章節 40: 376-380
Boom!
The magical impact caused by Kaecilius not only destroyed the magical teleportation gate connecting the two locations, but the residual shockwave also had a certain impact on the four individuals inside the forbidden chamber.
The aftermath of the explosion damaged the structural integrity of the forbidden chamber, causing a large amount of debris to fall, obstructing the vision of Mark, Wong, and Mordo. They had no time to consider chasing Kaecilius.
Fortunately, all three individuals were experienced and mature sorcerers. They immediately reacted by retreating into the mirror space, isolating themselves from the dangers of the real world.
However, Doctor Strange wasn't as lucky or responsive. Just a little over two months ago, he was a medical elite living in a peaceful society.
Despite undergoing rigorous training during these days and acquiring a solid foundation. But real combat experience couldn't be compensated for by reading books and practicing a few times.
Swept up in the explosion's shockwave, Doctor Strange was lifted off the ground and slammed heavily into the magical teleportation gate leading to the New York Sanctum.
Bang! Doctor Strange's impact forcibly pushed open the door, and he himself fell into the forbidden chamber on the New York Sanctum side.
Clatter! After Doctor Strange crashed into the New York Sanctum, the falling debris followed like a torrential flood, completely sealing the entrance of the teleportation gate, isolating him entirely.
"Wong! Mordo! Mark!" Doctor Strange got up and called out tentatively. But he realized that his calls were in vain, as no sound came through the rubble. This prompted him to turn around and assess his surroundings.
"What's going on?" It wasn't until this moment that Doctor Strange finally snapped out of it. He realized he was no longer in Kamar-Taj and, worse yet, the sling ring he had been wearing was nowhere to be found. This left him unable to use the portal to return to Kamar-Taj.
Shaking his slightly dazed head due to the explosion's impact, Doctor Strange organized the information he had and gained a rough understanding of his situation.
He had been brought here by the explosion just now, but whether he was in the Hong Kong Sanctum or the New York Sanctum remained unknown. Doctor Strange shook his heavy and muddled head once again and prepared to go out to assess the situation.
With unsteady steps, Doctor Strange left the forbidden chamber and entered the grand hall of the building. As he reached the door, he turned the handle, opened it, and was met with a sight that couldn't have been more familiar to him.
Turning around and looking up at the building's nameplate, then raising his head and gazing into the distance, there was a grand cluster of modern skyscrapers. Among them, the most prominent were the world-famous Avengers Tower and the new headquarters of the Mark Research Center.
At this moment, Doctor Strange knew where he was - one of the three major Sanctums, the New York Sanctum, personally guarded by his teacher, Mark!
Confirming this, Doctor Strange once again stepped back into the Sanctum, hoping to find other sorcerers within and receive some assistance.
"Hello! Is anyone there?"
Doctor Strange stood in the grand hall, shouting loudly. However, after waiting for a while, he received no response. So, he decided to venture deeper into other parts of the Sanctum.
"Who are you?"
Suddenly, as Doctor Strange was about to ascend the stairs, a deep voice emerged from behind him, startling him without warning. He nearly stumbled and fell down the stairs.
But in that split second of losing balance, a cold and firm hand supported his back, saving Doctor Strange from harm.
However, the crisis wasn't entirely averted. Doctor Strange stiffly turned his body, wanting to see the owner of this sudden voice, to ascertain whether they were a friend or foe.
However, to his surprise, as he turned around and got a clear view of the person behind him, he realized that the owner of the voice wasn't strictly a person!
Although it could produce sound and engage in conversation, it lacked any organ that could be called a mouth. In fact, its face lacked any facial features at all. While its overall form resembled a human, with a torso and limbs. But everything was made of metal without a trace of flesh.
As for how Doctor Strange could deduce that this entity wasn't like Iron Man, where there was a person inside operating it, it was due to the two eye-like voids on its featureless face. Through these voids, one could see its empty interior.
"Who are you?"
Seeing Doctor Strange observing it without responding to the question, Terminator asked again.
No mistake, the metallic humanoid that had suddenly appeared behind Doctor Strange was Terminator, created by Mark in imitation of the Destroyer once wielded by the All-Father Odin, created to replace him in guarding the New York Sanctum.
And the reason Doctor Strange initially couldn't detect it was that once Terminator sensed someone intruding into the Sanctum, it had activated its Pym Particle generation device inside, shrinking itself to the size of an ant and was hiding.
It needed to determine whether the intruder was accidental or had malicious intentions, and decide on the appropriate course of action.
However, when it sensed the immense magical power contained within Doctor Strange, while it couldn't confirm whether he was a malicious intruder, Terminator surfaced to prevent him from proceeding deeper into the core of the Sanctum for the sake of its absolute safety.
"Uh, I'm Stephen Strange. I used to be a neurosurgeon, and now I'm a sorcerer of Kamar-Taj. I'm also a student of Mark Stark, the guardian of the New York Sanctum."
Facing Terminator's second question, Doctor Strange immediately averted his gaze and earnestly responded. Because before him, Terminator who asked him the second question had opened a larger void in its head, and there was a dangerous ray of light inside.
Doctor Strange had no doubt that if he failed to answer promptly again, that dangerous light might completely obliterate him. Without the Sling ring, he couldn't even escape.
Upon receiving Doctor Strange's answer and hearing that there seemed to be some connection between him and its master, Terminator retracted the energy beam it had prepared. It then shouted into the empty ground floor of the Sanctum, "Baymax, is he telling the truth? Is this wimp really the master's student?"
Wimp! Hearing Terminator calling him that, Doctor Strange was far from pleased! But under the circumstances, he had to swallow his pride and let others call the shots.
Soon, a voice echoed through the space, responding, "Correct, Terminator. I've just investigated his background and verified it with the master. There indeed exists a neurosurgeon named Stephen Strange, who suffered hand injuries in an accident. Through a series of coincidences, he joined Kamar-Taj and became the master's student.
The facial comparison matches the data I retrieved, and his physiological responses during the questioning were stable. It can be confirmed that he was telling the truth."
Hearing his identity being validated, Doctor Strange finally breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully, now they wouldn't mistake him for an enemy.
However, the next second, when he heard Terminator's remarks, despite knowing he stood no chance against it, he couldn't suppress his rage and desire to take Terminator down with him.
"Oh, so you're not just a wimp, you're also a cripple! How could master accept such a useless piece as a student?"
As an emotionally inept humanoid artifact, Terminator's careless tone in revealing such a harsh truth in front of others was what made Doctor Strange angrier than anything.
And just when Doctor Strange had already resolved to take Terminator down with him and was preparing to raise his fist to fight desperately, the next sentence from Terminator made his mood take a complete 180-degree turn, from the depths of despair to the peak of a mountain, and not just any mountain but Mount Everest!
"Speaking of which, why hasn't master given him an Extremis upgrade? That way, not only could his combat strength be increased, but his hand disabilities could also be healed..."
"What did you say!? Extremis upgrade? Can my hands really be healed?"
Upon learning that Mark had a way to heal his hands, regardless of how much Terminator had belittled and insulted him earlier, Doctor Strange had already cast all that aside. Now, he was only interested in the information about the extremis upgrade that Terminator mentioned, whether it was true or false.
However, before their conversation could continue, Terminator suddenly pushed Doctor Strange aside, then leaped from the stairs, landing on the ground floor of the grand hall.
As soon as Terminator touched the ground, the walls and decorations around the entire space began to shift and transform, like a Rubik's Cube undergoing rotations, forming a distorted scene.
"Be cautious, Terminator. The energy level of the newcomer is a level above yours, and he has even broken through the spatial blockade set by the master, encompassing the entire Sanctum within the Mirror Dimension. This isn't advantageous for you!
I've informed the master, but he needs to ensure the safety of the Eye of Agamotto before he can return to the Sanctum. You just need to delay him for a while."
