[Marvel's Hogwarts Professor] Chapter 691 - 695

Chapter 691: The Plunder of Hell

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The howling wind echoed through the darkened skies of Hell. A slender yet enormous rift in the void suddenly materialized, hanging suspended in mid-air. It resembled a painted scroll with an abrupt tear down its center—jarring and profoundly ugly.

"Ancient One, what brings you to trespass upon my territory today?" Mephisto demanded, his tone barely suppressing his rage as he fought to control his voice.

Had it been anyone else breaching his domain so forcefully, he wouldn't have wasted words—he would have attacked immediately. But this was the Ancient One. Not only was the Supreme Sorcerer stronger than him under normal circumstances, but Mephisto was currently in a severely weakened state. And he still bore the scars of his previous defeat at the Ancient One's hands.

He could only swallow his anger. If conflict could be avoided, he would try to prevent it.

Beside him, Dormammu stared intently at Lockhart, who stood next to the Ancient One. Though Dormammu hadn't spoken, his vigilant gaze communicated everything.

"Mephisto, is your question truly interesting?" The Ancient One glanced down, casually picking at her fingernails. Her tone carried a hint of frivolity and disdain.

"You repeatedly come to Earth without so much as a greeting. Is it so strange that I might visit the Hell dimension in return?"

With these words, the Ancient One gestured toward Lockhart beside her, her voice taking on a proud tone.

"Mephisto, Dormammu, allow me to make an introduction. This is my disciple. In the near future, he will also be the next Supreme Sorcerer."

She added with a half-smile, "I should thank you both. If not for your repeated interferences, I might never have discovered Lockhart's excellence."

As the Ancient One finished speaking, both Mephisto and Dormammu's expressions froze. However, Mephisto's face quickly shifted to a congratulatory mask.

"Congratulations to the Supreme Sorcerer for finding a worthy successor," he offered, seeming to understand what the Ancient One intended to do. A sense of foreboding grew within him.

Suddenly, the Ancient One tilted her head and called loudly into the void beside them: "You evil gods of Hell! Hiding is rather dull—you'd best reveal yourselves."

The moment these words left her lips, an aura of darkness, chaos, and malevolence erupted with the Ancient One at its center. Nearly ten evil gods of Hell had surrounded her and Lockhart.

Lucifer, Satan, Bell, and others appeared one by one.

"Ancient One, your courage is remarkable," growled Satan in his hoarse voice. "You dare come directly to our Hell?"

"Our Supreme Sorcerer is naturally both gifted and bold," Lucifer added with disdain, his gaze fixed on the Ancient One's face.

"Hahaha! I don't know if I'm particularly artistic, but I am indeed brave!"

"Don't let the Ancient One escape this time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..."

The surrounding lords of Hell chattered and laughed amongst themselves.

Was the Ancient One powerful? Undoubtedly. In one-on-one combat, perhaps none of them would prove her equal. But with all the evil gods of Hell gathered, they didn't believe she could possibly escape—especially on their home ground.

The Ancient One paid no attention to their malicious stares and discussions. Instead, she turned to Lockhart and said, "Lockhart, I will now give you your first lesson. Don't be deceived by these evil gods' apparent power. In truth, they merely bully the weak and fear the strong."

"Watch carefully how I use the Eye of Agamotto. It will serve you well in the future."

With these words, the Ancient One, surrounded on all sides, began to move her hands. The Eye of Agamotto around her neck slowly opened.

Buzz!

A dazzling green light flashed forth.

For a moment, everything fell silent. The previous sounds of discussion and laughter vanished completely. Only faint green ripples remained around the terrifying evil gods of Hell.

Whoosh!

Surrounded by complete silence, the Ancient One and her student Lockhart slowly floated forward. They approached a tall, muscular figure with crimson skin and a pointed head.

Ignoring the fury in his eyes, the Ancient One introduced him as though presenting a museum exhibit: "Lockhart, let's get acquainted. This is Satan. You've likely heard of him—he's quite notorious and possesses considerable strength. He has accumulated the most original power."

As she spoke, the Ancient One extended her right hand and thrust it directly into Satan's chest. A faint golden light flashed, as though her hand had plunged into water. Her right hand penetrated to his heart, gripped it firmly, and began to withdraw.

Satan, bound tightly in place, experienced an enormous change in his expression. He endured the pain and glared at the Ancient One with hatred.

He wasn't present in his true form but had arrived as an incarnation. Upon hearing of the Ancient One's arrival, he had brought his strongest cultivated avatar.

The result...

Buzz!

The Ancient One slowly withdrew her hand, revealing a dark red orb of original power. Without ceremony, she tossed it directly to Lockhart.

"Lockhart, keep this safe—this is your first gift from your master," she said, casually clapping her hands as though cleaning away debris.

Lockhart quickly secured it. This was original power—though the system no longer required it, such power still represented a supreme treasure to him.

