Why?
Why would the Ancient One refuse?
Seated alone in his private chambers, Elder Byrne stared vacantly at the wall, his mind churning with confusion. He simply couldn't rationalize the Sorcerer Supreme's inexplicable refusal to intervene against the fallen sorcerers.
Had this concerned the previous contingent of rogue practitioners, her reluctance would have been comprehensible. After all, if the Ancient One personally addressed every minor mystical transgression, what purpose would the enforcement division serve?
But the current circumstances were fundamentally different.
These fallen sorcerers had developed an ideological framework specifically engineered to confuse and seduce. They directly advocated for Kamar-Taj practitioners to align themselves with dark patrons, while simultaneously propagating their bizarre methodology with alarming efficiency.
The potential damage to Kamar-Taj exceeded mere physical threats—this was an assault on their very foundation, their collective identity. And like any insidious corruption, its harm would only intensify with time.
Most critically, this internal threat coincided with imminent external aggression from Asgard. Every military strategist understood the fundamental principle: secure internal cohesion before confronting external enemies.
Yet she refused.
Why?
Byrne's thoughts drifted to troubling rumors circulating within Kamar-Taj—whispers suggesting the Ancient One had sustained grievous injuries during the Dormammu incursion, injuries from which she might not recover.
Reflecting on their recent meeting, however, he recalled her customary composure, her serene countenance betraying no evidence of diminished vitality.
He shook his head vigorously, banishing such disloyal speculations. Impossible. Utterly impossible. The Ancient One had guided Kamar-Taj through countless existential threats across millennia. She was as eternal as the mystic arts themselves.
Nevertheless, despite his conscious rejection of these doubts, a small spark of uncertainty had ignited within him, generating mounting anxiety. He paced restlessly across the polished floor, determination gradually crystallizing.
If the Ancient One could not—or would not—act against this threat, he would fulfill his oath to protect Kamar-Taj, regardless of personal cost.
Decision made, he activated his sling ring with practiced precision. A portal ringed with crimson fire materialized before him, revealing the grand hall of the London Sanctum.
The rapid, purposeful footsteps echoing through the London Sanctum's grand hall belonged to Lockhart, who hurried to keep pace with Byrne's determined stride.
"Byrne, what's happened? You seem uncharacteristically agitated," Lockhart inquired, genuine confusion evident in his tone.
Recent developments had occupied Lockhart's full attention. Through Grindelwald's strategic infiltration, he had acquired numerous valuable insights from the fallen sorcerers—most significantly, their divine initiation ritual designed to facilitate the transformation of spiritual energy.
His studies regarding the integration of magical energy and conceptual resonance in the secondary phase had yielded promising results. Only the third phase—controlling conceptual authority and generating dimensional prototypes—remained exclusively within David's possession, not yet shared with others.
Even without this final component, Lockhart's recent acquisitions were substantial. The memory extraction from Mephisto represented a particularly valuable resource, though its contents remained chaotic and fragmented, requiring methodical analysis to extract usable knowledge.
"Please, sit down, Lockhart." Byrne's earlier agitation had transformed into unnatural composure, a calculated calm that immediately placed Lockhart on alert.
During the brief interval before Lockhart's arrival, Byrne had carefully considered his approach. "There's a matter requiring our immediate discussion."
"What concern brings you here?" Lockhart asked cautiously.
Rather than directly stating his purpose, Byrne adopted a circuitous approach. He needed Lockhart's understanding and support before revealing his true intentions.
"Lockhart, you previously mentioned that regarding the impending conflict, the Ancient One has delegated full operational authority to you," Byrne began methodically.
"I've instructed all enforcement personnel to cooperate comprehensively with your directives," he continued. "By now, you should effectively command most of Kamar-Taj's mystical resources."
This unexpected observation immediately heightened Lockhart's vigilance. While technically accurate, Byrne's summary seemed purposeful rather than merely conversational.
What is his actual objective? Lockhart wondered.
Nevertheless, recognizing Byrne as one of his consistent supporters within Kamar-Taj's hierarchy, Lockhart offered a cautious nod of confirmation.
