The next day, Kamar-Taj held The Ancient One's cremation according to Kathmandu customs.
On a raised platform piled high with firewood.
The Ancient One wore her usual beige robes, her hands folded over her abdomen, her face serene in death.
Today, apart from the sorcerers stationed at the three Sanctums, every member of Kamar-Taj had gathered here.
Everyone wore plain-colored robes, facing the burning pyre with spell signs formed in their hands and their heads bowed in mourning.
The Ancient One had protected Earth for centuries.
Everyone standing here had once felt the care of this Sorcerer Supreme.
Her death undoubtedly meant the collapse of a pillar that had held the world steady.
Mordo stood at the very front, reciting a eulogy in Tibetan.
Though The Ancient One was Celtic, she had protected this land for a long time and had completely become part of it.
When the firewood had burned to ashes, Mordo finished the final line of the eulogy.
Some sorcerers silently stepped forward to gather the ashes, while tears streamed soundlessly down others' faces.
By the time the funeral ended, evening had arrived.
But for the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj.
There was still one important matter left to announce today.
"Everyone, Master Ancient One foresaw her own death ten days ago."
Mordo stood before the sorcerers, and his words made Leon's heart clench.
So the moment I left the Marvel world, The Ancient One started planning her retirement?
A damn unpleasant feeling welled up inside Leon.
Mordo continued, "She told me, and she told most of you as well, that more than a month ago, we welcomed our strongest and most reliable sorcerer—Superman!"
Mordo pointed at Leon, and every pair of eyes turned toward him at once.
Some were curious, some approving, some shocked, but none were doubtful.