Shane Freak
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Chapter 674: Someone's Stealing Electricity Without Me! (Part 1)
🕑 Added 2023-10-22 08:45:40 +0000 UTCIn DC World With Marvel Chat Group : Table of Content/Chapter List
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Adjacent to the energy hub of the Kamar-Taj Research Center, Schiller and Strange exchanged glances. Strange lowered his head to glance at his watch and remarked, "Hasn't he been up there too long?"
Schiller also eyed his watch. Before Stark's ascension, the plan indicated that his time rising above Space shouldn't exceed 30 seconds. However, it was approaching a minute now, and Stark had not yet returned.
Furrowing his brow in thought, Schiller believed they were still within a safe timeframe. "Let's wait a bit longer," he suggested. "If we don't hear anything within the next half minute, we'll contact The Ancient One."
Strange had already taken out his mobile phone, ready to reach out to The Ancient One, who would then seek Eternity to observe Stark's status, should he fail to return shortly.
Yet, precisely at the one-minute mark, a streak of golden light abruptly illuminated the skies above Kamar-Taj. Strange stepped back, eyeing the luminescence on the protective shield. "Is this... the birth of new demon gods???? Right here on Earth, Tony might have..."
Taking a deep breath, Strange suppressed the grave expression on his face. Striving for calm, he authoritatively said, "All sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, assemble! If you encounter Tony Stark in the form of a demon god, refrain from any rash actions; let him first leave Earth's vicinity..."
"Hold on, Tony shouldn't ascend so easily..." Schiller, too, frowned, confident in Stark's self-control. In the Dream Realm, Stark could create a city in an instant, a testament to his potent soul manipulation—far surpassing most beings in this Space.
That's why Schiller had agreed to let Stark go up again, knowing his rationale was strong enough to suppress any stray thoughts. As long as he didn't wish to ascend, he wouldn't transform into a demon god.
But now, the circumstances defied all expectations. During Stark's short ascension above Space, a new demon god emerged on Earth. It couldn't be a coincidence; the only explanation was that Stark had indeed become a deity.
As the sorcerers rallied towards the energy hub, the magic light blinked again. A rainbow beam descended from the sky, and Stark materialized within. Strange and the other sorcerers froze in shock.
"Tony, you didn't... What's the deal with this new god???" Strange asked, full of doubt. He then saw Stark display a frustrated expression. Looking around at the sorcerers, Stark helplessly raised his hand, saying:
"Don't act yet... It's hard to explain, but now, I need to go up again. You don't have to worry about me."
"Wait!" Strange called out to him again.
"I really don't have time to explain!" Stark seemed to be suppressing anger, took a deep breath, and reassured, "Don't worry about me. As long as I don't want to ascend, I won't become a demon god..."
As Stark attempted to leave, Strange stopped him again. Before Stark could speak, Strange asked, "Do you have any idea how much magic energy you're using every second you ascend? How are you planning on paying for the 'electricity'?"
"I'll pay for it!" Stark replied irritably. After speaking, he once again transformed into the form of a demon god, ascending above Space.
Still on the ground, Strange sighed and waved dismissively at the group of grand sorcerers. "Disperse. Oh, wait, don't go yet. Who's in charge of the finance department?"
The other grand sorcerers stepped back in unison, leaving Wang standing reluctantly in front. "Who else but me?" he asked.
Strange slung an arm around his shoulder, leading him aside as they walked. "You heard what Tony Stark said, right?"
"Uh... He said not to worry about him. He claimed he could control whether or not to become a demon god. Honestly, that's quite impressive. As long as there's enough magic energy, couldn't he maintain the state above Space indefinitely?" Wang commented with admiration.
"Who told you that? Didn't you hear him say he'd pay?" Strange looked at Wang as if he were missing the point.
"Magic energy is invaluable, beyond any currency. It's a priceless treasure. Of course, overcharging isn't Kamar-Taj's style. We need a valid reason for any claims, you understand?" Strange pulled Wang closer, lowering his voice, "Our budget for the next quarter relies on the upcoming loss report. You can handle that, right?"
Wang wore a troubled expression. Strange waved dismissively and continued, "Think about the market price of Molten Steel, then consider the still-expensive though declining Vibranium, and remember the precious metals needed for Mithril, the storage gems' costs..."
Despite Strange's words, Wang maintained his troubled look. "The magic energy of Kamar-Taj supports so many sorcerers. Losing so much at once will impact our next three... I mean, thirteen projects. The losses are incalculable..."
Releasing his hold, Strange gave Wang a thumbs up.
Before turning to leave, he mimed a more sorrowful expression by tugging at the corner of his eye, then pointed at Wang, who responded with an OK gesture.
Upon his return to the energy hub, Strange saw Schiller making a phone call. As Strange approached, Schiller ended the call, signaling him with a glance. They moved to a quieter spot, where Schiller, staring at his mobile phone, said, "Open a portal to S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick's office. We need to talk."
