The Ancient One maintained her calm expression.
"You are correct," she said. "But the future I see through the Time Stone is merely one possible timeline."
"That timeline is not necessarily the inevitable future. Sometimes, events can change."
"Only when something truly occurs does it solidify into a fixed line of time."
"Therefore, I cannot assume that what I have seen will certainly unfold. As Sorcerer Supreme, I must prepare for Earth's safety regardless."
"You should understand why I must do this."
Lucas smiled faintly.
"I understand your meaning—and I respect your responsibility as Sorcerer Supreme."
"But if you have seen that future unfold favorably, then it proves my judgment is correct."
"And even if she were to completely lose control, I would handle it myself. You would not need to intervene."
The certainty in his tone did not go unnoticed.
The Ancient One closed her eyes again, silent for a moment before continuing.
"Do not worry. Carrie's condition is not as dire as you imagine."
"This ability is her racial birthright. Given time, she will reclaim control on her own."
"Her species is no ordinary cosmic lifeform."
"What you should truly concern yourself with is the attention of the Vishanti—and the hostility of the Hell Lords."
Lucas's smile faded.
"The Vishanti approached me before I came here. They offered their blessing and promised to make me a powerful sorcerer."
"You refused," the Ancient One said, her expression turning serious for the first time. "That was the correct choice."
"You appear strong within the material realm. But before the true cosmic powers of this universe, you are still insufficient."
"If you had accepted, the three exalted ones could indeed have elevated you to the level they described."
"But afterward, freeing yourself from them would have been nearly impossible."
Lucas understood perfectly.
Still, curiosity lingered.
"Aren't you concerned they might hear you say this?" he asked.
The Ancient One smiled lightly.
"This is a double-layered Mirror Dimension, further disrupted by Carrie's unstable energy."
"With their power, they could listen in—if they chose to."
"And if they did, I would know."
"But do you truly believe beings of their stature spend their time eavesdropping on our conversations?"
Lucas nodded. That seemed unlikely.
"You no longer hold them in reverence," he observed.
He had sensed it—the subtle absence of awe in her tone.
The Ancient One's lips curved faintly.
"They used me."
"What I have done for them over these years has more than repaid the debt of power they once granted me."
"They understand this as well. That is why they no longer press me."
Lucas considered her words.
"So you turned to Dormammu instead?"
Her eyes shifted slightly, but she was not surprised he knew.
"If I do not thoroughly understand him, I cannot oppose him."
Lucas frowned.
"Then why do the Vishanti not intervene directly? Why allow Dormammu to threaten Earth at all?"
A realization dawned.
"I see. They allowed you to remain Sorcerer Supreme, entrusted you with the Book of the Vishanti, and turned a blind eye to your dealings with Dormammu."
The Ancient One smiled approvingly.
"Dormammu was once a mortal sorcerer of our order who became a dimensional lord."
"He covets Earth, yes—but he understands the balance."
"He knows the higher powers would not permit him to simply devour this world."
"For now, he is not our greatest concern."
Lucas laughed softly.
"From what I know, countless beings have their eyes on Earth. If one attempts to seize it, others will prevent them."
"So at present, Earth is safe."
The Ancient One looked at him deeply.
"You are correct. That is the 'delicate balance.'"
"But if that balance is broken, Earth would fall into irreversible ruin."
"For years, I have walked on thin ice to preserve it."
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
"That is the burden of the Sorcerer Supreme?"
"I am grateful I declined the Vishanti's offer. Otherwise, I would already regret it."
She smiled again.
"Strangely enough, I wish you had accepted."
"I have long considered stepping down."
"But I have yet to find a suitable successor."
At that, Lucas immediately thought of Stephen Strange.
Had she not seen him through the Time Stone?
"I know what you are thinking," the Ancient One said knowingly.
"Some matters are different when seen versus when left unseen."
"I deliberately chose not to examine this through the Time Stone."
"To do so would influence the natural unfolding of events."
"You, of all people, should understand that."
Lucas nodded.
He himself had no desire to view his own future.
A future discovered in advance was no longer truly one's own.
"It is better to walk it personally," he said quietly.
The Ancient One continued,
"Yet I have a strong premonition."
"My successor will appear before me very soon."
"It has been a long time since I have felt such certainty."
Lucas felt a flicker of recognition.
'Was the timeline of Doctor Strange about to begin?'
"I hope you find a successor who satisfies you," he said with faint amusement.
"I will," she replied firmly.
Then her expression shifted.
"For the foreseeable future, I must remain here to oversee Carrie's condition."
"I cannot divide my focus toward the material world."
As she spoke, the Eye of Agamotto manifested at her chest.
The Time Stone floated out and drifted into Lucas's palm.
"Earth will temporarily fall under your care."
"You may consider yourself the 'acting Sorcerer Supreme.'"
"For if my consciousness ceases to resonate within Earth's five-dimensional alignment for too long, certain malicious entities will inevitably probe for weakness."
"So you must be prepared."
"If you require guidance, consult Master Wong."
.....
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