Stephen went off to bargain with Dormammu, while the others joined forces to subdue Kaecilius and his accomplices, confiscate their Sling Rings, tie them up, and dump the whole lot into the Mirror Dimension.
Once they were done, they stood in the street, exchanging bewildered looks.
The Sanctum nearby was still being restored. Before long, it would return to its original state, and then Dormammu and Stephen would both disappear.
"What does he think he's doing?!"
Mordo stood to one side, cursing in frustrated disappointment, while Wong plopped down on a stone platform nearby and turned his head away without a word.
At a loss, Lin Ze could only turn to Zhongli for advice.
"Did Stephen really abandon us?"
He directed the question at Zhongli.
Zhongli glanced at him, his expression utterly calm, and asked in return, "Do you trust him?"
Lin Ze thought it over and reflected for a moment, then a light came into his eyes.
"Yes, I trust him."
"Stephen must have his reasons. I believe he wouldn't abandon us."
Zhongli smiled, approval showing in his eyes. "Before the Ancient One left, she asked me to pass along a message. She said her earlier answer about time might not have been entirely appropriate. Perhaps, once Stephen returns, he will give you a more satisfying answer."
The Dark Dimension
"Dormammu, I've come to bargain!"
"Dormammu, I've come to..."
"Dormammu, I've..."
"Dormammu..."
"You've come to die... Enough!!"
Dormammu had killed the sorcerer before him countless times and heard him say he had come to bargain just as often. Finally, he had been driven into a rage.
His limitless power could destroy this insect without leaving a speck behind, but every time! Every single time! This human returned before him, completely intact, and opened his mouth to utter