"Sorcerer Supreme," Kurogai greeted as he stepped forward. "We meet again."
Upon seeing the Ancient One, Kurogai made no attempt to avoid her. Calm and composed, he approached with his hands clasped politely.
"Have a seat," the Ancient One said warmly. "I just brewed a pot of clear tea."
She wasn't surprised by Kurogai's arrival. In fact, she had expected it—though not quite so soon. The speed at which he'd deciphered the deeper meaning of her previous words and arrived at Kamar-Taj had mildly impressed her.
"It's been a while since I've enjoyed tea," Kurogai said with a faint chuckle as he took the seat across from her, wasting no time in savoring the fragrance.
The Ancient One reached into her robes and pulled out a small bracelet, engraved with a unique, rune-like pattern—somewhat resembling the Eye of Agamotto.
"This is for you," she said. "It will allow you to move freely throughout Kamar-Taj. There are some areas off-limits, for your own safety. Aside from those, you're welcome to explore. Your room is ready—one of the monks will escort you shortly. I hope you'll find your stay comfortable."
Though Kamar-Taj was a sanctuary for mystics, it wasn't without danger. Dimensional anomalies and ancient relics with volatile energy existed in deeper chambers. Given Kurogai's current power level, unrestricted access would be reckless.
Kurogai nodded and accepted the bracelet. "Thank you, Sorcerer Supreme."
"I hope your time here yields growth," she replied, her tone neutral, but laced with meaning.
As the two shared tea in tranquil silence, a loud commotion erupted outside.
"Search carefully! Someone slipped in—we need to find him!"
The voice was unmistakably Mordo's—frustrated and commanding.
Kurogai raised an eyebrow. The Ancient One simply sighed, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
She had already deduced the truth. There was only one way Kurogai could have arrived so quickly: through the New York Sanctum's portal. And since that Sanctum was currently under Mordo's guard, she could imagine the events that had just played out. Mordo's temperament left no room for subtlety or forgiveness—especially after last time.
Clearly, Kurogai had bested him again. And now, Mordo was storming through Kamar-Taj in pursuit, utterly unaware that the very person he was hunting was sipping tea across from the Sorcerer Supreme.
"You've seen the foolishness of my disciple," the Ancient One said softly, unable to suppress her amusement.
If Mordo had truly listened to her words the last time they spoke, he would have understood her intent. She had left the door open for Kurogai's return. Unfortunately, Mordo had misread the message entirely.
"It's not important," Kurogai replied calmly. He had no intention of creating drama in the Sorcerer Supreme's domain—and he trusted she'd handle it.
"Mordo. Come in."
Her voice echoed through the hall, calm and commanding.
Moments later, Mordo appeared at the entrance, flanked by several monks. The instant he laid eyes on Kurogai sitting comfortably across from the Ancient One, his fury ignited.
"You—! You actually dared to come here?!"
Without hesitation, Mordo conjured a glowing magical whip in both hands. Arcane runes lit up as he sketched a sigil midair, channeling energy with deadly precision.
"Enough, Mordo."
The Ancient One's voice was firm, but not loud. A golden light shot from her fingertip, dispersing Mordo's magic instantly, like a breeze extinguishing a flame.
Mordo stood frozen, disbelief clouding his features.
"Sorcerer Supreme… why did you stop me? He ambushed me and snuck into Kamar-Taj. You told him he wasn't allowed here!"
His voice cracked slightly—not from fear, but from a deep sense of betrayal.
He looked to the Ancient One, the person he respected most, as if hoping she'd explain away this injustice. But the truth cut deep. Why was she protecting Kurogai?
"I don't understand," Mordo muttered, his eyes darkening. "I'm your disciple. I follow your teachings. That… kid… he disrespected everything we stand for. And yet you side with him?"
The Ancient One said nothing at first, simply letting him speak. But inside, Mordo's emotions were unraveling.
"I refuse to accept this!" he snapped. "Why are you protecting him?!"
The hurt was clear in his voice. His loyalty, his training—none of it seemed to matter in this moment. Not when the person he viewed as nothing more than a reckless outsider was being treated like a welcomed guest.
Mordo's composure cracked completely.
His faith had been shaken.
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