**
Although the person in front of him looked nothing like the bald monk-robed figure from the movies, the resemblance was strikingly uncanny.
No way. Could it be... you! Ancient One!?
---
**[Name: Russell (Mortal)]**
**[Lifespan: 25/250]**
**[Physical: 100]**
**[Perception: 100]**
**[Mental: 100]**
**Talent 1: [Energy Absorption]** - Can absorb any form of energy and convert it into attribute points, defaulting to lifespan.
**Talent 2: [Attribute Transfer]** - [Lifespan] can be converted into [Physical], [Perception], or [Mental].
_Description: Upgrading (Estimated time remaining: 7 days)._
---
Three months.
That's how long Russell had been struggling in New York City, Earth, in the Marvel Universe.
Although his status panel still labeled him as a "Mortal," with attributes all at 100, he had the strength to lift a ton with one arm, bulletproof skin, lightning-fast reflexes, and the ability to launch psychic attacks.
At the very least, Russell could put up a good fight against Captain America, probably a 60-40 match!
When he first crossed over, Russell had been ecstatic to see Talent 1: [Energy Absorption].
Little did he know, even cheat-like abilities came with false advertising.
After testing, he found that while he could absorb solar energy, electricity, kinetic energy, and thermal energy, the power limit was capped, and the conversion efficiency was low.
He hadn't tried nuclear energy—too risky—but he guessed it wouldn't fare much better.
However, a unique energy absorbed from souls was different. The absorption speed was fast, and the conversion rate was high.
As for the maximum absorption rate of this special energy? He hadn't figured that out yet—because he was broke.
This special energy seemed to be some sort of magical essence linked to a person's moral standing during their life. The more virtuous or evil the person, the more energy they provided.
According to his observations, even gangsters provided some energy.
In the past three months, Russell had attended quite a few philanthropists' funerals.
The net gain? One attribute point.
Not nearly as effective as spending a day in a hospital.
Twenty days ago, after raising all his attributes to 100, his panel suggested an upgrade, estimating it would take a month.
Russell chose to upgrade without hesitation.
A few days ago, Hell's Kitchen on Manhattan's West Side witnessed a large-scale gang war.
Although his panel was mid-upgrade, preventing him from assigning points, Russell couldn't resist the waste-not-want-not mentality. He sneaked into the scene and absorbed a hefty amount of energy, amassing over 200 attribute points.
Unexpectedly, he "overindulged."
In the following days, he was plagued by depression, loneliness, and a flood of negative emotions.
He couldn't eat, sleep, talk, or even move without feeling miserable.
Being a recent arrival in this world, Russell had made no real friends in three months.
He decided to see a therapist.
---
**Big Apple, Manhattan.**
A private psychological counseling office called "Yao's Haven."
Russell knocked.
"Come in."
He pushed open the door, a rich and refreshing fragrance filling the room.
Sitting at a desk was a woman with platinum-blonde hair, dressed in black. She was absorbed in reading some documents—Doctor Yao.
She looked up, smiled gently in greeting, and gestured, "Mr. Russell, please have a seat."
At that moment, Russell's heart skipped a beat.
Although the person in front of him looked nothing like the bald monk-robed figure from the movies, the resemblance was strikingly uncanny.
No way. Could it be... you! Ancient One!? A delivery straight to a fellow traveler?
"Mr. Russell, would you like coffee or tea?"
"Tea."
Taking advantage of Dr. Yao's time preparing the tea, Russell calmed himself.
Well, since he was here, he might as well go through with the session.
After a while, Dr. Yao finished preparing the tea and sat opposite him.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Russell. Shall we begin?"
"Please."
"Mr. Russell, you're seeking help for depression, correct?"
"Yes."
"How long has it been going on?"
"Around a week."
The conversation was simple. Dr. Yao inquired about basic details: age, occupation, family background, and more.
While Russell answered, she observed his micro-expressions and gestures, constantly analyzing and recording.
Similarly, Russell studied her.
Dr. Yao's questioning, listening, and guidance were impeccably professional, just like a real psychologist.
Perhaps she truly was a psychologist.
But who's to say that the Ancient One couldn't also be a therapist?
Russell took a sip of tea, soothing his throat.
The tea's fragrance was like poetry, easing his mood.
"What do you do for a living, Russell?" Dr. Yao dropped the "Mr." formality.
"Library manager." Managing a small library was his main job; fighting crime was just a side gig (orchestrating gang wars and cleaning up afterward).
"Is your job stressful?"
"No, not really." He was his own boss, waking up whenever he pleased.
"Do you have conflicts with coworkers?"
"No conflicts." No coworkers, no conflicts.
"Could you describe your daily interactions with them?"
"No coworkers."
"You have a great sense of humor, Russell."
Dr. Yao chuckled softly.
Russell lowered his head and took another sip of tea.
"I run the library alone."
Dr. Yao refilled his cup, the delicate aroma wafting out once more.
"What about your family?"
"I'm an orphan."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It must be tough being alone."
"It's just a few hardships, nothing more."
"Russell, shall we change our approach a bit?"
"Go ahead."
Dr. Yao stood up, adjusting his chair to a reclining position, and sat by his right side.
"Russell, do you feel lonely when you're by yourself?"
"When I have nothing to do, yes."
"What do you do to alleviate the loneliness?"
"Play games, watch movies, read novels." Specifically, attribute-based games, gangster war movies, and reading "Journey's End" novels.
"Are you currently living alone?"
"Yes."
"Have you thought about getting roommates? Or hiring some staff to help with the library?"
"Is that your suggestion, Dr. Yao?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll think about it."
Time passed, and the conversation wound down.
"Would you like to rest for a while?"
"Hmm." Russell let out a languid sigh and closed his eyes to rest.
Dr. Yao stood up, quietly leaving the room.
Was Dr. Yao really the Ancient One?
Apart from the uncanny resemblance, there were no other similarities.
But it was just too coincidental! Russell didn't believe in coincidences.
Suddenly, a gentle fragrance filled the air, carrying a refreshing scent.
The exhaustion from his recent lack of rest melted away, and with his curiosity still lingering, Russell drifted off to sleep.
At some point, Dr. Yao returned to Russell's side.
No, not Dr. Yao—**The Ancient One**. She looked at the sleeping Russell, chuckling and shaking her head.
What a restless kid, couldn't even sit still for a month.
Yet, he managed to find his way here—fate, perhaps.
"Thud!"
With a gentle motion, she dispelled an invisible black mist surrounding him.
Next time, don't eat the wrong things.
With a soft sigh, a portal opened soundlessly.
The Ancient One stepped through and vanished.
Absorb energy to enhance physical attributes, strengthen to absorb more energy. Once reaching the limit, even a metamorphosis was possible.
What a remarkable talent. Perhaps one worth observing as a candidate for the next Sorcerer Supreme.
"Will you be the better choice, Russell?"
---
_Chapter End_