"I never expected this world to be invaded by dimensional beings," mused the Founding Titan Ymir. Over two thousand years ago, Ymir was a mere slave of the Eldian chieftain. When a pig escaped, the other slaves accused her of letting it go. For an ordinary person, losing a pig wouldn't be a big deal, but Ymir was a slave and thus condemned to death.
Ymir was then hunted for sport by the Eldians, but despite being struck by several arrows, she managed to escape into a hollow tree. Surprisingly, the tree's depths contained a peculiar lake. Ymir fell into the water and was possessed by a strange creature within, a dimensional being, which transformed her into a Titan.
If someone else had acquired such immense power, they might have used it to become a ruler of the Eldians. But Ymir, having been conditioned into servitude since childhood, became a powerful tool for her master, who then used her strength to become the Eldian king.
To pass on her power, Ymir bore three daughters: Maria, Rose, and Sheena, the namesakes of the three walls on Paradis Island. When a conquered nation sought revenge and staged an assassination, Ymir shielded the Eldian king. Though her Titan strength should have allowed her to survive, she was exhausted and no longer wished to live, so she died.
One would think the story ended there. However, the king ordered Ymir to continue serving the Eldians even in death. Thus, the legacy of the Nine Titans was born.
Ymir's body was divided among her three daughters, who inherited her Titan powers and continued to fight for the Eldians. Initially, there were only three intelligent Titans, but over time this expanded to nine, and countless pure Titans were spawned, all originating from Ymir's connection to the Titan dimension.
Without Ymir, Titan power would have vanished after her death. Back then, the Titan dimension held only a barren tree trunk. After Ymir's daughters inherited her power, three branches sprouted from this trunk, each eventually splitting into three, forming the Nine Titans.
Pure Titans extended from the branches of the Nine Titans. Strictly speaking, all Eldians today are Ymir's descendants, with the royal family being closest by blood.
Eldians have always been remarkably adept. Over the years, they explored and exploited much of the Titans' potential.
"Was this a tragedy triggered by a single pig?" In truth, the real cause of this calamity lay in Ymir's deeply ingrained servitude. Unlike a typical person, Ymir continued to serve in the Titan dimension for over two thousand years because of her loyalty to the Eldian king's command.
Ymir did show signs of resistance; the Attack Titan represented her suppressed desire to break free. However, it wasn't until Eren's generation, over two millennia later, that progress was made.
"What a terrifying example of the power of indoctrination," remarked Daniel Davis, noticing Ymir's tear-filled eyes. Had another slave been in her place, these events might never have unfolded. But fate chose Ymir.
Thinking of this, Daniel glanced at Zeke. In some ways, Zeke was also a victim of indoctrination. His grand plan seemed noble but revealed his internalized belief that the Eldians were devils of the earth and should not exist, a product of Marleyan education.
"Alright, it's time to act." Upon leaving the Titan dimension, Daniel sent Zeke away. Outside, the battle between Marley and the Allied Forces of the Middle East at Fort Slava was nearing its end. Marley, facing defeat, began peace talks with the Allied Forces to avoid further losses.
The Allied Forces, worn down by the prolonged war, agreed to negotiations. If the fighting continued, Marley might have to deploy the War Hammer Titan.
The Tybur family, seeking to maintain their international reputation, had long pledged not to use the War Hammer Titan in battle since the fall of Eldia. They kept the War Hammer Titan as a deterrent, willing to sacrifice their lives to prevent its power from being misused.
The Tybur family's commitment to this pledge for over a century gained them significant international respect. This status allowed them to spearhead the peace talks, justifying their involvement by claiming an imminent threat from Paradis Island. This perfect pretext diverted attention, framing the Eldians on the island as the world's greatest enemy.
"Welcome, everyone, to this banquet. We have gathered you here today because humanity faces another grave threat," announced Billy Tybur, head of the Tybur family, from a grand stage in a lavishly decorated hall filled with international delegates and reporters.
"As everyone is here, I have an important announcement," Billy Tybur continued. But before he could proceed, another voice interrupted from beside him.
"Warchief," Billy Tybur exclaimed in shock as Zeke suddenly appeared. No one expected Zeke, who had been missing for so long, to show up.
"Zeke, what are you doing? Come down," shouted Marleyan officials, equally stunned by Zeke's sudden appearance.
"You all know this man, but you may not know his other identity," Zeke's words piqued the interest of the audience. Billy Tybur was highly esteemed for his role in defending humanity from the Titans, making Zeke's revelation shocking.
