Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man / The Boys) Multiverse later

As Makima stood in the New York Sanctum, surrounded by an ever-growing glow that signaled her return to her own era—the time of the Lost Books—she cast a lingering glance at the Ancient One.

"This feels like an awfully long transition to pull me back," Makima said, her voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.

The Ancient One, standing nearby, released Makima's hand and gave her a small, knowing nod. "Transitions are never as immediate as we might expect. It gives us time to reflect." She lifted her hand in a slow wave, her serene expression betraying a hint of sadness.

Makima tilted her head, her sharp gaze narrowing slightly. "Are you really not going to ask me to stop Strange's half-existence in the era of the Lost Books? Instead, you wish me to convince Kang Woo to free the souls trapped in the Dark Dimension? Why?"

The Ancient One's expression softened, her voice calm yet resolute. "Perhaps the other half of Strange—the one who resides in the future—will find a way to convince the corrupted Strange. But even if that fails, the souls in the Dark Dimension deserve a chance at freedom. That, at least, is something within your reach—and perhaps your husband's will."

As the glowing light intensified around Makima, signaling the inevitable pull of time, she allowed herself a rare moment of genuine emotion. Her voice softened as she looked at the Ancient One. "This is the first time I've had a friend and teacher. I'm very grateful. See you later, Ancient One."

The Ancient One smiled warmly, her tone filled with quiet confidence. "And perhaps, one day, you'll return with a story of how your world—and this multiverse—changed."

With a final flicker of light, Makima disappeared, her form dissolving into the glow and leaving the Ancient One standing alone in the sanctum, the faint hum of mystic energy lingering in the air.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Makima reappeared in the grand, ancient halls of the Lost Library, where the mystical artifact Macchina di Kadavus rested in its ornate containment. O-Bengh greeted her with a warm smile, his tone laced with his usual lightheartedness.

"Oh, you're back, Control Devil! How was the trip?" he asked cheerfully.

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes narrowed slightly as she replied with biting sarcasm, "The worst adventure ever."

O-Bengh chuckled, unfazed as always. "Oh, I'm sure you enjoyed it more than you let on. You're just being shy."

Makima didn't dignify that with a response. Instead, she froze for a moment, her senses sharpening as a faint trace of magic flickered in the air—dark, otherworldly, and unsettlingly familiar. Her sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, her posture rigid. The disturbance wasn't just a vague sensation; it was a specific kind of energy that sent a ripple of unease through her.

At the same moment, she noticed something else. Kang Woo's presence had vanished. Her connection to him was usually steady and unshakable, but now it felt as though he had moved beyond her immediate reach. Her thoughts immediately turned to Kobeni, who had been with Kang Woo during one of his "therapy sessions" in another part of the library.

This magic… Makima thought, her sharp mind piecing the puzzle together. It's the same energy I sensed on the Ancient One—the mark tied to the Dark Dimension. Kang Woo sensed it before me, didn't he? Of course, his power is very unique and many varieties . He can detect things far more easily. But now…

She paused, inhaling deeply. For the first time, she realized her own abilities had evolved. She could smell the magic lingering in the air. Though it wasn't as effortless as Kang Woo's innate sensing, it was a new skill—one she had begun to understand and hone. The realization brought a mix of irritation and pride.

Makima's thoughts turned sharp and possessive. Kang Woo, whatever this is, you'd better not handle it alone. No one interferes with what is mine.

Her yellow-ringed eyes darkened slightly as she turned her focus back to O-Bengh. "Kang Woo has disappeared. And this magic…" She paused, her tone calm but chilling. "It's tied to the Dark Dimension."

O-Bengh's playful demeanor shifted, his face becoming more serious. "The Dark Dimension? That's not something to take lightly. What do you think is going on?"

Makima paused, inhaling deeply once more to sharpen her senses. She could still faintly detect the residue of Dark Dimension magic, but it wasn't enough to pinpoint Kang Woo's location. Her sharp yellow-ringed eyes flickered with a possessive glint as she turned her focus back to O-Bengh.

