Chapter 58: Ripples into Waves
Just as Benjamin was wondering where she picked up such things, he heard her mutter.
“Hmm, it doesn’t sound as cool as I thought it would. Should I have spoken it in Japanese?”
“...”
So she really has been watching animes!
Death noticed his look and rolled her eyes.
“What? I was bored at home and decided to try out the internet. I must say, although you humans are very weak, human imagination is something else. Especially Japanese animes are very interesting.”
Then she tilted her head.
“However, what is it with trucks that they must keep running over the main characters and then reincarnate them in a different world? Do trucks hold that kind of power here?”
“Of course not!...I think.”
Benjamin faltered a bit.
After all, this Marvel universe is just fiction from his original world. Who knows what kind of nonsense worlds are out there?
At this moment, the Aether has been fully extracted from Jane as she collapsed on the ground, panting heavily.
Thor tossed Malekith at the side and quickly ran over to Jane to comfort her.
The Aether hovered around Death obediently as if waiting for her orders.
Death closed her stretched-out hand into a fist and suddenly, the Aether began to compact itself, turning into a beautiful ruby stone.
Now it’s finally worthy of its name, the Reality Stone!
Death didn’t even glance at it for more than a second and just tossed it to Benjamin.
“Take it. However, I advise not using this one. This is the Reality Stone of this universe. Although I’m unfamiliar with the Infinity Stones of other universes, there is a chance a conflict will happen if you were to use them together.”
“...I got it.”
Benjamin simply answered. Anyway, he was never gonna use it.
This world’s Infinity Stones have so many drawbacks and unknown effects or consequences. He didn’t want to risk it. The System’s Infinity Stones are more reliable.
[Of course! The System is the most powerful!]
Yes yes, all hail the great System.
[Incidently, if you had placed this Reality Stone onto your Infinity Crown, the whole of reality will break and this universe may start to merge with your old universe. This is because the laws that are in place in the Infinity Stones will conflict with one another and a ‘correction’ will occur to fix the conflict. It’s estimated that 90% of the whole universe population on both sides will die from the cataclysm.]
…
Benjamin broke into a cold sweat.
All sorts of curious thoughts as to what will happen if he uses this stone are now gone from his mind.
He no longer dared to even think about it!
Benjamin quickly shoved the Reality Stone inside his Inventory.
He’ll think of what to do with it later.
Maybe I can give it to Wanda?
Benjamin thought for a moment then shook his head.
Wanda still hasn’t fully explored her powers, it’s best to wait it out for now.
Benjamin had planned before about entrusting the various Infinity Stones to specific people and being the one who forms the Illuminati in this world.
After all, it’s kind of a waste if he just let them collect dust in his Inventory.
While Benjamin was thinking of such things, another figure appeared in the room.
Looking over, Benjamin saw an old man with a gold eyepatch on his right eye holding a long golden spear.
This must be Odin.
“Frigga!”
Upon entering, Odin immediately saw his wife collapse on the ground in front of Benjamin and instantly appeared beside her to hold her up.
As soon as he touched her, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Good…she’s still alive…I wasn’t late…
He doesn’t know what he would do if he didn’t make it in time and Frigga dies.
But he’s sure of one thing. A lot of people will die if that had happened.
Even if he had to burn his small remaining lifespan…he’ll do whatever it takes to get revenge!
But it was a good thing that Frigga is alive. This let Odin calm down a bit more.
He looked up and saw Benjamin and was confused about who this person was.
Benjamin smiled and introduced himself.
“Greetings, Odin, Son of Bor. I am Benjamin Freed of Earth. I came to assist your people along with a few others.”
“Benjamin Freed…is it? I can sense divinity within you. Are you a new god?”
Divinity…was it because of the God of Nature skill?
Benjamin nodded.
“Yes. I have some control over Nature.”
Benjamin suddenly pointed at the side and a tree trunk sprouted from the ground, immediately wrapping itself on Malekith and the large dark elf who were trying to escape while they were talking.
In just a second, the two of them were planted inside a large tree with only their heads stuck out of the tree trunk.
Finally remembering about them, Thor quickly explained.
