I was exhausted. My physical strength, and mental energy, completely drained. I didn't bother exchanging greetings with the more than a hundred people I'd just fought; instead, I headed straight back to my room.
As I walked past the members of Kamar-Taj, I noticed the complexity in their expressions. It wasn't contempt—they wouldn't feel that way after being defeated by one person. But it wasn't friendliness either. After all, I had just thoroughly humbled the pride of these Sorcerers, so I knew friendliness was out of the question.
I didn't dwell on those complicated looks. Love or hatred didn't matter to me. Once back in my room, I got ready to rest and recover a bit of my strength.
By evening, I'd managed to regain some energy and treated myself to a hearty meal of stir-fried dishes. Though the food was good, I was starting to miss my burgers, steaks, and fries.
On my way back, I walked alongside Wong and asked him, "Wong, could you give me a Sling Ring?" I was curious if I could replicate the correct movements just by watching Doctor Strange.
"Of course, I can. But do you know how to use it?" Wong replied.
He handed me his Sling Ring, clearly not worried about lending it to me. The real question was whether I could actually make it work.
"Here you go," he said, handing me the ring.
I slid it onto my left hand, took a deep breath, and adopted the stance I'd only seen practiced by the others. Tentatively, I began tracing circles with my right hand, visualizing my room. A crackling sound charged the air as sparks ignited and stabilized in front of me.
Crackling…
A portal shimmered open. Huh—surprisingly easy. Though with my bipyramids issues I was going to try to go further without preparation.
"Kara—you haven't practiced magic before, have you?" Wong asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How did you accomplish that? Even with the gift, this level of skill is... rare. Magic typically demands years of practice, and yet you just... did it." I could see him wrestling with the realization of what sort of apprentice the Sorcerer Supreme had brought into Kamar-Taj.
"Uh, technically, I haven't had formal training in magic," I replied, half-distracted. "Look, Wong, I've still got some reading to finish. I'll see you tomorrow." Without waiting for his response, I stepped through the portal and into my room on the other side, dismissing the spell as I arrived.
"Kara, wait—" he began, but I was already gone. Bewildered, he watched the portal close before him. After a moment, he sighed, turning on his heel. This was… unusual. He'd need to report this to the Sorcerer Supreme.
As he made his way through the halls, Wong puzzled over what Kara had said. 'Technically, I haven't learned magic from Kamar-Taj…' If not here, then where? Kamar-Taj was the only known place where the mystic arts were taught.
Wong finally entered the quiet room where the Ancient One often sat in contemplation. As expected, she was there, calmly sipping tea, a picture of tranquility and insight honed over lifetimes.
"Wong," she greeted him, gesturing to a seat. "Please, join me. What brings you here?"
"It's about Kara," Wong began, seating himself across from her. "She requested a Sling Ring... and then, without any prior training, she opened a portal. I watched her do it with my own eyes."
The Ancient One's hand stilled slightly as she poured tea, her gaze sharpening. She had never taught Kara to open portals. So how had she mastered the technique? What untold knowledge did she hold? Just how much did Kara understand about Kamar-Taj... and the realms beyond?
....
The following morning, I sat across from The Ancient One once again in the same meditation room as the previous day, where I sensed that things were likely going to go downhill soon.
"Kara, your talents are exceptional, and your intelligence is remarkable," she began, her initial words unsurprising. She had a way of connecting with young individuals, starting by showering me with compliments.
"The path you're following bears similarities to that of Kamar-Taj. While Kamar-Taj's entry may be straightforward, progress tends to slow over time. Conversely, your journey is quite the opposite. You've made significant strides through your own diligent efforts. As time passes, delving deeper into your mind and influencing reality with your thoughts may blur the lines between imagination and reality. These two concepts are fundamentally distinct, often polar opposites. I could say the same about your abilities, but I suspect you already have an understanding of this on some level."
She analyzed my current state of being. But I didn't feel a wave of anxiety because I was already aware of these issues.
