Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man / The Boys) Multiverse later

Banner, still clutching the Time Stone, stared at the glowing artifact in his massive hand, his expression a mix of determination and concern. "Uhh… this universe will be devastated if we mess this up, right?"

The Ancient One sighed softly, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Tell the next person who delivers this Time Stone to leave it here, Dr. Banner. This stone is tied to our universe, and I have a partial role in ensuring its protection as the current problem is more pressing ."

She then turned her attention to Makima, gesturing for her to follow. "Makima, we need to talk inside. I know your problem."

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back on the rooftop, Bruce Banner glanced at the glowing Time Stone in his massive green hand, its radiance reflecting off his puzzled face.

Activating his comm, he said, "Scott , I've got the stone. Let's get out of here."

Scott Lang's voice crackled through the comm link, his tone a mix of exasperation and unease. "Uhh, yeah, but we've got a problem over here."

Banner groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Of course. I fix one mess, and another starts popping out. What's the problem now?"

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As Makima descended the staircase, her single dark wing dispersed into thin air, vanishing with an effortless flick of her will. She glanced toward the Ancient One with a dry smirk. "Strange was meant to be the best, huh? Back when he visited the Lost Library of Cagliostro? Or like now he's trying to break an Absolute Point in time."

The Ancient One, standing patiently at the base of the staircase, nodded knowingly. "Yes, that too, I am aware of. Strange's actions have ripple effects far beyond what even he can comprehend. But his path is still being written. Your role, Makima, may yet influence it. We have much to discuss."

Makima's smirk lingered, though her piercing gaze betrayed a flicker of curiosity mixed with resignation as she stepped off the last stair.

"A cup of tea, perhaps?" the Ancient One offered with a serene smile.

Makima raised an eyebrow, her tone playfully sarcastic. "Probably some beers or—"

The Ancient One interrupted quickly, shaking her head. "No, no, no. Alcohol is bad for anyone's health—even for you. Although you are not human. A former low-rank demon, perhaps?"

Makima leaned back slightly, her smirk deepening. "Just got promoted to high-rank demon," she replied, her sarcasm cutting but laced with amusement.

The two seated themselves on opposite sides of a modest wooden table. Makima rested her elbow on the armrest, observing the Ancient One as she poured tea into two delicate cups.

 "You really love tea, don't you?" Makima remarked, tilting her head slightly.

The Ancient One chuckled softly as she added a dollop of honey to her cup. "Tea and a little honey—or perhaps a lot of honey, depending on my stress level. It brings balance to moments of chaos."

Makima's smirk softened into something akin to amusement as she picked up her cup. "Balance, That's something this universe seems to desperately need."

Makima swirled her tea slightly, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Are you the Ancient One?" she asked, her voice calm but pointed.

The Ancient One responded with a faint "Hmm?" her tone a mix of curiosity and subtle playfulness.

Makima's lips curled into a sly smirk. "Doctor Strange suspects my husband was ordered by someone he refers to as the Ancient One. He told me she's good with words—like me. Very persuasive when she needs to be."

The Ancient One smiled faintly. "But you failed to persuade him, didn't you? That's why you're here, Makima—to seek power. His half—or rather, Strange's half existence—stems from the past timeline, still within the same universe, where the Lost Books are located."

Makima tilted her head slightly, her smirk deepening as her thoughts churned. Meeting someone like me is both annoying and exciting.

Her tone shifted slightly as she asked, "Wait, half existence?"

The Ancient One placed her teacup gently on the table, her voice calm yet deliberate. "Doctor Strange from this universe—the one who eventually becomes Sorcerer Supreme—used the Time Stone to..."

Makima raised a hand slightly, her sharp tone cutting in to finish the sentence. "...travel back in time. Countless times. To save Christine from the Absolute Point in time."

The Ancient One nodded, her expression betraying neither surprise nor irritation. "You've grasped the broad strokes, yes. But it's more than that. He went further back—to a place where the Lost Books are located. I couldn't follow to stop him, so I drew power from the Dark Dimension to split Strange's existence, allowing two versions of him to coexist within one timeline."

