Chapter 88: The 'Invincible' Ancient One
The Space Compression Cannon isn't limited to compressing air. It can compress other things like liquids or energies as long as they are within the caster's control. Naturally, solid objects like mountains or peaks are best avoided. Imagine trying to compress a mountain to catch your enemy off guard, only for it to end up as a dense little ball. Once the space compression is removed, what would the enemy think upon seeing a small, heavy sphere? If they don't have a death wish, they won't rush to get crushed by it, likely turning to mock you instead.
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Qi Jun didn't expect the Space Compression Cannon to seriously injure the Ancient One. Firstly, the Mirror Dimension was the Ancient One's home turf. Qi Jun's continuous air compression wouldn't go unnoticed, and the Ancient One wouldn't let him compress indefinitely. Secondly, as the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One's equipment was top-notch. Even with Qi Jun's limited knowledge of crafting magical artifacts from his imprinted memories, he could tell the Ancient One's gear wasn't ordinary. The robe, belt, bracelets, and boots all radiated powerful magical energy.
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"Space mages, the hardest to deal with!"
Frowning, the Ancient One conjured a light shield to block the barrage of spatial magic Qi Jun sent her way while advancing towards him. Qi Jun wasn't surprised that the Ancient One's light shield could block his spatial attacks. As the Sorcerer Supreme, her mastery of spatial magic was profound. Though it looked like a light shield, it wasn't just a simple shield.
Watching the Ancient One approach, Qi Jun didn't immediately retreat. Instead, he cast a specialized spatial magic: "Distant Horizon." Basic spatial magics like spatial blades and waves can be learned by any mage with an affinity for space. However, "Distant Horizon" is unique to space mages, demonstrating their advanced understanding and control of spatial power. It makes the distance between the mage and the target seem insurmountable, no matter how hard the target runs.
Seeing the Ancient One running but never closing the gap, Qi Jun almost laughed out loud, nearly dispelling the Space Compression Cannon. He held back, knowing it couldn't be released near him lest it hurt him instead.
The Ancient One, also a master of spatial magic, quickly realized something was wrong. She dismissed her light sword, keeping the light shield to block Qi Jun's continuous spatial slashes. Maintaining the shield, the Ancient One considered her options. "Distant Horizon" was a formidable spatial magic, challenging to master. The Ancient One didn't know Qi Jun's cheat-like advantage, thinking he had mastered it through intense study.
To counter a fellow space mage's spell, one could disrupt the spatial magic's nodes or overwhelm the space with raw power. The Ancient One knew her power wasn't enough to crush Qi Jun's spell, so she chose a different approach. Keeping the light shield active, she formed hand signs, activating the Eye of Agamotto on her chest. A green glow enveloped her, rendering Qi Jun's "Distant Horizon" ineffective.
Seeing the Ancient One rapidly closing in, Qi Jun felt helpless yet enlightened. The Time Stone could counter like this, maintaining the Ancient One's timeline at the moment she entered the Mirror Dimension, nullifying "Distant Horizon." Spatial slashes passed through the green-shrouded Ancient One without effect, leaving Qi Jun speechless. "This isn't fair!" he thought, recognizing the Ancient One's skill as the Sorcerer Supreme and Doctor Strange's teacher.
As the Ancient One neared, Qi Jun teleported away, releasing the Space Compression Cannon. An explosion rocked the Mirror Dimension, but the green glow around the Ancient One remained untouched. "You leave me no choice!" Qi Jun sighed, preparing to use the forbidden Space Collapse.
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"Space Collapse," a forbidden technique, compresses space to a singularity, creating a localized black hole. Using it could destabilize the Mirror Dimension, threatening both mages. But Qi Jun saw no other option.
The Ancient One sensed the impending danger and strengthened her defenses. Green energy from the Time Stone reinforced her shields, countering Qi Jun's spatial manipulation. The space around them warped and twisted as the two mages clashed.
Qi Jun's Space Collapse began to draw in matter, the force growing exponentially. The Mirror Dimension strained under the pressure, fractures appearing in its structure. The Ancient One conjured intricate sigils, attempting to stabilize the collapsing space.
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In the end, both mages stood exhausted but impressed by each other's prowess. The Ancient One, recognizing Qi Jun's potential, extended a hand of friendship. "Your power is formidable, Qi Jun. As promised, I recognize you as an ally of Kamar-Taj. Let us work together to protect this realm."
Qi Jun, nodding in agreement, knew this alliance would be crucial in the battles to come.