With Baymax's warning, Terminator earnestly nodded. From the newcomer's aura and pressure, it could sense the complexity of the situation. If they didn't handle things carefully, the task assigned to it by Mark to guard the Sanctum could fail, and it would lose its purpose of existence.
"I didn't expect Mark to leave a contingency plan in the Sanctum. He truly is a genius who has revived the ancient lost artifact-making techniques. Such an ingenious and powerful artifact, I believe there's probably only him on the entire Earth who can create it now.
It's a pity that such an exceptional artifact will be destroyed here today. So, how about it? If you're willing to betray Mark and join Lord Dormammu's side, I can guarantee that you will continue to exist unharmed."
At this moment, on the stairs, Doctor Strange, who had been pushed aside by Terminator, upon hearing the commotion downstairs, quickly stood up, extending his head to investigate. "Kaecilius!"
Having crossed paths with him in the forbidden chamber of Kamar-Taj's library, Doctor Strange recognized him immediately.
"When he attacked the Kamar-Taj's library earlier, there were a total of five people with him. Now, there are only two left. If my guess is correct, the other three must have gone to attack the final one of the three major Sanctums, the Hong Kong Sanctum."
While Doctor Strange was observing the battle, he was also constantly analyzing the situation. In case Terminator couldn't withstand the assault from Kaecilius and his companions, and if Mark couldn't arrive in time, Doctor Strange needed to carefully consider how he could escape from this situation.
However, the more he thought, the more conflicted Doctor Strange felt. If Kaecilius succeeded in destroying the three major Sanctums and summoned Dormammu to devour the Earth, even if he managed to escape, he would ultimately face inevitable death.
Yet, his purpose for learning magic at Kamar-Taj had always been to heal his hands. He had never undertaken any psychological preparation to face the responsibilities and pressures of this moment. It had all been too sudden for him.
Just as Doctor Strange was on the stairs, torn over what choice to make, downstairs in the grand hall, Terminator was now at a disadvantage against Kaecilius and his companions' assault.
Not only did the enemy have numerical superiority, but they were also able to constantly draw power from the Dark Dimension. Compared to Terminator, who needed to convert energy through its internal runes, in terms of quality and quantity, it was completely overmatched.
In this way, the enemy could sustain high-intensity attacks while Terminator, who was fighting three opponents alone, would steadily deplete its energy. It would soon find itself in an unavoidable losing situation.
Just as the situation became dire, a voice suddenly echoed from upstairs, halting Kaecilius and his companions in their tracks. "Stop!"
Terminator looked up and saw that it was Doctor Strange, the same one it had been mocking earlier. "Kid, you..."
Doctor Strange: "Don't misunderstand. I just wanted to know if what you said about the extremis upgrade is true or not, whether it can heal my hands. I'm not trying to help you, even though it may seem that way in the process...
But if we manage to win this, you better explain the details of the extremis upgrade to me clearly!"
Terminator: "Kid... no, Strange! I take back what I said earlier about you being a wimp and a cripple. Now, I truly believe you're my master's student. Rest assured, I'll tell you everything I know about the extremis upgrade!"
"Haha! It's this late already, and you guys still want to make it out alive from our hands?" After hearing their conversation, Kaecilius sneered, looking at Doctor Strange on the stairs. "How long have you been at Kamar-Taj? Trying to stop my actions, you're a bit naive!"
After speaking, Kaecilius leaped up the stairs and launched an attack on Doctor Strange.
Observing this scene, Terminator was both anxious and worried. It had witnessed Kaecilius's strength earlier. While Doctor Strange possessed a significant level of magical power, there was still a notable gap compared to Kaecilius, who had been baptized by the Dark Dimension.
"Strange, hold on for a moment! Once I deal with these two, I'll come to your aid immediately!"
Although Kaecilius had shifted his focus, Terminator still had to deal with the other two dark mages and couldn't break free to assist Strange.
Moreover, although these two were not as powerful as Kaecilius, they still exerted significant pressure on Terminator. It wasn't an easy task to handle them, and he was hoping to defeat its opponents before Kaecilius could take down Doctor Strange.
On the other hand, Doctor Strange's situation wasn't as dire as Terminator had assumed. While his magical power might not match Kaecilius, in terms of knowledge accumulation and magical application, Doctor Strange was an undoubted genius.
With this advantage, though he couldn't defeat Kaecilius, he could manage to hold his own reasonably well.
However, this situation didn't last long. Realizing he couldn't easily dispatch Doctor Strange, Kaecilius quickly changed his strategy.
Kaecilius stopped seeking close combat with Doctor Strange. Instead, he deliberately created distance between them and used control over the mirror dimension to render Doctor Strange defenseless without his Sling Ring.
Bang! As the space turned and twisted once again, an unprepared Doctor Strange fell heavily to the ground.
Getting back on his feet, Doctor Strange now realized that, as Terminator had suggested, his best strategy was to stall and endure. He needed to wait for Terminator to deal with the enemy reinforcements or for Mark to handle the Eye of Agamotto before returning to the Sanctum.
Upon rising, Doctor Strange didn't engage in a confrontation with Kaecilius. Instead, he turned and fled, strategically retreating.
"Running? Within the mirror dimension, without your Sling Ring, how do you think you can escape from the palm of my hand?"
Swoosh! Kaecilius's wrist moved, causing a massive shift in the space's direction once more. Doctor Strange, focused on retreat, once again lost his balance and collided with a glass display case.
Da da da! Kaecilius's footsteps, as ominous as the Grim Reaper's, brought him to Doctor Strange's side. After a series of heavy strikes, Doctor Strange, who was already affected by the previous explosion, lost control over his body and was now unable to stand and continue the fight.
"Bid farewell to this world!" Kaecilius stood in front of Doctor Strange, a dark energy blade forming in his hand, ready to strike down at Doctor Strange's head.
At this critical moment, a gentle force stopped Kaecilius's wrist, preventing the magical blade from descending.
What stopped the fatal attack aimed at Doctor Strange wasn't some timely reinforcements, but rather a red cloak placed inside the glass display case he had just shattered.
This cloak is called the Cloak of Levitation, a mysterious artifact passed down from ancient times. If we follow the original storyline, it will also be the most frequently used and important artifact for Doctor Strange after he becomes the Sorcerer Supreme.
As the name suggests, the Cloak of Levitation allows a person to float in the air, and it also possesses high flying speeds. Furthermore, the cloak can respond to its owner's intentions and be used in combat.
The Cloak of Levitation is nearly indestructible; it can serve as both a shield, protecting the wearer from physical and magical attacks, and a weapon, used to attack or capture opponents.
Users can use spells to change its appearance, for example, turning it into a suit, a cape, or other clothing. The cloak can also shrink or extend, and allow the owner to summon and control it remotely or across dimensions.
The most crucial characteristic of the Cloak of Levitation is its high degree of autonomous intelligence, sensing the user's deepest thoughts and reacting accordingly. This reaction speed is even faster than human thought, making it highly versatile.
From this aspect, it can be seen that the enigmatic sorcerer who created this artifact not only possessed exceptional craftsmanship but also formidable power.
At the critical moment when Doctor Strange's life was hanging by a thread, the Cloak of Levitation sensed his strongest instinct for survival in his deep thoughts, thus helping him fend off Kaecilius's deadly blow.
Moreover, after repelling the attack, the Cloak of Levitation directly attached itself to Doctor Strange , carrying him away from Kaecilius, ensuring a safe distance.
Throughout the entire process, Doctor Strange looked at the series of actions performed by the Cloak of Levitation with a surprised look, as if being manipulated like a puppet on strings.
At this moment, with the danger averted by the Cloak of Levitation, Doctor Strange floated in mid-air, while the cloak playfully tugged at his clothes, displaying an unusually affectionate behavior towards him.
This brought to his mind the knowledge of artifacts that Mordo had once explained to him. Although he had drifted off at the time, he could still roughly recall the content.
Artifacts possess autonomous consciousness, and the more advanced the artifact, the stronger its inherent self-awareness and capabilities become. They judge whether a sorcerer is qualified to control and use them based on their subjective consciousness.
