Chapter 22 - **Chapter 22: The Threshold of the Multiverse**

**Chapter 22: The Threshold of the Multiverse** The sky was tinged with a deep blue as the city prepared for nightfall. Lucas, Maya, and Robin were more focused than ever, surrounded by a pulsating field of energy conjured by Doctor Strange. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and a hint of fear. The cloak of the Sorcerer Supreme floated gently in the wind, as if it were in tune with the very magic surrounding them. "Now, let's work together," said Doctor Strange, his voice firm. "You need to learn to synchronize your abilities. The Multiverse is not an easy place to navigate, and Kang won't wait for you to adapt." Lucas felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He remembered the stories he had heard about the Avengers, how they faced Thanos and other cosmic threats. "We're ready," he asserted, looking at his friends. "Let's do this." Doctor Strange initiated a series of exercises that required each of them to use their skills in conjunction. Maya summoned fiery flames that intertwined with the shadows conjured by Lucas, creating a spectacle of light and darkness in the air. Robin shot magical arrows that exploded into a shower of sparks upon hitting the shadows, creating a symphony of visual effects. "Great job!" praised Doctor Strange. "But we need to go further. The Multiverse is filled with unknown dangers. You must learn to adapt quickly." As they continued training, Lucas began to have strange visions: images of alternate realities where he saw different versions of himself—some as glorious heroes and others as feared villains. He felt a connection with these versions, as if each one was fighting their own battles in parallel universes. "Lucas!" Maya called, interrupting his thoughts. "Are you okay?" "Yes," he replied quickly, trying to shake off the visions from his mind. "Just... thinking about what Kang might want with all this." Robin approached, his gaze determined. "We need to figure out how to use these visions to our advantage. If the Multiverse is interconnected, maybe we can access these versions of ourselves to gain power." Doctor Strange nodded slowly. "That is possible, but it requires a high level of control over your magical and emotional abilities. Let's try something different now." He began drawing complex symbols in the magical sand around them and asked each one to close their eyes and focus on their deepest intentions. Lucas felt his mind expand as he tried to connect with his magical essence. Suddenly, he was pulled into a new dimension—a reality where he was a powerful guardian of the Multiverse, fighting alongside the Avengers against unimaginable threats. He saw Thor wielding his hammer with unyielding strength and Captain Marvel unleashing cosmic energy against dark foes. "You can be more than you imagine," whispered a familiar voice in his mind—it was his alternate self. With intense mental effort, Lucas managed to return to the present, breathless but invigorated by his experience. "What did you see?" Maya asked anxiously. "A version of myself fighting alongside the Avengers," Lucas replied, his voice filled with emotion. "If we can access these other 'selves,' maybe we can amplify our power." Doctor Strange smiled slightly, understanding the potential of their idea. "It's risky, but it might be the key to defeating Kang." As training continued in the following weeks, Lucas grew stronger every day. He discovered new ways to combine his skills with those of Maya and Robin; together they formed a cohesive team capable of facing any challenge. One night, while practicing a new spell conjured by Doctor Strange to open temporary portals between dimensions, a wave of energy surged through the air and a new portal formed before them. "Get ready!" ordered Doctor Strange as everyone looked at the portal with anticipation. A bright light emanated from it as figures began to emerge—heroes and villains from the Multiverse were about to enter a battle that would change their destinies forever. **Status of Lucas** Name: Lucas Level: 15 Experience: 90% until next level (gained 5% during training with Doctor Strange) Magic Power (MP): 3500 Skills: Elemental Mastery: 120 Fire: 95 Water: 100 Earth: 85 Air: 95 Aether: 100 Light: 90 Shadows: 90 _________________________ Hand-to-Hand Combat: 95 Use of Firearms: 90 Combat Strategy: 90 **Additional Status** *Strength*: 160 *Resistance*: 120 *Agility*: 100 *Magical Intelligence*: 150 **Inventory** Green Potion (recovers 30% HP) Sacred Artifact (first artifact found) Blue Artifact (second artifact found) Red Artifact (third artifact found) Shadow Artifact (recovered after defeating Shadow) The journey progressed, and Lucas knew they were on the brink of something grand—or devastating—in the vast multiverse!