Reigning Supreme in Every Reality

On the second day, Kamar-Taj held a traditional Kathmandu-style cremation ceremony for the Ancient One.

A high pyre of firewood was built.

The Ancient One was dressed in her familiar beige robes, her hands placed peacefully on her chest, her expression serene.

Today, except for the sorcerers on duty guarding the three sanctums, all members of Kamar-Taj gathered here.

Everyone wore plain-colored robes, standing before the burning pyre, forming hand seals with their heads slightly bowed in mourning.

The Ancient One had protected Earth for hundreds of years.

Every person standing here had felt her care and guidance.

Her death undoubtedly marked the fall of a pillar that had anchored them.

Mordo stood at the forefront, reciting a eulogy in Tibetan.

Although the Ancient One was of Celtic origin, her long years of guarding this land had fully integrated her into its culture.

When the firewood was reduced to ashes and Mordo had finished his final words, some sorcerers quietly stepped forward to collect her remains, while others silently shed tears.

As the ceremony ended and evening fell, for the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, the real challenge had just begun.

Today, there was still one important announcement to be made.

"Everyone, the Ancient One foresaw her death days ago," Mordo began, addressing the gathered sorcerers. His words made Lyon's heart tighten.

—So the Ancient One had already started planning her "retirement" as soon as Lyon left the Marvel world?

A feeling of exasperation welled up within him.

Mordo continued, "She informed me, as well as most of you, that some time ago, we welcomed the most powerful and reliable sorcerer among us—Superman!"

He pointed directly at Lyon, and instantly, all eyes turned toward him.

Some gazes were filled with curiosity, others with recognition or astonishment, but none carried doubt.

After all, who on Earth didn't know Superman at this point? Perhaps only the mountain hermits and those living in the remotest parts of South Africa remained unaware. Even in villages lacking access to the internet in India, the name "Superman" had reached their ears.

The sorcerers, of course, knew how powerful Superman was. They were just perplexed—how could someone with such a physical, combat-oriented skillset also be a sorcerer?

The crowd instinctively parted, creating a clear path for Lyon.

Lyon stepped forward to stand beside Mordo. "You can all just call me Master Lyon from now on," he said.

Mordo gave Lyon a deep, meaningful look.

Late last night, not long after Lyon had returned to Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One passed away. This made Mordo suspect that the Ancient One had truly reached the end of her strength. Perhaps she had been holding on solely to convince Lyon to take up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme.

Given Lyon's immense power, it was hard to imagine anyone more suited to the role.

"Lyon's strength is something I believe everyone here has heard about, and his mastery of magic—well, many of us have witnessed it firsthand over the past few weeks," Mordo announced.

Lyon had practiced magic openly in the training grounds. He demonstrated a variety of spells, from channeling the energy of Oshtur to cast the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, to using Cytorrak's power to conjure the Winds of Watoomb. 

The dazzling display of complex spells had left the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj in awe.

"He is without a doubt the most powerful sorcerer among us and the most reliable ally we could hope for," Mordo continued. "The Ancient One stated before her death that Lyon would be the next Sorcerer Supreme."

"The Vishanti themselves have acknowledged this appointment," Mordo added solemnly.

"From now on, Master Lyon is our new Sorcerer Supreme!" Mordo announced solemnly.

His expression was serious, as he regarded the appointment of the Sorcerer Supreme as a matter of utmost importance, tied directly to the fate of Kamar-Taj and even Earth itself.

To him, there was no room for levity in this moment.

Of course, Mordo's perspective was his own. In the future, when Doctor Strange would take on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, the title would inevitably gain a somewhat funny tone, even Wong became one.

Mordo led the sorcerers in a respectful bow to Lyon. The rest followed, their light-colored robes bending like a field of wheat bowing under the sun.

Once everyone had risen, Lyon returned the gesture with a slight bow of his own. His expression remained calm, but inwardly he was amused by what Mordo had just said.

So, even the Vishanti had approved his appointment? The Ancient One truly had all the groundwork laid out in advance!

No wonder when Lyon had told the silently grieving Mordo the previous night that he was the next Sorcerer Supreme, Mordo had shown no hint of surprise.

Still, there was no changing the reality: the Ancient One was gone.

