Starting as a Class Five Mutant

It was clear that the Ancient One had witnessed everything—the actions of both Maurice and Kaecilius.

Her arrival brought an immediate sense of relief to Wong and Stephen Strange, who felt their tense nerves ease.

"Supreme Sorcerer," Wong greeted respectfully.

The Ancient One nodded briefly in acknowledgment.

Unable to hold back his anxiety, Stephen Strange asked, "It seems all three Sanctuaries have been compromised. What do we do now?"

All eyes turned toward the Ancient One.

"The reason I'm here is to resolve this matter," she said solemnly.

"The three Sanctuaries shield us from the Dark Dimension. Now that they've been destroyed, the darkness will invade soon, and Dormammu will appear."

"Leave Dormammu to me. As for the mages who have fallen to darkness, that will be your responsibility."

As she spoke, she approached Strange and extended her right hand.

"What?" Strange looked at her, confused.

The Ancient One's gaze shifted to his neck. "The Eye of Agamotto."

Realizing it was still hanging around his neck, Strange hastily removed the artifact and handed it to her.

With the Eye of Agamotto now around her neck, the Ancient One looked skyward, waiting for something.

Meanwhile, she ignored both Maurice and Kaecilius entirely, not even acknowledging Kaecilius' immense power, which had even surprised her.

At that moment, Mordo staggered into the scene, still recovering from his injuries.

Wong rushed to support him. "Are you alright?"

Mordo shook his head silently.

As the two conversed, Stephen Strange, who had been watching quietly, suddenly spoke.

"Ancient One, can I ask you a question?"

"Does Dormammu really grant eternal life?"

The question froze the room. Everyone turned to look at him in shock.

The Ancient One stared at him for a moment before answering, "That is a false eternity. Dormammu deceives his followers. Afterward, they become part of the Dark Dimension, condemned to eternal torment."

"At that point, they cease to be human."

"The more humans fear death, the more power Dormammu gains. His strength feeds on our fear."

She offered her words as a warning, but Strange seemed unmoved. Perhaps influenced by the power he had seen in Kaecilius, he retorted, "I think there's another way—just like you!"

"I've seen the missing pages in the Book of Cagliostro!"

The Ancient One's gaze hardened. "Choose your words carefully, Doctor."

Seeing her reaction, Strange pressed on. "What's wrong? Don't like hearing the truth?"

"Perhaps you don't even know what you're talking about," the Ancient One said gravely.

From a distance, Mordo asked, "What are you two talking about?"

Ignoring him, Strange turned back to the Ancient One. "I'm talking about your lifespan—your secret to eternal life."

The next words from Strange shocked everyone, including Mordo, Wong, and the other mages present.

"I suspect you've been drawing power from the Dark Dimension to prolong your life!"

Mordo immediately refuted, "That's impossible!"

Strange pressed further, "I've seen the ritual in the missing pages. I understand how you did it."

The room fell silent.

The Ancient One looked at him, saying nothing for a moment. Finally, she spoke.

"The zealots of Dormammu have already gathered. They're yours to deal with now."

Opening a portal, she stepped through and vanished.

The moment she disappeared, Mordo turned on Strange.

"Do you even know what you're saying?"

"I know exactly what I'm saying. I'm stating facts," Strange replied calmly.

Mordo scowled. "She isn't who you think she is, and you have no right to say that. You don't understand the burden she carries!"

Just as the argument was about to escalate, Kaecilius, who had been watching silently, spoke.

"Stephen Strange, I advise you not to pursue that ritual."

Maurice, who had been silent until now, sneered. "Dormammu's power is so great that even the Ancient One covets it. Why shouldn't he pursue it?"

"Don't listen to him!"

Ignoring Maurice, Strange turned to Kaecilius, visibly stunned. "You've seen the ritual too?"

"Why shouldn't I pursue it?"

Under the intense gazes of those around him, Kaecilius remained composed.

"Of course, I've seen it," he replied.

Pausing, he gestured toward Maurice, pointing out the dark purple stains under his eyes, corrupted by the dark energy.

"Look at him. That should give you a clue."

"Dormammu's dark power is not something easily controlled. It corrupts your soul, tempting you toward constant degradation."

"Every moment, your mind is under attack. The moment your will falters, you'll become Dormammu's puppet. You will no longer be yourself."

Kaecilius' gaze turned sharp. "Not everyone can be like the Ancient One."

"If you're willing to endure such a wretched state, then go ahead and try."

Strange faltered, instinctively glancing at Maurice.

Deep down, he knew Kaecilius was telling the truth.

"Don't listen to him…" Maurice tried to argue, but his words were cut off as golden energy sealed his mouth shut.

"And what about you?" Strange asked, turning back to Kaecilius.

Wong and Mordo also focused their attention on him.

"Me?"

"I am nothing like him. My will is free. I sincerely believe in the Great One, the savior of this world!"

Kaecilius smiled. "The power of my master is holy, unlike Dormammu's. Just look at me compared to him."

Wong and the others hesitated.

Indeed, Kaecilius showed no signs of corruption. If anything, his body looked younger and healthier than ever.

Frowning, Strange asked, "You keep calling your dimensional god the savior of the world. What do you mean?"

(End of Chapter)

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