A certain American comic book's secondary profession master

Chapter 121 Resurrection is not such a simple matter

"...So, what do you humans think hell is? A realm that holds human souls? And what do you take death for? A game?" In the VIP lounge of the mall, Shakora chuckled after hearing Levi's story and asked with a smile.

"Isn't that right?" Levi didn't react much, but Natasha and Jessica, who were accompanying him, seemed surprised by Shakora's words.

"Of course not!" Shakora shook her head and said, "Death and souls are very serious matters, fundamental rules of the universe. Even ordinary gods or demons cannot break them at will. Hell is just one dimension in the universe. Although it is somewhat special, it is not much different from Earth in essence. Perhaps some souls will flow into Hell for various reasons, but in most cases, the destination of souls is not Hell, nor is it Heaven, but the Underworld—not the Underworld of your human mythology—it is no different from Hell, but the real Underworld, the realm of death!"

"...Um...sorry, I don't quite understand!" Natasha was a little confused by Shakora's tongue-twisting explanation of the underworld not being the underworld.

Jessica was completely bewildered.

"I understand what you mean. So, the heavens, hells, and underworlds in mythology are just self-proclaimed by dimensional lords like yourself. In reality, there is only one true underworld, the realm of death?" Li Wei said. That should be the realm of the legendary goddess of death.

"That's right. The other so-called heavens, hells, and underworlds are merely places where people are granted permission to control souls through faith, trade, or even plunder. That's why they give us humans the illusion that people go to these dimensions after death. But in reality, they've never truly possessed the authority over death. In fact, if a deceased person's soul is taken to one of these dimensions, it's actually a good thing, because it means that the soul didn't die 'naturally,' and thus has a chance to be resurrected." Shakora explained with a smile. "And with so many dimensions like heavens and hells, if they all have the authority over death, where do people go after they die?"

This rule of death is not a big secret or taboo for higher life forms.

So she spoke without any reservations.

"I understand what you mean. If the soul of the deceased does not directly enter the true realm of death, then there is a chance of resurrection. But if it enters the true realm of death, then there is no possibility of resurrection?" Li Wei said.

"It's not entirely impossible. If one possesses supreme power of the same level, it's still possible—but such an opportunity is extremely rare, and the price is very high. Even true gods and demons find it difficult to obtain such an opportunity!" Shakora said, giving a self-deprecating laugh.

What about gods and demons? When it's their turn to die, they will die just the same.

Li Wei nodded; Shakora's words reminded him of the plot of Thor: Ragnarok.

What about this so-called God?

Even so, it couldn't stop the death of your loved one.

Similarly, they could not resurrect a mortal little girl, who was the daughter of the god-slayer Gell.

In the end, the Godslayer made a wish to Eternity to resurrect his daughter, but at the cost of his own soul.

Think about other resurrected characters in the Marvel Universe, like Phil Coulson? He was saved by the Kree's cell regeneration technology. To call it resurrection is really just a matter of healing injuries that humans cannot heal.

Half of humanity was wiped out by the Infinity Gauntlet? To some extent, the gathering of all six Infinity Stones already represents the highest level of power in a single universe.

If that's really the case, then Li Wei's previous guesses about the rules of death were completely wrong.

It's no wonder his resurrection skill is so demanding—if what Shakora said is true, then his resurrection technique is a true divine skill.

But that's not right. If we follow Shakora's explanation, then what about Black Sky?

Hei Kong can even revive people who have been dead for a long time.

So Li Wei raised this question with Shakora.

"The reason is simple: altering a soul's memories is much easier than resurrecting it!" Shakora laughed again after hearing Li Wei's description of Black Sky.

However, the meaning behind her words gave Li Wei and the other two a chilling feeling.

"So, my previous speculation was completely wrong... The reason why the people who were resurrected from the Black Void became somewhat neurotic is not because of any missing soul, but because their souls have been replaced?" Li Wei said in a somewhat hoarse voice.

Yes, who can prove that someone who has the same memories is truly the same person from before?

Shakora's words reminded Levi of himself.

He also has most of the original body's memories, but is he the original body?

"It's obvious—but judging from your description, that Black Void's skills in this area aren't quite up to par, so some side effects are occurring... By the way, where is this Black Void you're talking about? I'm quite interested in it." Shakora asked, pursing her lips slightly.

The Ancient One's agreement only restricted her from harming humans, but this Black Void was clearly a dimensional being as well, which did not violate the agreement.

She was getting a little hungry!

Human food is delicious, but it only brings her a little satisfaction on her taste buds.

But dimensional beings—they're incredibly nutritious!

"So Frank's family has virtually no chance of being resurrected?" Levi sighed.

"Theoretically, yes, unless they didn't die a natural death—and by unnatural death I mean their souls were taken by demons or some other special beings. But obviously, according to you, they died in your infighting, which is a natural death." Shakora shrugged, indicating that she couldn't help.

"I understand, thank you for clearing things up!" Li Wei said gratefully.

"If you really want to thank me, just tell me where that Black Sky is!" Shakora waved her hand and said.

"Of course, I'll investigate for you when we get back!" Li Wei said readily.

The Black Sky thing has long since fallen into the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D., but nobody knows where they put it.

We'll have to ask Peggy Carter about this.

"Hmm, you're a good person. If you can help me find that Black Void, I won't hold your previous rudeness against me against it!" Seeing Li Wei's straightforwardness, Shakora was very satisfied. "Also, I'm very satisfied with your hospitality these past two days. I was a bit rushed when you summoned me and didn't bring much. Since you're a mage, I'll reward you with this. And this is for both of you!"

With a wave of his hand, several small plaques made of an unknown material and engraved with demonic script appeared in front of Li Wei.

Li Wei took a look.

Good guy.

Demon Rune: Consumes a certain amount of life force to enhance your magic power.

Two green stones appeared in front of Natasha and Jessica.

Demon Stone: Can randomly summon a demon guard to fight for you for one hour (the exclusive guard of Demon Queen Shakora).

The Demon Queen truly lives up to her name.

They're really generous!

(End of this chapter)