Sorcerer Supreme

Zane's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he raised the microphone in his hand.

"The current situation is one win and one loss. Next is the third and final round that will determine the outcome!"

"The civilization of the winner will continue to survive."

"Conversely, the civilization of the loser will be destroyed by me!"

"Struggle with all your might and strive to kill your opponents!"

"Now, let the final duel begin, and let the contestants enter the arena."

As soon as Zane finished speaking, all the remaining members of both camps walked toward the ring with resolute steps.

At this moment, a portal made of orange sparks suddenly appeared in front of Tony and his team.

Seeing this familiar scene, Zane's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained unchanged.

When the familiar figure of the Ancient One appeared, a flash of joy crossed the eyes of those in the Earth camp.

In their view, the Ancient One, who could manipulate time and was on Earth's side, could surely lead Earth to victory if she joined the duel.

Some even began to glance at Zane seated on the throne, thinking they could break this game he created.

The Ancient One, emerging from the portal, did not look at Tony and his group but raised her head to face Zane in the sky.

"Mr. Zane, long time no see."

"Sorcerer Supreme a.k.a Ancient One, I believe you're not here for a casual chat with me, are you?" Zane said indifferently.

"Of course not. I have a question for you, Mr. Zane."

"Go ahead," Zane replied with interest, looking at the wrinkled face of the Ancient One.

"I should be considered part of the Earth camp, right? I would like to participate in this game."

The Ancient One's tone remained as calm as ever. But Zane keenly noticed a well-hidden weariness in her eyes.

"Of course, as long as you follow the rules, Ancient One, you can certainly represent Earth."

"I believe no one here is more qualified than you," Zane said without hesitation.

He didn't really care who won or lost this game.

Zane just wanted to see if there would be anything interesting during the process.

The brief moment of brilliance from the Punisher alone had made Zane quite satisfied.

What Zane didn't notice was that while he was talking with the Ancient One, Tony behind her had slightly stiffened.

The Ancient One, having lived for thousands of years, had far more tricks up her sleeve than anyone could imagine.

As she spoke to Zane, she established a soul link with Tony without Zane noticing.

'Mr. Stark, do not show any external reaction to what I'm about to say.'

'If you have any questions, just think them in your mind.'

'Understood?' the Ancient One said in Tony's mind.

Tony, being clever, did not show any abnormal reaction.

'Understood.'

'Ancient One, can you stop Zane's game?' Tony urgently thought.

'I'm sorry, I can't,' the Ancient One said regretfully.

'Why? Not even you, who can manipulate time?'

'No, Zane has transcended my level, and my body is nearing its end...'

'But let's not discuss this now. Remember what I'm about to tell you. I don't know if our conversation will be detected by Zane,' the Ancient One said with slight urgency.

'Alright!'

'I've seen twenty million possible outcomes through the flow of time.'

Tony remained silent for a moment before thinking:

'How many times does Earth survive?'

'How many times does Earth survive?'

Tony, sensing something, nervously repeated the question in his mind.

'Only a few times.'

'And I am here for that last shred of possibility.'

'In countless potential futures, in the third duel, most outcomes result in your complete annihilation.'

'Then Zane destroys Earth as promised. Your victories are few and far between.'

'In those few times, Mr. Stark, you watched as those around you died, leading to your complete mental collapse.'

'Driven insane, you attacked Zane.'

'The result was Zane turning Earth into a hellish landscape, leaving only you, trapped in endless regret.'

'So, please listen carefully to what I am about to say!'

A complex expression flashed across Tony's face. He knew the Ancient One was right.

Even now, he was struggling to contain his immense guilt and anger.

If more heroes were to die around him, he might truly succumb to darkness.

'I will fight alongside you in the upcoming battle. After the result is determined,'

'Please remain calm. You have billions of people depending on you.'

'Once that troublesome man loses interest, he will leave Earth.'

'This will lead to the best possible outcome.'

'Do you understand, Mr. Stark?' The Ancient One's tone became unprecedentedly serious.

Tony took a deep breath and solemnly replied in his mind,

'I understand!'

Meanwhile, in the outer world, Zane, conversing with the Ancient One, sensed something unusual about her.

He gave her a meaningful look and teased,

"Ancient One, it seems you did something interesting just now. Care to share?"

Upon hearing Zane's words, the Ancient One's expression remained unchanged, and her eyes didn't waver.

"Sorry, Mr. Zane, I have no idea what you're talking about."

After staring into the Ancient One's seemingly all-knowing eyes for a while,

Zane narrowed his eyes and lazily leaned back on his throne.

He waved his hand, signaling her to proceed.

The Ancient One secretly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the toughest part was over.

She walked resolutely toward the ring, never once glancing back at Tony.

Zane watched the Ancient One's retreating figure, his thoughts churning.

No one knew what Zane was thinking now.

But his eyes glimmered with a chilling light.

Once both sides had entered the arena, Zane casually picked up the microphone and announced,

"The contestants are in place. The third match officially begins!"

Now, outside the ring, only Loki and a few onlookers remained.

Yes, Loki, the mischievous one, didn't participate.

After all, Zane's rule was that the match would end only when one side was completely wiped out.

Loki saw no reason to risk his life for a bunch of Chitauri.

If they lost, it would be the Chitauri civilization that Zane destroyed.

It had nothing to do with him.

Five years in the universe had taught Loki a very valuable lesson.

That is, glory is something for the dead.

In critical moments, face and honor don't matter at all.

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