Chapter 975 - Ch: 51-60 (cont. from here)

Ch: 51-60

Chapter 51 – Tony's New Armor

Master Aisuo looked calm, but inside he was in turmoil as he watched the combat doll walk, sit, and move with the agility of a living person.

What's more, he could feel magic surging through the air!

So the Acting Sorcerer Supreme really is a master artificer? The mystic bracer was only an appetizer; the true goal is to replace Guardian Sorcerers with combat dolls?

Congratulations—you guessed right.

Linn showed his approval.

The London master has sharp eyes; he's seen straight through my plan.

The combat doll has only just debuted, but my endgame is to build a homunculus.

The blueprint for Homunculus 18 already explains the principle: give the homunculus a soul and it can cultivate Arcane Arts on its own. Sooner or later it will surpass a Master of the Mystic Arts.

Venerable Linn, the London Sanctum needs these combat dolls. With them guarding our rear, I can lead exorcisms without worrying about the home front.

Master Aisuo spoke earnestly.

Fine—five combat dolls and five mystic bracers are yours.

Also, remind Old Wang to come collect dolls and bracers.

Linn waved a hand.

The five dolls followed Aisuo's every order, yet they remain absolutely loyal to Linn. Trying to use them against their Creator is pure delusion.

A few moments later.

A Mystic Gate flared open.

Old Wang stepped through, half in disbelief.

The sight of the combat dolls and mystic bracers made his eyes widen.

So Aisuo wasn't lying.

Venerable Linn, are the rest of the dolls going to the Hong Kong Sanctum?

Old Wang was full of admiration.

He now bowed completely to Linn's artificer skill. Though still Acting Sorcerer Supreme, Linn would surely be confirmed in the post—best to hug the big thigh early; the Hong Kong Sanctum could always use more magic artifacts.

After all, he and Linn were practically hometown boys—one from the mainland, the other from Hong Kong.

Yes.

In the future I'll make even more dolls to assist Mystic Arts practitioners. Only a master may command them, and forging one doll is far faster than training a Mystic Arts practitioner.

Linn nodded.

He had already decided: first he would craft artificer dolls, inscribing Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements into runes so they could forge artifacts while he was away.

He could also make logistics dolls, sparring dolls, cleaning dolls—different models for different tasks.

As he said, building a doll takes less time than training a Mystic Arts practitioner.

A late-start apprentice must first master Vedic, since every book of the mystic arts is written in Sanskrit.

Just learning Vedic consumes years of effort.

A combat doll, however, needs only an enlightenment rune to learn and iterate on its own.

But Venerable Linn, widespread use of combat dolls could backfire—over-reliance might weaken Arcane Arts cultivation.

What if the dolls revolt?

Old Wang's expression turned grave.

Every advantage has its downside.

He believed every word Linn said, yet the concern was valid.

You think combat dolls could bring disaster?

I understand your fear, but there's no need.

I am their Creator.

Linn's face was calm.

With a flick of his finger the combat doll disassembled into a pile of parts.

Another flick and it re-formed, utterly docile.

I understand, Venerable Linn.

Old Wang's eyes shone with insight.

Clearly Linn had already thought of the problem.

He left with the dolls and bracers.

Word of the combat doll began to spread, and the name Venerable Linn reached the City of Omnipotence.

a-rank opportunity mission: receive the envoy from the City of Omnipotence and receive Zeus's token.

Hmm?

An envoy from the City of Omnipotence? When will they arrive?

Linn's gaze turned playful.

The City of Omnipotence!

Home of the gods of earth.

It floats beyond the heavens at the heart of the endless Universe, ruled by Zeus, King of the Gods.

Only deities who themselves are Kings of the Gods may reside there; forbidden by the Cosmic Celestials from interfering with the real World.

Celestials.

The power ceiling of a single Universe.

They create Suns, spreading light, electricity, power and heat.

Even Celestial Supreme Arishem uses living Planets as cradles to hatch newborn Celestials.

I almost forgot… there's a Celestial Spawn deep inside Earth.

It will soon hatch, burst from the Planet, and lay waste to the World.

Linn's pupils contracted.

Earth's greatest threat isn't a Demon Lord.

It's the Celestial Spawn sleeping beneath the crust.

According to the timetable the Spawn is already mature and could emerge at any moment to destroy the World.

sss-rank opportunity mission: Birth of a Cosmic Celestial. You have two choices.

1. Let nature take its course and become an Eternal.

2. Defy fate and earn the enmity of the Eternals, but receive an item blind box.

Two choices?

Go with the flow or fight destiny? No contest—I'll defy fate!

Linn drew a deep breath.

Eternals.

A superior race personally designed by Celestial Supreme Arishem—essentially immortal combat dolls born with cosmic energy.

They exist to safeguard newborn Celestials and prevent them from dying young.

A Celestial Spawn's hatching needs the energy of sapient life. Arishem first created the Mutated Race, but they betrayed their purpose, hunting and evolving into apex predators.

To correct that error, the Eternals were born.

In short, the Eternals' mission is to protect the Spawn; anyone who tries to stop the hatching will face them.

Ikaris of the Eternals has a Superman-level steel body, but he shouldn't be able to stop me.

Linn's gaze was profound.

A sense of urgency welled up inside him.

Perhaps he needed to accelerate production of more combat dolls to prepare for the Eternals.

Just then.

The roar of engines split the air.

The Sanctum's skylight shattered.

An iron man armor landed steadily in the hall—classic heroic entrance amid showering glass and splinters.

Linn frowned.

Tony, the door is right there.

Linn looked resigned.

With a flick of his finger the horse talisman's restoration power repaired the skylight.

The armor spoke in gleeful tones.

Linn, my latest invention—Mark 42 Lover. Guess where I am right now?

Tony Stark swirled a goblet of scarlet wine.

He was in Stark Tower, remotely piloting the Mark 42 via a neural chip, here to show off his newest toy.

You two talk; I need to contact Captain America.

Natasha blinked her beautiful eyes.

She pushed open the Sanctum door and left to reach Captain America and Fury and discuss how to deal with HYDRA.

Black Widow's here? Don't tell me you and Natasha…

Tony's voice carried a wicked grin.

The Lover armor uses modular assembly, controllable by neural link or worn as a suit.

Using scientific ninja tools and magic crystals, he'd actually isolated an isotope of magic itself, upgrading the arc reactor. Arcane energy rippled across the armor's surface.

Even Linn had to admire it.

The man cursed by knowledge—can't underestimate his intellect. magic has an isotope?

That possibility had never occurred to him.

Could there be a magic rune that, when inscribed on an object, imbues it with mana?

Linn's eyes lit up.

If his guess proves true, combat dolls could run indefinitely without ever needing to swap crystals again!

Chapter 52 – The Secret of Asgardian! (Golden Tickets, please!)

[a-rank opportunity mission: crack the secret of isotope and obtain a magic rune.]

A line of text bubbled up.

Linn wore a playful expression.

So the essence of isotope really is tied to runes!

Maybe isotopes are simply scientific runes?

Everything has isotopes; that's why science can stand apart from magic and turn the ordinary into the miraculous.

It was thanks to the Tesseract isotope that Tony solved his palladium poisoning and pivoted Stark Industries into an energy conglomerate, officially entering the power market.

"Linn, what did you just call me? The one cursed by knowledge? That's almost flattering."

"But you're researching Iron Legion suits too? Some kind of magical puppet?"

Tony narrowed his eyes for a closer look.

A combat doll was adapting to its surroundings and walking around, making Tony's eyes flash with curiosity; he couldn't fathom the principle at all.

"That's a combat doll, a puppet I forged by refining tools. Runes replace programs—it's just a toy."

Linn spoke with modest politeness.

Yet Tony looked stunned.

"Toy? You call a creation like that a toy? If I'm the man cursed by knowledge, then you're the one cursed by magic!"

"Absolutely insane."

Though Tony was back at headquarters, his armor's scan had already built a hologram. He could see the doll's structure was utterly different from any tech.

That alone made him realize magic's limitless potential.

Still, he spotted a flaw in the combat doll.

"What flaw?"

Linn asked with interest.

"Put simply, it fights solo. There's no central brain giving orders. My Jarvis lacks the compute, so I plan to invent a super-AI to command the Iron Legion."

Tony said candidly.

"Super-AI?"

A wary glint flashed in Linn's eyes.

Isn't that the ultron project?

So in every Universe, Tony Stark finds a way to build Ultron?

But with the Mind Stone on him, how would Tony code it without the stone as a reference?

"I already have a solution, Linn."

"Care to see the isotope of magic? Come to my lab—it's mind-blowing!"

Tony extended the invitation.

Beside him stood Dr. Banner; together they'd extracted the magic crystal isotope. The magical isotope's arrangement was Worlds apart from the Tesseract's.

In fact, the magic isotope seemed alive!

"Alive?"

Linn slashed open a Mystic Gate and stepped straight into the top-floor lab of Stark Tower.

In the hologram he saw the magic isotope. Just as Tony described, it wasn't spherical but resembled a single-celled organism.

Its form leaned toward a bacterium, and its appearance could change dramatically.

In standby mode it would hibernate, keeping a spherical outline.

"Everything in the Universe has isotopes."

"isotopes of magic, isotopes of Infinity Stones—they're all scientific runes, or you could say totems."

