Terri's POV
"It's not fair..." Since the incident with GIFfany, I've literally gone from respected scientist to assistant, and now what am I? A broker?
I let out a long sigh. "I really hope these things are worth it..." I say to no one in particular, staring at the images of the two objects.
One looks like a music box, the other like a strange book found in the Los Angeles library. I managed to get the book, but the music box... nowhere to be found at The Apothecary.
Hopefully it's not that crucial for Mr. Stan's project, or else I risk a demotion. And that, in my current situation, would be catastrophic.
Especially since the boss's mood has changed recently. While before he willingly shared his projects with all of us, now he's completely withdrawn into himself.
Even Arlecchino doesn't know exactly what his current objective is, except that these objects seem to be crucial elements.
[I found the Calamity Box. It seems to have been stolen by a group of young girls, including one named Marcy Wu.]
Shit. Really not my day. Just as I was about to swear out loud, Arlecchino wasn't done explaining.
[According to Mystery Shack data, Marcy was the second person who could have gotten your position if you had refused.]
I couldn't hide my shocked expression upon hearing this information.
If this girl was among Mr. Stan's potential candidates, she must be exceptional. Why? Because Mr. Stan never recruits just anybody.
I learned that the hard way, especially with that old man – the one who solves most of the problems I encounter like they're nothing.
"If Mr. Pines wanted to recruit her, then this girl must really be special despite her young age. But why would she participate in a theft?"
[Don't ask me. Biological life forms are experts at being illogical, despite sometimes impressive intelligence.]
After this comment, Arlecchino cut the communication.
Of course, she also sent me the latest images of this Marcy and her friends.
According to the surveillance cameras, they're in the middle of a discussion around the box.
"I have to hurry. Mr. Pines specifically mentioned that this box must not be opened."
Knowing Mr. Pines, he's not the type to give this kind of warning lightly. Needless to say, it deserves to be taken very seriously.
I drove as fast as possible toward the indicated location. I couldn't help glancing at the back seats of the vehicle.
There was a black briefcase, entrusted to me just before leaving Mystery Shack for this mission.
I was specifically told to never, ever move away from it. In case of unexpected events, it was either supposed to allow me to return or, more simply, to stay alive.
But honestly, I really hope I don't have to use it today.
It didn't take long to find the trio of thieves.
As I got out of the vehicle, briefcase in hand, a few meters from their location, one of them suddenly opened the box.
A flash of light blinded me.
....
Stan's POV
Magic...
It takes various forms depending on dimensions, planets, or even realities.
I had regained my human body, and with it, lost access to witch magic, which was incredibly practical.
Now I only had Titan magic as my sole usable form of magic – an incredible stroke of luck, given my situation. Why?
Because when a Titan dies, their magic disappears with them. That's precisely why the Titan of the Boiling Isles bequeathed all his magic to me, using my artificial heart as a catalyst.
That's also the reason I can't simply replace my current heart and continue as if nothing happened. This heart is both an essential asset for my clone, but also its weakness.
That's why I don't want to graft such a thing into my original body, despite the fact that it would have allowed me to retain a substantial part of my power, even with a mortal shell.
Not to mention there would possibly be rejection. My old body was literally built for my artificial heart, and after the titan improved it, it really has nothing to do with human ones anymore.
"It's finally finished."
Before me was an abnormally large gauntlet, with three empty slots.
(Image)
Yes, I updated my armor with an arc reactor and recreated the infinity gauntlet, magic stone version.
With this, I just need Amphibia's magic stones, and no entity in this world will be able to stop me. Except, maybe, the Guardian himself.
I couldn't help but smile imagining my ascension. A "god" with a body solid enough to channel the true power of these stones, far more than what Anne could handle.
That kid destroyed a moon carelessly. And from what I know, these stones aren't even used to their full potential because of Anne's own weakness.
[master, there's an unexpected situation with Terri]
Seems things won't be so simple, huh...
....
"As expected, Terri unfortunately didn't complete her mission in time. *Sigh* It's not her fault."
I had initially decided to avoid getting involved in the Multiverse Guardian's plans. But after my encounter with this unknown divine being and the loss of GIFfany, my perspective changed.
I decided to be more... aggressive in my evolution. That's why I finally chose to participate in this bored entity's "little game."
Unfortunately, fate intervened, and Anne ended up in Amphibia.
Fortunately, I gave Terri a briefcase containing a (prototype) armor and titan blood but also somethings else
.. She'll probably return quickly if she decides to abandon the kids.
But it's impossible for Terri to make such a "logical" decision. She must surely be looking for the thieves to bring them home.
Should I go there?
No. Impossible for now. I first need to trace this magical formation at the molecular level on a surface as vast as a medium district.
Not to mention that Lilith is just waiting for my signal to begin our fight against the last Time Giant and rewrite history as I plan.
I really need the Time Wish. Not only because of GIFfany but also because of what this unknown god said.
This timeline is supposed to perish.
[If you're unable to act, master, perhaps you could let me handle it?]
Although Arlecchino's offer was interesting, I had to refuse.
I don't know how she would react to the Core, an entity similar to her, but also different.
It would be a disaster if she got assimilated. Sure, the chances are low, but they exist.
"I have an idea, but maybe I should abandon the infinity gauntlet project to focus on the war."
I equipped my new armor before using titan blood to head to the Boiling Isles.
I don't like the idea of asking for a favor, but Eda and the kids can't just take advantage of me for free, right?