3 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 21 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on: Free Members of Patreon can read 12 Chapters ahead of Webnovel for FREE.
[email protected]/Heroicverse
×××××××××××××××
Don't let the Arcane Master seem so high and mighty, capable of using various powerful magic and traveling freely throughout the Universe.
In essence, they are merely ordinary humans who can "borrow magic" from Dimensional Gods (including the Trinity of Vishanti) (with the exception of a few non-human Arcane Masters).
Although their lifespan is extended through the process of cultivating magic,
they are still unable to escape the laws of "old age" and "death."
Even Ancient One is no exception to this!
Therefore, facing this situation, Ancient One had no choice but to find another way, secretly taking "loans" from Dormammu and other Dimensional Gods behind the backs of other Arcane Masters, thereby forcibly extending her life!
She was actually very clear in her heart.
Even though her intentions for doing so were good, it severely violated the ironclad rules believed by Arcane Masters.
Once this matter became known to others, the faith held by the mages of Kamar-Taj would likely be shaken.
This would create an opportunity for magic creatures and Dimensional Gods attempting to invade Earth!
Therefore, Ancient One has not only borne immense responsibility and obligation for the past few centuries but also endured immense psychological pressure.
As a result, every additional year she lived felt like another year of torment.
She had long grown tired of it!
This is why it's no wonder Ancient One "took the opportunity" to give up and go offline after the "chosen one," Stephen Strange, appeared…
Otherwise, even if she had just casually opened a Mirror Dimension, she wouldn't have been "killed by falling"!! (Ridiculous)
And now, this taboo topic was unexpectedly brought up by Karl.
Although Ancient One did not harbor murderous intent, she immediately prepared for a show of force.
Who would have thought?
This guy actually didn't play by the rules again.
But it's undeniable that Ancient One really wanted to know what method Karl had to "reasonably" resolve this hidden danger for her!
Σ(⊙▽⊙"a???
Looking at the long-unseen cunning smile on Karl's face, Ancient One seemed to realize something!
Wait, wait, wait, this unscrupulous merchant isn't trying to make her… become his follower, is he???
No way?
No way?
There's no way a Dimensional God would be bold enough to make the Sorcerer Supreme her subordinate, right?
Never mind whether you can defeat Dormammu… just tell me, have you considered Vishanti's feelings?
In fact, including Dormammu, all the Dimensional Gods who were repeatedly "fleeced" by Ancient One.
The reason why they didn't dare to do anything to Ancient One openly was not because they were afraid of her, or because her methods were so clever.
It was because Ancient One had a strong backing!
That's right.
Just Oshtur, the Omnipotent One, among the Trinity of Vishanti, is one of the earliest Ancient Gods born on Earth.
A powerful group!
Otherwise, why could Vishanti contend with Chthon, the God of the Underworld, who is also an Ancient God?
And a "Third Category Demon" like Dormammu is no different from a "one-hit wonder" in front of Oshtur, the Omnipotent One.
(Note 1: According to Marvel's setting, there are three categories of demons in the Universe:
One: The surviving Fallen Ancient Gods represented by Chthon, the God of the Underworld, and the descendants of these Fallen Ancient Gods, are the so-called "First Category Demons"!
Two: Demons formed from the Dark Energy left behind when Fallen Ancient Gods were killed are called "Second Category Demons."
Representative figures: Mephisto, Satannish, Thog… even Fallen Angels like Lucifer are counted among the "Second Category Demons."
Three: The so-called "Third Category Demons" refer to extradimensional demons, which are native life forms from other dimensions.
Representative figures: Dormammu and Shuma-Gorath, the Eye Demon, are both "Third Category Demons.")
(Note 2: Among them, there is no fixed power ranking between "Second Category Demons" and "Third Category Demons"; everything is based on the strongest!)
Throughout this process, Karl had been paying attention to the subtle changes in Ancient One's facial expressions.
After seeing the wariness in her eyes increase rather than decrease, he knew that now was not the best time to "develop a subordinate."
If he forced the issue, it would likely backfire.
All of Karl's previous efforts would likely go to waste.
So, he could only first give an answer that, in Ancient One's eyes, perfectly matched his persona.
As for using Ancient One to boost his performance, that would have to be put off for now… after all, good things come to those who wait!
