Outer space, far beyond Earth, within a dimension unlike anything in the real world.
Darkness. Decay. A suffocating tide of evil energy consumed everything, swallowing the entire dimension.
Then, a terrifying roar echoed across the void.
"Ancient One, you despicable hypocrite. As the Sorcerer Supreme, you dare steal my dark power just to prolong your fragile life. Steal it if you must, but then you should submit and serve me as my slave! Yet you still oppose me. With your corrupted morals, what right do you have to lecture your disciples? Abandon your foolish resistance. Accept your fate as my servant, and I will grant you eternal life and limitless power!"
From the rolling tide of black energy, a colossal skull emerged, its sheer size spanning millions of miles. Its crushing presence filled the entire dimension, a sovereign of shadows. An ordinary mortal would have been obliterated in an instant, reduced to dust.
But before the skull stood a bald woman in yellow robes. She remained unmoved, calm and steady, her face plain but radiating wisdom, serenity, and absolute resolve.
She was insignificant in size compared to the massive skull, less than an ant. Yet her aura held firm against the darkness. She was the protector of Earth, the strongest sorcerer alive.
She was the Ancient One.
"Dormammu, your schemes are wasted. As long as I draw breath, you will never set foot upon Earth!"
The Ancient One smiled gently, her expression calm, but her voice carried unshakable determination.
"Foolish woman," Dormammu's laughter echoed like thunder. "Even you know death will one day claim you. In my Dark Dimension, there is no time. I can wait for eternity, but you cannot. When you perish, no one will stand in my way. I will descend upon that planet and devour everything it holds. And as for you, deceitful sorcerer, I will rip your soul from your body, torment you with darkness, and make you suffer for all eternity!"
The massive skull of darkness rolled and writhed, his voice full of venom. The Ancient One was the sole obstacle to his arrival. Once she was gone, nothing could prevent his descent.
And when that moment came, this world would belong to him.
"Is that so? I think you're celebrating too early."
The mocking voice cut through Dormammu's laughter like a blade of light.
A wave of pressure erupted, vast and overwhelming, accompanied by a force of pure brilliance opposite to Dormammu's darkness.
The very fabric of the dimension trembled and cracked. Countless fractures spread across the void as radiant energy of life and hope surged, washing away the tides of shadow. The endless black waves recoiled, as if fearing the arrival of something greater.
"Who dares?"
Dormammu's roar shook the dimension, fury and unease lacing his words. The ocean of darkness surged violently, writhing in rage.
But the Ancient One only smiled faintly, as though she had anticipated this moment. Her wise, ancient eyes glimmered with knowing.
A thunderous rumble followed. The dimension split apart before Dormammu's massive skull, light spilling through the cracks.
Out of that brilliance stepped a figure clad in white robes, bathed in divine radiance. His presence rejected the darkness itself, pushing it back with irresistible force.
It was a man, standing tall in the boundless void. His aura was holy, his power immeasurable. If Dormammu was the sovereign of the Dark Dimension, then this newcomer was the very embodiment of life itself, a god who nurtured all beings.
It was none other than Jason Kin, known in this world as Roland Phils.
Dormammu's voice rumbled in shock. "Such overwhelming life energy. You must be the so-called Lord of Life, the one my servants whispered of!"
Jason's lips curved in a faint, amused smile. "Not bad, Dark Lord. You know of me even before my full arrival. Impressive. I will reward your insight. Kneel before me and become my follower."
The Ancient One's eyes lit with calm recognition. She bowed her head slightly. "It is an honor to meet you at last, Lord of Life, Mister Phils."
Unlike most, she was not surprised. She had been waiting.
Jason's gaze turned to her. "Ancient One, it seems you knew of me long ago."
"Of course. From the day you first appeared in this world, I have watched. Not as an enemy, but as a guardian who wished to see the truth."
"And why did you watch me? Did you see me as a threat?" Jason asked, his voice calm, but his presence thundered across the void.
The Ancient One shook her head softly. "You misunderstand. I never considered you an enemy. Your presence here confirms what I believed. You are not a foe of this world."
Jason laughed, his tone sharp but pleased. "Indeed. You see more clearly than that one-eyed spymaster who believes every shadow is his enemy. You are correct. I am no enemy of Earth."
Their conversation was calm, even cordial, but it was like pouring oil into Dormammu's fury.
"You dare ignore me? You dare belittle me in my own realm?" Dormammu roared. His voice shook the void, his wrath now fully unleashed.
To disregard him was unforgivable. To mock the Dark Lord meant only one fate.
Death.
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