061. Ancient One is Very Conflicted
After arriving in Westchester, New York, the Ancient Onewas completely stunned.
This...
This place had originally been a small forest, but since Karazhan was built, the entire small forest had been leveled. Well, more accurately, a clearing of about ten hectares had been carved out in the very center.
There was still forest surrounding it.
But now, that ten-hectare clearing... had disappeared.
Not only had the entire Mage Tower vanished, but even that clearing was gone, once again covered by dense trees.
It was as if the trees had sprouted back up in an instant.
She knew very well that there was definitely something wrong here, but she was surprised to find that she actually couldn't see through it.
Those trees couldn't possibly have grown out of thin air.
Was it an illusion?
The Ancient One slowly descended, but the sensation of touch was actually... so real?
"Strange..."
"No!"
Her eyes trembled violently; the more real it felt, the more unreal it was. Then she suddenly realized that she seemed to be lost in this forest, unable to even discern her direction.
"Mirror Dimension!"
Rumble—the trees were instantly 'moved aside', and she finally escaped from the forest.
After leaving that 'circle', her sense of direction returned.
"Interesting, it seems this is the effect of those 'Spell Formulas'!"
At that moment, a sudden, inexplicable sense of palpitations surged within her, as if she were being watched by a ferocious beast awakened from ancient times. She didn't know where the 'opponent' was, but she felt that if she didn't run, she would likely 'die' or at least be heavily injured. She instantly fled a kilometer away, but the feeling of being locked on by the beast remained, so she continued to flee...
It wasn't until she had flown five kilometers away that the feeling of being watched gradually disappeared.
The Ancient One was drenched in sweat!
There was definitely a problem there.
This feeling was very similar to the terrifying aura that erupted when Karazhan was first completed.
In fact, she had known for a long time that Duke was building a Mage Tower. Although the scale was grand and the tower was even taller than her three Sanctums, she hadn't cared. To put it simply, a Mage Tower was just a place for mages to practice. Unfortunately, she had misunderstood. The Mage Tower in "world of warcraft" is different from the Sanctums in Marvel; you can think of it as an 'Orbital Cannon Max' version.
That's right, it's like the weapon in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" that blasted the 'Decepticon Hercules' to pieces while it was dismantling the Pyramid with a single shot.
Super awesome.
But Karazhan is even more awesome than that; it's the MAX version, more than twice as strong.
When Karazhan was first being built, although Dukewould occasionally come to set up some 'Spell Formulas', it didn't raise her alarm.
It wasn't until Karazhan was completely finished and the 'red dragon essence', the power core of the entire Mage Tower, was installed and activated that the high tower transformed from a residence into a strategic weapon.
The moment the red dragon essence connected to the entire Mage Tower, the terrifying aura that burst forth made even her, who was in the New York Sanctum at the time, feel a weight on her chest.
Although she didn't know where Karazhan would launch an attack from, she knew very well that even if she were to take a direct hit, she would be heavily injured if not dead.
Now it seemed that Karazhan hadn't disappeared; it was just 'hidden'.
As for where it went?
It was likely still in the same spot, just invisible to outsiders.
Although those 'Spell Formulas' were simple in structure, they were different from the 'magical script' she knew. Although she had copied some back... two years had passed, and her research was still stumbling along.
After confirming that Karazhan hadn't disappeared but was merely hidden, the Ancient One returned to the New York Sanctum.
Unless she could thoroughly research the magical script of the 'Spell Formulas', it would be impossible to crack them and find Karazhan's exact location.
Similarly, don't be fooled by the fact that there are only ten hectares of land there; under the effect of the 'Spell Formulas', it is likely no less than 100 hectares in size.
A room might only be 10 square meters, but once the 'Spell Formula' is activated, it instantly becomes 100 square meters.
Something like that...
So, don't think Karazhan is only 66 meters tall; from the outside, it just looks tall but not very wide. Once you go inside, you'll find it's a whole different world!
Spatial expansion, spatial compression.
"Harold."
"Sorcerer Supreme."
The guardian mage of the New York Sanctum was named Harold.
"Karazhan is still there. For some reason, we just can't see it anymore."
"Even you can't see it?"
"Yes." The Ancient One nodded, not feeling any shame. "The magic of that man named 'Duke' is different from our system. Even I cannot crack his magic in a short time."
"This..."
"Don't worry. Keep a close eye on the four people from Karazhan, but don't do anything drastic to avoid unnecessary conflict. You just need to watch their daily lives and see if anything is different from before. If there's any important situation, notify me immediately."
"Understood."
The Ancient One nodded and left. She was going back to Kamar-Taj to continue researching those strange 'magical scripts'; she had cracked less than one-twentieth of them. Whenever Duke was carving the Spell Formulas, she would watch from the side. Well, she probably saw about seventy percent of it; after all, she couldn't catch him every single time.
Hiding in the Mirror Dimension, Duke couldn't see her at all. There was no helping it; that was the gap in their levels.
Of course, the Ancient One never imagined that Dukeactually knew she was right there.
System notification.
Although he knew the Ancient One was nearby, Dukecouldn't catch her, and... at that time, he was no match for her. Furthermore, he didn't want to make an enemy of her. Anyway, these were the magical scripts from "Fairy Tail", which had never appeared in this world.
He wasn't worried at all about the Ancient One cracking them.
Back when he transmigrated, only thirty percent of Oracle Bone Script had been deciphered, with seventy percent remaining. And now, the symbols carved on the oracle bones probably hadn't even been confirmed as Shang Dynasty script yet. Writing has an evolutionary process; through evolution and repeated deduction, it can eventually be cracked.
But for a script that has never appeared in this world, where would you even go to crack it?
For the Ancient One to have cracked one-twentieth was already incredible!
Karazhan's disappearance didn't just attract the Ancient One's attention. The other three families living in New York—the Waynes, the Kanes, and the Osborns—also noticed and began to harbor some ill intentions.
With Duke's indirect help, the Stark Family had developed very rapidly over the past two years, which had already alerted the other three families.
Now that Karazhan had disappeared, should they try to bring down the Stark Family?
But they quickly abandoned that thought because the next day, they noticed that Diana, Doutzen Kroes, and Samirwere still appearing in 'Hells Kitchen' as usual.
Only Duke had disappeared?
Before figuring out the situation, it was better to act cautiously.
————
No one knew that Duke was currently roaming in another 'Universe'.
This was a small Universe as beautiful as an idyll.
"Halt! Who are you, daring to invade the Soul World?"
"Um, invade?"
"Would anyone invade us here?"
"It must be a new partner!"
"Oh my, it seems... someone else has been sacrificed to the Stone."
"..." Duke was dumbfounded. Where the hell had he ended up?
062. The Year 1943
1943 was a crucial turning point.
Howard Stark, now thirty years old with a mustache and a charm that made women scream, was in his lab researching "Anti-gravity technology" when he suddenly ripped off his goggles.
"What—you're saying Karazhan has reappeared?!"
"Yes, just moments ago."
"..."
At the same time, the three great families—Wayne, Kane, and Osborn—also received the signal.
"How rare. After twenty-one years, it has finally appeared."
"It seems there will be endless variables once again."
"If he could cooperate with the Stark Family, why couldn't he choose the Osborn Family?"
That's right. After twenty-one years, the Karazhan Mage Tower, which had vanished from a generation's memory, had appeared once more. Twenty-one years had passed; many had left this world, and many had forgotten.
But today, it returned to the world.
In reality, aside from the informed Karazhan trio, only Howard Stark, the Ancient One, and a few core mages knew that Karazhan hadn't actually disappeared. It had remained in the same spot; it was simply invisible.
A generation of twenty-one years had passed, and Howard's father, Robert Stark, had passed away just a year ago.
He died of illness!
Before Duke decided to go into his "slumber," he had left him a vial of medicine that could cure any stubborn ailment less severe than cancer. Even with cancer, there was a fifty percent chance of recovery. Even if shot, as long as the brain or heart wasn't blown out, he could heal quickly.
But unfortunately, fate is a cruel mistress; Robert Starkdied of cancer.
He didn't choose that 50% hope. Twenty years had passed and Duke still hadn't appeared, and he didn't know when he would return, so... he left the precious medicine to his son.
He was already in his sixties. Even if he luckily pulled through, how many more years could he live?