Now, judging by the performance of the Cloak of Levitation, Doctor Strange knows without a doubt that it is an incredibly powerful artifact, possessing an extremely strong autonomous consciousness, similar to Terminator. And he has gained its recognition, which is most important.
Feeling the sense of security brought by the cloak draped over him, Doctor Strange suddenly gains confidence, feeling capable once again.
Looking at Kaecilius, who still eyes him menacingly from not far away, he realizes that even if he were to surrender now, the enemy wouldn't spare him. Since he's already been drawn into this battle, in order to survive, he can only go all out to fight.
Right at this moment, he notices two very powerful-looking battle-axe artifacts hanging on the wall to his right. His eyes light up, and he starts walking toward the axes.
However, before he can even take a step, his body is pulled back by the Cloak of Levitation. "What are you doing! I need to get to those battle-axes to deal with the enemy!"
Blaming the Cloak of Levitation with these words, Doctor Strange once again tries to take steps towards the wall where the battle-axes are. And then... tug!
Once again, the Cloak of Levitation grabs hold of him, but this time, it not only hinders his movement but also forcefully pulls him in the opposite direction.
Unlike Terminator, the Cloak of Levitation can't speak to express its thoughts, and Doctor Strange doesn't possess the ability to perceive its consciousness.
Unable to convey its thoughts, the Cloak of Levitation can only make Doctor Strange understand its intentions through its actions.
Seeing Kaecilius approaching closer and closer, Doctor Strange has to abandon his original plan and act according to the Cloak of Levitation's wishes.
Then, he is led by the Cloak of Levitation to the wall on the opposite side.
There were also sacred artifacts hanging on this wall. However, compared to the mighty and fierce battle-axe on his right, Doctor Strange finds the artifact on his left a bit less impressive.
This artifact appears to be a set of metal bindings, resembling the ancient torture devices used to inflict pain. Just a single glance at it gives Doctor Strange a shiver down his spine.
Although he has no idea what this artifact can do, seeing Kaecilius approaching, Doctor Strange has no other choice but to trust the Cloak of Levitation's choice.
In the next moment, without knowing how to use this artifact, Doctor Strange acts purely on instinct. Seeing Kaecilius getting closer, he hurls the artifact at him like a thrown weapon.
However, Doctor Strange's accidental action led to an incredible result.
The artifact he had thrown out, upon touching Kaecilius, unexpectedly unfolded and attached itself to Kaecilius, tightly restraining him, rendering him immobile.
Seeing this unassuming artifact display such remarkable power and rescuing him from a life-threatening situation, Doctor Strange was not only astonished but also relieved.
Behind him, the Cloak of Levitation seemed almost like it was seeking praise, as it detached from his back and hopped around like an energetic child, full of life.
"Alright, thank you for your help!" Upon seeing this, Doctor Strange extended his hand and affectionately stroked the Cloak of Levitation, expressing his gratitude.
What Doctor Strange didn't know was that this strange and slightly unsettling artifact was called the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, equally a powerful artifact passed down from ancient times.
Legend has it that its power originates from a demon god named Cyttorak, who, like Dormammu, comes from another multidimensional universe. Its power can rival the divine entity Vishanti, the source of the magic of Kamar-Taj.
It's worth noting that Vishanti is a trinity of deities, and even the great sorcerer supreme Agamotto is only one-third of Vishanti. The fact that it is comparable to Vishanti indicates the immense strength of the demon god Cyttorak.
During the long time the Cloak of Levitation was stored in the temple display case, it often communicated with the consciousness of other powerful artifacts around it, learning about the wondrous abilities they possessed.
Being bound by the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, Kaecilius could naturally offer no resistance. However, from the look of his disgruntled expression, it seemed he had something he wanted to say to Doctor Strange.
After a brief hesitation, Doctor Strange decided to listen to what Kaecilius had to say, so he approached and removed the mask that had sealed Kaecilius's mouth.
"What do you want to say?"
"This is both an ending and a beginning, the result shifting from many to few, from few back to one."
Kaecilius rambled on, sounding much like a victim of brainwashing by a cult.
Doctor Strange: "If you keep speaking in these cryptic riddles, I'll seal your mouth shut!"
"Strange, you grasp the laws of the natural world well. Everything in life has its fate, whether it's humans, the entire Earth, or even the universe – all will eventually return to chaos and nothingness.
However, within the dark space, there's no need to be bound by time.
You all thought that the coming of Lord Dormammu would bring destruction and death to Earth, but it's quite the opposite!
Earth doesn't need to perish; it can become a part of Dormammu, just like many other worlds, a beautiful part indeed.
And we, we will embrace life, gain eternal time and extraordinary power!"
Doctor Strange: "Life? I've heard that you've taken the lives of many innocent people."
"No, they were insignificant beings. In the river of time, their existence is so tiny; compared to my noble desire to grant humanity eternal life, their deaths are a glorious achievement.
And during your time at Kamar-Taj, didn't you notice anything off about the holier-than-thou Ancient One?
She kept magic books that grant true power for herself, while what she gave us were mere parlor tricks.
Do you know that despite her appearance of being in her thirties, she has actually lived for over 500 years? Don't you want to know how she obtained such a long life?"
Clang! Just as Kaecilius was about to continue his brainwashing of Doctor Strange, the mirrored space that had imprisoned the entire New York Sanctum suddenly dissipated. Kaecilius was once again silenced by a burst of magic.
"You talk too much, Kaecilius. You know I despise your incessant blathering, your attempt to impose your thoughts onto others, your arrogance..."
"Mark!" Recognizing the newcomer, Doctor Strange couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late to the party, Strange. Keep better track of your Sling Ring; I won't be there to bail you out if you keep losing it so easily."
Snap! He accurately caught the Sling Ring Mark tossed at him. "Why didn't you let him finish talking!?"
Mark moved to Kaecilius's side, took the Sling Ring from his hand, placed several sealing spells on him, and then created a mirrored space to confine him.
Kaecilius's connection with the dark dimension gave him an enhanced control over the mirrored space, so even though his Sling Ring was taken from him, he couldn't be taken lightly.
"You already have the answer in your mind, don't you?" Mark turned around and looked directly at Doctor Strange.
"It's the ritual mentioned in 'The Book of Cagliostro'! The Ancient One extracted power from the dark dimension controlled by Dormammu, which is how she managed to live for so long."
"Given that, why should we continue to listen to the delusional ramblings of this fanatic who's already been brainwashed by Dormammu?
Just look at him; you can tell that Dormammu is no good, and he certainly wouldn't bestow eternal life on everyone without seeking something in return."
"But why? If Dormammu is so evil, why would the Ancient One draw dark power from him?"
"Power doesn't differentiate between good and evil, Strange. The dark dimension is like any dimension born in a multiverse, adhering to the laws and rules governing the universe's operation.
But human hearts are different. Dormammu was once a human sorcerer bound by time, but by relinquishing his body and his very identity, he became the master of the dark dimension, gaining eternal life. However, he also lost his freedom, forever compelled to satisfy the growing ravenous desires of the dark dimension as he roamed through the multiverse.
Since becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One has absorbed energy from the dark dimension to protect Earth's safety, regardless of the risks. Unlike Dormammu, she maintained her pure and noble heart, not consumed by desire.
Alone, bearing this immense burden, year after year, watching familiar loved ones, friends, and students age and fade away. If you were in her shoes, Strange, could you shoulder such a monumental mission for the sake of others' happiness, selflessly make such sacrifices?"
"... " Faced with Mark's question, Doctor Strange fell silent, clearly not knowing the answer himself.
"Just now, Baymax told me that you want to know about the Extremis Upgrade, right? No problem, I can tell you.
Extremis Upgrade is the Body Modification Project that is achieved through the action of a microorganism called the Extremis Virus, activating the human body's self-healing and immune capabilities based on the Terminal Unfixing Algorithm.
