After some hesitation, Lin Rui reluctantly exchanged the Intermediate Usage Manual for the Space Infinity Stone. Not long ago, Lin Rui had witnessed Doctor Stephen Strange using the Time Stone to trap Dormammu in a time loop.
If the Space Stone, of the same caliber as the Time Stone, could be activated, Lin Rui believed he could develop formidable spatial powers.
Strange’s use of the Time Stone couldn’t possibly have fully unleashed its potential, yet it was enough to confine Dormammu partially. This demonstrated the incredible power of the Infinity Stones. So, possessing the Space Infinity Stone, Lin Rui couldn’t afford to waste it.
However, upon obtaining the Intermediate Usage Manual, Lin Rui had a sudden realization. While he had the Magic Cube in his possession, under normal circumstances, it was meant to be handed over to SHIELD’s research department for the development of spatial power techniques. So, in ordinary situations, Lin Rui wouldn’t have access to the Magic Cube.
“Oh well, as long as I encounter any problems, the Magic Cube can still be used,” Lin Rui mumbled to himself, storing the Intermediate Usage Manual.
After exchanging for the Space Stone’s Intermediate Usage Manual, Lin Rui glanced at the Time Stone’s manual, which had the same reward point cost. However, Lin Rui didn’t exchange it. Each Infinity Stone possessed different powers and required different conditions for use.
Lin Rui’s practice of internal energy happened to meet the conditions for using the Space Stone, while the Time Stone required different powers, such as magical energy. Lin Rui had zero talent for magic, so even if he exchanged for the manual, he wouldn’t be able to harness the Time Stone’s power.
Of course, there were other methods to use the Time Stone’s power. Any Infinity Stone could be used this way, provided the user’s strength met the basic requirements and they possessed the divine tool, the Infinity Gauntlet.
“It costs a whopping one million two hundred thousand reward points! More than even Thor’s hammer. Truly fitting for a divine tool that can hold all six Infinity Stones and wield their power,” Lin Rui marveled, looking at the exchange price for the Infinity Gauntlet.
Currently, Earth has two Infinity Stones— the Space Stone in Lin Rui’s possession and the Time Stone with Doctor Strange. They should have been returned to the Ancient One’s custody by now. The Reality Stone, the Aether, had appeared and was sealed by Asgard.
In other words, half of the six Infinity Stones had already gathered within the Nine Realms, seemingly destined for a protagonist’s journey. After the Dark Elf invasion of Earth, Lin Rui knew that every major event on Earth would likely be influenced by the Infinity Stones.
They couldn’t simply discard the Infinity Stones; that would make it easier for someone else to acquire them. According to the original storyline, Thanos should currently have only one Infinity Stone, the Mind Stone.
If Loki, as in the original storyline, had fallen from the Bifrost and borrowed the Mind Stone from Thanos to attack Earth, the Avengers would now have faced an artificial intelligence, Ultron, as the possessor of the Mind Stone.
However, due to significant plot changes, Loki didn’t take such drastic actions to vie for the throne of Asgard. Therefore, the Mind Stone had not yet appeared. Thinking about this, Lin Rui even contemplated whether he should talk to Loki and convince him to trick Thanos into giving up the Mind Stone.
Because, in the events of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the Power Stone ended up on Xandar, guarded by the Nova Corps, as Lin Rui had confirmed earlier from Star-Lord. The Soul Stone required a specific sacrifice to obtain, so as long as Gamora was protected, Thanos couldn’t get the Soul Stone.
In other words, if Loki were to successfully deceive Thanos and acquire his only Mind Stone, Thanos would be left with no Infinity Stones. Even with the Infinity Gauntlet, he would be powerless, just a shell with a lit heart.
However, imagination was often far from reality. If Lin Rui’s plans were realized, Thanos wouldn’t be a threat. However, the world’s development was beyond Lin Rui’s control; the world’s forces would inevitably lead to numerous unforeseen changes. Lin Rui was well aware of this based on previous experiences.
“Ah! Why think so much? Anyway, Earth’s development has entered the right track. Dormammu’s arrival, though causing some panic, has given us a great opportunity,” Lin Rui concluded, shaking his head as he quietly contemplated.
Dormammu’s arrival allowed Lin Rui’s alliance to showcase its complete power to the world for the first time. Although they had appeared somewhat powerless in dealing with Dormammu, it had made all nations and factions on Earth reconsider their stance.
After this event, as long as SHIELD handled the aftermath properly, their goal of establishing the Earth Federation should take a significant step forward.
Subsequently, Lin Rui browsed the System Shopping Center for a while longer, exchanging for a pseudo-divine tool-level longsword, an upgrade from the Beheading Spirit Sword, called the Purple Sky (Pseudo). The genuine Purple Sky cost a million reward points, which Lin Rui couldn’t afford at the moment.
After exchanging for the main items he needed, Lin Rui made some additional practical choices, such as energy defense items and Intermediate Elven Holy Spring Water, which were logistical necessities.
Finally, Lin Rui’s consciousness settled down in his mind, and he began to rest. He could sense everything happening outside, but as long as there was no danger, he wouldn’t react.
After Star-Lord and Tony had intermittently conversed for over an hour, Lin Rui, lying on the couch, finally stirred and opened his eyes. By now, Lin Rui had fully recovered his mental strength.
As he woke up, Lin Rui heard the voices of Tony and Star-Lord in the adjacent living room. Being aware of Star-Lord’s visit, Lin Rui’s eyes flickered with a sense of anticipation. However, regarding Star-Lord’s father, Ego, Lin Rui wasn’t sure how to approach the topic anymore.
“In any case, this matter needs to be discussed. If Star-Lord still believes in Ego, I can only provide him with some life-saving items,” Lin Rui whispered softly as he sat up on the couch.
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