Cracks tore across the sky as darkness seeped through, a chilling aura spilling out and wrapping the world in dread. Strange shivered uncontrollably.
The aura carried death, destruction, and endless malice—like life's natural enemy.
"Ancient One! We meet again! This time, I'll devour you completely! HAHAHAHA!"
A cruel laugh shook the void, stabbing into every soul.
Magic rippled instinctively. Strange's body shimmered with faint runes, resisting the corruption.
"Dormammu!" His pupils shrank.
Now he understood. The Sanctum's greatest enemy. The destined nemesis of the Supreme Sorcerer. The ruler of the Dark Dimension.
Dormammu's terrifying lifespan and power dwarfed comprehension. Even the Ancient One had to shield herself against the corruption.
Saitama, meanwhile, just stood there like a bored bystander, hands in his pockets.
"Kaecilius was trash, but destroying the Sanctum served me well. Without its blessing, what will you use to resist me?" Dormammu's massive head loomed over them, voice dripping with arrogance.
Strange's lips twitched. This Sanctum wasn't Kaecilius's doing… it was that bald guy's punch. No way he was telling Dormammu that.
Instead, he saw the calm look in his teacher's eyes. She knew something he didn't.
"The Earth's future is not shrouded in darkness, Dormammu. I have seen your end. Entering this world may be your greatest mistake."
The Ancient One's voice was calm. With the Eye of Agamotto, she had seen past, present, and future. She foresaw the Sanctum's fall, Dormammu's invasion—but not Earth's destruction. Instead, she had glimpsed Dormammu's downfall.
And herself. Her fate blurred, especially after crossing paths with Saitama.
"Mistake? Submit to me, Ancient One! Become my disciple! You already draw from the dark—HAHAHA!"
Black marks pulsed on her brow.
"Darkness?!" Strange gasped.
At that moment, a portal opened. Mordo stepped out, his eyes widening.
"Master?!"
The black sigil on her brow left him stunned. She had forbidden them from touching the dark—yet she had embraced it herself.
Dormammu laughed louder. "See, disciples? Your master lied! She warned you against the dark, but used it herself to steal eternal life! That's why she still lives! That's why she's strong!"
Mordo's face twisted. Even Kaecilius had never known her age. She seemed ageless, eternally young. Now the truth cut him like a knife.
The Ancient One stayed silent. Her gaze swept Strange and Mordo—her most trusted disciples. Their eyes now reflected doubt, even betrayal.
But she knew. Without drawing from the dark, she would've died long ago. With no successor ready, with Earth still in peril, she bore the stain for the sake of their mission.
Even if they never understood.
"Ancient One, you can't stop me. Your own disciples doubt you. What strength remains to resist?" Dormammu roared. His massive head erupted with waves of black power.
The last two followers of Kaecilius screamed as the black marks around their eyes spread. Their bodies lifted against their will, sucked into Dormammu's essence. Their memories, their souls—all consumed.
But when he sought Kaecilius's memories, there was nothing. His body hadn't even remained. Dormammu frowned, puzzled.
"Leave now. This isn't your battle."
The Ancient One's voice was soft. She raised a hand. The ground folded and pushed Strange and Mordo far back.
"Master!" Strange shouted, reaching in vain. Mordo's lips pressed tight, his silence heavy.
Twin blazing wheels of light formed in the Ancient One's hands. She launched herself skyward, striking Dormammu head-on.
The clash was apocalyptic. Darkness rolled like a tsunami, devouring heaven and earth. The Ancient One was a lone flame in the storm, flickering but unextinguished.
She fought with every breath, each strike shaking the sky. Dormammu's counter was crude but overwhelming—pure darkness. With time, she faltered, knocked from the sky more than once.
"Go! Help her, Saitama! I believe she's not enslaved to darkness!" Strange pleaded desperately.
"…Saitama?"
Dormammu's eyes froze. That name. That face.
The bald man standing in the rubble.
The one he'd glimpsed before—during that strange entanglement of souls.
The Caped Baldy.
(End of Chapter)
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