I'll be very clear with you too: your hands' disabilities can be completely healed and restored through the Extremis Upgrade.
Now, you have two choices before you. The first is to help me stay here to protect the New York Sanctum. The Sanctum in London has already collapsed; now only the New York and Hong Kong Sanctums remain. If we lose these two locations that form the magical network defenses, our world will be vulnerable to Dormammu's invasion.
The second choice is that you can leave right now, catch a taxi to the new headquarters of the Mark Research Center. I'll have Baymax prepare everything for your Extremis Upgrade. You can restore your hands and then welcome the eternal life granted by Dormammu with your beloved girlfriend."
"No, why are you pressuring me like this!? I just wanted to become a doctor again, to continue healing and saving people!"
"Healing and saving people? Right now, you're presented with an opportunity to save the lives of thousands upon thousands of innocent people, and yet you hesitate. Being a doctor to you only means saving one person's life – yourself.
Strange, even though you've broken free from the constraints of conventional thinking and opened the door to the world of magic, you've never truly confronted your own arrogance and conceit.
You want everything to return to your control, even death. That's impossible; no one can control death, control everything. Not even Dormammu can, let alone you, the great Doctor Strange."
Just as the atmosphere between the two reached a standstill, Baymax conveyed a highly unfavorable piece of news to Mark: "Master, the Hong Kong Sanctum has been breached by Dormammu's fanatics."
Swoosh—! A teleportation gate suddenly appeared.
Just as Baymax finished reporting, Master Ancient One, along with Mordo and Wong, arrived in the New York Sanctum.
"Mark, the New York Sanctum is the only one remaining among the three great Sanctums. Once the New York Sanctum falls, the true form of Dormammu will descend upon Earth and devour everything on it."
Ancient One quickly approached Mark with her serious expression.
"I know. Kaecilius launched an assault earlier, but Terminator, who was left behind by me, and Strange delayed him, allowing me to arrive in time."
Now, several of them have already been trapped in the Mirror Dimension by me. The only ones we need to be cautious of are the remaining fanatics who went to attack the Hong Kong Sanctum."
"Understood." Master Ancient One nodded slightly, having a deep understanding of Mark's abilities, she had complete trust in him. Hearing that Kaecilius had been apprehended, a sense of relief washed over her. She then noticed the Cape of Levitation draped over Doctor Strange's shoulders.
"This is truly peculiar. I never thought you would gain the recognition of this Cape of Levitation. Its taste is quite discerning."
"Is that so? Maybe I just got lucky…" Doctor Strange felt quite awkward conversing with Master Ancient One. He had come to know a secret about her that was hidden from others, a secret of great significance that altered his perception of her.
Previously, he had always considered Master Ancient One as an otherworldly sage, mysterious and powerful. But now he discovered that the seemingly great and selfless saint was also fearful of the coming of death.
He even suspected that the reason Dormammu noticed Earth's existence might have been due to Master Ancient One's absorption of energy from the Dark Dimension, which caught Dormammu's attention.
These suspicions made it difficult for Doctor Strange to maintain his reverence for Master Ancient One. He even began to question his trust in her. He wasn't sure if her will was truly as resolute as it seemed, capable of resisting Dormammu's temptations.
What if her current demeanor was just a facade, and her inner self was akin to the fanatical beliefs of Kaecilius? In that case, wouldn't staying here be walking into a trap?
As this thought took root in his mind, Doctor Strange could no longer suppress his doubts and suspicions about Master Ancient One. "I'm sorry, but I'm withdrawing. I don't want to be involved in your mysterious war. I'm just a doctor seeking the knowledge of the healing arts with my hands. I don't want to risk my life for this."
"We need you, Master Strange." Master Ancient One looked sincerely at Doctor Strange, hoping he would stay and offer his assistance.
"I'm Doctor Strange, not Master Strange, let alone Sorcerer Strange! You say you need my help, but look at all of you. Isn't that person there more experienced and powerful than me?"
"And I can't trust you at all. I can't trust someone who draws power from Dormammu and I can't fight alongside someone like that."
"What nonsense are you spouting, Strange! This is absurd. You have no right to accuse her like this. You have no idea how heavy the responsibilities she carries!"
As a devoted follower of the Ancient One, Mordo was the first to step forward and defend her.
"I've seen it!" Confronting Mordo's strong stance, Doctor Strange met his gaze without flinching. "The mysterious ritual recorded in the Book of Cagliostro, obtaining energy from the Dark Dimension to sustain one's own longevity, even achieve immortality. I understood it when I saw the ritual. I know how you've done it. That's why I can't trust your leadership and dedicate myself to you."
"That can't be true, Teacher, you must refute him!" Mordo looked urgently at the Ancient One, hoping his most trusted and revered teacher could personally disprove Doctor Strange's accusations.
However, in the face of Mordo's urgency, the Ancient One's response was surprisingly calm. "I'm sorry, Mordo. Your teacher may have disappointed you."
Hearing the Ancient One's reply, Mordo felt as if a thunderbolt had struck his mind, filled with shock and disbelief.
"Mordo, calm down! You know that Master Ancient One is not the kind of person to betray her beliefs out of fear of death!" Seeing Mordo spiraling into despondency and confusion, Wong stepped forward in an attempt to soothe his emotions.
Among those present, only Mark remained silent, observing the unfolding situation. With his emotional intelligence, he couldn't even prevent the internal conflict among the Avengers back then, and now, he couldn't figure out a solution to resolve Doctor Strange's doubts.
However, in the next moment, the Ancient One made a decision that shocked everyone. She used magic to outline a complex pattern in the void, a pattern even Mark had never seen before, and judging by the expressions on the faces of the other three, it's the same for them as well.
When the magic was completed, there was no earth-shattering spectacle, no cataclysmic release of energy. However, visibly, the life force within Master Ancient One began to rapidly deteriorate in that instant. Her already pale face turned ashen.
"Master..." Although the imposing image of Master Ancient One had crumbled in Mordo's mind after she admitted to drawing power from the Dark Dimension to sustain her life, at this moment of crisis for her, it was Mordo who reached her side first.
Taking a step forward, Mordo supported the weakened Ancient One in his arms. Meanwhile, Mark, Doctor Strange, and Wong also converged around them, anxiously watching the situation unfold for the Ancient One.
Seeing everyone gathered around her, the Ancient One began to explain, "The magic I just performed is the Supreme White Magic recorded in the Book of Vishanti. It can dispel the dark energy within me and sever the connection established with the Dark Dimension."
"You're insane, Ancient One! You've extended your life for hundreds of years by forcibly using dark energy. Once you cut off the supply of dark energy, your body will quickly wither and perish due to the exhaustion of life force!" Mark exclaimed. He couldn't believe that the Ancient One would make such a decision at this crucial moment.
On the other hand, upon hearing Mark's words, Doctor Strange felt overwhelming guilt and remorse. In his eyes, his sharp words had pierced the Ancient One's defenses, taking away her life.
For a doctor dedicated to saving lives, this was perhaps the greatest shock—having taken someone's life with his cutting words, contradicting the very essence of being a healer.
"I... I didn't expect things to turn out like this..."
As for Mordo and Wong, upon learning that the Ancient One was about to die because she was giving up dark energy, their hearts were overshadowed by profound sadness. While the saintly image the Ancient One had maintained in their minds had collapsed, how could the emotional bond between individuals be so easily severed?
When they initially came to Kamar-Taj, it was for physical or spiritual healing. At their most vulnerable, it was the Ancient One who gave them hope for the future, nurturing them into the mature and powerful sorcerers they were today.
For Wong and Mordo, their feelings towards the Ancient One had evolved far beyond mere fan and idol, student and teacher relationships. In their hearts, the Ancient One was both a respected elder and the most important family member. Now that they knew their most cherished family member was about to depart, how could they not feel sorrow, regardless of any mistakes she might have made?
But compared to the emotionally charged reactions of those around her, the Ancient One, on the brink of death, displayed an expression of relief and tranquility.