“Father! They were the ones responsible for the attack! He called himself Malekith! They were after the Aether that was inside Jane’s body and nearly killed mother! Thankfully, Ben arrived in time and healed her, otherwise…”
A cold gleam appeared in Odin’s one eye when he heard that his wife nearly died.
However, he still restrained himself and turned to Benjamin.
“Benjamin Freed, God of Nature. I thank you for saving my wife and for your assistance.”
“It was nothing. I would appreciate it if you turn a blind eye to our trespassing this time.”
Odin nodded.
“It was an emergency so it can’t be helped. However, in the future, I would not mind you visiting Asgard anytime you wish. These halls shall be forever open to you.”
“Thanks.”
Odin then turned to Death who was silently standing at the side, not caring about anyone.
Odin’s eye widened in shock.
“This is…”
Just as he could sense a trace of divinity in Benjamin, he felt something far far worse in the child.
Something dark and dreadful.
As if he was looking at Death itself!
Benjamin coughed and quickly pulled Death behind him.
“Just a kid I’m looking after. Don’t mind her.”
“Hmph.”
Death pouted but didn’t bother saying anything.
She felt it was beneath her to keep explaining and introducing herself.
“Well then, we’ll go check on the others and be on our way…”
Benjamin didn’t want to stay any longer in case something bad happens and Death decides to kill everyone or something.
Although he feels like he can trust her character, there may still be some unknown variables in play and he didn’t want to risk it.
In any case, the situation has been more or less resolved. There was no need to stay any longer.
Thor saw that they were leaving and quickly called out.
“Ah! Can’t you stay for the banquet at least? We shall hold a feast to celebrate our victory!”
Benjamin hesitated for a moment. After all, he was quite curious about Asgard cuisines too. But there was still the matter of Death…
Suddenly, Death turned in a direction somewhere and hummed as if she found something interesting.
She then turned to Benjamin and spoke.
“I think I saw something interesting. I’ll be off first. You go deal with your own things.”
“Ah? Wai-”
Before Benjamin could stop her, she already disappeared somewhere.
Benjamin felt even more nervous.
This girl…what is she up to now?
No, this can’t keep happening. I need to do something!
Suddenly, an idea struck his mind.
Doesn’t she like animes? Then she should surely like games too right?
I can let her try out the VR games we make and turn her into a full-blown shut-in! To the point where she wouldn’t want to leave her room!
Operation: Turn Death into a Shut-in is a go!
[...Host, don’t forget you still have the quest to court Death. At this rate, Death might fall in love with 2D characters instead!]
That won’t happen….probably.
Benjamin decided not to think about it and just hope for the best.
Meanwhile.
In a certain corner of the Nine Realms sat a dark and cold place with a single throne. Sitting on it was a woman with jet-black hair that dropped all the way to her bountiful chest.
She wore black and dark green slim armor around her body that highlighted her curves.
Her expression was one filled with hatred.
Hatred to her own father who trapped her in this realm for eternity.
She was known as Hela. The God of Death. Ruler of Hel.
At this moment, she was waiting…waiting for that old geezer father of hers to finally croak and be free!
Once he dies, she will finally take her rightful place in Asgard as its Queen!
As for those so-called brothers of hers, they were nothing in her eyes.
This day was just like any other day.
Waiting…patiently…
But suddenly, a figure appeared in front of her without warning.
A…child?
No…this power…she was all too familiar with it…
It was the power of Death!
The child looked at her and smiled.
“You must be Hela. I am Death.”
Hela quickly stood up and knelt in front of Death.
Although she didn’t recognize her, the power of Death within the child far surpassed her own!
She may just very well be Death itself!
Hela knew her standing so she didn’t try anything rash and simply knelt down.
Death smiled and nodded.
“It has been millions of years since I finally had an apostle of my own. You’re quite suitable for the job. How about it, do you accept to be my apostle?”
Hela’s mind quickly thought of a lot of things in a second and answered.
“I am willing! However…I am currently trapped in this place. I’m afraid I can’t serve you just yet.”
Death rolled her eyes.
“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. I am not going to intervene in your revenge. And I also advise you not to do so. Odin is already near his end…unless Ben decides to do something about it. Of which there will be nothing we can do. Anyway, you do not need to mind this small trap. I can just bring you with me.”
