Chương 132: Chapter 132: Doctor Strange 

Three days later, in the same abandoned church somewhere in Europe. 

Kaecilius sat perfectly still, floating in a meditative posture high above the altar. He had his eyes closed, intensely focusing on actively assimilating and comprehending the massive influx of dark magical knowledge Dormammu had directly downloaded into his mind. 

Suddenly, his consciousness was forcefully, yet gently, pulled into a localized, pitch-black mental void. 

Instead of panicking, Kaecilius's face lit up with absolute, fanatical devotion. He immediately dropped to one knee in the mental space. "Great Dormammu! I humbly await your command! How may your most devoted servant assist you?" 

Dormammu manifested his colossal visage within the void. He stared down at Kaecilius, noting the incredibly dark, cracked, corrupted flesh heavily ringing the sorcerer's eyes. 

Dormammu nodded in profound satisfaction. The raw dark energy is rapidly corrupting his physical vessel exactly as calculated. 

While Dormammu could effortlessly pump even more energy into Kaecilius and completely transform him into a mindless, fully corrupted creature of the Dark Dimension right now, doing so would be a massive tactical error. A fully corrupted entity would instantly trigger the Ancient One's global planetary defense grid alarms the moment it manifested on Earth. 

However, in his current, 'half-corrupted' state, Kaecilius still technically registered as a human sorcerer, allowing him to easily bypass the macro-level magical detection algorithms. It was the perfect balance. 

"I have successfully pinpointed the exact dimensional coordinates of the pathetic, novice Dimensional Lord currently allied with Kamar-Taj," Dormammu's apocalyptic voice echoed through Kaecilius's mind. 

"I shall now personally depart to systematically completely devour his pathetic little realm and shatter his spirit. While I am engaged, your absolute, singular objective is to rally your fellow zealots and simultaneously launch a coordinated, devastating assault to completely destroy the three Sanctums! Once the defensive grid falls, I shall instantly manifest, drag Earth into my Dark Dimension, and grant you all eternal life!" 

"It shall be done, Great Dormammu! Your will is absolute!" Kaecilius pledged fervently. 

The mental connection violently severed, and Kaecilius's consciousness slammed back into his physical body. 

He slowly opened his eyes and gracefully floated down to the floor of the church, looking out at the congregation gathered before the altar. 

Because his original, highly skilled zealot followers had been brutally captured and subdued by 'Master Lucian' during the initial raid on the Kamar-Taj library, Kaecilius was currently operating entirely alone. Furthermore, even with his massive, newly acquired power upgrade, he wasn't arrogant enough to believe he could single-handedly assault a Sanctum defended by hundreds of Kamar-Taj sorcerers. 

He needed an army. 

Therefore, over the past three days, he had systematically kidnapped over a hundred random civilians from the surrounding cities. Utilizing the forbidden dark magic Dormammu had bestowed upon him, he forcefully, violently subjected the terrified civilians to aggressive dark energy corruption. 

While these poor souls couldn't cast spells and their minds were completely, permanently shattered by the agonizing corruption, their physical vessels had been massively, biologically reinforced by the dark energy. They were now incredibly strong, highly durable, mindless berserkers—perfect cannon fodder. 

"The Great Dormammu approaches to claim this realm! And we shall pave the way for his glorious arrival! Our primary targets: the three Sanctums of Kamar-Taj!" 

Kaecilius roared fanatically. He aggressively raised his newly forged, terrifyingly massive, pitch-black right arm, channeling raw dark energy. 

In response, the corrupted, mindless berserkers let out horrifying, guttural, inhuman shrieks that echoed through the abandoned church. 

Meanwhile, Luke's daily routine had settled into a highly comfortable, predictable pattern. 

Every morning, he would briefly teleport to the massive United Earth Federation headquarters to ensure the interstellar trade hub was operating smoothly and no diplomatic incidents had occurred. Afterward, he would secure a massive bag of the God of Cookery's spiritually enhanced pastries and teleport directly to Kamar-Taj to generously feed his two incredibly demanding, highly addicted 'dependents': Tony Stark and Galacta. 