"You don't need to feel so sad for me; you should feel happy instead. I've spent many years maintaining Earth's peace, thwarting countless dreadful events. Yet, misfortune always follows. Through long battles against forces from other dimensions, my body has been unknowingly corroded by dark energy. Even if I didn't choose to sever the connection with dark energy, I would still face death sooner or later.
Moreover, this moment could be considered the one where I have the most confidence in Earth's future. With someone like you, Mark, who can rival the Sorcerer Supreme; and with Wong and Mordo, as mature and wise pillars of strength; and beyond that, with someone like Doctor Strange, a promising genius.
If my death can truly unite you all as a cohesive entity, I believe that compared to lingering on, an earlier departure might be a better choice."
"Master!" At this moment, Mordo looked down at the weakened form of the Ancient One lying in his arms, feeling as if his heart was being twisted by a blade. His thoughts were overwhelmed by grief.
Ever since he had entered Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One he had seen was always the Supreme Sorcerer, radiating strength and confidence. Her towering presence seemed to bear the weight of the entire cosmos, instilling an unparalleled sense of security.
Comparing the Ancient One, who was now on the brink of death with a relieved look, Mordo who had never seen his teacher looked like this, and couldn't accept this reality in his heart
"Mordo…" The Ancient One's eyes were already blurred, and she could only make out Mordo's general outline. However, everyone present could see the caring gaze in her eyes.
"Your stubbornness, your lack of adaptability—these are products of your upbringing. During peaceful times in Kamar-Taj, you excel at safeguarding its operation. However, when faced with major crises and challenges, these traits become your greatest obstacles to overcome.
And you, Strange. You haven't fully adjusted to your new identity as a sorcerer.
You are inherently good, and you always manage to excel not because you desire success, but because you fear failure. And this is what makes you not truly great—arrogance is born from the fear of failure.
The meaning of life lies not in the self, but in service. You can certainly give up facing the danger brought by Dormammu and return to your tranquil life of the past. But your world will always have regrets and it will never be perfect..
You are adaptable, even in adversity you can rise above. If you and Mordo can complement each other's strengths, cooperating with Mark, you can surely overcome Dormammu."
"But... I'm not ready yet. I've only known about this for less than twenty-four hours."
"No one is ever fully prepared. We cannot control the world.
Death gives meaning to life and makes one realize the brevity of time. I'm prepared to face death now, but you, Strange, are you ready to embrace your mission?"
"Master!"
"Master Ancient One!" x2
At this moment, the Supreme Sorcerer, the Ancient One, who had guarded Earth for centuries, yet had never been enshrined in history, forever departed from the world she cherished and protected.
Doctor Strange, Wong, and Mordo all cried out the Ancient One's name, their hearts being torn apart, unwilling to accept the fact that she was gone. Only Mark remained calm, refraining from an emotional reaction.
Mark really couldn't have anticipated that the Ancient One would use her own death to prompt Doctor Strange to accept his destiny. Moreover, it was evident that it wasn't only Doctor Strange who was affected by this stimulation; Wong and Mordo, who shared deep bonds with the Ancient One, also seemed to be influenced.
Yet, Mark couldn't help but admire the Ancient One's choice. As she had stated, even though the situation appeared grim with two sanctums destroyed by Dormammu's zealots, the current lineup of Doctor Strange, Wong, Mordo, and even Mark himself, comprised an elite and exceptionally powerful combination that would be complete and formidable in any moment or circumstance.
Compared to a team divided by her presence, sacrificing herself to bring about a powerful and united alliance was indeed the right choice.
Furthermore, the Ancient One's body had been corroded by the forces of the Dark Dimension over a prolonged period, reaching a point of exhaustion. If she didn't want to be consumed by this power, ultimately falling into the Dark Dimension, abandoning her frail body was undoubtedly the only way out.
Don't assume that the Ancient One's final words just now meant she was departing from the world. For a sorcerer of her level, her spiritual strength was so formidable that even detached from her physical form, her soul could persist for a long time.
For the Ancient One, it was simply a matter of abandoning her ailing body at the most opportune moment. By doing so, she could direct her soul into other dimensions within the multiverse, continuing to exist in a different form.
Because Mark understood this, he didn't let any emotional fluctuations arise from the events unfolding before him. "They say old habits die hard. This millennia-old fox, the Ancient One, when it comes to playing tricks, not many can handle her."
After silently muttering this in his mind, Mark refocused his attention on Doctor Strange, who was still immersed in sorrow, and asked, "Strange, what's your decision now? Are you going to continue being Doctor Stephen Strange, or are you going to embrace your mission and become Sorcerer? Have you made up your mind?"
"I had a friend who once told me, [Losing your hands is not the end of the world. It may also be a new beginning. There are many other ways to save lives.]
I think I've found my answer now, even though it's a more challenging and peculiar way."
Doctor Strange looked at Mark, his eyes revealing an unprecedented resolve.
"If I understand correctly, your answer implies that you're going to stand against Dormammu with us, is that right?"
Doctor Strange nodded, responding to Mark's inquiry.
"Alright then, I suppose I can entrust this to you now." As he spoke, Mark retrieved a capsule and placed it into Doctor Strange's hand.
"What... what is this?"
Doctor Strange, who had never seen a capsule before, looked puzzled at the object Mark handed him.
After all, it was a piece of advanced technology from within the Avengers that had never been publicly disclosed to the world, so Doctor Strange was understandably unfamiliar with the capabilities of the capsule.
"I call this thing a Hoi-Poi capsule. It's a device I invented that uses spatial folding technology to store items. The Ancient One instructed me that she wanted me to give what is inside this capsule to you. All you have to do is gently press the button on the top to retrieve the contents."
With Mark's explanation in mind, Doctor Strange half-skeptically pressed the button on the top of the capsule. Then, a burst of white smoke rose, and two items appeared in his hand.
One was the Eye of Agamotto, which he had once secretly used, and the other was a venerable and sacred magical book. The cover of the book was engraved with the name "The Book of Vishanti" in the oldest of magical script.
"This!" Seeing these two items appear in Doctor Strange's hand, the first to react weren't Doctor Strange himself, but rather Wong and Mordo who stood beside him.
As the elder figures of Kamar-Taj, they understood very well what it meant for the Ancient One to entrust Mark with delivering these two items to Doctor Strange.
"Sorcerer Supreme, we pay our respects!"
Without hesitation, after exchanging a glance, Wong and Mordo both bowed deeply to Doctor Strange in a show of respect.
"Wait a minute! What's going on here? When did I become a Supreme Sorcerer!? This isn't what we agreed on! Why is this different from what we discussed?"
Doctor Strange looked at Mark with a face full of confusion, hoping he could provide an answer.
"The Eye of Agamotto is the supreme artifact symbolizing the position of the Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj. 'The Book of Vishanti' is a white magic legacy that only the Sorcerer Supreme can study throughout history. Why don't you understand what's going on now?" Mark smiled as he looked at Doctor Strange and answered.
"But why me? Based on qualifications, Wong and Mordo have been in Kamar-Taj the longest. In terms of power, Mark, you far surpass me and can rival the Ancient One. Regardless of the criteria for selecting the Sorcerer Supreme, it shouldn't be my turn to inherit it, right?"
"No, Strange! You underestimate yourself. In terms of talent, your magical aptitude is on par with mine. In terms of ability, you can wield the Eye of Agamotto and perform time manipulation magic through it—a feat that neither Wong nor Mordo can achieve.
Moreover, besides being the guardian of the Sanctum, I also have a role in the Avengers. I can't simultaneously balance responsibilities and tasks in both the material and magical worlds, nor do I intend to take on the position of Sorcerer Supreme.
Therefore, considering your abilities, qualifications, external circumstances, and the future of Kamar-Taj, you are the best candidate—there's no one else but you.
This is also what the Ancient One meant, so you shouldn't burden yourself mentally. I know you might not feel fully confident in taking up the role of Sorcerer Supreme right away, especially since you've only been exposed to magic for about three months.
