Chapter 39: Welcome to the Void

As Tony Stark remained in shock, his body began to undergo changes, the purple power of the Void altering his very essence.

"Detected that the inducement target is Tony Stark, possessing a high destiny. Reward: 100,000 Void Energy."

"The more Tony Stark evolves, the more Void Energy will be rewarded to the host."

"The host has successfully induced the first being to join the Void. The second hero template selection is now available. Please choose the timing to make the selection."

Seeing the hero template option unlocked, Harvey's face lit up with genuine joy.

Acquiring different hero templates would significantly elevate his power.

However, it was not yet time to choose, so Harvey didn't rush it.

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Meanwhile, at Kamar-Taj.

The Ancient One was troubled, staring into the future of the universe.

Previously, she could foresee the universe's future, but for about half a year now, a mysterious darkness had enveloped the future timeline.

This was an ominous sign, and she had been searching for the source but had found nothing in over six months.

All she could see was the entire universe shrouded under a massive dark star, as if obscured by something beyond comprehension.

Even Dormammu had not been able to obscure the flow of time. This suggested that the universe was undergoing events beyond measure.

The Ancient One wanted to investigate and intervene but found herself powerless.

"Stephen Strange... I hope you can stop this in the future."

She placed her hopes on her future disciple, who was more gifted than herself, murmuring a prayer.

No matter what the future held, she had to wait for the arrival of the Supreme Sorcerer, Stephen Strange.

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Time passed, and when Tony Stark came to his senses, he heard Harvey's voice.

"Tony Stark, do you understand what the Void is now?"

Harvey smiled as Tony opened his eyes.

Tony looked at Harvey, who was friendly and approachable, feeling as if this moment wasn't real.

"Although I don't fully understand yet, I have grasped the grandeur of the Void."

Tony nodded and spoke, expressing his newfound awe.

"Welcome to the Void," Harvey said, his smile sincere as he extended his hand.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity," Tony replied, shaking Harvey's hand with gratitude.

Having witnessed the monstrous manifestations of Harvey Amberlock, Tony was filled with only reverence and thankfulness at this opportunity.

Although Harvey described the Void as a place, a race, or a dimension, Tony now understood that Harvey Amberlock was the Void itself.

The Harvey Amberlock before him would surely become the most formidable will and existence of the Void in the future.

Tony's thoughts were confirmed; no matter how he improved the Iron Man suit, he could not oppose Harvey Amberlock.

Joining the Void might be the best decision he ever made in his life.

He couldn't imagine being an enemy of Harvey Amberlock, nor did he want to.

Harvey Amberlock had not yet become that universe-encompassing, invincible figure, but Tony fully understood why Harvey had said that reaching his height was impossible.

"It was just a simple task," Harvey said. "Now that you've joined the Void, let me tell you what the Void's essence is."

"The essence of the Void is survival, evolution, and adaptation," Harvey explained. "You now have the ability to evolve by devouring life forms and substances."

"Continuously devouring and evolving will allow your power to exceed your imagination."

"Enjoy being the weaker version of yourself for now."

"Before long, your mindset will change with your power."

Harvey released Tony's hand and began explaining the situation.

"You mentioned a cost earlier?"

Tony was surprised to learn that evolution required consumption.

"That is indeed a cost," Harvey said. "It's not just food you consume; life forms can also be devoured."

"Moreover, consuming more powerful life forms will result in faster and stronger evolution."

"So remember, don't let hunger control you, turning you into a mindless creature focused solely on devouring and evolving."

"If you are consumed by hunger and cause too much trouble, I will personally eliminate you."

"I hope I never have to see that version of you," Harvey warned earnestly.

"Understood. I will be careful," Tony replied, his demeanor serious as he nodded.

As soon as Tony spoke, he felt a deep hunger within him. This hunger was a primal instinct and didn't make him feel weak.

Tony immediately looked at the assortment of food on the table.

In his heightened state of focus, he noticed that the food had various colored energies on its surface.

Tony observed the world around him changing and looked back at Harvey Amberlock. He didn't see any discernible energy emanating from Harvey—perhaps the power gap was too great, or Harvey was concealing it well.

Regardless, Tony focused on the food, eating vigorously.

Previously, food was merely a source of taste and sustenance. Now, eating it made Tony feel a warm sensation filling his body.

In just two minutes, Tony had consumed over ten plates of food, far exceeding his previous appetite.

Tony's body began to change; his brown hair grew more vibrant, and his appearance became increasingly youthful.

"System, in which direction will Tony Stark evolve?"

Harvey observed Tony with interest.

"Unlike other beings who join the Void, the host does not have a hero template."

"Therefore, other beings will initially only evolve their physical capabilities, and the final result of their evolution is unknown."

The system, typically reticent, responded to this query.

"So they need to evolve and learn to master certain abilities to become truly powerful?" Harvey pondered, though the system offered no answer.

Harvey speculated based on hero templates and their origins, understanding that while he could directly receive hero templates and have a clear evolution path, Tony Stark would have to discover his path through self-evolution.

As long as Tony was not consumed by desire and retained his rationality, with his extended lifespan and future cosmic exploration, learning and mastering extraordinary abilities should be achievable.

Though lacking a hero template, joining the Void and gaining terrifying evolutionary capabilities and a long lifespan was a tremendous gift.