"It's not fatal to be cut!?" Strange exclaimed in shock.
Does this mean our previous inferences were wrong? But what exactly is the motive of the mastermind behind this?
As Strange's mind raced with confusion, the Ancient One spoke calmly:
"There's more to the information than you realize. Keep watching."
Strange frowned and focused his gaze, eyes widening as he blurted out:
"All four of them have crowns similar to Loki and Sylvie!?"
"Could it be!?"
"That's right, I suspect they're Lokis from different timelines," the Ancient One nodded slightly.
In Asgard.
Loki was on the verge of a breakdown!
He instantly recognized that the three individuals before him were versions of himself!
He had come to terms with the female version, but now there was a child version and an elderly version—this was too much!
But who could explain the crocodile wearing a crown with goat horns—what was going on!?
Crocodile Loki!?
Are they serious? Is it a Frost Giant crocodile?!
"Where is this place? What are we doing here? Who are you people?!" Loki stood up abruptly, demanding answers.
"This is the Void, that is Alioth, and we, well, I suppose, we are supposed to be its lunch," the elder Loki pointed out, gesturing towards the distant sky where dark clouds were sweeping in like an overwhelming sea.
In just ten seconds, they had dominated the sky with an oppressive force.
Loki was terrified. This was no mere dark cloud, but an unimaginably colossal creature with no fixed shape. Its gigantic, ever-changing maw reflected an ominous red glow, instilling a deep, soul-penetrating fear just by looking at it.
Off-screen, when the Ancient One heard the elder Loki mention the monster's name, her expression changed dramatically, eyes filled with unprecedented fear.
Although Strange was also shocked by the enormity of the creature, he couldn't understand why the Ancient One was so deeply affected.
"Sorcerer Supreme, what's so special about it?" Strange asked curiously.
The Ancient One took a deep breath, the fear in her eyes lingering:
"I heard about this being from my teacher, but I thought it was just a myth. I never expected it to be real.
"In the legend, Alioth is an ultimate time creature, existing from the dawn of time to its end, consuming everything in its path!"
"In theory, such a creature shouldn't exist, as it would lead the world to utter annihilation!"
Strange venture a guess, "I think the elder Loki mentioned this place is called the Void. Could that be the reason?"
The Ancient One did not respond. Speculating now would be pointless. She just hoped that this situation wasn't as terrifying as it had been described.
[A terrifying roar reverberated, making the entire space tremble!]
[As purple lightning flashed, Loki, who had been too stunned to speak, snapped awake.]
["Out of danger, Loki couldn't help but shout in panic!"]
["Can anyone explain to me what's going on here?"]
[Loki shouted, his face contorted with confusion.
["I've been working so hard these past few days, maybe even months? I don't even know how long it's been since the New York incident!"]
["All I know is that I've been pruned, and when I woke up, I found myself surrounded by other variants of me!"]
["Most bizarrely, there's even an alligator! Strangely enough, it doesn't even surprise me anymore!"]
["Now, I don't know where to go or where to hide!!"]
["The only thing on my mind right now is to get to the TVA!"]
[Loki continued, his emotions clearly agitated.
[The drama intensified!]
[A green light flashed, and Kid Loki, with determined steps, approached Loki. A phantom dagger flickered in his hand, aimed at Loki's throat!]
["Calm down?"]
[Loki abruptly closed his mouth and nodded earnestly.]
Back in Asgard...
Loki looked displeased. "That Loki from another timeline is so rude, not elegant at all!"
However, Thor smiled. "I like him. He seems capable. I must meet him if I get the chance!"
["Very good!"]
[Kid Loki nodded with satisfaction, then continued,
["Remember, don't shout loudly, or it will find us!"]
He then explained the situation:
["This place is actually a dump for the TVA. Everything they prune ends up here, not just you."]
He pointed to the sky.
["And that thing, Alioth, devours all the corrupted realities, trims the time branches, and ensures that everything here disappears completely."]
["That's why we have to flee."]
[Old Loki added,
["We're living in a shark tank, and Alioth is the shark."]
[Loki could hear the despair in Old Loki's words. In a shark tank, everything eventually gets eaten by the shark; it's just a matter of time.]
["Woohoo!" Loki looked down to find an alligator making the sound. What made it even more absurd was that the alligator seemed to be expressing dissatisfaction.
[Old Loki quickly reassured him, "There's no crocodile tank. It's just a metaphor."
He then looked at Loki helplessly and added, "You know, Loki is always sensitive."
["I know nothing!" Loki wanted to curse, but recalling the young Loki's recent impressive actions, he restrained himself.
"Have you thought about making a plan? Are you just going to wait around to die?" Loki asked, extremely puzzled.
"We've tried all sorts of elaborate plans," Old Loki replied, spreading his hands.
The message was clear: despite their efforts, they were still stuck here, and the fate of "Loki" remained a failure.
"Can you use the time controller?" Loki asked hopefully.
Black Loki pointed behind Loki, "Why don't you go check it out yourself? Maybe it's real!"
"Is that guy mocking me?" Loki asked, glancing at Thor and pointing to the screen.
"It's a pity I wasn't there, otherwise, I'd be laughing at you too," Thor said mercilessly.
The TVA isn't stupid; there's no way they'd leave a time controller here.
Despite the harsh ridicule from everyone, Loki continued, unwilling to give up, "Then what about creating a nexus event?"
Young Loki shook his head, "Unfortunately, the TVA doesn't care about what happens here. It's very unlikely there will be a time branch because it's always chaotic here."
"Then what should we do?" Loki was determined not to just sit and wait for their fate.
"Do we have a way out?" Loki asked, looking expectantly at the older Loki.
The old Loki replied solemnly, "To survive, this is the only way, from the past to the present. That's what we Lokis do best!"
With that, the three Lokis turned and left without hesitation. Loki watched them, realizing they had no intention of bringing him along. As the sound of thunder grew closer, Loki quickly decided to follow.
"These Lokis have survived for so long; they must have a way to avoid whatever's coming. And since I'm unfamiliar with this place, it's best to stick with them," he thought.
On the way, Loki couldn't help but ask the old Loki, "Why are you still wearing horns and obeying that child?"
Old Loki suddenly turned, startling him, and said with a serious expression, "You must respect that kid! He's a king, a king here!"
Loki looked unconvinced, "Well then, Your Majesty, what is your Nexus Event?"
Before the old Loki could respond, the young Loki on the screen turned around and, with an intensity that belied his age, said coldly, "I killed Thor!"
Off-screen, Thor's smile froze, and he angrily exclaimed, "I take back what I said earlier; I don't like this kid."
******
Hey Guys, This novel is going to end. But don't worry.
I have started translating a new novel name Naruto's Review : First Viewer is Senju Tobirama!
Please check it out.