In The DC World With Marvel Chat Group-Chapter 673: New Gods Emerge in Space (2)

The timeline rewinds to roughly a few hours prior, where Schiller and others were still in the Sanctum Sanctorum, discussing Stark’s impending ascension.

"I believe that even with the most thorough preparation, we cannot rule out the possibility of unforeseen incidents. We should consider the worst-case scenario," Strange commented.

"The worst-case scenario? That’s just the ascension failing, right?" Natasha raised a finger, querying.

Strange shook his head, his tone intensifying, "The worst-case scenario is the ascension succeeding—succeeding permanently. Tony would become one of the demon gods, meaning humanity would lose him forever."

"I don’t understand. Are humans and demon gods so different that they can't coexist?" Connors asked, adjusting his glasses.

Exhaling deeply, Strange nodded, "Humans are societal beings. It's our various needs that make us depend on others, forge emotional connections, and build societies."

"However, demon gods can harness the infinite energies of the Space source. They are, in a sense, perfect beings, unrestricted by physical stamina, meaning they no longer need society."

"Moreover, the transformation within their life structure makes them rely more on energy than matter, shifting their way of thinking. Few demon gods retain the vibrancy of their initial phase. Each one, along with their dimension, will eventually succumb to the lethargy of Eternity."

"For instance, perhaps you’ve heard me mention the Ancient Ones on the fringes of the Realm of Eternity. They have a functioning society, communicating, and assisting each other. You might consider this an ideal form of life. However, the number of Ancient Ones is dwindling. They're becoming increasingly indifferent towards their peers, their habitats growing more isolated."

"Eventually, they become like the master of the Crimson Dimension, indifferent to everything. Only the pursuit of power can stir a semblance of interest, and even that wanes until they no longer care about power or energy, heading towards extinction as their energy depletes."

"This is the fate of Cosmic Gods. Though this process is immensely prolonged, entities as mighty as the Dimension Demons, like the ruler of the Crimson Dimension, might not perish until Space itself does. But everything has an end. Space maintains this fairness."

Strange seemed melancholic as he discussed these matters. "That’s the nature of Mysticism. Some things are destined from the moment of their inception, regardless of what that destiny is. The end is always destruction and death."

"So, if Tony truly ascends, he will cease to be human, correct?" Connors probed.

"Initially, he might maintain a human perspective, but as his emotions weaken, he will become increasingly indifferent."

"Earth doesn’t allow these demon gods to linger. As they evolve and grow stronger, they also become more detached, caring for no life, not feeling connected by fate to anyone. Ultimately, all they bring is destruction," Strange replied.

"No, I won’t accept this," Stark declared resolutely. "Even if it means relinquishing all my power, I must remain human. I am proud of my species."

Each time this topic arose, Stark's response was exceptionally steadfast. Despite the near-immortal lifespan of demon gods, Stark still took pride in humanity's fleeting existence.

Schiller pondered before speaking, "Since you’ve successfully renounced it once, could you willingly do so again?"

"Perhaps, but it's not without risks," Strange admitted. "The studies in Kamar-Taj have yet to conclude the exact nature of demon gods' genesis..."

"Nothing is without risks," Stark interjected. "My distaste for uncontrolled power doesn’t mean we should avoid progress by not attempting anything at all."

"I’m just highlighting potential risks. The ultimate decision depends on your own wishes."

"I need to check something," Stark decided, concern etching his features. "Especially the parts concerning Peter. If those troubles truly originate from beyond Space, he might be in grave danger."

Stark's frown was evident, his anxiety palpable to all.

Patting him on the shoulder, Strange suggested, "If you’re set on this, we should go to Kamar-Taj. In case of emergencies, the grand sorcerers can intervene promptly."

"Isn’t Kamar-Taj off-limits to non-sorcerers?" Schiller inquired.

"When was that the case?" Strange responded, bewildered, before continuing, "Now, Kamar-Taj is a comprehensive magic research center integrating study, communication, and learning. It’s not just Kamar-Taj’s sorcerers here, but also unique individuals with mystical powers from all over..."

"Everyone here collaborates and learns, elevating magic power and technology. We use the power we’ve gained as rewards, encouraging all practitioners of Mysticism to fill in the gaps in Earth’s mystical history, uncovering new techniques from ancient texts, and predicting future trends from current technology levels..."

As he spoke, they stepped through the Portal. What greeted them was no longer the antiquated grand hall of Kamar-Taj.

All the fire basin pillars had been removed, leaving only the wooden structures and drapes on the walls. In their stead, numerous desks were set up, each bearing various glowing orbs.

Taking a crystal ball in his hand, Terrance spoke: "Stored within is the culmination of our latest research. Whoever can enhance our current technology based on this will access the power contained in this crystal sphere..."

