Through the threads of the future, he saw countless possibilities.
Most of these outcomes led to disastrous ends. Thor carefully sifted through them, and eventually, his gaze settled on Chen Xi.
Though he couldn't see the farthest possibilities, he had glimpsed Chen Xi's stubbornness, wisdom, and perseverance through the futures he could observe.
"No matter to whom I entrust Asgard, I would never feel truly safe. But if it's you, I know you can protect everyone in Asgard."
Thor spoke with sincerity, expressing gratitude to Chen Xi:"Thank you for saving Gader and Amora. Without you, they might have met with disaster."
The losses Asgard had suffered were already immense. Thor did not wish for even greater tragedy to occur.
"I can agree to your request."
After what seemed like long contemplation, Chen Xi spoke calmly.
In truth, this was all part of his plan. Now that his plan had reached this stage, it was time to close the net.
Thor had no knowledge of Chen Xi's inner motives. All he knew was that Chen Xi had accepted his request, and that realization filled him with overwhelming relief and happiness.
"Thank you… truly, thank you!"
With that, Thor staggered away, guided by Chen Xi's subtle signal.
Not long after Thor's departure, Wanda turned to Chen Xi again."Should we take action now?"
"Of course."
Chen Xi smiled. He had anticipated this moment for a long time.
Ever since Franklin arrived in this world, Chen Xi had been planning.
He had used Susan to handle Franklin, while also seizing control of the new universe Franklin had created.
He carefully observed, ensuring Franklin didn't create life in this new universe—fortunately, he hadn't.
By appropriating Franklin's abilities, Chen Xi had already completed the formation of this new universe.
When the time finally came to act, everyone else was plunged into despair. Yet, in an instant, the source of their pain and hopelessness vanished completely.
The streets were littered with destroyed buildings and bloodied corpses, but the bodies of defeated ogres and demons were gone.
If not for the devastation surrounding them, they might have believed it had all been a nightmare.
"What just happened? Why have all those evil beings disappeared?"
"I don't know… nothing at all."
"Who could have done this? Who in this world is capable of such a feat?"
"Who else could it be, if not the leader, Chen Xi?"
"Look! It's time magic."
"Oh my… such a massive world-scale magic?"
Everyone watched in disbelief as the impossible unfolded. Even those who had died now stood back up.
Memories of their deaths remained vivid.
They touched their bodies repeatedly, verifying reality.
"I remember a demon crushing my heart—but I'm alive. I'm not a spirit?"
"I remember being devoured by an ogre—twice! Yet here I am."
One person slapped his own face twice, the pain confirming reality.
"This has to be Chen Xi. How incredible must he be!"
"Are you alright, dear?"
It was obvious to all that Chen Xi was the one responsible for this miracle.
Gwen, anxious, leaped quickly in front of Chen Xi, softly asking if he was unharmed.
"I'm fine. I feel better than ever," Chen Xi replied calmly.
After all, he was drawing upon the energy of another universe and hadn't expended much of his own power.
If he had any gratitude to express at this moment, it was toward Franklin's death.
Thanks to time magic, everything was restored to the state before the war.
The people of Asgard gathered before Chen Xi.
"If you can use time magic, can you save our companions too?"
"My time magic can only affect things that originally exist in this world. Didn't you notice that the demons and ogres didn't revive when they died?"
Chen Xi's words decisively dashed their hopes. These Asgardians existed in a different dimension from him, and not everything could be altered by time magic.
Chaos in any world is complex.
He had been able to act because he had prepared in advance, but using time magic was extremely demanding.
The Asgardians hadn't held high expectations; they knew Chen Xi was merely human. Some things he could do, others perhaps not.
But hope compelled them to seek it from him.
"I apologize… we were excessive."
Sif bowed solemnly, offering her apology.
"It's fine. You merely requested something—it's not a problem."
Not everything requested of him required compliance; he was no fool.
At least in that regard, he would never learn from Thor.
"How is Thor?"
Chen Xi didn't wish to linger on that topic and asked Sif about him.
"Thor… his situation isn't ideal, but he's made the necessary arrangements," Sif said, frowning slightly."He entrusted all of us into your hands. We know this. So if there are further orders, speak freely. Also… he asked me to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"Asgard, and even Loki and the others, were guided here by a voice—a greater being. It's extremely wary of you, and even tried to dismantle all mutants. This attempt failed, but surely the next wave will come soon…"
As Sif spoke, Chen Xi felt once more a gaze upon him.
He couldn't identify the source, but it was certainly one of the Five Great Gods of higher dimensions.
"It doesn't matter… let them come!"
Chen Xi smiled, a trace of pride and anticipation in his voice.