บท 214: Chapter 214: The Dark Supreme is Strange! Ancient One
Orion exhaled softly, the weight of his recent experiences in the dream world lingering in his mind. It wasn't something he could easily forget. Yet, for those involved, the memories of that otherworldly realm would eventually fade with time, slipping away like sand through fingers.
Raven stirred, waking slowly at the same moment. She lay in the room, half-sitting, half-leaning on the bed, her eyes distant and unfocused. She couldn't quite tell if what she'd experienced had been a dream or some twisted reality. The fragments of memory clung to her, but the only thing she could remember with clarity was Orion's presence and the strange dream-like moments that seemed to stretch forever.
Pietro, too, looked perplexed.
"Why did I see Orion in my dream?" he muttered, his brow furrowing. He was still wearing the emperor's new clothes, his muscled form impressive as always. Scratching his head, he quickly dressed and resumed his surveillance work, though his mind was clearly elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Mr. Blue was deep underground, alone in a secret lab filled with strange, glowing substances and the fabled Fountain of Wisdom. His eyes gleamed with fanaticism as he focused on his research. He had discovered something incredible something that made his heart race with excitement. Orion's X-factor, the very thing that set him apart, seemed to surpass all known genes.
"Could this be… the original X-factor?" he whispered to himself, barely able to contain his amazement.
This was a discovery beyond comprehension. Through this singular X-factor, countless mutant abilities could evolve. The very apes that roamed the prehistoric world might have used this same genetic code to ascend, becoming something godlike in their power.
"It's unbelievable!" Mr. Blue grinned, his hands trembling slightly. "Once I perfect this drink… the number of mutants in this world will increase exponentially!"
He could feel it his research was on the verge of success. Victory was just within reach. The Ice Spring was almost ready to be sold to people all over the world.
Across the lab, Inventor Kang sat engrossed in his own work, absorbing all manner of modern knowledge. From modern physics to quantum entanglement theory, from computer languages to the mysteries of relativity, nothing escaped his keen intellect. His wisdom and potential seemed to grow with each passing day, as he delved into the secrets of the Power Gem, desperate to unlock its mysteries.
The Power Gem it was more than just a stone. It embodied the rule of power itself. The very essence of the singularity refined by the Big Bang.
Its energy was limitless, unending. This gem could allow mystic sorcerers to tap into the power runes, and even modern scientists could master the infinite elements contained within it.
The "isotope" of the Power Stone made Kang's mind whirled with ideas. With this infinite element, he could create the Ark Reactor. He could replace oil with new energy. He could eradicate poverty, starting with Sokovia.
"Do other gemstones have isotopes?" Kang mused. His thoughts raced. "If we can control the infinite elements, wouldn't we be able to forge… an infinite-element battle armor?"
Orion, standing at a distance, took it all in. His perception spread across the entire building, feeling every corner, every whisper. And then, with a thoughtful look, he turned his gaze away. A plan was already forming in his mind one that would set him on a new path. He needed to gather as many Infinity Gems as possible, to master the rule runes, and crack the infinite elements.
Infinite elements… The thought flickered in his mind. Was this the source of Kang's power?
After all, Kang was, at his core, a scientist. Across the infinite multiverse, he existed in countless variations, but always, the essence of who he was remained the same.
In Universe 616, Kang the Conqueror could kill with just a wave of his hand. A power far beyond the reach of conventional technology.
Perhaps… the Ten Rings, once wielded by the Mandarin, came from a version of Kang as well, containing their own traces of infinite elements.
"Infinite elements…" Orion's voice was barely a whisper now. His mind spun with possibilities. "Could they create entries?"
Words, runes, genes, codes, programs what was the connection between them all?
Orion's eyes flickered with a sudden spark of realization, but it slipped away before he could grasp it fully. This might hold the secret to the core of the entry system. But his strength, as it stood now, was too limited. He couldn't yet reach that level of understanding.
"No matter," he sighed, letting the thought go for now.
The concept of the dream world, the knowledge of other planes these were things he had to master as soon as possible. There was no time to waste.
A wry smile tugged at his lips. If not for the accidental entry into Hela's dream world, he would still be facing the nightmare's pursuit, lost in a realm without end.
The dream world it wasn't just a place of illusion, not just some ethereal structure he could break down and understand. To truly protect Wanda, he needed to unravel the deeper truths hidden in dreams.
Nightmare and Hela had already set their sights on him. And Nightmare… well, he held dominion over the world of dreams. If he were to kidnap Wanda in her sleep, it would become a far more dangerous game. After all, who can avoid dreaming?
