Unexpectedly, Oshtur fell silent.
There it was.
That's why they wanted to tie him down with the title of Sorcerer Supreme!
Just look at him!
So much had been said, explained, even their goals revealed and the moment he heard the word investment, he immediately became suspicious and defensive, as if it were some kind of trap!
You're easy to buy, perhaps even easier than those power-hungry degenerates who crave strength at any cost.
How can we trust your loyalty?
What if tomorrow some demonic god offers you better terms? Would you then turn your back on everything and join them? Maybe even attack Earth?
Oshtur didn't even want to imagine that future.
Alaric possessed an incredible gift, but such a gift could also lead to ruin.
Because once a person with that much potential steps into darkness, they become far more dangerous than any ordinary enemy.
Unlike white magic, which is bound by balance, limits, and protection, dark magic offers power without restraint. And that's exactly why it often surpasses the light.
That's why many pure white magicians, when facing lords of darkness, simply, lose.
...
"Hm, yeah… okay, I admit, maybe I worded that badly… But seriously, I'm not some rotten soul!"
Alaric quickly reacted when he noticed Oshtur's silence.
He wasn't some swindler, nor a villain for sale.
"Seriously! Even though I sometimes like to negotiate and grab something for myself, and even if my conscience isn't always perfectly clean… Ah, forget it! You'd better find someone else."
The more he spoke, the less reliable he sounded. As if he was digging himself out of a hole, only to bury himself deeper.
In the end, he just raised his hands and gave up.
If you can't trust me, and if you can't see my future then I won't try either.
I'll go back, slowly purge the black magic from myself, regenerate the white one… and that's it.
The power of the Vishanti? I don't need it anymore!
Nor will I use it!
Keep it for yourselves.
I, Alaric, have my own principles!
And it's not like I ever wanted to become some Sorcerer Supreme anyway.
---
In the spiritual realm of Vishanti:
Hoggoth: Maybe we should give up? His attitude changes too easily.
Oshtur: But so far he hasn't made a single wrong move. I think I can trust him.
Hoggoth: Agamotto? Your thoughts?
Agamotto: We are the future.
Hoggoth: …Please, be clear.
Oshtur: He means we should proceed with the original plan. We are eternal. Alaric's future is now tied to ours. If something goes wrong, we'll correct it.
Hoggoth: Fine. I agree.
Agamotto: I agree.
Oshtur: Perhaps this behavior itself is proof that he still has humanity within him. He'll fight for what he loves. And I will always watch over him.
Hoggoth: Let's hope you're right.
---
"Alaric, because of how important all this is, we must be cautious. I hope you understand."
Oshtur finally spoke.
"Important? You mean even you have enemies you can't defeat?"
"That's right. Even we are not omnipotent. There are enemies we cannot overcome."
"Who are they?" Alaric was confused. Who could possibly threaten the Vishanti?
"He is called Shuma-Gorath. He has other names, the Eye Demon, the One-Eyed Alien."
The Eye Demon? As soon as he heard that, Alaric knew who it was. That name was not forgotten.
As the eternal enemy of the Ancient One and Strange, Alaric could rightfully consider himself someone who knew a thing or two about the dark forces of the universe.
"It seems you've heard of the Eye Demon." Oshtur looked at him in surprise. She hadn't expected Alaric to know about Shuma-Gorath.
"I only know the name. But that's enough to understand how dangerous he is."
"Indeed. Shuma-Gorath is one of the oldest, most powerful, and most terrifying beings that exist. An ancient demon, born from the chaotic force of creation itself."
Oshtur spoke as a teacher would, but without arrogance, only with a sense of urgency.
"He is one of the primordial embodiments of Chaos, one of the Original Rulers of the Multiverse."
"Within his own dimension, his power is absolute. He can manipulate magic on a planetary scale."
"In ancient times, he once ruled over Earth until he finally fell into a slumber that has lasted for millions of years."
"But that slumber will not last forever. When he awakens, he will seek to reclaim Earth and bring all under his dominion."
"That is why we tell you this, Alaric. We seek an ally who can stand beside us and one day stop him or seal him away forever."
"And you, as someone born on Earth, who has already shown he is willing to protect life and balance, have a natural place in that battle."
"Inherit the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Grow as fast as you can. Prepare for that day."
Oshtur finished her explanation and quietly waited for his decision.
Alaric took a moment to think, then slowly said:
"Just to ask, these allies you're looking for, they must be stronger than me, right?"
"For example?" she asked.
"Well… uh…" Alaric thought, but nothing came to mind.
Who was strong enough to aid the Vishanti?
On Earth, there were many heroes, but most of them weren't magic-oriented. The multiverse was vast, but Alaric didn't know enough about its deepest layers.
The Molecule Man? Franklin Richards?
Both powerful, but neither dealt with magic.
Thinking deeper, Alaric realized he only had knowledge from the first four phases and a few comics, not nearly enough to recall anyone on Vishanti's level.
"That's why we chose you," Oshtur continued, "because your potential shows that one day, you can stand shoulder to shoulder with us."
"And what if… I mean, what if Shuma-Gorath awakens before I become strong enough? Wouldn't your investment then fail?"
Alaric didn't doubt his growth, but he couldn't predict when he'd reach that power.
"We exist to protect this universe. And as long as you use our power for what we do, nothing is wasted."
"And we hope that one day, you will surpass us."
Oshtur spoke seriously, with sincere hope in her voice.
"All right… one more question."
"Speak."
"Do I have to pay some kind of magical price if I accept your 'investment'?"
Vishanti: …
That's actually… a very good question.