"In the beginning the World had no script, only symbols. Symbols that carried the power of law were totems."

Wisdom gleamed in Linn's eyes.

His grasp of magic and science was deepening. In the end, all paths lead to the same truth; none is higher than the other.

It only matters who gets closer to the essence.

"totems? Scientific runes?"

"Those really exist? Feels like you're pulling my leg, Linn."

Tony and Dr. Banner exchanged glances, puzzlement written on both faces.

"It's just a theory. No one knows the truth, so the research must go on—and I'll help you crack the secret of isotopes."

"Even the brain might have isotopes—plainly put, the isotope of the soul."

Linn's tone turned grave.

He could use the sheep talisman to send his soul out. If he scanned and studied himself in that state, could he unravel the soul's essence and extract its isotope?

Bestow a soul on everything?

Even turn electronics from static to sentient—into Transformers?

"An isotope of the soul… This project excites me; my heart's racing. So the soul isn't fiction—it's real?"

Tony looked thrilled.

What the man cursed by knowledge craves most is knowledge itself.

"The soul absolutely exists; it is the true self. The body is only the vessel. Think of it as data, a mental signal—like transferring files when you switch phones, just hard to notice."

Linn gave a brief explanation.

It was a conclusion he'd drawn after reading the Ancient One's private notes.

Those notes recorded her cultivation insights, including the mysteries of the soul.

souls have only two destinations: ascend to Heaven or be cast into Hell.

That depends on one's actions in life.

It can be seen as a kind of law set by the Universe.

Yet every soul's final end is to flow into the realm of death, domain of the incarnation of death!

This incarnation of death isn't Hela; she's merely goddess of the underworld, governing Asgardian life and death.

The incarnation of death holds sway over the rise and fall of everything.

Even Hela must bow to death!

"Then how do we study the soul?"

"No device can observe a soul."

Dr. Banner was at a loss; to extract an isotope you must first observe it.

But no soul-microscope exists.

"Dr. Banner, you hold seven PhDs—how can cleverness trip you up? We already have magic isotopes; powering tech with magic makes it a magic artifact."

Linn smiled.

He promptly tried it himself, condensing the magic isotope into a rune.

His fingertip glowed, swiftly sketching in the air. A rune lit up, insect-like yet not, blazing with brilliant color.

[You have grasped the secret of isotope and obtained a magic rune.]

"As expected."

"isotopes are runes; everything in the Universe is built from runes."

Light sparked in Linn's eyes.

With this magic rune he could power magic artifacts and achieve infinite endurance.

"Tech driven by magic is a magic artifact?"

"Linn, you're a genius—truly admirable."

Tony saw the light.

He retrofitted a microscope, docking a magic reactor to it. Peering through the eyepiece, he saw all kinds of matter floating in the air.

They weren't common elements; they looked like plankton.

Surfaces shimmered with flowing light he'd never seen before.

"So this is what magic looks like?"

"Reality is teeming with magic bacteria right beside humans?"

Dr. Banner was amazed.

He modified the ocular and also saw the plankton—strange glowing forms filled the lab.

Out on the city streets all sorts of magical creatures co-inhabited with humans under the same roof.

"Exactly. Ghosts in horror stories aren't all made up—maybe they're magical beings playing pranks. When they favor humans, they influence them."

"Bringing good luck or bad."

"One kind, the sleep-bug, makes you yawn on contact."

"Actually quite fun."

Linn's eyes were bright.

He naturally knew this Arcane Art, though he kept spirit-vision closed most of the time.

Put simply, the Reality Dimension and the magical dimension almost completely overlap, thanks to the Universe's ley lines; the magic-net matrix is everywhere.

"magic-net?"

"Like the internet?"

Tony and Dr. Banner caught the keyword.

Yet Linn narrowed his eyes; after opening spirit-vision he actually saw a Dementor!

Chapter 53: Linn, It's Linn Again!

soul-Suckers, ghost-like entities draped in cloaks.

These are a type of specter from the Magic Dimension.

As the name suggests, they can harvest the souls of intelligent life.

This leads to fragmented souls and various mental illnesses. However, according to the book of the mystic arts, soul-Suckers are extinct. Why have they reappeared?

Linn's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Immediately, his soul left his body, turning into a streak of light and rushing out. Combining the Rooster and Rabbit talisman was equivalent to super flight.

The soul-Sucker was hunting, its chrysanthemum-like mouth slowly opening, attempting to drain the soul of an innocent person.

Crack!

A spear formed from Fire energy was held in Linn's hand, and he swung it from a distance.

The soul-Sucker was startled and dodged to the side. The Fire energy spear exploded instantly, pouring out a scalding heat wave that also scorched the soul-Sucker's body, causing it to emit a sharp, piercing shriek!

In an instant.

The soul-Sucker exploded and died, turning into a wisp of gray smoke that dissipated into the Magic Dimension.

However, Linn's expression was grave.

Because soul-Suckers are social creatures; the appearance of one usually meant they were everywhere in the Magic Dimension.

But who on Earth created this swarm of soul-Suckers?

Linn gazed into the distance, found no other monsters for the time being, and his soul returned to the lab.

Tony and Dr. Banner, wearing magic goggles, had strange expressions as they watched the translucent figure, a deep look flashing in their eyes.

"Is this a soul?"

"Linn, that thing you just destroyed... I think I've seen it in my dreams."

Tony realized belatedly.

After the Battle of New York, he had suffered from mental disorders, often waking up in a start during deep sleep, dreaming of all sorts of bizarre things—including soul-Suckers!

"In a dream?"

"Then I think I understand. I'm afraid the Nightmare Lord, Nightmare, created the soul-Suckers."

Linn's eyes sparkled.

Nightmare!

He had fought Nightmare before. Nightmare could weave Nightmare instances, manifesting fear into reality.

And the cosmic spectacle of the Nine Stars Alignment not only affected the real World but also influenced the dream and Magic Dimensions!

The appearance of the soul-Suckers was enough to prove the point.

It seemed Nightmare was also making a move.

[s-rank opportunity mission: Stop Nightmare's conspiracy to light up the dream talisman.]

A line of text bubbles popped up.

Linn's pupils constricted slightly.

"What? A dream talisman?"

"Aren't there only twelve talismans? How did a dream talisman pop up?"

He found it hard to believe.

The twelve talismans correspond to the twelve zodiac animals.

Their divine power comes from noble animals.

The dream talisman... could it correspond to Nightmare? A Demon Lord is also a noble animal; could its divine power be condensed and shaped into a talisman?

"If this conjecture comes true, doesn't it mean that all Demon Lords are essentially animals that have attained enlightenment!"

"Can they all be refined into talismans? Creating a thirteenth talisman, a fourteenth talisman?!"

Linn was excited.

He hadn't thought about it this way before!

However, this was feasible. After Linn obtained the twelve talismans, he inherited Shendu's memories. Shendu originally only had Fire energy until he killed noble animals and seized their divine power.

Only then did he become the strongest demon!

"Linn, do you mind? I'll use this device to scan your soul and try to extract the soul isotope!"

Tony held up a scanner. After his skillful modifications, it now possessed magic and could detect souls.

After all, once the soul isotope was successfully extracted, immortality might even be possible!

"I don't mind."

Linn nodded.

Immediately, he accepted the scanner's beam. From top to bottom, head to toe, a data model was being generated and simulated in the computer.

Lines of code and strings formed a 3D projection, making Linn frown slightly. This reminded him of Dr.Zola.

Before Dr. Zola died, he uploaded his consciousness to a server. Could this consciousness refer to the soul isotope?

"To obtain the Soul Stone, one must exchange a soul for a soul. Once there's a soul isotope, there's no need to sacrifice a loved one to get the Soul Stone..."

Linn was full of anticipation.

A vision of Tony and Dr. Banner extracting the soul isotope together, while he condensed a soul rune to fool the Red Skull!

"soul isotope... it's truly incredible. It's like a kind of quantum information; it needs careful study."

Tony and Dr. Banner observed the scan data, looks of emotion flashing in their eyes.

Tony even had a premonition that once the soul isotope was cracked, the super AI he envisioned might also come into being!

The ultron project!

To put a suit of armor around the Earth to keep enemies out of space. Having traveled to Sakaar, he was naturally aware of the existence of cosmic empires, so he had to take precautions.

"Quantum information?"

"Tony, you must be wary of Nightmare. He invades the dreams of mortals, and you must stay clear-headed to avoid being deceived."

Linn's tone was concerned.

He knew very well that Tony Stark would suffer from PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—after the Battle of New York.

Humans need sleep to restore their spirit, while Nightmares consume it until Nightmare tortures the soul to extreme weakness, and then the soul becomes his!

Even the appearance of soul-Suckers made Linn realize that the boundary between dreams and the Magic Dimension had become blurred.

Perhaps fear entities would frequently appear, disrupting the order of the human World.

"It seems I need to apply a rune of dreams to the combat dolls, which will allow them to enter dreams physically."

Linn's eyes were deep.

Because no one doesn't dream!

As long as one dreams, Nightmare can intervene, turning good dreams into Nightmares and Nightmares into PTSD!

"Invading the dreams of mortals? How terrifying!"

"Banner, it seems you dream often too?"

Tony looked at his companion.

"Yes, that's right."