His son was still young and needed it more for emergencies.
A truly loving father!
Similarly, the Ancient One, far away in Kamar-Taj, received the news and appeared in New York once again. However, just as she arrived in New York, her brow suddenly furrowed.
"He actually advanced to the Legendary rank?!"
To be honest, "Hero Level" strength was nothing in the eyes of the Ancient One, who was at the Demigod level. Thus, she hadn't interfered when Duke was tinkering with the Mage Tower. At the Hero Level, she could have wiped him out with a wave of her hand. But the "legendary realm" was completely different; the legendary realm was enough to guard a nation.
How many Legendaries were there on Earth right now?
She was the only Demigod.
Aside from those in seclusion, the only one in the legendary realm was Diana of the Amazons. In other words, there were only two Legendaries active in the outside world right now, and they were a "couple."
This forced her to take him seriously.
(PS: Legendaries are still rare now, unlike the many in later generations: Magneto, Professor X, Jean Grey, Doctor Strange, Thor, and so on...)
————
Duke felt as though he had slept for a very long time and had a very long dream. Crucially, the "dream" was very clear, making his brain feel a bit tired.
Upon waking up and opening his eyes, Duke found Wonder Woman sitting at a table nearby, seemingly scribbling something.
He didn't speak, just lay there watching her quietly.
Although the two often spoke in dreams, they couldn't touch or smell each other's scent.
Yes, Wonder Woman still had that familiar, faint "ocean breeze" scent.
Diana seemed to sense his gaze; her pen suddenly stopped, and she whipped her head around.
She froze!
Then, they looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
"You're awake."
"Yeah. What are you writing?"
There were no tearful, emotional reunions, no lunging into each other's arms for a kiss, or any immediate sparks flying as seen in novels.
A simple conversation felt even more heartwarming.
"Nothing."
Mentioning the diary she was writing in, Diana blushed slightly and quickly closed it.
"You know? I've always firmly believed that when I woke up, only you would be by my side. The first person I saw when I opened my eyes would inevitably be you!" Dukeslowly stood up.
His long "sleep" hadn't given him bedsores or caused his muscles to atrophy and lose control.
He walked up, hugged Diana from behind, and slowly opened the diary.
Honestly, Duke's words were quite powerful, no less than Stephen Chow's "ten thousand years." Didn't you see Wonder Woman's eyes turning red? She was suppressing her emotions!
Diary, April 23, 1943— "Ah! Duke, my dear, he has been sleeping in Karazhan for twenty years! Whenever I am indecisive, I walk into his room and look at his sleeping face. Seeing him asleep puts me at ease. I leave my fear and confusion behind, then return to continue guarding this world."
"Have you ever loved someone like this?"
Suddenly moved, right???
"Wife!" Duke's eyes also grew a bit moist. He hadn't expected Diana's feelings for him to be so profound.
"Mhm."
"I love you."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"??!"
(Kissing sounds)
As it turns out, some "clichés" are truly unavoidable, like how a third party always jumps in to ruin the moment during a kiss.
For example, in Infinity War, when Star-Lord and Gamorawere having a moment, Drax was standing nearby eating Peanut brittle.
Or for instance...
"Hey, Duke, Karazhan is back. Are you... oh, sorry, sorry! My bad." Doutzen Kroes dashed in and then vanished even faster than before.
The two were speechless.
Just as the romantic atmosphere began to build up again and they were about to continue...
Whoosh! Samir, using his magical footwork, also dashed over. "Boss, I saw from a distance that, uh... sorry, my bad, my bad! I'll make myself scarce right now!"
With that, whoosh—he ran off.
Duke: "..."
Diana: "..."
After two interruptions, the lingering romantic mood instantly collapsed. They were no longer in the mood to continue the kiss.
"Did you advance? Why aren't there any obvious changes?" Diana stood up from her seat, took two steps back, and examined him carefully from head to toe. "Though the Arcane light in your eyes... is more restrained now."
"Yes, I'm in the legendary realm now. I won't be defeated by you so easily this time." Duke flexed his biceps and smiled.
"Oh? Really? Then how about a trip to the Training Ground?" Diana smiled mischievously.
"Let's go!"
He also wanted to see how much of a gap remained between him and Wonder Woman after advancing to Legendary. Of course, in terms of realm alone, he had only just entered the Mid-Legendary stage. As for Diana, she was already at the peak of the legendary realm, just one opportunity away from entering the Demigod realm.
Of course, the "Demigod" realm isn't that easy to enter.
Even the Ancient One took a hundred years.
Even with the Blood of Zeus, it wasn't something Dianacould just step into.
On the way to the Training Ground, Duke suddenly remembered a question. It was 1943 now?
He had slept for twenty-one years.
Wait...
The timing of his awakening was actually quite good; it happened just in time for the birth of Captain America. He vaguely remembered that the "Captain America version" of Steve applied to enlist on June 14, 1943, but was rejected.
063. Mage VS Warrior
The 'Captain America version' of Steve applied to join the army on June 14, 1943, but was rejected. On the night of the World Expo the following day, he was scouted by Dr. Abraham Erskine and joined the Strategic Scientific Reserve. As for this unit, it was reorganized after the war and became the science and technology department of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The 1943 'World of Tomorrow Expo' did not exist on the original Earth; the New York World's Fair was in 1939.
There are less than two months left before Captain America joins the army.
On the Training Ground, Duke stretched his lazy muscles, feeling that his strength had indeed increased—a Legendary Realm Grand Mage.
He felt quite impressive; he now had the level of Khadgar.
Doutzen Kroes and Samir appeared from somewhere again, standing outside the Training Ground to watch the fight. Over the past two years, Duke and Diana hadn't gone without practice, but most of the time Duke lost, and even when he occasionally won, it was because Diana went easy on him.
After all, between a Hero and a Legendary, the gap was quite large!
After waking up again after sleeping for 21 years, Samircould no longer sense the height of his boss's strength at all.
How should he put it?
Before the slumber, he was like a child standing before a high mountain, looking up. Duke was that 'high mountain', and he was that child. Although the difference in strength was clear at a glance, it wasn't an immeasurable or untouchable feeling. He could see and feel the gap between them.
But now, he had grown into a small hill, while Duke... had disappeared...
His perception had vanished.
Samir knew very well that his boss's current realm was already beyond his reach, so it was impossible to measure or compare.
It had reached a height where he could no longer even look up to it!
"Are you ready?"
"Ah..."
"Then here I come." Diana pushed off with her toes and charged forward suddenly.
"Wait a second! (￣O￣)ノ"
This sudden interruption nearly threw me off.
"'Ice Shield'"
"'Flame Ward'"
"'Arcane Barrier'"
Duke raised his hand and cast a triple shield on himself. As expected of Medivh's inheritance; although he was an Astral Mage and an Arcane King, he was equally proficient in other schools of magic like Frost and Fire.
Samir covered his face, unable to look.
Doutzen Kroes's mouth hung open in shock; she probably hadn't expected there to be someone so shameless.
Diana was also speechless: "You... on the battlefield, the enemy won't give you time for preparation."
Looking at the three oval shells on Duke's body that completely enveloped him, she was quite speechless. Blue, red, and purple—if these three shields weren't tortoise shells, what were they?
"I know, I just want to test my mana conversion. We can start now," Duke said, waving her over.
His magic system was different from the mages in Marvel. If one could visualize internally, they could clearly see four magic cores in his body. The Frozen Throne, Light of Arcane, and Heart of Flame were arranged in a triangle, while the very center was a Dark Vortex connecting the three cores together.
Before his slumber, he could only use a single school of magic to fight, along with small auxiliary spells from other branches. If he wanted to use large-scale offensive spells, he had to switch magic cores.
Switching took time, and more importantly, he had to smooth out the flow of mana in his body; otherwise, believe it or not, he'd get a 'Mana Burn' in a heartbeat.
But now, his core conversion was actually instantaneous? No, it should be said that he no longer needed to switch cores. Previously, the four cores were side-by-side, but now the Arcane, Frost, and Fire schools were all connected to the Dark Vortex. He could directly draw magic attacks from all three schools from the 'Dark Vortex'.
Additionally, the 'Dark Vortex' didn't just refer to the core of 'Dark Script' magic...
The other three, however, were specifically designated.