"Come, Lockhart. Let's examine this one and become familiar with him. He could be considered an old acquaintance of our Kamar-Taj," the Ancient One continued. "This is Lucifer!"

The Ancient One and Lockhart approached Lucifer, evil god of Hell. Observing the handsome figure before him with enormous black wings extending from his back, Lockhart couldn't help but swallow nervously.

Truly...

"Lucifer, I'll relieve you of your gift," the Ancient One stated coldly. Once again, she reached out and extracted an orb of light, a mixture of black and white, and handed it to Lockhart.

Afterward, she proceeded to each evil god in turn, extracting their original power and passing it to Lockhart, who caught each one swiftly.

To be honest, he felt somewhat overwhelmed by this generous bounty. Although the system had nearly shut down and no longer required original power, this couldn't diminish the value of what he was receiving.

Looking at the green temporal ripples surrounding them, and the furious expressions of the evil gods struggling vainly against their bonds, Lockhart couldn't help but marvel. The Time Stone was truly remarkable!

Yet...

Noticing Mephisto who had fled into the distance, Lockhart felt a slight pang of regret, though he didn't dwell on it. After all, this was Mephisto's dimension. On the opponent's territory, and without being the primary target, escape was naturally easier.

Besides, Mephisto had little of value to offer at present. On this point, Lockhart—having obtained nearly all of Mephisto's memories—felt quite certain.

Thank you for the memories, Mephisto! Lockhart silently expressed.

Buzz!

After draining the original power from the final evil god, the Ancient One waved her hand. The green ripples suddenly contracted, returning to the Time Stone.

Then...

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The incarnations of the evil gods exploded and fled, whether by choice or by force. All that remained at the scene were fierce energy fluctuations and the oppressive atmosphere of Hell.

Gazing at the now-empty space, the Ancient One nodded with satisfaction. She patted Lockhart's shoulder and declared:

"Come along, Lockhart. Let's continue collecting gifts!"

Chapter 692: Dimensional Extortion

In the vast void, chaotic energy spread like a bottomless ocean—sometimes calm as a still sea, sometimes turbulent as storm-tossed waves. Motes of mixed light accumulated throughout, diverse energies with different properties mingling together. These energies were difficult to absorb and impossible to erase, their polluting and corrosive nature making the void a dangerous place.

Ordinary sorcerers could hardly survive here. An accidental encounter with a void energy storm meant almost certain death. Only beings at the level of gods could safely traverse this domain.

In a particular corner of the immense void, dark green light flickered distantly like stars. Approaching closer, one would discover energy vortices emerging in the emptiness, constantly pulling and swallowing the energy of the nearby void. These mixed energies were consumed, purified, and transformed into clean power that fed the central core.

The heart of this system, surrounded by energy vortices, was enclosed within a dark green luminous membrane. Through this light film, one could clearly discern an enormous landmass.

This was a dimensional world—the poisonous realm of the Poison God.

Dimensional worlds were diverse, entirely shaped by their creator's vision. Some resembled planetary systems like our universe, others took the form of continental realms beneath a rounded sky, while still others manifested as planes with layered spaces and mountains. All were constructed according to their creator's abilities.

The stronger the creator, the more complex the world they could build. Those with lesser strength naturally crafted simpler domains. This served as one standard for judging a dimensional god's power and potential.

Of course, different world structures didn't necessarily indicate fixed potential. Continental realms, planetary universes, or grouped planar dimensions—each had their strengths. Multidimensional plane groups like Hell were inherently more complex, but this didn't mean that continental or planetary universe dimensions had poor potential.

After all, Asgard was a typical continental world, yet who would dare suggest that God-King Odin was weak? Everything depended on the creator god's strength. Naturally, Asgard's power had its own unique characteristics.

The Poison God's dimensional world before them was a classic continental dimension. Beneath a rounded sky, the Poison God's followers lived across the mainland, providing faith to their deity. The massive energy vortices at the dimension's edge supplied sufficient power for the realm and provided the dimensional master with resources to condense source power.

At this moment, the poisonous world's dark green radiance began to dim, and the energy vortices along its edges appeared to slow. Simultaneously, if one looked carefully, the continent seemed to be shifting rightward.

From a distance, the previously flickering poisonous world grew increasingly faint.

Conscious concealment!

Clearly, the Poison God was controlling his realm, restraining its presence.

As for why?

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Through the vast expanse, two figures strode forward. They appeared unhurried, advancing with slow, leisurely steps. Yet with each seemingly slight movement, they appeared instantly at great distances—one step spanning a thousand meters or even ten thousand miles.

As they descended, the bald woman in front affected the void with every step. The chaotic void energies around her instantly stilled, becoming unnaturally quiet. This phenomenon was astonishing.

Meanwhile, the Poison World, which had been radiating dark green light, had grown dim, as if trying to blend into the surrounding void—attempting to hide from something approaching.

However...

