DOTM: Chapter 540/541

Chapter 540: What I Wanted to Do

Returning to the Marvel Universe with a smug look, Tony was very satisfied with this trip. He had been away for several months, but in the Marvel Universe, less than a week had passed.

"With such a short time, Pepper won't be angry either."

"After all, my strength is improving. If I keep working hard, I can better control the timing of 'landing'. By then, I can make you return at the exact moment you left. For this world, it will be as if you never left at all."

Tony naturally understood how difficult this would be. Ethan was already incredibly powerful to be able to control time within just a few days.

This level of strength was already enough for Tony to look up to. In his opinion, Ethan's power should be no less than Thanos'.

But what surprised him was that Ethan never seemed satisfied, always climbing toward an even higher peak.

"How strong do you want to become?"

"I don't know. Since I can become stronger, I'll just keep moving forward."

If there was still a path ahead, why not take it? He could think about that question when there was truly no path left. After all, getting stronger was addictive.

Not to mention the benefits: eternal life, maintaining peak physical condition, and a perfectly optimized physique and appearance. Although, after gaining power, one couldn't do whatever they wanted since they had to consider friends and other factors, they could at least ensure they would never have to do anything they didn't want to do.

"That's true. I also want to go a bit further."

All his life, even with his privileged background and outstanding abilities, Tony couldn't guarantee that he could avoid doing things he didn't want to do. For one reason or another, he always had to deal with some annoying matters.

Now, after hearing about these benefits from Ethan, he felt he should work harder.

Of course, hard work and relaxation were not mutually exclusive.

"After I finish this busy period, take me to see Oliver Queen next time."

"...Why do you want to see him?" Ethan looked at Tony with surprise.

"Just curious."

"You're not planning to be a teacher again and give him some kind of armor, are you?"

Was this guy trying to infiltrate the Justice League step by step? What would happen when the two sides met, and half of the people on the other side were his students?

"Hahahaha, I'm really just curious. Enough about that, I need to call Pepper and tell her I'm back."

To avoid any potential trouble, Tony decisively chose to inform Pepper of his return.

What the actual reason was, was hard to say. Besides Pepper, he had no other excuse to use right now.

Howard Stark had already begun handling company affairs, and even Pepper was now mostly assisting Howard. She was just waiting for Howard to build up enough prestige before he could officially become the CEO of Stark Group.

By then, Pepper and Tony could do whatever they wanted, free from any constraints.

Considering that both of them were no longer young, although their lifespans were far beyond ordinary humans after their enhancements, perhaps their stable relationship should also have a conclusion?

Maybe when Howard officially took charge of Stark Group under the name "the Second", it would also be the time for Tony and Pepper's wedding?

Besides that, Tony also needed to start modifications on the Prometheus. He would be incredibly busy for the next few months.

Since Ethan didn't involve himself in the specific details and gave Tony complete freedom, Ethan didn't need to stay around during this process. He could find something else to do in the meantime.

"Do you have any plans?"

Before Ethan left, Tony asked. Ethan thought for a moment. He really didn't have any particular plans.

However, there was one thing he felt he should deal with.

"To save someone."

"Save someone?"

Tony didn't think one of Ethan's companions was in trouble. He knew Ethan understood the "detailed development trajectories" of many worlds. This so-called "saving someone" might mean going to a certain world to help someone he favored. Maybe that person would even become a member of the Prometheus crew?

"Do I need to add a few extra cabins on the Prometheus?"

"Just the normal modifications will do."

The Prometheus already had cabins that could accommodate more than twenty people. At that time, there had been seventeen official crew members, along with Weyland and his medical team who were secretly hidden, so there was enough space for at least thirty people, and it was still spacious.

"Got it." Seeing Ethan preparing to leave, Tony waved his hand. "Good luck."

Ethan waved back over his shoulder, then stepped away and disappeared instantly.

Watching Ethan's teleportation magic, Tony suddenly felt that he should work even harder. Otherwise, he might not even be qualified to join Ethan's team in the future.