The Marleyan officials' faces turned pale. They knew what was happening but were too late to stop Zeke from speaking.
"His other identity is the true ruler of Marley. The wars Marley has waged over the years were all under his command."
A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd. Cameras flashed incessantly as the hall buzzed with astonishment.
"You're talking nonsense," Billy Tybur shouted as six Marleyan soldiers rushed the stage, their guns aimed at Zeke.
"You know the truth," Zeke said, turning to the soldiers, "Are you sure you want me to fight here?"
His words made the soldiers hesitate. They understood Zeke's power, and any conflict here could have disastrous consequences.
"I think our commander knows the truth," Zeke continued, directing attention to the Marleyan military and government officials in the hall.
"You're insane! You've been controlled by the devils from the island," Billy screamed as Zeke held his arm, preventing his escape.
"Everyone, I've come here today for another reason. After years of effort, we Eldians have discovered a way to completely eradicate the Titans' power."
The hall erupted into an even greater uproar. For over two thousand years, humanity had feared the Titans, and only in the last century had they begun to see them as a conquerable threat.
"Is this true?" shouted a representative from the Allied Forces.
"Of course. It's easy to verify. In fact, as I stand here, the power of the Titans has already vanished."
In the Titan dimension, as Daniel's golden axe disappeared, the Titan Tree finally fell. As it collapsed, Ymir, silent until now, began to sob uncontrollably, her cries heart-wrenching. Daniel sighed softly.
After two thousand years, Ymir was finally free, even though she would soon disappear.
"Fortunately, Kamar-Taj's magic is designed to deal with dimensional beings; otherwise, this would have been much harder. It's a pity," Daniel thought, watching the Titan Tree crumble into dust.
In the world of Titans, everything depended on the existence of the Titan dimension's tree. With its fall, all Titan powers would cease to exist. All of Daniel's research would now be in vain.
Daniel was somewhat frustrated but not entirely regretful. True Titan power resided solely in Ymir, the Founding Titan. Even if someone consumed all nine intelligent Titans, they couldn't compare to Ymir, who alone could defy the thirteen-year lifespan of Titan power.
Only by obtaining the dimensional being that merged with Ymir could one achieve the full extent of Titan power.
Dimensional beings are indeed mysterious. Such a small creature caused such immense turmoil.
"Ymir, you are free now," Daniel said, watching her body disintegrate like the Titan Tree. Ymir smiled at him before vanishing completely. It was her first and last time speaking in her life.
"Let's go," Daniel said, grabbing Eren's shoulder and leaving the Titan dimension. Without the Titans' power as a guide, not even Daniel could return to this space.
"It's time to send you back," Daniel said, erasing some of Eren's memories with his wand before knocking him out. He then returned Eren to Paradis Island.
"This is impossible," murmured the international delegates and reporters, watching in shock as Eldians injected with Titan serum failed to transform.
Zeke and Billy Tybur were arrested, marking the beginning of turmoil in Marley. The restorationists among the Eldians seized the opportunity to act. Meanwhile, most Eldians in the Liberio internment zone stayed indoors, uncertain of what to do next, awaiting the outcome of Marley's internal strife.
"The Titans' power has vanished," reported the Survey Corps members on Paradis Island, who had consumed the Colossal and Armored Titans' powers. They immediately informed Commander Erwin when they found they could no longer transform.
"Is it over?" Erwin mused in his room after receiving the news.
"Annie, you're finally awake," said Hange, Armin, Mikasa, and others, watching Annie emerge from her hardened cocoon in the basement.
"You..." Annie began, preparing to transform into a Titan, but Armin spoke first.
"The Titans' power has completely vanished from this world."
Annie looked at the bloodstained bite marks on her hand, her eyes flickering before she leaned silently against the wall.
"As expected, the Allied Forces' unity crumbled without the threat of the Titans," Daniel observed as the Allied Forces splintered, halting their campaigns against Marley.
Marley
descended into civil war.
The changing situation was a boon for the Eldians on Paradis Island. Erwin organized a group to travel to Marley. Seeing the ocean and meeting other humans for the first time left Eren and his friends in awe. Knowing about the world beyond was one thing; experiencing it was another.
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"The existing Titans won't disappear, it seems," Daniel Davis observed, standing atop his flying board. Before him, within the breached Wall Maria at Shiganshina District, stood a colossal Titan bathed in sunlight, unchanged by his recent actions.
