The original alternate dimension had once been like uncultivated land—a barren, primitive world. But after being nourished by the divine energy of Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, it underwent a miraculous transformation, as if Mars itself had become Earth.
Before his death, Ra had briefly reached the threshold of a Universal-level being, and the energy contained within his corpse was immeasurable. Much like how Pangu's body became the mountains and rivers after he split heaven and earth, the power within Ra's body, absorbed by the alternate dimension, continuously birthed new forms of life and matter.
His two damaged eyes turned into the sun and moon of this new realm. The divine blood from his body seeped into the soil, giving rise to endless jungles and towering trees that rapidly spread across the world.
Herman's once desolate dimension now resembled Asgard's Valhalla—lush, vibrant, and full of life, transformed from a wasteland into a paradise.
It brimmed with vitality.
Except for the absence of intelligent creatures, Herman's alternate dimension was now indistinguishable from a real world. Enriched by the godly blood of Ra, it might even surpass most worlds in the normal universe. Crops grown on soil nourished by divine blood would surely be treasures in the eyes of any living being.
"Asgard, Olympus… even those mythic lands probably can't compare to mine," Herman murmured, pleased with the transformation of his realm.
His words weren't mere boasting. After all, no other skyfather's domain had ever been so extravagant as to use a god-king's body as fertilizer.
It wasn't just Ra's divine remains that reshaped the dimension. The Darkhold, which Herman had previously sealed within it, radiated chaotic energy, transforming a section of the realm into a zone of rampant, surging magic.
The Darkhold floated quietly over this corrupted land—the only area untouched by Ra's divine energy.
"When I have time, I should study that divine artifact," Herman said thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the Darkhold.
His consciousness hovered above the dimension, overseeing it like a creator, clearly sensing the artifact's chaotic energy.
The moment the Darkhold entered the dimension, it carved out its own dwelling with chaos magic, a sign of its own intelligence.
As the crystallization of the Demon God Chthon's wisdom, it contained not only powerful dark magic but also strong fluctuations of the Law of Death. If Herman could comprehend it, the benefits would far exceed those of mastering Anubis's death laws.
After all, Chthon was an ancient demon god whose strength rivaled that of the Five Cosmic Entities. Even though Herman had reached the Universal level, he was still an entire stage of existence below Chthon's tier.
In truth, the Darkhold was likely the most valuable prize Herman had gained from his journey to Egypt—perhaps even more precious than divine essence itself.
"The Darkhold won't just help me study the laws of magic. If I can fully control it, I can use it to nurture Wanda's Chaos talent."
He had no doubt about his ability to tame it and was already devising plans in his mind.
Across the Marvel universe, the most famous wielder of Chaos Magic was, of course, the Scarlet Witch, Wanda, of the Avengers.
In the early Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wanda's powers were described as telekinetic abilities granted through HYDRA's experiments with the Mind Scepter. But as the story developed, her powers were revealed to be rooted in true magic—though she used that power more like a blunt weapon than an art.
It was like holding a nuclear bomb and using it as a hammer—an utter waste of potential.
Even so, Wanda, wielding her "hammer," could still stand against Thanos at his peak. Her potential was beyond imagination.
Chaos Magic—the oldest and most terrifying force in existence—was the source of Chthon's strength, and Wanda was its natural-born master.
In some parallel universes, Wanda's control over Chaos Magic even surpassed Chthon's, a clear sign of the universe itself favoring her.
Herman was intrigued.
If Wanda were to wield a purified Darkhold—free from corruption and mental backlash—just how powerful could she become?
"Without its side effects, the Darkhold would be a complete textbook on Chaos Magic, a perfect teaching manual with detailed guidance."
Gazing at the Darkhold within the alternate dimension, Herman's eyes flickered with intent. He resolved to begin studying the tome as soon as he returned to the future.
He then began to calculate his age.
Wanda's not a child anymore... Last time Carrie took her shopping for underwear, she was already buying C-cup bras. It's about time Wanda got her hands on a "workbook."
If you think of the Darkhold as a workbook, then this divine tome would be the kind that can generate endless problems—an eternal, god-tier workbook that never runs out of exercises.
"I bet Wanda will be thrilled."
Herman pondered for a moment, then continued observing the changes in the alternate dimension.
After the corpse of the ancient Egyptian sun god was completely absorbed and the transformations within the realm began to stabilize, his consciousness gradually withdrew from the otherworldly space.
...
Reality Dimension.
Where the corpse of Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, had once lain, there was now only a massive crater—bottomless and dark, as if a meteorite had struck the earth.
"Still asleep."
Herman approached the divine energy shield.
Inside, Evelyn slept peacefully.
Within the protective barrier of Herman's divine power, Evelyn's condition couldn't have been better. She could easily continue sleeping for another three to five days without any problems.
Though the roar of the sun god Ra had stunned the girl, it hadn't caused her any actual harm.
Even if it had, Herman's divine force shield did more than simply protect life within it. The sacred energy it contained could heal any injury sustained by those under its protection. Beyond its inherently overwhelming nature, his power also carried the life-death conversion granted by the Law of Death.
Even if Evelyn had died, as long as her soul hadn't been annihilated, Herman's divine power could have brought her back to life.
Of course, Evelyn hadn't experienced death and resurrection. She was simply lost in a pleasant dream, her lips curving into a faint smile from time to time. Herman had no habit of disturbing someone's beautiful dreams, so he quietly transferred Evelyn into the alternate dimension.
Having gained such a capable guide, his journey had proven fruitful. Naturally, he would see to it that Evelyn—who had done an excellent job leading the way—was safely returned to Cairo.
As for the future...
Herman figured he and the girl would likely never cross paths again. After all, they weren't even from the same era.
He used the Raven Portal to return directly to the small town he had visited before, then quickly flew to the nearby city of Cairo.
With money clearing the way, Herman booked a room for Evelyn at the finest hotel and gently laid the sleeping girl on the bed.
Gazing at her, he paused, then channeled his divine power to bestow a blessing upon her.
This divine blessing wouldn't grant immortality, but it would extend her lifespan and grant her a body resistant to all disease and ailments.
"Consider this the true reward of this journey," Herman murmured softly to the sleeping Evelyn. The ravens at his feet began to swirl, and his figure vanished from the hotel room.
Before leaving, he also notified Evelyn's stepbrother.
Though they had only spent a short time together, Herman genuinely admired the girl from the old era who possessed such an independent spirit. It was a completely different kind of strength than the feminism that would become popular in later generations.
If he had to describe her, Evelyn was like Mulan—someone who believed with conviction that women were no less capable than men. She was a truly awakened and exceptional woman.
Highly charismatic.
"If she were less impulsive, less reckless, and less headstrong, she could have become an extraordinary scientist and scholar."
That was the judgment Herman gave her.
He believed this would likely be the last time their paths crossed, for once he found that voice, he would return to his own era.
At that very moment, Herman had no idea that his blessing—and his interference in Evelyn's fate—would one day bring him an "unexpected surprise" in the future.