"Nothing to concern yourself with, O-Bengh," makima said coldly. "I'd prefer you focus on Doctor Strange before he destroys this whole library."

O-Bengh raised an eyebrow but nodded, the seriousness of the situation evident in his expression. "Right. Just be careful," he said before leaving the room.

Makima gave a curt nod, her gaze already shifting toward another part of the library where she knew Kobeni was. She strode through the vast, ancient halls with purpose, her every step measured and deliberate. The air grew heavier as she approached, and she could hear soft, stifled sobs echoing faintly through the corridors.

As she entered the chamber, she found Kobeni sitting on the floor, her hands clutching her knees as tears streamed down her face. She looked up at Makima, her expression one of anguish.

"Kobeni-chan," Makima said, her tone calm but firm. "What happened?"

Kobeni sniffled, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Kang Woo… he disappeared. So suddenly… I don't know where he went."

Makima's gaze softened for a brief moment, though her composure remained unshaken. She inhaled deeply, letting her senses expand and analyze the magic lingering in the air. In her thoughts, the conclusion became clear. Kang Woo has been taken. Kidnapped, perhaps. But doubting his ability to free himself would be an act of stupidity. He's a Demon King, after all.

Her voice was steady as she spoke, steering the conversation to a safer topic. "Let's change the subject, Kobeni-chan. Have you learned any basic magic of this universe?"

Kobeni hesitated, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I can read… but it feels like I'm not learning as quickly as everyone else. And the ice abilities Kang Woo gave me… they're more like an innate power, not magic."

Makima nodded thoughtfully, her sharp mind already at work. "I see. Let me think for a moment."

Makima's gaze softened for a fleeting moment before her sharp composure returned. She carefully analyzed the lingering magic in the air, her mind racing. The only one who truly knows the extent of Kobeni's abilities is Kang Woo, she thought. And he's not here to provide insight. Yet.

Breaking the silence, Makima's voice was calm and resolute. "Kobeni-chan, let's return home. To our true home—Futamichi's basement, or as it is now… The Hidden Wonderland."

Kobeni looked up, her eyes wide with concern. "But shouldn't we rescue Kang Woo?"

Makima's expression remained steady, though her smirk grew faintly. "To doubt that he's weaker than us is an act of foolishness, Kobeni-chan. He is far stronger—and the most important man in the multiverse. Both you and I are his wives, and it is our role to welcome him back, not worry needlessly. He will carve our path forward, as he always has. Remember, he has already slain beings far more powerful than even the ruler of the Dark Dimension."

Kobeni wiped her tears, her determination slowly returning. "You're right, Makima. I'll do my best. But how do we return to our home? Kang Woo is the one who can open the gateway with his bare hands."

Makima's smirk widened ever so slightly as she stood tall, her yellow-ringed eyes gleaming with confidence. Without a word, she raised her hand and slipped on her Infinity Sling Ring. Making a circular gesture, she conjured a portal that shimmered with vibrant sparks, revealing the path to The Hidden Wonderland.

"I've gained a very good understanding of magic in this universe, Kobeni-chan," Makima said, her voice calm and commanding.

Kobeni's expression shifted from awe to relief, her lips curling into a grateful smile. "You're amazing, Makima ."

With a composed nod, Makima stepped through the portal first, her stride exuding control and purpose. Kobeni followed closely behind, her resolve steady as they returned to the sanctuary Kang Woo had created—a home awaiting the return of its king.

At the heart of The Hidden Wonderland, where Kang Woo's reality-warping prowess had transformed a once-forgotten basement into a breathtaking realm, the sky shimmered with vivid auroras. Towering ice castles stretched into the heavens, their crystalline spires glistening in the magical atmosphere, while the frozen expanse beneath bore the testament of his unimaginable power.

A portal crackled to life, its radiant sparks signaling the arrival of Makima and Kobeni. As they stepped through, the cool air embraced them, the scene before them nothing short of majestic.

"Home sweet home," Makima remarked, her voice laced with satisfaction as her sharp gaze swept over the breathtaking environment.