Following a satisfying lunch, he would casually stroll into the Grand Library holding a cold Coke, acting exactly like a bored tourist. 

Entering the library today, Luke spotted Tony and Stephen sitting at a large table, completely surrounded by towering stacks of translated magical texts. They were deeply engaged in a highly complex, animated theoretical discussion regarding magical physics. 

Seeing the two brilliant minds actively collaborating rather than instantly trying to kill each other, Luke smiled and walked over, holding the bag of pastries. 

"Dammit, you're finally here!" Tony practically jumped out of his chair the absolute microsecond he spotted Luke. He practically sprinted over and aggressively snatched the bag of pastries directly from Luke's hand. 

"What's wrong? Did you guys hit a theoretical roadblock?" Luke asked, highly amused by Tony's frantic behavior. 

"I literally haven't consumed one of these absolute masterpieces in over twenty-four hours! I swear, my brain function was starting to actively deteriorate!" Tony frantically tore open the bag and immediately shoved an entire pastry directly into his mouth. 

Luke shook his head helplessly and walked over to Stephen's side of the table. 

"He looks like he's going through severe narcotic withdrawal," Luke noted, watching Tony groan in absolute, profound bliss as he chewed the pastry. 

Stephen glanced at Tony and sighed, offering a clinical diagnosis. "It's a completely logical physiological and psychological response. His un-augmented astral form is incredibly weak and entirely unprotected. It simply lacks the structural fortitude to passively resist the massive, highly concentrated influx of pure, spiritually nourishing energy contained within those pastries. He's effectively biologically addicted to the 'spiritual high.'" 

"Addicted?!" Tony swallowed the pastry, his entire posture instantly relaxing as a wave of profound peace washed over him. "I absolutely refuse to operate without these! I legitimately feel like I can't even process complex equations unless I'm eating one! Seriously, why didn't the very first one I ate taste this incredibly, overwhelmingly good?!" 

Luke shrugged casually. "Perhaps the God of Cookery was just casually experimenting the first time, and these recent batches are highly specialized, premium variants specifically tailored to my energy signature?" 

Watching Tony practically vibrating with joy as he reached for a second pastry, Luke casually snatched the bag back and tossed a pastry over to Stephen. 

Luke grabbed one for himself and took a bite. 

Instantly, an incredibly complex, profound symphony of flavor and deep, spiritual warmth flooded his senses. It was undeniably incredible, but unlike Tony, Luke's highly augmented, massively powerful soul effortlessly absorbed the energy without experiencing the intense, addictive, drug-like 'high.' 

Watching Tony stare longingly at the bag, Luke smiled. "You know, the Trade Hub is officially fully operational, and Stark Industries is formally registered as a primary planetary vendor. If you're genuinely this obsessed with these pastries, you can literally just instruct Pepper or your procurement executives to establish a massive, long-term trade agreement with the Chinese delegation to secure a permanent supply." 

"That is a brilliant idea. I genuinely believe I could seamlessly transition to eating absolutely nothing but these pastries for every single meal!" Tony declared enthusiastically. 

"Are you absolutely certain?" Luke smirked. "What about your beloved, iconic cheeseburgers?" 

Tony rolled his eyes dismissively. "If they are willing to legally sell me the proprietary recipe and the manufacturing rights to these pastries, I will literally permanently close every single fast-food burger franchise I own and transition entirely into the mystical pastry business!" 

Stephen, taking a slow, analytical bite of his pastry, thoughtfully analyzed the magical components. "I severely doubt simply possessing a written recipe would be sufficient. Given the profound spiritual resonance, the manufacturing process likely requires highly specialized, active magical infusion or the utilization of specific, extra-dimensional cosmic energies that mundane science cannot replicate." 

