"This is…?"
Kagura furrowed her brows and reflexively tried to stand. "A mark from the Dark Dimension?"
A red symbol slowly began to appear on the Ancient One's forehead—the unmistakable sign of a follower of Dormammu, a side effect of drawing power from the Dark Dimension to enhance oneself.
"There's no need to be so surprised," the Ancient One said calmly. "I'm sure you've at least heard whispers of this."
"I siphon energy from the Dark Dimension to sustain my mystical powers and prolong my life. It's not a choice I made lightly, but it was necessary. Still, it can't last forever."
No one knew exactly how long the Ancient One had lived. Perhaps hundreds of years—maybe even over a thousand. Some believed she was the very first Sorcerer Supreme.
Time had gifted her with nearly limitless power.
Kagura speculated that the Ancient One could stand toe-to-toe with Odin or even Hela of Asgard.
She might even have had the power to stop Thanos himself.
But no matter how mighty she was, the Ancient One was still human—and humans have limits.
Even the strongest of mortals will eventually be worn down by the sands of time.
No one escapes it.
To protect this beautiful, fertile planet and continue her existence, the Ancient One chose to transcend her humanity.
She drew energy from Dormammu, the arch-nemesis of all sorcerers, using it to halt the aging of her body and free herself from the constraints of time—gradually accumulating power far beyond the natural limits of any human.
Kagura had knowledge about Doctor Strange and the world of sorcerers, thanks to the intel stored within her mind.
She knew about the library at Kamar-Taj, where spells for communicating with the Dark Dimension were hidden.
It was those very rituals that the traitor Kaecilius had stolen from the Ancient One.
"You accepted immortality from Dormammu and then tricked him—using his own power to protect Earth. Is that it?" Kagura asked.
"And now, if another sorcerer connects with Dormammu, Earth is at risk."
"You're very perceptive, Kagura," the Ancient One nodded. "I've learned to hide myself from Dormammu."
"He can't pinpoint Earth through the energy I siphon, and the three Sanctums still hold strong. But Kaecilius… he's a different story."
She waved her hand, and an image of Kaecilius formed from swirling orange eldritch magic in front of Kagura.
"Unlike me, Kaecilius has fully submitted to Dormammu. He's now one of Dormammu's most devoted followers. And because of that, it's only a matter of time before Dormammu invades Earth."
Kagura picked up the thread of the conversation.
"So this world's Dormammu already knows about the Time Stone, and the trick used to trap him before. That means he won't recklessly attack reality again."
"Instead… he'll come for you first. Because you're one of the only ones connected to him, like Kaecilius."
"Exactly," the Ancient One confirmed. "Because Kaecilius is now tied to Dormammu, my concealment no longer works."
"I can no longer match Dormammu in the realms of spirit and energy. But at the same time… I can't afford to die just yet."
"If I die now, there will be no one left on Earth capable of stopping Dormammu. The Dark Dimension exists beyond time and defies the laws of physics. Neither Earth's heroes nor its most advanced technologies would stand a chance."
"Ugh… every time I hear this part, it just pisses me off!" Kagura puffed her cheeks in frustration. "Looks like I'd better speed up my dimensional tech research."
She tilted her head, thinking.
"So… you're looking for a new Sorcerer Supreme. Someone who can take your place. That way, even if you're gone, Earth still has a fighting chance."
The Ancient One gently placed a hand on Kagura's head. "You're sharp, Kagura."
"Hmm... but I still don't get it," Kagura continued. "If even you can't defeat Dormammu, how are we supposed to stop him? Especially now that he knows the trick with the Time Stone."
The Ancient One smiled warmly.
"Kagura, the Time Stone's power isn't limited to just one method. But Dormammu is already watching my every move—I can't risk revealing the strategy to you directly."
Her eyes were soft, like flowing water—profound and wise, yet filled with the gentle affection of a mother.
"There is still hope, child. As long as a new Sorcerer Supreme rises, there will be a way to defeat Dormammu."
"But… time is no longer on our side. The Dark Dimension's corruption grows stronger by the day. If I falter before the succession is complete…"
The Ancient One's expression dimmed.
"…then I need you to promise me something. If that time comes—kill me. Immediately."
"Hey!"
Kagura's voice dropped, her eyes narrowing.
"Don't just drop that kind of burden on me! I'm not going to be the one to kill the mighty Ancient One. I'll find a way to save you instead!"
Hearing this, the Ancient One smiled with quiet relief.
"You're a kind soul, Kagura. But…"
A deep sadness filled her gaze.
"Time is cruel. If you don't act fast enough—if you fail to destroy the me who has fallen completely under Dormammu's control—then all will be lost."
Her voice was heavy and solemn. "I am powerful. More powerful than all of you combined."
"If you ever have to face me in battle, not even you can win."
"So please, Kagura, end my life while there's still a shred of my consciousness left. If not, this world will be consumed by eternal darkness"
She placed her hands firmly on Kagura's shoulders.
"This is something only you can do. It's my final wish. Please… promise me"
Kagura fell silent.
So this… this was the "Ancient One's Last Wish" mentioned in the system's quest?
How underhanded.
How unfair.
Why—why would you force such a painful, heart-wrenching task onto me?
If there's a cliff ahead… can't we face it together?
It's just Dormammu, right?
"Even if it's a god standing in my way—if they dare try to destroy what I hold dear, I'll cut them down myself!"
"Alright," Kagura said with unwavering resolve. "If that is your final wish, then I promise you—I'll do it. However..."
She paused for a moment, her tone softening slightly.
"Master Ancient One, unless there's absolutely no other choice, I will never raise my blade against you. So please… don't give up either."
From the moment I arrived in this world, I made a vow.
I will give every hero the happy ending they deserve—and you're no exception!
Maybe in your eyes—eyes that can see both the past and the future—your death is inevitable.
Maybe to you, the fate of the one called "The Ancient One" is already sealed.
But I reject that fate!
Watch me. I'll find my own path.
I will defeat Kaecilius. I will defeat Dormammu. And more importantly...
I will save you.
———————————————————————
At that moment, the Ancient One's eyes trembled ever so slightly.
She was deeply moved that Kagura had accepted the burden of killing her if it came to that.
What she didn't realize was that Kagura had made a silent vow just now—a vow not to end her life…
But to save it.
Dormammu's power was immense.
If Kaecilius succeeded in destroying the three Sanctum shields protecting Earth, or simply delayed long enough.
The Ancient One would eventually succumb to Dormammu's corruption—her soul enslaved, her body turned into a puppet.
That would spell the end of Earth.
A future consumed by darkness.
That's why... she had to die before that happened.
Kagura—she was the ideal executioner.
With her limitless power, surely she would be able to end the Ancient One's life swiftly, once the corruption began.
I'm sorry, dear girl.
Sorry for forcing such a heavy promise onto your shoulders.
May your future be filled with light... and hope.