If Earth were observed from another spatial layer at this moment, one would discover that it lay on the edge of a downward-curving spatial depression.
At the center of this depression was the most massive and powerful celestial body in the solar system—the yellow dwarf star, the Sun.
Earth itself, through its rotation and mass, formed a secondary depression of its own.
Under the influence of the powerful magnetic fields at the planet's north and south poles, waves of spatial distortion appeared.
Where these distortions were strongest, space showed folds resembling creased paper.
At the deepest part of those folds—where space was at its thinnest—a massive beam of light suddenly shot out from Earth, striking the creases directly.
In the blink of an eye, the beam pierced through them and entered an even more peculiar dimension.
---
What Lucas saw around him was a series of light pillars formed from countless golden threads, each thinner than a strand of hair.
These threads were composed of minuscule runes, so small that they were almost impossible to discern with the naked eye.
With his current vision, Lucas was unable to clearly identify their precise forms.
He had tested his eyesight before—he could already see objects as small as a millimeter in detail.
However, at the micrometer or nanometer scale, his vision still fell short.
The runes condensed into golden threads, and the threads assembled into cylindrical pillars of light surrounding him, stretching endlessly forward.
"So this is the essence of Kamar-Taj's magic…"
Lucas began to ponder.
Whether in the Marvel or DC universes, magic held undeniable importance.
After arriving in this world and realizing that it possessed elements of both Marvel and DC, Lucas had already considered pursuing magic himself.
After all, he did not want to end up like Clark—someone with little resistance against magic.
This was not to mock Superman's so-called "low magic resistance," but rather to acknowledge the nature of the opponents he faced.
However, Lucas had never been able to truly access magic.
As for visiting Kamar-Taj alone?
That was far too dangerous. A Saiyan was not born invincible.
The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj, Frigga's Vanir witchcraft, the Scarlet Witch's Chaos Magic—these were all forms of magic Lucas had personally encountered.
It was important to note that in both Marvel and DC, magic was an umbrella term.
Witchcraft, divine magic, curses—all of these fell under magic, typically categorized as white or black magic.
But in Lucas's view, magic was simply a method of manipulating energy or rules.
Compared to direct energy usage by warriors, magic required a far higher learning threshold, hence the concept of magical aptitude.
Thor was a perfect example of an energy-based warrior—he combined lightning with Mjolnir and used it directly to attack.
Loki, on the other hand, despite being Asgard's most powerful sorcerer (allegedly), was different.
He used energy to pry at the rules of reality, bending them to his convenience.
Invisibility, teleportation, interference with reality—these were manifestations of his magic.
That was magic.
Of course, magic had countless branches—so many that even Lucas could not clearly define them all.
Most human magic originated from ancient cosmic beings.
For example, the Vishanti—three ancient entities united as one—represented white magic.
Chthon represented black magic, though they were embodiments rather than creators.
There were also Mephisto's demonic magic, and divine magic wielded by beings like Lucifer or Michael.
In short, whether in utility or raw power, magic deeply fascinated Lucas.
If he could learn it, all the better.
If not, then he would at least understand its principles and operational logic.
After all, Lucas did not want to be helpless when facing magical enemies in the future.
To defeat an enemy, one must first understand them.
---
Bringing his thoughts back, Lucas noticed that the golden light around him had begun to fade, becoming semi-transparent.
Through it, blurred scenes from outside entered his vision.
Chaotic.
That was the only word that came close.
Even so, no human language could truly describe what lay beyond.
There were no known terms capable of explaining it.
Lucas withdrew his gaze.
Despite his well-trained willpower, even he felt a trace of mental disturbance after witnessing that sight.
Hold to the self. Maintain firm will.
This was a basic requirement for the strong.
However, that brief glance seemed to alert certain beings within the extradimensional space.
At that moment, a powerful consciousness pierced through time and space, arriving outside the golden passage.
After locking onto Lucas's presence within the light, it plunged forward without hesitation.
Most of the intrusive consciousness was blocked by the golden light.
Yet it squeezed forward relentlessly—like a cat forcing itself through a narrow gap.
In the end, a single strand broke through and entered the passage.
It "saw" the people inside.
Thor blazed like a miniature sun, radiating overwhelming brilliance.
The Asgardian warriors and Lady Sif beside him were also massive orbs of light—entities it dared not approach.
Only Lucas's position appeared as a faint, chaotic blur.
So the invading consciousness rushed toward him.
In the next instant, Lucas felt a foreign thought force its way into his mind.
His consciousness was immediately flooded with chaos—slaughter, greed, madness, and countless dark impulses.
Lucas did not panic.
Years of meditation training since childhood had forged an exceptionally stable mental will.
He quickly solidified his consciousness, rendering the negative thoughts unable to interfere any further.
"So these are the beings the Ancient One mentioned—those that exist in extradimensional realms."
But Lucas was not the type to endure an attack without retaliation.
"You think I'm easy prey?"
A faint light flickered in his eyes.
His mental will instantly condensed into a massive hammer, smashing directly into the invading consciousness.
The negative presence was struck as if gravely wounded.
Its fluctuations weakened rapidly, and soon it vanished completely, leaving no trace behind.
Even so, Lucas did not lower his guard.
In the Marvel and DC worlds, schemers were everywhere.
One careless moment was all it took to fall into a fatal trap.
So Lucas calmed his mind and thoroughly purged his consciousness.
---
Author's Note:
The understanding of magic and the setting of extradimensional life in this chapter reflect personal interpretation. Discussion is welcome.
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