Chapter 1079: Ancient One Discovers a Clue

Even setting aside Kara, the time Clark and Robert spent with the Kent couple before Clark’s deep sleep was less than the time Lana Lang had spent with them. How could Martha not feel a stronger fondness for Lana? Especially since Clark had been gone for almost three years, Martha had constantly worried whether he would survive and return. If nothing had happened to Clark, Martha might have prioritized Lana over her son in her heart.

Martha’s earlier doubts about Clark being alive were understandable. Clark’s prolonged slumber, despite Robert's repeated assurances and even showing them images of Clark, left them uncertain. After all, seeing Clark alive in person was vastly different. Doubts were inevitable.

Fortunately, Robert hadn’t lied. Clark eventually woke up. With this, Martha naturally placed Lana ahead, recognizing how much pressure and heartache she endured over the years. Martha wanted to leave this time for Lana and Clark, choosing to say a few words during dinner rather than intrude on the couple’s reunion.

“Clark...” Lana had originally intended to leave this time for Martha and the others. But when Martha gently pushed her forward, her resolve crumbled. Tears flowed uncontrollably as she broke down, unable to suppress her emotions. Seeing her like this, Clark felt a pang of guilt and quickly embraced her.

No one interrupted their embrace. Martha and Jonathan exchanged glances before heading off to prepare dinner. After all, the family hadn’t had a proper reunion in a long time.

Fortunately, despite the original inhabitants of New Earth being a mix of humanoid and beast-like species, there were still regular animals present. The Supreme Evolutionary had aimed to replicate Earth’s environment, so food was never an issue. Many of the beast-like inhabitants were omnivorous or carnivorous, after all.

Soon, with Robert’s help, a feast was laid out on the long dining table. Before Jonathan could say anything, Galata appeared.

“Gulp!” Galata looked at Robert and Kara with a bashful expression. Although she seemed embarrassed, her sudden arrival made her intentions clear.

“I’m not interrupting, am I?” Seeing Robert and Kara remaining silent, Galata blinked and cautiously asked.

“No, go ahead. The portions might be a little small, though,” Robert sighed, shaking his head lightly.

What else could he do? Chasing Galata away wasn’t an option. Besides, she had helped during Galactus’ attempt to consume Earth and in the battle against Apokolips’ forces. Treating her to a meal seemed fair.

The only issue was that Robert had prepared enough food for his family, which wouldn’t suffice for Galata’s appetite.

“It’s fine; I’ll just have a taste,” Galata quickly reassured them, pretending to be a modest eater. Her act even deceived the Kent and Danvers families.

But once Galata started eating… her speed was shocking. The Kent and Danvers families instantly recalled who Galata was. After all, someone capable of out-eating Robert in a food contest was rare and memorable.

Luckily, Galata wasn’t here to eat her fill. She had come because Robert’s unique cooking method had enhanced the food. By using his ki, he had cooked the food quickly without compromising flavor. For Galata, this was a rare delicacy. The dishes also contained traces of Robert’s ki, serving as an energy supplement. Although the portions weren’t enough to satiate her, she left satisfied.

Elsewhere, it wasn’t just the Kents and Danvers enjoying reunions. Other Avengers had also arrived on New Earth to dine with their families in their new homes.

Tony Stark, for example, had been separated from his parents far longer than Clark had been from the Kents. Even for Howard and Maria Stark, the reunion was long overdue.

The Avengers and their families shared a rare period of joy and relaxation, temporarily forgetting the extraordinary events that usually preoccupied their minds.

However, while the Avengers rested, Kamar-Taj remained busy. This marked the Ancient One’s first return to the sanctum since her disappearance.

In her absence, Kamar-Taj had split into two factions. One side supported Doom as the next Sorcerer Supreme, while the other favored Constantine.

As for Kaecilius and Baron Mordo, they had long been eliminated from contention. Despite their seniority, they lacked the necessary strength. At Kamar-Taj, power was the key qualification for the position of Sorcerer Supreme.

Though the Avengers protected Earth, Kamar-Taj handled most dimensional threats. Without sufficient power, they couldn’t monitor and address dimensional issues effectively.

Both Constantine and Doom were recognized for their capabilities, leaving Kaecilius and Mordo overshadowed.

Now that the Ancient One had returned, her unmatched power, honed over centuries, rendered even Constantine and Doom’s strengths incomparable. Her mastery of the Time Stone and other Infinity Stones far surpassed theirs.

The Ancient One, often considered the most proficient user of Infinity Stones without a gauntlet, had previously subdued Galactus. However, with the Reality Stone destroyed, her abilities had diminished. Only the Time and Space Stones remained intact in the current universe.

The destruction of the Reality Stone also meant Constantine and Doom could no longer leverage it for power, further widening the gap between them and the Ancient One.

Thus, the Ancient One’s return created an unusual atmosphere at Kamar-Taj. Even her old disciples, Kaecilius and Mordo, deferred to her, while secretly observing how Constantine and Doom would respond.

“Why are you looking at me? Do you think I’d dare challenge the Sorcerer Supreme?” Constantine snapped when he noticed the gazes directed his way.

Unlike Doom, Constantine was more familiar with the Ancient One, having dealt with her before. Their history was fraught with her banning him from Kamar-Taj due to his deceptive practices. Seeing her return left Constantine uneasy.

“Relax. I won’t interfere in your competition,” the Ancient One said, shaking her head with a smile. “Kamar-Taj does need a new Sorcerer Supreme. Whoever proves the strongest will inherit the role.”

“Of course, those who don’t win can still stay at Kamar-Taj to protect Earth. The Sorcerer Supreme isn’t just a title; it’s a responsibility. Anyone who can bear that responsibility is worthy.”

“What about you, Master?” Kaecilius asked, puzzled by her stance.

“I’ve protected Earth for centuries. Don’t I deserve some time to enjoy myself?” the Ancient One quipped before clarifying, “I’ll still oversee dimensional threats. You’ve all managed well in my absence, haven’t you?”

Her words left everyone silent. Indeed, Kamar-Taj had thrived without her, especially with help from Robert, Doom, and Constantine.

Even Doom, initially an outsider, had become an integral member of Kamar-Taj, acknowledging the importance of humanity and the consequences of betraying their trust.

At that moment, the Ancient One’s gaze landed on Doom. “You’ve been exposed to witchcraft, haven’t you?”

Doom stiffened before nodding. “I inherited some of my mother’s artifacts, which included minor spells. Aside from basic hypnosis, I haven’t used their power.”

The Ancient One nodded but warned, “The spells bear traces of hellish energy, subtle but present. If left unresolved, they could escalate.”

“How should I address it?” Doom asked humbly.

“Redirect the burden to lesser demons through unbalanced contracts,” the Ancient One suggested with a smirk, adding a warning glance at Constantine. “But ensure the burden isn’t too great, or it could attract the attention of higher powers.”

Constantine’s admiration was evident. “Master Sorcerer indeed! Such methods suit me perfectly. Deceiving demons isn’t trickery; it’s a public service!”