The illusory head loomed like a colossal mountain, its backdrop an endless expanse of dark space...
The being's unimaginably massive body stretched across countless dimensions, binding barren planets together with invisible chains of rule, like a frozen and lifeless world.
This was the ruler of the Dark Dimension, the Ancient One's greatest nemesis... a terrifying entity akin to an ancient evil god.
Dormammu...
Before he bore this name, he had once been an unknown sorcerer in ancient times, who, by chance, he discovered the existence of the Dark Dimension.
In his quest for its boundless energy, he willingly discarded his physical form, encasing his soul in searing magical flames. After countless trials, he became the sole deity of that realm.
Driven by instinctive greed, Dormammu sought to conquer more planets, absorbing them into his domain. His massive form which forged from dark energy stretched across dimensions, seeking to expand his influence.
His ultimate goal? To become the supreme god above all dimensions, collecting life-bearing worlds like trophies and assimilating them into his essence.
This ruler of the Dark Dimension had tried countless times to devour Earth, to place the blue planet among his collection. Yet he had never succeeded, but was thwarted each time by two Sorcerers Supreme...
Agamotto, the first, had erected an impenetrable barrier around the material world, linking the Three Sanctums into a vast, unyielding magical network to maintain balance between reality and the dimensions.
The Ancient One, the second, had used her absolute power to keep extradimensional beings at bay. Neither demon nor angel dared cross her line.
"Human… your soul is enticing."
The thunderous voice reverberated through the dimensions, crashing into Sean's mind like a cannonball, instantly triggering violent tremors.
Dormammu's malevolent gaze locked onto the soul radiating intense light. It had been so long since he had encountered such a vibrant, delectable morsel.
Sean grunted as his psychic flames flickered violently. The mental assault from Dormammu nearly shattered his soul.
The connection between reality and the dimensions surged, causing golden energy to erupt like a tsunami within his body. His wavering consciousness blazed brighter, like a sun too radiant to behold.
His mind and will intertwined, forging a brilliant sword of light that sliced through Dormammu's gaze in the Dark Dimension.
His time in Kamar-Taj had not been wasted. Though his progress in spells had been modest, his understanding of the soul had deepened immeasurably.
"INSOLENT INSECT!" The furious roar became a shockwave which shook countless overlapping dimensions.
Dormammu's illusory head lurched forward like a meteor, smashing through the barriers between dimensions, intent on crushing the audacious human into dust.
In the material world, Kamar-Taj trembled. The air cracked like glass as endless dark energy assaulted the barrier between worlds.
The sudden disturbance alarmed every sorcerer in the sanctuary. Protective wards and spell formations activated automatically, their warning bells tolling ceaselessly.
The Ancient One's expression darkened. With a flick of her fingers, space shattered like a mirror, forming a fractured Mirror Dimension that enveloped her and Sean.
Then, a radiant flame ignited between her brows, blazing like a torch.
"GET BACK!" Her voice, clear yet thunderous, unleashed a pillar of lightning and fire that slammed into Dormammu's spectral head like a hammer.
Her soul appeared beside Sean's...
Compared to his golden flames, hers was more solid, a distinct figure in white robes. Her will was forged into a glorious crown from which streams of light cascaded like tassels.
"Could you cause any less trouble?" Her mental voice carried exasperation.
"Not my fault. Who knew a rabid dog would show up?" Sean retorted across the dimensional rift.
Hearing their exchange, Dormammu erupted in fury. Drawing upon the infinite energy of the Dark Dimension, he flung two barren planets at them like stones.
"Ancient One! Soon, I will drag this world into darkness. You and your planet will become part of me!" The ruler of the Dark Dimension roared.
He had already planted his pieces, zealous followers who would tear down Kamar-Taj's defenses. Once the balance between the material world and the dimensions collapsed, his full power would be unleashed, unbound by rules...
"Keep dreaming." The Ancient One raised her left hand, summoning a colossal axe that shimmered with blue light.
With a single swing, she shattered the two oncoming planets into dust.
The axe, which was forged from raw destructive energy, radiated an overwhelming aura. The shockwaves of its power trembled through dimensions, as if the world itself might split apart at any moment.
Sean watched from the sidelines, awed...
'So this is the Sorcerer Supreme, the guardian of the material world...'
Her power was unfathomable. Even against the ruler of the Dark Dimension, she showed no fear.
Dormammu's spectral head glowed with dark energy. From his maw, he unleashed a devastating beam of annihilation.
The Ancient One was the only one who stood in his way. Without her, Earth would have been his long ago. He wouldn't need to manipulate followers with promises of dark power.
"Why waste your life and strength? Join me... transcend time, become immortal!" The demonic temptation slithered into the Ancient One's soul.
She sneered, and her psychic flames flared brighter, purging Dormammu's influence.
She was no Kaecilius... She was no broken, wavering soul easily seduced by darkness. She drew power from the Dark Dimension to sustain her life, but such petty temptations could not sway her.
The clash of their energies ignited a cataclysmic storm. The shockwaves tore through dimensional space, obliterating countless overlapping worlds in a scene of apocalyptic ruin...
"Go." The Ancient One's command was curt.
She seized Sean's soul, and like a streak of light, they shot back into the material world...
....
~Back in Kamar-Taj~
Sean's consciousness returned to his body, and dizziness washed over him. He steadied himself, quickly regaining clarity...
The Ancient One, however, looked pale. She braced herself against the table. There was a trickle of blood at her lips... she clearly wounded.
From within the Mirror Dimension, Dormammu's roar still echoed faintly:
"Ancient One! You thief! Sooner or later, you will FALL into the dark!"
The Sorcerer Supreme's lips curled into a mocking smile. She had no fear of his threats.
"I no longer fear death," she murmured softly...