Makima leaned back slightly, her smirk faltering as her mind processed the weight of this revelation. "Give me a moment to process this," she muttered, raising her teacup again as her thoughts swirled with curiosity and concern.

The Ancient One chuckled softly, an amused glint in her calm gaze. "Are you confused about this universe's capabilities, or are you more perplexed that I didn't give you a direct answer about whether I'm truly the Ancient One or not?"

Makima leaned back further in her chair, her smirk returning, albeit tinged with frustration. "Both. And, for the record, you're a lower level than my husband, Kang Woo. However, meeting someone like you—someone with a similar personality to mine—is incredibly annoying. Especially since I'm supposed to be the one who's good at words and speeches."

The Ancient One took a sip of her tea, entirely unfazed. "You must have a lot of stress and unpredictable events in your life. Perhaps shaving your head, becoming bald like me, could increase your patience."

Makima's smirk vanished instantly, replaced by a deadpan glare. "Drop fucking dead, you bald-headed woman."

The Ancient One set her teacup down, her serene smile unwavering despite Makima's sharp retort. "Ah, but patience, my dear, is a virtue. Even for demons—or perhaps, especially for demons."

Makima crossed her legs, her smirk reappearing as she leaned forward slightly. "Demons and devils are different in my world, unlike in this universe where they're treated as the same. In my world, devils are invalids. A pathetic creatures who feed on fear and negative energy tied to their concept. Demons, on the other hand, are the highest tier of existence—true apex in my world . My husband, Kang Woo, is a demon. A very high-tier demon at that."

The Ancient One studied Makima for a moment, her calm expression unchanged. "Interesting. I've never seen you through the Time Stone," she admitted, her tone reflective. "The stone gives me precognition of future events, yet you've remained unseen. Likely because you're an alien to this world."

She paused briefly before continuing, her voice carrying a faint edge of curiosity. "But I can guess. You have a strong personality, rooted in control and domination. Your original powers must stem from that. And that darkness you wield—it's bestowed upon you, isn't it? By your husband?"

Makima's smirk deepened, a flicker of genuine respect entering her sharp gaze. "You're a far more understanding person than I anticipated. I'm impressed."

The Ancient One nodded slightly, her tone growing contemplative. "And that Sling Ring in your hand—it's unlike any other. It was likely bestowed by your husband as well. I suspect it's the only one of its kind, capable of traversing the multiverse. But for now, you can't use it, can you? Not until you've grasped the magic of this universe."

Makima let out a small sigh, her tone carrying a hint of irritation. "Yeah, I don't understand a single thing about the magic this universe offers. You're right, though. I have a strong desire to control. In my world, I am the embodiment of the fear of control."

The Ancient One tilted her head slightly, her calm gaze unwavering. "Most people who come to me seek healing—physical or spiritual. But you, Makima, you seek enlightenment and power. That is... exceedingly rare."

She paused, her tone shifting to something more probing yet still serene. "Makima, although you mock the devils, I can tell you once were one of them—an invalid being. If I connect the dots, you were the Control Devil before being promoted and becoming a demon. It's the same reason your husband has given you so much power and so many gifts. Yet, subconsciously, you know your place. You know it's impossible to reach your husband's level and become the ideal wife you aspire to be for him."

Makima remained silent, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes flickering with subtle unease. In her thoughts, she mused, Need to remember what O-Bengh said—be humble. But I still can't see clearly. Is it my arrogant still holding me back?

The Ancient One broke the silence with a fluid motion of her hand, creating a glowing circle of golden sparks using her Sling Ring. A portal materialized, its edges shimmering with mystic energy.

"Let's start one step at a time," the Ancient One said, her tone calm but firm. "I will guide you, Makima, just as I will, in the future, guide Strange."

Makima nodded as she rose from her chair, her movements precise and composed.

The Ancient One gestured toward her. "First, try to copy me. Use your Sling Ring."