Kobeni nodded in agreement, a faint smile touching her lips. However, their moment of peace was interrupted when they spotted Reze, the waitress of Futamichi Café, lounging atop a pile of gold, lost in thought. Her dreamy expression made it clear she wasn't entirely grounded in reality.

Makima's piercing yellow-ringed eyes narrowed slightly as she approached. With a swift kick, she sent a chunk of the gold pile tumbling to the floor. " wake up, Reze. What's going on?"

Reze blinked, startled out of her daydream. Her gaze flitted between the scattered gold and Makima, her cheeks reddening slightly. "I just realized that the upper stairs where Futamichi Café is located aren't fit to decorate properly. And… there's not enough space to store Kang Woo's artifacts."

Makima sighed softly, her sharp mind already crafting a solution. "You're overthinking it, Reze. Start small. Focus on what you can manage today."

Reze nodded hesitantly, her fingers fidgeting with a loose strand of hair. "Yeah, let's start—" She froze mid-sentence, her eyes widening as realization struck her. "Makima! You've returned!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both relief and worry. "But… where's Kang Woo?"

Makima's expression remained calm, though her gaze hardened slightly. "Kang Woo has been abducted by an alien. But don't worry," she added, her voice steady and resolute. "He will be back."

Reze gasped, her worry evident. "An alien? How—?"

Makima interrupted with a faint smirk, her tone reassuring but firm. "It's nice to see your consciousness fully back in your body, Reze. Focus on that. Kang Woo will take care of himself, as he always does."

Reze nodded, still shaken but visibly trying to compose herself. The weight of Makima's presence grounded her, as it always did, even in moments of uncertainty.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

At the main interior of Futamichi Café, where customers were typically served . At one table sat Quanxi and her group of devil fiends—Pingtsi, Long, Cosmo, and Tsugihagi—all seated together, their expressions ranging from indifferent to mildly intrigued. Across from Quanxi, Kishibe leaned back casually in his chair, his usual nonchalant demeanor intact.

At a different table, Himeno and her new husband, Aki Hayakawa, were seated. Aki carefully examined one of Kang Woo's artifacts—a single-edged weapon with a somewhat curved pommel. His eyes narrowed as he turned it in his hands.

"This thing feels more like a katana," Aki remarked thoughtfully, his voice low as he studied the weapon.

Himeno smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "I'm surprised you're taking an interest in Kang Woo's junk. You do realize he just throws things like that away, right?"

She teased him further, her tone playful. "What if Kang Woo gets mad when he finds out you took one of his treasures?"

Aki's expression remained steady as he replied, "Himeno-senpai, Kang Woo literally threw an Infinity Stone onto a starship the size of a city, causing it to crash-land. I don't think he's worried about this."

Himeno laughed, her voice light but her words carrying a hint of irony. "Maybe he'll like it once he realizes its true value. Or maybe he'll just call it junk like everything else."

Quanxi, overhearing the conversation, furrowed her brow slightly in confusion. "Infinity Stones? What are those?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. In her thoughts, she added, I've lived a long time, and I've never heard of these so-called Infinity Stones.

Kishibe took a sip from his glass before chiming in, his tone as dry as ever. "Probably something like Chaos Excalibur. A mystery this world never had, and one that makes no sense to anyone except Kang Woo."

Quanxi leaned back in her seat, her intrigue only deepening. "Sounds like something worth understanding,"

Aki turned the sword over in his hands, his expression thoughtful. "What's this sword called again, Himeno-senpai?"

Himeno tilted her head slightly, her playful smirk still in place. "Orcrist."

Aki struggled to repeat the word, his face scrunching up in concentration. "Orrrrcrrrr... uh, what?"

Himeno chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. "You can just call it the Goblin Cleaver. That's what it said in the floating description when Kang Woo's artifacts started falling from the sky."

Quanxi, seated a few tables away, raised a brow as her thoughts grew sharper. Grown adults cosplaying from a 1937 children's book, huh? How... childish.

Suddenly, a faint blue glow began to emanate from Orcrist. Aki blinked, holding the sword up slightly. "Himeno-senpai, the sword's glowing blue."

