Chapter 21 - **Chapter 21: The Echo of Fate**

**Chapter 21: The Echo of Fate** The city still trembled with the echoes of the battle against Destro, but Lucas, Robin, and Maya knew they couldn't afford to relax. Kang the Conqueror's appearance had left a deep mark on their minds. They gathered again on the rooftop, watching the city lights flicker like distant stars. "We need to understand what Kang meant," Maya said, looking at Lucas. "He talked about other realities. What does that mean for us?" "Maybe he's referring to the Multiverse," Robin suggested, recalling stories he'd heard about heroes traveling between dimensions. "If that's true, it could explain Destro's presence and other villains." Lucas furrowed his brow, trying to piece things together. "If there are other realities, that means we might find allies… or even more powerful enemies." He remembered how the Avengers faced cosmic and interdimensional threats, and the idea of being part of something so grand made him both excited and apprehensive. "We need a plan," Maya said firmly. "If Kang is watching us, we need to be ready for anything." "And what if he comes back?" Robin asked, his voice heavy with concern. "We need more power, more skills." Lucas nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "Let's train. We need to hone our abilities and learn to work together as a team." With that decided, the three friends descended from the rooftop and headed to a secret location they had discovered in an old library where they could train without interruptions. The place was filled with books on magic, combat, and even legends of heroes who once protected the world. For weeks they dedicated themselves to training. Lucas improved his Shadow Mastery, learning to conjure more complex and powerful forms. Maya delved deeper into her elemental magic while Robin became a master of his magical arrows, creating new types of projectiles that could cause various effects. One night, while practicing, an intense light illuminated the sky again. They looked up and saw a portal forming, similar to the one Kang had created. Lucas's heart raced. "It can't be!" From the portal emerged a familiar figure: it was Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. He hovered in the air, observing the three young ones with a serious gaze. "You are in danger," he said, his voice echoing with authority. "Kang is not an ordinary enemy. He is manipulating time and space, and your actions could have catastrophic consequences." "We've already faced Destro," Lucas replied, trying to hide his nervousness. "But Kang… he's different." "Yes, and he is just getting started," Doctor Strange warned. "You need to prepare for what is coming. The Multiverse is at stake, and you have a role to play." Maya looked at Lucas, her eyes shining with determination. "We are ready. We will do whatever it takes to protect our city and whatever else is necessary." Doctor Strange smiled slightly. "Then let's begin. The training you've done is just the beginning. I will help you understand what it means to be true guardians." With that, Doctor Strange began conjuring spells around them, creating a field of energy that pulsed with power. Lucas felt a wave of magical energy flow through him, amplifying his abilities and awakening new potential. As training progressed, Lucas realized their journey was just beginning. With each challenge they faced, they became stronger, more united, and better prepared for whatever Kang and the Multiverse had in store for them. **Lucas's Status** Name: Lucas Level: 15 Experience: 85% until next level (gained 10% from training with Doctor Strange) Magic Power (MP): 3200 Skills: Elemental Mastery: 120 Fire: 95 Water: 100 Earth: 85 Air: 95 Ether: 100 Light: 90 Shadows: 90 _______________________________________ Melee Combat: 95 Firearm Use: 90 Combat Strategy: 90 **Additional Status** *Strength*: 160 *Resistance*: 120 *Agility*: 100 *Magical Intelligence*: 145 **Inventory** Green Potion (recovers 30% HP) Sacred Artifact (first artifact found) Blue Artifact (second artifact found) Red Artifact (third artifact found) Shadow Artifact (recovered after defeating Shadow)