Strange Tales #186

In "What Lurks beneath the Mask?" from Strange Tales #186, Stephen Strange races against time to stop Dormammu’s growing power, following a trail of mystical clues that lead from one hidden adept to another. With only a cryptic scroll and the faint hope of confronting his master’s imprisoned spirit, Strange ventures into the mind of the Ancient One—where the true cost of his quest may be more than he ever imagined.

In "When Meet the Mystic Minds!", Dr. Strange ventures into the depths of the unconscious mind of his late mentor, the Ancient One, seeking the secret of Eternity. Guided by the lingering echoes of his master’s psyche, he navigates a series of perilous mental trials, confronting the Ancient One’s most guarded memories and defenses. After proving his identity and intentions, Strange emerges from the ordeal—only to summon a vast mystical gateway atop a Himalayan peak, stepping through as his amulet vanishes into the sky. Moments later, Mordo arrives, too late to stop him.