---
Strange noticed the surrounding light dimming.
Countless dazzling stars sparkled around him, making him feel as if he were drifting through the vast and boundless universe. A beautiful galaxy flowed past like a sea of light—so breathtakingly stunning it was almost intoxicating.
At that moment, the background behind Strange began to shift rapidly, accelerating as if he were being pulled through space at high speed. Planets streaked past one after another, blurring his vision.
Finally, the acceleration ceased, and a planet came into view.
A planet of advanced civilization.
Clean. Peaceful.
"This is Qaidar Star, the homeworld of the Nova Empire in the Milky Way," came the calm voice of the Ancient One, though her form was nowhere to be seen.
Strange, however, barely paid attention. He found himself in an unfamiliar situation—as though he were a god, peering into the fate of a distant world. Raising a brow at the sight of a massive battleship, he muttered, "A war's about to break out?"
He still didn't understand why the Ancient One brought him here.
Time accelerated again. When it stopped, Strange felt an overwhelming surge of power erupt from Qaidar Star. The planet shook violently—as though a cataclysm had struck.
Before he could react, he saw an enormous mothership and a fleet of warships appear on the planet's outer orbit. Yet even that wasn't what unsettled him.
What truly disturbed Strange was the terrifying fluctuation of energy radiating from the planet itself.
Then, a figure burst from the surface of Qaidar and ascended into space.
Strange's eyes narrowed.
"Bella?"
Boom—
A deafening explosion shook everything. The once-dim environment suddenly returned to normal. But Strange stood frozen, horror written all over his face, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. His back was soaked.
He looked at the serene Ancient One, who sat leisurely sipping tea—as if none of what he'd just witnessed had happened. Strange swallowed hard and asked in disbelief,
"That was… a Level God Father?"
Only now did he truly understand the meaning behind the title.
He recalled every terrifying moment from the scene—the cosmic warlord Thanos clashing with Bella. Their speed exceeded human sight. Every punch, every kick unleashed energy that could shatter worlds.
The close-combat scenes were the most shocking—each exchange could decide the fate of a galaxy. Strange trembled at the thought that he wouldn't survive even a second against either of them.
But two images stood out most vividly in his mind.
One—Bella standing in the void, a burning planet held in one hand like a divine judge.
With a single motion, she passed judgment on Thanos and his fleet—destroying tens of thousands of warships, wiping out millions of lives.
And an entire planet.
Such immense power left Strange feeling deeply powerless… and filled with awe.
He thought this must be the Level God Father the Ancient One spoke of.
But then she shook her head, smiling.
"At that time, Bella was not yet a Level God Father."
Strange was stunned.
"A Level God Father," the Ancient One continued, "is a true deity. They can destroy planets effortlessly, command life, and traverse the universe at will."
Hiss—
Strange took a sharp breath.
To destroy a planet with one hand… wasn't that already divine?
But as he thought of the Ancient One's words, a longing began to stir in his heart.
To become such a being…
To wield that kind of power…
How powerful was Bella, really?
"Stephen," the Ancient One said quietly, "Disaster is coming. Are you ready? Ready to become a new legend?"
Strange was filled with yearning and anticipation.
And the Ancient One, watching the man before her begin to change, pondered silently.
---
On a planet bursting with life, lush forests and towering ancient trees filled the land with raw, untamed beauty. Unknown seabirds soared through the sky, their cries echoing above. Roars from deep within the jungle added a wild rhythm to the peaceful landscape.
Gentle waves lapped the shores of a sandy beach, enhancing the idyllic scene.
"Wow, what a beautiful beach! Is this a primitive planet? Earth probably looked like this billions of years ago," a voice called out in wonder.
Anji stood barefoot at the edge of the beach, seawater curling around her toes. Wearing a swimsuit that showed off her graceful figure, sunglasses resting on her forehead, she stretched her arms wide and closed her eyes, basking in the moment.
Behind her were all the essentials for a day at the beach—grills, ovens, a large parasol, three lounge chairs, a moisture-proof mat spread across the sand, and a small spread of peanut butter, applesauce, and other snacks.
They hadn't brought a beach tent—Bella's ability to teleport made it unnecessary.
Everyone was excited. Even little Sally and her two adorable pets were overjoyed. The little girl, wearing a mini swimsuit, chased the animals back and forth along the shore. Their playful laughter and barking filled the beach with life.
Bella, on the other hand, wasn't dressed for swimming. She wore a loose T-shirt and boxer shorts, lounging on a beach chair with a magic book from the Sanctum in hand. Occasionally, she would reach for a drink on the small plastic beach table and take a sip of Bing Kuo Luo.
Like her best friend, she wore matching sunglasses and went barefoot, radiating a quiet, effortless charm.
Yet, no one seemed to notice—except those already present.
As she listened to the joyful sounds of children, the wind rustling her hair, and Anji's lively chatter, a rare happiness lit up Bella's expression.
Then suddenly, she paused.
Lowering her sunglasses with one hand, Bella slightly turned her head and glanced to the left. In her exposed eye flashed a chilling light.
Something… had arrived.
---