Chapter 423: Dark Ritual

Chapter 423: Dark Ritual

Want to read ahead of what I've posted so far? Go to my patreòn and get early access chapters.

As of now, the patreòn is 6 chapters ahead. /AlienWarlord

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????Yesterday's GIF winner(s): maxphantom!???? (A/N: Our new multi-posting Futa-loving Demon King has called out his Ancestor???? How will Monkeyaking respond?????) The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

In the courtyard of Kamar-Taj, MJ, Lily, and Doctor Strange stood among the other students, dressed in the traditional grey robes. They were diligently practicing katas, following the instructions of the master leading the training. Lily chatted happily with Strange, her friendly demeanor managing to chip away at his usual prickly personality.

As they trained, Peter and the Ancient One observed from the sidelines, watching over the students. Peter's attention shifted momentarily as he caught a glimpse of a passing Master, donned in a yellow robe.

[Insert picture of Kaecilius here]

Kaecilius, a man with slicked back hair and piercing gaze, and the very man who would eventually betray and kill the Ancient One. With his future knowledge, Peter knew what lay ahead for her, and his determination to save her only strengthened.

The Ancient One followed Peter's line of sight and frowned. "Peter, let it be," she said gently, reading his thoughts. "I have seen my fate and accepted it long ago."

Peter turned to her with a resolute look. "I won't accept that, not when I have the power to change it," he declared firmly. "You've been like a second mother to me, and I won't stand by and watch you die, even if Dormammu himself stands in my way."

The Ancient One couldn't help but be touched by Peter's unwavering determination to protect her. Despite her acceptance of her fate, she couldn't deny the warmth that his words brought to her heart. She remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

With determination in his eyes, Peter continued, "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I won't rest until I find a way to sever your connection with Dormammu and keep you alive. You've done so much for me, and I owe it to you to return the favor."

A mix of emotions swirled within the Ancient One as she looked at Peter, this young man who carried the weight of the future on his shoulders. She had come to terms with her destiny long ago, but now, she found herself torn. A part of her wanted to accept Peter's offer of hope and salvation, while another part was still resolved to fulfill her destiny.

For a moment, the Ancient One's emotions wavered, but she ultimately nodded at Peter, her voice soft yet firm. "Thank you, Peter, but you must understand that some things are beyond our control. Fate has its way of unfolding, and I have seen the countless paths that lead to this moment."

"Yeah? Well, fate can go f*ck itself," Peter stated, his voice unwavering.

The Ancient One placed a gentle hand on Peter's shoulder, her eyes filled with wisdom and compassion. "I know you mean well, but remember that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences. Saving me won't end well..."

Peter shrugged uncaringly. "Then I guess we better prepare," he said resolutely. "I'll protect you and deal with any consequences. Just sit back and leave everything to me."

The Ancient One smiled softly, enjoying the feeling of being protected for once. "Do what you will..." She said, giving up. "Now, let's focus on the training at hand. There is much for our new students to learn. You know, you're daughter is quite skilled."

Peter nodded as he turned to see Lily, who has already master the Katas with ease. "Well, she's my daughter, so it makes sense." He smirked smugly.

The night was dark and shrouded in secrecy as Kaecilius gathered his followers in a hidden chamber within Kamar-Taj. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on their faces as they prepared a very forbidden ritual.

"Are you sure about this, Kaecilius?" one of his loyal zealots asked hesitantly. "Tapping into the Dark Dimension is dangerous."

Kaecilius glared at the doubter with unyielding conviction. "The Ancient One hoards power from the Dark Dimension for herself," he retorted. "We deserve to know the truth and claim our own power. Dormammu will grant us the immortality and strength we seek!"

Nervous glances were exchanged among his followers, but they were all united in their desire to defy the Ancient One's teachings and forge their own path. They surrounded a carefully arranged pattern of runes and symbols on the floor, ready to channel their combined energies into the spell.

With determination in his eyes, Kaecilius led the chanting, his voice resonating with power. "Astrapi thalassa pyr mystikon agkaleos arcanos magike phoibos daktylos, nymphai thavmata, theoseleia..." The words spoken were ancient and forbidden, invoking the very essence of the Dark Dimension itself. The chamber began to hum with energy as the ritual intensified.

As the incantation reached its climax, the room seemed to pulse with an otherworldly aura. A swirling vortex of darkness materialized in the center of the rune pattern, and the air grew thick with an oppressive presence.

A distorted voice echoed from the void, surprising everyone. "Who dares touch my dimension?"

Kaecilius stepped forward, undeterred by the ominous response. "I am Kaecilius, and we are seekers of the truth," he proclaimed. "We wish to make a pact with you."

The darkness in the center of the vortex seemed to shift, as if contemplating Kaecilius' proposal. Dormammu, a cosmic entity beyond comprehension, had little interest in the affairs of mortals, but the audacity of these sorcerers had piqued its curiosity.

"You seek my power," the distorted voice replied. "What do you offer in return?"

"We offer loyalty, servitude, and... the Ancient One." Kaecilius declared, knowing that the Ancient One was feeding off of his dimension without an ounce of repayment for countless years. "We will be your devoted disciples."

Dormammu's presence seemed to grow stronger, seeping into the chamber like a chilling wind. "Very well," the voice intoned. "Your pact is forged. Embrace the power of the Dark Dimension, and know that you shall serve me for all eternity."

As the connection with Dormammu intensified, the zealous followers felt a surge of energy coursing through their bodies, empowering them with dark mystic might. Kaecilius and his followers had taken a dangerous step, willingly aligning themselves with an entity far beyond their understanding.

Unbeknownst to them, hidden in the shadows, the Ancient One had been silently observing the forbidden ritual. Her face expressionless, but her mind racing. 'Where did I go wrong?' She wondered, her eyes lingering on Kaecilius.

After all, seeing one of the Masters she trusted the most betraying her in real life was far different than her usual visions of the future. It felt far more real than she imagined it would.

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Sat at his computer desk while MJ slept in the bed behind him, Peter started formulating a game plan to save the Ancient One. 'I already have the Resurrection Elixir, which can keep her alive, but now I need to find a way to sever her connection to the Dark Dimension...'

A/N: 1631 words :)

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