American Comics: Trading Tom Cat

As for why he created this fantastical breathing technique from a fantasy-style qigong manual, breathing techniques are simple, as you can tell from the name. If he were to create some kind of fantasy divine skill, with meridians or dantian, Locke was worried that he would kill himself by practicing it. Without a master's guidance, that kind of thing can really kill you!

The next two books are "Knight's Breathing Technique - Knight Chapter" and "Knight's Breathing Technique - Great Knight Chapter".

According to Locke and Tom's prior communication, the Knight Apprentice is comparable to a third-rate character in the Marvel universe, the Knight is comparable to a second-rate character, and the Great Knight is comparable to a first-rate character. As for the later ones, we'll talk about them later; for now, this is enough.

"Isn't this already quite perfect?"

Tom shook his head again.

Locke's gaze shifted: "Is there a problem with the meditation technique?"

If there's a breathing technique, there must be a meditation technique; it would be strange to be missing either one.

Tom shook his head again.

Locke simply stopped asking and picked up another book, "Meditation Techniques - Beginner's Guide," to read.

After finishing one book, Locke remained silent and continued to flip through the next two books: "Meditation Techniques - Intermediate" and "Meditation Techniques - Advanced".

None of the three books were very long, and Locke finished reading them in less than ten minutes. After he finished reading them all, Locke rubbed his head.

"There's nothing wrong with this meditation technique. The real problem is that you haven't figured out the matching magic, Tom, right?"

Tom nodded vigorously.

Locke fell silent again. Magic is usually associated with magical runes and the like, and Tom had no clear understanding of magical runes, so he was confused.

But Asgard definitely has this thing, and we can't go there now, it's with the Sorcerer Supreme...

They were just a bunch of sorcerers, with no magical runes whatsoever, and even if they did, they weren't anything legitimate.

It's unreliable to just draw a few random lines on paper and call them magic runes to Tom. Tom's abilities are incredible, but he's not stupid. Showing him a few movies about wizards would be more convincing.

Unfortunately, due to the era, there aren't many magic-themed movies in the Marvel universe, especially those with explicit magical runes. Locke had sent them to Tom before, but since Tom still failed, it proved that those methods didn't work either.

Locke closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought. What is the greatest advantage of being a time traveler? It is that one's thoughts are never confined by the times.

In just a moment, Locke suddenly opened his eyes, already having figured things out.

"Someone, have the pigman bring over a drop of blood!"

"Yes, sir."

In no time, the attendant returned with a chip, on which a drop of blood, like a water droplet, was dripping.

Locke delivered the drop of blood to Tom and then used the computer to find a document (a novel).

"Tom, there's a concept of innate magic here. Tom has been in this world for a while now, so he should know about mutants. Aren't the abilities that mutants develop a kind of innate magic? You might want to give this a try."

Tom's eyes lit up, and his legs transformed into wheels of fire, disappearing from the spot in a flash.

Just over half a day later, Tom Liu reappeared in front of Locke, placing three new books in front of him. The names were the same, and the books were thicker than before.

Locke quietly began to read through the pages again. This time, he read more carefully and slowly, taking about thirty minutes to finish.

This time, all three meditation techniques have indeed been completed, and the effects are incredible. Each completed meditation technique grants a talent spell slot, which can be used to condense special talent spell runes from mutant blood. By embedding these runes, one can control that 'talent spell'.

The three meditation techniques represent the ability to acquire three different abilities.

It has to be said that this is incredible. There are many powerful mutants in the Marvel universe, such as Professor X's mind control and Magneto's electromagnetic force.

However, just a moment later, Locke frowned and patted Tom's little head.

"Tom, this won't do either! It needs to be revised again."

Actually, it's not that it's impossible, but rather that it's too possible, too perfect. If the thing Tom created can turn mutant abilities into innate magic, then what about the power of chaos and the power of the phoenix?

Everyone longs for stronger, more heaven-defying power. Once this meditation technique is leaked, the power of chaos and the power of the phoenix will be everywhere. Just thinking about it makes Locke feel like his scalp is about to explode.

If there were more of these godlike abilities, the entire multiverse would be thrown into chaos. At that time, the five cosmic entities would explode on the spot, the Living Tribunal would have to say "Fuck you," and the One-Above-All, who has been dead for who knows how many years, might even come out and have a chat with Locke.

