The Ancient One had no idea about Naxi's current decision, and even if she did, she wouldn't care. To be honest, in this respect, the Ancient One was quite similar to Constantine. If tricking another version of herself from a different universe could help her increase her power, she would do so without hesitation!
Moreover, this universe's Ancient One didn't believe she had a real chance to transcend a single universe and become the unique consciousness among all the Ancient Ones in the multiverse. Even though such a possibility might allow her to fulfill her old desire to shed her childlike form, she knew that transcending a single universe was not easy.
Every Ancient One in the multiverse was not to be underestimated; otherwise, they wouldn't have gained such a formidable reputation. Some Ancient Ones had encountered extraordinary fortunes or contracted with powerful dimensional demon gods without paying a significant price. Yet, none had successfully transcended their individual universes, indicating the immense difficulty involved...
Despite not knowing Naxi's thoughts, the Ancient One sensed that the contract between her and Naxi had been terminated again.
"Such a quick reaction. I thought that with so many layers of space and dimensions separating us, there would be some delay. But they responded so swiftly. It seems Naxi's power is greater than I anticipated..." The Ancient One mused, feeling a mix of admiration and appreciation for Naxi's rapid response.
"Fortunately, I managed to siphon off a significant amount of power just now. This amount should be sufficient for me to handle many matters!"
"You should go then. I'll keep watch over the Earth's dimension," Wanda nodded at the Ancient One and spoke calmly.
With a soft "whoosh," Wanda had barely finished speaking when the Ancient One opened a fiery ring portal and disappeared from sight. She reappeared beyond the Earth's dimension.
At the same moment, countless gazes from various dimensions locked onto the Ancient One. These dimensions were much closer compared to Naxi's, as they were intrinsically tied to the current universe. Even the powerful entities within these dimensions couldn't surpass a single universe.
Of course, among these dimensions, there might be those described by the Ancient One—dimensions that housed avatars possibly transcending single universes. However, these were rare...
"Oh, there are quite a few of you here! What's this? Are you all welcoming me out?" The Ancient One, standing between dimensions, chuckled at the numerous gazes directed at her. Her expression was pure and innocent; anyone unaware of her identity wouldn't suspect any ill intent.
But unfortunately, within these dimensions, everyone who knew the Ancient One's name also knew what kind of person she was. Even those who had only heard of her reputation could see through her disguise.
"Ancient One, do you dare leave Earth's dimension to settle your debts?" An angry voice echoed between dimensions, its tone suggesting that the owner had been deeply wronged by the Ancient One.
"Nostri? You're the first to step forward? I didn't expect that. Considering the energy I borrowed from you, it's not that much compared to other dimensions—at best, above average. There are others who have paid far more. So, why are you the first to jump out?" The Ancient One recognized the speaker and raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with mockery.
To the Ancient One, signing contracts and tricking these dimensional entities for energy was trivial. These beings were essentially enemies of the Earth's dimension anyway. Besides, during the contract, they had plans to deceive her too. In the end, the Ancient One outsmarted them, leaving them with no choice but to swallow their bitterness.
This time, the Ancient One emerged to intimidate these dimensional entities and realms. The dimensional breach on Earth had not fully healed, drawing countless dimensions' attention. Even though things seemed calm for now, apart from incursions by Hell dimensions and outsiders like Naxi, who could tell what schemes might be brewing?
Moreover, the Ancient One had been on these dimensions' blacklist for quite some time. From their perspective, her power should be severely restricted, possibly greatly diminished. The Ancient One needed an opportunity to prove her strength and deter these dimensions.
"Just because my losses to you were less, doesn't mean I can't speak up! Each dimension's power is unique. You complain that the power I lost to you was insufficient? What kind of logic is that, Ancient One?" Nostri demanded angrily, feeling righteous. Surrounded by his dimensional peers, Nostri believed the Ancient One wouldn't dare act rashly, especially since she hadn't made any moves in a long time, suggesting a significant decline in her strength. He felt confident in confronting her!
With a sudden "whoosh," to Nostri's surprise, a fiery ring portal appeared within his dimension. The familiar and detested face of the Ancient One grew larger before him.
"Boom!" Before Nostri could react, a not-so-large fist slammed into him, sending him flying and embedding him into his dimension's barrier.
"Damn it! Ancient One! How dare you strike me in my own domain?!" Nostri roared after recovering, unleashing a surge of powerful energy that caused his dimensional space to tremble. This was not because his dimension couldn't handle his power but because it was resonating and merging with it, amplifying Nostri's strength.
