Chapter 288 - 285 There's An Insider. We Can Cooperate.
Creeeek!
The door of a tall wooden building in the northeast corner of Kamar Taj opened automatically.
A beam of sunlight projected in passed through the intricately patterned window lattice and fell into a dazzling golden glow.
Strange tidied up his clothes and robes and glanced at Luke before entering the door, indicating that the other party should show respect and never annoy the powerful master who was beyond legend.
The latter raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. The Doctor Strange of this universe seemed to be more in awe of the Sorcerer Supreme.
The one in the movie universe didn't seem to feel the same way. As if forcibly ordained, he had a reluctant feeling all over his body.
"Strange, I heard that you want to participate in the Sorcerer Supreme Battle this time?"
Entering the door, they saw an old man with white eyebrows, beard, thin cheeks, and sunken eyes lying on his side on the bed inside…
That was Master Ancient One.
It was a far cry from the gender-neutral face seen in the movie universe.
Of course, it was more in line with the image of 'supreme' in the public's eyes.
"Didn't you suggest that I should sign up?"
Strange stared wide-eyed and confused.
Just a few days ago, the Sorcerer Supreme was blindsided by Kaecilius, a traitor, and was seriously injured, which happened to be discovered by him.
As a doctor, Strange took the lead in emergency rescue, which prevented the situation from worsening.
The next day, Sorcerer Supreme woke up and said that to thank him for saving his life, he was specially allowed to choose one item from the New York Sanctum collection room as a reward.
Strange would have liked to choose something like a chain shackle, axe, crystal ball, which could enhance combat power and give him a sense of security.
Unexpectedly, a red cloak flew out from somewhere, and as if it wanted to follow him, it fixed itself on his body.
In desperation, Strange had to choose the 'Cloak of Levitation' as a reward.
Later, the Sorcerer Supreme had a long talk with him.
The content could be summarized as 'the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility', 'the task of saving the world and maintaining peace is left to you', and other such pep talks.
When he heard the Sorcerer Supreme say that he was dying, hand hinted, intentionally or unintentionally, that Strange might be the one and only magical genius who could take on the big responsibility.
Strange was moved.
He was so enthusiastic that he volunteered to take part in the Trial of the Vishanti and became a contender for the position of Sorcerer Supreme.
If Luke knew the ins and outs, he would certainly laugh at the Ancient One's ability to write a script.
If he were to switch with Strange from the movie universe, the guy wouldn't take the bait.
"Yes, yes. I am confident that I can shoulder this responsibility."
Strange replied feebly.
He was driven to do things beyond his ability, and he didn't even have the slightest preparation.
"Very well. Strange, I was right about you. The moment you stepped through the doors of Kamar Taj, I knew that you were the one I was waiting for."
The Ancient One coughed twice and spoke in an aging voice.
This was spoken from the bottom of his heart, and there was no falsehood.
"The man standing next to you … who is he?"
Then, the Ancient One looked at Luke, who was standing behind Strange in silence.
"He is my contractor. There are only seven candidates for the Sorcerer Supreme Battle, and everyone could summon an 'emissary' to cooperate with each other by contract."
Strange bowed his head and answered.
One high-ranking master, in the face of those talented people, was certainly not enough to face them.
But he didn't have a better choice. Mordo was recognized by three legendary masters and drew on a powerful force.
That's because he had outstanding qualifications, had been with the Sorcerer Supreme for nearly 50 years and accumulated a deep foundation.
"He is the … contractor you selected."
The Ancient One stared at the tall figure, and the white eyebrows that had been wrinkled slowly stretched out.
"Strange, you're lucky!"
Luke stepped forward, stood side by side with Strange, and whispered, "I am willing to help in … letting him win this battle."
"What are you talking about?"
The Ancient One hadn't responded yet, but Strange couldn't help but ask first.
He didn't know Luke's identity, let alone what kind of contractor he had summoned.
If Superman were considered as a stand-in emissary, then the panel value representing his strength would be about five infinite symbols.
Unfortunately, Strange didn't realize this. He just regarded Luke as a high-ranking human master.
Therefore, facing those who may be competitors, Strange's biggest goal at this stage was to get the chance to enter the battle.
Then, help Mordo as much as possible -- after all, they were all acquaintances.
Successfully win the position of Sorcerer Supreme!
"Strange, step down."
The Ancient One waved his hand to indicate that the other party could leave.
"Mister Guest, will you stay and talk to me for a while?"
Luke ignored Strange's shocked eyes and nodded, "It would be my pleasure."
When the door behind him was closed, the Ancient One said, "I have never seen such a young Allfather in my life."
"Sir, who are you? Why help Strange?"
Luke slightly smiled and told Sorcerer Supreme about some of his own experiences, such as trans-universe transmissions, finding his way home, and so on.
After a long while, the Ancient One slowly said, "Well, since you know me in another universe and know Strange's fate, then this Sorcerer Supreme Battle will be handed over to you."
"It's just that, what would the price be? What do you want from Kamar Taj?"
This seemingly old man, who looked dying, had a straight back and a very different momentum from before.
'I knew it … it was all fake. '
Luke lamented.
The Sorcerer Supreme wasn't as fragile as porcelain, and he wasn't someone easily injured to the point of being seriously wounded and difficult to heal.
All this was obviously an act!
In order to trick Strange into taking the bait, he had deliberately set up a trap!
"I need the coordinates of this universe, so I can continue to the next stop."
Luke replied.
Secret data, in exchange for an Allfather level fighter.
There was no downside to this deal!
Straightforward and bloody!
"There is no problem with this …"
The Ancient One contemplated for a moment and nodded in agreement.
It didn't matter whether everything Luke said was true or not.
The cosmic coordinates, even if he knew it, wouldn't cause any harm.
On the contrary, the help provided by the other party could ensure Strange's success in reaching the Sorcerer Supreme's position.
That's the key!
The Ancient One took a fancy to Strange after numerous rounds of selections.
But in the end, if he didn't win the battle and passed the Trial of the Vishanti, the wonderful script that he had painstakingly written would be a waste of time.
After all, the Vishanti didn't care about that.
They were high above, overlooking the multi-dimensional realms, focusing on the more magnificent picture of the universe.
To the Vishanti, the position of Sorcerer Supreme, whether Strange sat on it or not, it was all the same.
In another universe, Iron Man -- Tony Stark was the Sorcerer Supreme.
Even Thor's good brother Loki almost sat in that position.
"That's settled. Happy collaboration, Master Ancient One."
Luke laughed with satisfaction.
"By the way, how would you have helped Strange if I wasn't here?"
Before leaving, he seemed to have suddenly remembered and raised this question with a curious face.
"There are many ways. The Book of the Vishanti, the Cloak of Levitation, and several decades and hundreds of years of immersive training are enough to make Strange a qualified Sorcerer Supreme."
The Ancient One smiled calmly.
An emerald light flashed on his chest.
That was the Eye of Agamotto.
It was also the Time Stone.
'Sure enough, no matter how hard you try, you can't compare with the default. '
Luke shook his head.
He pushed open the door, and the sun shone in, making his tall figure even more imposing.
The Sorcerer Supreme Battle!
Countdown!
Start!
…
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