After Alex Ray finished reading the letter, tears unknowingly rolled down his cheeks.
The scene of the letter spontaneously combusting mid-air felt like a solemn farewell. As the flames flickered out, the lingering emotions seemed to dissolve into cosmic dust, drifting silently into the void.
That marked the disappearance of the other Alex Ray.
He closed his eyes, unmoving. His heart remained unsettled.
As a time traveler himself, he understood better than anyone how deeply the other Alex had longed to go home.
He wanted a simple life, and that yearning came through in every line of the letter.
"Since you've paved the way for me… then I'll walk the rest myself," Alex swore silently, his tone resolute yet filled with warmth. This wasn't just about fulfilling a dying wish—it was also for himself.
He also came to realize that the enemy he now faced was far more powerful than he'd expected. With a bitter smile, Alex wrestled with the complex feelings in his heart.
"They didn't want me to live peacefully. And now that I know the truth, it turns out I've made enemies of half the multiverse. Great."
More importantly, making friends with gods seemed laughable. He couldn't do it. Knowing that they had killed another version of himself—how was he supposed to suppress the nausea and pretend to befriend them?
Alex Ray simply couldn't stomach that. While he'd never seen his other self in person, he wasn't some saint. He couldn't promise revenge, but when it came to the final battle, he'd do what had to be done.
"If we can't be friends... then let's become the kind of enemy they fear."
His eyes turned cold.
The only thing he could do now was grow stronger—cultivate his own forces, gather allies of immense power, and prepare for the inevitable battle for transcendence.
In this world where power reigns supreme, strength is the only truth. If he wanted to protect what mattered—change the fates that were unacceptable—he had to become powerful beyond measure.
He figured that must've been part of the other Alex's plan too. Though it wasn't stated explicitly, if powerful allies had stood beside him back then, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out so tragically.
More importantly, there was something unsaid in that letter—but he felt it clearly.
The existence of the friendship system wasn't just to boost his strength. It was to give him a home in this Marvel world. So that even if he failed, even if he could never return to his original world—he would still have somewhere to belong.
"Thank you for everything… Alex." He spoke it quietly in his heart.
A strange feeling tugged at him. If he could truly transcend—then maybe, just maybe—he could bring the other Alex Ray back to life.
The flicker of determination in his eyes turned into a blaze of resolve.
But transcendence wasn't so easily achieved. Even with the system's help, reaching the realm that Alex Ray's past self had attained would be no small feat.
And although his predecessor had downplayed it in the letter, Alex could imagine how excruciating the path had been.
Even with the system, it would take years. And the other Alex had done it without a guide.
Worse, no one else could answer the question of transcendence for him—he'd have to uncover the path alone.
His first priority: find the remaining two Infinity Stones. He had no clue where they were, but someone in front of him certainly did—Loki.
At that moment, the God of Stories was silently watching Alex.
Loki had noticed Alex's shifting expressions as he read the letter. From initial confusion, to shock at the explosive revelations, to fury at the cruelty of fate.
Then came understanding—acceptance—and finally, profound sorrow. The pain etched in his face and the tears glimmering in his eyes told Loki everything.
He knew the letter must have carried something monumental. To see such a powerful man break like that… it had to be something extraordinary.
After all, Loki had been observing Alex Ray since he was a child. The last time Alex cried was when the patriarch of his universe had died.
In just a few minutes, his facial expressions alone could win him an Oscar.
Loki, ever curious, had not read the letter. It was warded by Alex Ray's past self—beyond even Loki's reach.
Even if he could read it, he wouldn't have. Not out of some moral high ground, but simply because it wouldn't taste right.
"That letter must've been rich in detail. It clearly moved you."
"Would you mind telling me what it said?" Loki asked, his tone light, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Alex hesitated. Then nodded.
In his mind, Loki had chosen to side with him. He had delivered the letter, after all. He had given him the system.
As for why Loki dared to assist someone who openly defied the One-Above-All? Alex still didn't know.
He shared nearly everything—except the details about the dating system and certain confidential matters related to transcendence.
"So that's what happened… fascinating." Loki mused, clearly amused.
He hadn't expected such a past. Beneath Alex Ray's cold demeanor lay a life defined by betrayal—especially from a woman.
He had once tried to learn Alex's story, but that past had been erased.
Now, though, this tragic history sparked something in him. Perhaps… he could use it. Maybe even script a new superhero in Alex's mold.
Of course, Loki knew Alex hadn't told him everything.
But he didn't mind. Everyone had secrets. And what he'd learned was more than enough.
Alex, meanwhile, knew time was slipping away.
He had no intention of wasting it.
"Mr. Loki," he said formally, "is there anything else I can help you with? And… do you know where the remaining two Infinity Stones are in this universe?"
Loki smiled knowingly.
"You need to grow up fast, Alex. Faster than you realize. As for the Stones—they're already within your universe. Soon, fate will pull you toward them."
"One more thing… protect the Time Variance Authority. Kang is coming."
"As I warned you before—many Kangs are coming. I hope you'll be ready to defend the TVA."
"Because the TVA is just Kang's first target. If it falls… Hell's Kitchen will be next."
"So whether you like it or not, Alex Ray—you're destined to face it all. Your clash with Kang the Conqueror will be your true trial by fire."
"In return, I can offer you a bit of help…"
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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