Chapter Forty-Two: The Truth and Falsehood of the Divine

Harvey saw Tony Stark's impatient curiosity and the way he boasted to Pepper, so he didn’t bother to hide anything.

“The Ancient One has mastered countless spells and is the Supreme Sorcerer of Earth,” he explained. “She’s a renowned figure throughout the universe. Because of her presence, many enemies dare not cause trouble on Earth. If I were to provoke her, it would only bring me some inconvenience. But if you provoked her, with your current power, you’d die without question. So be cautious in your actions—at least until you’re strong enough, don’t harbor any reckless ambitions. Still, she doesn’t have many years left. Remember this: keep a low profile and develop your strength quietly. When she’s gone, you should already possess considerable power.”

Tony Stark was not pleased when he heard this, but rather puzzled. “The Ancient One will die? Why? Didn’t you say she used some method to prolong her life? If she can extend her life for centuries, shouldn’t another millennium be possible?”

The Supreme Sorcerer might become his enemy, but she had protected Earth for centuries. Harvey had mentioned that it was precisely because of her that certain cosmic threats hesitated to attack. If such a figure were to die, Earth’s position would become perilous.

“In 2017… you mean the Ancient One won’t live past 2017, and that’s when Earth will face terrifying foes?” Tony quickly realized the implication and looked gravely at Harvey Ambelaca.

“If the Ancient One wished to keep living, she could indeed prolong her life. However, she will die in a few years. I won’t get into the details,” Harvey replied, nodding at Tony’s quick comprehension.

“So she chooses to die, despite having the means to live?” Tony’s expression was complicated.

“Yes. Though she’s lived for centuries and commands immense magical power, she’s still human at heart. Prolonging her life comes at a cost,” Harvey explained, seeing that Tony had grasped the underlying truth.

“It doesn’t sound like a wholesome method of extending life. Couldn’t you invite her to join the Void? With her strength, she’d make a formidable ally, wouldn’t she?” Tony asked.

“I’d like nothing more,” Harvey admitted. “But only her death will pave the way for a new Supreme Sorcerer. Her passing is inevitable.”

Harvey deeply wished he could draw the Ancient One into the Void. The stronger the beings he recruited, the more Void energy he would gain. But Stephen Strange would only truly embark on the path of Sorcery Supreme after witnessing the Ancient One’s death, fully unleashing his magical potential. Only then could the Ancient One lay down her burdens and rest.

The Void was extremely tempting to those who sought power and longevity—scientific obsessives like Tony Stark, superhumans, and countless beings across the cosmos longing for strength. Recruiting them wasn’t too difficult. But for the Ancient One, who already possessed both strength and longevity, the usual temptations held little sway, and she would certainly view the Void as an evil force.

Thus, persuading the Ancient One to join the Void would be a near-impossible task. This left Harvey rather frustrated; she was like a mountain of gold within reach, but he simply couldn’t find a way to mine it.

“If a new Supreme Sorcerer is destined to arise, why would a great threat emerge in 2017?” Tony wondered. But as soon as he voiced the question, he realized the answer, an expression of sudden understanding crossing his face.

“Just as you think—even if one inherits great power, it still takes time to grow into it,” Harvey confirmed.

“I wonder how far I can come in eight years,” Tony mused, clenching his fists, both hopeful and anxious.

If Harvey Ambelaca were willing to help, Tony wouldn’t have worried at all; he knew full well how powerful Harvey was. But Harvey wasn’t human, and Earth’s morality held no sway over his decisions. Whether he would help or merely watch was an unknown—so Tony could only rely on himself.

“I’ve already shared my experience with evolution,” Harvey said. “How far you progress will be up to you. Eight years isn’t long, but it’s not short either. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. When the enemy truly arrives, you can deal with it then.”

Seeing Tony’s concern, Harvey offered a few comforting words. But he couldn’t make any promises. At best, he was confident that the Mad Titan wouldn’t be able to harm him, but as for victory, it depended on how far he could evolve.

“By the way, the important figures you mentioned aren’t limited to the Supreme Sorcerer, are they?” Tony’s eyes glinted as he decided to let these worries rest for now and pressed on.

“Of course. Besides the Ancient One and Captain Marvel, there’s Odin, King of the Nine Realms, who rules over Earth and eight other worlds. His power is immense, and his agents constantly monitor Earth. So even if you join the Void, don’t make a spectacle of yourself. Time will bring you everything you want,” Harvey advised.

Tony had already witnessed the will of the Void and experienced magic and superpowers—he thought he’d grown far more accepting of the incredible.

“King Odin of the Gods? Then there must be Thor, the God of Thunder, or perhaps Zeus of Olympus?” Tony was startled by Harvey’s mention of Odin, uncertain if he’d heard correctly.

“Seems your comprehension is just fine,” Harvey said with a smile.

“So you’re saying that all the gods from Earth’s various myths are real, but they’re actually from the cosmos?” Tony, though shocked, quickly accepted the confirmation and pondered aloud.

“That’s right,” Harvey affirmed.

“Are they as powerful as the legends claim?” Tony’s expression grew serious.

“Humanity has always been limited by its own strength, its era, and its perspective. So naturally, many tales are exaggerated. Still, much truth has been passed down as myth—such as their innate powers and legendary artifacts,” Harvey explained.

“If it weren’t for the Void, I would never have believed those old stories could be true,” Tony admitted, reflecting on what he’d learned.

Myths were called myths precisely because their characters and deeds were beyond human comprehension. Some people and sects placed their faith in such gods. But as a man of science, Tony had always found such beliefs foolish. If gods truly existed, why had Earth suffered so many disasters without divine intervention? Better to believe in oneself.

In the past, Tony was an avowed atheist, convinced that myths were but fabrications, impossible to verify. Now, however, he understood: these gods were not native deities, but cosmic visitors. Whether they chose to help humanity wasn’t a matter of faith, but of whim.

At this point, Jarvis’s voice sounded.

“Sir, pardon the interruption. The two full beef feasts for Mr. Harvey Ambelaca are ready. The kitchen is preparing the additional dishes you requested. They wish to know if you would like the beef feasts brought over now?”

Jarvis was aware that Tony and Harvey were discussing important matters, but the question had to be asked.

“Just have them brought to the main entrance. Don’t let anyone in,” Tony replied, glancing at the cracked walls and bloodstained floor.

“Understood, sir,” Jarvis responded, recognizing that the current state of the second-floor dining room was not fit for visitors and asking no further questions.

“Harvey Ambelaca, you wouldn’t mind letting me have one of those beef feasts to tide me over, would you?” Tony rubbed his stomach and looked a bit sheepish.

Harvey knew Tony had just begun to experience the power boost that came with sampling various foods.

“You already said you’re treating me to a feast. Missing one ox won’t make a difference,” Harvey replied, not bothering with any petty remarks.

After all, once Tony Stark became a food lover, with his personality, Harvey would have plenty of chances to share in future meals.

“Thanks,” Tony said with a grin. He’d been starving for ages—if it hadn’t meant risking trouble, he’d have driven out for a burger long ago.