"But after I wake up, I forget the dreams."

Dr. Banner was lingering in fear; fortunately, Nightmare hadn't tortured him.

"Wait, I almost forgot..."

"I have another task. We'll talk later."

Linn's pupils constricted.

Immediately, his soul returned to his body. He opened a Mystic Gate and returned directly to the New York Sanctum.

As he sensed carefully, he discovered that Wanda was taking a nap, and a strange aura had appeared, one close to Nightmare's!

"Linn? Why that expression?"

Pietro said with a frown.

"No time to explain. Come with me to save Wanda!"

Linn struck from a distance, hitting Pietro's chest. It caused no harm, but Pietro floated in mid-air and saw another version of himself standing right in front of him!

'soul Strike'!

This was a high-level Arcane Art of Kamar-Taj.

However, for Linn, all Arcane Arts were inferior to the twelve talismans!

"What do you mean? Save Wanda?"

Pietro was full of tension. He only had Wanda as his close relative. But in the New York Sanctum, who would harm Wanda?

"Nightmare."

"The Nine Stars Alignment caused a planar rift, and cracks will also appear in the magic barrier, which gives Nightmare room to operate."

Linn's soul left his body. After grabbing Pietro, he rushed toward the bedroom.

He saw Wanda's eyelids trembling. She was curled into a ball, clutching a thin blanket, clearly experiencing a Nightmare and unable to wake up.

Her white loungewear clung to her body, tracing her curves, giving off a certain allure.

But Linn had no time to admire it. He and Pietro leaped into the dream together. A brief sensation of weightlessness emerged, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived at a ruin.

"This is... Sokovia!"

"The place where Wanda and I used to live."

Pietro looked at his hands and gazed around. If not for his memories, he probably wouldn't have imagined he was standing in a dream instance.

"So, where would Wanda be?"

"We must find Wanda before Nightmare does to prevent him from rewriting reality through her."

Linn's eyes were like lightning.

With his spiritual perception, he had already peeked at Nightmare, who was right in Wanda's dream!

It was clear that Nightmare had discovered Wanda's identity as the Scarlet Witch recorded in the darkhold and wanted to seize her Chaos Magic!

Chapter 54: A Dream Within a Dream Within a Dream!

The time in the dream Instance was night.

War fires burned everywhere, representing Wanda's inner demons; this was the most painful experience of her life.

Her parents had died in the explosion!

However, Wanda had not yet awakened her abilities and could only watch as her parents drew their last breaths.

Linn looked around.

Pietro was also extremely anxious. He broke into a run within the Instance, leaving an afterimage behind him, his speed as fast as lightning.

Suddenly, he felt his feet tangle, and he fell flat on his face.

He saw the Scarlet Witch, her hair floating upward as she stood in mid-air. Her eyes bled with a crimson light, pouring out Chaos Magic that instantly imprisoned Quicksilver!

"Wanda!"

Pietro cried out urgently.

But Wanda remained expressionless. Clearly, they had arrived too late; Nightmare had already successfully cast his spell, turning Wanda into a puppet.

"It's useless."

"Wanda now obeys me. I am her closest kin, her partner, the only one she trusts."

A burst of wicked, playful laughter rang out.

A figure wearing a ghost-faced mask, looking like a samurai, stepped from the shadows into the light. His eyes surged with a fierce light; he had finally found his opportunity!

The Nine Stars Alignment.

It had weakened the magic barrier, allowing him to weave this Instance and finally enter Wanda's dream. He would seize the Chaos Magic and take over the dreams of all humanity!

He would make all humanity live in a dream forever!

As long as he projected Chaos Magic onto the surface of the moon, all of humanity would fall for it, brainwashed by his illusions.

"Infinite Tsukuyomi?"

"You certainly have a wild imagination, Nightmare."

The corners of Linn's mouth curled up, his eyes cold.

Seeing Nightmare again brought no joy of reunion, only endless killing intent!

Because Nightmare had actually controlled Wanda?

And he hadn't discovered it in time, which led to this disaster. If Nightmare's plan succeeded and the illusion was projected onto the moon, it would truly be irreversible!

Moreover, the cosmic wonder of the Nine Stars Alignment would also tear open spatial vortices, doubling Nightmare's magic power!

"Linn, you actually became the Acting Sorcerer Supreme? And you even took care of Velesko?"

"I heard that Velesko invaded reality and was sealed as a homunculus in a bottle. Do you think the same trick will work forever?"

"This is my turf, my domain, and you are nothing more than a bug, an ant!"

Nightmare's tone was sinister.

He was also well-aware of the situation in Hells Border.

Because Velesko was absent, war had broken out in Hells Border as everyone scrambled for the position of Lord.

But he had no interest in that; he only wanted Chaos Magic to drag the World into a dream!

"Nightmare, I'll give you one chance. Release Wanda."

"I'll act as if this never happened. Otherwise, I will surely make you regret this behavior by refining you into a talisman."

Linn's eyes burned with anger.

A cloak of fire rose from his body, turning into flame clouds that wrapped around his limbs. Majestic as a god, he did not fear Nightmare.

He could even invade the Nightmare Dimension and directly destroy the Cosmic Spiritual Veins!

"Venerable Lin En, you seem to have gotten a bit ahead of yourself. Do you think you're invincible just because you became the Acting Sorcerer Supreme? Even the Ancient One wouldn't dare speak loudly in my presence."

"Wanda, this is your enemy! The true killer of your parents! You know what to do, right?"

Nightmare issued the command.

Instantly.

Wanda's fingertips flickered as Chaos Magic poured out, shaking the Instance World and causing all things to flicker out, twisting and cracking apart.

A surging tide of magic, like a bursting dam, swept toward Linn and Pietro!

"Wanda! Open your eyes and look, I'm your brother!"

Pietro activated his speed, dodging the Chaos Magic bombardment while still trying to wake Wanda.

However, Wanda only hesitated for a second before sending Pietro flying with a wave of her hand.

"My brother... died in the explosion. You can't be him..."

Wanda was sinking into the dream, believing that everything experienced in the Instance was real.

And the Nightmare in her eyes was her savior.

"Wanda, Nightmare directed and acted in this himself, weaving this dream to lure you into a trap. You should remember in time that you are no longer in Sokovia."

"You are the Guardian Sorcerer of the New York Sanctum."

Linn's voice was like a great bell.

He performed a soul Arcane Art, like a Lion's Roar, making Wanda's soul tremble and her beautiful eyes briefly regain clarity.

Many images flashed through her mind.

"New York Sanctum..."

"I am... a Guardian Sorcerer?"

A look of struggle appeared on Wanda's face.

"Have you forgotten? Who triggered your abilities?"

Linn spoke out forcefully.

The next second.

Wanda's eyes widened. The figure of her savior changed from Nightmare to Linn; the illusion was dispelled!

Seeing Pietro in pain, Wanda landed by his side, successfully resolving the crisis!

But Wanda's Inner Demons had not been eliminated!

From the ruins in all directions, corpse after corpse slowly emerged, crawling and twisting on the ground, including Wanda and Pietro's parents, looking as terrifying as zombies.

A Jericho Missile streaked through the air.

It triggered another explosion, the searing heat making Wanda's heart bleed.

"Chaos Magic is indeed extraordinary, to actually dispel my illusion? I never imagined you held such weight in the Scarlet Witch's heart."

"Linn, I retreated early before because I couldn't exert 100% of my magic. But now that the barrier has failed, let me show you what a Nightmare Lord is!"

Nightmare spread his arms, magic energy surging through his body, causing the zombies to transform.

He could weave the Instance and control everything, making fear manifest and Inner Demons materialize!

Even a metallic figure appeared out of thin air.

With a gold and red color scheme and high-end, sophisticated armor, it was clearly Tony Stark!

"So... Wanda's Inner Demon is Tony?"

"Must Tony be defeated to eliminate the Inner Demon?"

Linn's eyes flashed.

However, it didn't matter; this was a dream Instance anyway, so even killing Tony wouldn't affect anything.

"Wanda, your Inner Demon must be defeated by you personally."

Linn gave a reminder.

Immediately after, he charged straight at Nightmare. When he first encountered Nightmare, he had just become the Sanctum Master.

He hadn't even lit up many of the twelve talismans.

But now his magic power had skyrocketed, and he was only two talismans away from lighting them all!

Moreover, the high-level Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements could also be used in the dream Instance. He directly poured out Levitation Power to seize Instance props from a distance.

By shaping them with The Way of Artifact Refining, he directly imprinted magic runes!

In an instant.

He held a flashlight, and the light it emitted gathered without dispersing, forming a red beam.

It transformed him into a Jedi Knight as he fiercely attacked the Nightmare before him!

"Artifact refining?"

"You can actually refine artifacts in a dream?"

Nightmare's pupils contracted.

He then raised a katana and swung, slashing out a blazing beam of light.

The magic collided and exploded!

A sound of crumbling and collapsing rose out of thin air.

The remaining nearby buildings were shattered by the aftershocks, but they didn't hurt Linn because the lightsaber, driven by magic, was already considered a magic artifact!

"A pity the lightsaber can't be taken out of the Instance, as it's an Instance creation."

"However, transforming a flashlight into a lightsaber is indeed feasible. In the future, it can be equipped for Mystic Arts practitioners to resist ghosts and monsters."