The world of Titans was undergoing a seismic shift following the vanishing of the Earth Devils. Paradis Island, Marley, and the Allied Forces of the Middle East were all experiencing transformations.
Previously, Erwin, Eren, and Zeke had met and formed an alliance. Their goal was to relocate the Eldians from Marley to Paradis Island amidst the chaos of Marley's civil war. Rescued by Eren and his team, Zeke had escaped the turmoil in Marley. Despite the technological backwardness of Paradis Island compared to the outside world, their innovative 3D Maneuver Gear gave them a unique edge in combat. Fortunately, unlike in the original storyline, Eren did not harbor a vengeful mindset, and with Erwin still alive, they refrained from launching a surprise attack on Marley. Instead, they leveraged their strengths to secure the right to evacuate the Eldians.
In terms of strategic vision, Erwin far outclassed Armin and others, not because Armin lacked intelligence, but due to his limited experience.
With the influx of Eldians, many of whom were skilled in various technological fields, Paradis Island anticipated a period of rapid technological advancement. These talents were exactly what the island lacked.
As the Titans faded, many residents of Paradis began to move out from the second inner wall and return to Wall Maria, eager to rebuild their homes.
"It's time to head back. Maybe I should set up a satellite company this time, so I don't have to buy satellites," Daniel pondered. With the Titan world returning to normalcy, there were no immediate benefits for his personal cultivation. However, his company and influence stood to gain significantly.
By calculating the planetary data accurately, he could launch a few satellites into orbit, allowing Red Queen, his AI, to operate effectively. Considering the vast, sparsely populated lands of this world, it was an ideal opportunity for expansion, perhaps even colonizing other worlds.
Moreover, Daniel had discreetly moved to control Marley from the shadows, much like the Tybur family before him. The current situation presented a golden opportunity for him.
It's no wonder capitalists invest heavily in presidential campaigns. It's a business that yields exponential returns, easily recouping the initial investment with the right leadership in place.
Daniel's strategy was to collect resources from this world. Regardless of the company's size, as it grows, it inevitably must engage with societal and governmental institutions to avoid future complications.
Minerals and pharmaceuticals in this world were underutilized. Most of these resources remained unrecognized for their potential.
"Hey, someone's breaking in. That's bold," Daniel mused as he returned from the Titan world to the Marvel universe. Before he could even rest, Red Queen's alert caught his attention. This unexpected intrusion surprised Daniel, given the rigorous security measures he had in place, many designed by Stark himself.
Daniel's current residence had defense levels comparable to Stark's seaside mansion, including a three-tier alarm system. The lowest level dealt with petty intruders, triggering alarms connected directly to the local police. So far, several attempts had been thwarted, including some from skilled hackers and even a few underage delinquents.
Education differences aside, many young hackers in the USA showcase remarkable talent early on, much like Peter Parker's friend, Ned.
The US justice system tends to be lenient towards minors, regardless of their crimes. However, Daniel had no tolerance for such intrusions. With his resources, he ensured these young offenders faced legal consequences, regardless of their age. His wealth allowed him to engage top legal firms to relentlessly pursue these cases, sending a clear message to future intruders.
Until now, most intrusions had been minor, handled by the initial alarm level. Bypassing Red Queen's surveillance wasn't easy; it required someone of Bruce Banner's, Black Widow's, or Nick Fury's caliber.
Artificial intelligence isn't omnipotent.
The current breach triggered a level three alarm, indicating someone had penetrated his basement. This was a first for Daniel.
"Looks like we have a skilled intruder. Who could it be?" Daniel wondered. Only top scientists or agents could achieve this level of infiltration in the Marvel world.
Daniel believed his mansion was nearly impregnable without a full-frontal assault. Stark's mansion had been attacked by helicopters in Iron Man 3—a scenario unlikely in China but not surprising in the US.
Yet, in a world like Marvel, one where genius scientists emerged frequently, Daniel wouldn't be surprised by sudden challenges. Many scientists' capabilities remained unknown outside their specific circles.
Like Daniel, a biochemical expert, who knows several other leading experts in the field.
"What are you looking for? Maybe I can help," Daniel called out, leaning against the entrance to his basement. He commanded Red Queen to illuminate the space, revealing the intruder rummaging through his lab materials. Dressed in a white, almost spacesuit-like outfit with a matching helmet, the figure paused.
