https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-668-The-Growing-Doctor-Strange-First-Update-/13461903/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-670-The-Death-of-the-Ancient-One-Part-1-/13461908/
Chapter 669: The Traitor Cassius (Second Update)
Chapter 669: The Traitor Cassius (Second Update)
"This is the Mirror Dimension. It exists but is hard to detect. Everything that happens here is separate from reality, making it the best place for us wizards to practice large-scale Magic and monitor the outside world.
Of course, sometimes we also use it to avoid danger."
Inside the Mirror Dimension of the living room, the Ancient One was guiding Stephen in learning and using Mirror Dimension Magic. Suddenly, a portal appeared, and Jerry walked in.
"Long time no see, Venerable One, and Stephen, you’re looking great! You’ve even changed into a blue robe!"
In Kamar-Taj, the color of a wizard's robe indicates their rank.
The most basic is the gray robe, which is worn by new initiates. Then there is the red robe, indicating a basic understanding of Magic.
Like the blue robe Stephen is now wearing, it signifies that his Magic level has reached a respectable standard in Kamar-Taj, making him a fully-fledged wizard.
"Long time no see, Wizard Carmen!"
The Ancient One was not surprised by Jerry’s appearance; he had not hidden his presence, so she had sensed him as soon as he arrived at the training ground.
Stephen, however, was delighted to see Jerry and greeted him with a handshake.
"Thank you, Mr. Carmen, for helping me find a way to heal my hands and for introducing me to this new world."
After his car accident left his hands paralyzed, Jerry had guided him to Kamar-Taj, where he became a wizard and healed his hands.
So, deep down, Stephen was very grateful to Jerry.
"I only provided a little help; the main credit goes to you!"
Jerry smiled and then turned to the Ancient One.
"Venerable One, please continue. I have no urgent matters; I just came to visit."
The Ancient One nodded, knowing that Jerry had something on his mind but seemed reluctant to discuss it in front of Stephen. After instructing Stephen for a while, she dismissed him to study on his own.
"Jerry, what’s on your mind?"
"Venerable One, as you suspected, I have a premonition of a great crisis approaching, and its origin is within Kamar-Taj. I came to seek your guidance."
Jerry’s eyes twinkled as he spoke, noticing that the Ancient One had already poured him a cup of tea.
The Ancient One was slightly taken aback but then sighed.
"It’s no surprise you sensed it. It’s Cassius. He has led a group of his followers to betray Kamar-Taj and has become a follower of Dormammu.
I had hoped he would change, but it seems he has taken the final step."
"So, this crisis means that Dormammu is planning to invade Earth again?"
Jerry feigned curiosity.
The Ancient One nodded.
"Yes, Cassius infiltrated the library to obtain the Dark Ritual Book, which can establish a portal for Dormammu to invade Earth.
They have already successfully performed the dark ritual, becoming followers of Dormammu and gaining dark powers.
Next, they will likely target the Three Sanctums!"
Dormammu has attempted to invade Earth multiple times, but each time, the Ancient One, with the aid of the Three Sanctums, has managed to repel him.
The combined power of the Three Sanctums enhances the Ancient One’s abilities, similar to the power of a Dimensional Deity fighting in their own realm, breaking through the limits and reaching a singular universe level.
When Dormammu leaves his dark dimension to invade Earth, his power is significantly weakened, making him no match for the Ancient One.
If the Three Sanctums were destroyed, Ancient One's chances of defeating Dormammu would be very low, even with the help of all the mages from Kamar-Taj.
"Respected One, with your strength, even if Cassius and the others absorb the dark power, they wouldn't be a match for you, right?
Besides, you have the Time Stone, which allows you to see the future. They can't hide from you. Do you have some other plan in mind?"
Jerry directly addressed the issue.
Cassius's strength was indeed formidable, but even if he absorbed Dormammu's dark power, he would only reach the peak of Earth-level power, while Ancient One was at the peak of the Celestial level, and she possessed the Time Stone.
If she truly wanted to eliminate him, it would be as simple as squashing an ant.
Ancient One looked up at Jerry and finally smiled wryly.
"Indeed, I couldn't hide it from you. I was actually planning to ask for your help. I am going to die, and before I do, I intend to pass the mantle of Supreme Sorcerer to Stephen.
Cassius and Dormammu will be the final trial I leave for him.
However, just in case, if he fails the trial, I hope you can help drive Dormammu out of Earth. I've already spoken with King Odin, and he has agreed to lend a hand when the time comes."
The mages of Kamar-Taj knew Ancient One was powerful, but they didn't know the full extent of her strength. Therefore, they never questioned why Ancient One didn't track down and eliminate Cassius and the others after their betrayal.
Jerry, however, was different. Ancient One had learned from Odin that Jerry was creating a dimensional world and that Jerry's current strength was on par with hers.
Thus, he was well aware of the significant gap in power between her and Cassius.
Moreover, she never intended to keep her plans from Jerry. In fact, if Jerry hadn't come to her, she would have sought him out in a few days.
Although she was proficient in time magic and had used the Time Stone to foresee various possible futures, all of which were favorable, Dormammu, being a being of such high caliber, could influence the future.
The outcomes she saw might not be the true results.
Therefore, she needed an additional layer of insurance for Stephen's trial to become the Supreme Sorcerer.
Initially, this layer of insurance was Odin, as Earth was part of the Nine Realms. Odin had agreed to help if Stephen couldn't handle Dormammu's invasion.
However, relying solely on Odin wasn't entirely secure, as Odin's power would diminish significantly when he left Asgard.
Adding Jerry as a second layer of insurance made the plan foolproof.
Thus, Ancient One laid out her entire plan to Jerry.
Jerry didn't hesitate and agreed to help ensure Stephen's success, as that was his original purpose for coming.
"Stephen is the most talented Mage I've seen besides you. I believe he will become a worthy Supreme Sorcerer and lead Kamar-Taj in protecting Earth."
Ancient One let out a final sigh.
Jerry didn't respond, but he understood that without the Panel and the Little Red Stars, his own talent was far inferior to Stephen's.
Stephen had joined Kamar-Taj less than a year ago and had progressed from a complete novice to a Blue Robe Mage, capable of mastering time magic, which even veteran mages like Mordo could not.
(End of Chapter)
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