Diana finally became serious; she also noticed something was wrong. Previously, Duke could only put up a single tortoise shell. "Then here I come."
But now, it was three schools instantaneously.
He was more than three times stronger.
As soon as she finished speaking, her toes pushed off the ground, and she rushed straight towards Duke. Midway, she switched into her Wonder Woman combat gear.
Sword, shield, and armor.
The Godkiller sword had already shattered during the battle with Ares. This sword was later forged by an old master in Chinatown and then enchanted and strengthened by Duke.
In the past, this would definitely have been an existence surpassing the ten Legendary ancient swords.
As everyone knows, for a warrior to hit a mage, they must close the distance, while a mage vs. a warrior must keep their distance.
Just as Diana rushed forward to test the durability of the three tortoise shells, a playful smile crossed Duke's lips, and he gave his arms a sudden shake.
"'Frost Nova'"
A biting cold air suddenly spread outward from beneath Duke's feet. It was as if a light blue protective film had been plated over Diana like a filter. At a speed visible to the naked eye, the ground beneath her feet froze rapidly, and the ice spread above her knees.
What the hell was this?
To be honest, Diana was a bit dazed. Duke hadn't used this kind of skill before his slumber.
A pure Arcane school attack.
(PS: You can refer to world of warcraft game skills, but only for reference. The skill effects will change, as the inheritance is 'Medivh's magic' rather than the world of warcraft mage skills.)
"'Blink'"
With a 'whoosh', Duke drifted nearly a hundred meters away.
"Honey, I won't be showing any mercy."
Diana was surprised to find that she couldn't break free instantly; this ice didn't seem to be ice in the traditional sense.
He slowly started rubbing his hands together.
A blue light suddenly appeared.
"Double 'Frostbolt'!"
Whoosh—whoosh!
Her lower body was fixed and she couldn't dodge, so Diana had to raise her shield to block one bolt and shatter the other with her longsword.
At the same time, Diana also noticed something was wrong. The blue light plated on her body seemed to have deepened, causing her reactions and speed to drop once again. Although the degree of decrease was minimal for her...
The Frost school had a slowing effect!!!
"There's more coming, honey. Triple 'Frostbolt'."
Three cold arrows shot towards her in top, middle, and bottom positions, aiming at her head, chest, and stomach respectively.
Having learned from her previous experience, Diananaturally wouldn't be foolish enough to use her shield to block them again. She had discovered that blocking them would slow her down, while shattering them had no slowing effect.
So she swung her sword, intending to shatter the three incoming Frostbolts, but the key was that the three Frostbolts were not at the same speed: fast, medium, and slow.
She would need three strikes to completely shatter them.
However...
Duke smiled again.
"Wife, be careful. 'Unstable Magic'!"
Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!
Unstable Magic could make Frostbolts explode. The three Frostbolts exploded in sequence in front of the Wonder Woman. Countless frost and ice shards exploded violently in all directions.
"!!!"
Diana was suddenly pale with shock and quickly raised her shield to protect her body behind it. Clang, clang, clang... countless ice blades pattered against the shield and armor.
Fortunately, the freezing effect of Frost Nova finally dissipated.
The Wonder Woman twisted her body and flashed out of the range of the ice explosion, a smile on her face: "I must say, you've become much stronger."
"It's nothing... Oh?!"
A streak of blue light rose from his feet to the top of his head, then formed a rune in the shape of a frost head. Dukeimmediately smiled.
"Ah, the BUFF is here."
064. Where Is My Female Disciple?
"Ah, the buff is here." Duke smiled.
'Brain Freeze': Empowers the next Flurry, making it instant-cast, increasing its damage by 50%, and applying Winter's Chill to the target.
'Winter's Chill': Your spells treat the target as a frozen unit.
'Frozen unit' means that Frost magic hitting the enemy will result in a guaranteed critical hit!
A blue light lit up in his hand once more.
Diana was startled and quickly began to move around the perimeter, her 'Z' steps constantly shifting and dodging. But she didn't rashly attack Duke; that strange 'Frost Nova' had left her in a sorry state. Although it looked like solid ice on the outside, it wasn't strictly a freezing effect in the traditional sense.
Indeed, it contained a hint of'Space'.
"Haha, darling, you're very clever, but... 'Flurry'!"
Countless small 'Frostbolts' formed three powerful streams of frost, blasting toward Diana.
Bang, bang, bang!
But unfortunately, the agile Wonder Woman dodged them.
This wasn't a game; magic skills didn't have a 100% hit rate, and people would dodge. Even in games, it wasn't a guaranteed hit; it could be resisted or result in a Miss.
In reality, enemies would run around to avoid attacks. Except for some special skills, most magic wasn't infrared-guided.
"Oh, a miscalculation. Darling, aren't you going to come over? You're going to become my moving target then." Duke smiled slightly.
As he spoke, he fired off several more Frostbolts, Ice Lances, and Fire Blasts, which were either dodged or shattered by her sword.
Clearly, the Wonder Woman was wary of his 'Frost Nova'.
"You're not allowed to use Frost Nova," the Wonder Woman shouted from afar. She hadn't even figured out the range of Frost Nova yet.
In truth, there was no set range.
The amount of mana injected into the magic formula determined the strength of the effect. Given his current mid-Legendary realm, if he poured all his mana into 'Frost Nova', freezing all of New York shouldn't be too difficult.
Similar to Aokiji's ultimate move, 'Ice Age'.
Similarly, a Frostbolt could become a 'Frost Railgun', piercing through a mountain.
What he was using now was just the basic mana value required to maintain the skill. Of course, no fool would actually play like that—pouring all their mana into a single magic skill formula required extremely high control, precision, and so on. In reality, magic skills still had a basic attack ceiling; of course, this ceiling would constantly change with one's rank and other factors.
For example, if the limit of an early-Legendary mage's 'Frost Nova' was ten thousand meters, and they expanded it to ten thousand and one hundred meters, they would die from mana backlash.
"Alright, I won't use 'Frost Nova'." Duke nodded. This wasn't a life-or-death battlefield; he just wanted to test his abilities.
The opponent was his wife; would he really try to kill her?
If he ruined her pretty face, wouldn't he be the one suffering!
"Are you serious?"
"Of course!"
"Fine then!" Diana lunged forward again. Duke didn't seem to realize that his triple-spec shields had expired.
Hehe, the Wonder Woman might not understand one truth—[A man's mouth is a lying ghost].
"'Summon: Water Elemental'"
Watching from a distance, Doutzen Kroes and Samir were both dumbfounded. What... kind of creature was this? Not just them, but Diana, who was charging forward, was also stunned.
A creature... seemingly made entirely of flowing water?
Attempting to summon a Water Elemental for the first time, Duke was also a bit dazed.
Because he found that the 'Water Elemental' wasn't like the one in the game—with a massive body, two even larger arms, a tiny head, and no legs, connected to the ground by water vapor.
Its color wasn't green either; it was just water, colorless.
If you had to name a color, it was 'White', because of the tiny bubbles churned up by the flowing water.
The Water Elemental Duke summoned was much smoother, without so many obvious jagged edges or sparks. In terms of appearance, it was a bit more rounded and chibi-like.
Although a bit surprised, Duke still waved his hand.
"'Freeze'!"
Crack—the Wonder Woman's legs were frozen once again.
"What the hell... you're cheating." Diana protested.
"I'm not. This isn't 'Frost Nova'; it's my Water Elemental's 'Freeze' skill. No cheating here." Duke shrugged and laughed.
"You..." The Wonder Woman was so angry she was speechless.
"Alright, I'll wait for it to disperse before attacking again." Duke shrugged.
Diana suddenly realized, did this have a time limit?
After about 20 seconds, the ice vanished.
20 seconds?
Previously, the Frost Nova had broken in just 10 seconds. Was it because it was a different skill, or did being hit again accelerate the disappearance of the ice?
The Wonder Woman lunged again, but this time she didn't charge straight; she used a secret technique: repeated side-to-side jumping.
"..."
"'Frozen Orb'"
A massive orb of ice rushed out, spinning as it advanced in a straight line. Not only that, while spinning rapidly, it also scattered frost and ice blades in all directions, like an ice tornado.
Shing, shing, shing, shing—
The Wonder Woman was surprised to find that her speed had dropped by nearly half. This...
