Russell took a deep breath.
The system's status was far higher than he had ever imagined—especially the scene of it wiping away the Phoenix Force fragments just now. That had been truly shocking.
But that wasn't the main point.
Until now, he had never questioned why he awakened the system the moment he transmigrated.
He'd always assumed it was a basic benefit for a transmigrator.
But now… he suddenly wasn't so sure.
Because the system's power wasn't abstract anymore—it felt real, concrete, no longer just some virtual interface.
It was called a "system," yes. But now… it felt more like some higher-dimensional power that surpassed even the Phoenix Force itself.
A power that just happened to carry the name "system."
But back when he transmigrated, he hadn't felt any energy or power entering his body.
Suddenly, Russell remembered Khonshu, the so-called "Moon God" he'd encountered in the void.
He recalled that moment, when he first stepped through the golden door, and had been immune to a so-called "0.1 microgram" trade of spiritual essence.
Now, thinking back, that likely had nothing to do with the system's power at all.
Back then… he'd misunderstood completely.
So what did that mean?
Was he special?
Was it simply because he was a transmigrator?
And did the Marvel Universe exist because it had been "created" in the world before he crossed over?
Or… had the Marvel Universe always existed, and the screenwriters of his original world were unknowingly tapping into a real dimension?
The more Russell thought about it, the more confused he became. Suddenly, everything seemed far less simple than it appeared.
But no matter what secrets were hidden… they were far beyond him, for now.
Letting out a long sigh, Russell stopped overthinking. He focused instead on the spoils he had obtained from Chthon.
[Black Magic Expertise (Gold)]
Grants powerful affinity and learning abilities for any black magic, including over 920 curses and sacrificial spells.
Completely immune to all black magic side effects.
[Black Magic: Spiritual Brand Seal (Gold)]
Create a magical brand infused with your original power.
Embed it directly into another lifeform's spiritual world.
Control the target's mind and actions at any time via consciousness.
[Black Magic: Shadow Seal (Gold)]
Condense shadows into magical runes.
Any space covered by the black light will be completely sealed and blocked from all external prying.
[Black Magic: Corruption (Gold)]
Generate black smoke to corrupt any form of energy, including mental energy.
This spell indiscriminately corrupts all living beings and astral bodies within its range, ignoring friend or foe.
Note: Those with Black Magic Expertise are immune to this corruption.
"It's worthy of being a Dimensional Mephisto," Russell muttered, his eyes flashing with emotion.
Whether it was Mephisto's parasitic projections containing mere slivers of his power, or Chthon's direct consciousness manifestation—their loot drops were consistently terrifying.
At minimum, purple-tier abilities.
And now, black magic skills at gold-tier? That indicated a status of incredible power.
If not for the severe suppression of Dimensional Mephistos within the real world, and the barrier created by the dimensional laws of the Marvel Universe, defeating beings like Chthon would have been impossible.
Yet… he had done it.
Russell didn't underestimate himself. Instead, he felt a surge of pride swelling in his chest.
Victory now belonged to him.
With a system of such high power… the future was still unknown.
And after this harvest, he could vaguely feel it.
He was approaching the threshold beyond even a Level God Father.
Russell had a premonition: that day wasn't far off.
However, more than the Phoenix Force fragments or Chthon's dark power, what Russell desired most… was Magneto's ability.
[X-Ability: Magnetic Field Control (Gold)]
Allows full control over any form of magnetic field.
A single sentence.
Yet Russell understood just how terrifying this power was.
Control over magnetic fields… essentially meant mastery of electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces of the universe.
With it came an entirely new series of powers.
Controlling metal?
That was just the most basic, insignificant use.
He could generate electromagnetic pulses, create railguns, and bend photons to render himself invisible. These were merely the simplest applications.
By manipulating electromagnetic forces to control basic particles at the quantum level… he could do far more terrifying things.
Alter gravity.
Create miniature black holes.
Forge nuclear fusion reactors (suns) by hand.
Reshape matter.
