New York's neon lights were as dazzling as ever.
But a battle unknown to all had already been raging for quite some time.
Sanctum rooftop.
Kaecilius was no match for Ancient One, who had likewise entered a dark state.
He could only resort to underhanded tactics.
Using his companion's body as cover, he thrust out a lethal blade.
The glassy blade pierced through two bodies in succession.
Then he opened a portal and kicked Ancient One back into the real world.
Although Strange and Mordo rushed over immediately, unfortunately—
they still failed to save Ancient One as she fell from the sky.
By the time they rushed Ancient One to the hospital, the Sorcerer Supreme had already stopped breathing.
Only after Strange's soul left his body did he realize that her soul had long since departed it.
"What are you doing? Please, you're dying..."
Strange watched Ancient One's soul silently drift away, filled with curiosity.
He followed her.
Balcony.
Ancient One's soul stood quietly, gazing into the distance.
The lights of New York flowed through her translucent body.
"You have to return to your body, or you won't have much time left!"
Strange tried to persuade her, but Ancient One remained unmoved.
"Time is relative...
Look at this moment. Perhaps this is as far as I go.
I did not wish to draw power from the Dark Dimension, but you know, sometimes people have to break convention.
Mordo is stubborn by nature and poor at adapting. His upbringing made him that way.
But you are flexible and resourceful. Even in adversity, you can adapt and thrive.
Only by complementing each other's strengths can you possibly defeat Dormammu."
Strange understood what Ancient One meant. She seemed to have chosen death of her own accord at this point in time.
But how