Just call me Thor

Since Professor Gregory agreed, Mike's proposal was approved.

Before Mike set off, there were some preparations to be made.

He first handed over some supplies to Shadow Eleven and Professor Gregory.

"Here are 6,000 tons of A-grade ore and 1,200 tons of S-grade ore. Use them to build defenses, and make sure to keep them safe!"

Mike clung to the ring, reluctant to let go, while Shadow Eleven stood there, bewildered.

"I know to keep them safe, but you need to let go!"

Professor Gregory coughed lightly, "Ahem, the consumed ore will be reimbursed at wartime prices, which is the highest price of ore sold in the past seven days."

Upon hearing this, the storage ring instantly fell into Shadow Eleven's hand. Shadow Eleven felt a mix of emotions, unsure how to express them.

Mike nonchalantly took out another storage ring and explained,

"There are some scrolls and items here, given to me by a friend for free, so no charge for these."

Besides the supplies, there was something else handed to Professor Gregory.

Looking at the item in his hand, Professor Gregory was curious, "What's this?"

"Magic Conch."

Mike briefly explained the function of the Magic Conch.

Besides transmitting sound, blowing it could open a portal for both sides to travel through.

Even in the Suture Abyssal Plane, it would work!

Mike, slightly embarrassed, said,

"To be honest, without this, I wouldn't dare venture out with Amari."

Exploring the Abyssal Plane and finding weak points in the space would be much less efficient without the Eye of Truth.

Though Mike valued his life, he knew the current situation was dangerous.

Dragging it out would only put him in more danger.

That wouldn't be valuing his life; it would be foolish.

Professor Gregory nodded slightly, "That's for the best."

With the Magic Conch, Thor and the others could escape at any time if they encountered danger.

Amari also handed over a batch of supplies to Shadow Eleven.

Before setting out, Amari had considered the possibility of long-term combat in the stitched plane and had prepared ample supplies.

Especially for enhancing mental defenses, there were not only supplies for Shadow Eleven but also a special batch for Professor Gregory.

"By the way, Professor Gregory, after you reunite with the rescue team, it's best to set up a temporary fortress."

Mike drew a simple design for a fortress that could withstand attacks from Lord-tier demon creatures.

This way, even if there was a beast tide, they wouldn't have to worry about their safety.

Using high-tier ore to build the fortress would provide a strong defensive advantage.

After arranging everything, Mike pointed east, "The rescue team will come from this direction. They're already 10 miles away."

Then, Mike shifted his finger, pointing in the opposite direction, "To reach the other segment, Amari and I will go this way. It's closer. There are fewer beasts now, making it easier to travel. Let's head out."

With that, Amari stood up and started walking west.

"Be careful and don't overdo it."

Professor Gregory also stood up, looking down at Shadow Ten's shadow, smiling,

"You're only level 200; there's no need to take on such a heavy burden. We humans fought the Blood War so the next generation could have it easier. Shadow Nine was being reckless sending you to the abyss."

Daring to call Shadow Nine reckless, probably only Professor Gregory in the world had the guts to say that.

Anyone else who dared would find Shadow Nine drawing his blade.

Mike scratched his head and laughed, "Professor Gregory, if you keep talking, I won't leave! I barely mustered the courage to take a few more steps, and now I'm almost regretting it!"

Despite his words, Amari didn't pause, continuing westward.

Professor Gregory waved, saying goodbye, "Next time we meet, I have something to tell you about Shadow Nine."

Shadow Ten's shadow suddenly extended dozens of yards, rushing to Professor Gregory, even forming a sharp point.

"Professor Gregory, what a coincidence, we meet again!"

Professor Gregory closed his eyes, groping in front of him, muttering, "These illusions are getting stronger. Why can't I see anything all of a sudden?"

Mike gave up trying to get information from Professor Gregory, and the shadow snapped back like a rubber band.

Professor Gregory opened his eyes, watching the two figures gradually disappear, the smile on his face slowly fading.

Finally, his face was full of worry, his brows furrowed deeply.

Shadow Eleven noticed Professor Gregory's unusual expression and asked softly, "Professor Gregory, what's wrong?"

"Thor deceived us."

Professor Gregory sighed, shaking his head, then changed the subject, "Did you see the blood pillar earlier?"

Shadow Eleven nodded, "I saw it. It was Maxen's doing, no doubt."

"I watched Maxen grow up. I know his character—careful and meticulous, not reckless. Even fighting a demon god, he wouldn't make such a big commotion."

Professor Gregory analyzed seriously, speaking slowly,

"Thor's earlier lightning likely attracted the Suture Abyss's will, causing demon creatures to seek and attack him.

To alleviate Thor's pressure, Maxen released an even stronger aura to draw the abyss's attention.

Even so, Thor is still under great pressure. He used the excuse of splitting up to help us... sigh."

Gregory chuckled bitterly, sitting back in his chair, self-mocking,

"As a researcher, I feel utterly useless."

Every time he neared a battlefield, Gregory faced this sense of helplessness.

He felt it most deeply during the Blood War.

He thought he'd never face a battlefield again, never feel this way again.

But today, in front of an eighteen-year-old, Gregory felt young again.

As he mocked himself, the conch in Gregory's hand shook. He looked down to see 30 hundred-dollar bills lying quietly on the ground.

This was the money he used to buy the stone. Earlier, Thor had taken it out to prove his identity, and Professor Gregory had let Mike keep it.

But now, it was back by Gregory's side.

He looked west, the reformed mist obscuring his view, but he seemed to see the vague figures of Shadow Ten and a young man walking together.

Gregory shook his head, smiling.

He must have been mistaken.

Thor wouldn't leave the shadow so easily.

Regardless, Gregory seemed to truly see that scene.

Under the starlight, a young man, draped in Nightmare's Breeze and holding the Thunderclap Hammer, stood tall and spirited.

Gregory whispered, "I'm already this old, yet I'm letting an eighteen-year-old charge ahead."

Gregory bent down, picked up the 30 bills, rubbed his eyes, and took a deep breath. His aged body seemed to awaken with an indescribable strength.

His gaze was firm, filled with ambition, looking towards the direction Thor had disappeared.

He spoke each word clearly,

"One day, I will lead the charge ahead of everyone!"

One day!