Hela fell silent.
Just now, it feels like Death said a lot of things that were a bit hard to understand.
Who’s Ben? Why did she mention him? Why is she also powerless against him? Why would such a being help Odin?
Hela didn’t understand. But she knew better than to keep asking questions at this time.
“As long as I can leave this place, I’m willing to serve Death.”
“Good! Then, you shall be my maid- ahem- apostle from now on!”
“...”
Did she just say maid?
No, I’m probably imagining things.
Just like that, Death waved her little hand and sucked Hela into the Soul Stone with her.
And just like that…Benjamin gained yet another powerful tenant in his Soul Stone…
Unlike with Death, there was no need to split Hela’s soul since she was only trapped in this place so she remained whole. Otherwise, Benjamin would’ve needed to deal with two lolis capable of destroying the world…
Just thinking about it can send shivers down their spine.
Back in Asgard, Odin naturally sensed Hela disappearing in Hel.
He looked to the horizon and sighed.
“Is this fate? How come it seems different from what that bald woman told me will happen…”
He wanted to immediately deal with Hela but…he was afraid of the child from before.
That child was all too powerful for him. Even if he rallies all the gods in Omnipotence City, they will still all die if they fight her.
Whatever, what’s done is done…he can only try to solve any problems when it comes.
Odin wasn’t the only one confused about this matter.
Earth, Kamar-Taj.
A bald woman in yellow robes had her eyes closed and sat cross-legged while floating.
Strapped on her neck was a necklace with an eye. At the center of the eye was an orb that glowed green.
The bald woman had both hands making a sign on both sides of this eye and a green magical circle appeared on her wrists.
After a while, the bald woman sighed and stopped her magic.
“Weird…this is too weird…the timeline’s changed completely…and something is blocking me from looking further in the future…just what is happening here?”
This bald woman was none other than the current Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One.
For a while now, she had been used to looking into the future and planning for a better outcome one step at a time. But now, the future is all murky and hidden from her.
Even with the Time Stone, she is unable to look into it.
Something that even an Infinity Stone can block…must be another Infinity Stone!
But…there can’t be two Time Stones…right?
The next moment, she put one of her hands in her sleeve and pulled out a magical device…no, a smart phone.
Checking on the news, she looked at the one thing that was unknown to her before.
[Benjamin Freed - Captain of the newly established EPD!]
“Benjamin Freed…this person isn’t supposed to appear in the future that I know…there must be something about him.”
The Ancient One sighed.
“It seems I need to make a trip to New York.”
Meanwhile, in an unknown location.
Several people were looking at a retro screen with a yellow line in the middle.
From time to time, branches would occur now and then but would suddenly disappear and revert back to normal.
A white-haired man scratched his hair in confusion.
Beside her, a woman asked him.
“Mobius, what do you make of this?”
“You ask me, who do I ask? Besides, can’t you ask the Time Keeper, Ravonna?”
“I did but they won’t answer.”
Ravonna sighed.
Mobius just shrugged.
“Then there’s nothing we can do. As I see it, it’s not causing any problems in the sacred timeline. As long as it doesn’t go past the red line, all’s well and good, right?”
“...Fine. Just tell me if something happens.”
These people were the Time Variance Authority, in charge of maintaining the sacred timeline and preventing branches from occurring, hence maintaining a single timeline.
The branches they saw that keeps glitching out were none other than Benjamin himself of course.
As for why it reverts back to normal…well, it was naturally thanks to the System.
All of his actions were converted to be part of the sacred timeline.
That’s why, even though he keeps changing the timeline, no TVA shows up at his doorstep to prune him.
At the same time, in a certain location.
A man looked at the timeline in confusion.
It was He Who Remains.
He just sat there in utter confusion, looking at the script that he had ‘supposedly’ written for the timeline and finding new entries popping up now and then.
“...What the multiversal shit is going on!?”
At this moment, Benjamin was still unaware of the ripples that followed from his actions and is currently having a feast in Asgard while laughing without a care in the world…
Time would surely turn those ripples into waves.
As for whether he will drown on it or ride on it…is a story for another time.