Dreaming was a subconscious act, one that could not be resisted. Once someone fell asleep, they entered Nightmare's domain, and from there, he could lead them deeper and deeper into the dreamscape, until they were lost forever in the Dream Realm.
Suddenly, a portal opened before him. Slowly, the ancient buildings of Kamar-Taj appeared beyond its shimmering surface.
Orion stepped forward, passing through the portal. The familiar sight of Kamar-Taj filled him with nostalgia, a warmth in his chest that he hadn't realized he'd missed. It felt like returning home.
As he entered, the trainee sorcerers who were present quickly bowed, their eyes filled with awe and admiration. His reputation as the Acting Supreme Sorcerer had long since reached every corner of Kamar-Taj, and his deeds were already the stuff of legend.
"Orion."
"Why did you even bother coming back?"
Baron Mordo approached him, his face wearing a warm smile, but a hint of melancholy lingered in his expression.
He wasn't just the chief wizard of Kamar-Taj; he was one of the Five Elders of the Mystic Council!
The taste of true power had humbled him, and now he looked at Orion with different eyes. Without Orion's encouragement, Mordo knew he would have been completely discouraged and might have left Kamar-Taj for good.
"How could I ever give it up?" Orion responded, a trace of emotion flickering in his voice. "This is my home."
"Brother Mordo," Orion continued after a brief pause, "have you found any promising students lately?"
Orion's eyes scanned the grounds. He noticed a marked improvement in the latest group of apprentice disciples. Many of them now possessed one or two green entries, aligning them well with the path of esoteric practice.
It hit him then Baron Mordo wasn't incompetent at selecting disciples. No, he had been causing trouble on purpose all along!
But now, having recognized the true importance of power, Mordo's standards had tightened.
"Orion," Mordo began again, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "A genius has emerged. His abilities are no less than yours. The Ancient One has stayed behind, not traveling, to personally train him. She even lent him the Eye of Agamotto."
Mordo leaned in further, his warning clear, "You'd better be careful."
"A genius?" Orion's eyes widened in disbelief. "Could it be…"
His mind reeled. No way!
According to the timeline, the one most favored by the Ancient One wasn't supposed to come to Kamar-Taj until 2016, after the Battle of New York!
How could this prodigy appear before that event even unfolded?
"He should be in the library," Mordo added, smirking. "Believe me, his magical power is already at the level of a master of the Mystic Arts. He's even replaced Hamil as one of the Five Elders."
Mordo's words were heavy with implication, clearly attempting to stir up a sense of rivalry in Orion.
He wanted to prevent the title of Sorcerer Supreme from falling into the hands of this new prodigy.
The constant rise of these so-called "geniuses" had made Mordo painfully aware that he was not destined to be the Sorcerer Supreme. His current prestige and standing were enough for him.
"The library?" Orion mused, a smile forming on his lips. "I was just heading there."
He bid Baron Mordo farewell and began his journey toward the library. As he made his way through the grand halls of Kamar-Taj, apprentice disciples and guardian sorcerers alike gave him glances of respect, their eyes full of admiration.
Soon, Orion arrived at the stately structure, its bright windows and pristine desks casting an air of solemnity and wisdom. This was Kamar-Taj's famed library the vault of secret techniques and forbidden knowledge.
As Orion entered, he saw Master Murphyson seated comfortably, sipping tea alongside a mystic master with a horse-like face, both of them looking relaxed in their blue robes.
It was then that Orion's gaze sharpened. There, beside Murphyson, was the one person he had never expected to see so soon.
Stephen… Strange.
He was here. Stephen Strange had arrived at Kamar-Taj much earlier than anticipated, and from the looks of it, his hands were unharmed!
Orion felt a wave of surprise ripple through him. Could this be the Dark Supreme's broken world?
In this universe, Doctor Strange hadn't lost the use of his hands. No, instead, he had lost something far more precious the love of his life.
He had convinced Dormammu to retreat, but afterward, Stephen had attempted something much more dangerous. He had tried to reverse Christine's death.
In this universe, Christine's death was an 'absolute time point.'
An absolute time point… It was the fulcrum of the universe. Without Christine's death, Stephen would never have joined Kamar-Taj. He would have never become the Sorcerer Supreme, and he wouldn't have been able to convince Dormammu to leave.
If Stephen reversed this point in time, all those events would unravel, paradoxes would stack upon paradoxes, and the entire universe would collapse.
Everything… would die.
