Alaric, who had obtained another energy orb, was satisfied.
Moreover, it was not power that belonged exclusively to Dormammu, but rather the mysterious energy of the Dark Dimension itself.
Dormammu was the one who relied on that endless energy to become so powerful and to achieve his terrifying magic.
"Then we'll go first!"
"See you again, when I have the time!" Alaric waved at Dormammu and opened a dimensional portal.
Dormammu watched them leave with a blank expression.
As if the thought ran through his mind: sign, and then I'll never see you again! Who would ever want to meet you again, you insolent brat?! Just wait… don't give me the chance!
"Are you sad that I'm leaving? Or should I perhaps stay a little longer?" Alaric taunted ironically.
"You'd better go!"
Dormammu was afraid Alaric might change his mind, so he waved his hand immediately, both angry and worried.
Alaric pulled the Ancient One through the portal.
Before passing through, the Ancient One gave Dormammu one last significant look.
What she had seen today was an invaluable experience. Few could ever witness Dormammu in such a state, drained and frustrated.
"They finally disappeared!" Dormammu sighed in relief.
But right after the silence fell, he was consumed by an explosion of rage.
A mighty energy shook the entire dimension.
"Alaric!"
"Ancient One!"
"Damn bastards!!"
"I want you dead!"
His roar echoed through the endless darkness, carrying a power that shook every stone and every cloud of dark energy.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"
After venting his rage, Dormammu retreated into the depths of the darkness.
But then he felt a presence.
Someone was hiding in the shadows, trying to remain unnoticed.
Dormammu cast a fleeting glance, recognized the figure, and snorted coldly before moving on.
He knew who it was.
It belonged to one of the natives of the Dark Dimension, his own people.
And, more importantly, between them there was a blood tie.
For the world of men, Dormammu had to admit one thing about that person: she was his niece.
…
Clea stepped out from behind the stone pillar, her blue eyes shining with determination and defiance.
"Alaric? Ancient One? Magicians from Earth?" she muttered.
"Maybe he can help me!"
As a native of the Dark Dimension, Clea herself had been oppressed under Dormammu's rule. Since childhood, she had carried in her heart only one thought, to banish him and free her world.
Unfortunately, she was not yet powerful enough.
But today's battle had awakened her attention. She had hidden in silence and observed, enthralled by the sight.
She had seen a man who, like a war god, stood against Dormammu.
Alaric, with thunder in his hand, left an impression that carved itself deep into her heart.
At that moment, a new desire was born, she wanted to become just as strong herself!
More importantly, she now knew the truth.
Dormammu was not invincible!
Dormammu: ???
I didn't use my full power!
Also, he doesn't even know how many times I killed that brat in the time you don't know about!
Because after the last battle, Alaric took the initiative to stop, so he didn't return back in time.
That also gave Clea the memory of the battle between Alaric and Dormammu.
"Maybe… maybe I should go to Earth to find him!"
"Find Alaric… and then ask him to help me!"
Her eyes shone with determination.
In her heart, a fire had ignited, the fight for freedom had only just begun.
---
Kamar-Taj.
Alaric and the Ancient One returned to the hall.
Worried Wong, who had been waiting at the side, let out a long sigh of relief when he saw they both returned safely.
The Ancient One was fine.
Alaric was fine.
That was enough to lift the burden from his shoulders.
But immediately afterward, Wong turned a gaze full of anger directly at Alaric.
"Alaric, do you know that you broke the rules of Kamar-Taj?!"
"You almost brought the Supreme Sorcerer to death!"
As he spoke, his voice trembled and his eyes filled with tears. In that moment, Wong thought it was the last time he would see the Ancient One.
"My fault, entirely my fault! I'm sorry, forgive me!"
Alaric sincerely apologized, aware that this time he had been too reckless. At the same time, he was deeply moved by the fact that the Ancient One had stood before Dormammu to protect him.
Not once did she ask him why he had recklessly stepped into the Dark Dimension.
Her calmness and her trust in him had left a strong mark on his heart.
"It's alright, Wong," the Ancient One said calmly. "I want to speak with Alaric in private. You go rest, you've earned it."
"Yes, Master."
Wong once again cast a sharp look at Alaric, then turned and left. In that look it was clearly written: All of this is your fault!
They were left alone in the hall.
The Ancient One returned to the table and sat cross-legged, completely calm.
Alaric immediately stood and began preparing tea, searching for a way to break the uncomfortable silence.
Fortunately, there was always hot water here, so he didn't have to wait long. Still, every moment he sat across from the Ancient One's serious expression was unsettling.
"Here you go," he said softly, handing her a cup of tea.
"I've had enough," she replied coldly, reminding him she had already drunk who knows how many cups while making her decisions earlier.
"…"
Alaric only gave an awkward smile, trying to hide his nervousness.
"This time, the fault was mine," he admitted.
"Return it."
"What?"
"The Eye of Agamotto." The Ancient One raised an eyebrow and held out her hand.
"Oh…"
Alaric immediately took it off his neck and handed it to her.
"You are truly gifted," she said as she took it back into her hands. "You managed to master the Time Stone."
"Well… you could say that…" he tried uncertainly.
"Oh? So you know what you are really holding in your hands?"
"Uh…" Alaric gritted his teeth, realizing she had caught his inconsistency.
"No matter," the Ancient One said, immediately skipping the topic.
Her eyes darkened as she looked at him.
"What really matters… is, what did Dormammu give you?"
Compared to the Time Stone, that worried her much more.
Because if it was something that could divert him from the right path, then the price would be far too high.
–––
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