When the Ancient One and Lockhart stood before it, they gazed intently at the poisonous dimension. The poisonous realm seemed to sense their scrutiny. It ceased its concealment efforts, and numerous dark green striped filaments appeared around it, constructing a mysterious verdant light curtain—a defensive barrier.

This was obviously meant to...

BOOM!

The Ancient One raised her hand high and waved forcefully at the dark green barrier. Instantly, from the void, purple lightning crashed down, slamming heavily into the protective shield.

A thunderous sound echoed as, visible to the naked eye, the dark green barrier developed cracks throughout its surface. It seemed that one more blow would shatter this dimensional defense completely.

"Poison Demon God Moros, are you home?" the Ancient One called with a smile after the destructive purple thunder dissipated. She deliberately refrained from striking again.

"Moros, are you home?" Her voice resonated through the void, spreading in all directions.

Only silence answered.

In the next moment...

CRACK!

In the void, purple lightning with a destructive aura suddenly materialized. Rather than directly penetrating the dimensional world's dark green barrier, the lightning repeatedly manifested and traveled around the realm's perimeter—a clear warning.

"Moros, are you home?" Like someone knocking on a door, the Ancient One called out loudly after the crackling thunder.

This time, an enormous dark green face appeared in the sky above the continent. Its expression conveyed frustration and fear.

"Ancient One, what do you intend to do?" the voice of the Poison Demon God Moros floated from the void. "It's been a long time since I've visited Earth. I don't wish to involve myself in your affairs!"

"Why such anxiety? I haven't mentioned any particular matter," the Ancient One replied with a smile. "Here, allow me to introduce my student to you."

Pulling Lockhart forward, she introduced him to the Poison Demon. "This is Gilderoy Lockhart. I have high expectations that he will become the next Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj."

Moros stared at Lockhart, who appeared as harmless as a gentle creature, and said nothing. But soon his attention returned to the Ancient One.

"I understand. I can leave now. I won't interfere in your affairs," Moros declared loudly, his words saturated with fear.

He had no desire to deal with the Ancient One. Many evil gods had fallen into her hands and escaped only after being flayed to their core. He had suffered greatly in the past.

"Why such haste? It's not every day I find a disciple worthy of inheriting my knowledge," the Ancient One responded. "You see, after receiving something meaningful, I always share it with you. As an old friend, shouldn't you congratulate me?"

Her smile barely concealed her extortion. Her meaning was obvious—leaving without paying a price was impossible.

Hearing this, the Poison Demon God Moros displayed an aggrieved expression on his enormous face. He seemed to struggle between anger and suppression.

In the next moment...

Three streams of light flew forth from his realm: a dark green orb of light, a black spear, and a dark green jade bottle.

"Ancient One, that's enough," Moros said angrily.

Looking at the original power before her, along with two artifacts, the Ancient One curled her lips, deliberately showing a trace of disdain on her face.

Then...

BOOM!

With a casual wave of her hand, a huge golden blade materialized and swiftly sliced through space. Without any resistance, it penetrated directly through the dark green barrier that was already on the verge of breaking.

Like a knife through tofu, the blade cleanly cut away one percent of the continent. A loud rumble followed, as if the severed land had lost some essential support or was being drawn by an unseen force.

The severed land—no, the dimensional fragment—slowly floated toward the Ancient One.

At the same time, her voice drifted through the void:

"After all, he is a god. And this is my student, the next Supreme Sorcerer. It would be stingy to offer so little."

She continued with mock solemnity: "How could such meager gifts be worthy of the renowned Demon God of Poison! No need to thank me—this dimension fragment will suffice as a greeting gift. Allow me to thank you first on behalf of my student!"

Chapter 693: From Hell to Asgard

"Ancient One!"

The Poison Demon God Moros's angry voice thundered through the void, even as vast clouds of dark green gas materialized above his continent. From a distance, one could see only an overwhelming emerald radiance obscuring everything else.

What seemed strange was that despite the enormous landmass being clearly visible just moments before, it now appeared to be shrinking rapidly.

Escape! The Poison Demon Moros was fleeing.

Despite the rage in his voice, his true intent was clear.

The Ancient One and Lockhart observed this quietly, making no comment. It seemed almost routine to them.

Soon, the green mist gradually dissipated, and a voice filled with anger and hatred echoed through the void.

"Ancient One, I will return!" Moros vowed. "If I don't avenge this indignity, I am unworthy of the title 'god'!"

As the green mist completely faded, the once-massive continent had vanished, leaving behind only small land fragments scattered through the emptiness.

Gazing into the vacant void, Lockhart couldn't help but sigh with amazement.

The Ancient One truly deserved her title as Supreme Sorcerer. Her terrible reputation, cultivated over thousands of years, was clearly not mere boasting. Indeed, none of the gods they had encountered could stand against her.