Himeno glanced at it nonchalantly. "Well, it's a nice color, don't you think, Aki?"

Before Aki could respond, Quanxi stood abruptly, her sharp gaze fixed on the glowing weapon. She strode toward their table with purpose, her fiends exchanging curious glances behind her.

"Wait a second," Quanxi said, her tone more serious than usual. She stopped just short of Aki and leaned closer, her eyes narrowing. "That's the real deal. A goblin cleaver. Straight out of the books." She gestured at the glowing blade. "And the real one was just casually thrown away by Kang Woo?"

Himeno shrugged, looking unconcerned as she sipped her drink. "You sound surprised, Quanxi. For Kang Woo, that's just Tuesday."

Aki looked at the sword again, his grip tightening slightly as the blue glow pulsed faintly. "It's not just glowing for decoration, is it?"

Quanxi smirked slightly, her curiosity now fully piqued. "Not a chance. If it's glowing, it's detecting something nearby. What else did Kang Woo 'throw away' here?"

Suddenly, Kishibe shifted closer to Aki and Himeno, his weathered face unusually serious. "Quanxi," he said, his voice low but firm, "I need to intrude here. This is important."

Quanxi nodded, her attention snapping to Kishibe. "Go on."

Kishibe took a deep breath, leaning forward slightly. "My former Student," he said, gesturing toward Aki, "is getting stronger. I see Kang Woo's training has been effective."

Aki only nodded, his expression unreadable but his focus unwavering.

Kishibe continued, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. "From the look in both your eyes, it seems you know something about Kang Woo—at least enough to understand who and what he is. For the people of Japan, his presence might be an easing force now, but initially? It terrified them. Even primal devils." His tone dropped further, laced with a mixture of awe and gravity. "I have the right to know. I was one of the first people to meet him. Back when he was in beggar's clothing."

Quanxi tilted her head, her usual calm composure giving way to curiosity. "Terrified a primal devil? Really?"

Kishibe nodded solemnly. "The Falling Devil—one of the primal devils—was terrified of him. It didn't dare look him in the eye or make any sort of eye contact."

Quanxi's expression tightened, her thoughts racing. My instincts were right. The Control Devil is following this man, Kang Woo. If even a primal devil is terrified of him, a peaceful resolution is more than acceptable—it's a necessity. Anything else would be a suicide mission.

Aki remained stoic, his grip on the glowing Orcrist steady. "I don't want to lie, and I don't want to tell you anything," he said firmly, his tone final.

Himeno smirked, breaking the tension with a playful jab. "It was Makima who knew first, since Kang Woo told her what he is. And, as surprising as it sounds, Makima started talking a lot about him."

Quanxi blinked, her sharp expression giving way to disbelief. "Makima? Talking too much? Someone as cold and composed as her?" Her tone dripped with incredulity. "I'm very fucking late on everything, aren't I?"

Himeno chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Yeah, she talked about what he is—to us, anyway. But here's the thing: we're not telling you either."

Quanxi's frown deepened. "Why not?"

Himeno shrugged nonchalantly. "Kang Woo gets annoyed when people talk about his true identity. He didn't mind Makima knowing, but he wasn't thrilled about her sharing it with us, even if it was in private. I can't blame her, though. The current Makima is… well, very devoted to him. She's his first wife, after all."

Aki nodded, his expression unchanging. " Himeno and I respect one of Kang Woo's wishes—we don't talk about what he is unless he says so."

Quanxi leaned back, crossing her arms as her mind churned with the implications. "Makima—a control devil as calculating as her—is now devoted to him. And even she can't keep her mouth shut about him." She scoffed softly, almost amused despite herself. "This Kang Woo really is something else."

As the sparkle portal opened near the cashier counter, everyone turned their attention toward it. Reze stepped forward, carrying the glowing Arkenstone in her hands. Its light shimmered like an aurora, casting vibrant hues across the room. Reze's expression was a mix of irritation and confusion.

"Makima," Reze began, holding the stone up, "you want me to put this glowing gem in a spot where it's very easy to get stolen? Right here, where the customers are served?"