"Strange, why would I want to join that drifting group?"

But for some reason, Tony had a premonition that his future was tied to that place. In that instant, he wondered if he had glimpsed the trajectory of fate.

"I must be overthinking things!"

He shook his head, turned, and went back to his work.

Ethan didn't know what Tony was thinking after he left. Returning to his manor in one step, he found a spot and sat quietly.

In the vast manor, there was only himself and the cleaning and maintenance staff. Since he rarely stayed here, he hadn't hired a butler or anyone to manage daily affairs.

At this moment, he envied Bruce for having Alfred by his side. At least he had someone to talk to.

"I should have left a few people here instead of sending them all to the Starship Troopers world."

Although he didn't know how his companions were doing there, since they hadn't sent any messages or used Galahad's shield to return early, it meant they were managing well. (The time flow in the Starship Troopers world was tied to Ethan personally.)

Furthermore, his companions' individual combat power was incredibly strong. There was nothing in that world that could threaten them, especially the Earthling army, whose war instincts had degenerated after years of peace.

Look at their war with the bugs. It was so full of holes that you didn't even know where to start complaining.

Although later, due to the prolonged war, humans "relearned the correct way to fight", in the beginning they had been nothing more than weaklings with combat power barely at a five.

So there was no need to worry about his companions. Nor was there any need to worry about Laura, who had gone to the Avatar world. That world was a very primitive one with abundant natural energy. In such an environment, her Druid powers could be maximized. With Laura's immortality and the companionship of Auriel, it would already be good enough if she didn't cause trouble for others.

He silently watched the sun gradually set. Ethan didn't notify anyone to prepare dinner, and even the staff working in the mansion didn't know their master had returned.

Just as he had returned quietly, he set off quietly again.

He had wanted to do this for a long time but hadn't done it before because his strength was insufficient.

According to his original plan, he would at least use the Titan Potion before setting off.

However, due to the unexpected resolution of Ego and the huge progress he had made in magic, his current strength should be sufficient. Especially after this period of settling down, his mental force universe had begun to stabilize.

He didn't set off immediately, hesitating about which point in time he should enter.

His initial thought was to go to a time shortly after he left. In that case, he could participate in many events.

But after much consideration, he realized the real problem he wanted to solve was not in those battles, but in the events that happened afterward.

There was no need for him to participate in those major battles. In fact, to some extent, the final battle became a crucial turning point for that world, and it would be better if he didn't interfere.

Thinking of this, Ethan made up his mind. He would not choose a time shortly after he left, but would "land" several years after the great war ended.

So when he returned to the familiar yet unfamiliar Sanctuary world, the oppressive dark aura was no longer in the air. Now, it was just an ordinary world. The surrounding plants had not withered due to dark power, and no dark creatures roamed the plains to harm travelers and caravans.

Ethan stood on the vast plain. He wasn't in a hurry to move. Instead, he went behind a bush by the roadside, changed into clothes suitable for this era, and then headed northwest.

He didn't use magic to travel, just walked slowly along the traveler's path, observing the vibrant plains around him.

He knew that in a few more years, darkness would return. And in that battle, the enemies humanity would face would not only be demons from Hell.

"Should I completely separate the 'three worlds'?"

His earlier plan was to completely sever Heaven, Hell, and Sanctuary once he became strong enough, so that the humans living here would no longer be caught between two powerful races.

But as his strength grew, hidden memories gradually returned. From things he had seen before, he realized that humans in this world possessed a terrifying talent that could allow them to defeat both angels and demons.

During the great battle with Baal, the Worldstone was destroyed, breaking the shackles placed on humanity. Since then, unbelievably powerful individuals began to appear among humans. The heroes who appeared in the third game were such beings.

In other words, humans had the potential to contend with those two powerful races. It no longer seemed necessary to cut off the three worlds that were already closely connected.

