The stronger ones among them seem to be indifferent to the world, like Setorak. Once they shut their doors, they could live well on their own, appearing to be without desires or demands.
But in reality, this is not the case. In the comics, Setorak has also organized his own team of Demon Gods to make an impact on Earth. As for Dormammu, it's needless to say, he's uncomfortable if he doesn't spread darkness on Earth daily.
The demon gods who are not as powerful as they are, even more so, are in a naked power struggle. In order to gain more power and greater territory, they basically fight minor battles every three days and major battles every five days. When they get excited, the Split Domain becomes a mess and major news can be stirred up intermittently.
"Don't expect demon gods, born amid chaos and confusion, to understand what rules and order mean," The Ancient One summarized: "Their pursuit of power is innate, ingrained in their instincts."
"I'm a bit confused," Strange asked doubtfully: "Why do they seek power on Earth? What attracts them to Earth?"
"Earth is special, it is the center of the cosmos," The Ancient One spoke at his usual unhurried pace.
Just as Strange was about to speak, The Ancient One explained: "I know, in your worldview, Earth may be just an ordinary planet in the cosmos, the sun is the center of the Solar System, and the Milky Way is vast, but this is not the case in the theories of Metaverse and dimensions."
"The vast majority of extra-dimensional demon gods originate from Earth. Part of their power comes from the faith of Earth's believers. Therefore, they want to come here to expand their influence and hence gain more power. This is an instinct that every demon god cannot escape, even Dormammu is no exception."
Then The Ancient One's tone became lighter: "That's why I said your plan surprises me a lot, you have grasped the crux."
"Although dimensions cannot be simply understood as distances and proximity, if we must explain it in terms you understand, then the current situation is that the Crimson Dimension is closer to Earth, the Hell Dimension is not far, Dormammu's Dark Dimension is relatively far, closer to the Split Domain, but it's actually also quite near."
"With these three dimensions present, most of the unskilled demon gods have no way to extend their territory to Earth. This is also the tacit agreement reached with them by generations of Earth Supreme Masters."
"But the problem is, with these three dimensions in place, the other demon gods have no power to expand their territory here. I don't mind harnessing the power of these demon gods for my own use, but they are blocked outside, and it is quite troublesome to go out each time."
Strange even heard a hint of expectation in The Ancient One's tone. The Ancient One continued, "Now fewer and fewer demon gods dare to come to Earth. Many of the new generation of demon gods have become cunning. Even if they need to deal with other demon gods in this region, they would first go to knock on Odin's door."
The Ancient One shook his head and said, "We haven't had a demon god shouting about ruling the Earth overhead for a long time."
Don't know if it was an illusion, but Strange even heard deep regret in this sentence.
"When I first took over as Supreme Magician, due to my lack of experience, I was a bit too abrupt in dealing with these matters, resulting in the current powerlessness," The Ancient One said in a low voice.
But, considering the past experiences of the Supreme Magician, Strange knew that she was regretting being too harsh when she was younger. Those demon gods that came to Earth were beaten so badly that most people dare not come now.
"However, fortunately, you will definitely be a qualified successor."
Strange quickly said: "This plan still needs your help, we still have many difficulties to overcome."
"I can help you contact Emperor Mount Wey, I think they would be very interested in this plan."
"There's another problem, about the power of the demon gods. I knew before that there are many different demon gods in the cosmos, but is their power universal? Can it be regarded as a general equivalent like money?"
"If their powers are totally incompatible, then why would they want territory?" The Ancient One asked Strange in return.
Strange thought for a while, indeed it's like this. If attacking the opponent can't plunder a usable power, then why fight?
"The origin of the cosmos remains constant, power is but a manifestation; if there are any exceptions to be made, it would be Earth."
The Ancient One revealed more secrets to Strange: "The faith of Earth, or Earthlings is different. Humans on Earth can provide the purest power to the demon gods, which is why they are doing everything they can to vie for believers on Earth."
"The powers of demon gods can be converted to each other although this takes time and results in losses."
Strange, stroking his chin, understood what The Ancient One meant.
Simply put, the faith power of Earthlings is like a portion of Wagyu beef, it tastes good and is nutritious. But the power of other demon gods are somewhat like black bread, hard to eat, but it can still fill the stomach.
The main reason why this plan could succeed is that most of the chaos-born Cosmic Sorcerers' pursuit of power is endless, like a gourmet who is never satisfied.
If it takes the same effort to get a portion of Wagyu beef steak and black bread, everybody would certainly choose the former. But if the two-option choice was between a piece of Wagyu beef steak and a ton of black bread, these insatiable gourmets would certainly choose the latter.
What was unexpected to Strange was that The Ancient One not only didn't think the plan was mean, she quickly helped Strange perfect the implementation method of the plan on the mystical side. The Ancient One continued: "The Father of All Gods, Odin, is the legitimate ruler of the Nine Major Kingdoms and the nominal Lord and King of Midgard. If you want to hold talks, they will definitely take place at Asgard's God's Temple."
"How about this," The Ancient One said directly: "Later, I will take you to see Odin, we can discuss this plan together, see when his God's Temple will be free. I think it should be free in a few days."
Then she turned to Wong on the side: "Get Modu to communicate with the Dark Dimension, ask if Dormammu has some free time recently."
"You communicate with the Crimson Dimension personally. I remember Setorak has just finished his last season of slumber, he belongs to neutral demon gods, but he should be willing to join in."
"What's the name of the apprentice who last contacted Mephisto? Lucas? Let him go ask if the Hell's Master has some free time recently."
"I remember that Watumubu recently ran to the Place of Lingering, I don't know if has he come back. If he has, remember to call him, Caracan was beaten half dead last time, I guess he hasn't recovered yet..."
The Ancient One shook her head, saying somewhat disdainfully: "Looking at it this way, there's too few that can be put to good use."