While ordinary people might remain a mystery to themselves, as a Cognymistic I possess a precise understanding of my own nature. My mindscape is indeed a blend of opposing forces. However, I don't perceive it as being as imbalanced as The Ancient One fears it might be.
I smiled. "Supreme, I am well aware of that. My mindscape is a fusion of fantasy and reality. However, I draw inspiration from a world where Fantasy and Reality share an intrinsic relationship. I can distinguish between what is real and what is fantasy, what is good and what is evil, and what is black and what is white. My path is one where the connection exists, yet one is not the other; instead, they coexist in perfect harmony."
The Ancient One regarded me sternly. "Remember what you've just said. When you find yourself lost or confused one day, reflect on this statement. It may offer you guidance."
We shared a silent understanding: "You're no different from me. Let's refrain from making judgments about each other. We're both humble seekers on this journey." Driven by my determination, I held my criticisms within, choosing not to voice my disagreement.
...
I found myself lost in contemplation, pondering the delicate interplay of contrasting concepts. My reverie, however, was interrupted by the Ancient One's suddenly serious expression. Perplexed, I was about to ask what was wrong, but her question came before I could voice my confusion.
"Where did you acquire your knowledge of Kamar-Taj portal magic? I don't recall teaching you that," she inquired, concern in her tone.
"Oh… I observed Doctor Strange using it, so I picked it up," I replied casually. I'd seen Doctor Strange himself perform it on an IMAX screen, after all. It didn't seem overly complicated; you just wore the Sling Ring and opened a portal.
Her next question held a more serious tone. "Can you tell me how much you saw about this universe?"
I paused, sensing this wasn't a casual inquiry. After a moment of reflection, I decided to be truthful. "I witnessed Thanos gathering all six Infinity Stones and using them to erase half of the universe's population with a snap of his fingers. Of course, I also saw the Avengers tirelessly working to eventually achieve a better outcome. But what I have gathered so far, this universe is a parallel reality to that one, so I can't be 100% certain."
The Ancient One fell silent, her expression unreadable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. Was there something more she needed me to explain? Her quiet contemplation made me anxious.
With her eyes closed, the Ancient One seemed lost in thought. I was left wondering about the significance of my knowledge of major future events and my connection with Doctor Strange. Did she want to discuss his experiences?
"Kara, do you know how Doctor Strange became the Sorcerer Supreme?" she finally broke the silence, asking directly.
"Is this something I should be aware of, or is it best left unknown?" I asked, scratching my head absently, my perplexity clear in my voice.
"Just tell me!" she replied impatiently, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm aware," I replied cautiously, not daring to challenge her impatience.
"All of it?" she asked, clarifying.
"All of it," I confirmed with a firm nod.
"If that's the case, there shouldn't be much to worry about," she seemed to think, her confidence returning.
"How do you perceive me?" she inquired, a curious look crossing her face.
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "Uh, well…" I sighed inwardly, collecting my thoughts.
"Well, you're Earth's protector, the most formidable Sorcerer Supreme, a master of the mystic arts. You've guarded the Earth for centuries, respected by beings like Odin and feared by many. You are undeniably a force for good."
In Kara's honest opinion, the Ancient One who had quietly safeguarded Earth for centuries, was a worthy bearer of the title of protector. As the most powerful Sorcerer Supreme, she had earned the respect of even otherworldly gods who hesitated to invade Earth while simultaneously holding Thanos at bay. Her ability to remain good despite drawing power from Dormammu's dimension was admirable.
The Ancient One's lips curved slightly at my assessment. "Huh, am I really that good?" she mused aloud. "Perhaps I haven't failed as much as I thought. She doesn't seem surprised or repelled by my departure from traditional paths; that's reassuring."
"Kara!"
"Huh? Yes!"
"Why are you not willing to become my apprentice?" she asked me directly.
"It's not that I'm unwilling," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "But becoming an apprentice to the Sorcerer Supreme feels like a huge responsibility. Right now, I have a lot on my plate and other commitments. To be honest, it seems like you're grooming me as your successor. And I don't think I could fully commit to that—not until I find the answers I've been looking for."
