Bittersweet Farewell
Emerging from the cosmic journey had left me invigorated, infused with newfound strength and a connection to the energies of other dimensions. With a playful chuckle, the Ancient One inquired, "Did you enjoy your joyride?" Her words carried a hint of wisdom and understanding. "Each journey is unique, yet it always leads to greater understanding," she explained. After seeing me calm down, she informed me, "With that, I leave you to your studies." leaving me to embark on my path of learning the mystic arts.
Time passes, and a new scene unfolds—a courtyard adorned with the presence of apprentices gathered around a young man dressed in master's robes. His long hair cascades down his back, and his piercing blue eyes seem to hold an infinite depth. "Come!" he beckons to the apprentices, their guard raised and eyes scanning him for vulnerabilities. Yet, their scrutiny is in vain, as the man exudes an air of seasoned expertise. One apprentice, driven by courage, launches a surprise attack, throwing a punch from behind. In a breathtaking display of agility, the man swiftly turns, evading the strike and countering with a strike of his own that knocks the wind out of the apprentice. Fueled by determination, the others assail him with a flurry of attacks, but he remains a step ahead, deftly evading their strikes and exploiting their weaknesses to bring them to the ground.
After the intense sparring session, the man stands among the fallen apprentices, their labored breaths filling the air. To the discerning eye, it becomes apparent that the man had restrained his full potential, intentionally holding back his attacks and speed to ensure fairness and minimize harm. Standing among the observers, a bald woman addresses him "Master Magnus." A tinge of sorrow shrouds the moment as they acknowledge that the time has come. Magnus conceals his sadness, for he knows his duty extends beyond the confines of this courtyard. Some perils threaten the world, and he cannot stand idle while it teeters on the brink.
As Magnus walks away, a young apprentice named Dr. Strange watches his departure, reflecting on the lessons learned through defeat. It becomes evident that Magnus has swiftly ascended to mastery in the mystic arts, his soul's evolution and innate talent in time magic propelling him to unprecedented heights. The Ancient One had contemplated entrusting Magnus with the Eye of Agamotto or the Time Stone. Still, she recognized the challenges he would face on his journey, rendering such a responsibility impractical and that the foretold sorcerer supreme would also need it.
"It appears this is goodbye, for now, Master Magnus," the Ancient One murmurs. Unwilling to be deceived, I reply with sorrow and frustration, "You think I haven't had a glimpse of your future? I know of your intentions to pass on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Strange and retire." Her smile, mismatched to the conversation's gravity, betrays her inability to conceal anything from my discerning gaze. "Indeed, nothing escapes your perceptive eyes," she concedes, her voice tinged with admiration. "Farewell, Magnus. It has been a privilege to guide and teach you," she bids her farewell, her words laden with nostalgia. "Make sure to help protect Kamar Taj in my wake."
With a heavy heart, I respond, "Farewell, Yao. It was an honor to learn from you." A sad smile graces my face, underscoring the bittersweet nature of our parting. With that, I summon my belongings in a flash of golden sparks before opening a portal to the sanctuary in New York. As I step out the sanctuary's door, I am greeted by the heart of New York with people bustling, and the sounds of cars in traffic have me stunned. It had been so long since I had been to a city. I have missed it. Walking down the street, I am greeted by weird stares from people around me. Confused, I look down to see I'm still in my robes. 'they must think im some sort of monk.' I facepalm before quickly returning to the sanctuary to change before stepping back out. 'better. i have missed this.'