———————————————

International Study Program Acceptance Letter

To: Sebastian Shaw

Address: New York, NY, USA

Subject: Acceptance into the Global Cultural Studies Program

Dear Sebastian,

We are pleased to confirm your acceptance into the Global Cultural Studies Program at the Institute of International Heritage, located in New York City, for the academic term spanning September 2010 to December 2011.

Program Details:

Duration: 15 months

Focus: Advanced studies in historical and cultural preservation

Location: New City, with field research in restricted archival sites

Communication: Due to the remote nature of field sites, electronic communication may be limited. Correspondence will be managed through designated program channels.

Requirements:

Submit passport and visa documentation by June 15, 2010.

Attend pre-departure orientation (virtual) on August 1, 2010.

Provide emergency contact: Alisha Shaw,+91 9670208220

This program offers a unique opportunity to engage with rare historical materials, aligning with your demonstrated interest in cultural studies. We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elena Moreau

Program Director

Institute of International Heritage

Note: This document is issued for official use. Verification can be requested through secure channels .

———————————

“So… you want me to forge study abroad documents so you can sneak off and have fun?” Tony asked, smirking.

Sebastian sighed. “Not fun, Tony. I’m heading somewhere rich with magical resources. It’ll take over a year. Besides the fake documents, I need you to create a virtual avatar for me. It should send messages, call, or video chat with Alisha when I’m free. That’s not too hard for you, right?”

“Not hard,” Tony said, “but where are you going that blocks calls and messages?”

“Think of it as a magical sanctuary. Electronics don’t work, and once you’re in, you’re stuck for a while.”

Tony nodded. “Fine, I can do it. But you’ll need to help with image and voice capture. I can’t conjure a fake you from nothing, even virtually. Also, I’ll need non-private chat logs with Alisha to mimic your habits.”

“I’ll send those once I’ve sorted them,” Sebastian said.

“Let’s start with the image and voice capture now.”

“Deal!”

—————————-

A week had passed since the Stark Expo battle. Sebastian and Tony had settled back into quieter lives. The acquisition of Hammer Industries was underway, but its military tech transfers to the government would take months, slowing progress. Stark Potions, the new subsidiary, was still in early stages, giving Tony no reason to object to Sebastian’s year-long absence.

Sebastian was preparing for a journey to Asgard. While the trip wasn’t confirmed, planning ahead was wise. Missing a chance to visit Asgard due to unpreparedness would be a shame.

His only Earthly concern was Alisha. After much thought, he decided to enlist Tony’s help, using a study abroad cover to spend a year away. With a virtual avatar handling occasional calls and messages, Alisha wouldn’t worry, given her busy schedule.

Two days earlier, Sebastian had sensed a surge of magic from Asgard’s Rainbow Bridge. Thor’s hammer had landed, signaling the Thunder God’s arrival on Earth as a mortal (Thor). To forge ties with Asgard, Sebastian needed to head to New Mexico—fast.

——————————-

“Sebastian, have you packed everything? Clothes, toiletries, bank cards? What’s the weather like at your destination? Pack extra layers,” Alisha said.

Sebastian zipped his suitcase, stepped forward, and hugged his mother. “Don’t worry, Mom. This is a full Stark Industries scholarship—one of a kind at my school. Your son’s pretty exceptional, huh? I’ll be back in about a year.”

Alisha sighed, holding her now-taller son. “This exchange program came out of nowhere. No warning, and suddenly you’re off to the other side of the world. I don’t know what your school’s thinking, making decisions so recklessly.”

“The government’s behind it,” Sebastian said. “That’s how things work around here.”

Alisha patted his back and let go. “Fine. Don’t embarrass me there. Study hard, do well. You love spicy food, so you should adjust easily.”

“I’ll call and message often,” Sebastian said. “We can video chat if you miss me. I’m heading out—the car’s probably here.”

“Go on, then,” Alisha said.

Sebastian nodded, grabbed his silver suitcase, and took the elevator downstairs. A sleek black business car waited outside.

Happy, the driver, stepped out. Sebastian, acting unfamiliar, loaded his suitcase into the trunk with Happy’s help. He waved to Alisha at the building’s entrance, said a final goodbye, and slid into the backseat. The car pulled away.

Watching Alisha fade through the rear window, Sebastian turned to Tony. “Your car’s a bit flashy. If Mom knew cars, she’d question why a school ride’s so fancy.”

Tony shrugged. “This is my least flashy car.”

“Whatever. You’ve handled all the paperwork, right?”

“Done,” Tony said. “Stark’s got pull in education circles.”

“Good. I’m heading straight to New Mexico after I get off.”

“New Mexico?” Tony raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t mention that. S.H.I.E.L.D.’s sniffing around there too. Same reason?”

Sebastian nodded. “Yeah. I told you I know folks in Earth’s magical circles. They tipped me off about a powerful being from another realm—a sort of alien with a magical-tech heritage.”

“Aliens with magic and tech?” Tony asked. “They’re real?”

“Very real,” Sebastian said. “Not exactly magicians, but their civilization blends magic and technology.”

“Got it,” Tony said. “When you’re back, grab some of their magi-tech gear. Could upgrade the Mark Ω.”

“I’ll bring you some souvenirs,” Sebastian said.

The car stopped in Stark Tower’s underground garage, empty and camera-free to avoid detection. Sebastian pulled his suitcase from the trunk and slipped it into a magically expanded bag, sparking Tony’s envy.

“Sebastian, when you’re back, make me one of those,” Tony said. “I could carry my armors anywhere.”

“You want everything,” Sebastian teased. “We’ll talk when I’m back. I’m off!”

“Maybe I’ll swing by New Mexico,” Tony said.

Sebastian grinned, slipped on a ring, and opened a Kamar-Taj portal with a flick of his wand. He stepped through, vanishing.

——————–

Puente Antiguo, New Mexico

A weathered bus creaked to a halt, and Sebastian, clad in a hoodie with the hood drawn up, stepped off. The town’s quiet, unfamiliar rhythm—far removed from the pulse of the city—struck him as he stretched his arms.

He scanned the dusty streets, ready to find a place to stay, when a sharp scream pierced the air.

Turning, Sebastian spotted a jeep parked haphazardly by the roadside.

Two women and a man scrambled out, rushing to a blond, muscular figure sprawled on the ground behind the vehicle, checking if their collision had harmed him.

Sebastian’s eyebrows lifted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “This town’s small,” he murmured, “but this small? Remarkable.”

He’d stumbled upon Thor, the mortal god of thunder, moments after arriving.

Yet Sebastian held back from approaching.

Thor, still brash and untested by life’s trials, wasn’t ready for a private meeting. Approaching now, fresh off the bus, would draw too much attention, too soon.

Instead, Sebastian memorized the jeep’s license plate and cast a subtle Trace Charm with a flick of his dragon heartstring wand, ensuring he could track Thor later. With that, he turned and slipped away to secure lodging.

By nightfall, Sebastian emerged from his rented house.

Uncertain of Thor’s stay, he’d opted for a month-long rental over a fleeting motel stay, giving him a stable base in this remote town.

Strolling the dimly lit streets, he studied the town’s quaint shops, their quirky charm catching his eye as he hunted for a restaurant to pique his interest.

Then, a small storefront stopped him cold—a fortune-telling shop, its modest facade adorned with mystic decor.

He’d seen similar places in the city, but this one was different. A strange, undeniable pull emanated from within, tugging at his magical senses, beckoning him closer.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep