Gwen was confused. "Um... can you two explain to me. What is the Web Slingers? What is the Web of Destiny? What is the Multiverse spacetime concept?"
Miguel explained, "The Web Slingers is an organization spanning the Multiverse. Its purpose is to maintain the orderly operation of the Multiverse."
"The Web of Destiny is the source of Spider-Man's power, and it is also the means by which the organization travels through the Multiverse."
After speaking, Miguel looked at Lucas, waiting for him to explain his Multiverse spacetime view.
Lucas turned his gaze to the Ancient One.
I just made that up on the fly, how would I know such things?
If Gwen hadn't asked, I would have successfully shifted the topic to Miguel.
The Ancient One indicated he didn't want to explain. "It's too troublesome, too lazy to explain. Let's talk about this disturbance to the Web of Destiny for Spider-Man instead."
Miguel's expression darkened.
This unconventional junior Sorcerer Supreme was a little rascal. He didn't expect that the ethereal, senior Sorcerer Supreme was also an old rascal.
"Alright," Miguel calmed his emotions. "I'm all ears."
The Ancient One spoke slowly, "The Web of Destiny is not only the source of Spider-Man's power, but it also weaves the destinies of Spider-Men across the Multiverse. Because it connects Spider-Men across the Multiverse, it has a beneficial effect on the stability of the Multiverse."
After listening to the The Ancient One, Miguel remained noncommittal.
He couldn't be sure if what the Ancient One said was right or wrong, but what he said was consistent with the patterns he had summarized in the past.
"Ancient One, as you said, your actions have disturbed the Web of Destiny, and affected the stability of the Universe. Is that right?"
Lucas smiled. "Yes."
Miguel's face was grim, and his body's center of gravity sank.
It seemed a battle was unavoidable. He didn't expect these two Sorcerer Supremes to be so unreasonable.
Lucas continued, "Not entirely right either. Disturbing the Web of Destiny does not mean affecting the stability of the Universe. And affecting the stability of the Universe does not mean it will lead to the destruction of the Universe."
Lucas unleashed his ultimate move, "Miguel, your understanding of the Multiverse comes from observation and summation. You can only derive patterns, but you cannot perceive the truth."
"At this moment, I can tell you, the spacetime of this Universe is very stable."
Miguel asked, "Empty words, why should I believe you?"
"Because I can perceive spacetime, and you cannot."
The two were at loggerheads, and the atmosphere instantly solidified.
Lucas could not back down and watch the tragedy unfold for Gwen.
Miguel also didn't believe the words of this self-proclaimed Sorcerer Supreme, whom he had met for the first time.
He was already suspicious of whether this old and young duo were the Sorcerer Supremes of Kamar-Taj.
"Ahem."
The Ancient One deliberately coughed a few times, breaking the deadlock.
"Lucas, go easy on him. This young man, though stubborn, is a good person."
"That's right, Lucas, let's talk it out nicely." Gwen also advised.
Lucas cast a resentful glance at the two. "Do I look like someone who doesn't know how to be gentle?"
Miguel's expression was also not good.
The Ancient One and Gwen's meaning was clear: they didn't think highly of a fight between him and Lucas.
After this interruption, the atmosphere eased slightly, no longer filled with tension.
"Hmph, it better be as you say."
With a cold snort, Miguel turned and left.
Lucas looked at Miguel's retreating figure, full of helplessness.
Dealing with good guys is troublesome, you have to argue.
If it were a villain, one punch would be enough to kill them.
Right? Kingpin, Murdock.
Temporarily pushing this matter aside, Lucas brought up another matter with the Ancient One, "Sorcerer, you can cast the spell now. Make people forget that Ghost-Spider 'killed' Peter, and what just happened."
"Are you really not going to learn it? It's very simple." The Ancient One asked again.
"No." Lucas shook his head.
His primary goal now was to thoroughly research the portal spell. A spell that can travel through the Multiverse with little consumption must have a secret.
"You cast the spell yourself, you can just use the Time Stone to alter the past."
Hearing Lucas's answer, the Ancient One's interest waned. "Didn't you ask me before what would happen if you altered the 'past'? It would affect the present. To give an analogy, it's like patching a perfectly good piece of clothing."
Lucas frowned.
This was somewhat different from the Time Variance Authority's settings.
Seemingly discerning Lucas's thoughts, the Ancient One explained, "Earth-199999 is different, that Universe has a big problem. It's a quagmire now. Even if you don't get stuck in it, you'll get covered in mud."
Lucas hesitated. "Sorcerer, then it's possible…"
The Ancient One reminded, "There are two more points."
"Do not easily try to modify absolute time-node events. Some people with extraordinary perception might notice the abnormality of reality being modified. If you don't want to be discovered, keep the disturbance small."
Lucas understood the Ancient One's hidden meaning.
"Do not easily do" meant it could be done, but with ample preparation.
Meaning he could save Lizard Peter Parker, but not now.
Lucas took out the Time Stone, concentrating his mind and energy.
He went upstream, back to the day Gwen 'killed'Peter.
As Peter reverted to human form and was about to die, Lucas hid Gwen's figure. Then he flowed downstream, back to not long ago.
'Forget it, altering the past is very risky, so I won't change this part.'
His mind withdrew from the Time Stone, returning to the present.
A faint sense of fatigue spread from all over his body.
Opening his eyes, he saw the Ancient One looking at him curiously. He was holding a ball of pure golden energy in his hand.
"Sorcerer, let's talk nicely."
Lucas's figure flickered, retreating a hundred meters away.
The Ancient One put away the energy in his hand and asked curiously, "Where did you get the energy to sustain the Time Stone?"
Hmm? Energy?
[Lifespan: 25 / 3,182,800]
More than fifty thousand units of energy evaporated!
Lucas's vision went black. "Sorcerer, you didn't tell me this spell consumes so much."
"I prepared some for you, but I didn't expect you wouldn't need it." The Ancient One re-examined Lucas.
He hadn't seen where Lucas's energy came from just now. It seems Lucas has many secrets that the other him didn't tell him.
Lucas put on a smiling face. "Sorcerer, since you prepared it, give it to me."
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow, and with a flick of his hand, a golden light entered Lucas's body.
Lucas carefully sensed it.
Pure spiritual energy, without 'impurities'.
Even if the panel was still in the upgrading state, it didn't affect absorption.
Slurp.
[Lifespan +100,000]
Good stuff.
Lucas's eyes glowed, looking at the Ancient One.
Boss, please feed me!
The Ancient One's face twitched.
This time, he watched carefully but still didn't find out how the energy disappeared.
After a moment of silence, he threw out another ball of energy.
And another.
And then, the Ancient One began to doubt his skills.
Everything in the world operates, and even if it's elusive, there are always traces to follow. But he had used most of his methods and still couldn't see how the energy disappeared.
Of course, there was also a sinister method, which was to tamper with the energy.
Lucas coveted his energy and he wanted to see through Lucas's secret.
Willing to admit defeat, the Ancient One couldn't bring himself to scheme against a disciple.
(End of Chapter)
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