In an instant, everything around them changed again!
First, the pure white mindscape collapsed, revealing the HYDRA base and the unconscious Wanda in the real world.
But in less than a second, that 'reality' also crumbled.
The space dissipated like bubbles, revealing a gray land, pitch-black deep space, and a blue planet visible in the distance!
Agatha was terrified.
This wasn't a test site; it was clearly on the moon!
From the beginning, the place she reached wasn't real, her teleportation was altered.
No!
Even the Scarlet Witch she initially found was probably fake!
At that moment, a snap sounded.
Agatha's vision blurred, and she found herself back in the pointed-roof hut.
Across from her was an unfamiliar man, casually sitting at the table, drinking an iced cola.
With a thud, she knelt again.
Her forehead was pressed to the ground, just as in the false mindscape.
Balder, in a good mood, asked as he drank:
"So, tell me, how did you know I wasn't Chthon?"
"By the way, I think my acting is much better than the Ancient One's; she can only fool idiots."
He had used deceitful divine power to make them believe they were in the right place, then entered the mindscape.
He hadn't used other powers.
To ensure Kaecilius found the 'Scarlet Witch,' he intended to deceive anyone Kaecilius sought.
So Agatha's supposed discovery using the Darkhold was also his doing.
But she found another truth.
Agatha dared not lie, trembling:
"I have the Darkhold. The black magic aura recorded there is completely different from yours."
That was why she showed terror when Kaecilius knelt and called for Chthon.
Not because he betrayed Kamar-Taj!
Not because he summoned a god!
But because she knew it was fake!
A disguised god deceiving a mystic, detected by her, made her sure she would be killed.
Resisting?
Not a chance!
Her mobile hut had the highest-level rune barrier!
Normally, a mere thought would prevent other witches or mystics from using powers!
But now, she couldn't sense the runes, as if they never existed!
She couldn't imagine what power this was!
Nor why her sixth sense felt extreme unease upon stepping out of the teleportation, yet couldn't find any cause!
Balder hadn't realized it was that simple.
He indeed couldn't mimic Chthon's aura, so he'd need to be cautious using this trick in the future.
But it was enough to fool Kaecilius.
Then Agatha, like grasping a lifeline, excitedly said:
"Lord, I have an important discovery to report!"
"The Kamar-Taj traitor, he's deceiving you, I can feel he's lying!"
Balder almost laughed at that.
Kaecilius truly was a fool if even Agatha could see through his lies.
If he faced the real Chthon, he'd have been exposed instantly. Balder's initial plan had been correct.
Considering his history, it made sense.
To set up Strange, Kaecilius had been deceived by the Ancient One for countless years, his mind long compromised.
Receiving dark power, he dared to challenge the Ancient One, who had stolen from Dormammu for ages.
He even naively believed the Sorcerer Supreme could be killed with one stab.
No wonder Dormammu wanted him.
Balder glanced at Agatha, suddenly asking:
"Do you desire immortality?"
A capable witch with knowledge of many spells.
Even if she lacked the fate power to be a divine envoy, she was perfect as an accompanying sorcerer.
Agatha had been trembling, awaiting her fate, but she hadn't expected this question!
She looked up, bewildered, thinking she misheard.
Who could grant immortality!?
Only...
Suddenly!!
Seven-colored light illuminated, space trembling!
The next second, layered solemn voices echoed within!
"Why, didn't I mention I'm a dimensional god too?"
Instantly, Agatha wept, bowing again.
---
**Kamar-Taj.**
Kaecilius stepped out of the portal back to his room, a proud smile he couldn't hide!
Success!
Though it was just a trace of the god's will through the mark, deceiving it was still an achievement!
The hardest step was done, now to wait for the opportunity!
The great Dark Lord's arrival was near!
Kaecilius didn't return to the library as a caretaker but began planning to destroy the Sanctums.
He would battle the returning Ancient One!
Other dark acolytes would simultaneously destroy the Sanctums!
The Dark Lord's descent must be ensured, with no mishaps!
Until half a month later.
A terrified mystic suddenly ran from a portal, crashing into several people before bursting into the hall.
Seeing the Ancient One, the first words left all the mages shocked!
"Master, I think I found traces of a dimensional god in New York's Sanctum surveillance!"
---