American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

151. Power Enhancement.

"Alex, are you okay?"

Pietro cautiously approached Alex. Although Alex had returned to his human form, his previous beastly transformation had given Pietro quite a scare. Taking a deep breath and then slowly exhaling, Alex licked his teeth as if savoring the sensation of his previously sharp fangs. Hearing Pietro's words, Alex turned around and smiled.

"Of course I'm fine. On the contrary, I feel great right now. This power is under my control. My body feels tougher, my reflexes are sharper. It's a sensation I've never experienced before, like soaking in a hot spring and then lying on a bed, extremely comfortable."

Alex clenched his fist, clearly feeling the increase in his strength. It felt like leveling up, and the realness of this power boost was intoxicating. Moreover, it seemed he had also gained some transformation abilities. Perhaps it was because he had absorbed a rat-man's essence. Alex realized that if he wanted, his body would respond accordingly.

For example, his teeth could become sharp, his pupils could turn blood-red, and his fingernails could extend visibly, turning into blade-like claws capable of shredding enemies. This was a fascinating experience that Alex had never gone through before.

In his past life, Alex had fantasized about what it would feel like if his hands could extend three bone claws like Wolverine. Would it hurt a lot?

Now, he had experienced it, and he could say—it wasn't bad.

"Are you sure?" Pietro's smile was more like a grimace.

"Absolutely sure." Alex winked, then noticed Kara's worried expression. He immediately smacked his forehead. "I get it, you're worried about my mental state, right?"

"Alex, although I don't understand what kind of energy magic is, I've never encountered such peculiar energy all my life, but trust me, on any planet, forcibly taking energy from others is never a good thing," Kara said slowly.

"I know what you're worried about, and I understand it. Trust me, I am more aware of the dangers of this than you are because there are many lessons from the past in my memory."

Alex smiled and tapped his temple, then continued.

"The result of forcibly taking others' energy is to integrate their hidden dangers into yourself. Severe cases can lead to being influenced by the absorbed souls, losing sanity, and falling into extreme madness and chaos."

"I use this witchcraft because I've experienced something similar before. The energy Mephisto and the Great Old One passed to me wasn't 'pure.' Do you understand? Those cunning beings mixed countless demon souls into the energy."

At this point, Alex couldn't help but laugh. In retrospect, even though he had been very cautious, he almost got tricked.

Luckily, his energy conversion was done through the timepad, akin to installing a transformer in an electrical circuit. Those chaotic, twisted, dark souls were turned into fragmented information by the timepad before they even got close to him. These fragments were still filled with various negative energies, but for him at that time, they were no longer a concern.

Alex couldn't imagine the impact on his mind if he had been influenced by so many demon souls from the border of hell.

At that point, he would no longer be himself. That entire timeline, and all his energy, would have become nourishment for the dimension of hell, feeding back into Mephisto and the Great Old One's realms. You should never underestimate anyone, especially those powerful beings that have lived for countless years. At that level, Alex faced not 'linguistic traps' but much more advanced schemes.

True masters of intrigue disdain using 'plots' because, for them, it's too simple and boring. When they control people's hearts, they only use 'open schemes.' The goal is to leave you with no choice but to pick one of the outcomes they offer.

When rules favor them, they play with the rules. When reality favors them, they manipulate reality. If neither is in their favor, they will play with you.

This experience gave Alex great insight. Now, he could skillfully use the devouring magic, though he was far from the level of devouring ancient gods. But devouring a genetically modified creature was easy for him. Moreover, he wouldn't be affected by the soul and rationality of the devoured. It was like the North Darkness Divine Art of the magic world, except Alex digested it slower than professional black wizards.

From the beginning, Alex didn't take the mutant seriously. A creature that only dared to hunt ordinary people couldn't possibly recharge the timepad much, not even 1%.

So instead of wasting energy on the timepad, it was better to absorb and digest it himself, making himself stronger. Alex's goal wasn't high; he just wanted to be strong enough to protect Pietro and Kara.

The mutant's energy could enhance Alex's body strength. Although the increase wasn't substantial, it was a real enhancement. At least now, he wouldn't be suppressed in close combat by Hawkeye.

"In summary, that's how it is. I won't be affected by the devoured. Of course, I won't turn into some half-human, half-ghost monster or become a villain who kills innocents and forcibly takes other supernaturals' energy."

Alex spread his hands and smiled calmly at Pietro and Kara.

"You better be right. I can tell you're not lying or hiding anything," Kara said seriously as she stepped forward. "But if you do become like that, believe me, I will stop you."

"It seems I won't give you that chance."

Alex and Kara exchanged a smile. The next moment, Alex extended his arms, pulling Pietro and Kara closer. "It's time to go. We've delayed long enough."

As the three figures disappeared into the night, the cliff returned to silence. The mutant's shriveled corpse lay quietly on the pile of bones, devoid of any life. It was foreseeable that this place would be lush with trees and abundant with grass in the future!

...…..

20 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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