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Chapter 193: Level Four
Magic is a truly wondrous thing, a path distinct from technological advancement.
As the most popular discipline on the mystical side, magic holds significant appeal throughout the entire universe. When individuals from many civilizations engage in supernatural studies, they invariably choose magic as their primary focus.
The outstanding individuals among them, in addition to practicing conventional magic, also dedicate their energy to studying concepts like the soul and various dimensions, gaining a head start to become renowned sorcerers.
“Magic... to think one can use a mortal body, through some peculiar channel, to draw upon primordial mystic energy and deepen their personal understanding of this cosmic energy...”
Tony held a book, muttering to himself. These past few days, he had been following Mordo, undergoing the introductory training of a novice sorcerer, which mainly consisted of acquiring knowledge.
For a sorcerer, talent is important, but knowledge is even more so. The speed at which one learns and the depth of their comprehension are the most critical factors.
“The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj obtain the source of their initial mystic energy from the Vishanti Trinity. It is the wellspring of mystic energy for the current sorcerers of Kamar-Taj. If the Vishanti were to be defeated one day, Kamar-Taj would be finished, unless someone could find another way to be initiated into magic.”
For the lifeforms in this universe, the most common paths are technological progression and undergoing genetic modification to obtain superpowers.
For example, Electro and Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, are classic examples of genetic mutation occurring by chance. Magneto and Professor X, on the other hand, possess superpowers because they have the X-Gene, bestowed upon them by the Celestials.
Regardless of the type of evolution, most involve tapping into the genetic factors within their own gene chains. After all, with very few exceptions, the lifeforms in the current universe were all born under the influence of the "Life Equation."
A sorcerer, on the other hand, comes to understand the supernatural ability known as magic under the guidance of the mystic energy from certain cosmic super-deities. Only then can they be properly initiated into it. With a fragile mortal body and soul, they can somehow, step by step, deepen their discernment of the universe's truths, and then guide and emit mystic energy through frequency resonance.
“The magic of the Kamar-Taj lineage comes from the Vishanti, while the magic of Wizard Shazam's lineage originates from the Shazam Gods. These magical deities all possess a unique nature among supernatural deities...”
Tony snapped the slightly old and worn book in his hands shut.
On Earth, the legacy of sorcerers was naturally not limited to just the Kamar-Taj lineage. A thousand years ago, before the meteoric rise of the Ancient One, the most renowned was actually the lineage of Wizard Shazam.
But for certain reasons, the powerful Wizard Shazam sealed himself away year-round inside the Rock of Eternity, painstakingly searching for a successor.
The famous Shazam from DC Comics is, in fact, the new-generation successor found by Wizard Shazam.
However, at this point in time, Wizard Shazam is still painstakingly searching, and Shazam has not appeared at all.
“Once I've learned the relevant knowledge from Kamar-Taj, I'll return immediately and use the power of A.R.G.U.S. to find the Rock of Eternity... It would be best if I can obtain Wizard Shazam's legacy before Shazam does, becoming the new Shazam...”
It was a scoundrel's move. Tony planned to wage an intelligence war. Becoming the new Shazam was the fastest way to increase his power, and although it was somewhat despicable, Tony couldn't care less.
If Wizard Shazam didn't deem him worthy, so be it. But if he managed to obtain the legacy through his own abilities, no one could make him give it up.
To hell with Shazam. At worst, Tony would use the power of A.R.G.U.S. to generously compensate Shazam's original self, allowing him to live a rich and comfortable life for the rest of his days—provided Earth wasn't destroyed in the meantime, which no one could guarantee.
“So-called magic always requires the guidance of mystic energy from a few magical sources to be initiated... This is completely different from that group in K'un-Lun who cultivate their own 'Qi,' but both are a form of discerning self-awareness...”
It's impossible for a lifeform to gain enlightenment about the truths of the universe out of thin air and then be granted the opportunity to wield a shallow layer of that truth's power.
But Tony had been pondering that his advancement to a Level Four mutant might share the same underlying principle.
To better wield power, one must first deepen their understanding of their own abilities, to know what power is, and more importantly, to know what power they can truly control.
