The Supreme Sorcerer's New Groove

Yao P.O.V

I hung up the call with Tony and smiled.

It's fun to tease him for hiding something as important as his dream. But it didn't go beyond that, just teasing.

I'll never risk my current life for something so small. With my age, my rebellious and adolescent period is long gone... actually, my adolescence was adulthood back then.

Anyway, Sylvie is not a problem, it was just an "accident." A fortunate accident for her that won't bring any bad repercussions for us.

When I meet with Tony, I'll talk more about it. Right now, I have something important to do.

Looking at all the sorcerers gathered in the Karma-Taj courtyard, all looking at me, I put on a solemn face.

At this moment, my appearance is my old face from before I met Tony.

My yellow robes fluttered in the wind, the voices in the courtyard gradually fading into absolute silence. 

It was then that I began my speech.

"My journey as the Sorcerer Supreme began long before any of you were born. I shed my blood and sweat in thousands of battles during my life but never showed weakness. However, the weight and responsibility of the position have taken their toll over my many years of life." I said, looking into the eyes of each of those present.

The disciples were surprised and began whispering, trying to understand what was happening. 

With a stern gaze, I silenced them all and continued my speech.

"I need to rest, but I cannot leave the Karma-Taj and everything I have protected throughout my life unprotected. That's why I brought a friend, a friend who has lived as long as I have and has been trained in the same roots as I have. A friend who is willing to protect the land with his own life and continue our legacy." I said loudly and intensely.

In reality, this Strange has lived much longer than I have, but saying that might raise unnecessary suspicion about him.

"What?!"

"The Ancient One is leaving?!"

"Who will take her place? Could it be Master Hamir who will..."

"No! It must be Master..."

"The current masters cannot defend us like The Ancient One can! What should we do to..."

Discussions broke out all around.

I glanced slightly and listened to them discuss for a moment, before lightly stepping on the ground and sending out a wave of energy originating from me, causing all the disciples to step back a bit. Amazement colored everyone's expression as they looked at me. This is the first time they've seen me display any real power.

Taking advantage of the silence, I spoke again calmly.

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving. I will still guard the land and the Karma-Taj. To reassure you about the new master, I will maintain a position that only I will occupy, and after me, the position will cease to exist. The name of the position will be Supreme Advisor. And finally, let me welcome the new master of the Karma-Taj." I said everything solemnly, and in the end, I said with a more cordial tone as I stepped back slightly, making room for an old, bald man in purple and gold-themed robes to pass.

In his hand, he carried a golden cane that he tapped on the ground as he walked.

That was Stephen in disguise, who, as soon as he appeared, began a speech with an aged voice.

"Masters of the Karma-Taj, the earth has been free of extra-dimensional threats for ages due to The Ancient One and the Karma-Taj. And even before her, the Karma-Taj has remained true to its purpose, to defend the earth." Strange said with an aged and authoritative voice, looking into the eyes of each one, and continued, "We owe a great deal to The Ancient One, but the Karma-Taj can no longer rely solely on her. We have to be strong, together. I will accept the burden and responsibility of being the Sorcerer Supreme, but I cannot do this alone. I ask that you give me a chance and work together with me to defend the land just as our predecessors defended and as the predecessors before them defended. Until the end!" He finished with authority and confidence, placing one hand behind his back while tapping the cane on the ground with the other, which generated a wave of magical energy, much like I did before, pushing the disciples and masters back, showing that he wasn't just talk.

The disciples below held their breath before his aura and looked to me for confirmation. I nodded slightly, and that was enough for them. All the disciples cupped their hands and bowed solemnly.

"UNTIL THE END!"

"UNTIL THE END!"

"UNTIL THE END!"

The disciples shouted in unison. After several shouts, everything returned to calm.

It was when one of the disciples raised his hand and asked, "Master, what is your name?" the disciple inquired.

"My name?" Strange repeated with an optimistic tone. But I, who knew what was going on, had to hold back my laughter. 

Stephen is terrible with speeches, so he had been preparing all morning to give the speech and create his new look, which according to him was majestic, but in doing so, he forgot that he also had to come up with a name.

He then discreetly looked around, trying to think of a name quickly. His anxiety was evident to me, but no one else noticed. That was when his eyes fell on me.

"My name..." He turned his eyes back to the disciples and said with a mischievous smile, "Is Yao, and if you prefer, I was a student alongside The Ancient One, so you can refer to me as The Ancient One too if you wish." He finished with a playful tone.

[Image Doctor Strange/Yao]

I looked at him amused but didn't stop him. In a way, this is a rather direct and amusing way for him to continue my legacy in the Karma-Taj.

What he doesn't know is that some masters are aware of my true name in this reality; after all, they attended my wedding. But there won't be a problem; they might see Strange's act as a form of respect to me. We also stated that he was a student alongside me, so his knowing my name only corroborates that.

I then took a step forward and smiled at everyone.

"Today there will be a celebration for the new Sorcerer Supreme. There will also be a duel for the masters to challenge Sorcerer Supreme Yao. The duels can be individual or in groups against the Sorcerer Supreme alone." I said with a smile and looked amusedly at Strange.

I saw one of Strange's eyes contract in annoyance.

I ignored him. Doing so is necessary for him to maintain his position smoothly, because as smooth as the change of power may have seemed, many people will not be satisfied and may be rebellious.

But with me by his side and with the grand display of power that Strange will give in the arena, they won't emerge from the shadows unless Stephen does something very wrong.

Well, and maybe I have held onto a bit of resentment for him stealing my name without permission.

Well, as they say, women are vengeful.