The Ancient One listened intently before responding, "Indeed, it is a significant responsibility. But tell me, what will you do if you find your answers?"
I hesitated, feeling a bit uncertain. "I'm... not really sure."
She raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?"
"Well," I admitted, "other than surviving, growing stronger, and understanding my origins, I don't really have any other goals. Ever since this journey began, I've been on this endless chase, mostly driven by necessity or revenge. I haven't really thought about what comes after."
The Ancient One's gaze softened as she said, "I don't presume to know your path, but have you considered living for today? Rather than chasing an elusive end, why not set more immediate, attainable goals?"
I paused, taken aback by her words. "You mean... smaller goals?"
She nodded. "You have the freedom to come and go as you please, with time on your side. Yet, it seems you're not truly living."
I let her words sink in. She was right; since awakening to this life, I'd been in constant motion—always fighting, never living. Maybe it was time for a change, to allow myself to pursue something besides strength and survival. Not that I was accepting the position; that role was meant for Strange. But maybe... I could still learn something here.
"Mentor," I said softly, looking up at the Ancient One, feeling a new resolve.
"Hm? Did you just acknowledge me?" she replied, raising an eyebrow with a playful quip, "Is the day of my retirement finally approaching?"
With a dignified poise that suited her role as a Mentor of the Mystic Arts, the Ancient One nodded approvingly. "You've made a wise choice; you won't regret it."
Looking at the Ancient One's serene expression, I couldn't help but think, I'm not so sure about that.
Then, as if catching a fleeting thought, she turned to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you know that, every once in a while, you emit an energy similar to that of the Eye of Agamotto?"
Stunned, I blinked. "I'm aware I emit some sort of energy. I've been told it was similar to the Power Stone before... but now, the Time Stone as well?"
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow, a faint smile teasing the corner of her lips. "Hmm. Interesting." She swept her hand through the air as if considering something. "Come with me."
I had no idea what she was planning but followed her through the winding corridors of Kamar-Taj, which seemed to stretch endlessly.
Eventually, we arrived at a large, heavy door adorned with glowing symbols, each one pulsing faintly with energy. With a mere gesture, the Ancient One summoned the door open, revealing a dimly lit room with a soft golden glow illuminating a pedestal at its center. Resting with quiet reverence was the Eye of Agamotto.
The Ancient One picked it up and held it up before me. "You know what this is, don't you?"
I nodded, though I had no real interest in this artifact, created with the Time Stone as its core. I had always believed in the saying: Those who play with time will eventually be played by time.
But then, something unexpected happened. As the Eye of Agamotto opened, emitting a dazzling green light, a silver-white glow appeared on my chest. Startled, I quickly reached out, trying to interact with the white crystal that had appeared, but to no avail, I couldn't interact with it. The Ancient One simply stood by, watching with curiosity.
Before either of us could react, the white light disappeared from my chest and instantly reappeared in front of the Time Stone. My silver-white crystal and the Time Stone connected, and the green magic circle on the Ancient One's hand, along with the green light in her eyes, vanished in a flash. Realizing what had happened, I felt a little embarrassed. My crystal hadn't just brushed against another artifact; it had also seemed to cut off the energy link between the Ancient One and the Time Stone.
But the Ancient One's expression remained calm, as though nothing in the world could stir her. Nearly half a minute later, the silver-white crystal separated from the Time Stone and flew back toward me, re-entering my body as if nothing had happened.
The Ancient One merely watched, and I finally muttered, "I'm sorry. I don't know what that crystal-like thing is. It's been in my body for a while now."
"Very interesting." The Time Stone began to emit a soft green light again as she pinched her fingers to close it back into the Eye of Agamotto, whispering something under her breath.
"Mentor, do you know what that was?" I asked, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"As I said, a very interesting crystal." She paused, then continued, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell with certainty. But whatever it is it's clearly related to the Infinity Stones."
"Infinity Stones," I murmured "Nemesis! Could it be?" A shiver ran down my spine.
"Smaller goals?"