Accelerate objects infinitely.
Distort space and time.
Reaching the level of a Physical God… was no longer impossible.
But to achieve these feats, one requirement stood in his way:
Physics knowledge.
If he didn't understand whether to compress atoms, tear apart molecules, or how to manipulate charge balances or disrupt atomic nuclei…
Even with ultimate control, a single mistake… could easily lead to his own death.
Magneto was a complete academic failure. The fact that he hadn't even learned basic mathematics while in the concentration camp was a problem.
That's why he could only manipulate metals, without ever considering more advanced applications.
But Russell was different.
The knowledge he'd gained from Kang the Conqueror perfectly solved this limitation.
He possessed mathematical and physical knowledge far beyond this era.
His only remaining challenge… was manipulating the intensity of the magnetic force.
Russell carefully analyzed the problem. Electromagnetic railguns, photon bending, and other such abilities were all within reach.
But hand-forging black holes, or creating fusion stars… that was still impossible.
For now.
But it wasn't unsolvable.
Because abilities could be stacked.
If a single Magneto wasn't enough… then just collect more!
After all, Magnetos in most timelines were ambitious troublemakers. And Russell had no intention of showing mercy.
Once successful, this ability would become one of his most powerful trump cards.
Its potential would not be any weaker than divine power itself.
Letting out a sigh, Russell casually dissolved the mirror dimension.
In the eyes of Captain America and the other mortals—still awestruck—he took Wanda and vanished.
Kamar-Taj.
Russell stepped out of a cloud of green mist and saw the Ancient One, standing silently in the sanctum, gazing at his portrait.
Beside him, Wanda shrank back slightly in fear at the sight of the ghost-like figure.
Then, her so-called savior casually laughed at the Ancient One's "ghost":
"How's the photo I picked for you? Not bad, right?"
"Before, a bunch of secret magicians burst into tears when they saw it—said it looked way better than when you were alive."
The Ancient One turned around, expressionless, and asked flatly:
"What does it mean that the WiFi password here is now set to 'HHHHGYSL'?"
Russell answered seriously:
"It means 'Hahahaha Ancient One Wins'. I knew you were going to trap Chthon, so I celebrated early."
Then he paused, showed a strange expression, and asked curiously:
"Why? What did you think it meant? You read something else into it?"
The Ancient One's ghostly expression darkened as he glared:
"Alright, alright… you're amazing."
"Then how about changing it to 'HHHHLSSL' today—to celebrate your victory anchoring the timeline?"
Russell raised his chin smugly:
"No way."
"I'm the Sorcerer Supreme now. My rules."
"This WiFi will commemorate you—like it or not."
He ruthlessly rejected the old man's request, looking every bit like the new ruler of Kamar-Taj.
The Ancient One widened his eyes in disbelief.
"Fine, fine... How about this: when you die, I'll hire a mourning band to play 'Happy Birthday' for you."
Good grief.
On the day of his death, he'd nearly died again hearing the suona playing funeral music!
Russell replied as if it were obvious:
"You've lived for thousands of years. Dying now… isn't that something to celebrate?"
"Isn't that what a 'happy funeral' means?"
At this moment, the Ancient One felt that if he still had a physical body, he'd probably die of anger again.
"You are ruthless!" the Ancient One muttered, shaking his head.
Then he added faintly:
"Since you're the Sorcerer Supreme now, I'll leave it to you."
"Goodbye. I'm officially retired."
With those final words, his ghostly form dissolved into blue starlight… and disappeared.
Russell didn't care.
What he didn't realize was that the old man had been waiting to hear those words from him.
Just now, he had helped him willingly.
But Russell… wasn't a fool.
Even if there were no other timelines to anchor, he wouldn't stay here forever.
After all, even eternity itself was just a passing phase to him.
Kamar-Taj couldn't remain without a Sorcerer Supreme, so he'd simply appointed himself.
Turning back, Russell looked at the blank-faced Wanda and asked calmly:
"Can you drive a truck?"
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