The Ancient One had only been joking—but judging from Loren's reaction, it seemed he'd actually done it.
Instantly, a storm raged within her. She turned to Loren, eyes narrowing with growing apprehension.
Just as she'd suspected: the young man before her had dared to take her seriously—and he truly had the audacity to back it up!
There had to be someone behind this kid—someone even more powerful than she was—supporting him.
Otherwise, how could a mere mortal possibly transcend the fundamental laws of reality and create an entirely new life form?
That was the power of a creator. She refused to believe an ordinary Earthling could wield it. This man was anything but simple.
If Loren had known what the Ancient One was thinking at that moment, he'd likely be hiding in the bathroom, doubled over with laughter. His greatest ideological victory had already come to pass.
Thanks to the Hyperdimensional Technology System—and the unique effects of the Emperor Engine integrated within it—he'd pulled off the impossible.
And no matter how it happened, it was undeniably to his benefit.
At that moment, the Ancient One raised her hand with a casual flick. The mirror dimension dissolved around them, the world snapping back to its original state as if nothing had ever occurred.
"Little one," she said, her voice light but laced with meaning, "since this was clearly a misunderstanding, tell your men to put away their weapons. Weapons are meant for enemies—not friends."
Loren—now fully back in character—understood her implication perfectly. He smiled and nodded. "Of course. I've never considered sorcerers my enemies, and I trust the feeling is mutual."
"Precisely," the Ancient One replied. "As the saying goes: no fight, no friendship. Today marks our first—and last—clash. I may need your help in the future."
"Master, you flatter me," Loren said with a modest wave of his hand. "Let's not even speak of what I might offer. I'm just an ordinary mortal—hardly capable of aiding someone like you."
Little did he know, the Ancient One saw right through his act.
A man who can fabricate life from nothing… who casually threatens to detonate entire dimensions…
And now he pretends he doesn't even know what she might ask of him?
It was obvious to anyone with eyes: he was playing dumb.
There were only two reasons someone would feign ignorance like this.
One: he genuinely wanted no part in sorcerers' affairs and feared getting entangled in trouble.
Two: he was fishing—waiting for her to dangle a deal tempting enough to satisfy his ambitions.
Though she'd only just met Loren, she'd already pegged him. He was the quintessential capitalist—never acting without expecting something in return. Given that he was the son of a tycoon, that trait was practically inevitable.
So his false humility? Merely a tactic. He was waiting for her to name the price.
Understanding this, she cut straight to the point.
"Little one, no need for modesty," she said firmly. "Whether you truly don't know how to help me—or you're pretending not to—doesn't matter. What matters is this: when the time comes, you'll deploy your invention to aid me. And I assure you, you won't do it for nothing. You'll receive every benefit you're owed."
She leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp. "So tell me—what do you want?"
Realizing she'd seen through his ploy, Loren didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled inwardly—unembarrassed—and adopted a solemn tone.
"Master, you're too kind. Helping others is happiness, after all. You and your followers at Kamar-Taj have worked tirelessly to protect this world from the Dark Dimension. Your selflessness is truly inspiring."
He paused, then added with genuine warmth, "Even if you hadn't asked, I wouldn't stand by in a crisis. This planet is my home, too."
"As for rewards…" He shrugged. "I haven't given it much thought. But, as you know, I'm a researcher—endlessly curious. And I must admit…" His eyes flicked to the amulet resting against her chest. "That eye-like artifact you wear looks fascinating. Might I examine it?"
"…"
The Ancient One nearly rolled her eyes. He'd just spent half a minute insisting he wanted nothing—then immediately pointed to the single most important object in Kamar-Taj.
That was the Eye of Agamotto, housing the Time Stone—one of the six Infinity Stones and the cornerstone of their defense against Dormammu. Its power was unimaginable. In the wrong hands, it could unravel reality itself.
And it was absolutely not up for loan.
She offered an apologetic smile. "Little one, if you asked for anything else—anything at all—I'd move heaven and earth to grant it. But this…" She touched the amulet gently. "This is beyond compromise. Please understand."
"Oh! Of course," Loren said quickly, waving a hand. "No worries at all. Actually… I've always been deeply curious about magic itself. Would you consider teaching me?"
He leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Imagine—technology and sorcery combined! Who knows what breakthroughs we might achieve?"
Truth be told, Loren had known the Time Stone wouldn't be handed over. He'd only mentioned it to set the stage for his real request.
He'd long been intrigued by the mystic arts—but hadn't dared approach the Sorcerer Supreme too soon. Now that an opening had appeared, he wasn't about to waste it.
Being personally trained by the Ancient One? That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If she agreed, Stephen Strange—future Sorcerer Supreme—would have to call him "senior brother" for the rest of his life.
To his surprise, however, the Ancient One gave him a look of deep complexity.
"Little one…" she began slowly, "not everyone can wield magic. It depends on innate talent… and physical aptitude." She studied him carefully, then hesitated, as if choosing her words with care.
Loren perked up. "Master! What about my body? Am I… exceptionally gifted? Do I have extraordinary bone structure?"
"…This…" the Ancient One trailed off.
"Go on, Master," he urged, puffing his chest slightly. "I can handle the truth. I won't get arrogant!"
She sighed. "Little one, I don't mean to discourage you… but in all my centuries of teaching, I've never encountered a physique less suited to magic. To be honest—it's as if your body is completely immune to i
t."
"Hey!! No… you've got to be kidding—" Loren sputtered, his pride instantly deflating.
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