Start in Terra, immortal

Seeing that Strange had made a request to Rosso, Black Strange stepped forward first: "Let America come. It'll be good for her to experience her abilities again, which will help her to fully control them later."

"You've already gotten into the role of a teacher so quickly?" Rosso joked when he heard Black Strange volunteer.

Black Oddity remained unmoved by Rosso's teasing, instead placing his hand on America's shoulder.

"Follow the method I taught you when you were searching for Wanda, and try to sense where his universe is."

This time, America didn't back down. She nodded firmly, her expression resolute: "Okay, I'll feel it carefully this time!"

With her eyes closed and focused, she opened them and exhaled, gathering all her strength in her hands before throwing a punch.

With a click, a star-shaped portal opened. On the other side of the portal stood an ordinary three-story Victorian-style brownstone townhouse, with a touch of French Baroque architecture and a distinctive Mansard roof. It was clearly the Sanctuary of the Supreme Being in Universe 616, located in New York.

"This should be the place," Black Strange nodded to 616 Strange. "Take care!"

Strange nodded in response, looked around, and stepped into the portal.

Before the portal could close, a voice rang out in the sanctuary: "Strange? You shouldn't be here."

Upon hearing this voice, both Stranges froze almost simultaneously. Black Strange abandoned the idea of ​​having America close the portal and turned to look at the Sanctum Sanctorum on the other side.

The person who just spoke in the Sanctum Sanctorum was the Ancient One, the previous Sorcerer Supreme and the teacher of both Stranges.

The Ancient One turned to look into the portal, and the moment she saw Strange, she seemed to understand something. She nodded to Strange: "It seems you've had a tough time lately, Strange."

"Ancient One..." Black Strange looked embarrassed. He recalled his behavior when facing his teacher, and how he ignored his teacher's advice and forcibly changed the absolute point in time, causing the destruction of the universe.

Looking at the grim-faced Black Strange, the Ancient One continued, "You don't need to explain too much to me. You are the best among us, and I believe you have your own reasons for doing all this."

"Won't you come in and sit down? Bring your friends along." Her tone was gentle, her eyes filled with pity. She saw many things in those strange, dark eyes.

The black figure stood frozen in place. The hand on America's shoulder tightened involuntarily, and the girl looked up at him in pain, but was too frightened to utter a sound by the complex expression on his face.

"I..." He opened his mouth, but found himself speechless.

He thought that after experiencing so much, he was strong enough to face any past with equanimity.

But when the Ancient One's all-seeing eyes looked over, he realized that he was still the same apprentice in the courtyard of Kamar-Taj, restless and anxious because he couldn't control the Sling Ring.

"Go." A calm voice sounded behind him; it was Rosso.

He had walked up to Black Strange without him noticing and gently patted him on the shoulder.

"Some knots in your heart can only be untied by facing them. Opportunities to reconcile with your past self and with important people don't come every time."

Black Oddity took a deep breath and finally nodded. He released America's shoulders, gave the girl an apologetic look, then straightened his scorched cloak and straightened his back.

"Alright," he said, his voice regaining its usual composure. "Then I'll take my leave, teacher."

He stepped forward first, crossing the portal. America hesitated for a moment, then followed. Rosso, with his hands in his pockets, strolled in last.

The portal slowly closed behind them.

Inside the Sanctum Sanctum of Universe 616, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle. The Ancient One had already brewed tea, and its aroma wafted through the air.

She looked at Black Strange, America, and Rosso who walked in, her gaze lingering on Rosso for a moment longer, a knowing glint in her eyes, but she didn't ask any further questions.

"Sit down," she gestured to everyone.

Black Strange sat down opposite the Ancient One, his movements somewhat stiff. America sat obediently beside him, curiously observing this Sorcerer Supreme she had never seen before. Rosso leaned casually against a pillar, adopting an observer's posture.

"How is your universe...?" The Ancient One poured a cup of tea for Black Strange and asked softly.

Hei Qiyi took the teacup with both hands, his fingertips slightly blackened. "Because of me, it perished. Only a few remnants remained, which became my cage," he answered softly, without hiding anything.

The Ancient One remained silent for a moment, her eyes filled with deep regret and understanding, not blame. "For Christine?"

"Yes." Hei Qiyi nodded, downing the warm tea in his cup in one gulp, as if trying to suppress the sob in his throat. "I... failed. I tried everything, but in the end, I couldn't save her. Instead, I ruined everything."

"But you didn't give up, did you?" The Ancient One's gaze fell on the faint golden magic circle mark on the back of his hand. "You've found a new path, a new... hope."

Black Strange followed her gaze to the back of his hand, then looked up at Rosso, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Yes. Thanks to Lord Rosso, I had the opportunity to make amends."

"That's good." The Ancient One nodded with satisfaction. "Strange, you are my most outstanding student, and also the one with the most 'potential.' Your path is destined to be different, full of thorns. But remember, no matter what power you draw from, whether it's darkness or light, the key lies in your heart. Your heart guides you to save those you love, and that initial intention has never changed. That's enough."

These words were like warm spring water, washing away the guilt and self-doubt that had long weighed on Hei Qiyi's heart. His nose tingled, and he almost cried, but he forced himself to hold back, simply nodding emphatically: "I understand, teacher. Thank you."

"As for you," the Ancient One turned her gaze to 616 Strange, her tone slightly teasing, "it seems you're doing quite well in this universe; at least the Sanctuary hasn't collapsed yet."

Strange touched his nose somewhat awkwardly: "Teacher, please stop making fun of me."

"It's good that you're back safe and sound." The Ancient One smiled, then said seriously, "However, the turmoil you caused this time is considerable. The balance of the multiverse has become more fragile, and some ancient beings may be awakened. You need to be prepared."

"We will," the two Stranges said in unison.

The Ancient One then looked at America, her eyes gentle: "Child, your power is a gift, but also a test. Follow him," she pointed to Black Strange, "you will learn a lot. But remember, the true meaning of power lies in control, not in being controlled by it."

America nodded earnestly: "I will remember that, Master."

Finally, the Ancient One's gaze fell on Rosso. She stood up and bowed slightly to him: "Your Excellency, thank you for your guidance and help to Strange. Your existence has brought new variables and hope to this multiverse."

Rosso nodded slightly in return: "It's simply a matter of mutual benefit. The Ancient One's insight into the world is truly remarkable."