Russell's eyes gleamed with excitement!
The power of a single universe!
In the main Marvel universe, such a level of power is often seen as being at the pinnacle.
Most demonic entities like Mephisto, who rely on their own dimensional realms to reach multiversal levels, will suffer a drastic decline in power once they leave their dimensions.
Take Mephisto and Dormammu for example—neither of them ever leaves their own dimension in their true forms.
Not only would their strength drop down to single-universe levels, but if someone else were to occupy or consume their dimension, they would immediately lose their status as a dimensional ruler.
That's exactly how Dormammu became a dimensional overlord in the first place—before that, he was just a flame-wielding necromancer.
Of course, for ultra-powerful entities like the Crimson Overlord Cyttorak, the situation is completely the opposite.
The Crimson Cosmos is powerful because of Cyttorak—it's not that Cyttorak relies on the dimension.
Russell guessed that this entity might have already reached a level of multiversal singularity, and completely transcended time.
That's why he didn't summon Juggernaut directly. That big guy could actually cross the void between universes and descend into this timeline.
But the risk wasn't worth the reward.
The reason why single-universe-level power is considered so strong in the main universe is because some unique universes are home to incredibly powerful beings.
In some universes, even Odin—when donning the Destroyer Armor—can go toe-to-toe with Celestials... though, admittedly, he tends to die in the end.
And that's still not the pinnacle of strength.
Russell didn't know much about this before crossing into this world, but the likes of Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, and God Emperor Doom in full Awakening mode were absolute monsters.
Even Dark Doctor Strange couldn't compare to them.
But Russell wasn't greedy.
If he could just reach single-universe-level power first, that should be enough to take care of the leftover threat from Kang.
Otherwise, it felt like he was riding a bicycle with a rabid dog chasing after him.
"I'm not taking you back."
Russell patted Thor on the shoulder, then teleported to the far side of the moon, where he sat cross-legged in the void, meditating to comprehend the universe.
He needed to lock in this feeling.
Otherwise, if he forgot it the next day, he'd have to find someone to help explain it all over again.
He didn't open his eyes until the next day.
Faintly, multicolored light flickered within his irises before vanishing a few seconds later.
Once his state stabilized, Russell dove into the green vortex and returned to New York.
As soon as he appeared on the second floor, Tony Stark—who had been waiting—looked up beaming, and cheered like a sports announcer:
"Welcome to the real Father of Gods! The number one sorcerer in the Nine Realms! The mighty Godslayer, Mr. Russell!"
"The Sanctum of Little New York is honored!"
"Tonight, we're going to LIV in Miami. VIP lounge, a hundred girls to choose from!"
Russell rolled his eyes.
"What the hell—'Father of Gods' going to a nightclub with you?"
"Why not just call me 'Godfather'? I'll have Thor call you 'brother' then."
Tony laughed, clearly relieved, and said with a grin:
"Come on, Oktober's been pestering me non-stop."
"But if Earth isn't your scene, I can take you to the Void. Vega system alien girls—hot as hell!"
"Don't worry about the bill—Tony Stark's buying all night. I'm stupid rich!"
...You really want to go, huh?
Russell snorted and said lightly:
"The Serpent's death wasn't a fixed time anchor point."
Tony's playful grin froze.
After a few seconds, he deflated like a balloon and muttered dejectedly:
"You know... Aunt Mary's nun bar actually sounds kinda nice now."
"We can go have a drink. Guaranteed 100% wholesome."
Russell gave him a disdainful look.
"You really need to enjoy that alone. I'm not exactly a 'grandma bar' kind of guy."
Tony scratched his head.
He didn't understand the last part—it must've been some kind of Chinese slang. But judging by Russell's tone, it definitely wasn't a compliment.
Gotta look that up later...
But before he could ask, he suddenly remembered something important.
His expression turned serious.
"By the way, the Pantheon and the Thebes God Realm reached out. They want to come and personally congratulate you for killing the Lord of Fear."
"They probably contacted Odin first, then found out you were here on Earth."
"My guess? Now that they know you're not tied to Asgard, they're looking to cozy up to you. No way they're coming empty-handed—expect some massive gifts."
The Sorcerer Supreme chuckled and added:
"Don't worry—I'll help you entertain them when the time comes."
"Ste..."
He rubbed his fingers together with a sly smile, making the universal sign for "money."
Russell understood and patted Tony's shoulder heavily.
"Don't worry. If I have meat to eat, you definitely won't even get a sip of soup!"
Tony smiled again, nodded seriously... then froze mid-nod.
What the hell? I won't even get soup?!
He quickly grabbed Russell's arm, shook it, and pleaded anxiously:
"Don't be so heartless, bro! We're friends—don't be stingy!"
The losses from the past few days were massive—he had to make some money back.
Russell pulled his arm away, gave Tony a sideways glance, and said casually:
"Sorry, we're not that close. Thanks, and goodbye."
Tony gritted his teeth.
"Let's go to the Void tonight—my treat!"
Money was just a tool. The gifts from the Pantheon and the Thebes God Realm were bound to include top-tier magical materials!
If those beings were staying at Kamar-Taj, as the 'landlord,' he had to receive some extra compensation.
And for Russell's sake, it couldn't be anything subpar.
So yeah... he was feeling very greedy.
"Tonight?" Russell raised an eyebrow and shook his head slightly.
"Sorry, just remembered something urgent. Gotta run."
He lifted his hand, slipped on his Sling Ring, and was about to open a portal.
Tony's eyes widened, and he grabbed his best friend's wrist, shouting:
"What do you mean tonight? You misheard me!"
"I meant right now! And no one comes back until tomorrow morning!"
"Follow me!"
Russell kept the Sling Ring on but said regretfully:
"I enjoy good drinks and exotic food. I'm worried I might… overindulge."
Tony yanked off Russell's Sling Ring and raised his voice again:
"Don't worry about it! I'm buying!"
Russell looked a little embarrassed.
"Are you sure?"
Tony nodded vigorously.
"Absolutely! And don't try to save me money either, or I'll think you're looking down on me!"
Russell looked relieved.
"Alright then, let's go..."
As he spoke, he pointed ahead and opened a portal—without using the Sling Ring.
On the other side was the Void.
Tony looked at the Sling Ring in his hand and suddenly had a sinking feeling…
Even if I gain something tomorrow, it might not be worth what I lose tonight.
My wallet… is in danger!
But Russell didn't give him a chance to back out. He pulled Tony through the portal.
Since arriving in this timeline, Russell had been busy non-stop. Meanwhile, Tony—now the Sorcerer Supreme—had just been watching from the sidelines.
Tonight, if Tony had even a single dime left, Russell would consider it a loss.
"Come on, I'm taking you to exchange some cash!!"
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