After completing the ceremonial bow, Lyon looked at Mordo. "Is that it? I thought becoming Sorcerer Supreme involved undergoing some kind of test or trial."

Mordo nodded. "Normally, one must complete the Vishanti's trials and defeat other powerful sorcerers to earn the title."

"But since you, Sorcerer Supreme Lyon, have already gained the Vishanti's approval, those steps are no longer necessary."

Lyon glanced around at the gathered sorcerers. "Still, I'm just a newly initiated sorcerer. It would be best to have a sparring match, so everyone can see my abilities. That way, when facing dimensional invasions in the future, we'll all feel more confident."

While Lyon said this, his thoughts were heading in a completely different direction.

If I don't establish myself with a show of strength now, the next time I lead them into a dimensional invasion, there might be resistance.

New leaders should always demonstrate their authority early. A good fight should make them understand the reality of my power.

"This…" Mordo and the surrounding sorcerers exchanged uneasy looks.

Their expressions conveyed the same thought: You can tank a nuclear blast, and you want to spar with us? Are you trying to kill someone on the spot?

Seeing their reaction, Lyon formed a hand seal. "I meant only using magic for the fight."

Relieved, Mordo asked in a low voice, "I think it's fine, but are you sure? You've only begain learning magic while most of us have dedicated most of our lives!"

"Don't worry," Lyon replied with a confident look. "Watch and learn."

"Well then…" Mordo hesitated but added, "If you ever feel like you're losing, don't forget you can always rely on your raw strength. The Sorcerer Supreme mustn't lose."

...

Mordo explained the rules to Lyon, standing by his side in the center of the training ground.

"According to the traditional rules of the Sorcerer Supreme challenge, representatives are chosen from various regional groups of sorcerers. These representatives then take turns stepping into the ring to challenge the candidate. If the candidate for Sorcerer Supreme requires rest, then…"

Lyon interrupted with a wave of his hand. "No need for that. I don't need rest."

The gathered sorcerers exchanged glances, their expressions were a bit awekward. After all, even the strongest sorcerers sometimes needed to recover during such taxing trials.

...

The training ground was lively, buzzing with conversations in Cantonese, English, and other languages. Sorcerers from Hong Kong, London, New York, and beyond had formed a wide circle around Lyon, standing about thirty meters away. The crowd even included a minotaur-like sorcerer, whose horns gleamed under the sunlight.

Small groups whispered among themselves, discussing the challenge ritual. Some talked about how previous Sorcerer Supremes had ascended to their position, while others debated the origins of this ancient tradition.

The vibrant energy of the gathering had lightened the somber mood that had settled after the Ancient One's passing.

"Alright," Lyon said, stretching his arms. "Let's not waste time. Who's going first?" 

The sorcerers in the circle hesitated for a moment, their gazes darting around. Finally, a young sorcerer stepped forward, his hands glowing faintly with magical energy.

"I'll take the first shot!" he said confidently.

"Great! Please show us a good fight—" Before Mordo could finish...

"Wait a moment." Lyon suddenly stopped Mordo, scanning the group around him.

"Unlike previous Sorcerer Supremes, I can take a beating," Lyon declared with a calm yet confident tone. "I've even withstood a nuclear blast. So, how about all of you come at me together?"

The crowd of sorcerers erupted in whispers, exchanging uncertain glances. Lyon, noticing the hesitation, quickly added, "This isn't about underestimating any of you. It's about giving you all confidence in my strength."

Mordo, looking alarmed, tried to object, "This could cause..." but his protest was cut off as Lyon casually covered his mouth and pushed him to the edge of the training ground.

"Mordo will also join in as one of you," Lyon continued, crossing his arms and nodding decisively. "Alright then, let's begin the challenge right now!"

For a moment, the training ground fell into a tense silence. The sorcerers glanced at each other, unsure of how to proceed. Then, a bold voice broke through.

"If he insists, let's give it our all!" 

The murmur of agreement spread quickly, and soon, every sorcerer began preparing their spells. Energy fields, magical sigils, and glowing weapons materialized in a dazzling display of power.

Lyon's lips curled into a faint smile. "That's more like it. Come on, show me what you've got!"

_________

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