What's more, the Golden Big Guy and Tzeentch both had their eyes on this bald head, and it was still uncertain who would ultimately win her over.
"Ancient One, why don't we team up and take out Dormammu?"
Karl deliberately put on an eager look, saying with burning eyes:
"Imagine, as long as he's eliminated, then your secret borrowing… cough cough, I mean, the matter of you drawing power from Dormammu, wouldn't it be without proof?"
Ancient One was stunned at first.
Then her gaze towards Karl gradually became a little strange.
Good heavens!
So that's how you solve the problem from the "root"!
I think you're planning to take the opportunity to annex the Dark Dimension, aren't you?
If only you had come up with a more reliable explanation, I wouldn't be feeling so utterly unsurprised right now.
See, what did I tell you before? No Dimensional God is a good thing!
See that? He hasn't even recovered his strength yet, and he's already thinking about seizing other people's territory…
However, this answer successfully dispelled the wariness in Ancient One's heart.
If Karl had just said he wanted her to become his follower, Ancient One would have immediately severed her alliance and cooperation with him.
She could not trust a Dimensional Demon who was constantly planning against her!
But if the other party was scheming against Dormammu, or other Dimensional Gods, then that would be a different matter.
Because as long as Karl wasn't coveting Earth, then for Ancient One and Kamar-Taj, he wasn't an enemy, but an ally!
So she would not only not object but would also provide necessary support and encouragement.
Let these damned Dimensional Demons fight among themselves!
Perhaps she and the other Arcane Masters could even enjoy a period of leisure because of it…
It was based on this idea.
Ancient One's last shred of vigilance towards Karl gradually relaxed.
Facing the seemingly absurd proposal, Ancient One did not refuse on the spot but shook her head meaningfully, saying profoundly:
"Something as crazy as this… never mind, let's talk about it after you've recovered all your power and Authority!"
Interesting!
Karl's eyes immediately lit up.
The reason he spoke so bluntly was, on one hand, to lower the other party's guard, indirectly telling Ancient One that he had no interest in occupying Earth!
On the other hand, it was to take the opportunity to test the other party's true attitude and to preemptively prepare.
This way, no matter what big moves Karl made against other dimensions next, it wouldn't seem abrupt in the eyes of Ancient One and the mages of Kamar-Taj!
Naturally, it wouldn't arouse their wariness.
No choice.
Compared to Ancient One, Karl is actually the one who needs the most "protection" from allies at this stage!
After all, he has already offended two Hell Lords simultaneously.
And before the Five Little Ones and the Warp officially grow up.
Earth, protected by the three Sanctuaries and Kamar-Taj, is equivalent to a huge "safe zone" for Karl.
It can help him block all those powerful Dimensional God-level enemies, whom he cannot defeat at this stage, outside of Earth.
Giving him ample time and a safe environment to develop.
He can even unscrupulously plot against these Dimensional Gods.
Without having to worry about being found and held accountable!
Because even if these guys eventually found out the truth, besides sending some cannon fodder suicide squads, they would mostly just be able to watch helplessly from outside Earth.
Therefore, this is also regarded by Karl as his biggest advantage at this stage!
Even in the process of formulating his "Phase Two Strategic Plan for Other Dimensions," it was centered around this advantage!
No choice, as a qualified businessman, he naturally has to utilize this advantage to the extreme by all means possible!
Now, facing Ancient One's feigned words, Karl suppressed a smile and replied seriously: "Don't worry, that day will come very soon."
...
A few hours later.
In the Impossible City.
"What, Boss, you… you said you want me to be the Vampire Queen who controls all Vampires?"
In the luxurious conference room, after hearing Karl's proposal, Selena's beautiful face was filled with incredulous shock.
"That's right."
Karl nodded noncommittally, raised his hand, pointed to Dracula's head placed on the table, and said calmly:
"This old guy will help you subdue those stubborn ones… As for the rest who still refuse to submit, just send people to kill them all!"
Upon hearing this, Dracula's previously tightly closed eyelids twitched slightly.
The reason he was willing to help was actually out of coercion.
Because Karl's proposal was simply too unreasonable… either choose to help persuade those Vampire cults, or let all of them perish completely with you!
That's right, it was that simple and brutal.
