Faced with Kurogai's sudden announcement of his departure, the Ancient One had anticipated this moment. After all, Kurogai had spent many years studying at Kamar-Taj, and there was little left for him to learn. It was only natural that he would wish to move on.
She pondered silently for a while before making a decision. Raising her gaze, she looked at Kurogai with a serious expression.
"Kurogai, do you want to become the Sorcerer Supreme?"
The question caught Kurogai off guard. He hadn't expected the Ancient One to say such words.
But it made sense. Kurogai's potential and maturity were evident to all. Over the years, the Ancient One had witnessed his growth and knew he could go far down the path of magic—perhaps even becoming a remarkable sorcerer.
Meanwhile, Kamar-Taj had undergone many changes. Even Mordo, once favored by the Ancient One, had strayed from the path. She herself could feel her body aging, and she knew that one day her time would come to an end.
Under these circumstances, an idea had taken root: to pass her mantle to Kurogai and have him become the new Sorcerer Supreme.
"You once said you didn't want to be involved with me, and that I wouldn't become your disciple," Kurogai said, calming himself and looking at the Ancient One in surprise.
When they had first met, the Ancient One had clearly stated that Kurogai could learn magic at Kamar-Taj, but she would not take him as her disciple. So her current words were unexpected.
"That depends on the situation. The Sorcerer Supreme doesn't necessarily have to be my disciple. Any magician with enough talent is qualified to become the Sorcerer Supreme," the Ancient One replied slowly.
Although she had once said those words, after witnessing Kurogai's potential, she had come to regret it. Even if Kurogai might one day cause trouble—or become dangerous—she still hoped he would inherit the title.
Kurogai remained silent for a moment, then spoke.
"Ancient One, I don't think I'm suited to be the Sorcerer Supreme. Still, I care about Kamar-Taj. If trouble arises, I will do my best to help."
He had thought it through carefully. He wasn't fit to take on the mantle. What he truly desired was to travel this vast Marvel world and experience its wonders, rather than be confined to Kamar-Taj.
To arrive in such an extraordinary world and not witness its marvels would be a waste. Becoming Sorcerer Supreme simply wasn't his path.
Besides, the title—while honorable—came with heavy responsibilities.
Kurogai had said before that he wasn't a villain, but he wasn't a hero either. He wouldn't sacrifice himself for others. Yet, out of gratitude for the Ancient One's guidance, he would still offer aid if Kamar-Taj were in danger.
"I understand. Is there anything else?" the Ancient One asked. Seeing that he would not stay, she didn't insist—only sighed softly. She would have to find someone else to take her place.
"I have a question, and I hope you can answer it," Kurogai said solemnly. He had harbored a doubt all these years—about the future the Ancient One had once mentioned. He was genuinely puzzled and hoped for clarity.
"Speak."
The Ancient One looked at him with curiosity, willing to answer. Kurogai's secrets intrigued her.
"The future," Kurogai said plainly. It was the one thing that had puzzled him most.
Those simple words had lingered in his mind for years. Did he truly have only one future? It seemed strange. Perhaps it meant that, with his Ultimate Eye, he would eventually reach the summit and claim the sole divine throne.
Still, questions remained, and he hoped the Ancient One could shed light on them.
"The future... You can think of it as a hypothesis. Honestly, at the time I saw it, it was somewhat blurry and uncertain."
The Ancient One reflected briefly before answering, her tone solemn. That future had been strange. Now that she thought about it again, she wasn't sure it had been absolute. A new thought stirred in her mind.
"Kurogai, would you like to see your future again? This time, I can use the Eye of Agamotto—the artifact created by the first Sorcerer Supreme, Agamotto."
She looked at Kurogai steadily. She hoped to use the Eye of Agamotto to gain a clearer glimpse into his future, but she would respect his choice. If he declined, she would not force him.
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Y'all be stingy with Powerstones.... (＠_＠;)