Become Your Disciple? (Third Update)
If he cannot obtain the Dream Walking from the Darkhold, then most of his subsequent training plans will be in vain.
Everything else aside, the most important thing is the Gravity Chamber.
With the combined efforts of S.H.I.E.L.D.., Hydra scientists, and his own scientific team, the Gravity Chamber has been expanded to seventy times.
However, because his body has incorporated too many excellent bloodlines, especially the Ōtsutsuki Bloodline which enhances his physical body, it is estimated that he will adapt to seventy times the gravity in a year or two.
At that time, the research speed in the Gravity Chamber will not be able to keep up with his cultivation speed.
Scientific research is typically conducted over several years, a dozen years, or even decades, and he didn't want his rate of improvement to slow down too much later on.
"Do we really have to wait for America Chavez to appear?"
Besides the Dream Walking, he had also considered America Chavez's abilities.
America Chavez can travel through the Multiverse. If, when loading the Protagonist Template, one could use America Chavez's abilities, it might be possible to enter the corresponding world, much like Summoning Technique.
However, it will be at least another decade or more before Doctor Strange appears in this universe with America Chavez.
In the Movie Main Universe, Doctor Strange appears in this universe with America Chavez shortly after Thanos' invasion and his defeat, around 2018.
And it's only 2006 now.
"If you just want to learn the Dream Walking, I have a way to do that without using the Darkhold."
Just as Hawking was deep in thought, the Ancient One suddenly spoke with a smile.
The Ancient One's words successfully brought Hawking back to his senses, and he looked up at Ancient One earnestly:
"Ancient One, please speak. If I can truly learn the Dream Walking, I, Hawking, will certainly repay you handsomely."
As the Sorcerer Supreme, someone who can remain with Eternity after death, the Ancient One might actually have some other methods.
So what he said wasn't just polite talk.
Since the Ancient One could teach him the Dream Walking, he was naturally willing to give her a corresponding reward.
"No need for a generous reward, but there's a troublesome aspect to my method."
Ancient One waved her hand and poured Hawking his third cup of tea.
Hawking reached out and took the tea:
"Is there some kind of trouble?"
"I want you to become my disciple!"
Ancient One replied in a very casual tone.
Upon hearing this, Hawking froze.
"Take you as my master? Ancient One, you're not joking, are you?!"
For him, becoming Ancient One's disciple was nothing special.
The Ancient One was over 500 years old, so there was no problem with him being her teacher in terms of age.
Moreover, if he wants to study the magical principles of the Marvel World, having the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme, as his guide will definitely make things much easier.
This place also houses the world's richest library of magic books, including many rare copies from the Ancient One's collection.
However, if one becomes the Ancient One's disciple, one will likely have to abide by the rules of Kamar-Taj and spend most of one's time in Kamar-Taj and the various Sanctum, fighting against the invasion of Dimensional Demon God.
This is naturally impossible for someone as powerful as the world's number one Super Hero with vast wealth.
"Could it be that Ancient One is trying to trap me in this way?"
"The Dream Walking you desire can be learned not only from the Darkhold, but also from another book. However, to read this book, one must be a mage of Kamar-Taj and also my disciple."
Ancient One explained with a smile.
Hawking suddenly had a thought:
"It is the Book of Vishanti!"
The only book that can rival the Darkhold and meets the conditions mentioned by the Ancient One is the Book of Vishanti.
The Darkhold is a spellbook created by Chthon, God of Black Magic, and is scattered throughout the universe.
The Book of Vishanti was created by the Triune Vishanti, and there is only one copy, which has been kept in Universe 838.
In the movie, Doctor Strange from the Main Universe initially wanted to find a way to deal with Wanda through the Book of Vishanti.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Wanda with Dark Magic just as it was found and before it could be opened.
Unexpectedly, the Book of Vishanti also contains the Dream Walking.
Thinking about it, it makes sense. Since the Ancient One said that the Darkhold is connected to the spiritual world of Chthon, then the Book of Vishanti must also be connected to the spiritual world of Vishanti.
If Chthon knows magic of the level of Dream Walking, there's no reason why Vishanti wouldn't.
While Chthon is strong, Vishanti are not weak either.
The Vishanti are composed of three ancient gods: the all-powerful Oshtur, the all-seeing Agamotto, and the aged Hoggoth.
Oshtur is one of the earliest ancient gods on Earth. Although not as powerful as Chthon, he is still Multiverse Level being.
Agamotto was formed from Oshtur's tears and later successfully cultivated to the Multiverse Level.
The aged Hoggoth is an ancient god from another planet, even more ancient and powerful Oshtur, and an old friend whom Oshtur met during his travels through the universe.
These three ancient gods joined forces long ago, using White Magic to help humanity fight against a series of dark Dimensional Demon God, including Chthon.
"Don't worry, you're just a disciple in name only. You don't need to abide by any of Kamar-Taj's rules. Just live your life the way you did before, and continue to do so in the future."
If you are interested in the magic of Kamar-Taj, you are welcome to come here and learn and exchange ideas with everyone.
Perhaps sensing Hawking's concerns, the Ancient One explained again.
"So good?"
Upon hearing this condition, Hawking looked somewhat puzzled. What was the difference between this and giving it away for free?
He didn't pay any price at all; he not only got to read the Book of Vishanti and gain the Dream Walking, but also had the opportunity to study the magic of Kamar-Taj.
"Of course, no problem. When can I become your apprentice? Right now?"
In less than three seconds, Hawking readily agreed.
What the Ancient One was planning was irrelevant to Hawking; he was certain he had gained something. If he discovered anything amiss later, he could always turn against her.
"Now is fine too. Pour me a cup of tea, and you'll be my disciple."
Hawking readily agreed, and Ancient One was even more straightforward, handing the teapot directly to Hawking.
Why did you accept Hawking as your disciple?
She did have her own plans, but not for himself, but for the next Sorcerer Supreme Stephen Strange, who would also be the best Sorcerer Supreme.
In all the possible futures she had foreseen, the next Sorcerer Supreme was destined to die.
This situation changed dramatically with the arrival of Hawking.
If only Hawking were willing to become his disciple, Stephen's senior, and a sorcerer at Kamar-Taj, even if only in name.
Then all bad futures will be changed as a result.
That's why she confirmed her mentor-student relationship with Hawking so quickly.
"Alright, then, Master, please have some tea."
Such a simple and quick apprenticeship ceremony suited Hawking's taste perfectly. He reached for the teapot, poured himself a cup of apprenticeship tea, and then offered it with both hands.