With just three strikes, the Poison Demon had been forced to abandon dimensional fragments and flee desperately, losing a significant portion of his original power in the process. He dared only to threaten retaliation but not to offer resistance. Even his harsh words were only spoken after his successful escape.

"Lockhart, put this away," the Ancient One instructed, waving her hand. The once-enormous dimensional fragment began to shrink into a green sphere of light that floated before Lockhart.

He secured it with practiced skill—hardly surprising, as the Ancient One had led him to plunder several dimensional gods in succession.

After watching Lockhart store the artifact, the Ancient One gazed into the void, seemingly observing or sensing something distant. She began flying eastward, her voice reaching Lockhart's ears:

"Let's go meet our next guest!"

Well, "guest" might as well be "fat sheep" ready for slaughter, Lockhart silently commented to himself before hurrying after her, fearing he might be left behind.

As they traveled, the Ancient One spoke casually: "Lockhart, don't be too impressed by these dimensional demons. Strip away their power, and they differ little from mortals. They feel anger, they harbor resentment. Some love, some hate. Don't take them too seriously."

The Ancient One continued to share her experience while Lockhart listened quietly, his mind racing with thoughts.

He would never underestimate these dimensional demons. Even the Poison Demon God who had just fled in such fury—if he had chosen to attack Lockhart directly, Lockhart would have had no power to resist.

Who was the Ancient One, after all? She was the chosen of Eternity, who would accompany her in the future. In other words, she was his right hand. And Eternity was one of the five cosmic entities who had created the universe—the ultimate power.

Could someone favored by such a cosmic force possibly be weak? Just look at the Ancient One's performance thus far. Until now, which evil god had dared to cause trouble when confronting her alone? At most, they would send incarnations. When they truly decided to take action, they gathered numerous evil gods to surround her.

And the result? All became generous gifts handed to Lockhart.

This was the Ancient One. This was the Supreme Sorcerer. This was why Kamar-Taj could guard Earth's very core.

However...

"Sorcerer Supreme, based on your understanding of these evil gods, most will choose revenge," Lockhart said solemnly.

Despite the Ancient One's current fearsome reputation among the gods, Lockhart felt uneasy holding these "gifts"—treasures forcibly extracted from their owners by the Ancient One herself. What appeared to be gifts were actually trophies of conquest.

While the Ancient One lived, these evil gods wouldn't dare invade Earth. But what if they learned she was gone? Then...

Lockhart's reasoning was simple. If someone treated him this way, he would certainly seek vengeance for vengeance, injustice for injustice. These evil gods would never leave Kamar-Taj in peace.

"It should last for a while," the Ancient One replied after a moment's reflection. "A year should present no problems. However, I fear various temptations will arise by then."

Lockhart nodded slightly to show his understanding.

They shared an unspoken comprehension, and Lockhart didn't need to ask why she deliberately brought him to provoke these evil gods. Wasn't this just inviting hatred?

Ordinary people might think so, but Lockhart was not foolish. He understood that Earth without its Supreme Sorcerer would be like a piece of fat meat—irresistible. Whether they attracted hatred or not, once the evil gods confirmed the Ancient One's departure, they would invade.

Therefore, it was better to rob them now, strengthening oneself while intimidating the enemy. Buy precious time.

Time, time, time! For Lockhart, he believed that given enough time, these dimensional demons would ultimately fall. Thus, he never complained. His present concern was how to extract as much as possible from these evil gods without making them so desperate they would act recklessly.

Weaken the enemy and strengthen oneself—no strategy could be more correct.

"Lockhart, is there anything else you wish to know?" The Ancient One's voice roused Lockhart from his thoughts.

"Supreme Sorcerer, which of these evil gods would be the most suitable target?"

"Hahaha," the Ancient One laughed heartily after hearing Lockhart's question. "As expected from someone I favor—that's an excellent question."

"As a target, you can't choose one too weak, nor one too powerful. Ideally, someone with a far-reaching reputation."

The Ancient One smiled. "As it happens, two old acquaintances perfectly meet your requirements."

"Mephisto and Dormammu?" Lockhart immediately responded, identifying the pair.

"Yes, those two," she confirmed. "They've been quite active lately, though they've also suffered the most. Their reputation is considerable, but their strength..." She made a dismissive sound.

Either way, Lockhart was precisely the type of disciple she favored. He wasn't blinded by immediate victories but clearly understood the crisis looming ahead. And without complaint, he had already begun thinking of solutions—preparing to identify suitable dimensional demon gods whose defeat would serve as an example to others, buying them more time.

Lockhart nodded slightly. The Supreme Sorcerer's answer aligned with his own thoughts. He was most familiar with these two entities, and both had detected traces of the system, albeit indirectly. This was enough to put Lockhart on alert.

Given the opportunity, he would never allow these two evil gods to survive for long. However, they were veteran evil gods who had lived for eons and possessed countless methods that astonished even Lockhart.