Kobeni stepped out of the portal next, her gaze fixed on the stone. "This Arkenstone is prettier than the Infinity Stones," she murmured, awe evident in her voice.

Makima, the last to emerge from the portal, closed it behind her with a flick of her wrist. Her tone was calm and commanding as always. "Kang Woo's trinkets can be summoned back if needed. Besides, this old café could use a theme—something that exudes richness."

The room fell silent as Quanxi and her devil fiends tensed. Quanxi gulped, her eyes locking onto Makima. Seeing her former superior—the Control Devil herself—once more sent a chill down her spine. Kishibe, meanwhile, simply observed quietly, his expression unreadable.

Makima's yellow-ringed eyes swept across the room, quickly assessing the situation. Her gaze landed on Aki, who was still holding Kang Woo's glowing sword. A sly smirk tugged at her lips. "Aki-kun," she teased, her tone light but edged with sharpness, "shouldn't the Angel Devil sword , angel devil gave you be enough? And now you're stealing from someone you supposedly hate?"

Aki glanced down at the sword in his hands, then looked back at Makima, unfazed. "Kang Woo is just annoying. But he's… a good person. That's all."

Makima's smirk faltered slightly as something clicked in her mind. She turned her attention back to Aki and Himeno, her tone becoming serious. "Aki-kun, Himeno, you didn't tell Kishibe or Quanxi what Kang Woo is… right?"

Aki shook his head. "We didn't tell them anything."

Himeno chimed in, her voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "I'm not like you, Makima. We don't go around spilling secrets. We've gotten smarter—and maybe even turned 180 degrees, like you did."

Makima's smirk returned, this time tinged with genuine relief. "Ohhh, I'm very thankful. My major mistake didn't add up."

The tension in the room was broken by the sound of heavy, labored breathing.

"Haaah... Haaah..." Pingtsi, one of Quanxi's beloved devil fiends, clutched her chest, her breathing erratic. Her wide eyes were filled with terror as she stammered, "Miss Quanxi… permission to kill myself. Something inside the Control Devil… is far more horrifying than even primal fears."

Quanxi immediately rose, her blade drawn in an instant. Her protective instincts flared, though her tone remained steady as she turned to Pingtsi. "Idiot. Calm yourself. I'm here to protect you."

Pingtsi's voice cracked with desperation as she shook her head. "You don't get it, Mistress Quanxi. That… thing inside her… it doesn't belong here. It's something deeper—something catastrophic. It's a world-ending disaster just by existing."

Makima's sharp yellow-ringed eyes flickered with annoyance and intrigue. She raised her hand, summoning tendrils of darkness manipulation that lashed out, binding Quanxi tightly before she could make a move.

Quanxi tensed against the bindings, her blade trembling in her grip, but she didn't resist further. Makima's voice was calm yet commanding as she approached Pingtsi, her dark aura palpable but controlled.

In her thoughts, Makima reflected with a hint of surprise. I didn't expect a devil from my world to detect the Commandment of Piety inside me… Kang Woo's power is far-reaching, even here.

Makima crouched slightly, placing a firm yet gentle hand on Pingtsi's trembling shoulder. Her tone was cold but measured. "Calm yourself. I'm not going to harm you, and I couldn't care less about you or your group. I have no interest in meddling."

Pingtsi's breathing steadied under Makima's touch, and she nodded silently, her terror subsiding into quiet submission.

Makima stood, releasing the dark bindings on Quanxi, who still held her blade at the ready. "Pretend I'm not here," Makima said bluntly, her tone dismissive. "I have other matters to tend to."

Makima seated herself at an empty table, pulling out a magical tome inscribed with teachings on the Mirror Dimension Magic. Ignoring everyone else in the room, her sharp yellow-ringed eyes scanned the intricate text. Her thoughts churned as she deciphered the ancient Sanskrit within.

The Ancient One is truly frustrating. She should have forced me to learn this directly. Instead, she left me to struggle through this convoluted language on my own.

Suddenly, a chair scraped against the floor. Makima's gaze flicked upward, her expression remaining cold as Kishibe seated himself across from her.