Birdsong filled the courtyard, and flowers bloomed in profusion. The distant snowcapped mountains remained clad in silver, while Kamar-Taj operated under its own four seasons. The power of magic permeated every blade of grass and tree here.
Watching the flowers, birds, fish, and insects in the courtyard, Ancient One merely smiled at what Deathstroke had said. She lowered her head and opened the snack package in her hand.
"My body is in good condition, and all these years of traveling have greatly elevated my state of mind. Sometimes, when you set down heavy responsibilities and look upon the universe, the scenery becomes entirely different."
As she spoke, Ancient One, who had long since seen through worldly attachments, seemed even more detached, as though she might leave at any moment through Soul Out of Body.
But when she made a hissing sound while eating Spicy Strips, that impression vanished. She was still living among mortals.
"You know what I mean. I'm not merely talking about physical health. I mean the price of casting spells."
Deathstroke shook his head, took a huge green crystal from his belt pouch, and placed it on the table. The moment he rested his palm against it, a brilliant green light flared.
"This is the Ruur Crystal. The energy within it is called Life Force. I now have a way to channel this energy into your body. Whichever demon gods you've owed debts to over the past eight hundred years, I'll go with you and settle every last one."
The bald mage looked at the enormous crystal before her and naturally sensed the unfamiliar yet powerful energy within it. She stopped eating her Spicy Strips and fell into thought.
But she soon shook her head.
"No energy can come into existence for no reason. Since you say