Inside a quiet temple, the Ancient One put on her signature yellow hooded robes. Her disciples, who had followed her for many years, understood that whenever she donned this attire, she was preparing for something significant—whether a battle or a dangerous undertaking.
Mordo stepped forward. "Master, let me accompany you."
The Ancient One glanced at Mordo, a faint smile gracing her face. "Where I am going, you cannot follow—at least, not yet."
Mordo's face showed a hint of worry. "Master…"
"Don't worry about me." She patted Mordo's hand reassuringly. "Just watch over Kamar-Taj. Kaecilius may return at any moment."
At the mention of that name, Mordo's face grew stern. "Understood, Master," he said, determined. "Even if I die, I won't let anything happen to Kamar-Taj."
The Ancient One, however, didn't look entirely pleased. "Kamar-Taj is just a temple," she replied calmly. "Our true purpose is not bound to this place."
Mordo listened to her words, but his unwavering loyalty to principles made him prioritize Kamar-Taj above all else. Should Kaecilius attack while the Ancient One was away, Mordo would honor his vow to defend it.
Observing her disciple, the Ancient One sighed softly. She knew Mordo's character well. It was his steadfastness, yet also his downfall—why he could not be her successor, nor the Earth's Supreme Sorcerer.
She turned her gaze to the other disciples, who nodded in silent understanding. With these skilled guardians protecting Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One pulled her yellow hood over her head and walked straight toward the temple's grand doors. Without waiting for them to open, she simply passed through.
Mordo watched her departing figure, then sat in quiet contemplation. "You all should go and guide the other disciples," he instructed. "I'll take care of things here."
Exchanging glances, the other disciples bowed respectfully before slowly leaving the hall. Soon, only Mordo remained, and he closed his eyes, focusing intently on his duty to protect Kamar-Taj.
Upon leaving Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One found herself in a dark, void-like space. The vast emptiness held only scattered patches of eerie green light flickering in the distance.
She glanced around, raised one hand, and traced a gentle line in the void. A golden magic circle materialized in her hand, then shattered, transforming into countless glowing butterflies that illuminated the surrounding darkness.
Under their light, she saw a narrow path, piled high with countless skeletal remains. Taking a step forward, the glowing butterflies followed, lighting her path. Before long, at the end of the passage, a throne built of skulls loomed ahead—but at the moment, it stood empty.
The Ancient One stood with her hands clasped behind her, the Sling Ring on her fingers casting a soft golden glow.
After a moment, the hollow eyes of the skeletal remains lining the corridor ignited with red flames, blazing toward the Ancient One and illuminating the entire space.
"Earth's sorcerer? Why have you come to my Hell?"
On the throne of skulls, a figure in a red robe appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. He had wild, unkempt hair, eyes devoid of pupils—only whites showing—and, when he spoke, sharp fangs glistened menacingly.
...
"Lord of Hell… Mephisto."
Mephisto's lips curled into a faint grin, revealing sharp fangs. "So, you are Earth's Supreme Sorcerer."
The brim of the Ancient One's hood shaded her face as she spoke calmly, "Why have you come to Earth at this time?"
"There is a list of dangerous entities in the Sanctum Sanctorum, and you happen to be on it. Given your sudden visit, I had to come and ask you personally."
Mephisto's smile faded, replaced by a hint of anger. "In this universe, I go wherever I please. Even Asgard—if I wanted to, I could stroll through it, let alone a small planet like Earth!"
"Are you implying you're here to cause trouble?" The Ancient One's gaze remained steady as she looked into Mephisto's pupil-less eyes, still feeling the cold intensity of his stare.
Her Sling Ring automatically activated, forming a protective golden magic circle around her.
Unfazed, she continued, "What is your true purpose on Earth?"
Mephisto let out a sinister laugh. "If you, Earth's Supreme Sorcerer, are so eager to know—let's see if you have the skill to make me tell you."
With a wave of his hand, the skulls lining the corridor seemed to come alive. Their teeth chattered, producing an eerie, bone-chilling sound. Then, crimson flames erupted from the skulls' eye sockets, setting the entire passageway ablaze in red.
The flames surged toward the Ancient One. She raised her hands in front of her chest, forming a hand seal, and spread her arms wide. Instantly, two massive golden magic circles formed, encasing her within their protective barrier. The red flames couldn't penetrate even an inch.
Mephisto observed with a look of approval. "Impressive… Earth's Supreme Sorcerer."
"You are worthy…"
Suddenly, his face darkened as he noticed something unsettling. The Ancient One had raised her face, and in the center of her forehead… was a glowing red rune.
---
Boom!
At the entrance of the New York Police Department, a burst of green flames erupted, engulfing Gwen and Tony in an instant. George, Anna, and the others watched in alarm.
"It's freezing!" Anna, dressed lightly, shivered as the surrounding temperature dropped abruptly. She couldn't understand why, despite the intense flames, the air around them felt so cold. Tonight's events would forever reshape her understanding of the world.
The green flames slowly began to diminish. The onlookers stared intently, worry evident in their eyes.
What had happened to Spider-Woman and Iron Man?
As the flames receded, only the Green Goblin remained, staring in disbelief at the arm he had just used to grab Tony. Both Tony and Spider-Woman were gone, and… even his own arm was lying on the ground.
The Green Goblin himself hadn't realized when he'd lost his arm.
"Where are they?" Anna asked anxiously, wondering if the two heroes had been consumed by the flames.
George looked around, concerned, searching for any sign of Spider-Woman or Iron Man.
A detective suddenly shouted, "Over there…!"
...
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