Chapter 194: Kamar-Taj

The power system of the Marvel universe is actually quite orderly, though certain comics frequently push beyond upper and lower limits, it still largely follows discernible patterns.

The commonly cited hierarchy divides reality into five levels, from smallest to largest: Single Universe, Multiverse, Hyperverse, Omnipotent Universe, and Unique.

Most Marvel movie audiences know heroes who belong to the Single Universe level, such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America.

Audiences who've read some comics may be aware of the other levels, such as the five Multiverse-level Primordial Deities; of course, the most famous is Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet—the ultimate villain of the cinematic universe.

But even Gauntlet-wielding Thanos is merely Multiverse-level; many beings possess power far exceeding his.

The most renowned entity in the Hyperverse is the Enchantress, who is in fact the true origin of the Infinity Stones.

In simple terms, the Enchantress, bored of existence, transformed herself into six stones; thus, the true culprit behind Thanos's snap traces back to the Hyperverse-level Enchantress.

Above her, in the Omnipotent Universe, two notable figures exist: the unlikely risen Life-Form Court, and the well-known Phoenix Force.

The Life-Form Court was originally created by the Enchantress, but later killed by the Beyonders; Adam then became the new Life-Form Court, answering directly to OAA, the supreme ruler of the entire Marvel universe.

The Phoenix Force needs no introduction—Marvel's universe is full of Phoenix worshippers—but here's one point: the Omnipotent Universe-level Phoenix Force refers to the complete version; beneath her stands the White Phoenix King, a Multiverse-level entity.

Note that the full Phoenix Force has never truly appeared in the Marvel universe; even the most powerful White Phoenix King is merely a tiny fragment of the true Phoenix Force, its power negligible in comparison.

Above all this, the most famous is OAA—the omniscient, omnipotent ruler of the Marvel universe.

These hierarchical divisions are even more complex than they appear, because you must also distinguish their stances, behavioral logic, and origins.

For example, although Spider-Man is a Single Universe-level entity, the Spider Totem behind him is Multiverse-level, and the Morlun family is also Multiverse-level.

From this example alone, Multiverse-level beings differ among themselves; if we truly compare them, both the Morlun family and the White Phoenix King are Multiverse-level, yet their power is worlds apart.

You might wonder: how weak can a Multiverse-level being be?

But in comics, the Morlun family has never delivered any standout performances; their so-called power absorption relies heavily on restrictions, and their opponents are almost always Single Universe-level—they only achieved Multiverse status thanks to the Weaver's favor, pure nepotism.

Returning to the Dimensional Gods, this term is actually a collective label, encompassing entities of both Multiverse and Single Universe levels.

Among them, the Crimson Dimension's master, Surtur, is a Multiverse-level titan who ignores the Infinity Stones' influence and can crush whomever he pleases within his domain.

Slightly weaker is Dormammu of the Dark Dimension; in early lore, he was immensely powerful, described as second only to the original Life-Form Court, but later became significantly weaker.

Then there are entities like Yog-Sothoth, originating from Cthulhu mythology, rumored to be stronger than Dormammu but far less known.

Of course, there are also the Trinity of Vishanti and others.

Beyond these, figures like the Lord of Hell Mephisto, Lucifer, and Blackheart can also be counted among the Dimensional Gods.

Though these concepts sound bizarre and complex, they become easy to understand from another perspective.

For instance, these gods do interact—they know each other, form organizations, and cooperate during crises, only to later fracture into factions.

Doesn't that sound familiar?

Exactly—they resemble an amplified, evil version of a superhero team: members know each other well, inhabit different domains, occasionally chat, form temporary task forces when trouble arises, and brawl when disagreements occur.

They understand alliances, leveraging strength, and defeating the strong with the weak; Mephisto once grew suspicious that Dormammu intended to destroy him, so he summoned Hela, Mephisto, and Hades for a war council to plot against Dormammu.

Their meetings are no different from superheroes': they sit around a table, voice opinions, then leave in anger, accomplishing nothing.

In the Fear Origin subplot, even Surtur, the Great Shadow Cyttorak, and Yog-Sothoth attended the meeting—everyone sat in a circle, took turns speaking, and Mephisto delivered a shocking remark that ultimately meant nothing.

This proves they possess stable social relationships and distinct interests and positions.

The stronger ones appear detached and aloof; Surtur, for instance, lives contentedly behind closed doors, seeming desireless.

But in truth, that's not the case—in comics, Surtur has organized his own cadre of gods to influence Earth; Dormammu, needless to say, feels uneasy if he doesn't spread darkness on Earth daily.

Weaker gods are openly predatory, constantly fighting over territory and power—small battles every three days, major wars every five; when passions flare, their domains fracture into chaos, and major incidents occur regularly.

