**Chapter 23: The Battle of the Multiverse (Continuation)**
As the heroes recovered from their intense battle against Kang, a strange sensation began to spread across the field. Lucas, still glowing from victory, looked at the fallen body of the villain and felt something unusual. Doctor Strange, noticing Lucas's unease, approached him.
"Lucas, there's something you need to know," Doctor Strange said with a serious look. "This Kang is not the real one. He is merely a clone, a fraction of the true Kang's power, who is somewhere in the multiverse. This clone possesses only 5% of his total strength."
Maya frowned. "So, the battle isn't over? We need to find the true Kang before he causes more destruction?"
"Exactly," confirmed Doctor Strange. "He is preparing for a devastating attack on one of the most vulnerable realities. We need to act quickly."
Lucas felt his heart race again, but this time it was for a new challenge. He looked at his friends and said, "We're in this together! What do we need to do?"
Doctor Strange nodded and began to outline a plan. "We need a powerful portal to take us to the dimension where Kang is hiding. To do that, we must collect three magical artifacts that have been scattered throughout the multiverse."
**Mission: The Hunt for Artifacts**
*Objective:* Collect the three magical artifacts needed to create the portal.
1. **Artifact of Time:** Located in the dimension of Chronos, guarded by an ancient guardian of time.
2. **Artifact of Wisdom:** Found in the Eternal Library of Eldoria, protected by riddles and traps.
3. **Artifact of Strength:** Situated in the Titania Mountains, watched over by mythical creatures that test the courage of intruders.
Doctor Strange concluded: "Each of these artifacts will not only allow us to open the portal but also amplify your magical abilities."
Lucas felt a wave of determination wash over him. "Let's split up! Each one can go after an artifact and we'll meet back here afterward."
Robin nodded enthusiastically. "I can go after the Artifact of Strength! I love challenges!"
Maya smiled and said, "I'll take on the Artifact of Wisdom. Riddles are always fun!"
Lucas looked at Doctor Strange and asked, "And what about the Artifact of Time?"
"I will go with you," replied Doctor Strange. "We need to ensure you are protected while facing temporal challenges."
With plans set, each hero prepared for the new adventure that lay ahead.
**Lucas's Status (updated)**
Name: Lucas
Level: 16
Experience: 100% (ready for next level)
Magic Power (MP): 4000
Skills:
- Mastery of Elements: 130
- Fire: 100
- Water: 100
- Earth: 90
- Air: 100
- Ether: 100
- Light: 90
- Shadows: 100
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Melee Combat: 95
Firearms Use: 90
Combat Strategy: 95
**Additional Status**
*Strength*: 170
*Resistance*: 130
*Agility*: 100
*Magical Intelligence*: 160
**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 was just beginning again, and Lucas knew that every step would bring them closer to the true battle against Kang.