"Your interest… is to be a hero?"
The Ancient One suddenly smiled softly.
Saitama gave her a strange look, unsure what she was up to.
"To protect Earth's peace—or perhaps the peace of the multiverse?"
"Multiverse?" Saitama tilted his head.
"As you saw, Dormammu is a devourer and destroyer of multiverses. He consumes one after another, growing stronger as the ruler of the Dark Dimension. And I… I guard Earth."
She waved her hand. A projection unfolded in the void—scenes of her battles with Dormammu. Earth destroyed, countless deaths, only to be reversed again and again with the Eye of Agamotto. Many times she almost perished.
"My strength wanes. Soon the four Sanctums will fall. I once intended to pass my mantle to Strange, a doctor of immense talent. But after seeing you… I have changed my mind."
She spoke slowly.
Not long ago, the once-famous surgeon Strange had come to Kamar-Taj, broken hands seeking healing. He had now become her disciple under Mordo's guidance.
But now—
"I wish to pass my legacy to you, Saitama. You could become the strongest Sorcerer Supreme. None would rival you."
Her eyes shone with the vision of such a future.
"Dormammu, huh? That weird monster from before?"
Saitama scratched his head. That battle had been thrilling, rare enough to make his blood boil. But to become Sorcerer Supreme? To learn magic?
He shook his head. "Sorry, I'm not interested in being some Sorcerer Supreme."
Getting stronger? No thanks.
Saitama least enjoyed that. The stronger he grew, the more his emotions faded. What he wanted was simply to fight for fun—and uphold justice for his own interest.
"That's all."
The Ancient One's expression dimmed. "My time is short, Saitama. I have seen my own death… Earth's future is uncertain."
Her eyes shadowed with black traces.
"I should have died in past battles with Dormammu. But I could not. So… even Strange, even Mordo do not know—I have used the power of darkness."
"Dark power? Feels kinda like that monster's aura."
Saitama eyed her curiously. Indeed, she bore Dormammu's taint. Perhaps that was how she had held out so long. But it gnawed at her soul.
Before death claimed her, she sought a worthy successor.
And Saitama was the best choice.
"But I can't promise anything. Still, if you need help, call me."
Saitama spoke simply.
It was enough.
"Thank you! That is the best answer I could have hoped for. You are always welcome at Kamar-Taj."
Relief spread across her face. For the first time in years, she felt peace. Because of him, the future already seemed brighter.
She traced a glowing circle and stepped away into her portal.
Saitama watched, shrugged, and hurried home for dinner.
Meanwhile, at Kamar-Taj—
In the library, Strange had just finished training. His hands had almost fully healed, his skills as a surgeon restored, his world full of light again.
But curiosity pulled him.
"Some books you may read. Some you must not. If I catch you prying into them, even as her disciple, I will not forgive you," Wong warned coldly, eyes sharp as he took back a book Strange had picked up.
It bore missing pages.
Strange forced a smile but inside… curiosity rooted deep.
Elsewhere, in the Dark Dimension—
Kaecilius stood, missing pages in hand, his followers gathered.
Once the Ancient One's most gifted disciple, even more naturally talented than Mordo, Kaecilius had been seen as her potential heir. But when he discovered she secretly wielded dark power herself, his faith shattered.
Now, a devoted servant of Dormammu, he absorbed darkness freely.
"The darkness is coming. And I, Kaecilius, will stand at the peak of the world!"
He sneered, following the stolen pages' instructions.
A vast, intricate summoning array emerged, pulsing with terrifying energy.
"My master… I summon you!"
Power surged. The Earth itself quivered.
If Saitama were there, he would have felt it instantly.
Dormammu's aura.
Not the distant shade he'd fought before—but the true body, descending!
(End of Chapter)
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