"Superpowers can be explained by science, but magic cannot. Just as the Asgardians cannot be explained using humanity's past knowledge, everything here cannot be explained using humanity's current framework of knowledge either." Laura Croft stroked the furry little animal in her arms as she looked up at the Emperor's face, trying to catch some expression that might prove her suspicions. Yet she failed. The Emperor's face remained as calm as ever. "The prevailing theory now is that Asgard possesses technology capable of harnessing dark energy, but everything I have experienced tells me the correct answer is not that simple. I am grateful that you sponsored my expeditions, but that does not mean I want you to deceive me. Even now, you still have not told me what Kitezh and Jacob are all about."
"Kitezh and Jacob are my future and my past," the Emperor said. "For me, the increase of entropy is not irreversible. Your work continuously uncovers the secrets of the past, dispels the mists of history, and provides guidance for me. That is the true reason I sponsor you. You are an excavator of historical truth, and truth is what I need most."
As clever as Laura Croft was, she immediately guessed the answer to the riddle. More accurately, after experiencing so many bizarre incidents, she would no longer confine events within the bounds of ordinary human common sense. The entire world had gone mad. Aliens, magic—what else was impossible? "Are you denying your own free will?" she asked. "You will travel through time and guide Jacob out of Constantinople?"
"You can see it that way. That is my future and their past." The Emperor nodded. "The timeline still moves forward continuously. The future in its superposed state continues extending until we observe it. Free will still exists,