"Don't apply human logic to cosmic entities. Even if the Devourer of Worlds consumes the Earth, Eternity will not die," the Sorcerer Supreme said calmly, shaking his head.
"The six cosmic abstracts are essentially manifestations of the universe's governing laws. Eternity is the personification of the universe's matter itself."
"As for the Devourer of Worlds, at least the physical projection you see in this universe, he is still part of the greater cosmic structure."
"If you liken the entire universe to a human body, then Earth might be the heart of Eternity. Meanwhile, Galactus's physical form is just another organ within Eternity."
"That organ's job is to consume aging or diseased cells and then promote the regeneration of new, healthy ones. So even if the Devourer consumes Earth, the cycle doesn't end. He would eventually form a younger, more vibrant planet in its place, another 'heart' for Eternity."
"To humans, losing a heart means death. But to a cosmic being like Eternity, it only causes a temporary weakening. Once a new heart is created, the strength returns. The real tragedy is for the inhabitants of the consumed planet like us humans. We're like the parasites clinging to the organ that's about to be recycled."
"I see..." Shin nodded in realization. That explained a lot especially why figures like the Ancient One hadn't lifted a finger when Galactus targeted Earth.
Perhaps if it had been a Sorcerer Supreme like Doctor Strange, someone with a greater sense of emotional attachment to humanity, there would've been an intervention. But the Ancient One had lived for countless years. His perspective on life, death, and cosmic balance was far more detached.
In the Ancient One's eyes, death was just a step in the eternal cycle. Humans would die sooner or later whether by age or annihilation. As long as their souls were not destroyed, he had no reason to interfere.
Mass extinction, galactic-scale disasters, or planetary destruction none of that mattered unless the fundamental laws of the universe were threatened. If Galactus consumed the Earth, the souls of the dead would still journey to the Realm of Death. In that cosmic equation, little changed.
On the other hand, extra-dimensional demon gods like Dormammu were true threats. They didn't just feed on energy, they siphoned souls from this universe into their own, violating its cosmic order. They were parasites on the very laws of existence, offering nothing in return.
With his question finally answered, Shin was satisfied. After a simple meal at Kamar-Taj, the group prepared to leave.
Before departing, Shin's eyes caught sight of a new apprentice training in a courtyard a lanky, horse-faced man desperately trying to conjure a portal. His hand trembled as he awkwardly traced the air, his face contorted with effort. Yet not even a spark emerged.
According to Mordo, the Ancient One's current disciple, this new apprentice was named Stephen Strange. He had once been a respected doctor in New York, but a car accident had left his hands permanently damaged. In search of healing, he turned to Kamar-Taj.
Mordo spoke with a mix of pity and subtle pride. "He begged the Master for days before he finally agreed to teach him magic. But it seems he's not very talented or perhaps he still doesn't truly believe in it."
Shin glanced at Mordo, who now wore an air of superiority. "Perhaps... if that makes you happy.," Shin replied indifferently.
Inwardly, though, Shin was amused. The future Sorcerer Supreme—Stephen Strange labeled as talentless? That pride of Mordo's would come back to haunt him.
Shin knew all too well what drove Mordo down his eventual dark path. Envy, disillusionment, and resentment brewed when Strange not only surpassed him but inherited the Ancient One's mantle. Add to that the revelation that the Ancient One had drawn power from the Dark Dimension, and Mordo's faith unraveled completely.
[T/N: In the comics, Mordo became a servant of Dormamu.]
'Let's see how arrogant you are after Strange humbles you,' Shin thought.
Still, seeing Strange here confirmed one thing the Ancient One was preparing for retirement.
Dormammu and similar entities might be as strong, or even stronger, than Galactus. But Shin wasn't concerned.
First, Dormammu's full power was bound to the Dark Dimension. The moment he stepped out of it, his strength diminished significantly. Second, the Ancient One was still alive and he wasn't someone to be underestimated.
Before Doctor Strange stepped into the Sorcerer Supreme role and began his famously chaotic tenure, being abducted by demons, nearly killed countless times, and occasionally losing his powers, the Ancient One had held the position without blemish for centuries.
He was a titan in the world of magic, unrivaled for generations.
In fact, the role of Sorcerer Supreme wasn't always inherited. Long ago, it was contested through trials hosted by the Vishanti. These tests were brutal battle royales in isolated spaces where the strongest mage emerged victorious, not through votes, but through survival and dominance. Anything was allowed, contracts, artifacts, deception, brute force.
To be the Sorcerer Supreme meant to be the strongest. Power was the only metric.
And yet, after Ancient One ascended, no one even dared to compete. The Vishanti eventually stopped holding trials altogether it was pointless. No one wanted to challenge him.
That's why when Doctor Strange became Sorcerer Supreme, there wasn't even a ceremony. No one showed up to challenge the decision. The title was simply passed down.
The Ancient One's record was flawless. He had made no critical mistakes during his long reign. As he prepared to step down, any emerging threats especially those from other dimensions would be swiftly and cleanly dealt with.
Even Dormammu likely understood this. His fury came not just from defeat but from having been used. The Ancient One had drawn on his power to keep Earth safe, a clever manipulation that robbed Dormammu of any retaliation.
Now, with Strange on the rise and the Ancient One nearing his final curtain call, the chessboard was shifting.
Shin chuckled to himself. The cosmic theater never lacked for drama.
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