The Ancient One, now dressed in an ornate black mage's robe, looked at Odin and smiled. "Actually, of all of us, the old devil Mephisto is the cleverest.
"He linked himself to Muspelheim a long time ago. Though he was trapped there, he also gained immortality.
"The only problem is that he isn't human. Without a blessing from the depths of his soul, he'll never be able to leave the Solar System."
The Ancient One turned to Alvin and smiled. "I should have been free, but as the bearer of the Time Stone, I've never known the joy of freedom.
"The Stone is always affecting the outside world, drawing hostile eyes toward Earth.
"Now I'm truly free. The new Dormammu will become the Solar System's outpost, and I'll have the chance to explore the mysteries of the universe.
"I've lived too long, yet I've never truly seen what the universe is like. I can hardly wait."
Alvin didn't understand what she was getting at, but he was sure it was good news.
Looking at the Ancient One, who seemed much more handsome than before, Alvin asked curiously, "Why now? Why me?
"Why am I your 'margin for error'?"
The Ancient One smiled and nodded. "Because more Bugs have appeared...
"My original plan was to end my duel with Dormammu at the Sanctum in Hong Kong. There was a proud Phoenix there.
"Combined with the power of the Time Stone, she should have been able to repel my Second Personality.
"But it seems she ran into some kind of trouble, so she turned me down."
The Ancient One looked Alvin in the eyes. "So I thought of you...
"Because you're here, I had the courage to fight Dormammu in the most dangerous Soul Duel before the new Sorcerer Supreme could mature.