That was why Ethan returned here even before he was capable of severing them. Because this time, what he had to do was very simple: save Izual.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 541: Familiar yet Strange People

After walking along the dirt road for more than half a day, Ethan found the surroundings becoming increasingly familiar. He looked left and right, then adjusted his direction slightly, heading toward a place he knew well.

He hadn't walked far before he saw that very familiar, yet somewhat unfamiliar, encampment.

"The Rogue Encampment is still here?"

He had originally thought that after defeating Andariel and clearing out the dark creatures that had occupied the Monastery, the priests of the Blind Eye Sisterhood and the Rogues would return to live in the Monastery, and this temporary encampment would be abandoned and dismantled. To his surprise, not only had the encampment been preserved, but it had also been expanded, renovated, and reinforced.

Ethan approached and saw that the wooden fence protecting the encampment had been replaced with a sturdier low wall of mud and stone. Outside the wall, rows of obstacles had been set up, leaving only the main entrance clear, presumably because there was no fighting at present. If necessary, the obstacles could be placed there again.

Every so often along the wall, a Rogue was scanning the distance. Ethan noticed that they had already seen him, but their gaze lingered on him only for a short while before turning away.

Clearly, these Rogues were not on guard against "ordinary people" like him.

Ethan's pace was not fast, but he was already very close to the Rogue Encampment. Even if he slowed down, he would still reach the entrance before long.

"Hello, traveler. Is there anything I can help you with?"

The Rogue archer guarding the entrance was still a strong, muscular woman wearing red leather armor. The one before him stood 1.8 meters tall, and with the heels of her boots, she was about the same height as Ethan.

Coupled with the muscular figure that the leather armor could not conceal, although she was a woman, her presence was no less imposing. An ordinary person facing such a warrior's inquiry might stumble over their words, even if her tone was friendly.

"I'd like to ask if Priestess Akara is still here?"

"High Priestess Akara?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Ah, no. May I ask what business you have with High Priestess Akara?"

The female Rogue looked Ethan up and down. She was very surprised that someone would suddenly appear here asking to see Akara. High Priestess Akara's reputation was well-known in the area, and everyone knew she was at the Monastery.

"I received her help here a few years ago. Having returned, I wanted to visit her."

The female Rogue suddenly understood. If it was someone from a few years ago, then it wasn't strange.

Indeed, a few years back, Priestess Akara had been staying at the Rogue Encampment. At that time, all the sisters of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye had been here, as the Monastery had been occupied by Andariel and countless dark creatures.

"I see. However, High Priestess Akara is not in the encampment right now. She is in seclusion at the Monastery."

This did not surprise Ethan. What he was curious about was something else.

"I heard the demons have been defeated. Why is this encampment still here?"

At the mention of the demons' defeat, the female Rogue's eyes lit up with excitement. Legends of those heroes were everywhere now, and warriors like the Rogues held even greater admiration for those who could defeat demons.

At the same time, they were proud of the work they had done over the years.

"Although Diablo and Baal have been defeated, the scattered dark creatures have not disappeared immediately. Commander Kashya suggested keeping this encampment to clear out the nearby dark creatures and protect passing travelers."

Ethan nodded. The last time he was here, he already knew the general layout.

The Monastery was located to the east, perfectly positioned at a transportation hub. When Andariel occupied it, normal travel between east and west was blocked.

The Rogue Encampment had been built by the priests and Rogues who fled after being defeated, a short distance from the Monastery.

Now that the Sisterhood had reclaimed the Monastery, that area could be cleared with the Monastery as the center. However, a stronghold was still needed for the areas farther away, and that was the role of the Rogue Encampment.

"No wonder I hardly saw any monsters on the road this time."

Hearing Ethan say this, the female Rogue looked very pleased, as if their years of hard work had finally been acknowledged.

"That's what we've always hoped for."

"By the way, is Kashya here?"

"Commander Kashya is currently stationed at the Monastery. The Rogue Encampment is under the command of Myriam."

Ethan nodded, then sighed helplessly.

When he was at the Rogue Encampment, he mostly interacted with Akara, occasionally spoke with Kashya, and his best relationship was with the blacksmith Charsi.

