Kamar-Taj, Training Ground.
Strange sat cross-legged on a cushion, his hands forming seals, fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.
Seven orange-red magic circles floated before him, each rotating slowly and giving off a faint glow.
"Focus, Stephen."
Kaecilius stood behind him, his voice calm. "The key to sustaining magic isn't how much magical power you have, but keeping your intent unified."
The next second, all seven magic circles collapsed at once, dissolving into countless motes of light.
Strange gasped for breath and raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
He waved his hands repeatedly. "I really don't think I'm cut out to be the Sorcerer Supreme."
"You, Wong, Mordo-any of you would be better suited than me."
Kaecilius shook his head, his expression growing serious.
"I can't."
"Why not?"
Strange looked puzzled. "You're so much stronger than me, and you've been at Kamar-Taj longer. Why can't you?"
"Because I've made mistakes."
Kaecilius spoke calmly. "Besides, I have something more important to do."
"As for Wong and Mordo..."
"They don't have enough potential."
Strange fell silent.
"All right, that's enough for today."
Kaecilius dismissed his magic circles and turned toward the exit of the Training Ground. "I have something important to attend to. I need to leave for a while."
With that, he raised a hand and traced a line through the air.
Golden light spread in an instant, forming a portal.
Kaecilius stepped through, his figure vanishing into the light.
Deep within a forest somewhere.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting patches of light and shadow.
A simple wooden cottage stood quietly in a forest clearing.
Agatha sat on the ground, holding an ancient book with a pitch-black cover that radiated an ominous aura.
The Darkhold.
Her eyes were half closed, her lips slightly