Linn curled his lips.

He had done it on a whim, and it had actually succeeded!

He swung the lightsaber.

A stone pillar was sliced directly in two, the cut incredibly smooth and even, proving the lightsaber's power was truly extraordinary!

"This is impossible..."

"Unless you have mastered the Law of Dreams, you cannot control things in a dream like I do."

Nightmare's face was full of coldness.

The reason he was called Nightmare was entirely due to the blessing of the Law of Dreams.

Yet, Linn had also mastered the Law of Dreams?

Just what was going on?

"Laws? Perhaps you haven't studied it, but runes are laws, and I understood the rune of dreams long ago."

Linn opened his palm, and a rune emerged.

It was only with the rune of dreams that he could create things in the Instance!

He could even weave the Instance and rewrite the settings, making the World revolve around him!

Chapter 55: Obtaining chaos rune!

"rune of dreams... There's actually such a rune?"

Nightmare's eyes were cold.

He couldn't help but recall what Linn had said earlier—that he would refine him into a talisman!

A talisman?

Could it be a materialized rune?

This had already sparked fear in him; he had never heard of such an Arcane Art, one that seemed capable of killing a Demon Lord from its very source!

But Demon Lords were practically immortal.

Otherwise, the founder of Kamar-Taj, Ancestor Agamotto, would have already done it!

"Ancestor Agamotto couldn't do it, but I can. Is that so surprising?"

"Since ancient times, the new generation surpasses the old."

"The student outshines the master."

Linn wore a faint smile.

Immediately, fire energy overflowed from his palm. Operating the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements, he transformed the fire energy into a crystal, taking the octagonal shape of a black talisman stone!

There was no pattern on the surface.

However, once he used the Mafuba to drag Nightmare into the stone talisman, a pattern would be generated!

"What?"

"You can actually refine me into a talisman?"

Nightmare's pupils dilated.

Instantly.

He felt a surge of energy pinning him in place. The Levitation Power transformed into a cage, completely locking down the surrounding space.

Linn raised both hands, and a blinding light erupted, turning Nightmare into something like a noodle, twisting and stretching him within a vortex!

"No!"

Nightmare struggled violently, and an image appeared before him—this was a reflection technique!

Using the opponent's own move against them!

Since Linn wanted to refine him into a talisman, he could naturally refine Linn as well!

"Ancient Body of Hoggoth."

A cold light flashed in Linn's eyes.

Immediately, his form transformed into fluttering butterflies, evading the reflected Mafuba.

He manifested his body again. Indeed, one could not underestimate a Demon Lord. Velesko had only fallen for it because he was caught off guard, but the Demon Lords now knew the power of the Mafuba.

This meant that the Mafuba had been countered!

"However, refining a Demon Lord into a talisman..."

"It is indeed feasible."

"I almost succeeded just now."

The corners of Linn's mouth curled up.

So it turned out Demon Lords were just high-tier creatures?

They were essentially ghosts that had achieved enlightenment!

In other words, he didn't just have the twelve talismans; he could refine all the Demon Lords into talismans as well.

"Though I failed this time, I will not give up, Linn."

"I am the Lord of Nightmares!"

"And you will never dominate Nightmares!"

Nightmare let out a shrill shriek, dissolved into the darkness, and chose to flee.

He had to inform the Hell Demon King Council of this situation immediately to prevent other Demon Lords from suffering.

As for Velesko's fate... it was almost self-evident!

He would likely perish, refined into a talisman and brought under Linn's control.

This would also cause Linn's magic power to skyrocket, allowing him to serve as the Lord of Hells Border. For the Demon Lords, this was nothing short of a disaster!

"Linn, is my Nightmare... over?"

Wanda's face was full of relief.

Seeing Nightmare leave of his own accord, she couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

She had personally dealt with her zombie parents and defeated her inner demon. As the inner demon ceased to exist, she felt a sense of peace.

[You have eliminated your inner demon and obtained Chaos Magic.]

A line of text bubbles popped up.

A look of joy appeared in Linn's eyes.

"Chaos Magic?"

"The system did not deceive me. The power of Chaos Magic is enough to make my dreams come true and shake the laws of reality."

Linn extended a finger, and a surge of crimson energy overflowed, leaving Wanda slightly stunned. Why did Venerable Linn also possess Chaos Magic?

"Because..."

"Your dream instance was created by Chaos Magic, and I absorbed a portion of that magic, thus gaining the benefit."

Linn explained with a smile.

Chaos Magic!

One of the three ancient powers of the Universe!

Its status was on the same level as the Phoenix Force and Fae Power.

A primitive and independent form of magic, originating from Pluto Chthon, capable of rewriting reality, subverting rules and order, and resetting everything!

However, he had only obtained a sliver of Chaos Magic. To use a simple analogy, Wanda's Chaos Magicwas equivalent to a pond.

While his Chaos Magic was only equivalent to a bottle of water.

Still, something was better than nothing. Pairing Chaos Magic with the chaos rune and supplementing it with The Way of Artifact Refining, he might just be able to create a supreme treasure!

"android 18 can be tested in the dream instance, and then I'll look for suitable materials."

Linn thought for a moment.

He felt that the dream instance was truly a perfect place, especially since he mastered the rune of dreams; whatever he thought of, he could immediately manifest.

It just couldn't be brought into the Reality Dimension.

This feeling was like no matter what items you obtained in a game, they couldn't affect your real life—unless you possessed the Reality Stone!

"Wait!"

"I haven't completed the mission to stop Nightmare's plot..."

"So, Nightmare's plot will continue? His true goal isn't Chaos Magic, but the Reality Stone?"

Linn realized belatedly, a chill running through his body.

Because of the Reality Stone!

It could make Nightmares manifest, turning the impossible into possible, and during the Nine Stars Alignment, the magic barrier would also be paralyzed.

"Reality Stone?"

"Where is it hidden?"

Wanda and Pietro exchanged glances, unable to hide their concern.

If there was no boundary between Nightmare and reality.

Wouldn't that mean Nightmare could dominate the Reality Dimension by weaving fear?

"It's on Earth."

Linn's expression turned solemn.

He could fully predict that the Hell Lords and Demon Lords were likely all eyeing the Aether Particle, not just the Dark Elves.

Because the Aether Particle was the Reality Stone, which could warp reality!

It could even turn the magic barrier into nothingness, depending entirely on one's imagination.

"Earth?"

"Where on Earth?"

"Don't tell me Nightmare and Mephisto... have already gone to find the Reality Stone?"

Wanda and Pietro were anxious.

A trace of gloom flashed in Linn's eyes.

"Mephisto... is on Earth. From the prehistoric mythical era until now, he should be quite clear about the location of the Aether Particle."

Linn's heart wavered.

Immediately, he directly tore open the dream, bringing Pietro back to reality as their souls returned to their bodies.

Wanda also pushed open her door, changed into casual clothes, and came to the Sanctum's main hall.

"Linn?"

"Why that expression?"

Carter Slade, Valkyrie, Ares, and Loki also showed looks of doubt.

Usually, Linn only showed such a serious side when a major crisis appeared.

"You all stay here. Wanda and Pietro, come with me to the London Sanctum."

Linn thought to himself that things were looking bad.

Because he had already triggered an opportunity mission.

[SS-Rank Opportunity Mission: Prevent the Demon Lords from obtaining the Aether Particle to receive 10,000 opportunity Points.]

Ten thousand opportunity Points!

Linn's eyes brightened.

However, there wasn't much joy, because the reward was tied to the mission's difficulty. This meant that if the Demon Lords obtained the Aether Particle, his fears would all come true.

Doomsday would arrive as scheduled!

"London Sanctum?"

"I heard that the convergence of the Nine Stars Alignment is near London."

Valkyrie frowned.

She vaguely remembered where the last Nine Stars Alignment occurred.

However, she hadn't personally experienced it. Although she was curious, she could only stay here due to Linn's orders.

The Mystic Gate opened.

Linn, Wanda, and Pietro stepped through the gate and arrived at the London Sanctum.

The London Sanctum had a similar decoration style to the New York Sanctum, standing disguised as an apartment building in the town of Greenwich.

"Venerable Linn, why have you come to the London Sanctum?"

"Or... has there been progress with the combat dolls?"

Master Aisuo approached with a smile on his face; the appearance of the combat dolls had put his mind at ease.

When the Ghost Realm descended again previously, with the assistance of the combat dolls, there were almost no casualties.

Therefore, he was eager to get more dolls!

Chapter 56: The Great Demon ninja soldiers!

"Master Aisuo, let's put the matter of the combat dolls aside for now."

"Are there any abnormalities around the London Sanctum?"

"Specifically, spatial dislocations."

Linn's gaze swept around.

With the combat dolls in position, the pressure on the London Sanctum had decreased sharply; if more combat dolls were deployed, they could even organize a counteroffensive.

They could proactively wipe out the Evil Arrogance Society and the Devil Cult.

Over this period, he had already clearly investigated the tracks of the Evil Arrogance Society and the Devil Cult; he simply hadn't had the time to deal with them yet.

Even the movements of The Hand were under the surveillance of the ninja soldiers; if any dangerous signs appeared, the ninja soldiers would report immediately.

However, the recovery of the Aether Particle had not only awakened the Dark Elves but also drawn the attention of the Demon Lords.

