Chapter 985: Chapter 670: A New God Appears in the Cosmos (Part end)_1
The timeline now flickers back to a couple of hours prior, when Shiller and others were still inside the Holy Sanctuary, trying to decipher the conditions surrounding Stark's ascendance.
"I believe that no matter how meticulous our preparations are, unpredictability remains as a potential outcome. Therefore, it is best for us to first estimate the worst possible scenario." Strange advised.
"The worst possible scenario? Isn't it merely the failure of ascendance?" Natasha speculated, her finger performing an airy motion.
Strange shook his head and spoke in a tone laden with seriousness, "The worst-case scenario is that the ascendance is a success, and a permanent one at that. Tony would then be transformed into a Demon God, this would signify the loss of him to the human race, forever."
"I don't quite comprehend, is it ordained that only one form can exist between humans and the Demon God?" Connors adjusted his glasses and queried.
Strange exhaled deeply, then nodded, "Humans are social creatures, having a plethora of needs that necessitate an established reliance on others. This connection forms the building blocks of our society."
"However, Demon Gods can exploit the raw energy of the universe to their benefit, rendering them a form of perfect life in a sense. They are not bound by physical limitations, which implies that they no longer have any need for society."
"Simultaneously, the transformation of their life structure will lead them to depend more on energy than on material substance. This will result in a shift in their thought process. Very few Demon Gods manage to sustain the vigor they had at birth. Every Demon God and his dimension eventually succumb to eternal sloth."
"To put it into perspective, perhaps you've heard of the cluster of Star Spirits on the fringe of the Eternal Kingdom. They maintain a functional society, capable of mutual communication and support. You may view this as an ideal life form, but in fact, the number of Star Spirits has been dwindling. They have begun growing indifferent towards their kin and their living range is increasingly scattered."
"Eventually, they turn into entities akin to the Lord of the Crimson Dimension, lacking concern for all entities, driven only by the pursuit of power. However, as they evolve further, they gradually lose interest in power and energy, driving themselves to extinction as their energy reserves deplete."
"This is the fate of the Cosmic Sorcerer. The process may be incredibly lengthy. A Dimensional Demon God as powerful as the Lord of the Crimson Dimension may survive until the end of the cosmos, but everything has an end. This Universe is fair."
Strange appeared melancholic while recounting these facts, uttering, "This is the essence of mysticism; some things are destined at birth, regardless of the nature of their fate, all will eventually face destruction and death."
"So, if Tony truly successfully ascends to a higher plane, it implies that he wouldn't be part of the human race anymore, correct?" Connors queried.
"He might be able to maintain his human mentality initially, but as his emotions gradually dwindle, he will become colder."
"The Earth doesn't permit these Demon Gods to linger. As they evolve, their power becomes stronger, and they grow colder. They no longer value any life, nor do they consider anyone as their comrades in destiny. In the end, all they can bring is destruction." Strange answered.
"No, I will not accept such an outcome." Stark firmly stated, "Even if it means abandoning all powers, I must retain my human identity. I am proud of my race."
Every time this topic surfaced, Stark's response was always unwaveringly determined. Despite the potential near-infinite lifespan of a Demon God, Stark still felt pride in the transient existence of the human race.
Shiller contemplated for a moment, then asked, "Since you have successfully abandoned it once before, is it possible for you to willingly abandon it again this time?"
"Perhaps it might be viable, but there remains a certain degree of risk." Strange stated, "Research at Kamar-Taj concerning the causes of a Demon God continues to lack conclusive findings…"
"There aren't any actions that come without risk." Stark interjected, "Being wary of over-utilizing uncontrollable powers doesn't mean we reject all chances out of fear of complications, or we won't attempt anything. In such a case, there will be no progress."
"I was merely making you aware of the possible risks, the choice of action ultimately relies on your own desires."
"I need to go up there and see it for myself." Stark made up his mind, "I need to focus particularly on Peter's section. If the problems truly originate from beyond the cosmos, he could be at risk."
Stark frowned, his concern blatantly evident.
Strange patted his shoulder and said, "If you decide to proceed, it is best that we go to Kamar-Taj. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, the Grand Mages there will be able to manage the situation promptly."
"I thought Kamar-Taj doesn't allow anyone other than mages to enter?" Shiller queried.
"Is that still the belief you hold?" Strange looked at him in astonishment. He continued, "At present, Kamar-Taj is a large comprehensive Magic Research Center facilitating research, exchange, and learning. Now, it is not only Mages of Kamar-Taj who dwell here, but also those eccentric practitioners of mystical powers from all over…"
"Everyone here studies, shares and elevates their magical powers and techniques to more advanced levels. We use the power we gained previously as a reward to encourage all mystics to complete the history of Earth's mysticism, to discover new techniques from ancient books, infer future trends from existing technical levels…"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone