"Sir, you misunderstand. I wasn't referring to someone extraordinary hiding among the people of Earth. I meant that there are truly remarkable individuals scattered across this vast universe. I've encountered many like you—blindly arrogant, believing they can conquer the entire cosmos and rule as its master. But no sooner does one fall than another takes their place. Wouldn't you agree this is a universe full of hidden talents?"
Zane spoke these words to the Child of Eternity, trying to make him see the truth and temper his arrogance. There's always someone stronger. Though the Child of Eternity saw himself as extraordinary, there were greater forces behind him. Failing to recognize this could lead to a grave mistake.
Hearing Zane's words, the Child of Eternity's expression darkened. Confidence in his own strength was unshakable. He had always believed himself to be the most powerful being in the universe, unmatched by any. Yet, this man before him repeatedly chipped away at his pride and confidence, an insult the Child of Eternity found hard to tolerate.
"Well," the Child of Eternity said with a faint smile, "if that's how you see it, there's nothing more I can say. But tell me, have you noticed how the mutants in your world are growing stronger by the day?"
Zane furrowed his brow at the remark. He was well aware of this phenomenon; he could feel it firsthand. The mutants' abilities were indeed becoming more powerful, a perplexing development that troubled him deeply. What was the reason behind this? Why was this happening? He was at a loss.
"Does this have anything to do with you?" Zane asked the Child of Eternity, his tone full of doubt. He refused to believe the two were connected, yet the implication in the Child of Eternity's words suggested otherwise. The connection, though unclear, left Zane deeply unsettled.
The Child of Eternity burst into laughter before replying, "Of course it has everything to do with me. Once I learned that Earth is the core of this universe, I began destroying countless parallel versions of Earth. When these parallel Earths are obliterated, all the energy within them converges into your Earth. That's why you're seeing those mutants in your world grow stronger and stronger!"
His tone turned serious as he spoke. Zane's frown deepened as he caught onto certain key points in the Child of Eternity's words, filling him with even more doubt and confusion.
"So, you're saying that during this time, you've destroyed numerous parallel versions of Earth?"
Zane looked at the Child of Eternity with a mix of doubt and astonishment. He could hardly believe that this despicable being had obliterated so many parallel worlds. The thought left him deeply unsettled. If someone possessed the power to annihilate Earth's parallel worlds, it meant they were also capable of destroying Earth itself—a scenario that filled Zane with dread.
"That's correct. I've wiped out countless parallel Earths during this period. With each one I destroyed, the energy from those worlds flowed into this Earth, making it stronger. That's exactly what I want—a strong, unified Earth that serves as the true core of the universe. Once I claim this universal core, I believe I can rule the entire cosmos. Every living being in the universe will bow to me!"
The Child of Eternity spoke with unshakable confidence. Hearing this, Zane couldn't help but think the Child of Eternity was utterly insane. The sheer audacity of such a plan left him in disbelief. If this lunatic had gained experience from destroying so many parallel Earths, it meant Earth's destruction was no longer a theoretical threat. It was a real and imminent danger—one Zane couldn't accept.
"If what you're saying is true, then I have to admit you are one of the most formidable opponents I've ever encountered. Perhaps even the strongest," Zane said solemnly. "But even so, I won't let you run rampant. Earth is my home, and I am its protector. As long as I draw breath, I won't let you succeed!"
These words were heartfelt. No matter what, Zane couldn't allow the Child of Eternity to destroy Earth. If Earth were to fall, what would become of its people? The mere thought was maddening.
"Hahaha! I never expected you to be Earth's guardian. That makes things simple—once I eliminate you, Earth will be mine!"
The Child of Eternity laughed, his mind already crafting a plan. To him, the key to conquering Earth was straightforward: destroy Zane and seize control of the planet.
Upon hearing the Child of Eternity's words, Zane's brow furrowed slightly. He could sense that this opponent was about to make a move against him, and a trace of anxiety flickered in his heart. He had no idea just how powerful the being before him truly was.
Despite his fear, Zane knew he couldn't show it. He needed to exude confidence, no matter how formidable the enemy might be. If he allowed himself to cower before strength, it would be an embarrassment he couldn't accept. Fear had no place here; he had to stand firm.
"Well then, bring it on," Zane said with a faint smile, his tone calm yet mocking. "Show me what you're truly capable of. If your strength is as great as you claim, I might even be impressed."
His words carried an air of disdain, a deliberate display of arrogance to unsettle his opponent. While Zane underestimated the Child of Eternity strategically, he was fully aware of the need to treat the battle with utmost caution. No matter how confident he seemed, he understood that underestimating an enemy in the heat of combat could lead to disaster.
"You're quite the arrogant one," the Child of Eternity remarked coolly. "Since you're so eager, I'll make sure to beat you until you're thoroughly satisfied."
With those words, he extended a single finger and gently pointed it toward Zane. A beam of light shot forth, hurtling toward Zane with immense speed and overwhelming energy.
Zane's eyes narrowed as he observed the beam approaching. He could feel the immense energy radiating from it. If it hit him, the consequences would be dire. Without hesitation, he moved to evade, hoping the light would strike empty space instead of his body.