However, she instantly noticed something: Duke's magiccouldn't control the air. So, she slammed her foot against the ground, jumped up, and slashed down at Duke's head.
"You're trying to kill me." Duke chuckled, but he didn't Blinkagain. Instead, "'Summon: Earth Elemental'."
That's right, the Shaman's Earth Elemental.
You might ask why a Mage would know a Shaman's skill?
That's just in games, for class balance. Otherwise, why would only Frost Mages among the three specs be able to summon Water Elementals, while Fire Mages can't summon Fire Elementals and Arcane Mages can't summon Arcane Golems?
magic is about controlling the elements of nature, and the earth element is one of them.
Is it so strange to summon an Earth Elemental?
Duke could do more than just summon Earth Elementals; he could summon Air Elementals and more.
Boom!
An extremely burly Earth Elemental, composed of rocks of various sizes, crawled out of the ground. Before it had even fully emerged, its massive stone arm rose up and caught the longsword slashing down.
Crack!
The longsword snapped, and a piece of the Earth Elemental's hand was sliced off.
However, they weren't carbon-based lifeforms and didn't feel pain. As long as the elemental core wasn't destroyed, they would recover indefinitely. For instance, right now, it simply grabbed some 'earth' from the ground, and the sliced-off hand grew back.
"!"
Doutzen Kroes and Samir remained dumbfounded.
Diana was stunned for a moment but didn't back away. Instead, after landing, she punched the Earth Elemental, sending it flying.
Then, with another punch, she sent Duke flying as well.
"OK, I lose."
Duke wasn't injured. He climbed up from a distance and brushed the dust off his clothes. He just wanted to test his level, not engage in a life-or-death struggle with the Wonder Woman.
If it were a fight to the death, the Wonder Woman would have been heavily injured right at the start.
'Frost Bomb': Places a Frost Bomb directly inside the target for 12 seconds. Within these 12 seconds, the target will gradually stiffen and Freeze. Once the timer reaches zero, it explodes instantly, causing a violent 'Ice Blast', followed by a 'Frost Tide' that deals heavy frost damage to everything within range.
Diana was also just interested in Duke's new magic.
"By the way, where is my female disciple?"
At the mention of this, everyone's expressions immediately changed.
Even Diana's face looked very grim.
065. Lian
Seeing the expressions on the three faces, Duke's heart sank sharply: "What happened?"
Samir: "..."
Doutzen Kroes: "..."
In the end, it was Diana who gently nodded: "Mm."
"What was the outcome?" Duke's face turned cold, a fierce surge of killing intent erupting. Samir and Doutzen Kroescouldn't withstand it and immediately fell to their knees.
Diana quickly stepped forward to soothe him: "Don't get agitated. Stone City is fine."
Only then did Duke finally disperse his killing intent.
If something had truly happened to Stone City, he wouldn't mind making a personal trip to Japan.
The two also hurriedly stood up and fled.
"How is Lian?"
"Lian did us proud..." As she spoke, Diana's eyes also reddened slightly. "In the winter of 1937, the Japanese army launched a fierce assault on Stone City. Thanks to the efforts of Lian and her companions, they successfully held the Japanese forces outside Stone City's walls. They eliminated the majority of the 16th and 3rd Divisions outside the city. They bought time for Stone City's defenders, and the Japanese army failed to capture even an inch of the city."
(Note: This part is somewhat sensitive. To avoid censorship, friends, please refrain from commenting. This is just for narrative continuity and resonance with the previous text, and won't delve too deeply into it.)
"Well done! Worthy of being my disciple!"
Duke slammed his fist hard; his eyes were also slightly red. In the original timeline, the 16th and 3rd Divisions were precisely the ones who committed the worst atrocities after breaking into Stone City!
Although this world is different, knowing they paid the price they deserved brings me great comfort!
Lian was a street child he encountered in Chinatown when he went to find a master craftsman to forge a fine steel sword for Wonder Woman.
Lian was filthy back then, about ten years old, disheveled and unkempt, so starved from days without food that she was skin and bones. Her little face was even more sunken than Howard Stark's had been. What surprised him most was that even though she was being kicked and beaten by locals, she stubbornly endured without uttering a sound.
And what attracted him most were Lian's eyes. Though her body was dirty, her eyes were bright, sharp, and full of spirit, not the dull, hopeless gaze common among the beggars and street children everywhere.
She was stubborn and proud, not having lost faith in life.
Crucially, when Duke offered her food at the time, she just licked her lips and turned her head away. Despite her hunger, she refused to accept charity.
Later, Duke found this little beggar interesting and took her on as his disciple.
Primarily, her magical aptitude was slightly better than Samir's, at B+.
He hadn't been able to find a suitable magic seed in Hong Kong Island, but unexpectedly found one in the United States.
Her loyalty grew very quickly, reaching 90% in just a month.
Afterward, Duke taught her magic from 'Fairy Tail'.
He found that the magic from Fairy Tail was quite suitable for teaching disciples.
Lian Chiyue, a mage belonging to the [Blue Pegasus] guild. Her magic is 'Air magic' and 'Telepathy'. Her magiccan disrupt space and steal oxygen, making it a troublesome type to deal with.
'Telepathy': Can communicate mentally with a designated target.
[Hollow Sky Cage]: Traps the target within an air barrier. The oxygen inside the trapped area becomes very thin, causing the target to feel dizzy and have difficulty breathing.
[Hollow Sky Cage Shot]: Causes nearby rocks on the ground to levitate, then uses air as propellant to rapidly shoot them at the opponent.
[Air Demon Sphere]: Creates an air sphere that envelops herself and her companions, allowing free... and rapid movement through the air.
[Sky's Illusory Change]: Creates an air sphere centered on herself, then rapidly expands it outward, triggering a powerful shockwave.
There were also skills like Air Burst, Air Shield, etc. In short, it was a very troublesome magic type, capable of both offense and defense.
And the name 'Lian' also originated from this. The little beggar originally had no name, or perhaps she didn't want to use her old one. So, Duke simply used 'Lian Chiyue' as her name.
Roughly two months before his slumber, Duke sent Lian to Stone City.
Lian was a highly talented girl, reaching Elite late-stage strength in just a few months. Combined with the special nature of her magic, bullets might not necessarily harm her. Don't be fooled by her being just a twelve-year-old child, looking easy to abduct... Hah... It would be a miracle if she didn't ruin the lives of anyone who tried to kidnap her!
Therefore, Duke wasn't worried about Lian's safety.
He merely told Lian about the possible future events. Without a word, Lian picked up her luggage bag... and resolutely set off for a foreign land.
(Well, China was indeed a foreign country to her. Although she was ethnically Chinese, she had never set foot on her homeland's soil.)
When she departed, Duke gave her a [ruby crystal], a small piece of [Blue Dragon Essence], some magical items that didn't cost many talent points, and various [magic Scrolls] he had crafted himself.
Defensive, offensive, supportive, and so on.
Although the [Blue Dragon Essence] was a small piece, it contained immense magical power, enough for her growth.
Twenty-one years had passed. She would be thirty-three now...
"What about Lian? She's dead... right?" Duke asked in a heavy voice.
"Mm." Diana lowered her head, her face full of apology. "We were delayed for a day. By the time we reached Stone City, the battle was already over. According to the city's residents, Lian was nearly exhausted. Later, a Japanese military expert appeared. After a grueling battle while exhausted... they perished together."
Duke hadn't told her the details about Stone City, only mentioned it briefly. She guessed from the subsequent changes in the situation and realized that Duke had placed Lian in Stone City years earlier, likely to guard against the Japanese army.
So, she hurriedly took Samir and Doutzen Kroes there. With Vika taking care of things inside Karazhan, she wasn't worried.
But unfortunately, they were still a day late.
"..." Duke's face was extremely grim.
"Her body was also buried within the city by the people of Stone City. They even built a temple for her, with incense offerings. After lying in repose in the temple for seven days, her body showed no signs of decay... So, the people of Stone City revered her as the 'Lotus Fairy,' and the temple is called the 'Lotus Fairy Temple,'" Diana said.
"Her body... remains there?" Duke frowned.
Lian had lived there for 21 years; it was practically her home. She must have developed feelings for it. If she was buried there, so be it.
"Did you see the 'ruby crystal' on her?" Duke asked.
Diana thought for a moment and shook her head: "No."
She remembered that when Lian set off, Duke had given her a ruby crystal.