But Wong and Mordo have already expressed their stance earlier. They'll assist you in fulfilling the mission and tasks of Kamar-Taj, and I'll provide help when necessary.
With your talent and learning ability, we believe you'll quickly become a capable Sorcerer Supreme."
"Can I really do it?" Doctor Strange asked with some lack of confidence.
"We believe in you, Strange!" Wong and Mordo placed their palms firmly on his shoulders, as if trying to convey their beliefs and energy to him, to boost his confidence.
Mark also looked at Doctor Strange with an encouraging gaze, nodding as if to say, "You've got this, Strange!"
"Alright then! Since all of you believe in me so much, I'll temporarily take on the role of Sorcerer Supreme. If there's anything I do wrong, I'll need your guidance and assistance."
"Hahaha, Strange... Oh, I mean, Sorcerer Supreme, you don't have to be polite with us. Now the urgent matter is how to deal with the remaining zealots of Dormammu who pose a threat.
As long as we can hold onto the New York Sanctum, the last Sanctum, we can maintain the Earth's magical defense network established by Agamotto and keep Dormammu out!"
"Wong, you actually laughed! I've spent over two months with you and haven't been able to make you laugh, yet today I saw you smile!"
"But I have to say, you can still call me Strange, or call me Doctor Strange. Being called Sorcerer Supreme feels too unfamiliar. Also, Wong, you look really funny when you smile."
"Strange, let's get back to the point!" Mordo, true to the Ancient One's evaluation of him as someone not easily swayed, was serious and rigid in his demeanor, opposing Doctor Strange's attempt to lighten the mood with a joke.
"Alright then. Currently, our top priority is undoubtedly to defend the New York Sanctum. With Mark here and our cooperation, I believe we can achieve this.
However, one thing to note is that they've been granted dark-dimensional powers by Dormammu, enabling them to fold space in the real world as well. This advantage is even more pronounced within the Mirror Dimension. So, we need to be cautious.
For now, all we have to do is wait for the remaining three zealots to come to us. As long as they want to fulfill their mission, they'll eventually come to the New York Sanctum!"
Doctor Strange's analysis was logical and systematic. In just a few sentences, he clearly outlined their current situation and devised a corresponding plan.
However, as the group prepared to act according to Doctor Strange's plan, Mark suddenly halted their actions and proposed something astonishing and even seemingly aligned with Dormammu's forces. Doctor Strange, Wong, and Mordo were all taken aback by this suggestion, wondering if Mark had secretly sided with Dormammu.
Mark raised his hand to stop the others and said, "I think we can approach this from a different angle. What if we intentionally destroy the New York Sanctum ourselves?"
"What!? Do you know what you're saying, Mark?" Doctor Strange widened his eyes, looking at Mark in shock.
It wasn't just Doctor Strange; Wong and Mordo had identical expressions on their faces, and even a hint of suspicion appeared in their eyes.
However, Mark remained surprisingly composed, a cryptic smile playing on his lips as he said, "Of course, I know what I'm saying. What I mean is, why don't we disable the protective network of the Sanctum ourselves and launch a preemptive strike against Dormammu and his dark-dimensional control?"
"A counterattack? How can we launch an attack against Dormammu? He wields the power over the entire dark dimension and is on par with deities like Vashanti! I won't allow you to use the safety of the entire Earth as a gamble and make such reckless moves!"
Mordo was the first to oppose Mark's proposal, but not only him—Doctor Strange and Wong were clearly on his side, sharing the same concerns.
"No, we do have a means of countering." Mark confidently explained to the three, "Perhaps we didn't have it before, but just a moment ago, this method was completed."
"I have absolute confidence that through this secret weapon, I can deal a heavy blow to Dormammu, making him think twice before ever trying to taint Earth again!
However, if the magical protective network continues to exist, Dormammu's true form won't easily appear on Earth, and I won't have a chance to execute this plan.
Furthermore, Strange has already mastered time manipulation magic. Even if all three Sanctums are destroyed, as long as he serves as the last line of defense, restoring one of the three Sanctums in a critical moment, we can consider ourselves invincible."
"What exactly is this method? You need to at least demonstrate it to us and clearly explain its capabilities. Otherwise, we can't support your plan just based on your unwarranted confidence."
Doctor Strange didn't completely reject Mark's proposal. In his view, if there was a chance to permanently eliminate the threat Dormammu posed to Earth, and the success rate was indeed considerable, it might be worth a shot.
"Apologies, this is a forbidden magic I've been studying. Once cast, it could trigger immense, incalculable danger on Earth, so I can't demonstrate it to you.
However, I can provide a clear explanation of its principles and effects. I refer to this forbidden magic as... the 'Two-Way Foil.' "
That's right, the Two-Way Foil. Just a moment ago, as they were preparing to act against the threat of the Dormammu zealots, Baymax sent him good news through telepathy. Using his space theory-based model, after calculations and verification, he had proven its accuracy.
The data model Mark had established was precisely for building the foundational framework of magic matrices, and it ultimately became the secret weapon he had been tirelessly researching—the forbidden magic, the Two-Way Foil.
Initially, Mark had hoped to develop and study the Two-Way Foil using purely technological or a magical means.
But after trying, he realized that given the current state of Earth's technology and the limitations of magical theory, the goal was unattainable with a singular approach. So, after careful consideration, Mark chose the method with the highest success rate and efficiency—a combination of Earth's scientific understanding and magical techniques—to advance the research on the Two-Way Foil.
This is how Mark achieved his current research success, using knowledge from various disciplines including mathematics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics to calculate and construct the theoretical basis for the Two-Way Foil. The magical methods acquired from Asgard, the Dark Elves, and Kamar-Taj served as the means to implement and solve the challenges of creating and launching attacks with the Two-Way Foil.
...
"The Two-Way Foil?" Upon hearing Mark's name for this forbidden magic, Doctor Strange and the others felt a strong sense of curiosity about this term they had never heard before.
Mark didn't keep them in suspense and started explaining directly, "I began theoretical and practical research in space technology several years ago.
Through studying and organizing data from Kamar-Taj's spatial magic teleportation gates, I developed a comprehensive theory of space technology.
The capsules you've seen earlier that can fold objects in space, as well as the space portal technology similar to teleportation gates that you haven't seen, are both based on this theory and realized through technological applications.
And the Two-Way Foil is an application model developed on this foundation of space theory. As the name suggests, the Two-Way Foil is a two-dimensional space model, essentially a small piece of two-dimensional space bound within a specialized force field while in a sealed state.
Three-dimensional space consists of three dimensions: length, area, and volume. The moment the Two-Way Foil interacts with three-dimensional space, the volume dimension shrinks from macroscopic to microscopic, forcing three-dimensional space and all its matter to collapse into two-dimensional space, "melting" into an absolute plane that only possesses length and area, devoid of volume.
After being forced into a two-dimensional state, three-dimensional objects lose many of their physical characteristics that cannot directly transition into the two-dimensional universe, and they revert to pure energy release. Thus, a massive amount of energy continuously blankets the two-dimensional plane, to the point where humans can observe the flattened remnants with their naked eyes.
When the process of becoming two-dimensional is complete, the energy remaining in these flattened remnants is eventually exhausted and dissipates completely into darkness, transforming into two-dimensional objects without thickness, optical features, or observability.
However, the stability of this small two-dimensional space under the confinement of the force field is not assured. To safely launch it to a desired location without giving the target a chance to evade, it requires achieving a velocity equal to the speed of light.
Modern science clearly struggles to achieve this, but through the mystic arts of the teleportation gates, spatial and temporal constraints can be disregarded entirely, turning the impossible into the possible."
As Mark's explanation delved deeper, the more Doctor Strange and his companions understood the profound capabilities of this forbidden magic, the greater their admiration for Mark's intellect grew, mixed with a deep sense of trepidation and fear.
If a genius of this caliber were to one day stand against them, and if it came to them facing the terrifying assault of the Two-Way Foil, how would they respond?
