Fiddling with the [Hex Crystal] in his hand, Luka began to understand a bit more about how his cheat system's synthesis worked.
It seemed that regardless of what kind of strange or unrelated materials were used, as long as the names matched the required materials listed on the synthesis panel, the resulting item would always match the original version—perfectly.
Whether in form, function, or even scientifically impossible features.
But hey, it was a "cheat system." Logic wasn't really the point—and Luka wasn't going to complain.
Unfortunately, the [Hex Core] seemed like another item he wouldn't be able to synthesize anytime soon.
The "small stable reactor"? The only thing he could think of was Tony Stark's arc reactor. And that was locked tight to his chest—no chance of getting near it.
And the other ingredient, "four different magical runes"? That was even more far-fetched. He'd probably have to go to Kamar-Taj or Asgard to get something like that.
With both ingredients so out of reach, Luka carefully stored away the glowing [Hex Crystal] for now.
As for the remaining [Monkey Bomb]—
There might only be three of these Hex Crystals in the whole world. Using them as literal bombs feels like a waste.
Still, Luka didn't remove the other two crystals. No matter how valuable the item, when it came to life-or-death moments, survival came first.
He simply wrapped the monkey bomb in cloth to avoid accidental detonation.
After all, Hex Crystals were even more unstable than Chitauri energy crystals. A minor bump could trigger an explosion.
Aside from synthesis rules, Luka also noticed that the tag "Arcane Universe" had updated from "1/5" to "2/5" on the system panel.
Maybe something special happens once I collect five core components from the same world?
Shaking off those thoughts, Luka scanned the chaotic room.
He hesitated briefly, then decided to toss the two headless Chitauri corpses outside.
The place had already been trashed by the alien invasion. After the war, government cleanup crews would definitely come.
Stashing away a couple of energy rifles and a single purple crystal might go unnoticed. But leaving two big alien corpses here? No way.
Luka stepped to the gaping hole in the wall and peered down.
Seeing no one below, he dragged one Chitauri corpse over and dropped it.
But just as he threw the second one—
A pained scream rang out from below.
Even through the chaos of battle and explosions, the scream was crystal clear.
Crap! Did I hit someone?!
Luka leaned halfway out to look—and his expression instantly changed.
Because in the alley below stood four people he recognized all too well.
One of them was massive and green-skinned, crouching to check on the poor guy who had just been hit by a falling alien corpse.
With a casual toss, the Hulk flung the body Luka had just hurled a dozen meters away.
The poor guy who'd been hit? Wearing a dark red jacket and scowling, trying to stand up.
The other two?
One in a blue uniform with a metal shield—Captain America.
And the last one wore a regular jacket—but Luka had just seen a younger version of him today.
That's right. The four people below were Bruce Banner (Hulk), Scott Lang (Ant-Man), Steve Rogers (Captain America), and Tony Stark (Iron Man).
Even more important—Luka knew these four were from the future.
No way—this is the "Avengers: Endgame" timeline!
No time to think. As the four looked up—
Luka quickly shifted into a panicked expression.
"S-sorry! My place was just attacked by aliens—I checked, I swear, there was no one down there...!"
"Oh my god! Are you guys Iron Man, Cap, and the Hulk?! I've seen you on TV!"
Seeing Luka's nervous, babbling behavior, the four eased up.
Tony responded first, pointing at Luka.
"Hey, kid—it's not your fault. Get back inside. Stay safe."
Steve nodded in agreement.
"We're handling the situation. Stay inside—we'll have it under control soon!"
Luka, not wanting to interact with them too much, gave a quick nod and started backing up.
But then—
ROAR!!
A monstrous bellow echoed from the main road.
A Hulk even bigger than Bruce leapt into view, wielding a smashed-up car and slamming it down onto a hapless Chitauri.
He kept smashing until both the car and alien were crushed flat.
Then he roared again and bounded off somewhere else.
...
Silence.
Everyone, including Luka, turned to stare at Bruce Banner, who now had a hand over his face.
"Was... was that the Hulk's big brother?" Luka ventured, trying to ease the tension.
"Uh… yeah! Yup! That's right! The Hulk's brother—uh, Big Green!" Scott said, pointing at Bruce and flailing slightly.
Then, for no good reason, he added, "Oh, and you can call me Ant-Man! I haven't been on TV yet, but I'm working on it!"
The others gave him a collectively exasperated look.
Satisfied that the awkward moment had passed, Luka said, "Well, good luck, everyone," and ducked back into the apartment.
The four exchanged glances and quickly left the area.
But Tony Stark couldn't help muttering to Scott as they walked:
"You shouldn't have revealed your identity. That could mess with this timeline's future."
"Especially since you told Luka Orange, of all people."