This item wasn't rare in Karazhan.
The core of Karazhan was a massive 'red dragon essence,' followed by the 'ruby crystals' that served as binding nodes, distributed throughout Karazhan.
Then there were the lower-tier 'Mana Rubies' and the lowest-grade 'Mana Essences.'
"No?" Duke's brow furrowed sharply. "Are you sure?"
Something had happened!
"Sure!" Diana nodded. "Originally, we wanted to bring Lian's body back, but we faced resistance from the people of Stone City. At that time, we examined her carefully. She indeed did not have the 'ruby crystal' on her. To be precise, apart from a simple set of pink ancient-style clothing, there was nothing else."
Duke's expression changed drastically: "Bastards! Someone actually dared to steal my things? It seems I need to make a trip to Stone City!"
————
In the meditation chamber at Kamar-Taj, a red crystal spun slowly and steadily.
066. Wake Up, Lian
As the core of Karazhan, the [red dragon essence] is a high-level 'magic essence' that can only condense after the death of an ancient red dragon.
The [ruby crystal], on the other hand, is a magic crystal condensed by Alexstrasza, the 'Life-Binder' and 'Dragon Queen of Red Dragons,' one of the guardian dragons who possesses the strength of a demigod.
You can simply understand the Red Dragon Queen as the giver of life, an ancient dragon who guards life.
The infinite lifespan of the Night Elves comes from her.
Therefore, the 'ruby crystal' contains powerful life force.
If one is a mage, they can draw life force from it, allowing even a dying person to instantly become full of vitality.
However, this [ruby crystal] has been modified by Dukeinto a vessel capable of harboring a soul, and it has been bound to Lian.
In other words, if Lian ever meets with an accident and dies, her soul will be instantly sucked into the ruby crystaland completely self-seal.
The abundant life force inside will serve to nourish her soul.
At that point, it just looks like a red crystal or ruby, only it is very purely red, without a single impurity.
This thing looks valuable at a glance and is easily coveted by evildoers.
Duke had instructed her to keep it with her at all times, and the obedient Lian would never just cast it aside.
Therefore, he subconsciously assumed that someone had stolen it.
————
In Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One woke up from meditation, and the first thing she saw was this purely red crystal.
This was something she had picked up six years ago from the battlefield outside Stone City.
At that time, she was inside the sanctum on Hong Kong Island when she felt a massive magical power disturbance and rushed over immediately.
Although she does not interfere in human wars, she is very attentive to magical incidents.
By the time she arrived at Stone City, the battle had just ended; Lian... was falling from the sky, while that Japanese military expert had exploded and died.
She wanted to save her, but the next instant she sensed that Lian was already dead—she had died before even hitting the ground!
She could only allow her to land slowly so that her body would not be mangled.
Afterward, a large crowd of Stone City citizens poured out, kneeling before Lian's body and weeping; old men in their sixties and seventies were crying like children, and they brought Lian's body into the city with the highest ceremony.
Without even needing to look, the Ancient One knew what had happened.
Looking at the miserable state of the Japanese soldiers outside the city...
Although she does not intervene in human wars and does not wish for mages to become tools for various factions to seize power, she still deeply admires those who sacrifice themselves for the sake of the people.
Another genius had fallen!
She had arrived late; by the time she arrived, Lian had already died in battle. Otherwise, she certainly would have noticed that Lian's magic system was very similar to Duke's.
Unfortunately, by the time she arrived, the magical battle was already over, and one could not tell much from the battlefield.
Just as she was sighing and turning to leave, she discovered... a red crystal in a corner of the battlefield.
It had been blown away when Lian perished together with the Japanese military expert. In fact, at the very moment it was blown away, Lian had died.
Her soul was instantly sucked into the ruby crystal!
The Ancient One instinctively realized that this red crystal... or rather, this gemstone-like object, was somewhat strange.
If it were an ordinary mage, they might just treat it as a valuable ruby, but the Ancient One is the 'Sorcerer Supreme.'
She keenly noticed the difference in this ruby or red crystal because she actually could not see through it.
After absorbing the soul, the ruby crystal self-sealed. Once self-sealed, it could not be used, and no life force would leak out, so even someone as powerful as the Sorcerer Supreme could not discern it!
It was just an 'ordinary' ruby.
The Ancient One did not know that this item had been dropped by Lian because it was very, very far from where Lian had fallen.
She also did not know that this ruby crystal had any connection to Karazhan or Duke.
Of course, Duke could not let her know about the existence of these magic crystals; possessing a treasure can be a crime.
Letting her see the Spell Formula was one thing, as she couldn't break it anyway, but such a treasure was different.
The first time the Ancient One appeared, she had been detected by the system, so Duke naturally would be careful when placing the 'ruby crystal.'
Unable to see through this object, the Ancient Onesubsequently brought this strange ruby back to Kamar-Taj.
For six years, she still had not seen through this ruby or figured out what it actually was.
She only sensed a faint sound of a dragon's roar within it.
To be honest, she was very curious.
Because she had killed many 'dragons' before; in the Marvel world, dragons are just some low-level reptilian creatures.
Only a very small number of ancient dragons possess formidable combat power, but in terms of dragon might, the ancient dragons she had seen could not compare to this ruby.
(The dragon Thor fought in 'thor: ragnarok'.)
In fact, she had seen someone whose dragon might was stronger than this ruby—from a long time ago—'Wu Fengji'!
Wu Fengji had once fought an ancient dragon, and after two days and two nights, she finally comprehended the Dragon Power.
The dragon might that erupted in that instant was greater than this gemstone.
Later, when the 'Phoenix Force' descended, Wu Fengji released this formidable Dragon Power and shattered the 'Phoenix Force' with a single punch, eventually subduing the Jean Grey.
The shattered Phoenix Force turned into fragments scattered across the Universe, never to be fused again.
And later, a small portion of the Phoenix Force fragments left on Earth fused with the Mutant Jean Grey, which led to the powerful Jean Grey in 'X-Men.'
In short, if Wu Fengji hadn't shattered the Phoenix Force, these subsequent Jean Grey hosts would not have appeared.
Afterward, Wu Fengji took the Jean Grey and vanished into the void, escaping into the depths of the Universe, never to be heard from again.
Thinking of her old acquaintance, the Ancient One sighed deeply; if she were to fight Wu Fengji, she would likely end up in despair.
"Could you... be a fragment left behind from that time?"
"A Dragon Power fragment?"
Although she had heard such rumors, she had never received confirmation; while there were already Phoenix Force fragments, it seemed... 'Dragon Power fragments' would not be strange.
"What exactly are you?"
The Ancient One muttered to herself and then left the meditation room.
She did not know that not long after she left, the 'ruby' was activated.
"Lian!"
"Lian!"
"Wake up, Lian!"
"Lian—"
"Wake up quickly."
"Don't sleep anymore, Lian—I am your master."
————
"Master?" Lying inside the ruby crystal, Lian sat up abruptly and shouted subconsciously, "Ah—Master, don't hit me, I won't sleep during practice ever again."
"..."
Then she was suddenly stunned. That's not right; she had left her master fifteen years ago; it was no longer the time when she was training during those two years.
"Huh? Right... I... I seem to... I should be dead, right?"
"Hmm... Master, I completed the mission you gave me; I didn't slack off!"
Her memory was still stuck at that battle in the year '37, completely unaware that six years had passed.
"Wait... where is this?"
Lian looked around in confusion; the surroundings were filled with red mist, and her vision could not see clearly beyond two meters.
"Is this what Hell looks like?"
067. Visiting Kamar-Taj in Person (Part 1)
"Lian—" Duke let out a sharp shout.
"Huh?"
"Master... is that you? Where are you? Why can't I see you? There's red mist everywhere here."
Only then did Lian realize that the voice she had just heard was not a hallucination.
Master, where are you?
Master, were you captured by a monster again?
Ha, just being cheeky.
"Lian, you need to realize that you are already dead. Right now, you are just a soul body, residing inside the 'ruby crystal' I gave you," Duke explained simply.
Most souls do not know they have died after waking up from a slumber of several years.
Furthermore, after being nourished by the massive life force of the Red Dragon, Lian's soul body had become quite solid, no longer possessing the 'transparency' of an ordinary soul.
So, it was highly likely she didn't think she was dead.