Makima raised her hand, slipping on the Infinity Sling Ring she had received from Kang Woo, the Reality and Time Stones embedded on each side gleaming faintly. She made a circular gesture, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes narrowing in concentration. A faint sparkle flickered into existence but quickly fizzled out.

Makima stopped, her expression tightening slightly, irritation slipping into her voice though her composure remained intact. "I still don't understand how the magic of this universe works. I've already told you that."

The Ancient One stepped closer, placing a gentle but firm hand on Makima's shoulder. Her voice carried an air of reassurance, mixed with purpose. "Stop for a moment. I understand your frustration, but allow me to explain why I'm pressing you now. I won't tell you everything, but know this—your teaching is at its peak. It's similar to the zone stance of an athlete at the Olympics. Right now, your body, mind, and spirit are in harmony, in a 'heat' that accelerates your learning."

The Ancient One paused, meeting Makima's sharp gaze. "If I stop you now and have you learn through books or the slower, traditional methods, you'll lose this momentum. Your progress will stall."

Makima's expression softened slightly as she absorbed the words. After a brief moment, she nodded. "Fine. Let's continue."

The Ancient One gave a small nod of approval before speaking again. "You can't beat a river or an ocean into submission. It's impossible. But I understand—you're merely following how your husband acts. If he has the power to elevate you to a higher being, that suggests his power is virtually unlimited. However, that applies only to him. I'm sorry, Makima, but neither you, nor I, nor 90 percent of the living beings in this universe can do what he does. The only thing you can do is to surrender to the river's current and use its power as your own."

Makima's sharp yellow-ringed eyes narrowed as she absorbed the Ancient One's words. Her lips pressed into a tight line, irritation flickering across her composed demeanor. "You're telling me to surrender to the current? To let it carry me and use its power as my own?" Her voice was calm, but there was a distinct edge of frustration beneath the surface. "I am the embodiment of control itself, and you're asking me to let go of that? That doesn't make any sense at all."

The Ancient One, unfazed by Makima's reaction, smiled serenely. "You misunderstand. I'm not asking you to abandon control entirely—I'm asking you to shift your perspective. You cannot bend a river or ocean to your will . It's not about submission; it's about harmony. You use the current, flow with it, and direct it where it needs to go."

Makima's irritation deepened, though she maintained her composure. Her voice carried an edge, her frustration seeping through despite her effort to remain calm. "Harmony is not my strength. My power is rooted in domination, in bending others to my will. You expect me to simply... adapt? That's not how I operate."

The Ancient One's thoughts remained calm despite Makima's tone. Good. She's getting irritated. She might not realize it, but the more frustrated she becomes, the more she absorbs the knowledge and power I'm imparting. This method is unconventional, but it's working. Strange will face the same challenge in the future.

The Ancient One's voice softened but remained firm. "Not everything can be understood, and not everything needs to be how you operate. Your power has taken you very far. From what I see, you've likely commanded a high-ranking organization in your world, and you left it to follow your husband. But this approach will take you no further. Shift your perspective, Makima."

With a fluid motion, the Ancient One made a hand seal. The surroundings shifted dramatically, and they were both transported into the shimmering, fractured space of the Mirror Dimension.

Makima's irritation gave way to curiosity as she looked around, her sharp eyes scanning the surreal reflections and impossible architecture. "What is this place?" she asked, her tone still sharp but slightly calmer.

"This is the Mirror Dimension," the Ancient One explained. "A parallel dimension that allows the user to practice their magical abilities and fight their enemies without the public's knowledge. Or, perhaps, you could use it for surveillance—it's entirely undetectable."

Makima's thoughts settled slightly. I could use this for surveillance in the future, if necessary.

The Ancient One continued, her tone deliberate. "However, it can also be used to contain threats... or perhaps to train someone's ego."

Makima raised an eyebrow, her irritation flickering back. "Huh?"

Without another word, the Ancient One opened a portal and stepped through, leaving Makima alone in the Mirror Dimension. Her parting words echoed through the reflective space. "Surrender, Makima. Be better."

