Chapter 5 Conditions

"Yes, but the souls of those who provoke me will belong to me. If a soul happens to be near me, I am entitled to intercept it," he stated to the Sorcerer Supreme.

Andrew considered the conditions and nodded in agreement. These conditions weren't a big problem in the Marvel world. It wouldn't be difficult for him to convince weak humans to sign a soul contract with him.

During the battle between Hulk and the Abomination, when many buildings were collapsing, he could approach those people and offer them a chance to escape the disaster in exchange for their souls after death. Would they sign the contract?

In the Chitauri invasion of New York, with the entire city on the verge of destruction, would people be willing to sign the contract?

"Okay," Andrew agreed.

The Ancient One raised her hand, and a golden light formed a contract in the air. "If you break the contract, this gateway realm will collapse."

"Sorcerer Supreme, are you sure these two conditions are sufficient?" Andrew questioned, suspicious of the leniency. It almost seemed as if he were the Ancient One's illegitimate son. Had she seen something about his future? Or was something amiss?

Ancient One smiled and replied, "If you think they are too lenient, I don't mind adding a few more."

After contemplating for a moment, Andrew suggested, "Add one more condition: if you take any action against me, either secretly or openly, the contract becomes invalid."

She glanced at Andrew and agreed, "Yes."

Both Andrew and the Ancient One pressed their handprints on the contract simultaneously. The contract glowed with a dazzling golden light and split into two, entering their respective bodies.

The contract was officially established, and Andrew breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, the Ancient One said, "Your realm is still new, and its future development is entirely up to you."

Andrew was surprised. "Up to me?"

"Yes, most realms are filled with chaos, evil, and violence, but that doesn't mean all realms should be like that. Hell is an integral part of the universe, and it has its own responsibilities."

The Ancient One continued, "The first step you must take is to give yourself and your realm a name."

Andrew smiled and said, "For now, let's call it Rebirth Hell. In the future, it will have a more suitable name."

...

The Ancient One and Andrew communicated through their consciousness. They talked for most of the day, yet only a second had passed in the real world. Mephisto, witnessing time freeze, laughed arrogantly.

"Boy, dreaming of stealing my possessions? You'll soon realize how terrible the Ancient One is. This is the consequence of opposing me."

As Mephisto's voice faded, time resumed its normal flow. Andrew's small realm was successfully built, and he was seamlessly connected to his main body. The power could be transmitted to him at any time and anywhere, and he could also send things back to Rebirth Hell whenever needed.

Feeling refreshed, Andrew looked at Mephisto with confusion. "Consequence? Old Man, what happened? I didn't feel anything."

Mephisto was dumbfounded, raging angrily. "Ancient One, why didn't you stop him?"

"Are you teaching me how to handle things?" an indifferent voice echoed from the sky. Without waiting for a response, she commanded Kaecilius, "Ignore him and bring the Ghost Rider back to Kamar Taj."

"Yes, teacher," Kaecilius replied respectfully, though puzzled. He then threw his magic whip at the Ghost Rider.

Johnny attempted to dodge, but the uncontrollable flames on his body rendered him immobile, caught by the magic whip.

Johnny glared at Andrew, realizing that this man was behind his loss of control over the flames.

Andrew explained, "Only by following the Sorcerer Supreme can you escape Mephisto's control. Don't worry about Roxanne; I will take care of her."

Johnny growled, attempting to speak, but Kaecilius cast a spell. The flames on Johnny's body extinguished, and his flesh and blood regenerated. Before everyone stood a man with a melancholic yet handsome face.

Kaecilius glanced at Andrew for one last time and prepared to return to Kamar Taj when Andrew's voice sounded in his ear: "Want eternal life? I can give it to you."

Kaecilius paused for a second, and opened a portal to Kamar Taj, and walked in with Johnny as if nothing had happened.

Mephisto trembled with anger. This time, he suffered a major loss—failing to obtain the contract and losing his loyal agent, the Ghost Rider.

The Wind Demon gazed at Andrew with admiration. This time, he truly made the right choice in following this boss. Even the Ancient One couldn't defeat him.

Mephisto took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Young Hell Lord, would you like to cooperate? Let's join forces to kill the Ancient One and divide the Earth."

"What did you say?" Andrew snorted coldly. He was the only demon king on Earth now, and he had no intention of allowing other demon kings to enter and attempt to snatch souls from him. He preferred working alone; he didn't need a few freeloaders.

Mephisto persisted, "The Ancient One must be plotting against you. If you cooperate with her, you will surely die. That old woman is treacherous, and countless demons have perished at her hands."

"This is good news. With her being an obstacle to you, I can freely harvest souls on Earth," Andrew retorted.

Mephisto was speechless. He couldn't understand how the Ancient One and Andrew had reached an agreement.

"People who act alone don't fare well," Mephisto said with a frown.

"Your magic is so pure, you should be a newborn, and newborn means weak, so are you not afraid that we will join hands to besiege your Hell?"

"Oh, I am so sacred"

Andrew looked at him disdainfully. His realm had just been born and was protected by the fog of space. For a short period, unless he died, other realms wouldn't be able to find him at all.

However, during this short time, if Andrew couldn't gather a large number of souls to strengthen his realm, he would be devoured by other lords.

Mephisto attempted to say something, but Andrew waved his hand, cutting him off. "I'm in a hurry to experience life in America. I won't waste time with you. By the way, Old Man, do you want this?"

Andrew took out the statue of the Black Heart Demon from his pocket.

Mephisto was stunned. "Why are you giving it back to me?"

Andrew stated reasonably, "This poor soul has been used and manipulated wherever it goes. Returning it to you is the only good deed I can do."

Mephisto and the Black Heart Demon were speechless. Andrew's reasoning was sound, leaving them at a loss for words.

Mephisto grumbled, "Give it here."

"This won't do. Although he's been unlucky, shouldn't you offer some reward for finding your son? Perhaps ten thousand souls would be fair, not too many."

"Ten thousand souls? Are you robbing me? Do you know how difficult it is to acquire souls since the Ancient One's rise?" Mephisto grumbled hesitantly. "Souls that die naturally either go to heaven or hell, becoming different demons according to their sins. Hell lords who desire souls can only sign contracts to cultivate believers or hunt at the Styx River."