Does magic have a price?
Absolutely.
In the Marvel Universe, the source of magical power stems from four main streams:
The first — personal energy. This is power that comes from the individual's spiritual strength, the result of inner cultivation and spiritual will. A mage who relies on this power relies solely on themselves.
The second — cosmic energy from the surroundings, connected to the eternity of the universe's five deities. Through this force, it is possible to use spells such as teleportation and space manipulation.
The third — power from special artifacts, like the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak or other sources from other universes and dimensions.
The fourth — energy from external dimensions. To use it, mages must form a pact, offer prayer, sacrifice, or make a vow to entities such as the Vishanti, Dormammu, or other higher beings. In this transaction, the power comes at a cost.
That's why, even the Vishanti, as pure and exalted as they may be, cannot grant Alaric their power without any price.
It's one of the reasons why they're willing to "invest" in him.
Because as long as Alaric uses their power, he owes them. And so, despite all his words, the Vishanti have insurance. Alaric will always be bound by their laws.
Similar to how the Ancient One borrowed power from Dormammu to extend her lifespan. But now… the debts she carries are enormous.
One could freely say that the Ancient One is literally the queen of debt, her eternity exists only because she hasn't played her final card yet.
But Alaric has no such protection.
And in the moment of silence left by the Vishanti, Alaric realized everything: if he accepts their offer, he will enter into debt. He will begin to pay. And perhaps with his entire freedom.
That's not what he wanted.
If he didn't mind the cost, he would have never tried to create his own god of magic.
Now that he has a clean future before him, with the potential to grow into a true force, why lose his freedom for power that comes with obligations?
If he must pay, he might as well go to Dormammu. At least there, he'd know he's stepping into darkness, instead of being caught in a golden trap.
"I've thought about everything. I think you should redirect your choice. Strange is not a bad candidate. If he continues to work hard, he may not reach my level, but he's still someone with integrity."
"I believe Strange would give his life without hesitation to protect Earth and all life upon it."
"What do you say? If possible, I'd like to withdraw now."
Alaric spoke his words sincerely, decisively, but without a trace of hostility.
He just wanted to walk his own path.
But…
"If you leave now… it will be forbidden for you to ever use our magic again. Is that truly your choice?"
Oshtur fell silent in that moment, and instead Hoggoth spoke. His tone was sharp, cold, filled with veiled threat.
He had long been irritated that Alaric kept asking for benefits, as if the Vishanti were running a marketplace.
And now, when they had agreed to give him a chance, he backs out again?
Do the Vishanti have any dignity in the eyes of this mortal?
"If you leave, we'll put you on the blacklist. Forever."
You will never again be able to invoke our power. Never again use the energy of the God of White Magic.
"It doesn't matter. If I can no longer use your power, I won't use it. Just let me go."
Alaric refused Hoggoth's threat without hesitation. White magic? He didn't need it.
As someone who had mastered energy transformation, Alaric wasn't afraid. As long as he desired, the dark energy from his Eternal Night World could be transmuted into a source of pure white magic!
And if that wasn't enough… well then. He'd find a way to one day defeat Dormammu himself and take over his dimension. Let him become an entity on the multiversal level!
That's why he firmly declared that there was nothing more to discuss, he wanted to leave.
But... he couldn't leave.
Without the approval of the Vishanti, his exit from this dimension was blocked. He was stuck here.
And honestly, Alaric felt unease. Deep down, he knew that if the Vishanti decided to eliminate him, as a mortal, he wouldn't have many options.
Who knows if these eternal entities have their own motives?
Even though the Vishanti present themselves as gods of white magic, does that mean they don't have ways to destroy him if they wish?
At that moment, Alaric knew, his only realistic option was calmness, not resistance.
"Calm yourself, Alaric," Oshtur spoke, softly but firmly.
"The price of magic isn't something that can be avoided. Even if we wanted to help you without any charge… the very laws of the universe do not permit us."
"So… let's make a deal. Give us a promise, and we will only collect the price if you break it. Fair, isn't it?"
Oshtur's voice was soft, almost hypnotic. For a moment, Alaric's heart skipped. He nearly agreed.
But then he snapped out of it.
I am Alaric, he reminded himself.
He repeated phrases in his mind like NPCs from old games, to calm himself. He would not fall for the seductive voice of the divine matron entity.
Trying to seduce me?
Do you know how many movies I've watched?
"I can't just give a promise. Honestly, I'm not sure I can fulfill everything that's expected of me."
He was open and honest.
Oshtur fell silent for a moment. Perhaps it was truly time to let him go?
"But wait…" Alaric suddenly raised his eyebrows.
"A moment ago you said you'd help me for free. Was that true?"
"Of course. But that's not something that can actually be done."
"But… what if I have a way?"
In his magical collection, Alaric had one special tool, a spell called the Source of Magical Power. It allowed him to forcibly connect with a chosen entity, drawing their energy without their control over the link.
That channel couldn't be closed from the other side.
That's why even Dormammu had to compromise with him.
"You have a way? What kind of way?!"
At that moment, not only Oshtur, but also Hoggoth and Agamotto, who had been silent until now, looked at him seriously.
The Eternal Divine Trinity of White Magic, the Vishanti, had never heard of a method to use their power without a required price.
And now, Alaric claims to have found a loophole in the system?
Is it possible that this young mage already stands at the threshold of power that surpasses even them?
"I do, I do… but… can you give me a promise? Promise that you won't attack me."
Hoggoth: "Don't meddle in this!"
Oshtur and Agamotto, simultaneously, said:
"We promise that we will not attack you, nor harm your life, egardless of the past, present, or future."
Hoggoth: "What are you doing!!"
He couldn't believe it, the two of them just betrayed him!
They always decided together, always agreed… and now they accepted this without him!