Chapter 69 Clarify

Chapter 69 Clarify

Early the next morning, the Ancient One, Mordo, and others were summoned by Leon. They were surprised to see Kaecilius, who had been kneeling there honestly.

"What happened?" the people asked.

Leon proceeded to play the video recorded the previous night. The room fell into stunned silence.

"Are you truly Dormammu?" Mordo glared at Leon, his anger evident.

Leon was taken aback. "Are you being serious? If I were Dormammu, I would have enlisted him (Kaecilius) to help me destroy the Three Great Sanctum Sanctorums from inside and out and devour the Earth."

Mordo wasn't stupid. His anger and steadfastness stemmed from his unwavering belief that darkness equated to evil. He was incapable of compromise and wouldn't be deceived.

Throughout the night, Mordo wrestled with his thoughts, pondering whether Leon had transformed into Dormammu. What would happen after the dark dimension was entirely devoured?

As the night wore on, his eyes turned bloodshot.

The Ancient One fixed a fierce glare upon Kaecilius. "Your corruption has led you to seek refuge in darkness and Dormammu?"

Kaecilius attempted to speak but struggled to find his voice. He had sought refuge in Leon and embraced the dark power granted by him. This power far exceeded his capacity, leading to his complete submission.

Following Leon's instruction, he had knelt all night without the ability to rise.

Only when Leon allowed did he manage to speak. "Why should only you possess eternal life? We also desire immortality. What's wrong with that?"

Leon interjected before the Ancient One could respond. "That's a major misconception. The Ancient One has dedicated countless years to silently safeguarding the world. She deserves it. It's not about greed or fear of death. Instead, it's the understanding that once she's gone, the Earth will be left vulnerable."

"What do you offer? What can you contribute? Beyond manipulation and self-interest, what do you, bastards, have to give? You may suspect collusion between the Ancient One and Dormammu, but your suspicions are insignificant, perhaps smaller than a sesame seed in size. Consider this: if the Ancient One truly intended to align with Dormammu, would she wait until now? Couldn't she have aided Dormammu in invading the Earth millennia ago? Are you such a fool that you believe she'd wait until now?"

The Ancient One, listening to Leon's defense, inwardly rolled her eyes. She wasn't nearly as ancient as her reputation suggested. After all, human history only extended back about 5,000 years, including the Epic of Gilgamesh.

She had been deemed ancient without warrant.

Leon wasn't finished imparting his lesson. He glanced pointedly at Mordo and posed a question: "Aren't you curious if I've acquired the power of the dark dimension? The answer is affirmative. I devoured Dormammu, and I am now the new ruler of the dark realm."

Mordo's eyes rolled in exasperation.

However, Leon's eyes grew even wider. "Enough chatter. Listen. In ancient times, there existed no means or power to halt Dormammu. During that era, the Ancient One resorted to a so-called agreement—a pact forged with Dormammu. In exchange for strength, the Ancient One harnessed Dormammu's power to counteract him."

"For countless years, the Sorcerer Supreme has stood as Earth's lone guardian. So, as you stand here questioning her, consider this: how dare you question the very person who saved you? The Ancient One poured herself into nurturing you, hoping you'd mature swiftly to share her burden. She's prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Do you honestly think she aspires to live eternally? You're mistaken—profoundly mistaken. This is the last compromise the Ancient One is willing to make; she'd rather face death."

Leon's words enveloped the room in silence.

The Ancient One took a deep, moved breath. Leon was right—she was ready to embrace death if need be.

The Ancient One had chosen Strange as her successor hundreds of years ago, foreseeing the future. She had been quietly preparing all this time. In the movie, when Strange was finally located, the Ancient One's excitement was palpable; she even personally poured tea for him. Strange had no inkling that the bald nun serving tea was the Sorcerer Supreme.

Clearly, the Ancient One held Strange in high regard. Later, she met her end according to her wishes. The Strange she had nurtured became Sorcerer Supreme or Doctor Strange, seamlessly carrying on her responsibilities to safeguard the Earth.

From the very start, the Ancient One had made a difficult choice. Eventually discovering a means to defend against Dormammu, she willingly embraced death.

All of these thoughts, undisclosed until now, were shattered one by one by Leon. He, too, had experiences akin to the Ancient One's. Once, to protect his hometown, he had to transform into a monstrous Being called The Ultimate, Doomsday. Yet, he was neither hailed as a hero nor understood, leaving him to depart in solitude.

Empathy stirred within Leon. He felt for the Ancient One, relating to Tony Stark's dedication. Casting a cold gaze at those around him, Leon asked, "'So, do you have anything else to say?"

Silence prevailed.

It was Ancient One who finally broke the silence. "Hold on, Mordo wasn't the one who is questioning me? It's you?"

Only then did everyone recall that indeed, it wasn't Mordo who was questioning the Ancient One. Was he being consumed by the dark monarch? When had Mordo ever questioned the Ancient One? Even prior to Leon's exposure, no one seemed suspicious of the Ancient One, right?

Kaecilius had been the sole doubter of the Ancient One, though his doubts were swiftly dispelled by Leon's revelation.

Ancient One's temples throbbed, a headache brewing.

Leon offered a somewhat awkward smile. "So, you're doubting me? How do I prove myself? Should I eliminate all of you?"

The statement left everyone taken aback.

Thankfully, Leon was merely jesting. He raised his hands and stated, poker-faced, "This is evidence, I spared your lives. This proves that I'm not Dormammu. If I were Dormammu, I could end your lives now, but I haven't. Ergo, I am not Dormammu."

Was this arrogance on display? Did he assume he could easily unleash chaos upon Kamar-Taj?

Just as Mordo's anger began to rise, and he was about to engage Leon in conversation about the where and when, the Ancient One intervened. She rose, quelling the impending argument. Turning to Leon, she gestured to Kaecilius and asked, "Can you hand him over to me?"

Leon nodded, stating, "Consider him yours."

Gratitude filled the Ancient One's eyes as she glanced at Leon. Then, addressing Mordo, she instructed, "Seal his magic and then banish him."

"Understood." Mordo shot a glance at Leon, and Kaecilius was led away.

"Mordo," suddenly, Leon addressed Mordo from behind, "Take some time to reflect, and don't narrow your path."

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Lao Lao Xu: Real Author

Fake Author/Translator Zatch[King]Rex

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