This thought arose but was forcibly suppressed by the three of them, because the more they thought, the more fear and despair they felt. It reached a point where they didn't dare to continue pondering, as it would lead to questioning their very worldview.
Mark also noticed the change in their expressions. In a short span of time, joy, anger, sorrow, surprise, fear, and worry—all seven emotions—appeared on their faces.
However, Mark didn't speculate on what thoughts might be hidden deep in their hearts. For him, as long as he focused on his own tasks and followed his inner choices, that would be sufficient.
"The Two-Way Foil is undoubtedly powerful, but it's also extremely dangerous. It's like the most potent nuclear weapon in modern society, capable of causing immense destruction, yet it leaves behind severe side effects.
The spatial two-dimensionalization caused by the Two-Way Foil will never cease, and the collapse rate of dimensions will gradually reach the speed of light. Unless there's a means to escape at the speed of light or perform spatial teleportation jumps, escaping the influence of the Two-Way Foil is virtually impossible.
Moreover, if the Two-Way Foil is excessively and frequently used as a normalized weapon against adversaries, the spatial two-dimensionalization could surpass the universe's self-repair capability, leading to the gradual dissolution of the universe itself.
Because the activation of the Two-Way Foil can't be stopped, using it without precise calculations beforehand or with the slightest carelessness during its operation could potentially result in the user themselves falling into the two-dimensional state.
So, it's not that I'm unwilling to demonstrate it to you to bolster your confidence in me. It's because the reason the Two-Way Foil is known as forbidden magic is that it's simply too dangerous.
Even if it's used within the Mirror Dimension, I can't guarantee the safety of the entire experimental process.
If it weren't for Dormammu's coveting of Earth, resulting in a prolonged threat, I wouldn't be willing to take such risks.
However, as an ultimate trump card and deterrent, this also provides us with an opportunity to test its power and fully exploit its deterrent effect.
If our plan succeeds this time, it won't just eliminate the threat of Dormammu and the entire Dark Dimension, but it will also serve as a powerful warning and deterrent to other ill-intentioned individuals covertly trying to influence Earth."
After hearing Mark's detailed explanation of the forbidden magic, the Two-Way Foil, and his plan's strategy and objectives, Doctor Strange and his companions, who had initially thought Mark's ideas were too radical, couldn't help but feel a growing excitement, yearning to witness their side triumphing over Dormammu and driving him to flee in defeat.
Yet, after they calmed down, doubts also emerged. Could such fantasies truly be realized? The way Mark described the Two-Way Foil's magic, it could already be considered a divine method. However, a lingering concern in the minds of Doctor Strange and his companions was whether Mark, as a mortal, could genuinely stand shoulder to shoulder with deities.
"Darn it! Just as Mark said, even if we don't achieve the results we initially expected, we now hold the Agamotto's Eye and the time magic from the 'Book of Cagliostro'. We can completely reverse the unfavorable situation caused by the decision-making mistakes.
First, we'll deal with the three remaining fanatics of Dormammu on Earth, then destroy the magical network core of the New York Sanctum, luring Dormammu out of hiding.
I'll stay at the New York Sanctum. Wong, you and Mordo will assist Mark, ensuring he has enough time and space to release Two-Way Foil on Dormammu.
If any unexpected situation arises, I'll immediately use time manipulation magic to restore the New York Sanctum and reestablish Earth's magical defense network.
As the saying goes, 'If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you get the tiger?' This time, the stakes are high, and it's worth giving it our all!"
Finally, after careful consideration, the newly appointed Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, made a decision about this matter.
And Wong and Mordo naturally followed the Sorcerer Supreme's decision, agreeing to change the original plan and join Mark in this risky adventure.
...
Dormammu's last three fanatics eventually came knocking, but in the face of Mark and others' formidable strength, even after drawing power from the Dark Dimension, they couldn't make much of a splash and were easily captured by Mark.
As for those lurking as Dormammu's successfully swayed fanatics in the shadows, even with Mark assisted by an intelligent being like Baymax, there was no way to locate and eliminate all of them.
But that's irrelevant now; these individuals can no longer influence the changing situation, nor can they shake their plans.
Their primary and sole task now is to prepare for the upcoming showdown with Dormammu.
"Two-Way Foil, huh... I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens when Dormammu encounters it. It should be quite a scene." Wong retrieved a Wand of Watoomb from the New York Sanctum's artifact vault, feeling eager for the impending battle.
The Wand of Watoomb enhances magical power, allowing the wielder to block and absorb any magical attack, redirecting it towards the opponent. The wand also possesses the ability to traverse and connect dimensions, serving as a substitute for the Sling Ring. Additionally, it grants the user heightened psychic awareness, and creates magical screens to observe and control or attack anything in any dimension.
This wand was specifically chosen by Wong to confront Dormammu, aligning perfectly with his own abilities.
On the other hand, Mordo didn't make excessive preparations. For him, having the Ring, Staff of the Living Tribunal on his back, and the Valto Jumping Boots on his feet was already sufficient. The crucial thing was to adjust his mindset, avoiding being too nervous and fearful, which might lead to losing the ability and courage to attack the enemy.
Doctor Strange was also systematically making preparations for the impending battle. Although he didn't need to directly face Dormammu's threat, as Earth's last line of defense, his role and importance were self-evident.
Currently, he was focused on familiarizing himself with the usage of the Eye of Agamotto and studying the various details about time magic in the 'Book of Cagliostro'.
However, if we were to talk about the most anxious person, that would be Mark. This time, it wasn't just another face-to-face encounter with Dormammu, but it also concerned the safety of Earth and the success of the research on the Two-Way Foil. This burdened Mark mentally.
In the eyes of Doctor Strange and the others, Mark appeared to be just sitting in a chair, closing his eyes to gather himself and adjust his state. But in reality, Mark was activating his accel world ability, tirelessly simulating various applications of the Two-Way Foil.
Mark's psychological pressure didn't primarily stem from Dormammu, and he hadn't really concerned himself too much with Dormammu all along. All Dormammu power came from within the Dark Dimension. As long as he couldn't break free from this restraint, he wouldn't be able to unleash his true potential.
Not to mention that he had once repelled Dormammu alongside the Ancient One, and even in the original storyline, even without his presence, Doctor Strange still forced Dormammu to compromise. Moreover, possessing the innate advantage of being a reincarnator, it wouldn't be difficult for him to protect the New York Sanctum and thwart Dormammu's plans.
Mark's psychological pressure mainly originated from the validation of the Two-Way Foil, the success of his ongoing research had always been his foremost concern. It was also the key factor in this battle against Dormammu.
The Two-Way Foil, as a means of deterrence that couldn't form conventional combat capabilities, needed people to be aware of its power to have the desired effect.
And this time, Dormammu's attack could be considered Mark's only opportunity before the arrival of Thanos, an opportunity to demonstrate Earth's strength to the entire Nine Realms, even the universe. It was the sole chance to substantially validate the power of the Two-Way Foil.
If this plan ultimately didn't achieve the anticipated results, then even though Mark could continue to research the Two-Way Foil, how could an untested weapon be relied upon to have an effect against Thanos, who possesses the Infinity Stones?
...
"Mark, the time has come!"
Mark opened his tightly shut eyes, and before him stood Wong, fully prepared. Behind Wong, Doctor Strange and Mordo also seemed ready with solemn expressions.
Mark stood up from his chair, his tone resolute, "Let's begin our operation!"
Ever since Mark convinced Doctor Strange and the others, Baymax had been transferring his program and data into the Mind Stone. Now the transfer was complete, so there was no need to worry that he would lose his place to exist if the magical network were to be destroyed and forcibly shut down.
The group arrived at the most crucial part of the magical network core within the New York Sanctum. Wong glanced at the others and then directly activated the Wand of Watoomb. A powerful attack struck the core.