Byrne received this acknowledgment without surprise. The enforcement division's intelligence reports had thoroughly documented Lockhart's current activities. According to their surveillance, Lockhart had mobilized extensive resources, with the Vientiane World producing magical armaments and supplies at unprecedented rates.
"Lockhart, I must bring a critical situation to your attention," Byrne continued deliberately. "A development that may directly impact our confrontation with Asgard."
"What development?" Lockhart feigned surprise, though inwardly he began to comprehend Byrne's purpose.
How predictable, he thought privately.
"The fallen sorcerers have undergone significant transformation," Byrne explained with increasing intensity. "If we engage Asgard while ignoring their presence, these rogue practitioners will inevitably exploit our divided attention."
His expression hardened with conviction. "Before initiating conflict with Asgard, we must neutralize this internal threat. At minimum, we must significantly diminish their operational capacity. We cannot permit their unconstrained movement during this critical period."
He reiterated his fundamental principle with emphasis: "Before venturing outward, we must secure our foundation."
Arnold, standing nearby, regarded Byrne with a curious expression after hearing his assessment.
While not privy to the specific details of Grindelwald's activities, Arnold maintained sufficient awareness of the situation. Grindelwald had achieved considerable advancement, mastering substantial magical capabilities. Should Lockhart authorize direct intervention, they could neutralize the fallen sorcerers whenever circumstances warranted.
Byrne has indeed approached the perfect person for this objective, Arnold reflected. Though not in the manner he believes.
"Byrne, let's not proceed hastily," Lockhart responded with calculated restraint. "Let's discuss this methodically."
He adopted a mollifying tone. "I fully comprehend your concerns. Rest assured, we've dedicated substantial resources toward locating and capturing these fallen sorcerers."
"Their exceptional concealment combined with recent operational dormancy has complicated our efforts," he explained smoothly. "Mobilizing Kamar-Taj's full resources would require explicit authorization from the Ancient One."
Lockhart gestured apologetically. "My current mandate focuses exclusively on preparations against Asgard. Surely you recognize that Asgard's formidable capabilities have necessarily consumed the majority of my attention."
Byrne's expression betrayed mounting anxiety as he processed Lockhart's polite but unmistakable refusal.
If the Ancient One would consent to this operation, why would I approach Lockhart directly?
What is happening?
Why would Lockhart similarly decline?
While the fallen sorcerers' activities weren't entirely clandestine, neither were they completely transparent. Individuals of the Ancient One's and Lockhart's stature surely recognized the existential danger these rogue practitioners represented.
Yet both had chosen inaction.
This paradox generated profound confusion within Byrne, triggering cascading questions.
Am I missing critical information?
Is the fallen sorcerers' methodology legitimate?
Glancing toward Arnold, Byrne noted his apparent indifference to the entire discussion. That observation caused his confidence to falter further.
"Lockhart," Byrne asked directly, his gaze intensely focused, "is there something beyond my awareness?"
He required answers immediately; otherwise, his disquiet would continue unabated.
Confronted with this direct inquiry, Lockhart hesitated visibly. After careful consideration, he decided to reveal limited information.
"Byrne," he began cautiously, "I assure you everything proceeds according to design."
His voice lowered significantly as he continued, "We require the fallen sorcerers..."
As Lockhart began his explanation, neither man noticed the subtle dimensional distortion near the chamber's ceiling—a nearly imperceptible warping of reality through which Grindelwald observed their exchange with keen interest.
Perfect, thought the dark wizard. Even Kamar-Taj fractures from within. Doubt spreads as intended.
From his vantage point within the Eye of Agamotto, Strange strained to perceive this latest development. Grindelwald's containment enchantment prevented direct interaction, but Strange could sense the dangerous divergence occurring within Kamar-Taj's leadership.
They're playing directly into his hands, Strange realized with mounting dread. While they argue amongst themselves, Grindelwald advances his true agenda unchallenged.
The cosmic chessboard was being methodically arranged, with the Ancient One, Odin, the Eternals, and now Kamar-Taj itself positioned precisely where Grindelwald intended. The Celestial embryo remained the ultimate prize—and the dark wizard's path toward it grew clearer with each passing moment.