But at that moment, the Ancient One unleashed a powerful force of her own. A spider-like shadow appeared behind her, eerily similar to the one Robert had faced in the mirror dimension, bearing a strong resemblance to Naxi!
Yes, the power the Ancient One was using now was precisely what she had stolen from Naxi. She had even adapted it for an entirely different application...
This shadow did not directly attack Nostri. Instead, it subtly infiltrated his dimensional space, gradually exerting influence over it.
For the Ancient One, a regular battle wouldn't be enough to completely intimidate all these cunning dimensional entities. Moreover, she didn't want to waste the precious power she had painstakingly extracted from Naxi. Sustainable development was her true aim!
How to achieve real sustainable development depended on the Ancient One's subsequent actions. Nostri, at this moment, had no inkling that the power released by the Ancient One was anything unusual. After all, deploying diverse powers was characteristic of her fighting style—her strength was always borrowed, after all.
In the next moment, Nostri's form appeared beside the Ancient One. He swung his hand fiercely at her, causing the surrounding space to compress around her. The Ancient One, unfazed, smiled calmly and mirrored his gesture. An invisible force emanated from her, countering the spatial compression and clashing with Nostri's energy, leading to a stalemate.
"Did the Ancient One enter Nostri's dimension? What is she planning? To make an example? To show she's still powerful?" One dimensional entity speculated about the Ancient One's intentions, puzzled by her sudden reappearance after such a long absence. Being blacklisted by all surrounding dimensions, where did she get the new power to contend with Nostri?
"Who wants to break into Nostri's dimension to check the situation?" Someone couldn't resist the urge to suggest.
For dimensions, forcibly breaching another's space was essentially a declaration of war. Although many dimensions had grudges against the Ancient One, it didn't mean they were united. They might even have their own vendettas, like the many lords of the Hell dimension.
Thus, they typically refrained from interacting or visiting each other's domains, let alone directly breaking into another's dimension to see what was happening.
However, the current situation was different. With Nostri battling the Ancient One in his domain, countless dimensions were eager to learn about the conflict. Naturally, the thought of breaking through Nostri's barrier to observe came to mind.
Still, no one wanted to be the one to take this offensive step. It wasn't necessarily out of fear of Nostri's strength; many did not consider him a significant threat. But avoiding conflict didn't mean they wanted to make new enemies easily, leading to a temporary stalemate in the outer realms.
Inside Nostri's dimension, the clash between him and the Ancient One continued. Nostri was shocked, not expecting the Ancient One, who had remained inactive for so long, to still possess such formidable power. Despite the dimensional boost, he could not gain the upper hand, prompting a sense of caution.
Nostri began to realize that the Ancient One's appearance was indeed a show of strength to deter others. Yet, he didn't want to be the sacrificial example, especially since he prided himself as a dimensional overlord.
With a mental command, the entire dimension trembled again. This time, instead of augmenting Nostri's power, the countless beings within his dimension began to dissolve, merging into the dimensional space itself.
This was the might of a dimensional lord. In their domain, they were akin to supreme deities, with absolute control over all beings and power birthed within.
Facing a formidable opponent like the Ancient One, Nostri decisively sacrificed every entity in his dimension to enhance his power, aiming to defeat her. However, what happened next took him by surprise—Nostri found himself unable to sense his own dimension!
Yes, while still within his domain, Nostri could no longer feel its presence, let alone draw power from it. This abrupt disconnect significantly weakened him, leaving him bewildered.
This was all orchestrated by the Ancient One. The energy she had stolen from Naxi was released strategically for this very moment. Adept in spatial magic, she utilized Naxi's spatial prowess to sever Nostri from his dimension, isolating him for a decisive strike. Her ultimate goal was to conquer his domain, making it a continuous source of power for herself!
However, this process would take time. A dimensional lord wasn't so easily defeated, especially given their deep connection to their domain. Until
the link was fully severed, a dimensional lord was nearly immortal as long as their dimension's energy endured.
But the Ancient One had successfully initiated the first step. The rest was merely a matter of time.
With a hum, a green light flashed across the Ancient One's chest. The Time Stone emerged, casting a mysterious spell. Nostri's dimension vanished from sight, completely hidden from all onlookers.
"Huh? Where's Nostri?"
"And the Ancient One? Did she die battling Naxi?"
"Why not check Earth and find out?"
Dimensional entities, upon losing sight of Nostri's domain, quickly focused their attention on Earth. Within Earth's dimension, Robert, on his way to the Avengers' base, suddenly frowned, his gaze turning skyward with a grave expression.
"Hmm?!" At the same moment, Clark also looked towards the dimensional boundaries, sharing the same serious demeanor.
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