If anyone else had said this, Dracula probably wouldn't have responded at all.
He might even encourage the other party to try if they dared.
But after personally witnessing Karl snatching the Immortality Trait, killing Varna and Lilith, and his "intimate" relationship with the Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One, Dracula finally chose to back down…
After all, he had been a Ghost King for over a thousand years.
How could he stand by and watch the entire Bloodline be exterminated because of one stubborn decision of his own!
So… he dared not gamble!
However, Dracula also made an additional condition.
That is, after completing the task, he wanted to die a quick death!
He never could have imagined that the destination of his soul after death would be neither Hell nor the Underworld, but Karl's Warp.
From the moment he met Karl, he was destined to become a workhorse for him… oh no, a hired hand!
As for why Karl wanted to put Selena on the throne of the Vampire Queen, it was to take the opportunity to extend his intelligence network to every city in the U.S..
Although after the Thunder Warriors were born, Karl had long since looked down on the Vampires' weak combat power.
But in terms of gathering intelligence, these ghosts wandering in the night were still quite remarkable.
"But Boss, I have never managed such a vast empire before, I'm afraid…"
Selena looked at Karl nervously, her ice-blue eyes revealing a hint of helplessness.
Only in front of this god-like man would the Moon Goddess, who never blinked when killing, show such a tender and feminine expression.
This can be understood as the worship and submission to powerful males, imprinted in the genes of female beings.
"Don't worry."
Karl waved his hand indifferently, comforting her softly: "Everything has a first time… For those who don't listen, just kill them."
"If you encounter any difficulties in the management process, you can also directly consult Zemo; he is an expert in this area!"
Nowadays, Karl has many talented people under him, and no problem can stump him.
Other forces find that the larger the team, the busier the leader.
He, on the other hand, is the exact opposite, giving each core member enough trust and power, thereby making himself increasingly relaxed.
"Understood, I understand…"
Selena's eyes gradually became firm, and she said solemnly: "Please rest assured, Boss, I will not disappoint you."
Karl nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Frank, Pietro, and the others.
The smooth execution of this operation to seize the Impossible City was absolutely inseparable from Frank's on-site tactical command.
So, promotion and salary increases go without saying.
Karl is always generous when it comes to rewarding meritorious subordinates.
The greater the value created, the more rewards received.
Otherwise, unruly outstanding individuals like Frank and Zemo would not be so devoted to him as they are now.
After all… no matter how great one's charisma, it ultimately cannot withstand the erosion of "daily necessities."
Just drawing a big picture cannot solve any practical problems!
Pietro's remarkable and surprising performance in this battle, however, somewhat surprised Karl.
Perhaps it was because he hadn't paid attention to his brother-in-law for too long.
Looking at his rapidly growing physique, as if artificially ripened, a strange thought suddenly emerged…
After receiving Nurgle's blessing of power, will this guy turn into a speed-version of Red Tank in the future?
That would be truly too tough!
However, considering that Pietro had no financial sense whatsoever.
It's highly likely that Wanda's dowry money hadn't even been saved up before it was all squandered.
So Karl planned to give a symbolic reward on the surface, and then secretly have people deposit the money into a special account set up specifically for Pietro.
Pietro himself, however, didn't care much about monetary or material rewards.
As the Base Commander of the Sokovia Mountain Top Base, his salary level was even comparable to that of middle and senior management in Fortune 500 companies.
Although he was somewhat extravagant in his daily life and a chronic spender, he never had to worry about money.
For Pietro, Karl's recognition was the greatest reward!
He had proven with his actions this time… that he, Pietro, was absolutely no worse than anyone else!
Finally, there was Rebecca Chambers, the accompanying researcher for this trip.
Through this special operation, Karl's favorable impression of this intellectual beauty with a doll-like face subtly increased a few points.
After all, such a scientific spirit, daring to put oneself in danger to obtain first-hand data from practical combat, is inherently admirable!
And for such a dedicated employee, Karl naturally wouldn't treat her unfairly.
He planned to establish a separate research team for Rebecca Chambers when the time was ripe in the future.
The research topics would be entirely her choice, and no one would be allowed to interfere.
This way, Rebecca Chambers would have the opportunity to create new glory in her familiar scientific research field.
Karl believed that this was the reward Rebecca Chambers desired most!