[Please select the power of one Infinity Stone.]
The words pulsed with a deep, cosmic hue—like fragments of creation themselves were waiting for my command. My reflection in the holographic display was distorted by the swirling energy, every color bleeding into the next. Power, Time, Space, Reality, Mind, Soul… and then the one that resonated with me the most—Power.
I could feel it—that primal surge, that raw, unfiltered essence of destruction and vitality that had kept the Hulk alive this long. It wasn't just brute strength; it was domination, the unrelenting force that burned through gods and universes alike.
"Power Stone," I said softly, my voice cutting through the silence.
The moment I spoke, the holographic interface exploded in a surge of violet energy. The ground beneath me cracked like shattered glass, purple veins spreading out in all directions as a resonant hum filled the air. My hand clenched involuntarily as the system's cold mechanical voice echoed in my ears:
[You have chosen your reward.]
[Integrating Power Stone energy]
Then another line appeared—cold and mechanical:
[You have chosen your reward.]
[Penalty Timer: Activated.]
[Return to your Home World immediately.]
[Quest Coin penalty: -500 per minute beginning in 60 seconds.]
I frowned. "So impatient, aren't you?"
"Shalltear," I said, my voice calm but firm. "We're leaving."
"As you command." She bowed, her expression still fixed between reverence and curiosity.
I raised my hand, drawing a circle of deep violet energy in the air. Space warped instantly, forming into a spiraling gateway lined with runic script.
But this time… the portal wasn't cheap. The system immediately flashed another deduction.
[Opening permanent dimensional gate: -2000 Quest Coins.]
I sighed, feeling the sting as my total balance dropped. "It didn't cost this much to enter this world," I muttered under my breath.
•••
The light of the portal faded, and the grand marble floor of Nazarick came into focus beneath our feet. The air was heavy with divine energy — calm, clean, and entirely different from the ruined scent of the Marvel world we had just left. The golden chandeliers gleamed overhead, their glow reflecting off the black stone pillars of the grand hall.
Shalltear stretched lazily beside me, her pale hair cascading down her shoulders as she took a deep breath. "Ahh… the smell of home. It's almost enough to make me forget the stench of those rotting zombies," she said with a satisfied smile.
Before I could respond, a familiar voice echoed from the end of the corridor.
"My Lord!"
Albedo appeared, gliding down the steps with her usual grace, her long black wings unfurling slightly in excitement. Her golden eyes gleamed with warmth — and perhaps just a little relief. "You have finally returned," she said, bowing deeply. "We were… most anxious after receiving reports of the dimensional disturbance."
"It's good to be back," I said, my voice low but relaxed. "The situation was handled, though it cost more than expected."
Albedo raised her head, her expression softening. "As long as you are unharmed, the price is meaningless."
But before she could take another step forward, Shalltear smoothly stepped between us — her lips curling into a smug, knowing smirk.
"Oh~? My Lord wasn't entirely unharmed, you know," Shalltear said in a singsong tone, leaning just slightly toward Albedo. "He fought against a creature that wielded the combined might of six Infinity Stones—an abomination so powerful that it could crush worlds. Yet my Lord defeated it… with his bare hands."
Albedo stiffened, her feathers twitching slightly, though she kept her composure. "And I see you returned as well, Shalltear. I trust your… behavior didn't embarrass our Lord this time?"
Shalltear's smirk widened, utterly unbothered. "Embarrass? Oh, Albedo, you wound me. I was nothing but useful. In fact," she added sweetly, turning her gaze to me, "My Lord and I grew quite close during our little interdimensional journey."
Albedo's expression froze. "Close?"
"Yes," Shalltear continued casually, pretending to think. "He even shared stories with me—about the founding members of Nazarick, the days of YGGDRASIL, and how each of our creators met and shaped this beautiful tomb. Such personal memories."
Her words dripped like honeyed poison.
For a brief moment, silence filled the hall—before a faint cracking sound echoed. Albedo's wings trembled, black feathers falling like ash as a visible aura of jealousy began to seep from her. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her gauntleted fists, and her smile twitched unnaturally.
"...Stories, you say?"
"Oh yes~," Shalltear chimed, twirling a lock of silver hair. "We talked late into the night. My Lord has such a soothing voice when he shares his memories. Almost intimate, really."
A sharp pulse of killing intent rolled through the hall. Even the air grew thick enough to taste.
I sighed quietly and raised a hand. "Enough, both of you."
Instantly, Shalltear straightened—still smiling—and Albedo froze mid-glare, her expression shifting to a forced serenity.
Albedo's rage melted into remorse in an instant. "Forgive me, my Lord. I… let my emotions overwhelm me."
I nodded once, then turned toward the upper levels. "I'll be going to the Sixth Floor amphitheater. I need to check something."
"Yes, my Lord," Albedo said softly, bowing her head again, though her eyes flicked briefly toward Shalltear with murderous intent.
~~~