"You can't expect gods born of chaos and disorder to understand rules or order," Wong concluded. "Their pursuit of power is innate, etched into their instincts."

"I don't understand," Strange asked, puzzled. "If they seek power, why come to Earth? What's so special about Earth?"

"Earth is unique—it is the center of the universe," Wong replied, calm as ever.

Strange opened his mouth to speak, but Wong continued: "I know—in your worldview, Earth is just an ordinary planet, the Sun the center of the solar system, the Milky Way vast beyond measure. But within Multiverse and Dimensional theory, it is not."

"The vast majority of extra-dimensional gods originate from Earth; part of their power comes from Earth's believers' faith. Hence, they seek to expand influence here to gain greater power—this is an instinct no god can escape, not even Dormammu."

Then Wong's tone grew lighter: "That's why I say your plan has surprised me greatly—you've grasped the core."

"Though dimensions cannot be simply understood as distance, if I must explain it in terms you can grasp, the current situation is this: the Crimson Dimension is relatively close to Earth, the Hell Dimension is not far, Dormammu's Dark Dimension is farther, closer to the Rift Domain—but still quite near."

"With these three dimensions present, most weak gods cannot extend their domains to Earth—this is the tacit agreement reached by generations of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme."

"But the problem is, with these three dimensions blocking them, other gods lack the power to extend into Earth's territory. I wouldn't mind absorbing their power for myself, but they're locked outside, and every time they venture out, it's a hassle."

Strange even detected a hint of anticipation in Wong's tone; Wong continued: "Fewer and fewer gods now dare to crash into Earth. Many newer-generation gods have grown smarter—even when seeking other gods in this region, they first knock on Odin's door."

Wong shook her head. "Gods who once stormed Earth's skies, shouting they'd rule it, haven't appeared in a long time."

Whether it was an illusion or not, Strange detected profound regret in those words.

"When I first became Sorcerer Supreme, I lacked experience and handled such matters too harshly, leaving me with no successors now," Wong said, voice heavy.

But knowing Wong's past, Strange understood: she regretted her youthful brutality—the gods who came to Earth were crushed too severely, so now most dare not come.

"Fortunately, you will be a worthy successor."

Strange quickly replied: "This plan still requires your help—we still face many unresolved challenges."

"I can help you contact the Vishanti. I believe they'll find this plan intriguing."

"Another question: about godly power—I knew there were many different gods across the universe, but is their power interchangeable? Can it function as a universal medium of exchange?"

"If their power were completely incompatible, why would they fight over territory?" Wong countered.

Strange thought for a moment—it made sense. If attacking another yielded no usable power, why fight at all?

"The cosmic source remains constant; power is merely its manifestation. The only exception is Earth."

Wong revealed more secrets to Strange: "Earth—or rather, human belief on Earth—is unique. Humans here provide gods with the purest form of power, which is why they go to such lengths to compete for believers on Earth."

"Power among gods can be converted, but it requires time and incurs loss."

Strange rubbed his chin—he understood Wong's meaning.

In short, human belief on Earth is like wagyu beef—delicious and nutritious—while other gods' power is more like black bread: tasteless, hard to chew, but filling.

The main reason this plan can succeed is that most cosmic gods born of chaos have insatiable hunger for power—like a bottomless stomach.

If obtaining a wagyu steak and a black bread loaf requires equal effort, everyone chooses the steak. But if the choice becomes one wagyu steak versus a ton of black bread, these insatiable gluttons will choose the latter.

To Strange's surprise, Wong didn't find the plan immoral—she swiftly helped refine its mystical execution methods. Wong continued: "Odin, Father of the Gods, is the rightful ruler of the Nine Realms and the nominal lord and king of Midgard. If a summit is to be held, it must be in Asgard's temple."

"Then let's do this," Wong said directly. "I'll take you to meet Odin. We'll discuss the plan and see when his temple will be free—I think it can be arranged within a few days."

Then she turned to Wong beside her: "Have Mordo contact the Dark Dimension and ask if Dormammu is available."

"You personally reach out to the Crimson Dimension. I recall Surtur has ended his last season of slumber—he's a neutral god, but he'll likely enjoy the spectacle."

"The Last Guardian"

"What was the name of the apprentice who last contacted Mephisto? Lucas? Have him ask the Lord of Hell if he's available."

"I remember Vatuumb recently went to the Lingering Realm—I'm not sure if he's returned. If he has, make sure to summon him. Kala Kan was nearly killed last time—he probably hasn't recovered yet..."

Wong shook her head, exasperated: "Altogether, we have too few reliable allies."

————————Extra Notes———————

Researching this confused me—is the Morlun family really this weak?

Where are their achievements? Their prestige? Their cool entrances?

If anyone has info, share it—I found zero notable achievements. (The only one was fighting cosmic bugs, and even that was due to type advantage.)

Come on, you're pathetically weak.