"You want benefits?"
When Vishanti first heard that a mage who believed in him was asking for a reward, he was speechless.
Isn't the protection of the planet the highest calling of a mage? Shouldn't he feel immense honor for being given such responsibility, even be ready to sacrifice his life for it?
And this one… asks for a benefit?
As if he's speaking with some dark demons who buy souls!
I am not a god of darkness!
I do not make deals in exchange for souls!
I am a deity of white magic, above all suspicion!
Are you perhaps some fake mage from Kamar-Taj?!
No respect!
"As a mage of Kamar-Taj, it is your duty to fight darkness, to protect the world from threats, and defend the Earth."
"I agree." Alaric calmly nodded.
"Then… are you willing to become the new Sorcerer Supreme?" Vishanti felt his mood slightly improve. At least Alaric still had the right values.
"But why me? The Ancient One is still alive, and she already chose her successor."
Alaric didn't understand why Vishanti was insisting so much. It wasn't clear to him what had suddenly changed.
"Your magical energy, as well as your potential, far surpass what others possess. Not even Strange can compare to you."
Vishanti had already seen Strange's potential, but believed that Alaric could one day become a being of multiversal level.
If there's already someone with this kind of potential, why not choose him?
"But I already refused." Alaric shook his head without hesitation.
Why should anyone's opinion override his own will?
Just because you're Vishanti, does that mean you can decide for me?
Maybe others would accept, but Alaric felt he had the right to say "no."
He's not going to be killed just for daring to refuse?
If word got out that Vishanti punishes his own followers, who would ever trust him in the future?
The dark gods would die laughing!
"…"
Vishanti went silent again.
Why does this mortal keep refusing? What's the problem?
"Don't you have a heart that wants to protect the world? Aren't you willing to sacrifice for the greater good?"
"I do. And I want to help. But what does that have to do with the title of Sorcerer Supreme? Can't I contribute without that title?"
Alaric replied calmly.
"Precisely because of that, I'm offering you the highest title."
"Then… give me something in return." Alaric smiled.
"You…"
Vishanti almost swore but quickly restrained himself.
He couldn't stoop to that level. His authority must not be undermined.
But in Alaric's eyes, the image of Vishanti was already starting to waver.
"Give me a reason. And don't sell me empty phrases about mission and duty. I already have those."
If you've got something concrete, say it.
But don't try manipulation.
Because if you try, I might just change direction.
I could turn to the dark side, find Dormammu, and learn directly from him.
Maybe I'll become the Lord of the Dark Dimension.
I have access to both black and white magic. I lack nothing.
"Let me handle this, Hoggoth."
Instead of the previous voice, a pleasant female tone was heard.
"Greetings, Alaric."
"Honorable Lady Oshtur… greetings." Alaric responded with respect.
"The reason we want you to take on the role of Sorcerer Supreme is your exceptional magical potential."
"We noticed your talent even during your first interaction with us, even though you haven't asked for our help since then."
Oshtur spoke calmly, and although her face appeared as that of a beautiful woman, Alaric knew it wasn't her true form.
But her voice... whether magically enchanted or truly such, had a strange power, it calmed, instilled trust, and made everyone listen carefully to every word.
"Ahem…"
Even though her voice was pleasant, her words made him slightly embarrassed.
Because ultimately, his first attempt at forming a magic deity had directly relied on the power of Vishanti, particularly the energy of Emperor Weishan.
And after that… he completely ignored them.
And now he returned, seeking them again.
The Vishanti hadn't shown anger, but Alaric still felt a slight discomfort.
"Precisely because you no longer use our power, and yet are still able to channel white magic of exceptional purity, we know you are different."
"If we're not mistaken, you've developed your own source of white magic. It's still weak, but it exists. And it's stable enough that you don't rely on us."
Oshtur had struck the core.
Although she didn't know that Alaric had literally created his own deity of white magic, based on their form, even the Vishanti weren't fully aware.
If they were, perhaps not even Oshtur could maintain that eternal calm.
Because… that would be too much.
Still, from their perspective, that "god" forming inside Alaric was like a child. Harmless. Immature. Far from a threat.
"This…"
Alaric felt discomfort rise in his chest. He had the feeling that the Vishanti were looking through the layers of his soul. Panic slid down his back. Do they know everything?
"Don't worry. We have no intention of taking anything from you. We don't touch the secrets you wish to keep. We only judge based on what you show. And from the looks of it, we weren't wrong."
Oshtur smiled gently.
"And what does that have to do with the title of Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Unfortunately… we want you as Sorcerer Supreme because we hope that one day you'll stand with us against an enemy darker and more powerful than you can imagine."
Oshtur sighed.
Alaric finally connected the dots.
"So… you want to tie me to your ship."
Then why didn't you just say so at the start?
"Exactly."
"But I already said I'm willing to contribute to protecting the world. Isn't that enough for you? Don't you trust me?"
"It's not a matter of trust. The problem is that we cannot see your future."
Oshtur explained to him.
"The Ancient One surely told you, even with the help of the Time Stone she couldn't see your timeline. You're like an anomaly, like us. You're not bound to the flow of time."
"That's why, when we can't know where you'll be, all we can do is give you the title, invest in you, in the hope that one day you'll fight on our side."
"Wait… so I'm your investment?!"
Oshtur: ???