"Stephen, one year of training and you're already at this level," Rowan Mercer said with an easy smile, extending his hand. "That's impressive."
Stephen Strange hesitated for half a second, then shook it.
"I didn't expect the famous Rowan Mercer to be a sorcerer," Stephen said. "When I went to your academy hoping someone could fix my hands… you weren't there."
Rowan Mercer.
Founder of the Superhuman Academy.
The man credited with pushing Earth into the interstellar age.
Stephen had seen his face in history books, documentaries, even school curricula. What surprised him wasn't Rowan's reputation.
It was the fact that Rowan and the Ancient One were clearly close.
"I didn't know you tried the academy," Rowan replied mildly.
Stephen nodded.
"A year ago, I was piloting a small craft and collided with a vessel transporting alien relics. My hands were shattered. Worse, something attached itself to me. A curse."
He flexed his fingers slowly, as if still half-expecting them to fail.
"I went through every medical expert on Earth. Then alien tech. Nothing worked. So I came to the academy, hoping someone with powers might succeed."
He shook his head.
"Professor Xavier told me only the headmaster might be able to help. But you were off-world."
Rowan smiled faintly.
"That's unfortunate. Still, I'd say things turned out well. You found another path."
Stephen met his gaze.
"I don't believe in destiny," he said. "But I'm grateful the Ancient One healed me."
Rowan inclined his head.
"Maybe you were always meant to walk this road."
After a brief exchange, Rowan excused himself.
"I'm going to speak with the Ancient One. You two continue."
As Rowan walked away, Stephen stared after him, brows furrowed.
"Strange," Stephen murmured. "It feels like I've met him before."
The Ancient One was in the main hall, calmly preparing tea.
"You really do love tea," Rowan said, taking a seat across from her.
"When you've lived this long, small comforts matter," she replied, pouring him a cup.
Rowan's gaze flicked briefly to the Eye of Agamotto hanging around Stephen's neck in the distance.
"So… things are almost ready. You've already given him the Time Stone."
The Ancient One nodded.
"My time is nearly up. After that, Kamar-Taj will be his responsibility."
Rowan accepted the cup.
"I'll keep an eye on him. You have my word."
She smiled.
"I suspected you didn't come here just to reminisce."
Rowan set the cup down.
"I need to ask something."
Her expression turned attentive.
"If I permanently deal with Dormammu," Rowan said, "and absorb the Dark Dimension itself… will that cause problems?"
The Ancient One did not answer immediately.
Dormammu was not native to this universe.
He originated from a race of extradimensional energy beings. Banished for devouring matter, he eventually conquered the Dark Dimension and turned it into an extension of himself.
Through that, he reached a scale of existence comparable to a universe.
Since then, he had endlessly attempted to invade other realities, seeking to devour their core worlds and grow further.
Most of those attempts ended with him being driven back by Kamar-Taj.
Rowan's goal was simple.
Use Dormammu's next invasion.
Consume his power.
Absorb the Dark Dimension.
Strengthen his own inner universe.
But anything involving abstract cosmic forces came with consequences.
"That wouldn't be a bad thing," the Ancient One said slowly. "If you truly can do it."
She studied Rowan.
"But killing Dormammu isn't simple. What appears during an invasion is only an avatar. An energy projection."
She continued.
"Dormammu's true body remains inside the Dark Dimension. There, he's vastly stronger than what you'd face on Earth."
Rowan nodded.
"I expected as much."
The Ancient One met his eyes.
"If you choose to pursue this… be certain you're ready."
Rowan's lips curved slightly.
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."