CHAPTER 68

Rhodes absorbed the source of power from a significant number of Reality Gems into his body, unlocking the true potential of these gems.

Just as he harnessed the Time Gem's power by absorbing its source, Rhodes had now gained mastery over aspects of time and space. This newfound ability would enable him to face off against the Ancient One Mage with the confidence of a conqueror of time and space. The Ancient One might even meet an instant demise.

If Rhodes claimed to be second in understanding time and space, the Ancient One Mage would hesitate to proclaim the top position.

As Rhodes absorbed a substantial amount of energy from the Reality Gem, his comprehension of the gem's abilities reached its zenith. The Reality Gem possessed the extraordinary power to manipulate reality, and Rhodes now had the means to manifest even the most implausible changes in the fabric of reality by channeling the powerful energy within him.

With the demonstration complete, Rhodes stowed away the Reality Gem.

Concerned, Hela inquired, "Rhodes, are you alright?"

Rhodes didn't respond with words but raised his hand. Before him, a beautiful fountain defied gravity, sending water upwards into the sky, beyond everyone's sight.

Hela found herself bewildered, as there was no discernible external force behind this phenomenon. The water flowed skyward as though of its own accord, a surreal occurrence.

Rhodes continued to experiment with the Reality Gem's power. To everyone's astonishment, multiple copies of both Rhodes and Hela materialized.

Hela, despite her celestial powers, couldn't distinguish the genuine Rhodes and Hela among the duplicates. It was impossible to discern reality from illusion.

In an instant, all these manifestations vanished, leaving a miniature star within Rhodes' palm. This white dwarf star possessed an immensely powerful gravitational pull.

The miniature star began attracting leaves, debris, and water, causing them to levitate towards the heavens. It emitted a brilliant radiance, proving its authenticity and immense gravitational force.

As the surrounding detritus ascended, they began to evaporate from the star's intense heat. Though the miniature star was small, no larger than Rhodes' fist, it boasted the lifespan and energy of a full-sized star. When combined with planets and other cosmic bodies of proportionate size, it could give rise to an entire solar system with the star as its nucleus.

Rhodes could create an intricate cosmic ecosystem, including planets with lifeforms of matching scale, all reliant on this miniature star. However, Rhodes hesitated, cautious of disrupting the natural order in Asgard.

With Rhodes wielding the power of the Reality Gem, it was theoretically possible for him to conjure an identical sun and construct an entire cosmic system, complete with stars, planets, and even celestial debris suspended throughout the cosmos.

Hela remained stunned. Jane, an Earthling, may wield the power of a heavenly father, yet her understanding of the universal system was limited. Hela, on the other hand, comprehended the implications of Rhodes's immense capabilities.

Rhodes's present power had the potential to transform not just worlds but the entire universe.

"Rhodes, having absorbed the Reality Gem's power, can you alter all of reality?" Hela inquired.

Rhodes displayed a subtle grin. Following a series of tests, he was undeniably certain of his command over the Reality Gem's abilities. With the Reality Gem unadorned, it would modify specific laws of reality only in its immediate vicinity. However, by absorbing the Reality Gem's potent energy, Rhodes had obtained a level of authority equivalent to the gem itself.

Moreover, with four additional Infinity Gems' powers at his disposal, Rhodes could effortlessly merge their energies with the Reality Gem's abilities. This combination offered him the means to manipulate time, space, and even the entire universe's reality.

If Rhodes desired to alter the environments throughout the Nine Realms, he could do so effortlessly. Even the notion of transforming every planet into a peculiar geometric shape was achievable. Rhodes wielded the might to bring about these changes.

"I believe so," Rhodes responded.

With a wave of his hand, a handful of exquisite roses sprouted from Hela's feet, creating a romantic tableau. Hela, astounded, never expected Rhodes to use the Reality Gem's power to convey his affections.

This romantic gesture, akin to the creative might of a universal deity, could forge or obliterate existence within an instant. Hela found herself enchanted by this extraordinary power.

Although it was not her own, the potency of her beloved's growing abilities filled Hela with immense joy. Despite being unable to harness the abilities of multiple Infinity Gems like Rhodes, she bore no jealousy, understanding her unique strengths and his.

Rhodes, having absorbed the powers of five Infinity Gems, transcended the need for an Infinity Gauntlet as a conduit. He had merged these powers with his own, ensuring permanent access. The prospect of an Infinity Gauntlet's destruction would not impede him. Even if the Infinity Gems met their demise, Rhodes would retain their powers, rendering him the sole possessor of these extraordinary abilities.

In essence, Rhodes had become the Infinity Gauntlet himself. Not only did he wield these powers without restriction, but there were no limits on the extent of his authority.

At this moment, far away, the Dark Elf King Malekith, who had ventured to Earth, scoured the land but found nothing. Suddenly, he sensed the ether particles' energy shift towards Asgard.

The Dark Elf King Malekith was momentarily confounded.

The ether particles could not travel so swiftly, even by rocket, leaving him perplexed.

During his sojourn in the cosmos, the Dark Elf King Malekith reflected on the events that transpired during his millennium-long slumber. He discovered a significant change: the Nine Realms had surrendered to Asgard, including the powerful Kree Empire. These revelations left the Dark Elf King with a crucial realization.

He found himself utterly outmatched by Asgard. The forces in the Nine Realms bore palpable dissatisfaction with Asgard's dominance. This notion inspired the Dark Elf King Malekith to seek allies, uniting those opposed to Asgard in preparation for a confrontation.

The Dark Elf King Malekith recognized his first ally should be the Flame Giant King Surtur, a foe who had long warred with Asgard.

Thus, the Dark Elf King Malekith's diamond-shaped spaceship descended swiftly upon Muspelheim, the realm of the Flame Giant King Surtur.

A Flame Giant sighted the craft, which bore unfamiliar markings.

"My lord, a group of Dark Elves waits outside, He wishes to see you."

The Flame Giant King Surtur raised an eyebrow.

"Dark Elves?"

The Flame Giant King Surtur quickly connected the name to the solemn meal he had consumed during Hela's succession feast. His mouth watered.

Nonetheless, he soon recognized the visitor as none other than the Dark Elf King Malekith, who had remained dormant for millennia. The recent emergence of the ether particles stirred his reawakening.

"Let them in."

"Of course."

The Flame Giant hastened to relay the message.

Before long, the Dark Elf King Malekith arrived at the Flame Temple, accompanied by a retinue of Dark Elves.

He greeted the towering figure of the Flame Giant King Surtur.

"Hello, Fire Giant King Surtur."

The Flame Giant King Surtur returned Malekith's gaze.

"Dark Elf King, this is an unusual visit."

Malekith chuckled.

"I've merely brought my followers to pay a visit. Surtur, there's no need for such tension."

The Flame Giant King Surtur erupted in hearty laughter, shaking the entire Flame Temple.