Tom frowned in confusion. It had clearly succeeded. It looked at Locke, waiting for his explanation.

Locke placed a hand on Tom's head: "Tom, you didn't do anything wrong, but this version is too overpowered. If some excessive powers become widespread, it will have very serious consequences. Remember Jerry's monster uncle? How terrible would it be if that kind of ability were everywhere?"

Tom couldn't help but recall the monstrous old rat who could pluck his own whiskers through the television screen, and a shiver ran down his spine, a clear look of fear appearing on his cat face.

Tom quickly made his move to destroy the three meditation books, but Locke stopped him. Tom looked at Locke in confusion.

Locke pressed down on the three meditation books with one hand: "Tom, these three books are not failures, but they need to be limited because they are too powerful. You can improve them into a new version, such as not being able to acquire the abilities of others, but only being able to condense talent spell runes through one's own talent abilities, thereby achieving the effect of advancing one's own abilities."

"And this version isn't entirely useless. This version allows only you and me to cultivate, and no one else is allowed to have contact with it. This way, we can prevent certain terrifying powers from leaking out. Don't you agree?"

Tom thought for a moment and realized that if he and Locke could pluck his beard through the television, it wouldn't be a big problem, since Locke never plucked his beard.

Thinking about it that way, Tom readily nodded.

When Tom, full of enthusiasm, went to improve the new version of meditation, Locke, alone in the room, had a strange light in his eyes.

"Three abilities...the three ancient powers of the universe~"

Chapter Twenty-One: The Knight's Apprentice

As night fell, a large spread of food was laid out on the long table. Locke sat at the head of the table, with the White Queen to his left and Frank to his right. Below them were the ratmen, pigmen, and the imposter Baron Strucker.

These people sitting here are some of Locke's core personnel.

The meal ended with everyone enjoying themselves. He waved to the servants to clean up the leftovers on the table, then looked at everyone.

"Our power has grown stronger thanks to everyone's efforts; this is the result of your collective hard work."

"Now, I've got some good stuff, and it's time to share it with you all."

"Clap clap!" Locke clapped his hands, and the servants who were already prepared carried trays to each person except the White Queen.

Frank picked up a book first and curiously flipped through it: "What's this?"

Frank and Locke were close friends, so he didn't revere Locke as much as others.

"The Knight's Breathing Technique originates from an ancient and mysterious tradition that allows one to continuously grow stronger through practice."

"How strong can it become?" Frank's eyes lit up instantly.

Frank is a belligerent man; he is the kind of person who craves strength far more than the average person!

"What you hold in your hands is the first volume of the Breathing Technique. Once you master it, you can become a Knight Apprentice. And what is a Knight Apprentice..."

Locke casually picked up a metal fork, and with a gentle force, twisted the entire fork into a pretzel.

"Strength exceeding that of ordinary people, speed of 100-meter impact in less than five seconds, and decent defensive capabilities."

Locke picked up a steak knife again and slashed it hard across his palm, leaving only a white mark.

Upon seeing this, not only Frank, but even the ratmen and pigmen couldn't help but have their eyes light up.

Although ratmen and pigmen are mutants, they are only low-level mutants. Pigmen are somewhat better, but ratmen's abilities are purely supportive, and their strength is no different from that of ordinary people. Even pigmen are only stronger in strength and defense, but speed is their biggest weakness.

"Moreover, the characteristic of a knight apprentice is that they can condense a life seed. After condensing a life seed, each knight apprentice will naturally gain a special ability, which can be called life burst. This is to unleash the power within the life seed, allowing them to instantly unleash several times their explosive power!"

"Overall, a knight apprentice's strength is fully capable of reaching the upper level of the third-rate level on the surface."

Locke had mentioned the third-rate and second-rate classifications before, and everyone present was familiar with them.

Even the pigman, who appeared to be the strongest among those present, was only considered a mid-tier third-rate fighter in Locke's assessment. At this moment, almost everyone present felt their breath become hot as they stared intently at the knight's breathing technique before them.

“Ratman, Pigman, and Baron Strucker, you three can leave now. Focus on practicing the Knight Breathing Technique. Once you've mastered it, I can offer you even more advanced breathing techniques.”

"Yes, sir!"

