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"General Kyle... I haven't heard that title in a long time. In fact, I haven't heard that since the end of World War II, it's been seventy or eighty years," Caesar mused while floating effortlessly off the ground.
His sapphire eyes met the Ancient One's, and he asked with a hint of surprise, "How did you recognize me so quickly?"
The Ancient One with her hands clasped behind her back, explained without hesitation, "Every living being is born with a unique soul. As Sorcerers who are required to guard the sanctum, we possess the ability to see the essence of those souls."
"I see," Caesar nodded in understanding. His Superman persona was indeed created through a soul-splitting process, so he had no trouble believing in the mystical nature of souls.
However, believing was one thing; reaching the level of soul manipulation was a vast chasm, as wide as the difference between sky and earth.
"I wonder what level of Ability Cards this old woman has after practicing magic for hundreds of years... I'd love to see it," Caesar thought, his eyes practically itching to borrow his Extracting Card System from his original body.
The idea of extracting Ability Cards from the Ancient One had persisted in his mind for decades. Unfortunately, when his main body was around, the Ancient One was nowhere to be found. Now, his avatar had stumbled upon her by accident.
Feeling like a child who had lost his candy, Caesar's spirits dampened and his enthusiasm waned.
The Ancient One, unaware of Caesar's inner thoughts, turned her back to him, standing by the railing. She gazed out at the chaotic and brutal New York battlefield beyond the protective barrier of the house.
"Kyle, decades ago, from the first moment I saw you in New York, I knew you were a unique force in this world. You're a person who can single-handedly influence and change the world, even the entire universe," She said calmly.
"That's a bit too much, It feels like you are calling me a calamity," Caesar replied with a helpless shrug. He floated closer to stand beside the Ancient One, both of them looking out at the turbulent battlefield. "The alien forces are already here, wreaking havoc on our doorstep. We can't just sit back and let them slaughter our loved ones and ravage our world, then seek revenge afterward."
The Ancient One countered, "You're not wrong, but war is never a perfect solution. It doesn't solve fundamental issues."
Caesar smiled confidently. "The perfect solution is to always to respect the weak and possess the strength to stand above others so that no one can give you crap about your beliefs."
The Ancient One remained silent. The survival of the fittest was an eternal truth of the universe, a truth she could not refute but could not entirely accept either.
Possessing overwhelming strength was easier said than done. There was always someone stronger out there. Even the Ancient One, as Earth's guardian, couldn't claim she had the power to protect Earth from all external threats. But what she couldn't achieve, perhaps this man before her could.
"If it's him, he might actually accomplish what even I can't..." She thought before glancing at Caesar. She gave a barely perceptible nod and a faint smile. "I'll be watching."
Caesar laughed heartily. "Ancient One, you're not exactly young anymore. If you can't take action, then retire early and watch the show from the audience. I'll make sure to pummel any villains who dare to come to Earth into dust!"
"It's quite impolite to comment on a lady's age," The Ancient One replied with a rare smile, a hint of teasing in her usually stern demeanor.
Decades had passed in the blink of an eye. As Earth's guardian, the Ancient One finally acknowledged Caesar, or rather, Kyle. Even as the greatest variable, he was a force for turning things for the better.
"Alright, I now know the location of the New York Sanctum. Next time I have some free time, I'll drop by for a visit," Caesar said, ready to take his leave.
Caesar rubbed his hands eagerly, watching the New York battlefield outside. The Kryptonian blood in his veins was craving for battle, gradually boiled and surged, unable to contain the urge to join the fight.
"Alright, you're welcome to visit the Sanctum," The Ancient One said casually, not detaining him.
Waving farewell, Caesar was about to fly out of the ancient building when he suddenly turned back to ask the Ancient One, "Are you really not taking action this time?"
The Ancient One shook her head gently. With the Time Stone in hand, she had already seen multiple outcomes of the New York battle.
There were a total of sixteen thousand and sixty-five outcomes, and as long as Caesar existed, all of them ended in their complete victory!
What did this represent?
It meant that Caesar alone possessed terrifying combat power capable of driving Loki and his alien army out.
With just him, the war could be ended, which is why all other factors leading to failure were directly ruled out!
"Well, then I'll be off then." Caesar pursed his lips and flew out of the building. But just then, a dark green figure of immense size suddenly streaked past him overhead, landing swiftly on the rooftop of the New York Sanctum, concealed by magic.
"Hmm?"
Caesar paused in mid-air, and together with the Ancient One, turned to look behind him. They saw a two-meter-tall green muscle monster sneaking a peek inside the door on the rooftop.
"Hulk?"
Seeing the familiar figure, Caesar widened his eyes in surprise. Just half an hour ago, he had thrown Hulk, along with Venom, out of the Helicarrier. How could he have recovered so quickly and unharmed?
"Uh?"
Startled by the unexpected childish voice, Hulk jumped. When he turned around and saw Caesar, a flicker of excitement and nostalgia flashed in his beastly eyes. Speaking in broken sentences, he muttered, "Caesar..."
Feeling even more surprised, Caesar looked Hulk up and down, exclaiming, "Is that you, Dr. Banner? Did you manage to control the Hulk state? Did getting beaten by me open your eyes completely?"
Thud, Thud, Thud!
Hulk remained silent, taking a few quick steps forward. He then reached out his huge hands and unexpectedly hugged Caesar, rubbing his rough chin against Caesar's tender face.
"What are you doing?"
Resisting the urge to push away the giant's chin, Caesar felt increasingly puzzled. Although this was undoubtedly Hulk, his demeanor was completely different from the enraged Hulk he had encountered before.
The Ancient One on the side seemed to see through everything, and whispered softly, "Caesar, he is not the person you know."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "More accurately, he comes from a certain point in the future."
(End of Chapter)