Other than those few, he had interacted more with Itherael and Zoltun Kulle. He wasn't really familiar with the ordinary Rogues.

He didn't even know who this Myriam was, or whether she was someone he had met before.

"What about Charsi?"

If the female Rogue had only half-believed Ethan knew Akara before, now she was basically convinced. The blacksmith at the Rogue Encampment back then was indeed Charsi, and only someone who had truly been here would know that.

A blacksmith was not as noticeable as a commander or high priestess. Unless there were legendary works circulating, no one would pay much attention to one.

So when Ethan mentioned Charsi, the female Rogue's tense muscles relaxed slightly. Although she had spoken kindly to him, she had not dropped her guard, showing that she was an experienced and capable warrior.

It wasn't until Ethan gave a small sign that he was indeed an "acquaintance" that she lowered her guard a little.

"Charsi has already left. As for where she went... perhaps Commander Kashya knows."

"I see."

Ethan looked disappointed. Although the Rogue Encampment before him was in a familiar place, it had become completely unfamiliar.

Thinking of this, he no longer had the desire to wander around inside. He thanked the female Rogue and prepared to head east to the Monastery to see Akara.

"It's getting late. Why don't you rest in the encampment for the night before continuing your journey?"

The female Rogue kindly reminded him.

"Although we have cleared the dark creatures in this area countless times, at night there are always some that appear out of nowhere. It's better not to be outside after dark."

Ethan gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, but I do have some ability to protect myself."

Seeing that he insisted on leaving, the female Rogue said no more.

Those who could travel alone outdoors usually had some combat ability. Ordinary people without it would never travel alone. They would either travel in groups or with caravans, even if they had to pay for it, to ensure safety.

After all, even without dark creatures, there were still dangers in the wilderness, such as wild beasts and bandits who could easily take a person's life.

So someone without ability would never wander alone outside.

Ethan's appearance here by himself was proof enough.

"I wish you a smooth journey."

Watching the young man slowly disappear into the distance, the female Rogue returned to her post, continuing her monotonous work, though she hoped this peaceful monotony would last forever.

After leaving the Rogue Encampment, Ethan looked back. He could no longer see it. Of course, he wasn't actually planning to walk all the way to the Monastery. Although the distance between the encampment and the Monastery wasn't very far, it certainly wasn't close either.

After confirming that no one could see him, Ethan was about to cast a teleportation spell when he suddenly realized he didn't know the exact location of the Monastery. Using teleportation without knowing the coordinates could easily land him inside a wall.

Although he wouldn't be stuck forever, it would be embarrassing. So Ethan decided to fly honestly.

Since his teleportation magic had become easier, he had rarely used flight to travel, even though he no longer relied on external tools and could fly at high speed on his own.

The long-lost feeling of soaring through the sky made him a bit carried away, and he almost flew too far. He circled back and turned around, narrowly avoiding flying straight to Lut Gholein.

Looking at the Monastery below, Ethan found a hidden spot, then returned to the main road and walked toward the gate like an ordinary traveler.

This time he didn't need to deal with the guards, because he unexpectedly ran into Kashya, who was inspecting the posts.

"Kashya!"

"You are..."

Ethan had changed greatly, and Kashya couldn't recognize that the tall, handsome young man before her was the thin boy from years ago.

"I'm Ethan, the one who appeared in the Rogue Encampment a few years ago because of a teleportation accident..."

When he mentioned his name, Kashya didn't recall much, but when he mentioned the "reason" for appearing, Kashya immediately remembered that thin, young boy.

"I remember now, you were that mage apprentice."

With the memory clear, Kashya looked at Ethan again and suddenly laughed. "Not bad, it seems you've grown well these past few years. You finally look like a warrior!"

As she spoke, Kashya reached out and gave Ethan a heavy pat on the shoulder. The elasticity of the muscles beneath his loose clothes impressed her, and she couldn't resist feeling them again.

"..."

(To be continued.)