A flash of realization crossed Mavuika's eyes; even though she had never seen it before, she recognized what it was instantly.
It was a power of the same origin as the Reality Stone she had seized from Malekith's hands, yet its nature was completely different.
The crimson glow of the Reality Stone carried a wildness that could rewrite all things, but the light of this green gem was like the deepest river—calm, long-lasting, and unstoppable.
"The Time Stone." The Ancient One's voice, reflected in the gem's light, seemed to carry an echo of time itself.
"Like the Reality Stone, it is one of the six Infinity Stones. It possesses the ability to peer into, manipulate, and even reverse time. It was fashioned into the 'eye of agamotto' by the first Sorcerer Supreme, Agamotto, and has been passed down through the lineage of Sorcerer Supremes for generations, guarding this dimension while also protecting the stone itself."
She raised her eyes and met Mavuika's gaze.
In the green light of the Time Stone, the Ancient One's deep eyes seemed capable of seeing through the past and future.
"I am able to know this information not because someone leaked it, nor because I pried into the secrets of Asgard." Her tone was honest to the point of bluntness.
"But because I used it to see various fragments and possibilities of the future."
After saying this, the Ancient One did not immediately put away the Time Stone.
She let the green gem continue to rotate slowly within the unfolded eye of agamotto, its light flowing as if silently proving that her words were true.
This was an extremely bold display of candor, one could almost say she was laying bare Kamar-Taj's greatest secret and reliance before an outside deity without reservation.
But the Ancient One's expression was calm and firm; clearly, this decision was not a momentary impulse but the result of careful deliberation.
Because she knew very well, whether through the future fragments observed via the Time Stone or the feeling she got facing her now—a power as vast and pure as a star—that Mavuika Odinson's strength already stood at the pinnacle of the Nine Realms.
Even the Ancient One herself, an outstanding figure among Sorcerer Supremes, would likely be no match for this sun goddess if it came down to a pure magical duel.
If the two sides truly clashed, the Ancient One's only chance of victory would be to use the power of the Time Stone to pull Mavuika into a labyrinth of time, exhausting her strength and will with endless loops and paradoxes.
But that was only a theoretical possibility, and the cost would be immense, likely triggering unpredictable chain reactions.
However, the Ancient One also knew, perhaps better than anyone, that the goddess before her—who remained as dazzling as the Sun even while wearing ordinary Earth clothes and sitting in a farmhouse courtyard—possessed a truly compassionate, just, and kind heart.
Therefore, the Ancient One had no need to hide anything from Mavuika.
Deliberate calculations, hidden motives, and negotiation tactics would only appear ridiculous in the face of such honest power and character, and might even provoke a counterproductive reaction.
Furthermore, by observing the future, the Ancient One already knew the true purpose behind Mavuika lighting the Sacred Fire.
This plan was an act of kindness that would bring a hundred benefits and zero harm to Earth and the Nine Realms.
Thus, the Ancient One had no reason to stop it; instead, she should proactively offer whatever help she could.
This was also one of the core purposes of her visit today.
A brief silence fell over the courtyard. Only the green light of the Time Stone flowed silently, and the steam from the teacups spiraled upward at a visibly slow pace.
Mavuika stared at the green gem for a long time before sighing softly, "I see... the power to control time?"
She shook her head, her tone carrying complex emotions: "The Infinity Stones really are... unreasonable existences."
This statement was both an exclamation and an acknowledgment.
As a deity who had once faced the power of the Reality Stone and placed it into the Asgardian vault, Mavuika knew the terror of these cosmic singularities better than anyone.
Their power transcended conventional understanding and touched the roots of the laws; if any one of them fell into the wrong hands, it could trigger unimaginable catastrophes.
The Ancient One deeply agreed with Mavuika's assessment.
She slowly withdrew her hand seal, and the metallic structure of the eye of agamotto began to rotate in reverse and close, hiding the light of the Time Stone once again.
When the pendant returned to its original state, the flow of time in the courtyard seemed to return to normal as well.
"Indeed, their great power is far too dangerous for finite lives," the Ancient One's voice became serious.
"Therefore, they must be kept safely and used with caution. The Time Stone has been passed down in Kamar-Taj for thousands of years, and every generation of Sorcerer Supreme has sworn a blood oath never to abuse its power unless absolutely necessary. Observing the future is itself like walking on the edge of a blade; the slightest slip could trigger a time paradox or even tear through dimensions."
Mavuika nodded solemnly, "Rest assured, Sorcerer, the Reality Stone will also be strictly guarded in Asgard."
The conversation naturally shifted back to the main topic.
Mavuika poured tea for the two of them again. This was the third time she had added tea; the color of the tea soup had faded a bit, but the fragrance remained elegant.
"So..." Mavuika set down the teapot and looked at the Ancient One. "Did the Sorcerer see a suitable location for lighting the Sacred Fire by observing the future?"
The Ancient One nodded, and this time her answer was more specific: "Yes, I have two locations to recommend."
She extended her index finger and tapped lightly on the tabletop.
A glimmer of light flashed, and a three-dimensional, meticulously detailed holographic image of Earth rose from the table.
The image rotated slowly, with mountains, rivers, continents, and oceans clearly visible.
"The first location." The Ancient One pointed to a spot in the Himalayas, and the image immediately zoomed in, showing a cluster of buildings surrounded by mountains.
"Is Kamar-Taj itself."
The Kamar-Taj in the image was much clearer than what Mavuika had seen from a distance before. Ancient stone buildings were built against the mountains, with staggered courtyards, winding corridors, and the faint figures of apprentices practicing magic on the training grounds.
The most eye-catching was the central Great Hall, a building with a unique style that blended various Eastern elements, its roof tiles reflecting a warm luster under the Sun.
"As the holy land of our lineage of sorcerers, Kamar-Taj itself was built upon the intersection of multiple ley lines."
The Ancient One explained, her finger tracing across the image as several glowing energy pathways appeared on the map, like the blood vessels of the Earth, eventually converging at the location of Kamar-Taj.
"The energy density here is extremely high, and due to thousands of years of magical influence, the spatial structure is exceptionally stable. More importantly, Kamar-Taj has a complete defense system that can shield against most external prying and interference."
She looked at Mavuika. "If Your Highness chooses to light the Sacred Fire here, I can mobilize the resources of all Kamar-Taj to assist."
Hearing this, Mavuika looked at the image of Kamar-Taj seriously and nodded. "Sorcerer Ancient One is right; it is indeed very suitable. Energy nodes, spatial stability, complete protection... it meets almost all the ideal conditions."
But then she frowned slightly, her tone carrying a hint of concern: "It's just... is it really alright? That is, after all, your holy land, the core of the Sorcerer Supreme's lineage for thousands of years."
"Allowing an outside deity like me to hold such an important ceremony there—wouldn't that be too much trouble for you? Moreover, once the Sacred Fire is lit, it might affect the energy field of that area, thereby influencing your original magical system."
These questions were practical and reflected Mavuika's usual consideration; she would not take others' sacrifices for granted just because of her own needs.
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