Naturally, this highly complex observation instantly sparked an intense, highly technical debate between Tony and Stephen regarding exactly how to scientifically reverse-engineer and mass-produce magical food. Luke happily joined the discussion. 

After roughly an hour of intense, highly complex theoretical debate... they collectively realized they had absolutely no idea how it worked. Expecting to successfully reverse-engineer a proprietary, highly advanced magical recipe developed by a literal deity over thousands of years in an hour was incredibly arrogant, even for them. 

Once noon arrived, they met up with Galacta. After treating Tony and Stephen to a massive, slightly more mundane lunch at the local Kamar-Taj food street, Luke casually walked to a quiet, secluded courtyard. 

He drew a massive portal leading directly into the freezing vacuum of the Martian asteroid belt, enveloped himself in a thick, highly concentrated aura of dark energy, and stepped through to begin his daily 'mining' operation. 

His daily routine was highly structured: manage the U.E.F. in the morning, feed his dependents, and then spend the entire afternoon aggressively expanding his Dark Dimension by swallowing massive space rocks. While it lacked the thrilling, high-stakes adrenaline of fighting cosmic warlords, the peaceful, steady progression was surprisingly satisfying. 

Casually dodging a massive asteroid hurtling toward him at incredible speed, Luke identified a cluster of optimal targets and got to work. 

Back in Kamar-Taj, Galacta had happily run off to hang out with her new best friend, Sylvie. Tony had retreated back to the library to continue aggressively studying magical runes. 

Stephen, however, decided he needed a break from the massive stack of translated texts. He returned to his small, spartan disciple's quarters. 

Lying on his simple cot, Stephen raised his hands and stared at them. They were still visibly trembling slightly from the severe nerve damage. 

However, his perspective had fundamentally shifted. Having personally witnessed the terrifying, infinite scale of the multiverse and the mind-boggling power of dimensional magic, his absolute, singular obsession with restoring his physical surgical career suddenly felt incredibly... small. 

Still, having fully functional hands would undoubtedly be highly convenient. 

Stephen closed his eyes, precisely focusing his mental intent. He actively channeled a highly controlled, localized surge of dark energy from the contract tether. 

A faint, black glow enveloped his hands for a fraction of a second. When he opened his eyes, he held his hands out in front of him. 

They were perfectly, absolutely steady. The agonizing tremors had completely ceased. 

Stephen smiled softly. Lying back on the bed, he suddenly felt a profound, overwhelming urge to return to New York to visit Christine Palmer. He wanted to see her, to see how she was doing. Perhaps he could even subtly assist her with diagnosing some highly complex, seemingly impossible medical cases utilizing his newly acquired mystical perception. 

He sat up and began changing out of his Kamar-Taj robes into standard civilian clothing. 

He glanced down at the brass Sling Ring sitting on his bedside table. He smirked slightly, leaving the ring exactly where it was, and walked out the door. 

Since he was officially on a break, he was in absolutely no rush to return to New York. He decided to simply enjoy a leisurely, incredibly long walk. 

Strolling through the bustling, vibrant Kamar-Taj food street, Stephen purchased a few local snacks and slowly made his way toward the primary teleportation nexus. 

It's a shame I couldn't save any of Lord Luke's magical pastries for Christine. Ah well, it doesn't matter. Now that I possess this power, the distance between the Himalayas and New York is utterly meaningless. I can literally draw a portal and return whenever I want. 

Stephen happily arrived at the central teleportation chamber. 

However, looking at the three colossal, identically carved, massive wooden doors leading to the New York, London, and Hong Kong Sanctums, Stephen paused in genuine confusion. 

Why in the world didn't they install simple, clearly legible signs above the doors?! 

Stephen walked up to the massive, highly complex, metallic globe structure situated in the absolute center of the room, leaning casually against it while trying to deduce which specific door led to New York. 

"I highly recommend that you absolutely do not lean against that structure, Sorcerer Strange," a serious voice suddenly called out from the shadows, instantly startling Stephen. 

