"This is a reasonable change," Aaron said confidently. "The Gaius Family are all singularities in the timeline. Everything they say and do becomes part of it, seamlessly merging into the flow of time."
"Yes! Gaius has always been envied.
Unaffected by the timeline, yet able to influence its direction in turn." Ancient One spoke with noncommittal emotion. "I do not want you interfering with Strange's fate. It could cause Kamar-Taj to lose an outstanding successor."
"But I already promised him." Aaron said with a troubled expression. "Sorcerer Supreme, you should understand how seriously Gaius takes promises.
Tomorrow, Strange will make his choice. But no matter what he chooses, I will heal his hands."
"How about this?
After I heal him, you can secretly break both his hands again."
Ancient One's eyelid twitched involuntarily at those words.
That was absolutely not an option. The hidden risks were simply too great.
"I'm afraid not. Once is a coincidence; twice is a conspiracy.
I have no desire for the finest disciple I nurture in the future to defect from Kamar-Taj."
"That makes sense." Aaron nodded thoughtfully. "Then... break both his legs?"
"Heh." Ancient One gave a speechless laugh. "Try not to make jokes like that. If Strange suffered another setback like this, he might collapse.
Even if he did not, he could hardly crawl all the way to Kamar-Taj without legs."
"Master, have you forgotten? Stephen Strange owes you three favors!"
What a perfect assist!
Aaron silently gave Jane a thumbs-up in his heart.
He had no desire to keep dragging this out with Ancient One. If he pushed too hard and forced her to go directly to Strange to 'lay everything out,' that would be troublesome.
"I almost forgot." Aaron slapped his forehead and smiled awkwardly beneath Ancient One's amused gaze. "Tomorrow,