Two hours later.
Ronan looked at his system interface, thoroughly satisfied, nodding in approval.
That was pretty simple after all.
Though the Mirror Dimension spell was considerably harder than the Portal spell, Ronan still managed to crack it.
The system finally acknowledged his accomplishment.
[Mirror Dimension: Creates a mirror dimension identical to the surrounding reality, but independent of it. Can trap opponents within the mirror dimension. The strength of the spell depends on both the caster's and the opponent's abilities.]
Just a simple description, but it had quickly become one of Ronan's top-tier moves.
Now that he had mastered this, Ronan could pull off many flashy stunts. Like flipping reality itself, just like the Ancient One's signature moves.
How cool would that be!
Meanwhile, Wong was exhausted yet somewhat impressed.
The exhaustion came from what was supposed to be an "exchange" of techniques, but turned into him teaching Ronan step-by-step how to use the spell.
From sensing space to creating the mirror dimension, and even simplifying the spell's gestures—Wong was worn out.
The surprise came from how fast Ronan learned. Wong vividly remembered how long it took him to master this spell.
Even Strange hadn't fully mastered it yet.
But in just two hours, Ronan not only learned it but became more proficient with it than Strange.
Wong couldn't help but be impressed.
Why wasn't Ronan the Sorcerer Supreme in this universe?
At least it would've been easier to teach him.
But that thought quickly faded. Despite Strange being arrogant, much like Tony Stark, they had worked together for so long.
Switching to someone new wouldn't be easy.
"This was a truly pleasant exchange," Ronan said, satisfied, closing his system interface. His smile was impossible to hide.
"Your foundation is incredibly solid, Wong. It's a pity you're not the Sorcerer Supreme."
Wong twitched slightly at the corners of his mouth.
What do you mean by "pity I'm not the Sorcerer Supreme"?
"Ah, if only the Ancient One were still here, I would've had a chat with her. Strange? What's so great about him? You're the real candidate for the Sorcerer Supreme."
"I'm sure when I return, the other you will be my most trusted ally!"
Feeling that one round of praise wasn't enough, Ronan complimented Wong again.
At the same time, he reaffirmed something in his heart.
When I finally become the Sorcerer Supreme, Wong will definitely be my right-hand man!
That day wouldn't be too far off, he thought.
After all, even Charles III ascended to the throne. Why not him?
Whoever heard of a prince who waited sixty years?
Wong's face fell. Not only had he been "tricked" into teaching a spell, but now another version of him would be serving Ronan.
Even if it was for the benefit of Kamar-Taj, something didn't feel right.
"Oh?" A familiar voice suddenly interrupted.
"Sounds like you have some thoughts about the Sorcerer Supreme position?"
Before Wong could respond, the surrounding space layered itself like glass, forming sharp-edged mirrors in every direction.
Ronan froze, his face a blend of colors as a complicated expression crossed his features.
There was no one behind him, but the voice was unmistakable.
Yes, the person who spoke was none other than the Ancient One.
"Ma…master?"
Ronan gulped, glancing around, trying to confirm the presence.
He wasn't even sure which Ancient One this was.
Ronan had previously mentioned that the Ancient One in the Marvel universe didn't truly die; she had merely transcended her physical form.
From the scene when Strange last saw her, it was clear the Ancient One could exist in a spiritual state.
Of course, no one could be sure if that was her final death or if she simply left Earth for other unknown realms.
Bang!
In the next instant, Ronan's soul left his body, and his Astral Projection activated.
The world around him seemed to come to a halt.
Wong's panicked expression froze on his face, as if time itself had been paused.
Only then did Ronan see the true face of the Ancient One.
When he truly saw the Ancient One in her astral form, Ronan gulped again.
So powerful…
Ronan could clearly feel an overwhelming force emanating from her.
"Hello, Sorcerer Supreme from a parallel world," the Ancient One greeted with a smile, gently descending before Ronan.
She didn't seem like a powerful sorcerer at all—more like a friendly neighbor.
The intimidating power she radiated moments ago had completely disappeared.
"Don't joke around… An-Ancient One. I'm just a small-time sorcerer. A very, very small one," Ronan stammered, pinching his thumb and forefinger together to emphasize how insignificant he was.
He almost called her "Master," but reconsidered. This Ancient One wasn't his teacher, after all.
"No, although you and Strange are entirely different, there is one thing you both share," the Ancient One said with a cryptic smile.
"You are destined to be the only candidate for the Sorcerer Supreme."
Her words sent a chill down Ronan's spine.
In his experience, when people began to praise you, it either meant they wanted you to do something, or there was some hidden agenda.
Just like before, when the Ancient One told him, "You're the most special one."
That memory made Ronan shudder.
"No, no, no. There's no way I can compare to Strange. He's amazing!"
"He can see so many possible outcomes and found the one solution."
"More importantly, he's incredibly gifted. He single-handedly took on the responsibility of protecting Earth."
"He even made a pact with Dormammu, ensuring Dormammu would never invade Earth again."
"Those are all remarkable accomplishments!"
Ronan's words came out in a rapid stream of flattery.
The more he saw the smile on the Ancient One's face, the more uneasy he became.
That smile was all too familiar.
It was the same expression she had when making him redo his homework.
Ronan remembered it vividly!
"If it were you, perhaps there wouldn't even be so many tragic endings. Everyone could have lived a happy life," the Ancient One continued, still smiling.
The more Ronan looked at that smile, the more unsettling it became.
Mama Mia, this is getting creepier by the second!
Ronan shook his head frantically.
No, no, no. Stop jinxing me! I can't handle it!
What if I actually run into Thanos and get "blessed" to death because of you?
But before Ronan could respond, the Ancient One seemed to notice something else.
"And there's something familiar about the energy within you."
"It feels like… my own handiwork."