Just the conversation between the Ancient One and Lockhart about the gods' escape techniques had been immensely informative. Not to mention all the evil and bizarre methods Lockhart had witnessed in Mephisto's memories—even using the power derived from a creation god's death to resurrect himself.

This made Lockhart quite fearful. It was truly like being bitten by a snake that couldn't be killed with a single strike.

They have truly lived too long and have acquired too many resources, Lockhart thought, his admiration for the Ancient One growing. This Supreme Sorcerer had forcibly killed many dimensional demons and countless evil god incarnations. As a result, these evil gods had developed and refined their techniques through many iterations.

As these thoughts flashed through Lockhart's mind, he couldn't help but feel concerned.

Suddenly...

"Lockhart, we're here!"

Hearing the Ancient One's voice, Lockhart looked up.

Dazzling rivers of stars filled the sky and earth, with eternal flowing streams surrounding an enormous continent. Above, a slender rainbow bridge floated majestically.

In the distance, exotic creatures roamed across verdant grasslands. Atop towering mountains stood magnificent castles and splendid palaces. Vaguely, Lockhart thought he glimpsed an enormous tree, its branches spreading outward, connecting to other worlds.

This was... Asgard!

Asgard, Thor's Palace

"My dear brother, what has you so upset?"

Loki, the second prince of Asgard, asked with a smile while enjoying grapes fed to him by a nearby maid.

Thor's displeasure brought Loki joy. Now Loki was filled with curiosity—who had caused this recent mood? To be honest, he truly wanted to learn their technique.

In Loki's eyes, his brother was a born optimist, perhaps even somewhat simple-minded. Despite suffering countless pranks, Thor remained cheerful nearly all the time. No matter how painful or difficult things became, his troubles would vanish after some wine and a bit of commotion.

It was truly rare to see him so glum.

Must learn this skill! Loki thought. Perhaps it was a matter of the heart? Women were said to be the most effective at disturbing one's peace of mind—even fools could be affected. And his "stupid big brother" was certainly not immune.

Loki himself remained effectively imprisoned. Initially confined to a dungeon, his good behavior had earned him some freedoms. He could return to his former chambers, as well as visit his elder brother's palace and his mother's quarters. But these few locations marked the extent of his permitted movement—travel beyond remained restricted.

He had, after all, nearly destroyed Jotunheim. Such punishment was deserved.

Nevertheless, Loki's heart harbored only resentment. Even as he smiled now, the bitterness within him remained undiminished. But what could he do? At most, he could mock Thor, making his brother unhappy—his only source of joy at present.

Thor did not answer Loki's question. He simply continued drinking his wine glumly.

Reflecting on his time on Earth made him increasingly depressed. The mission had technically been completed successfully—his father had made no complaint and had even rewarded him for his accomplishment. But recalling what had transpired on Earth left Thor deeply uncomfortable.

Lockhart's actions especially troubled him. After finally establishing trade relations between everyone and the World of All Things, Thor had brought his allies to his father and friends. The result? They had parted on bad terms, becoming enemies who fought to the death.

Was Lockhart at fault? In truth, duty was duty—it was difficult to violate one's obligations and betray one's origins. Thor could understand Lockhart's predicament. In the end, Lockhart had tried his best to help ease the conflict, helping Thor complete his mission and achieve peace by other means.

But...

Lockhart's behavior remained like a thorn in Thor's heart. It constantly made him uncomfortable, though he couldn't articulate why. If their positions had been reversed, Thor doubted he would have handled it as well as Lockhart. The most he might have done was leave in anger—that would have been his limit.

Therefore, in his heart, Thor still held some admiration for Lockhart. In short, Thor's feelings were deeply complicated.

At that moment...

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A bell sounded, immediately capturing Thor's attention.

"Thor, are there any special events scheduled in Asgard recently?" Loki asked thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes at the slightly familiar bell. "Why haven't I heard about the arrival of distinguished guests?"

The bell rang nine times in succession, signifying that a most honored guest had arrived in Asgard and would be welcomed with the noblest ceremony. Typically, such news would have spread throughout the realm. Why had he received no word of this?

Thor shook his head, indicating he knew nothing about it. Then he casually picked up Mjolnir and walked outside.

And Loki? His face darkened as he stared at everything before him. He was grounded! How could he possibly leave? Did he wish to be returned to the dungeon?

But... he truly wanted to know what was happening. Although Loki knew full well that accurate news would reach him tomorrow, his restless heart kept pounding.

Indeed, if he could contain his curiosity, he wouldn't be called the God of Mischief.

He glanced at the guard standing by the door, then dismissed the maid beside him and began slowly tasting fruit by himself. The door guard glanced over, seemed to find nothing amiss, and continued his duty of guarding—or rather, supervising.

However, the guard failed to notice a very weak green light that flashed momentarily before quietly disappearing.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial bells echoed high in the sky, and flowers seemed to bloom across the heavens. Along both sides of the grand avenue, Asgardian soldiers stood at attention, wearing golden armor and bearing great swords.

