Mordo's Faith Shattered

The Ancient One sensed no trace of crimson power on Russell.

But perhaps he had hidden it well. Perhaps the being behind him was older, stronger, and more secretive than Cyttorak.

In an instant, the Ancient One's mind pieced together an entire backstory for Russell.

A pawn chosen by some Multiverse-level being—or perhaps a Multiverse-level avatar.

She looked at Russell, and something new entered her gaze. Not wariness or hostility, but something close to... respect.

Russell had no idea what wild theories were running through the Ancient One's head.

If he had known, he would have told her one thing: You're an excellent judge of character.

After all, out in the world, you got to decide who you were.

In truth, there were no Celestials, no Cyttorak. Just a system, a panel, and a soul that had crossed over from another universe with intimate knowledge of this world's major events.

But he wasn't going to say that.

He lifted his teacup and took another small sip.

We're both speaking in riddles, he muttered to himself. If that's how you want to play it, I can play along.

The Crimson Lord, Cyttorak.

Russell quietly committed the name to memory, then searched his recollections for Juggernaut.

Professor X's brother in name, the man in the ugly helmet who charged across battlefields with almost no weaknesses.

His power came from the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak.

Had Juggernaut already obtained the gem in this world? Could he...? Either way, it was a lead worth considering.

Watching Russell keep silent, the Ancient One felt certain she had guessed correctly.

But she did not press him. That wasn't her way.

Everyone had secrets, just as she had never told anyone hers.

She had used the Time Stone to foresee her fate. She knew Kaecilius would betray