**Chapter 24: The Dimension of Chronos**
Lucas and Doctor Strange stepped through the luminous portal that led them to the Dimension of Chronos. As soon as they set foot in this new world, they were greeted by a surreal landscape where time seemed to flow differently. The sky was a blend of bluish and golden hues, while giant clocks spun in opposite directions, creating a symphony of ticking sounds.
"Get ready," said Doctor Strange, observing the movements of the environment. "The guardian of the Artifact of Time is cunning and won't let anyone pass easily."
Lucas nodded, focusing his mind. He knew he would need to use not only his strength but also his intelligence to overcome the challenges ahead. Walking along a path covered in golden sand, they came across a massive door adorned with temporal symbols.
"To open this door, we need to solve a riddle," explained Doctor Strange. "Listen carefully."
A voice echoed from the door: "I am always past but never future. I am the shadow of the present that can never be touched. What am I?"
Lucas furrowed his brow, pondering the words. He recalled something he had read about the nature of time in the books of the Eternal Library. "You are… memory!" he exclaimed.
The door slowly opened, revealing a vast hall illuminated by pulsating lights. In the center stood the guardian of the Artifact of Time, an imposing figure with long robes that seemed to float in the air. "You have shown wisdom in answering the riddle," he said in a deep voice. "But now you must prove your courage!"
Without warning, the guardian launched a series of temporal attacks toward Lucas and Doctor Strange. Time seemed to slow down as Lucas skillfully dodged beams of energy slicing through the air.
"Focus on manipulating the elements!" shouted Doctor Strange as he conjured a magical shield to protect them.
Lucas raised his hands and summoned the element Fire, sending flames toward the guardian. The attack hit home, making the guardian hesitate for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, Lucas channeled his energy for a combined attack with Doctor Strange.
"Now!" shouted the Sorcerer Supreme.
The two united their magical forces and created a luminous beam that crossed the hall and struck the guardian directly. With a powerful scream, he was thrown backward and fell to the ground.
"You have proven yourself worthy," said the panting guardian as he slowly rose. "The Artifact of Time is yours." He handed Lucas an ancient clock that glowed with a soft light.
Lucas felt a wave of satisfaction as he received the artifact. With this, they had completed the first part of their mission.
"One artifact collected," Lucas said with a confident smile. "Now let's find the others."
**Status de Lucas (updated)**
Name: Lucas
Level: 16
Experience: 150% (ready for next level)
Magic Power (MP): 4000
Skills:
- Elemental Mastery: 130
- Fire: 110
- Water: 100
- Earth: 90
- Air: 100
- Ether: 100
- Light: 90
- Shadows: 100
Melee Combat: 95
Firearms Use: 90
Combat Strategy: 95
**Additional Status**
*Strength*: 170
*Resistance*: 130
*Agility*: 115
*Magical Intelligence*: 160
**Inventory**
Green Potion (recovers 30% HP)
Sacred Artifact (first artifact found)
Blue Artifact (second artifact found)
Red Artifact (third artifact found)
Shadows Artifact (recovered after defeating Shadow)
Artifact of Time (new)
As they prepared to head towards the Eternal Library of Eldoria in search of the next artifact, Lucas couldn't help but think about the responsibility he held—this was not just a battle against Kang; it was a fight for the future of all universes. With renewed determination, he followed alongside Doctor Strange, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.