I'M IN MARVEL

c41 Russell Ancient One: Let's Divide the Spoils

Tony briefly discussed how to use Pym particles to enter and exit the Quantum Realm, combining portal magic and advanced technology to create a positioning bracelet, and then departed.

On one hand, exposure to Pym particles could cause both psychological and physical strain.

On the other hand, Russell's support was coming to an end. But something else was just beginning.

Tony had not forgotten the man who killed his parents—Anton Vanko (though in continuity, this would refer to Ivan Vanko or Obadiah Stane depending on the timeline) but in this narrative, it is depicted differently.

Natasha also sought to bring Hope's soul back to SHIELD and team up with Nick Fury to uncover the forces hiding within SHIELD.

Several people rushed in and then quickly left.

Whitebeard Ancient One also took the opportunity to say his goodbyes.

During the card game just moments ago, Mephisto had played poorly—he was the real deal. He didn't want to stay any longer.

Russell and the Bald Ancient One stayed behind, detaining Mephisto until the energy was delivered.

After an hour, the energy was delivered, and Mephisto left without a word, his face dark with frustration.

Only the scarlet energy pool, which looked like a vast ocean, remained. Russell and the Ancient One stood in front of the pool, both in a daze.

Their expressions differed, but both showed joy.

As the panel upgraded, Russell's perception of energy flow became sharper, and his physical and mental desire for energy intensified.

As for the Ancient One...

Russell spoke up first: "Master, have we given it all out? How do we divide it this time?"

Whitebeard Ancient One seemed to have little use for Hell's energy, so he didn't participate in the division of spoils.

Ancient One smiled, absorbing about 100,000 units of Hell energy and opening a portal to store it.

On the other side of the portal were hundreds of similarly-sized energy clusters.

"Is this another small treasury belonging to Master Gu Yi? Or a collection room?"

"The rest is for you," said Ancient One.

"All for me?" Russell exclaimed.

"Yes," Gu Yi nodded.

"The energy I draw from the multiverse (which, in this case, might refer to Ancient One's use of energies from different dimensions, as seen in Doctor Strange) is sufficient. More energy will not improve me. But you are different, Russell. You haven't reached your limit yet."

Ancient One and others had reached their limits—energy to them was like fuel, material used for casting spells. As long as enough was used, it did not affect their strength.

For Russell, however, energy was food. Every time he absorbed it, his strength increased.

Russell had used just 3 million units of energy to reach his current level of power, an accomplishment that left Ancient One baffled. Only the Bald Ancient One understood how efficient Russell was at absorbing and processing energy.

The Whitebearded Ancient One wasn't even aware of this.

"Thank you so much, Master," Russell said with gratitude.

After hearing Ancient One's explanation, Russell did not refuse, as the energy would have a massive effect on him. This would allow Russell to soar once again in just a few months when the panel upgrades were complete.

"But... Master, could I store the energy with you for now and pick it up later?"

Most magical energies had the potential to affect people's minds or even distort them. During the panel upgrade, Russell wouldn't be able to purify the energy. He would need to resist the effects himself.

With his current mental attributes, resisting tens of millions of units wasn't a problem. But two billion?

That could bring him back to the state of depression he had experienced a few months ago.

Ancient One pondered briefly, seemed to remember something, and then nodded. "Alright. But in that case, we will need to stay here a little longer."

"Just a bit more time."

Russell wasn't concerned. The time difference between the Quantum Realm and the real world was negligible. Staying a little longer meant just a few days.

No one should be looking for him during that time, right?

With that, Russell and Ancient One each opened a portal and directed the energy into Ancient One's small vault at Kamar-Taj.

When they returned to New York, it was a bit hotter again—June had arrived.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Russell. In the second stage of his powers, he could absorb light and heat energy and transform into a self-propelled air conditioner.

Returning to the bookstore, he saw a figure sitting quietly at the front desk, reading. It reminded Russell of something.

While the temperature in New York had no bearing on him, the arrival of June did.

—American schools started their summer vacation in June.

Russell approached and sat beside Gwen Stacy. He asked quietly, "Gwen, why are you here? Is it summer vacation already?"

Gwen gave him a curious look.

"Russell, are you confusing time between two Earths? My summer vacation is still over a month away. Today's just the weekend, and I asked Master (Whitebeard) Gu Yi to send me here."

Russell slapped his forehead. "Right, how could I mix that up?"

"Is it all done?" Gwen asked.

"It's done," Russell replied.

"Tell me, is there really a Hell?"

They stood side by side as Russell recounted the tale quietly to Gwen. He hadn't shared his plan with her before taking action, and a few days ago, Whitebeard Ancient One had returned to Earth-65 and informed Gwen that the matter was resolved.

Gwen, who had relatives in Hell—her mother, Helen Stacy—wanted to learn more.

Russell slightly polished the details and told Gwen the story, including how he had tricked Tony Stark into entering the Quantum Realm, rewording it as a mistake that led to Tony's death at the hands of Dr. Pym. Russell had arrived just in time to rescue Tony from the powerful Mephisto.

As for being pursued by Mephisto for a fake match? That's even more absurd.

"No, no fake matches! From start to finish, I was just beating Mephisto," Russell concluded.

Unknowingly, the story continued to unfold.

Russell didn't care if there was an audience.

"Long time no see, Russell."

"Long time no see, Coulson."

It had been a while since their last meeting. Ever since the Blood God's Advent event, SHIELD had backed off, which surprised Russell.

But that was fine—fewer problems were always better.

SHIELD had learned what was best for them, and Russell was content.

Coulson spoke in his usual calm tone, "Russell, do you mind if I report this story back to SHIELD?"

"Of course, I don't mind." Russell didn't hesitate; if he minded, he wouldn't be telling the story.

Coulson smiled and continued, "Russell, what do you think of SHIELD's role in these supernatural events?"

Russell remained silent. No matter how he answered, whether good or bad, SHIELD would use it to invite him to join the Avengers.

Coulson was puzzled, unable to understand Russell's reluctance to join SHIELD.

If Russell had a problem with SHIELD, he would've worked with them. If Russell liked SHIELD, he would have accepted their invitations.

"Russell, do you have any misunderstandings about SHIELD?"

Russell thought for a moment.

Considering SHIELD had assisted during the "rescue Russell" incident, he finally said in Chinese, "Dragons do not live with snakes."

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