Back in three-dimensional reality, Shane fell deep in thought.
He began pondering whether the words of that dark mage he had never met held some deeper meaning.
Darkness was not merely energy, matter, or magic. It was also a concept.
Although Demon Lord claimed that Shane's patchwork approach could not truly prevent the coming of darkness, who would believe an enemy's words?
If a concept embodying darkness really did exist in this universe, he would find it and figure out how to eliminate it.
At the very least, Darkseid's impotent rage had shown him that as long as he could protect his own little patch of reality, this universe-and Shane himself within it-would remain safe.
After all, the Realm of the Gods was hardly a pleasant destination, unless he could possess strength equal to Demon Lord's the moment he stepped into the fourth dimension.
Otherwise, if Shane rashly entered the fourth dimension, Darkseid would simply find a way to crush him.
Dealing with Shane would be just as easy for Darkseid's true, fourth-dimensional self as dealing with three-dimensional Apokolips had been for Shane.
Of course, Shane did have a way to grow stronger quickly.
Once his divine power ascended to a higher dimension, he could immediately divide into a trinity, take up the mantle of Hell's ruler, and become the new Satan. In that case, Darkseid would most likely be unable to do anything to him.
"Too bad Hell is off-limits." Even Lucifer had discarded that position like an old shoe, and every unlucky soul who eagerly took over had eventually abandoned it.
He did not need to try it himself to know that it was a trap among traps.
"Looks like my vacation is over again."
Shane left the Divine Realm in reality and made a trip to Themyscira