Eight white Pegasi with magnificent wings slowly descended from the distant skies. The chariot they pulled carried God-King Odin holding the Eternal Spear, and Queen Frigga wearing her crown.

The arrival of the God-King and Heaven's Queen immediately aroused thunderous cheers.

The Pegasi landed on the avenue, drawing the royal couple forward. The Golden Palace guards followed closely behind and alongside. At the front, warriors held high the flag symbolizing Asgard, forming an honor guard that demonstrated Asgard's power. They were less bodyguards than ceremonial escorts—after all, how could Odin, the god-king who embodied Asgard's supreme fighting power, need protection?

Soon, the eight Pegasi traveled along the route and arrived at the Rainbow Bridge. As he stepped onto the Bridge, Odin gazed into the distance, seeming to catch sight of a certain friend. A glimmer of expectation flashed in his eyes.

Before long, God-King Odin and his honor guard reached the Rainbow Bridge's end. There, two familiar figures stood—one male, one female.

It was the Ancient One and Lockhart.

"Ancient One, you have finally arrived!" Odin proclaimed.

Chapter 694: The Golden Palace of Asgard

The sound of footsteps echoed through the ornate hallway as Thor, God of Thunder, strode purposefully down the corridor. He turned left, continued for a moment, then pivoted right, his face etched with curiosity though his steps remained steady and confident.

Soon, he arrived at his destination—the Golden Palace. A servant approached to guide him, and Thor acknowledged the man with a curt nod before proceeding toward the main entrance.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!" the servant announced as Thor crossed the threshold into the grand hall.

The scene before him caused Thor to freeze momentarily in surprise. His father, Odin, sat at the front of the hall, raising a goblet of wine in toast to a figure draped in yellow sorcerer's robes. Despite the change in attire, Thor recognized the Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj immediately—and beside her, the familiar young face of Lockhart.

"Master Ancient One, come, meet my son," Odin called out upon noticing Thor's arrival, seemingly unsurprised by his presence. A pleased smile warmed his face as he added, "My son is my pride and joy!"

Thor approached at his father's beckoning. Bringing his right hand to his left shoulder in formal greeting, he bowed slightly to the Supreme Sorcerer. "Greetings, honored Supreme Sorcerer," he said, his voice deep and respectful.

Seeing his son's proper salutation, Odin stepped forward to place a gentle hand on Thor's shoulder before turning back to the Ancient One with a smile.

"Supreme Sorcerer, Thor visited Earth not long ago. I trust he didn't cause any trouble?"

"Certainly not," the Ancient One replied, taking a measured sip of wine. "The Celestial Clan faces a crisis, and without Thor's assistance, my students alone might have struggled to handle the situation."

Her words seemed generous, clearly meant to honor Odin. Meanwhile, Thor silently brooded, remembering the Supreme Sorcerer's drastically different attitude during their previous encounter. The contradictory tasks she and his father had given him had nearly resulted in open conflict between them.

Yet here they were—talking and laughing like old friends, as though nothing had happened.

This is the adult world, Thor thought grimly. Not divided into black and white, only advantages and disadvantages.

"Haha, Thor mentioned this to me as well," Odin responded jovially. "Though it was primarily your students who did the heavy lifting—Thor merely provided support."

As the Ancient One had praised Thor, Odin naturally reciprocated by complimenting Lockhart. The exchange flowed naturally, seeming to strengthen the bond between the two powerful entities.

Lockhart maintained a polite smile throughout but wisely chose not to interject.

"Come now," Odin said, gesturing to the Ancient One. "Let us continue our discussion while they have their own conversation."

Understanding his father's meaning perfectly, Thor accepted a glass of wine from a waiting servant and made his way toward Lockhart, who had subtly beckoned him over.

"Lockhart, what brings you here?" Thor asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

As the crown prince of Asgard, Thor had been raised with extensive diplomatic training and understood the proper protocols. He would never directly question the Ancient One, who was of his father's generation—such an approach would be terribly discourteous. But Lockhart was different, a peer.

Upon hearing Thor's question, Lockhart reflected on recent events, and an amusing response rose to his lips.

"Hunting," he said with a hint of mischief. "I came to your realm for hunting."

Indeed, the Ancient One had taken him hunting—though their prey had been Dimensional Demons.

Thor's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Before explaining further, Lockhart casually produced two objects from thin air: a dark blue source of thunder power and a lustrous blue-tinted dimensional fragment. He pushed them forward, allowing them to hover before Thor.

"Thor, these are for you."

Thor felt a jolt of surprise as the thunder power resonated with his own innate abilities. With his trained eye, he immediately recognized their value. The origin power alone was considered a precious treasure, and one that matched his elemental affinity was rarer still.

The dimensional fragment beside it was equally valuable. Used properly, it could create a prototype dimension; even if that failed, it could strengthen Asgard's dimensional foundation.