Specifically Mephisto, who might be in London right now, searching for the Aether Particle!

"The previous Ghost Realm invasion was repelled by the team I led. As for spatial dislocations?"

"I did sense something near an unfinished building in London, but the spatial fluctuations have already disappeared."

Master Aisuo recalled.

Promptly, he pointed to a city map and marked a location.

"An unfinished building?"

"It seems... while the Ghost Realm was invading, the Demon Lord was searching for the location of the Aether Particle."

Linn's eyes flickered.

Immediately, he headed straight for the unfinished building. He saw an abandoned factory where there was clearly spatial turbulence, causing the factory's gravity to become unbalanced, with trucks floating off the ground.

"What is the situation here?"

"Is the Demon Lord here too?"

Master Aisuo led the team, each holding a magic artifact, their gazes alert as they looked around.

One by one, ghost-like figures with blood-red eyes appeared in the shadows, and the faint sound of beastly roars could be heard.

"Truly a quick reaction, Venerable Lin En."

"Nightmare told me you stopped his plan and didn't obtain the Chaos Magic, but why did you think the Aether Particle was the goal?"

A voice of mock praise drifted over.

Atop the unfinished building.

A burly, tall middle-aged man lightly clapped his hands. Beside him stood man-demons, holding a beautiful woman and several child captives.

His appearance was sinister; Linn had remembered it from the last time—this was Mephisto!

He would recognize him even if he were turned to ash!

"Mephisto, you want the Aether Particle? The sheng-fan-gan-sa contract isn't enough to satisfy you anymore?"

Linn gripped the air, clutching a flashlight handle. He flicked the switch, and a long, blade-like red beam suddenly erupted.

He had created the lightsaber from the dungeon in the real World, branding magic runes onto the handle, which left Master Aisuo in awe.

"What is this? A lightsaber?"

"Venerable, could this be another of your inventions? It feels like it belongs to Rune Technology."

Master Aisuo's eyes shone brightly.

This kind of portable, easy-to-use magic artifact with flexible lethality was simply perfect!

The magic artifacts held by Mystic Arts practitioners were all shaped like spears, shields, swords, or halberds; not only were they heavy and cumbersome, but their power was also quite limited.

"Rune Technology?"

"You could understand it that way. I will produce lightsabers to replace outdated magic artifacts, but now is not the time. We must stop Mephisto."

Linn's gaze was like a torch.

"You don't just have to stop me, Venerable Lin En."

"Let me introduce you to Nastir, a demon from Hells Border and the successor to Velesko."

Mephisto slightly stepped aside.

A hideous demon appeared before Linn, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, lizard-like with a donkey's face and a pair of fleshy wings on its back.

Nastir snorted, his body covered in dense scales, and his muscles and bones were extremely thick, as solid as steel bars.

"Linn? The Acting Sorcerer Supreme?"

"Where have you imprisoned my Master? Where is Velesko!"

Nastir's face was full of rage.

To find Velesko, he had made a deal with Mephisto, sacrificing a hundred souls to successfully smuggle himself into reality.

Furthermore, his sense of smell was keen; he already sensed that Velesko was nearby!

"Velesko?"

"I didn't expect a Demon Lord like you to have such a loyal subordinate."

Linn showed a smile.

Immediately, he held up a glass bottle. Inside the bottle, Velesko's eyes gleamed as he saw Mephistoand Nastir—he couldn't have been more excited!

"Mephisto!"

"Watch out for Linn's Mafuba! That's how I fell for his trick!"

"If you can rescue me, I am willing to give you a thousand souls!"

Velesko's eyes were full of hope.

In Hell.

The only hard currency was souls.

souls were a type of currency.

"Deal, but I need high-quality souls. Don't try to fool me with inferior ones."

Mephisto nodded.

souls also had differences in quality; not all souls were valuable.

"No problem!"

"Wait! Where are you going?"

Velesko shrieked.

Mephisto turned and walked into the abandoned factory, having no intention of helping at all, which made Velesko panic.

"Don't be in a hurry."

"I need the Aether Particle. You should know that the Aether Particle has the power to rewrite reality."

Mephisto's tone was playful.

However, just as Wanda and Pietro were about to move, the man-demons from all around pounced.

Even Nastir flapped his fleshy wings, whipping up a sandstorm that obscured everyone's vision, signaling that the war had officially begun!

"Venerable!"

"I've heard of Nastir's name. He is a Great Demon of Hells Border; he probably won't be easy to deal with."

Master Aisuo held up a shield, layering Mystic Arts incantations.

Kamar-Taj's strongest defensive Mystic Art.

Seraphim Shield!

It could withstand almost any missile strike; its power depended on the level of magic power.

As long as there was enough magic power, an ordinary Mystic Art could be like a forbidden spell, capable of insta-killing Nastir.

Unfortunately, the laws of magic power lending left the Mystic Arts practitioners feeling powerless.

[s-rank opportunity mission: Eliminate Nastir to light up the donkey talisman.]

"What?"

"donkey talisman?"

"Just because he has a donkey face, he'll turn into a donkey talisman?"

Linn didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

However, a sense of anticipation flared up. He hadn't dealt with Nightmare before, but seeing Nastirnow made him incredibly excited.

The Thirteen talismans!

They were about to be born!

It seemed that Demon Lords were just noble animals.

When he dealt with Nightmare, he would also refine him and turn him into a talisman.

"Venerable Lin En, don't forget Mephisto..."

Master Aisuo reminded him.

Promptly, he sent the combat dolls into battle to intercept the Great Demon Nastir. The combat dolls activated Mystic Arts, and a surge of fire energy erupted from their bodies.

But before Nastir, they had almost no power to fight back. His fleshy wings turned into two scythes, and in the blink of an eye, he slashed the dolls to pieces!

"This kind of trash is worthy of trying to stop me?"

"Lord Velesko, do not worry, I will save you!"

"Even without Mephisto's help!"

Nastir roared, his fleshy wings flapping violently, whipping up a violent sandstorm as a tide of magic power swept through.

In an instant, cracks appeared on the Seraphim Shield.

Crack, crack!

As the sandstorm roared, the Seraphim Shield could no longer hold and suddenly shattered into a burst of sparks. The Mystic Arts practitioners barely managed to resist.

But the man-demons also pounced fiercely; they were all monsters transformed from mortals, still wearing the clothes they had in life, yet they had already become ghosts.

"Images of Ikonn."

Linn formed hand seals, creating arcane avatars out of thin air. One arcane avatar gave chase, following Mephisto.

The other two arcane avatars joined him in the attack.

Forked lightning shot out.

Bolts of Balthakk!

Crack!

The golden forked lightning stabbed out like tree branches, swirling with a mystic luster and possessing exorcism properties.

It pierced through the chests of the man-demons but did not kill them on the spot.

A cold light flashed in Linn's eyes.

He had to race against time to deal with Nastir and light up the donkey talisman in time so he could handle Mephisto!

After all, Mephisto was a Demon King; a single avatar could only stall for time.

"You want to hurt me?"

"With your magic power, you're not qualified!"

Nastir was furious, his fleshy wings like blades, smashing down hard toward Linn!

"The Acting Sorcerer Supreme is not qualified? Who do you think you are, Satan?"

Linn's physique expanded, his muscles bulging as he gripped the lightsaber and stabbed it straight toward the heart.

Chapter 57: The Great Demon and the Conceptual God!

A shower of sparks erupted.

The lightsaber struck Nastir's chest, but it only left a faint mark.

The Great Demon from Limbo was indeed thick-skinned and tough; even the spells of a Mystic Arts practitioner failed to break through Nastir's defense when they hit him.

Nastir flapped his fleshy wings, whipping up a gale of wind blades out of thin air that shredded the combat doll once again.

Even the summoned ninja soldiers couldn't withstand the damage from the wind blades, dissipating into clouds of smoke one after another, causing Master Aisuo's expression to sour.

The crucial point!

Mephisto was still there!

"Venerable Lin En, if the Aether Particle is truly here, I fear Mephisto's acquisition of it will bring about a catastrophe."

Master Aisuo's tone was grave.

Even as a Master of the Mystic Arts, he was nothing more than a bug before Mephisto; all Hell Lords and Demon Lords possessed god-level combat power.

Otherwise, how could they dominate Hell?

"Don't worry."

"My avatar has dragged Mephisto into the Projection Space."

Linn wore a smile.

Immediately after, he summoned the ninja soldiers again to attack the demon-men.

But the Great Demon Nastir swung his wings like blades, charging straight through the crowd. His donkey-like face revealed a ferocious expression as he raised a hoof toward Linn!

Boom!

The hoof stomped down hard, shattering the ground instantly. Cracks spread forward, shaking the surrounding buildings.

Linn rose into the air.

His hands condensed talisman crystals, suddenly pouring out Levitation Power as magnificent colors swirled around his body.

Instantly!

Nastir let out a sharp, piercing shriek. He felt a spatial turbulence imprisoning and binding him; his form was constantly twisting, being stretched and elongated like a noodle.

"This is...? What power!"

"Don't you dare think you can hurt me!"

Nastir flapped his wings, creating vortex after vortex that nearly tore through the spatial veil and blasted holes into the buildings.

However, Linn swung his hands, ignoring all attacks and hard-crowd-controlling Nastir!