Tony pondered, recalling the principles recorded in the magic books. He could apply these concepts by analogy to achieve his goal.
The Allspark quietly began to pulse faintly. At some point, the rifts that had appeared from the burning power burst had completely healed—or so Tony had thought. In reality, even finer, imperceptible scars still lingered.
“My power is control, and it will eventually evolve into Creation. The core is to upgrade the Allspark... to make it more perfect... But why do I always feel like something is wrong?”
Tony's expression was strange. As he studied the principles of magic to deepen the understanding of his own abilities, a kind of spiritual enlightenment occurred. Under the influence of the primordial guiding mystic energy borrowed from the Vishanti, he always felt a sense of disharmony within himself.
It was as if... there was a disharmony between his own level and that of the Allspark...
As his spirit delved deeper into this frequency, the sense of disharmony grew more pronounced. Vaguely, Tony seemed to understand something.
“My Allspark was already at a Level Four standard at the time of my Awakening. It is I who have never caught up to the Allspark's level.”
“I wield the Allspark, just as my body contains some kind of cosmic law... The law is there, but my body has failed to keep up...”
It was a peculiar feeling. Tony didn't know what it was like for mutants such as Magneto, born with Level Four potential, when they advanced. However, Tony felt his own situation was different.
He also possessed the Allspark, something that had never appeared before.
His awareness was elevating; Tony's understanding of his own abilities seemed to have deepened. This was a natural process: the more a superpower is used, the more proficient one becomes, and the greater the proficiency, the higher the level of power that can be unleashed. But when the rate of improvement slows, one must consider what the problem is.
The awareness of one's abilities begins step by step, continuously approaching a limit, until the genetic factors within the gene chain are fully tapped and all potential has been exhausted.
Potential and talent are cruel shackles. Once countless beings reach their limit, it becomes nearly impossible to improve further. For Metahumans, this is a harsh reality.
But fortunately, Tony's potential was high enough to push him through his advancement.
For several days, Tony sat in his room in silence, deepening his awareness bit by bit. An aura, unique to a high-level lifeform, was gradually beginning to form.
(end of chapter)
Magic is a truly wondrous thing, a path distinct from technological advancement.
As the most popular discipline on the mystical side, magic holds significant appeal throughout the entire universe. When individuals from many civilizations engage in supernatural studies, they invariably choose magic as their primary focus.
The outstanding individuals among them, in addition to practicing conventional magic, also dedicate their energy to studying concepts like the soul and various dimensions, gaining a head start to become renowned sorcerers.
“Magic... to think one can use a mortal body, through some peculiar channel, to draw upon primordial mystic energy and deepen their personal understanding of this cosmic energy...”
Tony held a book, muttering to himself. These past few days, he had been following Mordo, undergoing the introductory training of a novice sorcerer, which mainly consisted of acquiring knowledge.
For a sorcerer, talent is important, but knowledge is even more so. The speed at which one learns and the depth of their comprehension are the most critical factors.
“The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj obtain the source of their initial mystic energy from the Vishanti Trinity. It is the wellspring of mystic energy for the current sorcerers of Kamar-Taj. If the Vishanti were to be defeated one day, Kamar-Taj would be finished, unless someone could find another way to be initiated into magic.”
For the lifeforms in this universe, the most common paths are technological progression and undergoing genetic modification to obtain superpowers.
For example, Electro and Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, are classic examples of genetic mutation occurring by chance. Magneto and Professor X, on the other hand, possess superpowers because they have the X-Gene, bestowed upon them by the Celestials.
Regardless of the type of evolution, most involve tapping into the genetic factors within their own gene chains. After all, with very few exceptions, the lifeforms in the current universe were all born under the influence of the "Life Equation."
A sorcerer, on the other hand, comes to understand the supernatural ability known as magic under the guidance of the mystic energy from certain cosmic super-deities. Only then can they be properly initiated into it. With a fragile mortal body and soul, they can somehow, step by step, deepen their discernment of the universe's truths, and then guide and emit mystic energy through frequency resonance.
“The magic of the Kamar-Taj lineage comes from the Vishanti, while the magic of Wizard Shazam's lineage originates from the Shazam Gods. These magical deities all possess a unique nature among supernatural deities...”