Mordo stepped into the light, offering a polite, yet firm smile. 

"That specific artifact is incredibly vital to planetary security. I strongly suggest you avoid physically disturbing it." 

"This?" Stephen asked, highly confused, pointing at the large, seemingly decorative brass globe he had just been leaning against. 

Mordo walked over. He carefully, precisely placed both of his hands directly onto the metallic globe. 

Instantly, a massive, highly complex, glowing holographic projection of the Earth materialized in the air directly above the globe! 

"This artifact functions as the primary, centralized control nexus and monitoring station for the entire planetary magical defense grid," Mordo explained, meticulously adjusting the alignment of the globe before carefully stepping back. 

"That magical grid is absolutely massive," Stephen noted, staring at the complex, glowing magical lines completely encapsulating the holographic Earth. "What exactly is its primary function? Is it designed to repel extraterrestrial alien invasions?" 

Stephen recalled the terrifying news footage of the massive alien armada attacking New York City a few months ago. 

"This specific grid is vastly more critical than simple alien defense," Mordo replied gravely. "It was meticulously constructed to actively repel and deny entry to the terrifying, apocalyptic Dimensional Lords who constantly seek to completely consume our reality." 

"Wow," Stephen deadpanned. "Initially, I merely thought they were slightly similar to hyper-aggressive corporate capitalists. But I suppose attempting to literally, physically swallow the entire planet goes significantly beyond standard corporate greed." 

Mordo chuckled slightly at the dark humor. "Those entities are infinitely more horrifying and powerful than you can currently comprehend. The Sorcerer Supreme personally constructed this massive defense grid to protect the Earth, and the Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj are sworn to protect and maintain the grid at all costs." 

Stephen nodded slowly. "So... does Kamar-Taj currently possess sufficient combat capability to successfully defend this grid against those threats?" 

"Absolutely," Mordo nodded firmly, his tone radiating absolute confidence. "The Ancient One is unequivocally the most powerful Sorcerer Supreme in recorded history. Furthermore, because we recently established a highly beneficial alliance with a benevolent Dimensional Lord, our overall combat capability has skyrocketed exponentially. We possess power we previously couldn't even fathom. Therefore, without a doubt, Kamar-Taj possesses the absolute necessary strength to defend this grid." 

"That's incredibly reassuring," Stephen sighed in profound relief. "Since your current forces are already more than sufficient, I presume you won't actively require me to participate in these highly dangerous, apocalyptic mystical wars. I really only came here to cure my hands, after all." 

Mordo shook his head slowly, his expression turning highly serious. "Every single Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj bears the absolute, unyielding responsibility to protect this grid. You are no exception. Especially considering your undeniably terrifying, unparalleled innate magical talent." 

"But you literally just stated that your current forces are entirely sufficient! Why do you actively need my participation?" Stephen argued defensively. "Furthermore, I firmly believe Tony Stark's analytical capability and magical comprehension rate are easily equal to mine! If you are genuinely desperate for additional firepower, why haven't you aggressively recruited him into your ranks?" 

Mordo stared intensely at Stephen for a long moment. "Tony Stark's destiny does not lie with Kamar-Taj. He is far better suited utilizing his technological genius and heavily armed suits to protect Earth from conventional, extraterrestrial threats." 

"But you, Sorcerer Strange... you possess an absolutely profound, unparalleled affinity for the mystic arts. You have successfully mastered complex theoretical concepts in a matter of days that require other disciples months, or even years, to comprehend! Don't you genuinely believe you have a moral obligation to utilize that incredible talent for a higher purpose?" 

Stephen shook his head stubbornly. "I firmly believe that I can contribute significantly more to humanity utilizing my skills in the operating room, rather than fighting invisible demons on some mystical battlefield. Furthermore, the operating room is an environment I actually understand and control." 

Stephen held up his perfectly steady, completely healed hands, showing them to Mordo. "These specific hands have successfully saved thousands of lives. I absolutely believe I can continue to make my most significant contributions utilizing them exactly as they were intended." 

