Homelander: New Legacy

[151] : The Foundation of the Universe

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Red Skull led the way ahead, with Roger following behind, venturing deeper into the mirror-like lake.

Red Skull said nothing further during their journey. He simply focused on his duty as a guide, leading Roger to the location of the Soul Stone.

The two walked across the lake's surface for what seemed like half an hour before Red Skull finally stopped. Bowing slightly, he gestured ahead and said, "What you seek lies just beyond."

Roger glanced forward, then back at Red Skull, hesitating. "Ahead? There's... nothing there."

"That is because you have yet to truly open your eyes."

Roger fell silent, considering Red Skull's cryptic words. After a long pause, he asked, "...Philosophy?"

"Not philosophy," Red Skull replied, a hint of exasperation in his tone. He explained more simply, "You carry the Mind Stone with you, do you not? Use the Mind Stone's power to delve into your own mind. Seek out the core of your consciousness, your true self, and allow it to open its eyes."

"So, I just use the Mind Stone? You could've said that earlier."

"..."

Red Skull said nothing further, bowing his head slightly, hands folded as if in silent prayer.

Roger decided not to push him further. Since Red Skull had suggested using the Mind Stone, Roger figured there was no harm in trying.

Using the Mind Stone was second nature to Roger by now.

It didn't take long for him to follow Red Skull's instructions, sinking his consciousness into the depths of his mind.

Exploring the core of his own psyche was a first for Roger. After all, what kind of sane person would willingly dive into their own mental landscape to search for their "true self"?

If not for Red Skull's suggestion, Roger doubted he would have ever done so.

Yet as Roger's consciousness delved deeper, he discovered something strange.

Within his mind, there seemed to be something that did not belong to him.

In the abstract, white expanse of his mental world, Roger's consciousness drifted, facing a glowing orange speck in the distance.

Instinctively, Roger felt that this orange speck was the Soul Stone he had been searching for.

The Soul Stone—hidden within his very soul?

No, to be more precise, the Soul Stone... had always been a part of his soul.

"When did this happen..."

Roger couldn't fathom why the Soul Stone resided in his soul or when it had embedded itself there. By all logic, such a thing shouldn't be possible.

In that moment, seeing the Soul Stone made Roger question the very nature of his existence.

The Soul Stone had the power to alter, control, and even create souls from nothing. For its wielder, creating a soul with self-awareness was entirely within its capabilities.

If Roger's soul had been fabricated by someone using the Soul Stone...

"No. That's impossible outside of this universe."

Realizing how dangerous that train of thought could become, Roger quickly shook his head to dismiss it.

The Infinity Stones only worked within the Marvel Universe. Outside of it, they were little more than decorative rocks, albeit exceptionally durable ones.