"You shall become a talisman and serve me."

The corners of Linn's mouth curled up.

Then, Nastir turned into a streak of light. No matter how he struggled or roared, he could not reverse his fate as he was cast into the talisman crystal by Linn!

A blindingly bright light flared up.

On the surface of the octagonal stone talisman, a donkey's face gradually emerged, resembling Nastir. With the help of the Mafuba, he had instantly killed the Great Demon!

He had directly refined the thirteenth talisman!

[You have eliminated Nastir. opportunity +10. Can be used to light up the donkey talisman.]

"The donkey talisman..."

"What divine power does it possess? To think I can refine talismans—doesn't that mean all Demon Lords will become a part of me?"

Linn's eyes sparkled with an unusual light.

He pinched the thirteenth talisman between his fingers, his expression showing playfulness and satisfaction. His plan was a success, and his inner excitement was beyond words!

After all, the divine power of the twelve talismans was invincible, each representing a law of power, almost comparable to a Conceptual God.

And the donkey talisman he had refined felt incredibly rare to him. A Demon Lord was a noble animal, and since Nastir came from Limbo, perhaps it symbolized the laws of Hell!

As the donkey talisman entered his body, his pupils transformed, becoming octagonal with the outline of a mysterious black stone talisman, its surface bearing the donkey face pattern.

[donkey talisman] (Basic): Carries the Law of the Beast. Can communicate with all demons and command low-level demons.

"Law of the Beast?"

"To think such a law exists. However, it really came at the perfect time. Command low-level demons?"

"Now... I am your Master!"

Linn's voice was like a resonant bell as he issued an edict to the demon-men, an invisible majesty spreading out.

All the demon-men present suddenly froze in place before prostrating themselves toward Linn. These were all low-level demons, consumable materials that had been forcibly transformed.

However, now that he had refined the donkey talisman and mastered the Law of the Beast, he could control the demon-men!

"Venerable Lin En..."

"You can actually command the demon-men?"

Master Aisuo was full of astonishment.

He hadn't even realized what Arcane Arts Linn had used to deal with Nastir!

Even Velesko wore an expression of disbelief, failing to react for a long time.

"Nastir... was refined into a magic artifact by you?"

"You've actually mastered such a forbidden curse! You are simply the demon among demons!"

"You must have studied the magic from the darkhold!"

Velesko wailed.

He had regarded Nastir as a loyal servant, and Nastir had not betrayed his trust, but the development of events was beyond expectations.

He had seen with his own eyes Linn using the Mafuba to seal Nastir into a stone talisman!

He couldn't help but feel a lingering fear; if Linn repeated the trick and trapped him in a stone talismanas well, wouldn't that be the end?

Because he could no longer sense Nastir's presence.

Nastir was clearly dead!

Normally, a Great Demon's soul is immortal; even if the physical body is destroyed, they can still be resurrected.

But Linn's unorthodox move had directly erased the soul!

Furthermore, he had forcibly taken the Law of the Beast that Nastir possessed as his own!

"You've actually reminded me, Velesko."

"If I refine you into a talisman, I believe it will be even stronger, and I will also become the Lord of Limbo."

Linn's eyes flickered.

However, before he could act, his spiritual sense felt a sharp pain—his arcane avatar had died suddenly!

Mephisto had escaped the Projection Space and vanished right under his nose!

"Not good."

"I absolutely cannot let Mephisto get the Aether Particle."

Linn turned into a human cannonball, moving fast as lightning.

The combination of the Rooster and Rabbit talismans was equivalent to super flight. He charged straight toward the source, crossing through a spatial turbulence to appear in a dark, small-scale secret realm dimension where giant stones stood.

Runes were carved on the surface of the giant stones, swirling with a bright and eye-catching luster, while a red fluid squirmed within the crevices.

Mephisto slowly approached, having already reached out a hand. Sensing the approach of life, the Aether Particle hummed and actively gravitated toward Mephisto!

"The Aether Particle..."

"Rewriting reality, turning the impossible into the possible. With this ancient relic, why would I even need the sheng-fan-gan-sa contract?"

"I will destroy the magic barrier and personally level Kamar-Taj!"

"Linn, I will make you regret being born into this World, and regret making an enemy of me."

Mephisto's expression was sinister, his face half-lit and half-shadowed. As his fingertips touched the Aether Particle, it was like an electric magnetic attraction, and he couldn't help but throw his head back.

However, Linn's speed was incredibly fast. His lightsaber drew a sharp arc, severing Mephisto's hand in the blink of an eye!

Levitation Power poured out, reclaiming the rest of the Aether Particle and molding it into half a red gem.

[You have obtained the Aether Particle. opportunity +10. Can be used to light up the monkey talisman.]

"Hmm?"

"Half a Reality Stone can also light up the monkey talisman? Then light it up!"

Linn raised an eyebrow.

Despite his haste, he was still a step late. Mephisto had absorbed some of the Aether Particle and merged with it. Although his hand had been cut off, it actually began to reform.

He didn't look injured at all!

"You're late. Even though it's only half the Aether Particle, it's enough to shake the laws of reality!"

Mephisto was full of excitement, a murderous light overflowing from his eyes.

Then, the Aether Particle wrapped around his body, dancing like a ribbon as he launched an attack first. As long as he got the other half of the stone, his plan would be complete!

Taking advantage of the Nine Stars Alignment, he would connect the gates of Hell with reality and completely destroy the magic barrier.

All Hell Lords and Demon Lords would appear in the Reality Dimension and concentrate their fire to level Kamar-Taj!

"How many years has it been?"

"The existence of Kamar-Taj has been a thorn in my side, and I have waited for a full ten thousand years. This time, I will never lose!"

Mephisto laughed wildly.

His face turned into that of a malevolent ghost, and one monster after another appeared. He distorted the spatial dimension, summoning his loyal servants from Limbo before him!

These ugly monsters were, without exception, all Great Demons, similar to Nastir—all of them sons of Mephisto!

Chapter 58: Pig Talisman is Anxious!

Sons of Mephisto?

There are so many of them?

Linn narrowed his eyes.

He could clearly feel that this group of ugly monsters was no less powerful than Nastir, nor the Prince of Hell, Blackheart.

It seems Mephisto creating sons was just him creating tools!

However, Mephisto obtaining half of the Aether Particle, with his magic power soaring, capable of shaking the laws of reality and distorting the spatial curtain, allowing him to summon Great Demons, was enough to explain the problem.

If the Nine Stars Alignment were activated, it would likely open the gates of Hell, allowing a large army of Demon Lords to descend and invade the Reality Dimension one after another.

"Linn, don't think that just because you became the Acting Sorcerer Supreme, you can contend with Demon Lords."

"In fact, I've never considered you an opponent from beginning to end. You are just a toy, a toy for me to torment, and you must offer your soul to satisfy me."

Mephisto sneered, his tone relaxed.

Standing in the secret realm of Earth, surrounded by Great Demons, his eyes were sharp, coveting the other half of the Infinity Stones.

He had even been keeping an eye on Linn, knowing that Linn had secretly hidden the Tesseract and the Mind Stone during the Battle of New York.

"And the eye of agamotto, which stores a Time Stone."

"That is to say, you have three and a half Infinity Stones on you, which is truly astonishing, Linn."

"Are you trying to collect Infinity Stones? Do you want to be like Thanos, snap your fingers, and completely eradicate the Demon Lords?"

"Unfortunately, even a snap of the fingers cannot achieve that."

Mephisto paced, the Aether Particle entwined around his body, his expression revealing ridicule.

Because the Infinity Stones can only function throughout the Universe.

They cannot interfere with dimensional planes.

As long as he hides in Limbo, the power of the snap will fail, and once Linn snaps his fingers, it will also bring about an energy backlash!

This will be Linn's weakest moment!

"How can you, who think you're so clever, understand my thoughts?"

"Mephisto."

"I'll give you a chance. Hand over the Aether Particle voluntarily, and I'll let bygones be bygones."

Linn's expression was calm.

His pupils shifted, appearing octagonal, with the outline of a dark stone talisman, and a small monkey pattern on its surface.

monkey talisman!

Power of Transformation!

It can also be applied to Arcane Arts and magic!

In fact, with the twelve talismans in place, he could clearly feel the twelve divine powers stacking and doubling.

Although he hadn't obtained the Pig Talisman, he had refined the donkey talisman!

Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Donkey!

Forming a perfect cycle, mutually supporting and strengthening each other, driving the divine power to grow exponentially, causing his aura to rise steadily, giving birth to a brand new power!

It was as if a latent x-factor had awakened.

His body swelled, his skin gleaming with a steel luster, an invisible Bio-Force Field enveloped his entire body, and light and radiation in space were drawn towards him.

His human cells absorbed light and radiation, strengthening almost every moment, like celestial stars blooming with brilliant and magnificent colors.

"This is..."

"Superman's Steel Body?"

"Could it be that my x-factor has granted me the ability of a God Among Mortals? To absorb light and radiation, infinitely strengthening my physical body?"

Linn's eyes gleamed.

He not only absorbed light and radiation, but also the surrounding cosmic energy was within his absorption range.

He exuded a terrifyingly dangerous aura.

Making Mephisto wary.

However, Mephisto waved his hand, and the Great Demons he summoned immediately pounced on Linn!