While not the most powerful artifacts in existence, they were extraordinary gifts nonetheless.

Seeing the treasures floating before him and noting Lockhart's genuine smile, Thor's earlier resentment began to fade. After all, it was difficult to maintain anger toward someone offering such generous presents with a warm expression.

"This is... too much," Thor protested, though his desire was evident.

"Take them, Thor," Lockhart insisted. "Currently, source power and dimensional fragments are what I have to spare."

Thor stared at him, momentarily stunned.

"When I mentioned hunting earlier, I meant it quite literally—though our prey was the Dimensional Demon Gods," Lockhart explained. "News of this will spread soon enough, and you should hear it from me first. The Supreme Sorcerer has attacked more than a dozen demon gods..." He paused meaningfully before adding in a diplomatic tone, "Consider these gifts a gesture of friendly regard."

Thor couldn't help but glance back at the Ancient One upon hearing this revelation.

As if sensing his gaze, the Supreme Sorcerer nodded slightly in his direction with a knowing smile before returning to her conversation with Odin.

A chill ran down Thor's spine at that serene smile. He was no fool—he understood perfectly what caliber of beings the Dimensional Demon Gods were. The realization that the Supreme Sorcerer had already vanquished dozens of such entities, combined with the memory of his own attempt to intimidate her, sent another shudder through him.

"Is this true?" Thor asked, though he knew Lockhart wouldn't fabricate such claims.

"I witnessed it firsthand," Lockhart confirmed. "The Supreme Sorcerer took me along as she transformed nearly all the demonic entities surrounding Earth."

Inwardly, Lockhart marveled at the Ancient One's power. He had known she was formidable, but her display had been beyond mere strength—it was absolute dominance.

Thor seemed to read between the lines, his expression shifting. "Lockhart, are you...?"

Though Thor left the question unfinished, his meaning was clear. Lockhart nodded, confirming Thor's suspicion.

"Then... congratulations, Lockhart," Thor said, his voice a complex mixture of emotions—genuine happiness for his friend tinged with unmistakable discomfort.

Lockhart understood Thor's conflicted reaction perfectly. Though becoming the next Supreme Sorcerer hinged primarily on his ability to forge a new path for sorcery, he had also deliberately distanced himself from Thor to demonstrate his allegiance.

This calculated move had been necessary, but Lockhart knew how Thor would interpret it: as a betrayal, as if Lockhart had sacrificed their friendship to secure the position of Supreme Sorcerer.

Thor might not analyze it so thoroughly, but the emotional impact remained—a lingering sense of betrayal that couldn't be easily dismissed.

This was precisely why Lockhart had brought gifts. He wanted to make amends as best he could. After all, as a friend, he acknowledged he had wronged Thor, even if for necessary reasons.

Chapter 695: The Dragon's Treasure

In the main hall of the Golden Palace, a grand banquet was underway. Despite the magnificence of the occasion, the attendees maintained a respectful hush, creating a pocket of space and silence around the distinguished figures at the front of the hall—God King Odin and the Sorcerer Supreme.

"Ancient One, what do you think of my son?" Odin asked, his voice carrying easily through the quiet hall.

Upon hearing Odin's question, the Ancient One glanced at Thor, noting the prince's attentive gaze. A slight smile played across her lips before she answered with measured deliberation.

"Very good. A seedling with great potential," she commented. "There is certainly a worthy successor to Asgard."

A smile of satisfaction spread across Odin's face at her assessment. In their long history, he and the Ancient One had often found themselves at odds, their conflicts typically ending in stalemates rather than clear victories for either side. But through these encounters, Odin had developed a profound understanding of the Ancient One. Coming from a being who had touched the very fabric of time, such praise carried significant weight.

He felt vindicated. His son Thor was indeed exceptional—perhaps this was simply the fervent hope that all parents harbor for their children, but Odin believed it to be truth.

"Odin," the Ancient One said, her tone shifting subtly as the pleasant atmosphere between them seemed to reach its zenith, "this time, I wish to borrow something from you."

"What might that be?" Odin asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"The Dragon's Treasure."

The hall seemed to grow colder at those words. Odin's brow furrowed deeply, his earlier warmth evaporating. He clearly hadn't expected such a request from his guest.

The Dragon's Treasure might sound unfamiliar under that name, but by its other designations, it was well known throughout the cosmos—the Cosmic Cube, or more directly, the Space Stone.

"Why would you seek this particular artifact?" Odin asked, his tone carefully controlled as he set aside his previous amiability. "You should know that multiple Infinity Stones should never appear in one place."

He leaned forward slightly, his single eye fixed on the Ancient One. "Furthermore, your mastery of the Time Stone has reached extraordinary depths. The Space Stone would only interfere with that connection, possibly to your detriment."

Though Odin didn't explicitly refuse, the implication of rejection resonated clearly in his words.

The Ancient One didn't appear surprised by this response, as if she had anticipated his reluctance.

