I'M IN MARVEL

C15 : Supreme Mage? Me?

On the morning of October 31, 2010, in the Sanctum Sanctorum, New York.

"So, the Blood God just... left? Without putting up a fight?" Russell questioned, leaning back against the enchanted table.

The Ancient One, in her signature yellow cloak, smiled serenely. "He didn't want to lose another clone, and I saw no reason to waste energy on a needless battle."

Russell raised an eyebrow. "So... it's over?"

"Indeed," she replied, sipping her tea.

"Good." Russell's demeanor brightened. "Now, about my payment?"

"Payment?" The Ancient One tilted her head, genuinely puzzled.

"The Blood God's energy," Russell reminded her with a pointed look.

"You already took plenty of it yourself when you fought Deacon Frost," she countered.

"That's different!" Russell protested. "I earned that through my own efforts. That's not wages!"

Ancient One chuckled, clearly amused. "And how much would you consider a fair wage?"

Russell hesitated. "Uh... I'm not sure. How much energy did we gain this time?" He conjured a spark of energy, roughly the size of a marble, as a benchmark.

The Ancient One raised two fingers.

"Twenty million units?" Russell guessed, eyes widening in disbelief. He knew the Blood God had transmitted significant energy to Earth—roughly 3.4 million units—but twenty million?

Ancient One shook her head.

"Two million? That's way too low," Russell grumbled.

"Two small goals," she corrected, the corners of her lips lifting in a cryptic smile.

Russell bolted upright. "Two hundred million? That's impossible! The Blood God didn't send that much. Did you siphon extra energy from him?!"

Ancient One's expression remained enigmatic. "What you and the Blood God perceived was merely a fraction of the truth."

The air around them shimmered, and with a subtle wave of her hand, the space cracked and folded inward. She pulled Russell into the Mirror Dimension, the world around them fracturing into a surreal reflection of reality.

"When the Blood God transmitted energy to Earth, I redirected much of it into the Mirror Dimension," Ancient One explained. She gestured to a vast, crimson sea pulsating with power. "This is the total energy he transmitted."

Russell stared in awe at the sight. Surrounding the sea of blood were other vast reservoirs of energy, shimmering in every imaginable hue.

"I thought I'd never find a sponsor like the Blood God again," Russell muttered, his gaze lingering on the reservoirs. "But it turns out the real goldmine was here all along."

"Do you want it?" The Ancient One's calm voice carried a subtle note of temptation.

"Of course," Russell replied instinctively, then paused. "Wait. What's the catch?"

The Ancient One's serene expression didn't falter. "These energies are my reserves, accumulated over centuries of... clever acquisitions. They're also my main source of magic in battle. I'm offering them to you—on one condition."

"What condition?"

"You must succeed me as the Sorcerer Supreme and protect this dimension from mystical corruption."

Russell blinked. "Is this... a test?"

"Not at all," she replied. "This is my responsibility. And if you accept, it will become yours."

"Is there a downside?"

The Ancient One's gaze grew distant. "Russell, being the Sorcerer Supreme is not about limitations; it's about sacrifices. You will lose much—freedom, certainty, peace of mind."

She sighed softly. "For centuries, I've carried this world on my back. Russell, you are strong. You can become stronger than I ever was. The burdens I've borne may only feel like a breeze to you in time."

Russell narrowed his eyes. "Master, are you trying to manipulate me?"

The Ancient One chuckled but didn't answer. "There's no rush to decide, Russell. Take your time."

Her words lingered as the Mirror Dimension shimmered and collapsed, returning them to the Sanctum.

As Russell stepped outside, he muttered under his breath, "Wait... where's my salary?"

The realization struck him: the Ancient One had used the energy offer and the Sorcerer Supreme proposition to distract him from his payment. "Cunning old mage," he grumbled.

---

Later that Day

Russell returned to his bookstore to find an unusual sight: George Stacy from Earth-404 was standing face-to-face with Gwen Stacy, their expressions frozen in mutual shock.

It was Halloween, a Sunday, and George had come to invite Russell to a neighborhood party. But now, all his attention was fixed on Gwen.

"Excuse me, young lady," George finally said, his voice filled with astonishment. "Do you know someone named Helen? You look exactly like her when she was younger."

"Helen?" Gwen asked, startled. "She's my aunt."

George's jaw dropped. "Your aunt? Helen's still alive?"

In Gwen's home dimension, Earth-65, her Aunt Helen had died during her childhood.

"Yes," Gwen confirmed, her voice soft.

George extended his hand. "I'm George Stacy. Helen never mentioned she had such a strikingly beautiful niece."

After a moment's hesitation, Gwen shook his hand. "Gwen. Gwen Stacy."

George's face lit up. "That's incredible! My daughter's name is Gwen Stacy too, though she's only eight years old."

He studied Gwen for a moment, then added, "You're stunning. I hope my Gwen grows up to be as lovely as you."

"I'm sure she will," Russell interjected with a smile.

"Thanks, Russell." George smiled warmly. "Are you coming to the party tonight?"

Hearing this, Gwen's eyes sparkled with excitement. It was her chance to meet Helen in this universe.

"Of course," Russell replied. "Gwen and I will be there."

"Great. I'll let the others know," George said before leaving.

When he was gone, Gwen turned to Russell. "You know George?"

Russell nodded. "We've crossed paths."

"Can you tell me about him? And Helen?" she asked, her tone eager.

Russell's gaze softened. "Why don't you meet them yourself tonight?"

He knew Gwen's encounter with the Stacys could help her heal from her past.

---

Russell and George's connection went back years. Initially, George had suspected Russell of being involved in the gang violence and murders he frequently stumbled upon. But upon closer investigation, George realized Russell wasn't the perpetrator—just a mysterious figure with an uncanny knack for being in the wrong place at the right time.

In time, their mutual understanding grew, and Russell occasionally shared critical intel with George.

Russell's true purpose at those scenes? Absorbing energy left behind by defeated villains.