Makima didn't panic. Instead, she took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly to center herself. When she opened them again, a faint smirk tugged at her lips as she muttered to herself, "That bald-headed woman is like a mixture of me and Kang Woo."

Makima stood in the eerie stillness of the Mirror Dimension, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes scanning the infinite reflections around her. Taking another deep breath, she raised her hand and made a circular gesture with her Infinity Sling Ring. Once again, faint sparks flickered into existence but failed to form a portal.

Lowering her hand, Makima's gaze softened, her sharp demeanor replaced with a rare vulnerability. Her thoughts began to churn. What am I afraid of? What makes me different from the me before I met Kang Woo?

Her voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "I don't want to be left behind. I don't want to become the kind of first wife Kang Woo—the Demon King himself—only sees as a trophy."

She paused, her composure wavering for the first time in what felt like ages. A single tear slid down her cheek, glistening in the dim light of the reflective dimension. "He's regaining his power so quickly—he must be level 300 in another eight days if there's no interference and he absorbs whatever he needs. If my estimation is correct. And me? I'm stagnant."

Makima closed her eyes, letting the tears fall silently as she whispered to herself, "I can't lose him. There's no one who can replace him. Not in this world, not in any other."

For a moment, the immense weight of her vulnerability pressed against her ironclad resolve. But as the echoes of her own voice faded into the infinite mirrors around her, a flicker of determination lit in her gaze. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, straightened her posture, and stared into her reflection.

"This is why I have to change," she muttered, her voice carrying newfound resolve. "Not for the sake of surrendering... but for the sake of standing beside him as an equal."

Makima then reflected on O-Bengh's words about humbling herself. Her sharp gaze deepened, her thoughts defiant yet focused. No, that's not me. I'm Makima, the Control Devil. After I follow the river's current, I will take it as my own. Bit by bit, I'll learn to do what Kang Woo does. I will lift the ocean and create a world, just like he did. One day.

As these thoughts emboldened her, Makima began to imagine her victory: standing proudly beside Kang Woo, ruling not just as his wife but as his equal. She envisioned the Earth—the planet of her origin—ruled under Kang Woo's absolute dominion, with her at his side.

With her confidence and courage restored, Makima raised her hand once more. Her smirk returned, faint but resolute, as she visualized the Ancient One's sanctuary.

Makima made the circular gesture again, this time with unwavering focus. Sparks of orange light burst forth, coalescing into a shimmering portal. For a moment, Makima stared at it, her breath catching as tears of pride welled in her eyes.

"I did it," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. A proud tear slid down her cheek as she stepped toward the portal. "I finally understand this world's magic. It's all about the image of winning… and that means imagination."

The Ancient One sipped her tea with calm composure, her eyes glancing toward the shimmering portal that had materialized in the sanctum's interior. Her serene expression shifted slightly, her hands forming a series of intricate gestures. A Shield of Seraphim enveloped her, accompanied by multiple Tao Mandalas, their ethereal glow invisible to the naked eye but humming with protective mystic energy.

Makima stepped through the portal with measured grace, her expression unreadable, as if carved from stone. Her sharp yellow-ringed eyes surveyed the Ancient One, yet she gave away nothing.

The Ancient One studied her carefully, her voice calm yet probing. "I thought you might attack me with the magic of your own—the darkness you wield so naturally. Perhaps even a retaliation for the trick I played on you. But instead, you let it go. Are you… being forgiving, Makima?"

Makima's lips curled into a faint smirk, but her response was as cryptic as ever. "Maybe."

As the Ancient One moved to take a step, she suddenly faltered, her balance momentarily lost. Gripping the edge of the table for support, her calm demeanor wavered. She scanned the floor, her fingers brushing against the surface, and frowned as they encountered a slick substance. Bringing her hand closer, she realized what it was.

"Baby oil," the Ancient One muttered, her brows furrowing.

Makima's smirk widened slightly, though her tone remained cold and composed. "A trick… of a trick."

The Ancient One chuckled softly, recovering her composure as she straightened. "Clever. A lesson of subtlety, perhaps?"