"If you spend your entire life solely in the operating room, you might indeed successfully save several thousand individual lives," Mordo acknowledged respectfully. "However... if you actively join our ranks and fight the Dimensional Lords... you possess the potential to actively save billions of lives." 

Mordo watched Stephen fall silent, clearly deeply conflicted. 

"Given your unparalleled talent, and the absolute, unwavering support you currently receive from Lord Luke, I genuinely believe you will rapidly become incredibly powerful. In fact... I firmly believe you possess the potential to eventually become the next Sorcerer Supreme!" Mordo stated with absolute, unwavering sincerity. 

For Mordo, directly comparing Stephen's potential to the Ancient One was the absolute highest praise he could possibly bestow. 

Finally, Mordo delivered the ultimate, devastating philosophical blow. "You must accept this fundamental truth, Stephen: With great power, comes great responsibility." 1

The massive teleportation chamber fell incredibly, terrifyingly silent for several long seconds. 

Stephen frowned deeply, looking at Mordo. "Did you actually just organically invent that incredibly cliché quote yourself?" 

Mordo blinked, genuinely slightly surprised by his own profound eloquence. "I... I think I did?" 

Stephen raised an eyebrow. Regardless of the cliché, the core message was undeniably powerful. However, despite his newly acquired magical abilities, the clinical, highly controlled environment of the surgical theater was still infinitely more familiar and comforting to him than the terrifying chaos of mystical warfare. 

After a long, intense period of internal debate, Stephen looked directly at Mordo, his expression serious. 

"I firmly believe Kamar-Taj currently possesses more than enough raw power without my direct combat participation. And I firmly believe that even if I abstain from active duty, you are all fully capable of protecting the Earth." 

Stephen paused, watching Mordo's expression fall slightly. "However..." 

"Your argument is logically sound, and it resonated with me. I acknowledge that I possess an obligation to contribute my specific skills to your cause." 

Stephen smiled slightly. "I am perfectly willing to act as the primary, dedicated magical trauma surgeon and medical consultant for the Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, providing my services entirely free of charge. However, I absolutely refuse to be deployed to the front lines for standard combat operations. Naturally, if a catastrophic, apocalyptic 'End of the World' scenario occurs where literally every available hand is required... I will fight." 

Mordo paused, carefully considering the highly specific, incredibly stubborn compromise. He eventually nodded in satisfaction. 

"That is more than acceptable. The Ancient One herself does not constantly remain deployed on the front lines. On behalf of every single combat sorcerer who regularly risks their life, I sincerely thank you, Doctor Strange." 

Stephen smiled warmly. He genuinely appreciated Mordo specifically using his medical title. 

Just as the two men firmly shook hands, officially solidifying their agreement... a blaring, highly aggressive, terrifyingly loud magical alarm violently erupted throughout the entire sanctuary! 

"THE LONDON SANCTUM!" Mordo yelled in absolute panic, staring in horror at the massive holographic globe, which was currently flashing a violent, critical red warning over the United Kingdom! 

"Is the situation critical?!" Stephen asked, his medical instincts instantly kicking in, recognizing a code-blue emergency. 

"Absolutely critical! The three Sanctums are the absolute, fundamental anchor points maintaining the entire planetary defense grid! If even a single Sanctum falls, the entire grid collapses!" Mordo roared, instantly drawing his heavily enchanted combat staff from his waist. 

"Well, alright then. It appears my 'End of the World' clause has been activated significantly faster than I anticipated. I suppose I should probably accompany you and observe," Stephen sighed helplessly. "This will be my very first active deployment in a mystical combat scenario." 

Mordo rapidly transmitted a highly encrypted, urgent distress signal to all available combat sorcerers within Kamar-Taj. Without hesitating for a microsecond, the two men violently sprinted directly through the massive wooden door leading to the London Sanctum! 

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