"Odin, this is not for me," she clarified. "Lockhart needs to borrow it. It is very necessary."

Her final words carried a weight of significance, the tone suggesting an unmovable determination.

Hearing this, Odin studied Lockhart, who remained engaged in conversation with Thor across the hall. Of course, Odin understood the meaning behind the Ancient One's emphatic statement. He had received reports of her activities prior to this visit—the systematic confrontation of dimensional entities, the display of overwhelming power.

Now it seemed clear that these actions weren't merely meant to demonstrate her strength to Lockhart, but also to send a message to Odin himself.

His thoughts racing, Odin glanced at Lockhart again. The next Supreme Sorcerer.

"Ancient One, what are your plans going forward?" Odin asked, deliberately sidestepping her request for the moment.

"I have complete confidence in Lockhart," she replied with a serene smile. "With him, I believe Kamar-Taj will flourish without my constant oversight. I can pursue what I must do next."

Odin couldn't hide his surprise. He hadn't expected the Ancient One to place such unbridled trust in Lockhart. The challenges Kamar-Taj would soon face were not insignificant—the Dimensional Demons numbered not in ones or twos, but in dozens, potentially hundreds.

With the Ancient One wielding the Time Stone, such threats could be held at bay. But Lockhart? Even if he could use the Time Stone, Odin remained skeptical. The power of any tool, no matter how mighty, depended entirely on its wielder.

The Ancient One's extraordinary abilities stemmed not merely from possessing the Time Stone, but from her profound understanding of its nature. Odin had never encountered anyone with a deeper comprehension of time itself. This was why she could obliterate Demon Gods with apparent ease.

Odin had learned this lesson the hard way. Eventually, he had withdrawn Asgardian presence from Earth, concluding peaceful arrangements. He had even decreed that Asgardians should limit their visits to Earth—largely out of respect for, and perhaps fear of, the Supreme Sorcerer.

It was precisely this history that had prompted Odin to host this banquet upon the Ancient One's arrival, a gesture of goodwill. He had no desire to engage in conflict with her at this juncture in his life. He was aging, and a battle at full strength would likely plunge him into the Odinsleep regardless of the outcome. And against one who controlled time? Age was a particular disadvantage.

Yet now, hearing the Ancient One speak of stepping aside, Odin felt a sense of disbelief. Could this Lockhart truly reach the same heights as the Ancient One? The question loomed large in his mind.

"Do not concern yourself," the Ancient One said, noting his hesitation. "I have complete faith in Lockhart. Or rather, you should have faith in my judgment."

At these words, Odin's mind flashed back to his first encounter with Lockhart—appearing suddenly via the Rainbow Bridge's teleportation alongside Thor, his aura distinctly incompatible with Earth's energy. Odin had been prepared to intervene, but the Ancient One had intercepted.

With her involvement, Odin had naturally stood down. Lockhart had posed no threat to Thor, nor had he interfered with Odin's plans. But reflecting on that moment now raised questions. It seemed unlikely that Lockhart had known of the Ancient One then, and perhaps even the Ancient One had been unaware of Lockhart's existence before his arrival.

Yet she had acted. Why?

The answer seemed obvious now. The Ancient One commanded the power of time itself.

"What did you see?" Odin asked carefully, raising his wine glass in a casual gesture while his eye remained sharp.

Before the Ancient One could respond, he added with emphasis, "You must tell me something."

Though Odin preferred peace with the Ancient One, he would not yield when circumstances demanded firmness. His title as Lord of the Nine Realms had not been granted—it had been earned.

"What did I see?" the Ancient One echoed softly, her eyes taking on a distant quality. "I didn't see anything."

She paused, her voice dropping almost to a whisper. "There was nothing but nothingness."

Though her answer seemed evasive, Odin's pupils contracted sharply. The Ancient One's stature placed her beyond the need for deception.

So what did "nothingness" signify? A void where something should exist? Reality obscured by a greater power? Or perhaps a path that escaped the constraints of destiny itself?

Odin's gaze drifted once more to Lockhart, still deep in conversation with Thor, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the discussion concerning him.

"Gods... Twilight," the thought flashed through Odin's mind, touching on his deepest fears.

The prophecy of Ragnarök had been revealed to him after he sacrificed his left eye—perhaps a curse disguised as enlightenment. He had attempted to prevent it, but the World Tree's predictions had proven infallible thus far.

The sensation of impending doom had haunted him for centuries.

"Are you certain?" Odin asked, struggling to reconcile the idea that Lockhart might be so pivotal.

"Absolutely," the Ancient One replied without hesitation. "Otherwise, I would never entrust Kamar-Taj to him." She took a measured sip of wine, gently swirling the goblet as she spoke.

"In that case..." Determination hardened in Odin's eye.

"I agree to your terms. The Space Stone will be temporarily loaned to Lockhart."

He paused, his expression grave. "But I also have a request..."