Stephen Strange.
Doctor Strange.
The man who had played a major role in the battle against Thanos.
As Ryan listened to the Ancient One, these facts flashed through his mind.
He felt nothing in particular about Strange coming to Kamar-Taj. After all, Strange was destined to become Sorcerer Supreme.
Now the Ancient One wanted Ryan to bring Strange in. Ryan did not refuse. He drew a circle with his finger, opening a Portal.
The other side of the Portal led to the old town outside Kamar-Taj.
It was the town Ryan had passed through when he first arrived. Yellow earthen houses and muted sunlight defined the place.
Now Ryan set foot there again.
Elsewhere, after Ryan left, the Ancient One sat down and summoned Wong.
She asked him what the people of Kamar-Taj thought of Ryan.
Wong had hurried over through a Portal when the Ancient One summoned him, thinking something serious had happened.
When he learned she was asking about Ryan, he relaxed. "Ryan is a good Sorcerer. Everyone thinks so."
"He's only been here three months. Why do you all like him?"
"He's talented, respects his teachers, and wasn't swayed by Kaecilius." Wong pictured Ryan's face. The more he thought about that student, the more pleased he felt. "A Sorcerer like that is rare."
The Ancient One did not respond. She poured herself a cup of tea with honey. "You think too highly of Ryan."
"But you think highly of him too, don't you, Sorcerer Supreme?" Wong boldly met her gaze and offered his opinion.
The Ancient One paused with her tea halfway to her lips. She remembered how quickly Ryan had learned the Mirror Dimension. "Ryan truly is exceptional. I look forward to the day he becomes Sorcerer Supreme."
She moved on to another matter. "For