"My... origin?"
Kagura's eyes lit up with interest at the topic.
She had always been searching—searching for where she came from, for the truth behind her existence.
Where did her android body come from?
Why was she brought into the Marvel Universe?
What secrets were hidden inside her core energy source?
Could there really be an Infinity Stone inside her?
And if so—which one?
These were questions with no easy answers, ones that had plagued her far more than something as straightforward as finding her parents.
"Yes," the Ancient One nodded. "With my powers—and with the Eye of Agamotto, I can glimpse a few fragments of truth about you."
She raised her hand, fingers glowing with orange mystical energy that flowed outward, forming a complex magical circle in the air.
The magic expanded, weaving into an intricate web of runes and diagrams like a glowing spiderweb.
Within that web, images began to form—like a holographic projection straight out of Rhodes Island's most advanced tech.
"Let me begin with the simplest, yet most important truth."
As the Ancient One manipulated the formation, she drew a small amount of energy from Kagura's chest.
That energy floated in the air, taking shape through shimmering orange light—forming a visual story, a glimpse into the core of who she was.
"The source of your supernatural abilities—the energy that powers you—is none other than this universe's Soul Stone."
"So it really is the Soul Stone..."
Kagura murmured, more thoughtful than surprised.
She had long suspected as much—but until now, she could never confirm it.
After all, unless she wanted to literally rip it out of her chest (and instantly die in the process), there wasn't exactly a way to check.
"But, Master," she asked, "if the Soul Stone is my core... shouldn't it have infinite energy, like the other Infinity Stones? Why do I still need to recharge?"
The Ancient One continued shaping the magical projection, this time displaying Kagura's internal structure.
"That's because the energy you draw on isn't powering the Soul Stone itself. It's being used to maintain your link with the Soul Stone."
"The Soul Stone has a will of its own," she explained. "Why it chose you—or why it helps you—is something even I cannot answer."
The glowing diagrams twisted and evolved, forming clearer pictures in Kagura's mind as the Ancient One spoke.
"But what I can tell you is this: the power within you is what's keeping your soul intact. That connection is your lifeline. It's the last remnant of the miracle that brought you here."
"The Soul Stone chose your soul. It crossed dimensions—crossed universes—to bring you into this world. And in doing so, it used almost all of its energy."
Understanding slowly dawned on Kagura.
For some reason, in this Marvel Universe, the Soul Stone had exercised its will. It had shattered cosmic rules and burned through its power—just to bring her here.
Now, what remained of its strength could only be accessed in fragments—used to activate miraculous abilities like her "Concept Skills."
"…But why?"
Even after everything she'd learned, her heart was filled with more questions.
"Why the Soul Stone? Why me? What's the reason I was brought to this world?"
"I'm afraid that's a question I cannot answer," the Ancient One replied softly. "Some questions have no answers—not yet. The meaning of your existence… is something you must discover for yourself."
"But, silver-haired girl," she added after a pause, her voice warm and resolute, "there's one thing you must remember."
"The Soul Stone chose you for a reason. You are a miracle that crossed worlds. And you have brought light to this dark universe."
"Kagura—no matter what you've done, or what you will do I hope you continue to make this world a better place."
"You've come to this world. Now find peace in it. And if you wish to bring peace to others, you must first bring peace to yourself."
"I won't force you to do anything," she said, smiling gently. "But I sincerely hope that a kind girl like you can find happiness in this world."
"You are here—and we are grateful for it."
"Come to this world, then make it your home," huh?
Yeah… no matter how I got here—I'm here now.
And if I want to live a peaceful, happy life in this world, then I have to eliminate anything that threatens to destroy it!
After all, this beautiful girl right here already made up her mind!
"Well then, now that we've shared everything we needed to… it's time to move forward with our deal."
The Ancient One let out a soft sigh of relief. "It was a fair trade, but even so—I want to thank you again."
She straightened up and gave a respectful bow.
"I'm counting on you, Miss Kagura. In the coming days, I need your help to train Stephen Strange. He must become a capable sorcerer as soon as possible."
"Got it!"
Kagura smiled and nodded. "Since I already agreed—and the rewards are so generous—I'll do my best. I'm a girl who keeps her promises!"
Hearing that, the Ancient One smiled with satisfaction.
"I truly wish you were my daughter… then I could pass the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to you right away. Well—technically I could even now, but I doubt you'd accept it."
"Aww, don't say things like that, you'll make me blush," Kagura replied, cheeks tinged pink.
"You already know in your heart who the right person is to take up that title, Master."
"Kagura… talking with you is truly refreshing."
The Ancient One exhaled slowly. "Yes, your talent far surpasses Stephen Strange. But if you became Sorcerer Supreme, you'd have to give up your peaceful life. I won't allow you to take on that burden."
"Thank you for understanding, Master," Kagura said sincerely. "So then—please tell me what I need to do during this time. For the Time Stone, I'll do everything I can to assist!"
"Hahaha!"
The Ancient One let out a carefree laugh.
"No need to rush, my little star. We're not cut off from the world here. Think of this next stretch as a long-overdue vacation!"
"As for how to train Stephen Strange—I'll explain it to you gradually."
A vacation, huh?
A relaxing holiday filled with mystic arts, magical combat, looming world-ending threats, and the menace of Dormammu…
Ah… how lovely.
———————————————————————
'Yeah, right!'
Kagura screamed internally, her thoughts brimming with sarcasm.