On Discussing the Multiverse with the Ancient One

The Ancient One walked up to him as she spoke and looked up. She only reached Russell's chin, yet in her eyes he could see the edge of the universe.

"Strange has a gift for magic stronger than any other apprentice's. But yours is stronger than his.

I have a feeling... if you chose to study magic, you would become the greatest Sorcerer Supreme in history."

Russell appreciated the compliment. As long as his microscopic analysis was precise enough, it ought to work on magic too.

After all, from a certain perspective, magic was another form of Cosmic Energy.

But when the Ancient One called Strange the most gifted, Russell wondered whether she had counted Spider-Man's good friend Ned.

Russell shook his head. "I don't like having my life planned for me."

"I know." The Ancient One's gaze did not waver. "That's why I'm not planning it. I'm only inviting you.

The doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum will always be open to you. Come whenever you wish and leave whenever you wish. I won't take you as my apprentice or ask you to join us.

I only hope that before you make any decision, you'll remember there's another path."

Russell looked at her. The fire burned behind her, casting her shadow on the wall like a giant deep in thought.

"I'll consider it." Even so, Russell only intended to use magic to hone himself. His path had long been set, and most magic in the Marvel Universe drew its power from a source.

"Let me take the demon contract from you," The Ancient One said suddenly. "It isn't yours, and keeping it on you is dangerous."

"If you want to go to Hell, I can give you an ancient book of magic that explains how."

"Uh... the demon contract was