That's right! Michael was going to use the Power Stone's ability to give the Ancient One a push.
However,
this push was not without cost.
Although the Power Stone and the Time Stone had different abilities and rules, at their core, their origins were the same.
If the Time Stone could help the Ancient One merge with the Dark Dimension and help the Dark Dimension ascend to a higher level, then the Power Stone could do the same.
Therefore,
Michael proposed a trade: Michael would help the Ancient One merge with the Dark Dimension and cause the Dark Dimension to fundamentally advance a level, and Michael wanted nothing else but the Time Stone in the Ancient One's hand!… In fact, although the Ancient One had abandoned her physical body, or rather, merged both her soul and body into the Dark Dimension,
the Ancient One clearly sensed Michael's arrival.
After all, Michael did not conceal his whereabouts.
Due to… Michael's incredibly familiar aura and unique biological fluctuations, even though the Ancient One was in the critical process of merging with the Dark Dimension, she instantly recognized Michael.
Then, the Ancient One was shocked! A Single Universe Level powerhouse! A true powerhouse! The Ancient One, who had almost completely merged with the Dark Dimension, immediately discerned Michael's strength.
The Ancient One was shocked.
When was the last time she saw Michael? How long had it been for Michael to already reach Single Universe Level strength? Furthermore, through the perception of the entire Dark Dimension, Michael seemed to be at the peak among Single Universe Level powerhouses. Where did such a gentlemanly fellow come from in this World? Any genius was trash in front of Michael!…
Regarding… the conditions Michael offered, the Ancient One was somewhat conflicted.
To be honest, even without Michael's push, with the power of the Time Stone, the Ancient One could slowly merge the Dark Dimension.
Although the Dark Dimension's instincts were a hindrance to the Ancient One, this hindrance was not strong in front of the Time Stone.
But! Since it was a slow grind, it naturally required time.
And this time was not short.
After all, Dormammu was only unconscious, not utterly destroyed.
The Ancient One wanted to devour Dormammu and merge with the Dark Dimension, and even with the Time Stone's assistance, the time consumed would not be short.
What's more, would Odin, that… old schemer, allow the Ancient One's operation? Once Odin awoke from Odinsleep, would he be willing to see the Ancient One devour Dormammu and, incidentally, upgrade the Dark Dimension, thereby putting Asgard at a disadvantage?…
All in all, the Ancient One really wanted Michael's push.
However, the Ancient One was reluctant to trade away the Time Stone.
Not to mention that the Ancient One belonged to the Vishanti lineage of mages and had always regarded the Time Stone as a sect heritage.
If the Ancient One were to hand over the Time Stone, she would only be able to be trapped within the Dark Dimension, just like Dormammu.
Merging with the Dark Dimension, completing life evolution, and gaining eternal life—all these came at a price! The price was being unable to leave the Dark Dimension! Ascending by merging with the Dark Dimension also meant being confined by the Dark Dimension.
Unless one could break free like Pangu opening the heavens! But the Infinity Stones, as the materialized fundamental rule power of the Marvel Universe, could easily assist the Ancient One in breaking free from the Dark Dimension's shackles, thereby escaping its confinement and freely roaming the Universe… This made the Ancient One very conflicted.
On one hand, the Ancient One could slowly wear him down without Michael's help, but she would have to worry about Odin's underhanded tactics. With the Destroyer Armor, Odin might not be able to blow up the Dark Dimension, but rendering all of the Ancient One's current efforts futile would be effortless.
On the other hand, accepting Michael's terms, rapidly merging with the Dark Dimension, truly completing the evolution of life, and achieving the Dark Dimension's advancement would make her completely unafraid of Odin in his Destroyer Armor state. The cost, however, would be eternal confinement within the Dark Dimension, losing her freedom.
Of course, there was also a third scenario: Michael, a true Single Universe Level powerhouse, could grow impatient, punch the Ancient One and the Dark Dimension to smithereens, and directly snatch the Time Stone! Especially in this third scenario, the Ancient One truly had no power to resist!...In fact, Michael had also considered these possibilities.
Although Michael had his own bottom line and would not directly snatch it, the Ancient One didn't know that! Beyond her considerable understanding of Michael's power, how much did the Ancient One truly know about his character? From the Ancient One's perspective, it's better to be safe than sorry.
What if Michael decided to snatch it? This was also why Michael could so effortlessly produce the Power Stone, quietly waiting for the Ancient One's choice.
Michael wasn't worried that the Ancient One wouldn't agree... In fact, the Ancient One had no other choice!
"I hope you can keep your promise and help me!"
Not long after, the Ancient One, who had already integrated herself into the Dark Dimension, made her decision with a heavy heart.
A gem emitting a forgiving green light suddenly appeared before Michael, accompanying the Ancient One's voice, illuminating the originally pitch-black surroundings with a verdant glow.
"Of course!"
"Upholding the principles of trade is the most basic moral bottom line!"
Smiling, Michael took the verdant Time Stone into his hand.
Immediately, an extremely pure energy surged from the Time Stone, flowing throughout his body.
With the Time Stone in one hand and the Power Stone in the other, Michael instantly appeared purple and green all over.
"Indeed!"
"With the Time Stone in hand, the rules of time have no more secrets from me!"
Opening his eyes, which glowed with purple and green light, Michael immediately saw sights invisible in normal conditions!...
"Now, let's complete our transaction first!"
After a short period of enlightenment, Michael withdrew from his previous state.
As a trustworthy powerhouse, since he said he would assist the Ancient One, he would definitely assist her! He had already received the benefits, so naturally, it was time to get to work!
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