James studied the Ancient One, an unassuming woman radiating subtle power. "Sorcerer Supreme," he said, bowing his head. "My arrival seems to have caught your attention."
The Ancient One conjured a teacup. "Sit. Your presence is like a torch in the night—hard to ignore."
James sat, sniffing the tea, laced with strange energy. "Are you here to tell me to leave Earth?"
"On the contrary," she replied, sipping her tea. "I want to thank you."
James raised an eyebrow. "Thank me?"
"You stopped Loki, averting a war across the Nine Realms," she said, gazing into the distance. "And you taught Thor humility, vital for Asgard's future king."
James narrowed his eyes. He knew the Ancient One should blame him for disrupting the timeline, not praise him. "I do what I want," he said cautiously.
"That purity is rare," she said, setting down her cup. "James, what do you know of this universe?"
"Enough," he replied, eyes glowing gold. "Dormammu covets Earth, Thanos hunts the Infinity Stones."
The Ancient One flinched. "You know even that…"
"And your secrets," James added, fixing her with a stare. "The Eye of Agamotto, the Time Stone, and your power drawn from the Dark Dimension."
The air stilled. Mordo, outside, gripped his magical weapon. The Ancient One stayed silent, then smiled. "Fascinating. I underestimated you."
She stood, her robe flowing. "Let's talk elsewhere."
A portal opened to a snowy Himalayan peak. James stepped through, unfazed by the cold, his steps leaving no trace.
The Ancient One followed. "Here, we'll have privacy."
"What do you want to know?" James asked.
"Your intentions," she said, serious. "With such power, why stay on Earth? And where do you come from?"
James gazed at the mountains. "A home."
His simple answer surprised her. He continued, improvising, "I'm a Kryptonian, arrived here by accident. This world gave me a new life. I want to protect it my way."
"Even against S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Against anyone who stands in my way," James replied, eyes glinting.
The Ancient One considered. "What if I offered you the role of Sorcerer Supreme?"
James paused. "Why me?"
"You see what I cannot," she said, weary. "I've protected this world too long. The Time Stone showed me futures, all leading to my death."
James caught the implication. "You're preparing your succession."
She nodded. "Dr. Strange needs time. Your arrival is an unforeseen variable, scrambling the timelines."
The wind howled, but an invisible shield protected them. "I decline," James said. "I have my own path."
The Ancient One's shoulders sagged, but he added, "But if the day comes when Earth needs me, I'll be there. It's my home."
The Ancient One smiled, relieved. "That's enough."
She opened a portal to Kamar-Taj's library. "Care for a tour of the archives?"
James lit up. "Good idea."