He had never told Lian the purpose of the 'ruby crystal' because he worried she might act recklessly if she knew she had no more worries about her safety. He had only told her she must carry it with her at all times, even while sleeping.
"I see, Master... Then... does that mean I'm not actually in the Underworld or Hell?" Lian said with a hint of disappointment.
"What, from the sound of it, you seem a bit unhappy about that?"
"Well... I wanted to see Ox-Head and Horse-Face or something," Lian said.
"Nonsense! Would Ox-Head and Horse-Face even dare to take my student? I'll open your vision for you; take a good look at your surroundings. I'm coming to find you right away," Duke scolded, then remotely activated the ruby crystal's vision.
In the next instant, the red mist around Lian sank down immediately, gathering on the floor like dry ice stage effects. Her surroundings instantly became transparent, as if she were standing inside a glass room.
If the Ancient One happened to return, she would be very surprised to see a 'little person' looking around inside the crystal.
The surroundings were...
"Master, this looks like a secret chamber, I can't see anything clearly." After scanning the area, Lian couldn't tell where she was at all. "Shouldn't the crystal be on me? Why don't I see myself... Ah, the crystal was stolen!"
Lian realized what had happened the next second.
She had always worn the ruby crystal around her neck, carrying it as a pendant, never taking it off even when bathing. She only removed it to clean it when the necklace string got dirty, but even then, she would use another necklace to tie the crystal and hang it around her neck.
Logically, if she died, it should have been placed in her coffin as a burial object.
What she should be seeing was a sealed 'box' and her own body, or her'skeleton' body, but now... she was in a secret chamber?
And it was even being treated like a treasure, suspended on a stone platform, this...
Duke was also a bit surprised because he actually couldn't look around through the crystal. He had placed a small spell on the ruby crystal that allowed him to use it as an 'eye' to scan the surroundings.
But now, his consciousness was being blocked.
Clearly, the place where Lian was currently located was blocked by a massive barrier. He could only barely activate the ruby crystal's vision to let Lian observe for herself.
"You are now the Lotus Fairy; the people of Stone Cityhave built a temple for you to offer incense and worship."
"Really?" Lian got excited, proving that all her efforts had not been in vain.
"However... six years have passed since your death. I have only just woken up from my breakthrough. Six years have gone by, anything could have happened, so it's not surprising the crystal was stolen. Look closely at that secret chamber, is there anything special there?" Duke said.
In fact, he already had a few conclusions in mind, because there weren't many places with a large-scale barrier capable of blocking him.
"Master, you've leveled up?" Lian jumped up in excitement.
"..." Duke's face was covered in black lines as he scolded, "Where is your focus? Hurry up, be quick about it. There's a barrier blocking things here, I can't talk to you for long."
"Oh, oh!" Hearing this, Lian quickly began to examine her surroundings. "Hmm... nothing special really. This is a circular secret chamber, surrounded by bookshelves. They look like... very heavy, very ancient books, with a cowhide or parchment feel to them."
Duke frowned: "Pick out the important, iconic, or special things."
"Special, iconic..." Lian scanned carefully and finally found something. "Ah—there's an eye! Does this count, Master?"
An eye?
Duke frowned, could it be?
"Is the center of that eye green? Does it glow?"
"No, it seems to be made of bronze. It's a bit far away, and the chamber is very dark, so I can't see it clearly," Lian said.
Ah, right.
If it were the eye of agamotto, the center indeed wouldn't be glowing when it's not activated.
"Then take a closer look, are there four 'wires' protecting the 'pupil' of that eye?"
"Eh, there really are! Master, how did you know?"
It really was the eye of agamotto!
Ancient One?
"Alright, Master knows where you are... Wait, someone seems to be approaching. They likely sensed something. I'll temporarily seal the ruby crystal. Don't worry... I'll come to get you soon." Saying this, Duke canceled the crystal's vision, sealed the ruby crystal once more, and withdrew his consciousness.
At the very moment he finished all this, the Ancient Onearrived with a flash.
"?"
"Could my senses have been mistaken?"
Saying that, she looked again at the ruby crystal, which was still slowly rotating, and turned to leave.
———— Karazhan.
"How is it? Did you find Lian?" Seeing Duke open his eyes, Diana hurriedly stepped forward to ask.
"Yes, I found her. She's in Kamar-Taj."
"Kamar-Taj? Why would she be there?" Diana frowned. "I know that place; it's said to be a sanctuary for mages. Their leader is someone known as the 'Sorcerer Supreme,' and they are very powerful."
"I know her."
"Then I'll go with you," Diana said.
"No need, I can go by myself."
"But..."
Duke smiled and waved his hand: "What's the panic? It's not like I'm going for a fight. I have some understanding of her; why would she attack me for no reason? Besides, I'm just going to take back what belongs to me. What right does she have to keep it?"
"But..." Diana didn't know much about the Ancient One.
"There are no buts. Rest easy. Going together would only make us look like we lack confidence; we shouldn't be looked down upon." Duke kissed Wonder Woman's forehead. "Did you forget? If there's any danger, I can return directly to Karazhan. No one can keep me there."
In truth, even if the two of them went to Kamar-Tajtogether, they might not necessarily be able to defeat the Ancient One.
"Alright, then be careful."
"Don't worry."
068. Visiting Kamar-Taj (Part 2)
——New York Sanctum.
When Duke saw the interior, he was somewhat surprised. To his amazement, the guard here wasn't just 'one person'?
Well, he guessed it was a budget issue in the movies—one more person meant one more paycheck.
Roughly estimated, thirty-six people.
Duke slowly walked out from'space'.
"Who is it..." The Sanctum guard mage, Harold, instantly became alert. "It's you?"
When he saw Duke, he was also a bit stunned.
The other mages also instantly assumed combat stances, each holding orange 'circles' in their hands.
"Harold!"
"You know me?"
"You've been monitoring me for two years; it's not strange that I know you, is it?" Duke smiled and sat directly on a nearby sofa. "Be quick about it and take me to Kamar-Taj. I have business with your 'Sorcerer Supreme'."
"What?" Harold was somewhat puzzled. It was already a miracle that the Sorcerer Supreme hadn't come looking for him, yet he actually wanted to knock on her door? "Are you serious?"
"Of course. Your Sorcerer Supreme took something of mine, and I'm going to get it back."
"Nonsense! What does the Sorcerer Supreme not have? Why would she covet your things?" Harold scolded angrily.
Duke narrowed his eyes and smiled slightly: "As of now, I am still on friendly terms with Kamar-Taj. Are you... sure you want to go to war with me?"
As his voice fell, the divine light of the Arcane suddenly exploded in his eyes. The purple radiance shook Harold, making his chest feel congested.
He couldn't help but retreat several steps before standing firm.
His heart was filled with shock. Is this the Legendaryrealm?
He only had Hero-level strength.
Although the Sorcerer Supreme was a Demigod powerhouse, she had never displayed her true strength, so he didn't know how powerful the Ancient One was. But this person in front of him made him retreat several steps just by glaring at him; such strength was truly inconceivable!
Go to war?
The New York Sanctum would likely be bathed in blood in an instant.
"Fine! But I must inform the Sorcerer Supreme first." After a moment's thought, Harold decided to compromise.
After all, looking at the current situation, both sides were mages and indeed not enemies. There was no need to provoke a powerful foe for Kamar-Taj over a small matter. If it were his fault, the Ancient One would surely have to discipline him.
"Be my guest." Duke remained sitting on the sofa, as calm as an old god.
"..."
Without knowing how the other party 'requested instructions,' about three minutes later, Harold walked back: "Please follow me. The Sorcerer Supreme will personally welcome you at Kamar-Taj."
The three Great Sanctums are interconnected and also connected to other places, such as the ocean, the desert, and so on. The Sanctum's portal is actually a large door; you can pass through just by opening it.
Upon arriving at Kamar-Taj, Duke saw the 'Sorcerer Supreme' Ancient One standing at the front of the group. As for those behind her, he didn't recognize a single one.
"Welcome, Mr. Duke, to Kamar-Taj." The Ancient Onewalked forward very warmly and shook hands.
One does not strike a smiling face.
Duke also smiled: "Mr. Sorcerer Supreme, you are too kind."
"Mister?" The Ancient One was slightly stunned.