With a "whoosh," a portal appeared. As Schiller and Strange landed, Loki and Nick were already seated on sofas on either side.
The four individuals settled themselves on sofas facing each direction, and after a mutual exchange of glances, they understood the theme of this meeting. It was, undeniably, about the absence of virtue.
Those present might recall the last gathering around the theme of moral deficiency, a meeting that spelled misfortune for some. This meeting promised to be no different, starting with an address from the organizer, Schiller.
"I trust you've all discerned the origin of the Power of Belief within Peter," Schiller began. "Now, let's have Stephen elucidate on the purpose of this power."
The conversation passed to Strange, who sipped his coffee, cleared his throat, and began: "As we all know, every force within this Space stems from the Space's origin. Various beings can tap into and utilize this primal energy."
"Some creatures are inherently capable of converting the Space's original energy into a form they can use, like you..." Strange glanced at Loki, who nodded in agreement, prompting him to continue.
"Others cannot actively harness this energy, or they employ it differently."
"The value of human belief is immeasurable. When humans fuel demon gods with the Space's original energy through their faith, the transfer is utterly lossless because they cannot use this energy themselves."
"The human soul refines this energy, making it purer, but since humans cannot actively use it, the refined energy is transmitted without reservation to the objects of their devotion. Hence, demon gods prefer to evangelize on Earth, where one believer's contribution outweighs that of any other being by tenfold, if not a hundredfold."
"However, not all humans are incapable of wielding this energy. For instance, sorcerers can manipulate magical energy."
"Whether it's the Power of Belief or magical energy, both are manifestations of the Space's primal energy. They differ in their stages of evolution, and depending on these stages, they can be utilized by different species..."
"They are also interconvertible. For example, the Power of Belief can transform into magical energy. And since it's less evolved, it can yield a vast amount of magical energy."
"For instance, most demon gods that left Earth were once ordinary humans. Their ascension was due to amassing sufficient Power of Belief."
"Conversely, if a regular human accumulates enough magical energy, they can convert it into the Power of Belief and ultimately ascend to demon god status. These are different paths leading to the same destination."
"As for the uses of magical energy, I presume no explanation is necessary? Of course, I do not say this out of arrogance, but it's crucial to acknowledge that even energies far more potent than magical energy may not be as versatile in human hands."
"It's precisely because of human frailty that we employ various methods to deepen the energy's evolution, negate its destructive nature, and refine it. Additionally, due to the scarcity of magical energy accessible to humans, Kamar-Taj has been compelled to push the limits of energy utilization..."
"Because of human limitations in energy, we have, over tens of thousands of years, optimized every speck of magical energy, thereby developing unique magical technologies."
Strange's tone heightened, his words radiating innate confidence: "There are many species in Space far stronger than us, but since the emergence of humans, our advantage has been our unparalleled ability to create and utilize tools."
"Due to our vulnerability, we've ingrained maximized efficiency and cost-reduction into our very DNA. And when the day comes that we command sufficient resources, humanity's rise will be unstoppable."
Nick and Schiller applauded vigorously. Clearly, Strange's words resonated deeply. He had grown immensely since his days as an apprentice oblivious to magic and mysticism, rising to become the Sorcerer Supreme, not only exploring new worlds but also expanding his vision and insight.
After Strange concluded, Schiller resumed, "Since this energy is accessible to humans, it seems we have another splendid opportunity to enhance our reserves of magical energy."
"Director Nick, your thoughts?"
Nick adjusted his eyepatch, touched his forehead, and revealed a smile. After a sip of water and a throat-clearing, he responded:
"Let me state upfront, everyone on Earth should have absolute freedom of belief. I don't support Kamar-Taj's monitoring of human faith. Humans are feeble; their beliefs don't alter the grand scheme. If they worship false gods, it's because they've been deceived by the Cosmic Gods' sweet talk."
"We must always reject victim-blaming. Monitoring the victimized is unjust. To ensure Space's safety and peace, we must punish the true culprits."
"Demon gods deceive humanity out of its faith... Yes, deceive. They exploit, offering paltry, unequal exchanges for humanity's precious belief, all without disclosing its true worth."
"Beyond inadequate compensation, they've also betrayed human sentiment. Sorcerer Supreme, what is your stance on this reprehensible conduct?"
Strange shook his head, sighing. "Truthfully, it's both saddening and infuriating. Humanity's engagement with energy came relatively late. During our ignorant past, those greedy vampires, exploiting their informational advantage, mercilessly leeched off hapless humans, deceiving us of our precious Power of Belief..."
Overcome with emotion, Strange covered his face, unable to continue. Nick snorted, adding, "In that case, I propose that Cosmic Gods are obligated and responsible for rectifying this. Humans must employ all means, including force, to reclaim their exploited and pilfered Power of Belief. It's civilization's justified retribution against exploitation and aggression!"
"With that, I declare: Avengers, assemble!"
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Next Chapter>>Chapter 675: Someone's Stealing Electricity Without Me! (Part 2)