To avoid exposing Red Queen, Daniel instructed the AI to stay hidden unless given explicit permission. Unlike Stark, Daniel preferred to keep his AI discreet, as revealing it could lead to complications.
"Who sent you?" Daniel asked the still figure, though he had already narrowed down the possibilities. Penetrating his mansion to this extent suggested either S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra.
Before Daniel could get a response, the intruder dropped the documents and lunged at him, attempting to subdue him.
"A woman," Daniel noted as he grabbed the attacker's wrist. The texture and size confirmed the intruder's gender.
"Could it be Black Widow?" he speculated. Despite his cordial relationship with Fury, Daniel knew Fury's suspicion extended to everyone. As a magician, he was a likely suspect in Fury's eyes.
But Daniel quickly realized his mistake as the woman's wrist phased through his grasp, her punch landing squarely on his face.
Stunned by the unexpected blow, Daniel noted that while the force exceeded that of a normal person, it wasn't overwhelming. Still, it was a shock he hadn't anticipated.
"Damn," he muttered as the intruder aimed another punch at him. Daniel's hand moved to intercept, but her fist phased through his palm again, connecting with his face. This time, he was ready, countering with his other hand, only for it to pass through his body. The intruder appeared behind him, delivering a swift kick aimed at his groin.
"Whoa, that's vicious. And is this some kind of teleportation?" Daniel dodged the kick and quickly engaged his Devil Fruit ability, summoning a scalpel. "ROOM: Slaughterhouse!" he commanded, slicing at the intruder.
"Useless? No way," Daniel gasped as the attack left the intruder unscathed. This marked the first time his Devil Fruit power had failed in the Marvel world.
Even against Kamar-Taj's magic, his power had always been effective. Without it, Daniel's progress would have been much slower, likely taking him years to master basic spells like other Kamar-Taj disciples.
Not everyone could be a prodigy like Doctor Strange. Many who came to Kamar-Taj for healing left because they couldn't advance in their studies.
"It's quantum state... unbelievable," Daniel realized, understanding why his power had failed. Through the ROOM domain, he saw the intruder's body shifting in and out of the quantum realm. Her ability was not teleportation but quantum state transition.
In a quantum state, she was untouchable. Although similar to the phasing ability of Kamui, the principle was entirely different. Quantum state manipulation was theoretically more advanced. Even Thanos' snap couldn't affect someone in a quantum state.
No wonder she reached the basement unnoticed; quantum state could evade all electronic surveillance.
"This ability is truly broken. Good thing her physical strength isn't exceptional," Daniel mused, recognizing the intruder. "It's Ghost," he realized, identifying her as a hidden asset of S.H.I.E.L.D. Despite her formidable ability, she was still an ordinary person in terms of physical prowess.
"They really think highly of me," Daniel thought, acknowledging that deploying such a secret asset meant S.H.I.E.L.D. viewed him as a significant threat.
Knowing her identity and powers made it easier for Daniel to handle the situation. Like dealing with Kamui, he just needed to strike when she returned to her physical form.
After a moment of thought and parrying a few more of her attacks, Daniel began forming hand seals and opened the Mirror Dimension. Ghost was essentially in a perpetual quantum state, making it difficult to defeat her directly. However, trapping her in the Mirror Dimension would prevent her from escaping, as she couldn't phase out of that realm.
Ghost quickly realized the shift and tried to flee, but it was too late. As a regular human, she couldn't outrun the spatial transformation. The Mirror Dimension captured her easily.
No one had ever escaped the Mirror Dimension without the Infinity Gauntlet.
"Where is this place?" Ghost muttered, trying unsuccessfully to find an exit.
This version of Ghost, unlike her unstable state in *Ant-Man and the Wasp*, could control her abilities thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technology.
"You came here without knowing who you were up against? This is a magician's realm. Escape is impossible for you," Daniel taunted.
In the Marvel universe, Ghost's ability was among the most formidable. If he could acquire it, he would become nearly invincible in combat, transcending dimensional barriers.
Yet, gaining such a power was uncertain. Only two individuals had ever derived powers from the quantum realm: Janet Van Dyne, the original Wasp, and Ghost.
"You're one of the lucky few with powers from the quantum realm. Impressive
," Daniel remarked, considering the vast potential of quantum abilities. The quantum realm spanned the infinite universe, offering boundless possibilities.
"Let's see how we can use this," Daniel mused. Even if he couldn't directly harness her power, understanding it could provide significant advantages.
___________________
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