Chapter 58: Ripples into Waves
Just as Benjamin was wondering where she picked up such things, he heard her mutter.
“Hmm, it doesn’t sound as cool as I thought it would. Should I have spoken it in Japanese?”
“...”
So she really has been watching animes!
Death noticed his look and rolled her eyes.
“What? I was bored at home and decided to try out the internet. I must say, although you humans are very weak, human imagination is something else. Especially Japanese animes are very interesting.”
Then she tilted her head.
“However, what is it with trucks that they must keep running over the main characters and then reincarnate them in a different world? Do trucks hold that kind of power here?”
“Of course not!...I think.”
Benjamin faltered a bit.
After all, this Marvel universe is just fiction from his original world. Who knows what kind of nonsense worlds are out there?
At this moment, the Aether has been fully extracted from Jane as she collapsed on the ground, panting heavily.
Thor tossed Malekith at the side and quickly ran over to Jane to comfort her.
The Aether hovered around Death obediently as if waiting for her orders.
Death closed her stretched-out hand into a fist and suddenly, the Aether began to compact itself, turning into a beautiful ruby stone.
Now it’s finally worthy of its name, the Reality Stone!
Death didn’t even glance at it for more than a second and just tossed it to Benjamin.
“Take it. However, I advise not using this one. This is the Reality Stone of this universe. Although I’m unfamiliar with the Infinity Stones of other universes, there is a chance a conflict will happen if you were to use them together.”
“...I got it.”
Benjamin simply answered. Anyway, he was never gonna use it.
This world’s Infinity Stones have so many drawbacks and unknown effects or consequences. He didn’t want to risk it. The System’s Infinity Stones are more reliable.
[Of course! The System is the most powerful!]
Yes yes, all hail the great System.
[Incidently, if you had placed this Reality Stone onto your Infinity Crown, the whole of reality will break and this universe may start to merge with your old universe. This is because the laws that are in place in the Infinity Stones will conflict with one another and a ‘correction’ will occur to fix the conflict. It’s estimated that 90% of the whole universe population on both sides will die from the cataclysm.]
…
Benjamin broke into a cold sweat.
All sorts of curious thoughts as to what will happen if he uses this stone are now gone from his mind.
He no longer dared to even think about it!
Benjamin quickly shoved the Reality Stone inside his Inventory.
He’ll think of what to do with it later.
Maybe I can give it to Wanda?
Benjamin thought for a moment then shook his head.
Wanda still hasn’t fully explored her powers, it’s best to wait it out for now.
Benjamin had planned before about entrusting the various Infinity Stones to specific people and being the one who forms the Illuminati in this world.
After all, it’s kind of a waste if he just let them collect dust in his Inventory.
While Benjamin was thinking of such things, another figure appeared in the room.
Looking over, Benjamin saw an old man with a gold eyepatch on his right eye holding a long golden spear.
This must be Odin.
“Frigga!”
Upon entering, Odin immediately saw his wife collapse on the ground in front of Benjamin and instantly appeared beside her to hold her up.
As soon as he touched her, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Good…she’s still alive…I wasn’t late…
He doesn’t know what he would do if he didn’t make it in time and Frigga dies.
But he’s sure of one thing. A lot of people will die if that had happened.
Even if he had to burn his small remaining lifespan…he’ll do whatever it takes to get revenge!
But it was a good thing that Frigga is alive. This let Odin calm down a bit more.
He looked up and saw Benjamin and was confused about who this person was.
Benjamin smiled and introduced himself.
“Greetings, Odin, Son of Bor. I am Benjamin Freed of Earth. I came to assist your people along with a few others.”
“Benjamin Freed…is it? I can sense divinity within you. Are you a new god?”
Divinity…was it because of the God of Nature skill?
Benjamin nodded.
“Yes. I have some control over Nature.”
Benjamin suddenly pointed at the side and a tree trunk sprouted from the ground, immediately wrapping itself on Malekith and the large dark elf who were trying to escape while they were talking.
In just a second, the two of them were planted inside a large tree with only their heads stuck out of the tree trunk.
Finally remembering about them, Thor quickly explained.
