, half-eagle, half-horse.

Farther in the distance, colossal birds crackled with lightning as they danced atop jagged peaks, while great beasts bellowed from within ancient forests.

"Magic really is extraordinary," Malrick muttered, his voice low with awe.

"This space is divided into different ecosystems," Banner explained. "Each has unique climates and environments. This one's for Mooncalves, Nightmares, and Hippogriffs. The sunlit areas further out are home to Thunderbirds, Graphorns, and also smaller ones like Nifflers and Bowtruckles."

At Banner's request, Wong summoned the enchanted broom Dumbledore had gifted them.

They all climbed aboard and flew through the space, gliding over more than thirty magical species before eventually making their way out of the case.

Back in Kamar-Taj, Malrick gave a firm nod of approval. "Banner, I think it's absolutely viable for you to fight as a beastmaster. With that kind of support, even an Asgardian warrior would have a hard time against you."

"Besides," he added, "beast tamers aren't limited to long-range support. And if things go south, Hulk is always an option."

Banner grinned. "I'll do what I have to. This is basically a diplomatic event, right? Like the Olympics? A peaceful contest between civilizations?"

"Not quite," Tony interjected, arms crossed and face serious. "This isn't the Olympics. It's a practical demonstration of power. Their bodies are their weapons, like our guns or tech. So, this is really about showing which side is stronger."

He looked at Malrick. "Starting this challenge was a smart move. As far as Asgard's concerned, Earth is just a backwater planet. It's time we made them see we're not the same primitive world they remember."

"Public perception matters..." Malrick started, but paused as Tony's determination became contagious.

The truth was, Malrick had already settled most of the political stakes. When he first met Odin, their brief mental exchange ended in Malrick's favor. Odin had acknowledged his strength. This challenge wasn't about diplomacy or hierarchy—it was more of a friendly contest.

But before he could say that, Tony was already fired up.

"We have to win this," Tony said. "If Hulk can't be beaten by any Asgardian, then my Mark 8 armor should handle another match."

He paused, calculating. "That leaves Wong and Mordo. Between them, we just need one more win to clinch it."

Tony suddenly straightened. "We can't be careless. I've been working on something. While I was at Hogwarts, I studied Transfiguration seriously. Now I'm integrating it into my optical tech—if I can fuse magic with engineering, I'll have a completely new type of armor."

He turned to Malrick, urgent. "Send me back now. There's only four months left. I need to start upgrading right away."

Malrick tried to interject. "Actually, there's no need to rush, I've already—"

But Tony waved him off. "No time! The sooner I get this started, the better our odds."

"...Alright," Malrick said, opening a portal. He watched Tony step through with solemn purpose.

Some pressure wasn't a bad thing. It would only push Tony further.

He turned back to Wong and Mordo.

"What exactly did you tell Tony about Odin? He seems to have a... skewed idea."

Wong thought for a second. "I told him you looked at Odin for a few seconds and won. Then I mentioned the Ancient One. So... this challenge happened."

Malrick sighed. With that kind of vague storytelling, it must've sounded like Odin backed off purely out of respect for the Ancient One.

"Wong, next time let Mordo tell the story. Please."

He turned to Mordo. "Speaking of Hogwarts, did Tony study anything besides Transfiguration?"

Mordo nodded. "He also developed a universal version of the Bloodline Potion. He based it on your early prototype. Using ingredients from individual magical creatures, he formulated a new version. It's stable and doesn't suffer from the unrefinable issues of your first attempt."

"But it has flaws," he added. "The magic boost is modest, and it causes physical traits to change. A Mooncalf-based potion elongates the neck and enlarges the eyes. One using Zouwu traits can produce feline ears and tails."

Malrick blinked. "...So he added his personal taste into the formula."

"Unclear," Mordo replied stoically. "But once it succeeded, he published the formula. The Ministry awarded him the First Class Order of Merlin before we left."

"Tony really made an impression," Malrick said, genuinely impressed. "Even you seem to admire him."

"He earned it," Mordo answered firmly.

Malrick looked to both of them. "And what about you two? Did you accomplish anything at Hogwarts?"

That question hit hard. Wang and Mordo exchanged a glance and both lowered their heads.

"...We just barely completed the curriculum," Mordo admitted.

They looked like schoolboys bracing for their parents' disappointment.

Malrick chuckled under his breath.

---

I've held up my end.....so, where are my power stones?