The Ancient One stepped into the dark dimension, fully aware that this time could be her end. She opened a portal and walked inside, and the darkness immediately pressed against her body.
She felt the entire space resisting her, as the dark energy stirred within herself. The power she had borrowed from Dormammu began to pulsate, restless and hard to contain.
If she had kept her original, pure white magic, such a place could not have intimidated her. She could have even retreated in front of Dormammu himself. But now, with the burden of dark force inside her, her strength was weakened.
In silence, she closed her eyes and listened. Somewhere in the distance, she sensed powerful bursts of energy. In that direction the space was shaking, which meant a battle was taking place.
She didn't know if it was Alaric.
Without hesitation, she directed her magic and rushed toward that source.
Soon the titanic figure of Dormammu appeared before her, his body glowing with dark power. Opposite him stood a small but determined figure.
"Alaric!"
Her heart leapt with anger and fear.
This damned young man had truly dared to come here!
Didn't he know he was playing with death?
In her thoughts, she wanted to strike him and drag him back to Kamar-Taj by the ears.
She suppressed her anger and suddenly appeared next to him, shielding him with her body. She looked at Dormammu, facing her greatest enemy.
"Ancient One? What are you doing here?" Alaric asked in surprise, not believing his eyes.
"Don't talk. First, I'll get you out of here." she said, opening a portal, her eyes fixed on Dormammu.
Inside, she wondered, why was he so calm?
Shouldn't he attack immediately? Shouldn't he seize this chance to break through the barrier and strike Earth?
Instead, he looked… broken. As if he only wanted all this to end.
"Hm? Wait, wait! Don't worry." Alaric stopped her before she could send him back.
"Alaric, do you know how dangerous this is?" the Ancient One said sternly. "You are the future of Kamar-Taj. I will not allow anything to happen to you!"
She paused and looked into his eyes. "I have already explained everything to Wong. If I do not return, you will take the place of the Sorcerer Supreme. It is your destiny to lead Kamar-Taj and protect Earth."
Originally, she did not want to force Alaric to become the Sorcerer Supreme, but now the plan could not keep pace with the changes, plus among those capable of taking over Kamar-Taj, aside from Alaric, there was only Wong.
Mordo was too stubborn and could easily fall into extremes.
And Wong's talent was not as great as Alaric's, so there was only this one choice.
Alaric stared at her in shock.
The Sorcerer Supreme?
How could she already be preparing her last will?
He felt his throat tighten. He was moved that she had ventured into the dark dimension for him, but at the same time he knew the situation was not as hopeless as she thought. He had control over this cycle.
"No, Ancient One, you don't have to—"
"Enough, Alaric!" she interrupted him. "Dormammu's evil knows no bounds. I will make sure you are protected. You must return."
There was no hesitation in her eyes. Her hands glowed with magic as she prepared to stand against the dark lord, ready to sacrifice everything for her disciple.
Dormammu was silent, watching the scene before him.
Although he was the embodiment of darkness, the master of the dark dimension and countless horrors, even he was confused at this moment.
Did these people understand the situation they were in?
That look of the Ancient One, as if she were preparing to die calmly and with dignity, might have pleased him in another time and place. If she had willingly surrendered, that would have been a pure victory.
But now? The time and circumstances did not favor him.
Moreover, through the Ancient One's words, Dormammu finally realized: this brazen, shameless sorcerer was her successor, the future Sorcerer Supreme.
Thinking of this, Dormammu felt a headache.
If even this unrestrained young man became Sorcerer Supreme, then his intention to devour Earth would become endlessly harder.
With a sigh, he raised his right hand. Dark energy, condensed and dense like a black star, gathered in his palm and spread toward the Ancient One and Alaric.
"Dormammu! What are you doing!" the Ancient One raised her voice, her heart trembling as she felt the power in his hand.
In this dimension, truly no one could match him.
"Alaric, what are you waiting for! Hurry!!" she shouted, as portals opened behind them.
Alaric only calmly touched her shoulder, giving her a look full of trust. Then he stepped forward and extended his hand.
The dark energy detached itself from Dormammu's fist and landed in Alaric's palm.
"This is all?" Alaric raised an eyebrow, looking at the orb of energy the size of a glass bead. "Give me more!"
Dormammu's eyes widened in fury.
How did this mortal dare?
"Don't be greedy!" he roared.
"Give me more, now!" Alaric pressed, not caring in the least.
With a frustrated roar, Dormammu hurled another orb at him.
The Ancient One watched the scene from the side, confused and uncertain.
How could Alaric even receive energy from the dark dimension? Didn't he know how dangerous it was?
But the look in his eyes made her hesitate.
Alaric did not stop.
"Dormammu, you are the master of this entire dimension, and you act like a miser! You have a body as big as a mountain, and you're giving me only crumbs! Give me more!"
"Shut up! I've already given you more than any of you human sorcerers could withstand! Don't push it too far!"
Dormammu was furious.
This young man was not only insolent, but his greed was limitless. Didn't he realize that what he already held in his hands would be enough to destroy his life if he wasn't careful?
The Ancient One listened to their exchange and felt bitterness inside her.
Dormammu was irritated, but for some reason it seemed like Alaric was leading him by the nose.
"Give me more!" Alaric continued, relentless. "If not, everyone will hear that the master of the dark dimension is stingy and pathetic. You surely don't want that."
Dormammu clenched his teeth. "I don't care!"
"In that case, I'll stay here. I've got time anyway." Alaric shrugged, as if nothing concerned him.
Tense silence hung in the air, as dark energy swirled around them.
Finally, with a rumble, Dormammu extended his hand once more.
"Fine! One more time! But this is the last!"
"Alright, alright!" Alaric smiled and snatched the new orb of energy.
The Ancient One could only watch in disbelief.
The Dormammu she saw today must be fake!
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