All worlds!
The moment Lockhart heard these words from the System, he was immediately captivated.
Truthfully, Lockhart had always harbored a particular suspicion about the System. What suspicion? For him, the System's greatest value lay in facilitating travel between two worlds.
With only the resources of these two realms, Lockhart had reached his current position—just one step away from godhood, with even that threshold no longer presenting a true obstacle.
It was easy to imagine that access to more worlds would allow Lockhart to absorb resources from countless realms. Many worlds meant many civilizations and many cultivation systems to reference.
The difficulty of creating the new sorcerer system he envisioned would undoubtedly decrease dramatically.
Moreover, if he had traveled once, and then twice—why not more?
Lockhart's expectations soared.
However...
The familiar mechanical voice of the System brought disappointment.
"Host, I understand your thoughts."
"You're inquiring about traveling through all worlds. The System does possess such functionality."
"However, you've declined to be deeply bound to the System. Unfortunately, the relevant functions cannot be activated for now."
Lockhart felt speechless.
It wasn't that he had rejected the System's lottery mechanism entirely.
If his entire being, all his abilities, were acquired through the lottery...
That would indeed constitute deep binding.
At that point, he would no longer be simply a Hogwarts professor wandering through Marvel.
Instead, he would become a Hogwarts professor traversing all possible worlds.
Lockhart found a bitter amusement in this thought.
But he also knew in his heart:
If this were truly the choice, would he still retain his independence?
He might avoid becoming the System's puppet, but the outcome probably wouldn't be much better.
A silent complaint rose within him, regret briefly crossing his features.
Nevertheless, Lockhart remained convinced that his choices had been correct and farsighted.
Then, the System continued...
"Of course, Host, while your situation is uncommon, it isn't unprecedented."
"For outstanding talents like yourself, we naturally provide robust support."
The System's tone grew gentler.
"Your excellence is recognized by me."
"However, it requires verification."
"I need you to produce tangible results that will convince others."
Hearing this, Lockhart was stunned.
Though he had employed various methods to test the System's intentions—confirming it harbored no murderous intent before arranging this meeting—he had also speculated about its origins.
Could it be a cosmic treasure?
Perhaps a powerful entity that had suffered grave injury?
Or might there be an organization operating behind it?
All manner of conjectures had cycled through his mind.
Yet he hadn't asked directly, fearing to waste the System's three free questions.
What real benefit would these answers provide him now?
Conversely, asking something inappropriate might create problems or elicit lies.
But gleaning understanding from the System's responses suggested a higher probability of truth—information the System consciously wanted him to know.
Therefore, he had considered his three questions with extreme care.
Now, he had obtained the insight he sought.
An organization existed behind the System, and there were likely others like him.
What did this imply?
The possibilities were numerous. Were they all time travelers? Was this similar to a divine realm spanning multiple worlds? Or perhaps an organization that extended across all realities?
The potentialities overwhelmed Lockhart, threatening to confuse his thoughts.
So much information lay concealed behind these hints.
Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, gazing steadily at the purple-gold sphere of light before him. "What results would satisfy you?" he asked calmly.
The System remained silent. Faint ripples appeared across the surface of the purple-gold sphere, as if it were contemplating.
After a time, its familiar mechanical voice resumed.
"Host, I believe your previous goal was quite suitable."
"If you can discover a path forward for sorcerers and train ten god-level warriors while establishing yourself in the Marvel world..."
"Such an achievement would prove most convincing."
"Should you accomplish this, I would willingly open the doors to all worlds for you."
The System's voice carried notes of encouragement and expectation.
Based on past experience, it remained optimistic about the Host's prospects.
However, a certain wisdom applied:
A dead genius is no longer a genius.
No matter how excellent the Host might be, death would render his potential meaningless.
Conversely, if the Host could complete this task, he would represent tremendous investment value.
After hearing the System's requirements, Lockhart maintained outward calm, though inwardly he drew a sharp breath.
Was the task difficult?
Undoubtedly!
But why had he accepted the Ancient One's invitation and sacrificed his dream world?
To a significant extent, confidence—perhaps even arrogance—drove him.
Of course, another factor was...
"That shouldn't be a problem."
"But I'd like to know what changes will occur in the System if I choose this option."
Lockhart understood perfectly that a formal meeting with the System, especially one involving a deal, would inevitably bring changes.
The System's response confirmed this naturally.
"Host, since you've chosen this path..."
"Changes will certainly occur."
"From today onward, the System will enter a dormant state and will not respond to any Host requests."
"Only when the Host reaches the established standards will the System reactivate and initiate a new cultivation protocol."
"During this period, should the Host encounter danger, the System will neither warn nor assist."
"Death means death!"
"This serves as your test, Host."
The System's voice now resonated with coldness and indifference.
Lockhart inhaled deeply upon hearing this.
The complete shutdown of the System would undoubtedly impact him severely.
In truth, he had placed significant hope in the System for the development of his new sorcerer path.
Now...
Suddenly, the System's voice transformed from indifferent to gentle.
"However, given your excellent past performance, Host, and our previously positive working relationship..."
"I can assist you one final time!"
As these words faded, the purple-gold sphere of light sank into Lockhart's brow in the blink of an eye.
The next moment, the System's voice emerged within Lockhart's mind.
"The System will completely shut down in six months!"
"During this period, the Host may travel between worlds only once."
"All other functions are offline."
"Finally, I wish the Host success in achieving his ambitions!"