Although the surroundings had fallen into complete darkness, Lucas remained calm.
The tablet Master Wong had given him clearly contained a special spell formation capable of projecting one's consciousness elsewhere.
There was no reason for them to harm him—otherwise, he would never have attempted it so readily.
"Welcome before us, Lucas."
A deep, resonant voice echoed through the darkness.
As the voice rang out, light gradually illuminated the void.
Lucas looked up.
Three white forms hovered in the air.
The moment his thoughts stirred, the three shapes began to twist and reshape themselves. Soon, they transformed into three enormous heads suspended in space.
One bore the face of a beautiful woman with long, brown wavy hair.
One appeared as a bald elderly man.
The third was that of a tiger.
Such iconic imagery left little doubt in Lucas's mind.
The Trinity of supreme beings—
The Vishanti.
Their true forms were not fixed. They manifested according to the perceptions of the one who beheld them.
In essence, they had no single, immutable appearance.
"You recognize us," the voices spoke in unison.
Lucas inclined his head slightly.
"Omnipotent Oshtur.
All-seeing Agamotto.
Ancient Hoggoth."
"May I ask why the three venerable ones have summoned me?"
He showed them proper respect.
Oshtur was an Elder Goddess from Earth's primordial age.
Agamotto, her creation, was the first Sorcerer Supreme.
Hoggoth was a surviving member of an ancient species of immeasurable power.
Their ages were measured in billions of years.
As for strength—
The Asgardians themselves were born from Elder Gods like Gaea, who existed in the same era as Oshtur.
Agamotto founded the lineage of the Sorcerer Supreme.
And Hoggoth, in certain accounts, once confronted Galactus without falling behind.
Whatever the exact scaling in this universe, beings worthy of forming a Trinity were certainly not entities Lucas could currently challenge.
"When you touched the summoning tablet, we perceived your existence. We have also consulted with the Ancient One."
"We wish to bestow our blessing upon you."
"Will you accept?"
Lucas felt immediate suspicion.
He never believed in blessings that fell from the sky without cost.
"Please forgive me, venerable ones," he replied calmly. "I do not believe I require such a blessing."
"We know you are wary," the Vishanti answered evenly. "You fear this is a trap."
"But understand—if we intended you harm, do you believe escape would be possible?"
The faint undertone of dominance in that statement hardened Lucas's expression.
"If the venerable ones intend to compel me through intimidation, then forgive me. If you wish to kill me, you may do so."
He had always despised threats.
And in that moment, he understood why Elaine had tapped his forehead before he departed.
"As the Ancient One described," the Vishanti murmured, "your will is resolute."
"We do not set traps for you. We have no need."
"We offer our blessing because the enemies you will soon face are far beyond your current strength."
Lucas frowned.
"So what if they are strong? I will grow stronger myself. Otherwise, I might as well return to Earth and live an ordinary life."
Silence lingered briefly.
Then the Vishanti asked:
"Do you wish to learn magic?"
"We can grant you divine arts from Elder Gods, the mystic arts of Agamotto, and the ancient secret techniques of primordial beings."
"We can raise you beyond the rank of Sorcerer Supreme."
"With our blessing, power beyond imagination will be yours."
"You could traverse the cosmos unhindered."
"Strength would be yours with a single thought."
"Accept our blessing. Become supreme."
"Even the Hell Lords would fall before you."
Lucas shook his head.
"My thanks for your goodwill. But I must decline."
He understood the nature of magic in this world.
Whether black magic or white magic—
It was borrowed power.
White magic drew from the Vishanti.
Black magic from Chthon.
Others borrowed from Dormammu, the World Tree, and countless higher entities.
Borrowed power must eventually be repaid.
Often with one's soul.
The Ancient One herself had sustained her strength by balancing debts from multiple sources—until the consequences finally caught up with her.
Lucas had no intention of becoming a chess piece.
Temporary strength could lead to permanent regret.
And these entities—if they chose to use you—would drain every last drop of value from you.
In some accounts, even the Vishanti had pushed the Ancient One and Doctor Strange to the brink of exploitation.
He suspected they might one day throw him into conflicts against ancient cosmic horrors for their own purposes.
After a long pause, the Vishanti spoke again.
"We understand your resolve."
"Then we part ways."
Darkness returned.
---
"Hmm. It seems you are not suited for magic."
Master Wong's voice echoed.
The world snapped back to normal.
Lucas found himself once again seated in the reception chamber at Kamar-Taj.
He tossed the tablet back to Wong.
"Fortunately."
"Did you see something?" Wong asked, observing his expression.
"What if I told you I met the Vishanti?" Lucas replied lightly.
"I believe you," Wong answered without hesitation.
This time, Lucas was surprised.
"You actually believe me?"
"Did the exalted beings say anything to you?" Wong asked, hopeful curiosity in his tone.
"They asked if I wanted to become a sorcerer. Said I could easily gain power to roam the universe."
"And judging from your expression, you declined," Wong said with a knowing smile.
"Correct. I prefer power that belongs to me."
Wong nodded calmly.
"Everyone has their own path. It cannot be forced. If magic is not your destiny, then so be it."
Lucas found Wong's reaction unexpectedly reasonable.
Just as he was about to continue—
Wong's expression shifted slightly.
"The Sorcerer Supreme says you may see her now."
___
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