"Your magic power has surged again. It seems... to decipher this secret, I must bury you."

Mephisto's pupils constricted.

Independently absorbing light, radiation, and cosmic energy?

This Acting Sorcerer Supreme was clearly no mortal!

Mortals... could never possess such an ability!

"When did I ever say I was mortal?"

"Mephisto, you should change your self-righteous ways!"

Linn rose from the ground, a smirk playing on his lips. He was absorbing cosmic energy, light, and radiation in space. According to his understanding, he could absorb isotope!

The isotope also strengthened his body, granting him a Steel Body, comparable to a God Among Mortals even without the twelve talismans!

"God Among Mortals? What arrogance! Everything has a price, and you are no exception!"

Mephisto's eyelids twitched violently.

He was also searching for the secret realm's exit. As long as he could leave this secret realm, he could summon the Demon Lords to the Reality World!

Even half of the Aether Particle could distort reality!

Furthermore, granting the Aether Particle fragments to Mephisto's sons could further enhance their power!

Mephisto flicked his finger, and the Aether Particle fragments transformed into energy waves, surging into the Great Demons' bodies, causing the Great Demons' physiques to double, like Cursed Warriors.

This would burn their lives!

However, in Mephisto's eyes, the tools he created only had the value of being sacrificial pawns.

Linn narrowed his eyes.

As he obtained the donkey talisman and mastered the Law of the Beast, Great Demons were still Great Demons, and the donkey talisman was still a bit lacking.

"Then I'll just kill them."

Linn's voice boomed like thunder.

Instantly.

An invisible Levitation Power transformed into a storm that swept in all directions, directly forcing back the Great Demons.

He put away his light sword, tightly gripped the totem spear, and behind his head, twelve talisman phantoms appeared, coiling like incantations, exuding a blazing golden light, full of sacredness!

The spear tip ignited with fierce Fire, swift as lightning, striking a Great Demon in the blink of an eye!

Boom!

The Great Demon was struck by lightning, black smoke rising from its body, its eyes wide with disbelief, staring at the totem spear piercing its chest, its face full of incredulity.

"An Acting Venerable is still a Venerable."

"Dare to act presumptuously in front of me, and you must be prepared for your body and soul to be annihilated."

Linn curled his lips.

He spread his five fingers, fiercely grasping the Great Demon's head, absorbing the Great Demon's energy, draining its life force in the blink of an eye, turning it into skin and bones.

This also boosted his attributes, allowing him to further comprehend the mysteries of the x-factor, as if he could absorb all matter!

"Mephisto."

"Do you think the tools you've created can pose any threat to me?"

"How foolish, it makes me doubt your intelligence, perhaps even less than an ant's."

Linn's expression was mocking.

Immediately, the totem spear slashed out, fire surging and boiling, sending another Great Demon flying, half its arm severed, foul-smelling blood spurting out.

Linn's clothes were slightly soiled, but he was completely unharmed. After collecting the twelve talismans, his magic power was boundless!

Even without using the power of the Infinity Stones, he could still cause the Great Demons to die violently, gradually instilling fear in their hearts, pushing them towards Mephisto.

"Father... is he the Sorcerer Supreme?"

"Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Damn it! Blackheart was right all along, you've been using me!"

Mephisto's son was frantic, his expression revealing struggle and fear; no one wanted to die here.

[a-rank opportunity mission: Alienate father-son affection, and you will receive 1000 opportunity.]

A line of text bubbles appeared.

Linn's lips curved into a smile.

"Alienate father-son affection? Is there even any affection to alienate?"

Linn's eyes shifted.

Facing the surviving Great Demon, he spoke of past events, "Blackheart? Although I eliminated him, I admire his courage to challenge paternal authority and fight for his destiny."

"And you Little Kalamity, you believed Mephisto's promises, did you really think Mephisto would pass on the position of Demon Lord to you?"

"How could that be?"

"Demon Lords are immortal and indestructible. Even if you Little Kalamity die, Mephisto will still survive until the very end."

Linn spoke with sarcasm, loaded with contempt, maximizing the animosity.

This also made the Great Demon furious.

Suddenly, it distanced itself from Mephisto, no longer wanting to serve him, but its expression also showed some hesitation.

Chapter 59: Demon King Invasion!

"The Lord of Hells Border has been captured by me, which means Hells Border needs a new lord..."

Linn spoke once again.

Before his voice even faded.

Several Great Demons suddenly realized there was no need to stay here; they might as well head to Hells Border to compete for the position of Lord!

"Linn, you truly are sharp-tongued."

"However, I have already found the exit to the secret realm. Even if all my foster sons betray me, it won't affect my plans!"

Mephisto said with resentment.

Because the several Great Demons had already teleported away, heading for Hells Border!

"Father, once I become the Lord of Hells Border, I will surely avenge you!"

The Great Demon's voice echoed back.

But Mephisto knew that was absolute nonsense!

[You have sowed discord between father and sons, gaining 1,000 opportunity points.]

Linn was satisfied.

For he had predicted that demons were selfish and self-serving; would they act knowing it was futile?

What a joke!

However, Mephisto's face twisted with malice, and his figure vanished in a blink. Linn quickly gave chase and also returned to the Reality Dimension.

London began to shake violently.

Linn gazed into the distance and saw spatial ripples emerging near the British Museum, slowly tearing through the curtain of the Universe and forming one vortex after another.

This scene.

Was far more terrifying and horrifying than the Battle of New York. London residents and passersby all looked up at the sky.

The spatial vortices slowly took shape, revealing different environments and landscapes, each leading to one of the other Eight Realms. Conversely, life from those realms could cross through the vortices and come to Midgard!

Nine Stars Alignment!

A cosmic spectacle occurring once in ten thousand years, it aligned the Nine Realms in a single line and tore through the planar barriers, causing the magic barrier to flicker as if it might fail at any moment.

Linn's expression was solemn.

Because Mephisto had taken to the sky, and the Aether Particle had transformed into tentacles that were disrupting the spatial curtain, about to open the gates of Limbo and connect Hell to reality!

"Everything is irreversible!"

"Linn, even if you were the true Sorcerer Supreme, the reincarnation of Agamotto, you could not avert this doomsday."

Mephisto laughed wildly.

Immediately, the spatial curtain distorted, revealing a gate to Hell burning with crimson flames, as countless pairs of eyes lit up within.

It sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers.

They could clearly sense the impending disaster!

But the Avengers were not present; who could save the World?

"Venerable One, is Earth doomed?"

Master Aisuo led his disciples to Linn's side, his face etched with fear and worry.

At this moment, there was absolutely nothing they could do; the cosmic spectacle of the Nine Stars Alignment could only be waited out until it naturally faded.

But Mephisto was using the Aether Particle to directly shake the spatial curtain and open the gates of Limbo.

And within Limbo, several figures stood, each radiating a terrifying aura of malice—they were none other than Hell Lords!

"Finally, this moment has arrived!"

"Mephisto, well done."

"Level Kamar-Taj to the ground!"

"I will kill Linn with my own hands..."

Demonic proclamations rang out.

Hela, Goddess of Death, and Nightmare, the Nightmare Lord, both issued curses that made one's blood run cold.

The materialized gate of Hell slowly opened a crack, releasing hellfire that spread across the Nine Realms.

If the Demon Lords were to invade reality en masse, it would surely bring about a catastrophe!

All of humanity could face extinction!

Not just Hela and Nightmare, but the lords from the Hell Demon King Council all appeared before them.

"Satanich, Hades, Beelzebub..."

"Who can stop this group of Demon Lords?"

"I'm afraid even if Odin came, it wouldn't be enough!"

Master Aisuo was terrified.

The Mystic Arts practitioners present also felt their knees weaken and legs tremble; they had never seen such a spectacle as all the Hell Lords appearing together.

Disaster had arrived!

Despair was spreading!

Even the air from Limbo began to diffuse into the Reality Dimension. Mortals who caught a scent of this aura fell into madness, turning into mindless Beasts with claws and fangs.

"As expected."

"The nodes of the spiritual veins are shifting, and the magic barrier is failing."

Linn perceived carefully.

Just as Hela had said, the cosmic spiritual veins were misaligning, further weakening the magic barrier.

If things continued according to this trend, the Demon Lords would arrive in reality, but a smile suddenly appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Venerable One, why are you smiling?"

Master Aisuo was bewildered.

Even Wanda and Pietro, who had rushed to the museum, were confused.

Suddenly, a swarm of flying craft pierced through the clouds, charging straight at Mephisto and firing energy pulses that struck with ripples of impact.

A massive, cross-shaped cosmic warship also crossed the atmosphere, locking onto the Aether Particle's signal.

It targeted its cannons on Mephisto.

The King of the Dark Elves had a ferocious look in his eyes; he craved the Aether Particle to drag the Nine Realms into darkness!

However, the Aether Particle had awakened prematurely and fallen into Mephisto's hands, which had ignited his fury.

"Reclaim the Aether."

"At any cost."

Malekith roared.

Immediately, the flying craft and ship cannons fired in unison. Pulse beams as thick as waterfalls knocked Mephisto down and interrupted his spellcasting!

"Damn it!"

"Dark Elves? Why are they making an enemy of me? Because of the Aether Particle?"

Mephisto's face was full of hatred.

