Chapter 11: Thank You for Coming into This World

Luca stood frozen in place, utterly stunned, while Loki, standing opposite him, maintained his signature smile.

"Let's get your identity authenticated first."

With a gentle flick of his finger, God Loki sent a stream of emerald light toward Luca. It coiled around him continuously until his entire body was wrapped in the green glow, at which point it dissipated completely.

This all happened in the blink of an eye, before Luca could even react.

However, once he regained his composure, he sensed—faintly but surely—that the lingering feeling of detachment from this world, which had haunted him for the past two months, was rapidly vanishing.

Luca was certain this wasn't an illusion. But as he looked back at God Loki, the god merely waved his hand dismissively.

"Well, you know how it is. Sitting on that throne, with no one to talk to, it eventually gets a bit boring."

"Since someone asked me a favor, I certainly don't mind giving you a chance to choose again. After all, you only came here because you knew of my existence and made a misjudgment, didn't you?"

Luca fell silent upon hearing this.

It was true. The primary reason he had taken such a massive risk to come here, beyond his own restless spirit of adventure, was the fear that the timeline would collapse and he would be erased along with it.

If he had known that God Loki had already ascended and that the so-called "Sacred Timeline" no longer existed, he might have stayed home comfortably, waiting for the Battle of New York to conclude.

Now that God Loki had appeared before him, confirming the world wouldn't be destroyed, there was indeed no need for him to risk his life trying to stop Loki.

But then, Luca shifted his focus to another matter.

"So, can you tell me who exactly asked you to come?"

Clearly, whoever could command the attention of someone like God Loki was just as significant as the god’s actions. After all, the god had just mentioned that beings like him weren't exactly rare, so what made Luca worthy of the attention of a "big shot" capable of summoning God Loki?

In response to Luca's question, God Loki wore an inscrutable smile. He performed an exaggerated bow, one hand pressed to his chest.

"I have said all that needs to be said. As for what you choose next, that is for you to decide."

"Crisis and opportunity coexist. Thank you for coming to this world."

As his voice faded, God Loki’s form dissolved into countless pale green motes of light, vanishing like a dream.

The frozen world began to come back to life as he disappeared. Feeling time resume its flow, Luca stood there, his brow still furrowed.

"Damn it! I hate riddlers!"

However, the moment he said this, his expression froze.

The world, which had just resumed its movement, had abruptly and eerily stopped once more. Even the pedestrians on the street remained frozen in their exact positions.

Luca’s face soured, and he quickly muttered under his breath.

"I don't hate them, I don't hate them at all... It was just my big mouth! Please, feel free to go back..."

Before the frozen world could resolve, a crackling sound of sparks erupted behind Luca.

Immediately after, a woman's voice reached his ears.

"Has His Excellency left?"

Luca’s heart tightened as he spun around, instinctively adopting a defensive stance.

But upon seeing who it was, he blurted out, "Gabriel!"

The person behind him paused.

"???"

However, upon noticing the simple yellow monk's robes and the golden spark-filled portal behind her, Luca realized his mistake and gave an embarrassed cough.

"Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One?"

Yes, the newcomer was indeed the Sorcerer Supreme, the Guardian of Earth, the most powerful mage: the Ancient One.

But...

*No way! How does this Ancient One have hair?!*

Though Luca tried hard to control his gaze, he couldn't help but glance at her short, light-blonde hair.

The Ancient One clearly noticed his gaze.

"Have you met another version of me?"

She twirled a lock of her hair and responded with a smile.

"One must distinguish oneself from other versions of oneself, don't you think?"

Looking at this Ancient One, who not only had a different hairstyle but also seemed far younger in spirit than the one he remembered, Luca couldn't help but complain internally.

*If you had shown up earlier, I wouldn't have mistaken which world this was!*

Luca glanced toward the portal behind her. Time was frozen there as well; he could see the Hulk, Bruce Banner, lying quietly on the rooftop behind the portal.

Seeing Luca’s eyes wandering again, the blonde Ancient One brought the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"Has His Excellency left?"

Luca quickly retracted his gaze. Unsure of the temperament of this world’s Ancient One, he decided to play it safe and answered honestly.

"Lord Loki should have left. Do you have business with him?"

To his surprise, the Ancient One shook her head slightly.

"I cannot reach such an exalted being. I am here for you."

Luca frowned slightly.

*Cannot reach? Or not allowed to reach?*

Thinking back to what God Loki had said, there was definitely something strange going on.

Yet, now the Ancient One said she was looking for him...

He had already dealt with enough excitement for one day; to have another big shot seeking him out...

*Am I really such a hot commodity?*

Feeling a slight headache, Luca didn't want to play any more guessing games. He asked directly, "What does Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One want with me?"

*Surely, she isn't going to kick me out, is she? If God Loki couldn't be bothered to exile me, is the Earth's guardian going to do it instead?*

Watching the furrowed-browed, hesitant youth before her, the Ancient One smiled, offering the answer.

"I am here to make a deal with you."

Luca shivered.

*That sounds a bit familiar.*

He didn't rush to speak, waiting quietly for her to continue.

The Ancient One flicked her fingers, and a carefully wrapped [Hextech Crystal] drifted out of Luca’s bag.

Luca looked closely; it was indeed the "core component" needed to synthesize a [Hextech Core].

Since this powerful figure wanted it, Luca, a small fry, wouldn't be so foolish as to refuse. He chose to offer it up with both hands.

"Sorcerer Supreme, you jest. If you want it, there’s no need for a deal. I can just give it to you."

The Ancient One shook her head again, gently placing the crystal back into Luca's hands.

"There is no need for gifts. What I require is not 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 palm, Luca was speechless.

*Great... How did my skills become common knowledge to everyone?*

"Then..."

Luca looked up, about to speak, but the Ancient One had already vanished without a sound.

With her departure, time resumed its flow, and the chaotic noises of the city flooded back into his ears.