Luca stood there, completely frozen, while Loki opposite him maintained that smile.
"Let's get that identity verification sorted first."
God Loki gently pointed a finger. A stream of emerald-green light shot toward Luca, spiraling around him until it enveloped his entire body before dissipating completely.
It all happened in an instant; Luca didn't even have time to react.
But when he came back to his senses, he felt a vague sensation—the feeling of detachment he had felt toward this world for the past two months was rapidly disappearing.
Luca was certain this wasn't an illusion. But when he looked at God Loki again, the god merely waved his hand casually.
"Well, you know, sitting alone in that chair with no one to talk to gets a bit boring after a while."
"Since someone asked me a favor, I certainly don't mind giving you a chance to choose again~ After all, didn't you come here precisely because you misjudged the situation due to knowing about my existence?"
Luca fell silent again.
Yes, the reason he had taken such a huge risk to come here wasn't just his adventurous spirit. The main reason was his fear that the timeline would be destroyed, taking him with it.
If he had known that God Loki had already ascended to the throne and the "Sacred Timeline" no longer existed, Luca probably would have stayed home obediently and waited for the Battle of New York to end.
Now that God Loki was standing right in front of him, confirming the world wouldn't end, there was indeed no need for him to risk his life stopping the other Loki.
However, Luca immediately focused on another point.
"So, can you tell me who asked you to come?"
Obviously, compared to what God Loki was doing right now, the person capable of asking a favor from such an entity was even more noteworthy.
After all, Loki had just said that beings like Luca weren't that rare. So what made him so special that he attracted the attention of someone who could command a god?
Faced with Luca's question, God Loki wore a cryptic smile. He performed a slightly exaggerated bow, placing one hand over his chest.
"I've said all I need to say. How you choose from here on out is up to you~"
"Crisis and opportunity coexist. Thank you for coming to this world~"
As his voice faded, God Loki's form dissolved into countless specks of pale green light, vanishing like a dream.
The frozen world began to come alive again as he disappeared.
Feeling time resume its flow, Luca stood there, frowning deeply.
"Damn it! I hate riddlers!"
However, as soon as the words left his mouth, Luca froze.
Because the world, which had seemingly just restarted, eerily ground to a halt once more.
The pedestrians on the street froze mid-step, exactly as they were.
Luca's face fell, and he hurriedly whispered, "I don't hate them, I don't! It was just my big mouth! Please, just go back..."
But the frozen world didn't resume. Instead, a sound like sparking electricity—bzzt, bzzt—came from behind him.
Then, a woman's voice reached his ears.
"Has His Highness left?"
Luca's heart skipped a beat. He spun around, ready to defend himself.
But upon seeing the newcomer, a name slipped out of his mouth instinctively.
"Gabriel!"
The woman behind him paused, visibly confused.
"???"
Noticing her simple yellow robes and the golden ring of a portal behind her, Luca immediately realized his mistake. He coughed awkwardly.
"Ancient One?"
Yes, the newcomer was the Sorcerer Supreme, Earth's Guardian, the strongest mage, the Ancient One.
Except...
Wait! Why... why does this Ancient One have hair?!!
Although Luca tried his best to control his gaze, he couldn't help but glance at her short, pale blonde hair.
The Ancient One clearly noticed Luca's staring.
"Have you met me in other worlds?"
She reached up, twirling a lock of her hair, and smiled.
"One has to distinguish oneself from other versions, don't you think?"
Looking at this Ancient One, who not only had a different hairstyle but also seemed much younger at heart than the one in his memories, Luca couldn't help but roast her internally.
If you had shown up earlier, I never would have mistaken which universe I was in!!!
Luca glanced past the Ancient One at the portal behind her.
Time was frozen there too. He could even see Bruce Banner—the Hulk from earlier—lying quietly on the roof visible through the portal.
The Ancient One with hair saw Luca's attention wandering again, so she brought the topic back.
"Has His Highness left?"
Luca quickly retracted his gaze. Not knowing the temper of this world's Ancient One, he decided to be respectful and answer honestly.
"Lord Loki seems to have left. Did you need him for something?"
To his surprise, the Ancient One shook her head slightly.
"I cannot make contact with His Highness. I came to find you."
Luca frowned.
Cannot make contact?
Is it physically impossible, or forbidden?
Thinking back to what God Loki had said, there was definitely something fishy going on.
But now the Ancient One said she was here for him...
He had already experienced enough excitement for one day. Now another big shot was looking for him...
Am I some kind of celebrity or something?
With a slight headache, Luca didn't bother with riddles anymore and asked directly.
"What does the Ancient One need with me?"
God Loki was too lazy to kick me out, but maybe the Ancient One, as Earth's Guardian, wants to deport me?
Looking at the frowning, hesitant boy, the Ancient One's lips curled up slightly. She gave him the answer directly.
"I've come to make a bargain."
Luca shivered.
That sounds familiar.
But he didn't rush to speak, waiting quietly for her to continue.
The Ancient One crooked her finger slightly. A tightly wrapped [Hextech Crystal] floated out of Luca's backpack, bobbing in the air.
Luca looked closely. It was the "Core Component" needed to synthesize the [Hextech Core].
But since a big shot wanted it, a small fry like Luca wasn't going to be ungrateful. Naturally, he chose to offer it with both hands.
"Ancient One, you must be joking. If you want it, don't talk about bargaining. Consider it a gift."
However, the Ancient One shook her head again. She gently pinched the [Hextech Crystal] and placed it back into Luca's hand.
"There is no need for gifts. What I need isn't this crystal, but the finished product once you complete it. When that time comes, I will give you a reward that will satisfy you. Yes, a very satisfying reward~"
Staring at the "heavy" [Hextech Crystal] in his hand, Luca felt speechless.
Great... It seems like everyone knows about my ability.
"Then..."
Luca looked up again, about to speak, but the Ancient One had vanished as silently as she appeared.
Time resumed its flow, and the noise of the city rushed back into his ears.