In a quiet corner of Nepal, a small training field lay surrounded by ancient buildings. People of all ages were practicing there—young, old, and in-between. Their hands moved in the same slow, steady motion again and again. They were learning to control energy, to focus their minds and bodies. The atmosphere was calm, almost peaceful, with soft winds brushing against the trees and robes fluttering gently.
Watching them from inside her home was the Ancient One. She stood silently behind a wooden screen, her eyes calm and wise as always. She had seen many things in her life—this, for her, was just another moment of quiet life.
But suddenly, everything changed.
A swirling colourfull portal opened in the middle of the training ground. The students froze. This portal didn't look like the ones they were used to. The shape was different. The energy felt unfamiliar. A sense of tension spread through the air like a chill wind. Everyone stood still, eyes wide.
When the portal stabilized, six figures stepped out slowly. Among them, two looked almost exactly the same—only the age was different. One was younger and sharp-looking, the other older, his face lined with pain and experience.
One of the instructors stepped forward, ready to stop them. But then he noticed someone familiar—John. John had visited Kamar-Taj once before. The instructor stepped back quietly, though he remained alert.
At that moment, the Ancient One herself walked out to see what had happened. Her yellow robes flowed around her as she moved with grace. She looked at the strange group before her—two Tony Starks, Captain America, Bruce Banner, Scott Lang, and John.
She raised a hand and silently motioned for them to follow her.
As the group walked deeper into the temple, none of them spoke. The halls were old, yet strong. Ancient symbols glowed faintly on the walls. The only sounds were their footsteps echoing on the stone floor.
In a far corner of the courtyard, a man stood with a book in his hand, quietly. His face was calm, but thoughtful. His name—Stephen Strange. If the future Avengers had noticed him, they would have been surprised. After all, he was a key player in their timeline. But at this moment, he remained unnoticed.
Finally, the group entered a round, quiet room filled with warm light. The Ancient One stood at the center while the others took their places in a loose circle.
"I am the Ancient One," she said gently. "Now, tell me—what brings you here with two versions of the same man?"
Future Steve stepped forward, speaking with respect. "We're from the future. Half of the universe has been wiped out by a being named Thanos. We're here to find the Infinity Stones and fix what was broken."
The Ancient One listened carefully, her face calm. She glanced at John, who gave a small nod.
John then spoke, "They're telling the truth. I brought them here because you hold one of the Stones—the Time Stone. And we need your help."
The room became quiet again. Everyone waited for the Ancient One's answer. The future Avengers looked tense but hopeful. Present Tony still looked a bit confused but was trying to keep up. John remained calm, like he already knew what would happen next.
The Ancient One looked at John and gave a slight smile, full of meaning.
"John, let's talk somewhere private."
John looked around and stood up, following the Ancient One outside.
When they arrived, John found himself standing on a cliff. Down below, people looked as small as ants. If an ordinary person were in his place, they wouldn't be able to see anything except clouds.
'Where the hell did she just bring me? I didn't even feel any spatial fluctuation', John muttered inwardly but didn't voice his confusion.
"You've become stronger again, John," the Ancient One suddenly said, seemingly out of nowhere.
Surprised, John replied modestly, "Not as strong as you, Ancient One."
"You're not that far, though." She paused for a moment, then continued, "You know, every living being has two forms. The first is the physical form. The second is the astral form—or the soul form, as some call it. I prefer 'astral' because it sounds better."
"People like us, who know how to unlock these forms, can reach heights that even gods would fear. But only… if we unlock them the right way."
John had no idea what was going on with the Ancient One today, but he kept listening without interrupting.
"But here's the most important part—no one has ever successfully walked both paths simultaneously. If someone could, and if they reached the top… they could dominate everything. Of course, it was just a theory. I never believed it possible—until I saw you, John."
As she said this, the Ancient One turned and looked at John as if he were something truly special—something she had been searching for. John was surprised by the expression in her eyes, but he said nothing and remained silent.
"Unfortunately, the path I chose led to a dead end, with no clear way forward. I was ready to give up the physical path and follow the astral one entirely. But then… you appeared, and gave me new hope again."
She took a step closer. "So all I'm trying to say is—are you willing to teach me your method as well?"
After revealing her motive, she bowed slightly in front of John, which made him panic a little.
"Please don't do this. I'll be happy to share my method with you," John said hurriedly, stopping her from bowing any further.
' She's really different from what I initially thought', John reflected. ' I used to think she was tired of living for too long, or that her body was failing. But now… I truly understand her.'
"Now, can we go back? My friends need our help urgently," John said to the Ancient One, who seemed a little different from earlier. There was a strange light in her eyes now, one that hadn't been there before.
Like she was about to be reborn.