“Father! They were the ones responsible for the attack! He called himself Malekith! They were after the Aether that was inside Jane’s body and nearly killed mother! Thankfully, Ben arrived in time and healed her, otherwise…”
A cold gleam appeared in Odin’s one eye when he heard that his wife nearly died.
However, he still restrained himself and turned to Benjamin.
“Benjamin Freed, God of Nature. I thank you for saving my wife and for your assistance.”
“It was nothing. I would appreciate it if you turn a blind eye to our trespassing this time.”
Odin nodded.
“It was an emergency so it can’t be helped. However, in the future, I would not mind you visiting Asgard anytime you wish. These halls shall be forever open to you.”
“Thanks.”
Odin then turned to Death who was silently standing at the side, not caring about anyone.
Odin’s eye widened in shock.
“This is…”
Just as he could sense a trace of divinity in Benjamin, he felt something far far worse in the child.
Something dark and dreadful.
As if he was looking at Death itself!
Benjamin coughed and quickly pulled Death behind him.
“Just a kid I’m looking after. Don’t mind her.”
“Hmph.”
Death pouted but didn’t bother saying anything.
She felt it was beneath her to keep explaining and introducing herself.
“Well then, we’ll go check on the others and be on our way…”
Benjamin didn’t want to stay any longer in case something bad happens and Death decides to kill everyone or something.
Although he feels like he can trust her character, there may still be some unknown variables in play and he didn’t want to risk it.
In any case, the situation has been more or less resolved. There was no need to stay any longer.
Thor saw that they were leaving and quickly called out.
“Ah! Can’t you stay for the banquet at least? We shall hold a feast to celebrate our victory!”
Benjamin hesitated for a moment. After all, he was quite curious about Asgard cuisines too. But there was still the matter of Death…
Suddenly, Death turned in a direction somewhere and hummed as if she found something interesting.
She then turned to Benjamin and spoke.
“I think I saw something interesting. I’ll be off first. You go deal with your own things.”
“Ah? Wai-”
Before Benjamin could stop her, she already disappeared somewhere.
Benjamin felt even more nervous.
This girl…what is she up to now?
No, this can’t keep happening. I need to do something!
Suddenly, an idea struck his mind.
Doesn’t she like animes? Then she should surely like games too right?
I can let her try out the VR games we make and turn her into a full-blown shut-in! To the point where she wouldn’t want to leave her room!
Operation: Turn Death into a Shut-in is a go!
[...Host, don’t forget you still have the quest to court Death. At this rate, Death might fall in love with 2D characters instead!]
That won’t happen….probably.
Benjamin decided not to think about it and just hope for the best.
Meanwhile.
In a certain corner of the Nine Realms sat a dark and cold place with a single throne. Sitting on it was a woman with jet-black hair that dropped all the way to her bountiful chest.
She wore black and dark green slim armor around her body that highlighted her curves.
Her expression was one filled with hatred.
Hatred to her own father who trapped her in this realm for eternity.
She was known as Hela. The God of Death. Ruler of Hel.
At this moment, she was waiting…waiting for that old geezer father of hers to finally croak and be free!
Once he dies, she will finally take her rightful place in Asgard as its Queen!
As for those so-called brothers of hers, they were nothing in her eyes.
This day was just like any other day.
Waiting…patiently…
But suddenly, a figure appeared in front of her without warning.
A…child?
No…this power…she was all too familiar with it…
It was the power of Death!
The child looked at her and smiled.
“You must be Hela. I am Death.”
Hela quickly stood up and knelt in front of Death.
Although she didn’t recognize her, the power of Death within the child far surpassed her own!
She may just very well be Death itself!
Hela knew her standing so she didn’t try anything rash and simply knelt down.
Death smiled and nodded.
“It has been millions of years since I finally had an apostle of my own. You’re quite suitable for the job. How about it, do you accept to be my apostle?”
Hela’s mind quickly thought of a lot of things in a second and answered.
“I am willing! However…I am currently trapped in this place. I’m afraid I can’t serve you just yet.”
Death rolled her eyes.
“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. I am not going to intervene in your revenge. And I also advise you not to do so. Odin is already near his end…unless Ben decides to do something about it. Of which there will be nothing we can do. Anyway, you do not need to mind this small trap. I can just bring you with me.”
