Within the data stream compiled by Woz, it became clear that Lothar's most recent transformation into Super Saiyan 3, facilitated once again by the Mind Stone, followed an energy progression curve that fundamentally deviated from his previous transitions into Super Saiyan 1 and 2.
"After running 1,024 simulation models based on comparative data, Woz has reached the following conclusion: if we take your Super Saiyan 1 state on Planet U40 as the baseline, then this recent Super Saiyan 3 transformation actually aligns perfectly with your personal energy evolution trajectory."
In other words, the transformation Lothar underwent just moments ago was, technically speaking, a pseudo–Super Saiyan 3 form.
"Unbelievable!"
"Even an incomplete Super Saiyan 3 was enough to crush the Kree Empire! Not even the so-called Kree God of Artificial Intelligence could stand against you!"
"If that had been your true, perfected state… I can't even imagine the devastation!"
The Other gasped, finally catching his breath after removing a piece of fruit from his mouth. He clutched a baffled orange tabby cat in his arms, his rigid posture hilariously at odds with his groveling tone.
On the screen, Woz the robotic cat rolled his eyes and massaged his metallic forehead in exasperation.
"You've done nothing all day except kiss up. Can you actually be useful once?"
"Meow~"
The tabby in The Other's arms mimicked Woz, placing a soft paw over its round face while sneaking a curious glance at Lothar's expression.
"In truth, Prince Lothar," Woz began with a hint of disdain toward the ever-useless Other, "I strongly advise against pursuing the Super Saiyan 3 path."
Woz's rotund body twisted slightly, and a new display panel unfolded before the gathered group.
"Indeed, the power of Super Saiyan 3 is formidable. However, it comes with a crippling drawback."
"Even more fatal than the weaknesses of Super Saiyan 1 and 2."
At some point during his explanation, Woz had donned a lecture robe and appeared with a pointer in hand, leaping out from the central control terminal. He tapped the glowing screen behind him, his fluffy figure suddenly exuding grave seriousness.
"The energy consumption of this form is catastrophic."
"Based on my calculations, without a constant energy feed from the Mind Stone, you can only maintain Super Saiyan 3 for approximately three minutes."
"After that, you'll revert to your base form, black hair and all, due to complete energy and stamina depletion."
"And you'll be dangerously weakened."
Woz poked at Lothar's side with his pointer. The prince, now visibly drained, lacked the strength to even react.
"Just like this."
Demonstration complete, Woz nodded in satisfaction as Lothar collapsed into Hela's arms.
"???"
Boredly listening to the lecture until now, Hela stared in confusion at the prince sprawled across her chest.
"Did you just say, 'theoretically'?"
Seemingly unfazed by his intimate cushion, Lothar pushed himself up, using Hela's chest as leverage. The momentary softness was quickly replaced by an overwhelming killing intent.
SMACK!
The sound echoed crisply as The Other was sent flying across the room by a furious Hela.
"Please remain calm, Lady Hela," Woz said calmly.
From behind him, eight mechanical limbs extended swiftly, restraining her before she could strike again.
"Lothar!" Hela growled, baring her teeth. She glanced down at the clearly visible five-finger imprint on her chest, left there by Lothar's hand.
"Shut it," Lothar snapped.
The moment his command was issued, a sedative from Woz's mechanical arms was injected into Hela, rendering the ship silent once more.
"Yes, Prince Lothar. Here is the detailed simulation and data model."
Woz, having deliberately provoked Hela to justify sedating her, now projected the core analysis he had been waiting to present.
Outsiders were still outsiders.
In Woz's view, Hela had no right to know the true vulnerabilities of Lothar's Super Saiyan 3 form. All she needed to know was that the transformation was overwhelmingly powerful.
As he narrated, the screens around Lothar displayed increasingly grim data points. Woz summarized with a chilling conclusion:
"…As you can see, if you were a death spirit devoid of fatigue or energy limits, Super Saiyan 3 would indeed be the perfect combat form. But unfortunately, you're not."
"Therefore, in summary, Prince Lothar, Woz believes Super Saiyan 3 is a false evolution path, an intentional misdirection engineered by the Mind Stone to create a sense of dependency. A trap."
"According to Woz's extrapolations, your true evolution path should be a gradual enhancement from Super Saiyan 2, eventually leveraging Jennifer's Cosmic Switch to transcend the physical laws of this universe and awaken as a Super Saiyan God."
Yes, Woz firmly believed this was all part of the Mind Stone's scheme.
How else could one explain the insane energy drain of Super Saiyan 3?
In Woz's view, the Mind Stone had sinister motives. It wanted Prince Lothar to become entirely reliant on its power, a warrior who couldn't sustain his strength without it.
"But… why would it do that?"
The Other, who had by now regained his footing and composure, raised the scepter embedded with the Mind Stone.
"There's an 80% probability the Mind Stone acted because it sensed Prince Lothar's potential to eventually shatter the fundamental laws of this universe. In order to preserve the status quo, it led you down this erroneous path."
"As long as you remain dependent on the Stone to maintain your strength, you'll never be able to break the system."
After all, the Mind Stone originates from this universe. Would it really just sit back and let an outsider storm through its fabric and rewrite its rules?
Woz didn't buy it.
Even he, a robotic cat, understood the instinct to protect one's domain. That's why he had incapacitated Hela subtly, without exposing his motives. The Infinity Stones, beings born at the dawn of creation, surely possessed even greater awareness and intent.
"Super Saiyan 3…"
Lothar fell into contemplation. He had grown up alongside Woz. Other than his adoptive father Thanos, there was no one he trusted more.
And now, Woz's warning had planted a seed of doubt.
He glanced at the Mind Stone, still gleaming faintly atop The Other's scepter. Its glow triggered a memory, of the power he had once wielded on Hala, a strength that had made him feel invincible.
"Was that really… a flawed evolution?"
...
Jotunheim, Royal Palace.
Seated upon his icy throne, King Laufey of the Frost Giants frowned as he listened to a report from one of his scouts.
"What did you say?"
"Asgard has sealed all borders?"
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