In the original story, Mordo and Wong had each told Stephen about Kaecilius and Dormammu.
Because of Apocalypse's intervention, however, the two sorcerers had barely had any opportunities to teach Stephen.
Naturally, he had no way of knowing any of this.
When Apocalypse said he only needed to capture two people to repay the favor, Stephen figured it could hardly be that difficult.
Meanwhile, the training grounds below the mountain were in chaos.
Kaecilius lived up to his reputation as the gifted sorcerer the Ancient One had once considered making her successor. With nothing but a spear formed from air, he drove everyone back.
Ordinary sorcerers could not withstand even one exchange with him. Even Wong and Mordo could barely defend themselves.
Panting, Mordo said, "Why aren't the Ancient One and Mr. Tang back yet? Something this serious is happening here. They can't possibly be unaware of it."
Wong drove back a corrupted sorcerer and said disdainfully, "A handful of traitors hardly warrants their intervention."
Those two brief remarks made the difference between them clear.
No wonder Wong had later become the Sorcerer Supreme rather than Mordo.
As they spoke, a golden portal opened in the middle of the battlefield.
Apocalypse, the Ancient One, Stephen, and Palmer emerged together.
The entire battlefield fell silent!
Wong, Yondu, and the others pulled back, retreating behind the Ancient One.
With two powerhouses like the Ancient One and Apocalypse present, they no longer needed to make unnecessary sacrifices.
Kaecilius and his dozen or so corrupted sorcerers were too frightened to pursue them.
He was not particularly afraid of the Ancient One.
The Ancient One stole energy from the Dark Dimension, while Kaecilius was a follower of Dormammu.
Their powers came from the same source, and the Ancient One had too many concerns to dare