Hela fell silent.
Just now, it feels like Death said a lot of things that were a bit hard to understand.
Who’s Ben? Why did she mention him? Why is she also powerless against him? Why would such a being help Odin?
Hela didn’t understand. But she knew better than to keep asking questions at this time.
“As long as I can leave this place, I’m willing to serve Death.”
“Good! Then, you shall be my maid- ahem- apostle from now on!”
“...”
Did she just say maid?
No, I’m probably imagining things.
Just like that, Death waved her little hand and sucked Hela into the Soul Stone with her.
And just like that…Benjamin gained yet another powerful tenant in his Soul Stone…
Unlike with Death, there was no need to split Hela’s soul since she was only trapped in this place so she remained whole. Otherwise, Benjamin would’ve needed to deal with two lolis capable of destroying the world…
Just thinking about it can send shivers down their spine.
Back in Asgard, Odin naturally sensed Hela disappearing in Hel.
He looked to the horizon and sighed.
“Is this fate? How come it seems different from what that bald woman told me will happen…”
He wanted to immediately deal with Hela but…he was afraid of the child from before.
That child was all too powerful for him. Even if he rallies all the gods in Omnipotence City, they will still all die if they fight her.
Whatever, what’s done is done…he can only try to solve any problems when it comes.
Odin wasn’t the only one confused about this matter.
Earth, Kamar-Taj.
A bald woman in yellow robes had her eyes closed and sat cross-legged while floating.
Strapped on her neck was a necklace with an eye. At the center of the eye was an orb that glowed green.
The bald woman had both hands making a sign on both sides of this eye and a green magical circle appeared on her wrists.
After a while, the bald woman sighed and stopped her magic.
“Weird…this is too weird…the timeline’s changed completely…and something is blocking me from looking further in the future…just what is happening here?”
This bald woman was none other than the current Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One.
For a while now, she had been used to looking into the future and planning for a better outcome one step at a time. But now, the future is all murky and hidden from her.
Even with the Time Stone, she is unable to look into it.
Something that even an Infinity Stone can block…must be another Infinity Stone!
But…there can’t be two Time Stones…right?
The next moment, she put one of her hands in her sleeve and pulled out a magical device…no, a smart phone.
Checking on the news, she looked at the one thing that was unknown to her before.
[Benjamin Freed - Captain of the newly established EPD!]
“Benjamin Freed…this person isn’t supposed to appear in the future that I know…there must be something about him.”
The Ancient One sighed.
“It seems I need to make a trip to New York.”
Meanwhile, in an unknown location.
Several people were looking at a retro screen with a yellow line in the middle.
From time to time, branches would occur now and then but would suddenly disappear and revert back to normal.
A white-haired man scratched his hair in confusion.
Beside her, a woman asked him.
“Mobius, what do you make of this?”
“You ask me, who do I ask? Besides, can’t you ask the Time Keeper, Ravonna?”
“I did but they won’t answer.”
Ravonna sighed.
Mobius just shrugged.
“Then there’s nothing we can do. As I see it, it’s not causing any problems in the sacred timeline. As long as it doesn’t go past the red line, all’s well and good, right?”
“...Fine. Just tell me if something happens.”
These people were the Time Variance Authority, in charge of maintaining the sacred timeline and preventing branches from occurring, hence maintaining a single timeline.
The branches they saw that keeps glitching out were none other than Benjamin himself of course.
As for why it reverts back to normal…well, it was naturally thanks to the System.
All of his actions were converted to be part of the sacred timeline.
That’s why, even though he keeps changing the timeline, no TVA shows up at his doorstep to prune him.
At the same time, in a certain location.
A man looked at the timeline in confusion.
It was He Who Remains.
He just sat there in utter confusion, looking at the script that he had ‘supposedly’ written for the timeline and finding new entries popping up now and then.
“...What the multiversal shit is going on!?”
At this moment, Benjamin was still unaware of the ripples that followed from his actions and is currently having a feast in Asgard while laughing without a care in the world…
Time would surely turn those ripples into waves.
As for whether he will drown on it or ride on it…is a story for another time.