Clearly caught off guard, his body took a heavy hit, forcing him to temporarily stop opening the gate to Hell to repair his physical vessel.

Because if his vessel were destroyed, his soul would return to Hell, and he would need to perform the ritual all over again.

"Hand over the Aether Particle and I shall spare your life, Mephisto!"

Malekith said sinisterly.

He naturally recognized Mephisto's scent; this notorious Demon Lord also roamed Svartalfheim, harvesting souls through contracts.

However, Malekith had chosen to refuse, growing through self-study and mastering a form of sorcery. He raised his hand and threw out a wave of energy.

In a blink, it blasted Mephisto over!

He needed the Aether Particle to return the Nine Realms to darkness!

"Malekith, if you stop me, then don't blame me for treating you as an enemy."

Mephisto lost his reason, his chest filled with rage. He suddenly unleashed a demonic tide, turning passersby into monsters and charging toward the Dark Elves!

"Venerable One!"

"Which side should we support?"

Master Aisuo was stunned.

Seeing the Dark Elves and the Demon Lord clashing, he couldn't help but be dazed and could only look toward Linn.

"Wait and see."

Linn's eyes narrowed.

Then, his form became transparent. The invisibility power of the Snake Talisman made his movements silent and unnoticed.

He also summoned a large number of ninja soldiers, who threw thunder bombs and shuriken at the demon-men and Dark Elves.

For Kamar-Taj, both Mephisto and Malekith were dangerous elements; even if their goals differed, both were intent on destroying the World.

However, a Nightsword slashed through the sky, crushing the ninja soldiers directly!

"Though it took some effort, I have returned. Are you ready to welcome me?"

Hela, Goddess of Death, stepped out from a wormhole vortex, followed by several Hell Lords.

Hades, Satanich, Nightmare, Lucifer, Beelzebub... Although the gate to Hell was only half-open, it was already enough for the Demon Lords to arrive in reality one after another!

"This is bad!"

"With this group of Demon Lords arriving in reality, how will this end?"

"Venerable Linn? Venerable One? Where did he go?"

Master Aisuo and the Mystic Arts practitioners couldn't help but feel a chill down their spines. Facing Little Kalamities was no problem, but those present were all Hell Lords!

During the Nine Stars Alignment, they had bypassed the magic barrier, leaving everyone in despair!

"Jie-ha-ha-ha! I will overthrow Zeus! Become the Master of Olympus!"

"I will have my revenge on the Ancient One..."

"Khonshu! I'm going to rip your head off!"

Lucifer, with his red skin and curved horns, was the classic image of a devil. He intensely hated Khonshu—it was Khonshu, the Moon God, who had trapped him in Hell!

Standing beside him was a demon resembling an orc, eyes glowing with blood-red light, fire burning on its back, and a ghostly face on its abdomen.

Named Satanich!

In the prehistoric age of myth, he had competed against the Eternals and was banished to the Hell Dimension!

Chapter 60 – All Thirteen talismans Assembled!

[sss-rank opportunity mission: Banish the smuggling Demon Lord to receive Khonshu's blessing.]

A line of text appeared in a speech bubble.

Linn narrowed his eyes.

Khonshu's blessing?

Could Khonshu be right here?

Invisible, Linn scanned the area. When he opened his soul sight, he saw a figure crouched on the cornice of the British Museum, swathed like a mummy.

Wrapped in funerary bandages, crowned with an avian skull, clutching a khakkhara, the being radiated sacred majesty.

The Moon God!

And wherever the Moon God stood, the Fist of Khonshu would appear.

A valiant silhouette in a white cloak dove from the sky, hurling a crescent dart straight at Satanich.

Clang!

The crescent clipped the curved horn in a spray of sparks and spiraled back into the thrower's hand.

'Satanich, crawl back to your hell!'

the Fist of Khonshu roared.

As the god's avatar, he sensed the instant a Demon Lord set foot on Earth and became Moon Knight, materializing before Satanich.

'Khonshu!'

'Last time you won, but today you and your agent will die here!'

Satanich shrieked.

He spat a torrent of flame that twisted the air with terrible heat.

Khonshu merely swept his staff and the fire vanished, leaping down from the roof with a deep voice:

'Acting Sorcerer Supreme, you truly pale beside the Ancient One; had she been here, no Demon Lordwould have breached reality.'

Khonshu's tone dripped mockery.

Linn's brows knit, yet he offered no retort.

There was still a way to turn this around!

'I'll buy you time—you know what to do, don't you?'

Khonshu whispered.

Then he whirled his staff and charged the Demon Lords.

'Moon God? Tired of living?'

'We'll start with you!'

'Slaughter him for a war-banner, boil his bones for broth!'

Hela, Lucifer, Hades, Beelzebub, and Nightmare grinned, weapons ready for a warm-up.

After eons in hell their joints had grown stiff.

Now that they were back in the Reality Dimension, they had all the time they craved for revenge.

Focusing fire to wipe out Khonshu would send shockwaves through the City of Omnipotence and win them faith.

Gods need faith; so do demons.

Faith

is simply the power of souls

also called will-force!

Amass enough and you can overturn laws and make the Universe kneel!

Yet Linn's lips curled—his only target was the Aether Particle!

While Malekith clashed with Mephisto, Linn's palm released a swirl of Levitation Power.

The Aether Particle rippled, turning into a crimson tide that surged toward him.

Linn's eyes blazed.

The half-gem in his hand completed itself, drinking in every trace of the Aether!

'What?'

'Where did the Aether Particle go?'

'Who are you?'

Malekith's pupils contracted.

A translucent figure solidified: deep-blue suit, cloak of levitation at his shoulders, eye of agamotto on his chest, clutching the Reality Stone!

'Linn!'

'Do you know the price of angering me?'

Mephisto clenched his fists, pupils shrinking.

Because Linn smiled in contempt, heat flaring in his palm, melting uru metal into a crude gauntlet.

Six sockets lined its back.

He crushed the Tesseract bare-handed, setting the blue Space Stone into place.

Next he snapped the Mind Stone's staff and seated the gem.

He twisted open the Cosmic Orb, used Levitation Power to cage the Power Stone, and rammed it home.

Finally the eye of agamotto opened, revealing the green Time Stone, which he slotted in as well.

Reality! Space! Mind! Power! Time!

Five Gems resonated; rainbow light ran over Linn's body while gamma energy scoured every cell.

[You have crafted the Infinity Gauntlet; opportunity +10. It can be used to light the Pig Talisman.]

'Hm?'

Linn hesitated.

So merely forging the Infinity Gauntlet was enough?

He didn't need all six stones?

In an instant

his pupils shifted to a pig pattern, crackling heat blazing forth!

All twelve talismans ignited.

And he forged a thirteenth: the donkey talisman!

His divine power soared; his robes bulged, the cloak of levitation screaming.

Hovering midair, eyes spitting lightning, Linn was ringed by phantoms of the twelve talismans.

With the set complete, he shed every weakness; a mortal frame now rivalled gods—he commanded twelve fundamental laws!

'Zodiac signs are totems…'

'So totemic power is the essence.'

Linn murmured.

His words quaked space, warping the cosmic veil and collapsing wormhole vortices.

A green sphere bloomed outward.

Inside it everything froze—molecules, atoms, all motion halted; he had paused time.

With a flick of his hand he sped time itself, the Nine Stars Alignment that should have lasted a quarter-hour ending in five seconds!

'Five Infinity Stones?'

'Quite modest of you, Linn.'

'But to exile us? Foolish!'

Wild laughter erupted.

Mephisto's skin turned crimson, black hair whipping like a devil's; he ignored the time stop—hell has no time!

Demon Lords could even reverse fixed moments.

'This generation's Sorcerer Supreme is pitifully stupid.'

'Linn? More like Swine!'

Satanich, Hades, and Beelzebub shattered the time seal and shot toward him.

Only Hela and Nightmare, having fought Linn before, broke free and tried to retreat.

'If Odin hurls Gungnir we're finished,'

Hela thought, eyes cold.

She knew Heimdall had already seen the crisis.

As she vanished, a rainbow beam crashed down and a squad of Asgardian Guards charged the Dark Elves.

Thor raised his hammer, eyes widening at the sight of Dark Elves and Demon Lords in Midgard.

'Linn, what's going on?'

Thor asked, bewildered.

Wasn't Midgard protected by a magic barrier? How had Demon Lords slipped through?

What were they supposed to do?

'Because of the Nine Stars Alignment,'

'No one can defy that law,'

Linn sighed.

He dismissed the time sphere, conjured ten duplicates, and sent them against the Demon Lords.

The Alignment had shifted ley-line nodes, punching holes in the barrier.

Though no more Demon Lords could invade, the ones already here were troublemakers!

Hades, bald and wicked, the Olympian king of the dead.

Lucifer, the fallen Angel of scripture.

Beelzebub, lord of flies and disease.

Nightmare and Hela had slipped away; even in hiding they would wreak havoc.

'Damn it all.'

'I just became Acting Sorcerer and they crank the difficulty to max—do I look like Hello Kitty?'

Linn fumed.

He gripped his totem spear, eyes blazing like beams as he skewered Beelzebub's fleshy wing; black, stinking blood spilled, poisoning the ground!

[s-rank opportunity mission: Slay the Lord of Flies to light the worm talisman.]