Chthon Isn't the One Who Came

When the Reality Stone appeared in liquid form, the blood mist, which had remained so stable it was nearly solidified, suddenly began to churn. The crimson fog rolled violently like a pot of freshly boiling water.

A tall, illusory black figure emerged at the center of the blood mist, standing above a side hall—the very residence Wanda occupied at Kamar-Taj.

Xiang Qian's transformation into magic had drawn no response, nor had the lighting of the Runes. Yet the moment the Reality Stone appeared, the one responsible for the disturbance revealed itself as well. The Infinity Stones truly deserved Ancient One's assessment of them as "simple and brutal"—their effects were indeed immediate.

The phantom faced Xiang Qian, two rays of red light seeming to materialize from its face and shining upon him. Under that red light, Xiang Qian was shocked to discover that his magical incarnation showed signs of melting.

As expected of the God of Dark Magic, his understanding of magic far surpassed Xiang Qian's, who had only just crossed the threshold of the magical arts. Even though this was merely an illusory projection, it could still deliver a crushing, dimensional blow to his magical incarnation.

"Fortunately, you're not Chthon." Holding the Reality Stone, Xiang Qian remained utterly fearless. The moment he realized his opponent held an overwhelming advantage on the magical level, he decided that today, he would rely entirely on the Infinity Stone.

The long-term applications of the Runes could wait for now.

Red waves churned through the blood-red mist. No matter how powerful Chthon's projection was, no matter how all-pervasive the corrosion of dark magic, Xiang Qian steadily advanced step by step. In his hands, the Reality Stone displayed even greater power than when Malekith had transformed the dark world.

The King of the Dark Elves had