The three of them left excitedly and enthusiastically, as if they couldn't wait even a second longer. Who doesn't look forward to becoming stronger? Who doesn't yearn to become stronger?

Now only Frank, the White Queen, and Locke, who is seated at the head of the table, remain on the scene.

Locke looked at Frank: "Frank, my good buddy, aren't you curious why I left you here?"

Frank shrugged. "I'm not that curious. Just tell me what's wrong, and I'll handle it."

Locke smiled. Frank was the Punisher that Baldy had been desperately trying to subdue, and in some ways, he could be considered perfect.

He casually tossed a book to Frank, who caught it and glanced at it with some curiosity: "Knight's Breathing Technique - Knight Chapter".

"Frank, you and I are at the limit of human potential, and we have reached the critical point of condensing the seed of life. Becoming a knight apprentice is not difficult, so I will also give you this knight's manual. I hope you can complete your training as quickly as possible."

"You should also know that what we lack here right now is top-tier combat power."

Frank, who was usually indifferent, was holding the Knight's Breathing Technique in his hand. At this moment, he couldn't help but feel a ripple in his emotions and took a deep breath.

"Don't worry, I will meet your requirements as quickly as possible!"

With two books on breathing techniques in hand, Frank walked away with firm steps.

Locke looked at the last remaining White Queen: "Are you a little disappointed? Everyone else can become stronger, but you can't."

The White Queen pursed her red lips slightly: "I believe you won't let me down, will you?"

Locke chuckled, then took out another book and placed it in front of the White Queen.

The White Queen flipped through "Mental Meditation Techniques - Beginner's Guide" with some curiosity.

"Was this also created by that cat?"

The White Queen knew that Tom had been creating these things, but she was unclear about the progress and the outcome.

Locke nodded.

"What's the use of this?"

"It can make your mental strength stronger."

The White Queen's hand, which was turning the pages of the book, trembled almost imperceptibly. She suddenly raised her head and looked intently at Locke.

"Can you surpass Professor X?"

Locke calmly uttered two words: "Far beyond!"

"There are three books on meditation. Each book you master will double your mental strength. Once you master the first one, you won't be much weaker than Professor X. If you master all three, you'll reach a completely different level!"

Tom's latest version of meditation can be seen as a secret technique specifically designed for mutants, allowing them to continuously replicate and integrate their own power, thus constantly enhancing their mutant abilities.

With the help of meditation, even the worst mutant abilities can undergo tremendous changes after repeated transformations. And advanced mutants like the White Queen, who already possess powerful mutant abilities, have a high probability of breaking through their limits and reaching a higher level once they complete three advancements!

Above the highest level on Earth lies the realm known as the Sub-Father!

A sweet kiss silenced Locke's lips, followed by a passionate French kiss.

After a moment, Locke shook his head and left: "It was delicious, but I'm even more looking forward to a passionate kiss from your real body."

"Then hurry up and rescue my true form, my dear boss."

Watching the White Queen sway her alluring waist as she departed.

"As for the main body, it'll be ready soon too~"

As he murmured, Locke took out another book. This book was unlike any of the previous ones. It was the earliest version of meditation created by Tom, and Locke named it "Forbidden Meditation".

Locke was already at the pinnacle of human potential, possessing all the qualities of an ordinary person at their peak. Furthermore, as a transmigrator, his mental strength far surpassed that of ordinary people.

He mastered "Knight's Breathing Technique - Apprentice Edition" in just three days, and he actually mastered the first chapter of "Forbidden Breathing Technique" even faster!

In other words, Locke can now copy a variant ability at any time and use it as his first ability.

However, Locke hesitated, he kept hesitating.

With Wanda, the wielder of the Chaos Force, always by his side, it was impossible for Locke to choose any other ability, but if he chose the Chaos Force…

Originating from the power of the dark god Xithon, no one knows what will happen when one transforms the power of chaos into their first ability, and even Locke himself cannot predict it.

Danger and crisis were almost balanced in Locke's mind at this moment!

So he's waiting, waiting for the right opportunity.

Chapter Twenty-Two Begins

A few days later, Tom, whom Locke hadn't seen for a while, appeared in front of him excitedly.

"Tom, you did it?"

Tom grinned and nodded repeatedly.

Locke took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.

"Summon the White Queen to see me."

Before long, the White Queen appeared before Locke, swaying her graceful waist.