With a crisp sound of shattering, numerous tiny cracks appeared on the magical network core. These cracks intertwined and merged, forming visible large fissures. Eventually, the entire core shattered into pieces. Simultaneously, the magical protective web that had maintained Earth's peace and time was also destroyed.
Soon, as if sensing that the only layer of protection on Earth had disappeared, Dormammu moved like a shark scenting blood. Mark, with his heightened magical perception, sensed the magical elements and spatial fluctuations brought about by the overlay of the Dark Dimension in space.
The next moment, the sky over New York City was enveloped by a dark cloud, as if an immensely powerful storm was brewing.
However, Doctor Strange and his group knew that a massive crisis was indeed brewing there, but it wasn't a storm. It was Dormammu, greedily attempting to engulf Earth.
"It's the Dark Dimension! Dormammu is coming..." Mordo looked at New York City covered in dark energy, shrouded in what seemed like eternal night, and spoke with a serious tone.
When facing such an immense and unfathomably powerful enemy, anyone would inevitably feel concern and unease. Even Mordo, in the face of a scene that resembled the end of the world, was no exception.
All the psychological preparations, the efforts to bolster one's spirit and confidence, had all become meaningless in this moment. What remained was the innate, genetically ingrained fear of danger and the instinct to submit to the powerful.
However, what makes humanity great, what makes it the dominant force on the planet, is one of the most important abilities and qualities—it's the ability to restrain their own instincts, to compel themselves to challenge the impossible.
Not only Mordo but also Wong and Doctor Strange, beside him, were equally awed by this unprecedented spectacle. Yet, after a brief moment of distraction, they managed to readjust their mindsets, suppressing the emotions that had arisen.
Mark understood the feelings they had now; after all, not everyone could be as fearless as the Ancient One, and not everyone was as accustomed to such grand scenes as he was.
He tapped Doctor Strange on the shoulder, sending an encouraging gaze to the three of them. "Don't be afraid. I'm in the front to lead the way. Your responsibility is to cooperate with me. Especially you, Strange. As long as you manage things here, we can face Dormammu without burdens and fight with all our might."
Doctor Strange nodded solemnly, directly activating the Eye of Agamotto and preparing his time manipulation magic. He wrapped the magic runes around his wrist, ready to restore the shattered magical network core in the New York Sanctum at any moment.
Behind Doctor Strange, his levitating cloak detached from his shoulders. It positioned itself like a sentinel, standing not far from him, guarding the surroundings.
"Terminator, assist the Cloak of Levitation. If you detect any forces or individuals approaching, expel them immediately. If warnings and expulsion fail, then in a critical moment of threat, I authorize you to activate combat mode and eliminate all threats!"
Mark also cautiously gave Terminator the command, ensuring both it and the Cloak of Levitation would protect Doctor Strange's absolute safety.
Then he turned to Wong and Mordo and said, "We should set off as well. If we delay too long, Earth will truly be consumed by the Dark Dimension."
Wong and Mordo nodded. In the next moment, Mark cast a spell on them. Both of them floated in mid-air like feathers.
This was a flight spell Mark developed based on the anti-gravity model of superconducting magnetic levitation. While Mordo could briefly leave the ground using the Valto Jumping Boots, it wouldn't allow him to fly for an extended period. As for Wong, his physique indicated that he had never considered flying.
They couldn't open a portal through the Sanctums to access the Dark Dimension as Dormammu is the practical controller of the Dark Dimension. Furthermore, when it came to spatial magic, Dormammu's proficiency far exceeded theirs.
Therefore, in order to approach Dormammu's true form, they had to enter the Dark Dimension, which was closely linked to Earth, through flight.
If the Two-Way Foil could ultimately function as intended, then when Dormammu is weakened, the three of them could open a portal and return to Earth. However, if the outcome didn't meet expectations, the Dark Dimension would become their eternal resting place.
In other words, they had no retreat, no room for failure. Victory was the only option; any failure would plunge them into an abyss from which they could never escape.
With Wong and Mordo, Mark swiftly approached the Dark Dimension, its energy now extending to cover the entirety of America.
At the point where the two-dimensional worlds intersected, they could already clearly see that within the Dark Dimension, there were countless small and large planets, like pearls strung together by dark energy, devoid of any trace of vitality.
These were all planets that Dormammu had previously devoured, using them to connect and extend the dark energy. This allowed Dormammu to gain more authority within the Dark Dimension, and the scope of his perception became even greater.
If all their meticulous planning failed this time, and even Doctor Strange couldn't hold the final line of defense, one could imagine that in the near future, Earth would also become one of these small planets.
The trio's flight speed was swift. Without consuming much time, they had already delved deep into the heart of the Dark Dimension, or rather, into the core area controlled by Dormammu. Because before them, the immense and dark visage of Dormammu had already become clear.
"We meet again, Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj! However, this time, you won't be as fortunate as before. Your world now belongs to me!"
Before Mark and the others could act, Dormammu, who had already noticed them, spoke first. Clearly, he still held a vivid memory of Mark's actions against him last time, and he bore a grudge.
Before the words even finished, he had already launched a fierce attack against Mark and his companions.
In this space of the Dark Dimension, everything had fallen under Dormammu's control. Whether it was matter or energy, everything was directed like surging waves toward Mark and his companions.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Mordo transformed his Staff of the Living Tribunal into a whip, constantly twirling it in front of him, deflecting all the incoming attacks.
On the other hand, Wong and Mark had an easier time. Wong channeled magic into the Wand of Watoom, conjuring a magical shield that could defend against both physical and magical attacks, intercepting all the assaults. Mark took cover behind Wong, seizing the opportunity to prepare for the Forbidden Spell – the Two-Way Foil.
Before long, the person hiding behind Wong became two, as Mordo, running low on energy, eventually gave up his resistance and sought shelter behind Wong to recover.
"How much longer do you need, Mark? My magic is nearly depleted!" Wong, without paying attention to Mordo's shameless behavior, looked at Mark with his forehead covered in sweat.
Simply outputting magic might seem easy and enjoyable at the beginning when magic reserves are abundant. But as consumption continued, this persistence became akin to running a marathon, subjecting both body and spirit to immense tests.
At this point, Wong was on the verge of collapse.
However, until Mark accurately confirmed to him that he was ready, even if he was on the brink of collapse, he had to hold on.
"It's almost ready. Hold on for a moment!" Mark manipulated the magic, forming the intricate magical array of the Two-Way Foil, all while reporting the situation.
Just as his forbidden spell was about to be completed, Dormammu's voice came once again, "What are you doing? What's going on?"
Seemingly sensitive to the threat posed by the Two-Way Foil, Dormammu ceased his attacks and fixed his gaze on the nearly completed magical array in Mark's hand, attempting to glean some useful information from it.
"Similar to how you sent a bit of your world's ability to the Kamar-Taj, I've also brought a little something from my homeworld for you. I hope you'll accept it and enjoy the surprise I've brought you..."
"Mordo, be ready. Once the Two-Way Foil hits Dormammu, immediately open the portal and take us back to Earth!" After ending his conversation with Dormammu, Mark turned his head and quietly instructed Mordo.
"This is the Two-Way Foil, a forbidden magic I've created, and you, Dormammu, the ruler of the Dark Dimension, will be its first test subject."
"You have quite the audacity! I'll make you all pay with your lives—!" Enraged at being treated as an experiment by Mark, Dormammu roared in fury.
The shockwave generated by this outburst formed an airstream storm, causing the magical membrane in front of Wong to tremble wildly, as if it could shatter at any moment.
However, Dormammu's reign of intimidation didn't last long, for just a second after his menacing words, the Two-Way Foil array was completed. Mark then unleashed it directly at Dormammu using a burst of magical energy.
At the moment the Two-Way Foil descended, Dormammu had no idea what it was or what kind of power it possessed. Yet, his intuition told him that this magic was dangerous, the kind of danger that could threaten his immortal existence.
As a result, even before the true power of the Two-Way Foil erupted, Dormammu swiftly turned around and began to flee.
"Dormammu's running!?"
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