The collapse of such a pivotal event would be like a two-dimensional foil a true attack of dimensionality reduction. It would decay everything in its path.
Nothing would remain.
Including Orion.
Alarm bells rang in Orion's head as he focused intently on Stephen's aura. His mood darkened as he checked Stephen's entry panel.
[Name]: Stephen Strange
[Identity]: Master of Mysticism
[Entry]: Extraordinary Wisdom (Purple), Power of Ancient Gods (Red), Able to Do What Others Cannot (Red), Love as Deep as the Sea (Black)
[Extraordinary Wisdom] (Purple): As a super genius, he possesses a photographic memory and an intelligence far beyond ordinary mortals. After mastering the secrets of esoteric magic, he becomes even more unpredictable.
[Power of the Ancient Gods] (Red): Thanks to the teachings of the Ancient One, he has acquired ancient powers by miraculous means, making him as strong as a god.
[Able to Do What Others Cannot] (Red): In battle, he experiences bursts of inspiration, using his knowledge to create esoteric moves and easily defeat his most powerful foes.
[Love as Deep as the Sea] (Black): The person he loved most died in a tragic accident, filling him with guilt and sorrow. He is determined to reverse that tragedy.
Orion's heart sank.
"Love as deep as the sea," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Trying to reverse it?"
It all made sense now. Mr. Fantastic from Earth-838 had warned that Doctor Strange was the greatest threat to the multiverse, and he wasn't wrong. The Strange from Earth-838 had caused one collision, and the one from Earth-616 had caused another.
If Mr. Fantastic knew about this, he'd be rolling in his grave. Earth-838 had been too unfortunate!
But… Orion now realized his current situation mirrored that of Earth-838.
The Stephen Strange standing before him was clearly the Dark Supreme Strange! Though the entries were different from the Doctor Strange he knew, this one would act just as unpredictably. He would be dangerous, extreme, arrogant, and reckless.
What was Orion supposed to do against this Dark Supreme?
"Orion?"
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What a rare guest," Murphyson said with a smile. "I'd like to introduce you to someone Stephen Strange, a top neurosurgeon from Philadelphia. His talent isn't much different from yours. After only half a month of study, he's already a master of the Mystic Arts."
Murphyson's pride was evident as he introduced Stephen.
In Murphyson's eyes, Stephen and Orion stood on the same level of esoteric talent. But there was a key difference: Stephen had been personally trained by the Ancient One, his growth meteoric. He had even taken Master Hamil's seat among the Five Elders.
It was clear to all of Kamar-Taj the Ancient One had her eyes set on Stephen. In her mind, he was the next Sorcerer Supreme.
"Hello," Stephen said, stepping forward with a polite smile. "Orion, I've heard about your achievements for some time now. But meeting you in person… you're even more impressive than I imagined."
He extended a hand toward Orion, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.
Though Stephen had only been in Kamar-Taj for half a month, Orion wasn't fooled.
The Time Stone had granted stephen years of training in the blink of an eye. And with the Ancient One's guidance and his own genius, it wasn't surprising that he had quickly reached Orion's level. Yet, Stephen hardly seemed impressed by his own progress.
"More impressive than you thought?" Orion raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'm weak?"
Orion shook his head inwardly. Dealing with Baron Mordo and Casillas had been one thing, but Stephen Strange was not going to be as easy.
In every universe, Doctor Strange was deeply in love with Christine. Once the Ancient One stepped down, and Stephen possessed the Time Stone, he would undoubtedly try to reverse that absolute time point.
He might even gain powers that surpassed the laws of time by devouring magical creatures.
Should he… kill Stephen now? But then… who would face Dormammu?
The weight of the situation pressed on Orion's shoulders.
How had it come to this?
"Orion?" A soft, teasing voice floated through the air.
He turned, recognizing the refined and elegant tone immediately.
"You've returned," the Supreme Sorcerer spoke, dressed in a black robe with a bamboo fan in hand, the Eye of Agamotto hanging on her chest. She walked into the library slowly, her gaze both welcoming and cautionary.
Her words held a subtle rebuke, causing Orion to smile bitterly.
It seemed the Ancient One had been harboring her dissatisfaction for some time. Was it all bubbling to the surface now because of Stephen Strange?
After all, Stephen's arrival meant he could shoulder the Ancient One's burdens and continue to protect Midgard.
"Ancient One," Orion said, bowing his head slightly. "I will always been a part of Kamar-Taj."
Hearing this, the Ancient One's expression softened, just a little.
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