The bald woman was none other than the Sorcerer Supreme—The Ancient One.
In the Marvel Universe, she was recognized as Earth's strongest human. At this stage, there was no one alive on the planet who could surpass her. Her mastery of magic alone was enough to deter countless entities: creatures from the Dark Dimension, cosmic races, and even galactic conquerors.
It was because of the Ancient One's existence that many dared not set foot on Earth. Even Thanos had only moved forward with his plans after Ancient One's death, seeking to claim the Infinity Stones.
At that moment, a sudden red light flickered across Ancient One.
Startled by Fenric's tense expression, the Scarlet Witch had instinctively unleashed her Chaos Magic.
But soon, Wanda's face shifted to shock. Her magic, which could bend reality itself, simply dissolved upon touching Ancient One—as if swallowed into another dimension.
"Aha."
The Ancient One smiled warmly at her. "Wanda, your magic is fascinating. It holds incredible potential. I hope you learn to master it properly."
"You… know me?" Wanda asked, disbelief coloring her voice.
"Of course. In the future, you will become a formidable warrior. But now… your destiny has already been altered."
With those words, her gaze turned toward Fenric.
Fenric bowed slightly. "Ronan Anderson greets the Sorcerer Supreme."
Though cautious, his tone carried respect. The Ancient One was not someone he could afford to offend. More than that, she was someone he genuinely admired. She had guarded Earth tirelessly, the closest thing this world had to a living god.
Some even said she was one. And in terms of raw might, Fenric suspected she could rival Odin himself.
"It seems you already know who I am." Ancient One's eyes softened. "But 'Ronan'… that isn't your real name, is it? Will you tell me who you truly are?"
Fenric's voice was calm but firm. "Forgive me, Sorcerer Supreme. I cannot reveal my true name."
Her tone sharpened slightly. "I see. Then it must mean there is an existence behind you that cannot be seen."
Fenric fell silent. In the Samsara Space, revealing forbidden knowledge was punishable by erasure.
Yet Ancient One continued gently, "I understand why you've come to seek out Stephen Strange. But don't worry, Ronan. I'm not here to stop you."
Fenric blinked in surprise. He had assumed she would confront him—perhaps even bar his path. After all, Strange was destined to become her successor.
But the Ancient One's smile never wavered. "I have glimpsed fragments of the future. And in them, I saw your heart—brave and unyielding. I once placed my hopes on Stephen, but with your arrival, Earth may become even safer. So do what you must. I will not interfere."
Fenric was left speechless. Safer? With me?
"Then why appear before me tonight?" he asked.
"Curiosity." Her reply was disarmingly simple. "Your talent is unusual, Ronan. Among those who share your origins, none shine as brightly in the future as you do. I only hope you preserve that heart of yours, and use your strength wisely."
"..."
For the first time, Fenric found himself at a loss for words. Before the Ancient One's centuries of wisdom, he felt oddly small.
The Ancient One rose from her seat, preparing to leave. "Ronan, one request: do not influence Stephen too greatly. He is still the future Master of Kamar-Taj."
"You have my word. I won't disrupt his destiny." Fenric nodded.
Ancient One's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Good. Then when you have time, come share tea with me. You already know where to find me."
"I will."
"Oh, one last piece of advice." Her gaze sharpened slightly. "Do not set your sights on Thor. If you do, you'll provoke the All-Father himself. Unlike me, Odin is not nearly so forgiving."
With that, the Ancient One traced a golden mandala in the air. A portal opened, and she stepped through, vanishing into the shimmer of light.
Wanda and Pietro stared, wide-eyed.
"Master… who was that woman?" Wanda asked softly.
"A supreme magician. A sage. And above all, a guardian worthy of the highest respect," Fenric answered solemnly.
He meant every word. Regardless of identity, Ancient One's sacrifices in holding back the Dark Dimension had earned her his admiration.
Yet her final warning lingered heavily in his mind. Fenric had originally considered making Thor one of his followers. He had thought Odin wouldn't notice—after all, Earth was far from Asgard.
But clearly, it wasn't that simple. As the God-King, Odin's power was unfathomable. And as Asgard's heir, Thor would never be allowed to bend his knee to another.
Without Thor, Fenric's plans would suffer.
Before he could dwell further, the lights in the living room snapped on.
Stephen Strange—future Sorcerer Supreme—stood at the top of the stairs, clutching a pistol with shaky hands.
"Hey! I don't care who you are, get out of my house! I've already called the police!" His voice was fierce, but his trembling hands betrayed his fear.
Fenric gave him a flat look and gestured casually.
A swirl of wind swept through the room. In an instant, the gun vanished—replaced by a banana.
"Bananas don't scare anyone, doc," Pietro chuckled.
Stephen's eyes widened. "What—? I was holding a gun! What the hell—?!"
Before he could regain his bearings, Wanda's Chaos Magic wrapped around him. His body froze, then floated helplessly toward Fenric.
Fenric wasted no time. Using the scepter, he bound Strange with an oath of loyalty, ensuring his obedience.
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
[You have subdued a new subordinate. Current task progress: 4/10.]
Fenric exhaled slowly. Another piece had fallen into place.