Schiller observed various sorcerers, clustered here and there, engaged in discussions around different crystal spheres. They were a diverse group: some in suits, others in traditional attire, armed with either guns or swords, accompanied by massive pets, and oddly, some even had tentacles sprouting from their backs. Seeing the puzzled glances exchanged, Strange reassured them, "Don't worry. Everyone here passed the Earthmagic defense network's test. The demon gods they're contracted with are members of our circle. No one will cause trouble."

They walked through the grand lobby to find numerous palaces converted into dormitories. The square, surrounded by buildings on three sides, was bustling. Beyond the individuals engaged in martial contests, spectral demon gods watched, munching on sunflower seeds.

Mephisto, cracking seeds, commented, "Look at my agent. His beautiful skeletal head is a rarity even in hell. But the motorcycle, oh, I believe that's a mistake. I preferred his predecessor’s horse..."

Mordo, expressionless as always, stood by, lifting his staff, he announced, "Step back. The third round is about to commence. We are not responsible for any accidental injuries..."

"Let me reiterate," Mordo continued, devoid of emotion, "the energy accessible to both competitors is fixed, as is the backing of their respective demon gods. Anyone caught cheating will face the consequences alone..."

"Hold on! You there! You've wielded too much power. Yes, you, that demon god..."

At Mordo's command, a grand sorcerer traced the phantom back to the real demon god and swiftly dispatched it. Mephisto remarked gleefully, "That’s what you get for breaking the rules—turned into seeds! More for me..."

"Is this truly acceptable?" Stark questioned, witnessing the chaos: "Something seems off."

"That's just your imagination," Strange responded, pushing Stark forward through the palaces and square, eventually arriving at a dome-shaped building—the apparent research hub.

In the dome's center lay a massive energy source, emitting a gentle glow. Numerous sorcerers were bustling around the sphere. Strange, turning to Stark, explained, "This is the energy we've amassed. Most of it strengthens the Earth's defense network, while a fraction is allocated for research."

"Observing your ascension process is invaluable to Kamar-Taj, so we will reimburse the magical energy expended. Of course, if someone is exceptionally altruistic..."

"Reimburse? How?" Schiller's interest was piqued. Strange rolled his eyes: "Forget it. We only reimburse actual costs, no room for manipulation. Put your abacus away..."

Schiller scoffed, and as he and other sorcerers stepped back, Strange and Stark stood before the glowing sphere.

After powering Stark's magic core, Strange instructed, "Stay alert. Once you feel yourself breaking through the spatial barrier, focus immediately on what you need to see. Don't linger after you're done; return immediately. The journey must be as short as possible. Lingering too long... no one knows what might happen."

Stark nodded in understanding. He inserted the core into his Iron combat suit. In an instant, a magnificent column of magical light shot skyward. A colossal phantom of the Iron Sorcerer flickered, then vanished into the starry expanse.

From the magic-enhanced view, Stark’s figure started to blur, becoming speckled with light, then disappeared into deep space.

Through Stark’s perspective, he first reached the extreme wall of individual space. Then, with abundant energy, his intellect broke through this single spatial barrier. Upon transcending space, he regained his multi-linear vision, allowing simultaneous views of various timelines.

Focusing intently, Stark searched for Peter Parker. Soon, multiple images of Peter swept past him, most bearing a melancholy unlike the sunny Peter he knew.

Following Peter’s story, he encountered the Morlun Family, an entity independent of the multiversal space, residing in a Gothic castle swathed in scarlet and undulating shadows—an evil, terrifying sight.

Focusing deeper, Stark saw many vampire-like Morlun family members gathered in the castle’s hall, their hands on each other's shoulders, heads bowed in low chanting that grew progressively louder.

As Stark tried to discern their prayer, suddenly, all paused, the patriarch displaying profound confusion. But quickly, they resumed, heads bowed, and as their chanting escalated, Stark saw golden 'Power of Belief' emanating from them, converging into a beam projected into the distance.

In the vastness, Stark heard their collective thoughts: “Concentrate... more focus... more belief... We need to control the newborn Totem... It will bring us greater power...”

“The Totem responds... We’re close to success... almost there...”

With prayers amplifying, Stark looked towards the golden beam’s end, where, in the distant starry space, a dazzling radiance flared...

Triple halos illuminated the space, and Stark's thoughts raced through the starry river, encountering an ethereal voice amongst the stars:

“Space is born to perish, all things end. I sprout from destruction, bringing rebirth to all destined to ruin. I will obliterate all that is fated to destruction, and then... destroy fate itself.”

“My name is... Adelaide·Edward·Helen·Stark.”