Tony snapped the slightly old and worn book in his hands shut.
On Earth, the legacy of sorcerers was naturally not limited to just the Kamar-Taj lineage. A thousand years ago, before the meteoric rise of the Ancient One, the most renowned was actually the lineage of Wizard Shazam.
But for certain reasons, the powerful Wizard Shazam sealed himself away year-round inside the Rock of Eternity, painstakingly searching for a successor.
The famous Shazam from DC Comics is, in fact, the new-generation successor found by Wizard Shazam.
However, at this point in time, Wizard Shazam is still painstakingly searching, and Shazam has not appeared at all.
“Once I've learned the relevant knowledge from Kamar-Taj, I'll return immediately and use the power of A.R.G.U.S. to find the Rock of Eternity... It would be best if I can obtain Wizard Shazam's legacy before Shazam does, becoming the new Shazam...”
It was a scoundrel's move. Tony planned to wage an intelligence war. Becoming the new Shazam was the fastest way to increase his power, and although it was somewhat despicable, Tony couldn't care less.
If Wizard Shazam didn't deem him worthy, so be it. But if he managed to obtain the legacy through his own abilities, no one could make him give it up.
To hell with Shazam. At worst, Tony would use the power of A.R.G.U.S. to generously compensate Shazam's original self, allowing him to live a rich and comfortable life for the rest of his days—provided Earth wasn't destroyed in the meantime, which no one could guarantee.
“So-called magic always requires the guidance of mystic energy from a few magical sources to be initiated... This is completely different from that group in K'un-Lun who cultivate their own 'Qi,' but both are a form of discerning self-awareness...”
It's impossible for a lifeform to gain enlightenment about the truths of the universe out of thin air and then be granted the opportunity to wield a shallow layer of that truth's power.
But Tony had been pondering that his advancement to a Level Four mutant might share the same underlying principle.
To better wield power, one must first deepen their understanding of their own abilities, to know what power is, and more importantly, to know what power they can truly control.
Tony pondered, recalling the principles recorded in the magic books. He could apply these concepts by analogy to achieve his goal.
The Allspark quietly began to pulse faintly. At some point, the rifts that had appeared from the burning power burst had completely healed—or so Tony had thought. In reality, even finer, imperceptible scars still lingered.
“My power is control, and it will eventually evolve into Creation. The core is to upgrade the Allspark... to make it more perfect... But why do I always feel like something is wrong?”
Tony's expression was strange. As he studied the principles of magic to deepen the understanding of his own abilities, a kind of spiritual enlightenment occurred. Under the influence of the primordial guiding mystic energy borrowed from the Vishanti, he always felt a sense of disharmony within himself.
It was as if... there was a disharmony between his own level and that of the Allspark...
As his spirit delved deeper into this frequency, the sense of disharmony grew more pronounced. Vaguely, Tony seemed to understand something.
“My Allspark was already at a Level Four standard at the time of my Awakening. It is I who have never caught up to the Allspark's level.”
“I wield the Allspark, just as my body contains some kind of cosmic law... The law is there, but my body has failed to keep up...”
It was a peculiar feeling. Tony didn't know what it was like for mutants such as Magneto, born with Level Four potential, when they advanced. However, Tony felt his own situation was different.
He also possessed the Allspark, something that had never appeared before.
His awareness was elevating; Tony's understanding of his own abilities seemed to have deepened. This was a natural process: the more a superpower is used, the more proficient one becomes, and the greater the proficiency, the higher the level of power that can be unleashed. But when the rate of improvement slows, one must consider what the problem is.
The awareness of one's abilities begins step by step, continuously approaching a limit, until the genetic factors within the gene chain are fully tapped and all potential has been exhausted.
Potential and talent are cruel shackles. Once countless beings reach their limit, it becomes nearly impossible to improve further. For Metahumans, this is a harsh reality.
But fortunately, Tony's potential was high enough to push him through his advancement.
For several days, Tony sat in his room in silence, deepening his awareness bit by bit. An aura, unique to a high-level lifeform, was gradually beginning to form.
(end of chapter)
