Chapter 48: A Deal with the Ancient One

Disorder, chaos, and corruption—any life infected by that energy would surely descend into madness.

This was the Ancient One's immediate thought upon observing the void energy emanating from Marcus.

Yet Marcus defied her expectations. This dimensional controller, who by all logic should have been more unhinged than Dormammu, seemed completely unaffected by the chaotic dimension he commanded.

"So, you just wanted to examine me?"

As he spoke, Marcus prepared to continue his extraction. The infinite energy of the Cosmic Cube could yield countless Aya Starss.

"Not entirely. I want to propose a deal."

"A deal?" Marcus looked up at the Ancient One with curiosity. "Do you believe I can help you?"

Who was the Ancient One, after all? She was the formidable guardian who single-handedly held back the Dark Dimension. With his current abilities, how could he possibly assist someone of her power?

The Ancient One smiled subtly, her gaze fixed on the Aya Stars beginning to take shape in Marcus's hand.

"Your power can indeed help me. What you're holding is the product of condensed energy between two dimensions. I could use it to establish a connection to your void dimension."

This was what she wished to trade for. She could utilize the Aya Stars as a bridge to borrow void energy from Marcus's dimension to address certain unique challenges.

Of course, she chose to negotiate because Marcus had demonstrated rationality. Had he been like Dormammu, her approach would have been far less diplomatic.

After extracting the first Aya Stars from the Cosmic Cube, Marcus examined it while considering her proposal.

"You want to trade for the Aya Stars? What are you offering in exchange?"

Though he could extract more Aya Stars, the Ancient One would need to provide something of equal value.

She came prepared for this question. With a spark of mystical energy, a thick tome materialized in her hand.

"In addition to guaranteeing your permanent residence on Earth, I offer my collection, which contains numerous spells."

Her proposition involved trading her spellbook and her assurance of Marcus's continued presence on Earth in exchange for the Aya Stars in his possession.

This offer genuinely excited Marcus.

First, having the Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj sanction his permanent stay on Earth removed a potential threat. Second, the quality of spells collected by the Ancient One would be exceptional. He might find inspiration in those spells to wield void energy with greater precision.

And all this for just one Aya Stars and lending void energy to the Ancient One when needed.

After a thoughtful silence, Marcus agreed to the Ancient One's terms.

"We have a deal, but I must advise caution when using void energy."

"Of course," the Ancient One nodded gently. "I understand the dangers your void energy poses."

Her reason for trading was purely precautionary. Not every dimensional entity was like Marcus. Most, like Dormammu, coveted Earth with malicious intent.

Marcus handed the Aya Stars to the Ancient One, receiving her dimensional spellbook in return.

"I hope your spells won't give me reason for regret."

He opened the book's cover, revealing spells inscribed on its pages.

"Is this... the Book of Vishanti?"

The spells all began with invocations to Vishanti, which confused him since he saw no identifying markings on the tome.

"Not quite—these are rubbings from the Book of Vishanti," the Ancient One explained with a smile. "I believe white magic is more suitable for your nature. From these, you can learn methods to better master dimensional power."

As a dimensional controller, Marcus couldn't directly channel Vishanti's power to cast spells. No dimensional entity would lend their power to another dimensional being.

However, Marcus could study the spellcasting techniques in the book and develop his own dimensional magic using void energy.

After hearing her explanation, Marcus nodded in understanding. The Book of Vishanti held profound significance to the Ancient One and to Kamar-Taj itself—she would never trade the actual tome.

Following the spellcasting method described in the book, Marcus's fingertips began to glow faintly. As he moved his hands, a square magical sigil formed between his palms.

This represented the foundation of Vishanti spellcasting. Marcus was applying these basic principles to his own abilities.

Unlike the orange-red energy the Ancient One commanded, Marcus's magical circle glowed white-blue, emitting subtle void fluctuations.

Suddenly, the void dimension rippled, and new knowledge flowed into Marcus's mind.

"Void Schools?" Marcus was startled by this unexpected information. "I didn't expect game specializations to manifest here."

There were five Void Schools, corresponding to the five elements, each representing different aspects and possessing unique powers.

"Now I can wield greater power even without my armor!"

These schools would allow him to channel void energy more effectively. Mastering all five might make him stronger than his transformed state.

After completing their exchange, the Ancient One provided the location of Kamar-Taj before stepping through a portal.

With several new spells mastered, Marcus resumed extracting energy from the Cosmic Cube.

Initially, the process went smoothly, but when he attempted to extract a seventh Aya Stars, he found himself unable to condense any more energy regardless of his efforts.

"Why isn't it working?"

Marcus stared at the energy surrounding his hands. Suddenly, the Void Dimension sent another message to him.

It revealed that the Void Dimension had reached saturation with the Cosmic Cube's energy and could no longer fuse with it.

There was a limit to Aya Stars extraction. From any single energy source, only seven Aya Starss could be extracted, and the energy required for each extraction increased progressively.

The energy needed to extract the seventh Aya Stars was seven times that required for the first.

This explained why he had only obtained three Aya Starss from the combined Kree and Skrull equipment.

The revelation stunned Marcus.

He had planned to extract vast quantities of Aya Stars from the Cosmic Cube to create multiple armors, but this now appeared impossible.

He currently possessed ten Aya Starss, enough to shape two armors. He needed to carefully consider which to create.

"What should I create?"

With so many armor options, each with different functions, Marcus found himself at a crossroads.

After lengthy deliberation, he reached a decision.

"I'll make Limbo! It's the perfect opportunity to try and get back to the X-Men world."

Unlike other armors with tremendous destructive capabilities, Limbo possessed a unique power—the ability to travel freely between different planes of existence.

Marcus could use Limbo's power to journey to other worlds through the void dimension. Perhaps he could return to the mutant world and reunite with Charles and the others.

Having determined which armor to create, Marcus began channeling the power of the Aya Stars. Four Aya Starss gradually melted in his hands.

Soon, his entire body was enveloped in energy formed by the Aya Stars, leaving only a human silhouette visible.

As time passed, the light emanating from the Aya Stars grew increasingly intense.

Finally, with a sharp cracking sound, a figure appeared in the underground space—a man in a black hat and formal attire, resembling an elegant gentleman.

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