Bang!
Karl Mordo clutched his abdomen—Stephen Strange was getting serious, and it was truly surprising.
As a former surgeon, no one expected him to strike with such force, least of all Mordo himself.
Just a moment ago, Strange had been caught in a chokehold, but in the next second, he spotted an opening and broke free.
"Mordo, that mage named Kaecilius… is he powerful?" Stephen asked, as the two began circling each other, trying to distract with conversation while planning their next move.
"He's a lot like you—arrogant and prideful, yet extremely gifted. Like you, he questioned the teachings of Ancient One," Mordo said, shrugging to ease the pain in his abdomen.
"His disciples were easily swayed, following him into betrayal of the Sorcerer Supreme. I hope you don't become the next Kaecilius…"
Mordo's eyes sharpened with rare menace. "If I ever see the signs, I'll strike you down myself. But for now… let's talk about magical artifacts."
Stephen tilted his head and frowned. "Is that supposed to be a warning?"
Mordo didn't answer the question. Instead, he picked up the Staff of the Living Tribunal and began explaining its usage. He tossed it into the air where it spun a few times before landing back in his hand.
As Mordo turned the staff in his hands, it extended in length, glowing with a radiant golden light that shimmered with energy.
"Watch closely." Mordo swung the staff, transforming it into a whip that cracked the floor with a deep fissure. When it returned to his hands, it once again looked like an ordinary stick.
"The strength of an artifact depends on the power of its wielder. There are also many types of artifacts, like these Vaulting Boots of Valtorr I'm wearing."
As he spoke, Mordo raised one foot and kicked backward—magical totems flared from the heels of his boots.
"What a mouthful of a name. So, when do I get an artifact? They look seriously cool," Strange asked with clear curiosity and excitement.
"You'll get one once the artifact acknowledges you," Mordo replied with a shrug and a soft smile. "It took me quite a while to earn mine."
"For now, use your magic to fight me. From the moment you became a sorcerer, you should've been ready to fight those who fall into darkness."
Not far away, Ancient One was training other disciples. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Mordo and Strange sparring.
Stephen was no match for Mordo's aggressive attacks—especially since he had no artifact. Mordo used his Vaulting Boots to leap high into the air.
In a mid-air flip, he struck Strange across the face, knocking him flat to the ground.
"Ancient One, you have guests," a servant approached quietly and whispered.
"I know," Ancient One replied without even needing to look. She already sensed who had arrived.
As she stepped into the incense-filled chamber, she saw Alan and his group. The only unfamiliar face was a young girl beside him—someone Ancient One didn't recognize.
Alan had brought Red Queen along—he didn't feel safe leaving her alone at home.
"Alan?" Ancient One raised an eyebrow, curious as to why the Emperor had shown up now—and why everyone was carrying a backpack.
"Hope you don't mind us crashing at the Sanctum for a few days?" Alan joked lightly.