60. Thoughts

'.....'= Thoughts 

"....."= Conversations 

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Ancient One sat in her room in a meditation pose, while the time stone floated in front of her. She sighed deeply and then leapt the time stone back inside Agamotto. She knew that the future had become quite complicated and the reason for it was none other than Harry. After Harry had awakened his abilities, the possibilities had become numerous, and even she found it hard to understand what the future had in store for this planet.

Harry's emergence had sent ripples through the very fabric of time, and the Ancient One could sense the tremors of his potential. The power that he held had such immense potential that if he grew properly, he could become the strongest protector of this planet alongside Strange and a few others. But the future was not as simple as it seemed. The enemies they were going to face in the future were not ordinary beings after all. In the future she had seen, she had also seen countless possibilities where Harry had lost all his reason and had even become the destroyer of the planet.

Among the countless possibilities she had seen, the percentage of Harry destroying Earth had been 30%. But the same could be said for Stephen Strange and a few other beings on the planet, but this didn't mean that she would kill them before they could mature. The future was such a fickle thing after all. The other 70% possibilities that the Ancient One had seen, Harry saved countless millions of people in them, even though indirectly, but still, he had done it. She knew everyone deserved a chance and no one could be held guilty for things that they hadn't done yet, just like Kaecilius.

The Ancient One rose gracefully from her meditative position, her robes flowing around her like liquid light. She walked towards the window of her room and looked outside, deep in her thoughts.

She remembered the first time she had sensed his awakening. The surge of energy had been unlike anything she had ever felt before. It was as if the very essence of the universe had been distilled into a single being. She had watched him from afar, observing his struggles and triumphs, his moments of doubt and clarity. She had seen the potential for greatness within him, but also the potential for destruction.

The Ancient One's thoughts drifted to Stephen Strange. He had been much like Harry once, full of arrogance and doubt, yet destined for greatness. She had guided him, helped him unlock his true potential, and he had risen to the challenge. She hoped that Harry would follow a similar path, but she knew that his journey would be uniquely his own.

'Seems like my perception of present and future is slightly disturbed,' Ancient one lightly pressed her forehead as she realised that Strange hadn't yet become her disciple.

She turned away from the window and walked back to her seat. As she sat down, she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. The weight of her responsibilities was immense, and the uncertainty of the future was always present. But she found solace in her belief in the goodness of people, in their capacity for growth and change. She knew that she couldn't control the future, but she could influence it, guide it, and prepare for it.

The room was silent except for the faint hum of the time stone within the Eye of Agamotto. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, centering herself. She needed to stay vigilant, to remain steadfast in her resolve.

The Ancient One knew that Harry was embarking on yet another risky task, one that could easily end in disaster. She had the power to stop him, to lock him up and prevent him from going. But she also knew that such an action would be foolish. Taking away Harry's freedom would only breed resentment and hatred toward her, potentially leading to even more severe repercussions. She understood that if the circumstances had been different, she might have tried to persuade Harry to stay and train at Kamar-Taj, safely under her protection. Yet, the future she had glimpsed made it clear that Harry had no choice but to undertake this mission and further challenges that would come his way in order to grow stronger quickly. Passive, safe growth was a luxury Harry did not have.

All she could do now was inform Harry's friends about the situation and hope they could assist him, making his journey a bit easier.

Meanwhile, in Harry's room, Sarah, Mark, Wei, and Emma had just finished explaining the Ancient One's concerns to him. Harry sat quietly, contemplating their words. He knew the Ancient One could see the future, and if she said he was in danger and needed to grow stronger quickly, he would be foolish to ignore that warning. The Ancient One was not one to lie or to put him in danger just to rid herself of him. If she wanted to eliminate him, she could have done so long ago.

"Maybe I should go talk to her, say goodbye and stuff," Harry muttered out loud.

Emma vigorously shook her head, her eyes wide with urgency. "Don't go. The Ancient One said you should come to meet her after two years, alive and in one piece."

Harry didn't say anything but understood the Ancient One's message.

Wei yawned, breaking the silence. "So, when do we set out?"

Harry looked at each of his friends in turn. He knew that along with him, they would have to face many dangers, but he also knew they were not weak. Mark, Sarah, and Emma were among the top five strongest Adept Sorcerers in Kamar-Taj, and Wei, the strongest among them, was infinitely closer to becoming a Master Sorcerer. Although Harry wanted to set out alone for this mission, he knew how valuable the group's help would be to him. Telling them not to come would not only hurt their feelings but also mean that Harry didn't trust their strength at all.

Breathing deeply, he finally said, "We will set out after a month I still have some preparations to do."

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