Mirror Space.
The Eye of Agamotto on the Ancient One's chest spun slowly, emitting a soft green glow.
Ripples of light spread through the sky, enveloping a vast area in a pale green shimmer.
The Ancient One walked deliberately into the heart of the illuminated space, her calm gaze fixed on the seven figures frozen in place.
Of the seven, three remained utterly motionless, completely ensnared. The remaining four were cloaked in flickering phantoms, their forms straining as though battling invisible restraints.
This stark contrast marked the difference between those who had entered in their true forms and those who had sent mere clones.
"I've been waiting for this day for a long time," the Ancient One said, her voice even yet charged with purpose.
The restrained gods exchanged shocked glances.
"Ancient One, what exactly are you planning?" demanded Mikaboshi, the God of Slaughter, his dark red form trembling as he forced out the words.
The Ancient One smiled faintly, her expression both serene and unnerving.
"It's nothing too elaborate," she replied lightly. "I simply need your assistance in sustaining Kamar-Taj."
Her gaze swept over them. "With your contributions, Kamar-Taj will remain secure for centuries to come."
The evil gods' expressions darkened. Fury and dread flickered in their eyes.
Himalayas, Kamar-Taj.
Overhead, the colossal crimson Wheel of Destruction continued its relentless rotation, unleashing torrents of magic—fire, lightning, ice, and poisonous fog—against the invading hordes.
Along the mountainside and near the edges of Kamar-Taj, Lockhart and his fellow sorcerers battled the ground forces, their spells raining devastation upon the monsters.
Lockhart raised his wand, conjuring a vast sea of blue fire that surged forward, coalescing into a massive dragon-like flame beast. The fiery creature roared as it charged the demons.
Other sorcerers unleashed their own specialized magics, cutting down the advancing creatures.
For now, the battle appeared stable.
But as Lockhart focused on the skirmish, he felt the surge of chaotic energy around him. His expression turned wary.
Roar!
A ferocious bellow echoed through the battlefield.
Lockhart turned to see a towering figure in black robes astride a massive beast. A suffocating aura of darkness radiated from both rider and mount.
Recognizing the energy signature, Lockhart narrowed his eyes. It was from Dormammu's dark dimension.
"Great God of Darkness, grant me the strength to crush my enemies," the robed figure intoned, his voice a sinister prayer.
As the dark energy surrounding the figure grew, Lockhart raised his wand and unleashed a surge of blue fire.
The flames engulfed the figure and his beast, but a flicker of black light surrounded them, allowing them to pass through unharmed.
Lockhart adjusted, transforming the blue fire into Hellfire, its crimson hue radiating an aura of torment.
This time, the beast roared in pain as the Hellfire licked at its form, causing visible discomfort. But the creature pressed on, its steps more determined, its movements angrier.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Lockhart aimed the Killing Curse at the rider, a green beam of death streaking through the air.
The black-robed figure shifted slightly, dodging the deadly spell.
"Thunderbolt! Avada Kedavra!"
Lockhart fired off a barrage of spells in quick succession, each of a different kind. The magical beams illuminated the battlefield, drawing the attention of nearby sorcerers.
Noticing Lockhart's distinctive wandwork, they exchanged curious glances. Unlike their methods of using Sling Rings and rune formations, Lockhart's spells required neither. His swift, responsive style stood out.
After a brief pause, they refocused on their own battles.
Meanwhile, Lockhart's relentless assault wore down the dark figure. With a final flick of his wand, he landed a decisive blow, reducing the rider to a cloud of black mist.
As the mist dissipated, Lockhart's brow furrowed in thought.
After a large number of Dormammu's minions fell, their bodies dissolved into swirling black mist that began to coalesce.
The gathered mist pulsed with malice, radiating a suffocating aura of darkness and death.
Lockhart tensed, his grip on his wand tightening.
Mirror Space.
"Dormammu," the Ancient One said, her tone sharp yet mocking, "I can't decide whether to call you clever or reckless."
She paced slightly, her piercing gaze fixed on the motionless figure of Dormammu.
"You were wise not to bring your true form," she continued. "But splitting your essence into two parts—one here, the other on the battlefield? That was a mistake."
Her voice hardened. "True strength lies in purity, not in overextension."
Dormammu remained silent, his form unnervingly still.
The Ancient One smiled knowingly. "You've fought me for centuries, Dormammu. Surely, by now, you realize the futility of this."
Dormammu's silence betrayed no emotion, but within, he stewed. The Ancient One's power had frustrated him time and again. His choice to enter as an avatar wasn't born of cowardice, but caution.
And curiosity.
Dormammu's true goal wasn't the Ancient One—it was Lockhart.
Within Lockhart's soul, Dormammu sensed an unfamiliar aura, one that stirred a deep and primal fear within him. Even the Ancient One seemed unaware of its presence.
If Dormammu could claim that power, not even the Sorcerer Supreme would stand a chance against him.
Back at Kamar-Taj, the swirling black mist surged toward Lockhart, swallowing the barrage of spells sent against it.
Lockhart's expression grew grim as the mist closed in, seemingly impervious to his attacks.
Summoning his resolve, he raised his wand once more.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Silver light erupted from the wand's tip, radiating hope and joy. The light coalesced into a majestic silver lion, its luminous form exuding an aura of purity and protection.
The lion roared, charging at the black mist with unwavering ferocity.
Opening its mouth, the lion unleashed a silver orb of light that struck the mist, causing it to dissipate like smoke in the wind.
The lion didn't stop. It slashed at the mist with its claws, scattering it further until none remained.
Lockhart allowed himself a small smile of relief.
But—
Buzz!
A sharp, black light pierced through the air, moving with blinding speed.
Before Lockhart could react, the light struck him squarely in the chest, cutting through his defenses.
==============================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this FANFIC or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
==============================================