When Thor plunged through the dark energy into New York City, Lin Rui remained silent. Given the irreversible situation, it was perfectly normal for Thor to choose to rescue his beloved. However, Lin Rui wasn't ready to give up just yet.
"Jackson, my abilities are somewhat suppressed on Earth. I might not be able to maintain my level five mutated powers at full strength," Iceman, who was still recovering from his ice crystal state, arrived on a flying glider and said to Lin Rui.
While in the distant cosmos, Iceman, who had just reached a stable level five mutant, could unleash formidable level five mutated abilities. However, upon entering Earth, Iceman immediately sensed that his powers were inexplicably suppressed, which was undeniably related to Earth's environment.
Hearing Iceman's words, Lin Rui's brow furrowed even more. As possibly the only remaining level-five mutant on Earth, Lin Rui knew that Iceman's true power was extraordinary. However, being suppressed at this critical moment when Dormammu was about to devour Earth was certainly bad news.
Buzzing...
Before Lin Rui could respond to Iceman, Loki, floating not far from them, emitted a surge of magical fluctuations. Then, the skin that had turned icy blue due to using the Frost Box quickly reverted to its original state. It seemed he had stopped using the Frost Box.
"Kid, I've done everything I can. Now, you better pray that the Ancient Ones or my father and the others can return quickly. Otherwise... Earth will disappear from this universe in a matter of minutes." After the frosty appearance faded away, Loki glanced at Lin Rui and spoke indifferently.
For Loki, battling Dormammu with the Frost Box was already his maximum effort. But even if Dormammu's power was significantly reduced, he was still beyond their ability to stop. So, Loki chose to give up. After all, Earth being devoured by Dormammu wouldn't affect Asgard.
Exhaling sharply, Loki extended his hand in front of him. In a faint green magical light, a massive plant materialized in the high sky. This plant quickly enveloped Loki. Then, in the next moment, to the surprise of Lin Rui and Iceman, the green plant encasing Loki shattered into a multitude of green fragments, and Loki vanished.
With this, the four who had just joined forces to resist Dormammu were now reduced to Lin Rui and Iceman. Furthermore, Iceman's powers had been mysteriously suppressed. Only Lin Rui could still unleash his full power, but he was powerless against Dormammu.
"Jackson, do you have any other ways to stop Dormammu?" After the green plant fragments had completely dissipated, Iceman couldn't help but ask.
In fact, after reaching a stable level five mutant, Iceman possessed considerable strength. However, they were dealing with Dormammu this time, and even if Iceman could truly freeze an entire planet, it might not consume much of Dormammu's dark energy. That's why he asked Lin Rui.
"I've used all the methods I have, but..." Hearing Iceman's question, Lin Rui replied helplessly.
Originally, according to Lin Rui's expectations, Dormammu should have arrived on Earth only after the Supreme Mage, the Ancient Ones, had passed away, which didn't happen thanks to Lin Rui's intervention.
Although Dormammu had still come, as long as the Ancient Ones were alive, Earth should have remained safe. However, the development of events had taken Lin Rui by surprise.
Whether it was because Lin Rui had changed too much of the storyline or because of other complications, Dormammu's arrival had led to numerous changes.
Apart from the Ancient Ones not dying, the Guardians of the Galaxy had been unexpectedly drawn into the conflict, and Asgard had also become involved. However, the Earth sorcerers, who were supposed to be the main force against Dormammu, had yet to make a move.
Beep, Beep, Beep!
Just as Lin Rui was responding to Iceman's question with a sense of helplessness, his communicator suddenly rang. Glancing quickly at the content on the communicator, Lin Rui's eyes, which had been filled with despair just moments ago, suddenly sparkled with hope.
"What's going on?" Sensing the change in Lin Rui's aura, Iceman quickly asked.
"Perhaps, we haven't failed just yet! Come on! Let's go down too!" Without immediately explaining anything, Lin Rui swiftly pulled out the Magic Cube.
Rip!
Following Thor's transformation into lightning and his descent into New York City, Lin Rui and Iceman also passed through the Spatial Teleportation gate conjured by magic, instantly arriving in the city below, which was also New York City.
"Where is this... Stark Industries Tower?" Stepping onto solid ground as they emerged from the Spatial Teleportation gate, Iceman quickly surveyed the surroundings and inquired.
In Iceman's vision, the large English letters of "Stark" were embedded at the top of the tower, blinking with white light, which stood out brightly in the darkness shrouded by Dormammu's black mist.
Without answering Iceman's question, Lin Rui had already started walking forward briskly. Ahead, two individuals stood at the edge of the tower, Jack and Stephen Strange.
Lin Rui had received the message from Jack, who informed him that there was a chance to control Dormammu with Strange's help. Armed with knowledge of the original storyline, Lin Rui had regained hope upon receiving this message.
"Jack, Strange, do Sorcerers really have a chance?" As he walked up to Jack and Strange, Lin Rui asked quickly.
"Whether we have a chance or not, this should be our only option now. Wong has already gathered all the sorcerers who can still use magic. They will work together to create a Mirror Dimension large enough to contain Dormammu. I will use the Eye of Agamotto to establish a time trap. If successful, Dormammu will be securely trapped." Upon hearing Lin Rui's question, Strange replied swiftly.
This was the most significant action the Earth sorcerers could take at this point. Due to the battles with the rogue sorcerers, the Earth sorcerers had already suffered significant losses in their ranks.
Now, they needed to create a Mirror Dimension large enough to cover Dormammu's colossal form in one go, which posed a significant challenge for them.
Even if they successfully created a large enough Mirror Dimension to contain Dormammu, securing it and preventing Dormammu from breaking out would test the depth of the Earth sorcerers' capabilities.
...