"Where I come from, it's a respectful title for people of high prestige and great integrity. There is no distinction between genders," Duke laughed.
"Mr. Duke overpraises me." The Ancient One was very happy, at least on the surface.
"Not at all." Duke was also smiling, but inside he was like this: @乛︶乛＠——@乛ω乛＠
Flattery will get you everywhere. Well, she probably didn't know that 40 years later, a teacher named Sora, known for her 'great integrity,' would be born into this world.
Funny face.
"Tea or coffee?"
"Tea, please." Watching the Ancient One perform the Gongfu tea ceremony, Duke smiled, "I didn't expect Mr. Sorcerer Supreme to have such research into the Way of Tea."
"Living too long, one always needs to cultivate some interests," the Ancient One said as if mocking herself, then handed over a cup.
With a'straw'?
"This is..."
Duke only then realized that the tea the Ancient Onebrewed smelled a bit off.
"Mate tea, from South America."
"Oh." Duke knew of this tea, but he hadn't expected the Ancient One to brew it like Gongfu tea. "It's a bit bitter, a bit astringent... it feels like... taking a mouthful of grass."
In his past life, he knew this tea was promoted for various health benefits and nutrients, but Duke had never bought it; he had only tried it once at a friend's place. He didn't much like this particular mouthfeel; Tieguanyin was still better.
(PS: Tieguanyin, remember to send money!)
"Sorcerer Supreme..."
"Call me Ancient One."
"Then you should call me Duke as well. 'Mr. Duke'... I always feel like you're calling someone else," Dukelaughed.
Is she calling for Du Yuesheng?
"Mr. Du... Duke, you said I took something of yours. I'm curious, what is it?" the Ancient One asked.
"In a secret room where the eye of agamotto is kept."
Hearing this, the Ancient One's expression suddenly changed, and she frowned: "Just now... was it you?"
"Probably me."
Making a joke.
"Probably?"
"Fine. If no one else has been there just now, then it should be me." Duke took a sip of the Mate tea and slowly set it down; he still couldn't get used to the taste.
"How do you know about the eye of agamotto?" the Ancient One asked; this was supposed to be a secret.
"I'm not interested in the eye of agamotto. I am, however, very curious about that red crystal. I wonder... Mr. Ancient One... where did you get it?" At this point, Duke's eyes sharpened slightly.
With things said to this extent, if the Ancient One still hadn't reacted, then she wouldn't be who she was.
"That's yours?" she asked in surprise.
"Correct."
"But, I picked that up from the battlefield outside Stone City in '37, when the Japanese army attacked Stone City." The Ancient One wouldn't believe him so easily; that was a fragment that might contain 'Dragon Power'.
Duke wasn't interested in the Time Stone, but he was interested in 'Dragon Power'?
The person before her was still not confirmed as friend or foe, good or bad; she wouldn't rashly hand over a strange crystal she hadn't yet fully researched to someone else.
If there really was some kind of power inside, once mastered by a villain, it would be a disaster for this world.
"I gave that to my disciple, 'Lian'. You should be quite familiar with that name, shouldn't you?" Duke wasn't in a hurry; he was indeed somewhat wary of the Ancient One's strength.
He didn't want to make an enemy of the Ancient Oneeither.
He was just here to bring his disciple home!
Making an enemy of a Sorcerer Supreme was not something a smart person would do.
"Lian?" The Ancient One's expression froze for a moment, and she began to understand. "The Lotus Fairy Temple in Stone City... that 'Lotus Fairy' is your disciple 'Lian'?"
She did indeed know of this person, Lian.
In the two years before Duke fell into his slumber, she was a little beggar taken in in Chinatown. However, before Duke slept, that disciple had boarded a ship alone, and her whereabouts became unknown.
Harold had mainly focused on the other three and hadn't paid much attention to Lian, a 12-year-old girl. In the end, he only knew she had boarded a ship and left, but couldn't find out where she went.
After all, it wasn't an era of real-name registration.
In the subsequent twenty-one years, he never saw that girl in New York again.
It was as if she had vanished.
"I see. It was probably dropped during the battle. However, as for whether I can give it to you, I still need proof from you." The Ancient One understood.
"Of course."
069. How Much Have You Deciphered?
"Lian, wake up."
Duke reached out and lightly brushed over the ruby crystal.
The Ancient One was staring at Duke. She was surprised to find that several "magic rune formations" of different sizes, colors, and shapes also lit up in Duke's palm.
Green, purple, red, yellow, blue, and so on.
Duke was merely misleading the Ancient One.
Simplified rune formations?
The Ancient One was somewhat shocked. When they cast magic, they also drew similar rune formations, but they were basically "orange," and their appearances were mostly the same.
But Duke's were different.
Moreover, when they drew rune formations, there were movements, such as pulling with both hands and then drawing a circle. Even she was the same when casting magic, just faster and easier than others.
But looking at Duke, he didn't "draw" at all, as if he had drawn the magic rune formations with his mind.
This required very strong control to achieve.
Even she wasn't that relaxed!
It seemed he had a more convenient way. Could this... be a simplified version?
She didn't have time to think about it.
Because the ruby crystal had "come alive."
That impenetrable crystal instantly became transparent.
"Ah—Master!"
"Let me out quickly—Master—Master—let me out quickly!"
Looking closely, there was a "little person" inside happily patting the crystal wall.
"..."
Duke had lines of frustration on his forehead. With a wave of his hand, Lian turned into a wisp of red mist and floated out. Before the red mist even landed, it turned into a human form and lunged at Duke, hanging on him like a sloth.
"You're already a thirty-year-old woman, so why are you still acting like a child?"
You call a thirty-year-old a "young lady"?
In this era, a thirty-year-old could already be a grandmother, alright?
"Master—a woman's age is a secret, you can't say that. I'm forever eighteen." Lian jumped down in annoyance and said with a pout.
"By the way, how is your soul..." Duke looked Lian up and down. Why was her body still twelve years old?
"I don't know. It seemed to be like this when I woke up," Lian said.
This was actually a "soul body"?
The Ancient One was surprised.
Although she often entered the "soul world," she never entered the physical world in soul form. Of course, that wasn't to say she couldn't. Furthermore, after a person died or was near death, their soul would enter the soul world. Only those with strong obsessions could remain in the physical world. Finally, only a very few souls with strong obsessions and sufficient strength could communicate with people.
For example, when Doctor Strange was near death, he could talk to his girlfriend.
"Before people die, they remember their most beautiful moments, and their souls take on that appearance. It seems you took good care of your disciple. She believes the two years she spent training with you were the best times of her life, which is why she looks like this," the Ancient Oneexplained.
"Oh." Duke understood.
Only then did Lian notice someone else was there: "Who are you? A monk... no, a nun? Oh—I know, you're the one who stole 'me,' right?"
"How are you talking to the Sorcerer Supreme? Is this how I taught you? You must be polite. It was the Sorcerer Supreme who found you; otherwise, who knows how many hands you would have been sold through by now!" Duke, with lines of frustration, raised his hand and gave her a sharp flick on the forehead. "Apologize immediately!"
Although he looked fierce, he was very happy in his heart.
After all, his disciple remembered his kindness.
As a master, this was enough.
"Oh! Sorry, Sorcerer Supreme. I'm young; please don't hold it against me." Lian quickly bowed.
Duke was laughing inside. Had this little girl become quite mischievous?
Actually, she should be 27 years old.
Having died six years ago, her age was frozen.
"It's nothing," the Ancient One smiled.
"Is this proof enough?" Duke asked with a smile.
"Of course, you can take it away."
Since ownership had been proven, the Ancient Onecouldn't very well refuse to give it back.
She knew what Lian looked like.
If she were 27, she certainly wouldn't have recognized her, but Harold had already sent back her 12-year-old appearance. Moreover, this wasn't an illusion; Lian was indeed a "soul body." Thus, it was obvious that after Lian died six years ago, her soul entered the crystal.
Although she had always been curious about the power within the ruby crystal, it was a regret that she couldn't find its origin.
Although she realized that Lian might have been arranged by Duke to go to Stone City to stop the Japanese Army's offensive, and this crystal was the final "life-saving charm." Could it be that he could also see the future?
However, she didn't have time to think so much. She suddenly realized that the "soul" is eternal, while the body... will one day turn into a handful of decaying earth.
She seemed to have attained enlightenment.
