Ancient One quickly processed the situation, feeling a surge of doubled surprise. She hadn't foreseen Alan suddenly mentioning that he wished to stay at the Sanctum Sanctorum for a few days.
"Of course you can," she replied, warmly welcoming the request. She also understood that Alan's unexpected desire to stay likely signaled something unusual.
Her hands folded behind her back continued rotating the bone fan. It was clear that Alan hadn't come here just to observe Stephen Strange's training progress.
"For now, let the attendants lead you to the meditation rooms and help settle your belongings," Ancient One said calmly, not rushing to ask why Alan had come.
Though she didn't know him deeply, she trusted that Alan would explain his intentions when the time came.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Stephen Strange was still reeling from Mordo's earlier words. Becoming a sorcerer meant abandoning a normal life—he'd have to be ready to fight dark elves and black mages at any time?
"Stephen, are you alright?" Karl Mordo approached and reached out to help him up.
He clearly remembered holding back the force of his punch when he struck Stephen's face. At most, it shouldn't have loosened any teeth.
"I'm… fine. I just wasn't cautious enough," Stephen muttered, rubbing his cheek.
He knew very well that if Mordo had truly used his full strength, he'd be picking his teeth off the floor right now. As it was, the pain was only in the soft flesh of his cheek.
"Mordo, when exactly were you recognized by your artifact?" Stephen's curiosity about magical artifacts hadn't faded.
Seeing the genuine interest on Stephen's face, Karl Mordo felt a twinge of guilt. After all, Stephen hadn't been studying for long.
Ancient One had arranged a very different training schedule for him compared to other disciples—more intense and accelerated. It was obvious that the Sorcerer Supreme had placed great hopes on Stephen.
"Close to half a year," Mordo said. "You can try. But if the artifact doesn't accept you, even holding it in your hands, you won't be able to wield it like I just did."
With that, he handed the Staff of the Living Tribunal to Stephen Strange. He had to try it himself to truly understand.
Half-skeptical, half-confident, Stephen believed he was ready. He had just mastered soul-related magic and integrated it thoroughly.
There was no reason he wouldn't be able to use the Staff. Holding it would certainly be better than fighting barehanded.
As he took the staff from Mordo, Stephen planted his feet firmly on the ground, gripping both ends of the weapon tightly with both hands.
"Go ahead and try," Mordo encouraged. Deep down, he hoped the staff would recognize Stephen. That way, the Sanctum would gain another powerful mage—
Someone who could stop Kaecilius and his deluded followers.
More than anything, Mordo wished the task of capturing Kaecilius would be entrusted to him—but the opportunity had never come.
Maybe this responsibility would end up falling into the hands of the newcomer, Stephen Strange.
Stephen took a deep breath, focusing all his attention on the staff. He gathered the magic in his palms and tried to rotate the Staff of the Living Tribunal—
But it didn't budge an inch.