In the near future, although her body would die, her soul would become a Holy Spirit, following the great god "Eternity" to travel the Universe.
Abandoning the physical body to pursue Eternity?
"Lian, go inside first. Your soul isn't strong enough yet to cross space," Duke said.
"Oh." The obedient Lian turned back into red mist and ducked into the ruby crystal.
There was a warm feeling in there; she had actually grown accustomed to living in it.
"Then... goodbye." Duke put away the ruby crystal and prepared to take his leave. "By the way, as 'payment' for you keeping my disciple for six years, I give this to you."
A very small fragment of the "ruby crystal," about one-tenth the size of the one Lian was hiding in, the size of a finger bone.
It also contained remarkable vitality.
He had always been curious about why the Ancient Onewas killed by Kaecilius in "Doctor Strange." Could a little mouse who had only obtained power bestowed by Dormammu instantly become strong enough to kill the Ancient One?
In his view, the Ancient One was probably doing it on purpose.
For some reason, she couldn't commit suicide and couldn't cast off her physical shell, so she had to use Kaecilius's hand. The Ancient One possessed immense magic power, enough to make even him feel a trace of palpitations.
On the path of chasing "Eternity," he really didn't expect that the first thing to give out would be her physical shell.
Her magic power was so immense that her body was the first to be unable to withstand it.
After all, she was just a carbon-based life form. Having lived for over 500 years was already the limit.
No matter how cells divide or how they are stimulated by magic power, they have reached their limit. It's impossible to keep dividing forever to maintain the body's vitality.
Her body was in the process of dying.
And now, would she still have the idea of casting off her body?
After possessing the ruby crystal...
Before entering the Portal, Duke suddenly turned his head and asked, "By the way, Ancient One, how many magic characters have you deciphered?"
Then, amidst the Ancient One's astonishment, he smiled faintly and jumped into the Portal, disappearing.
"So it turns out..."
070. Elderly Steve
A small car was traveling down a path toward an Air Force base.
Samir repeatedly checked the rearview mirror, finally unable to resist asking, "Boss... are we really going to see him?"
Speaking of which, Samir felt a bit miserable because he could only call Duke 'Boss'. Even though they were both students, Lian could call him 'Master', while he could only call him Boss. Samir always felt that Duke didn't really care about him in his heart.
Then Duke gave him a sentence: How old are you?
Samir fell silent.
For a 40-year-old to call a 20-year-old 'Teacher', Dukealways felt it was very awkward.
"What, are you afraid of seeing an old friend?" Duke smiled playfully.
Calculating the age, that guy should be a middle-aged uncle in his 50s by now, right?
"No... I'm afraid of upsetting him." Samir shrugged with a bitter smile.
Twenty-three years ago, he looked 40 while Steve was 30. Twenty-three years later, he still looked 40, while Stevewas in his fifties.
"Then you don't have to go up."
"Cough, I was just saying." Samir smiled and continued driving.
It wasn't really that upsetting; in fact, during the 21 years Duke was asleep, he had seen Steve several times.
He keenly sensed that this time would likely be a final farewell.
How could he not go see him?
At the main gate of the base, the car was stopped. After showing their IDs, the guard allowed them through: "Please go in, Colonel Trevor is waiting for you on the fifth floor."
"A Colonel? Before I went to sleep, he was probably a Captain, right?"
"You remember very clearly, Boss." Samir nodded.
After the car parked, the group of three entered the elevator.
Inside the elevator, Diana expressed her confusion: "Is that Steve Rogers you mentioned really that good?"
"Let's put it this way: he will become a flag for the United States and a 'core' for the future," Duke said.
He was fooling Wonder Woman; it was during a magicdream journey that he had glimpsed the future 'Captain America'.
"The new and old 'Steves', eh? I'm quite looking forward to these two meeting." Duke smiled.
Old Steve could be considered the 'Captain' of World War I.
Neither of them had the military status, so Duke thought of Steve Trevor. He came to ask for his help to get a fake identity to sneak into the Strategic Scientific Reserve!
"His appearance hasn't changed, right?"
"Oh, no, I don't think you'll want to see him."
"Is that so?"
Duke could hear that while he was asleep, Diana must have seen Steve. However, he didn't ask; he didn't doubt Diana. He could tell from the first look when he woke up; besides, someone who cheats wouldn't write that kind of diary. If he wasn't mistaken, it was probably that old man Steve who had come to find Diana.
As for whether it was to reminisce or something else, he no longer had any interest.
After all, he was already an old man!
Nowadays, Steve Trevor had already retired from the Air Force. He was too old, and due to physical reasons, he could no longer fly planes. However, he had become the Commander of an Air Force base with the rank of Colonel.
"Long time no see, you three."
A man who had clearly dressed up and groomed himself walked toward them. He held out both hands, looking very enthusiastic.
And then...
"Pfft—hahahaha!" The next second, Duke burst out laughing.
Diana had a look of reproach; one shouldn't judge by appearances.
Samir was also a bit dumbfounded: Holy crap, you weren't like this five years ago. Bro, what happened to you?
At the first sight of him, Duke laughed. Steve had clearly tidied himself up well for this long-awaited meeting, but... no matter how much tidying is done on a 200-pound fat man, it's useless.
"Sorry... hahahaha... sorry, haha—apologies, I can't control myself, let me laugh for a bit!" Saying this, Duke ran to a corner and laughed hysterically.
Diana's sentence, 'I don't think you'll want to see him,' so that's what she meant.
Steve's face was full of black lines. He gave a sheepish smile and withdrew his hand, ignoring Duke who was already doubled over laughing in the corner, and greeted: "Sit, sit down, don't just stand there!"
"I say brother, what happened to you?" After sitting down, Samir asked curiously.
Did sitting in an office turn him into a fat man?
He wasn't like this the last time they met five years ago, although his face was a bit chubby then.
No wonder he hadn't shown up for the past five years; he was probably afraid of being laughed at.
Diana didn't speak. Although she hadn't seen Steve in the last five years, she had already guessed. During the years Duke was asleep, she went to university and studied medicine. When she last saw Steve five years ago, she could tell that Steve suffered from 'Secondary Obesity'.
Obesity triggered by a disease.
This was very difficult to treat; simply relying on exercise could only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.
As for the specific cause, it was hard for her to judge. She couldn't confirm without a detailed examination, but in her view, it should be the hypothalamus or... the adrenal cortex.
Once you get this disease, it's very hard to cure with current medical standards. So even though she hadn't seen him in five years, Diana had already visualized Steve's current appearance in her mind.
As it turned out, it was exactly so!
"Forget it, it's all tears. On the other hand, you, Samir, still look the same as before," Steve sighed with emotion.
"Heh." Samir didn't say much.
What could he say? He could only shrug and smile.
He couldn't go and upset Steve further.
The Boss was still laughing.
Was it really that funny?
After laughing for five minutes, he finally stopped. Dukewalked back slowly: "I'm really sorry, I almost didn't recognize you... pfft—no, I can't look at your face."
One look and he wanted to laugh; the change was just too great.
He could suddenly feel what Wolverine felt when he saw 'Blob' Frederick Dukes again after a long time.
My god, who is this fat guy?
"Steve, when others reach your age, they usually have some middle-aged uncle charm. But you... for some reason, you look like an old lady."
Duke finally managed to control his laughing muscles.
Steve spread his hands, indicating he didn't want to talk.
"Alright, we're here to ask for a small favor: get us into the 'Strategic Scientific Reserve'," Duke said.
"Strategic Scientific Reserve?" Steve shook his fat chin. "I think I've heard that name somewhere? Oh, right, it was at a cocktail party; I heard Colonel Phillips mention it once."
"Colonel Phillips? Is it Chester Phillips?" Duke asked.
"You know him?"
"Yeah."
"I'm afraid... I can't help you. That's a highly classified unit. Colonel Phillips and I are only acquaintances; I have no way to arrange for you to get in." Steve shook his head; he was only a Colonel, not a General.
"Then never mind. It was good to see you..." Duke stood up, patted Steve's shoulder to say goodbye. "Buddy, try to lose some weight."
The latter's face was full of black lines.
Steve Trevor couldn't connect them to the Strategic Scientific Reserve, but Duke didn't mind. This was just a farewell to a former 'partner'.
The transition from the old to the new Steve begins here.