Chapter 28
"Thank you for your mentorship," I said.
My eyes met his, finding support and wisdom that had guided me throughout my training. During my time in Kamar-Taj, I had studied a vast number of manuscripts, each revealing new facets of the magical world. While I hadn't absorbed the entire library, a significant portion now resided in my memory.
"It has been my pleasure to teach such an intriguing student," Yao stated with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Just remember what you have learned here."
"I will do my best," I replied, placing the portable Chronos in its capsule.
"Until we meet again, Master Yao."
"Until we meet again, Dr. Richards."
Afterward, I headed outside, where I used my teleportation device. I discovered that the barrier I placed around our home prevented creating a portal near or within it.
Thoughts of the upcoming encounter with Doom flitted through my mind, sharpening my senses. At that moment, Susan entered the lab. Her sudden presence, as always, wrapped me in a sense of home and safety.
"As punctual as ever," her voice carried a tone of irony and warm humor.
"Is that a compliment?" I asked, my smile reflecting the joy of her presence.
Susan was not just a part of my life; she was my anchor, a reminder of the importance of maintaining humanity even amid looming dangers and mystical mysteries.
"Of course, it is," she declared, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around me.
My hands rested dangerously close to her hips.
"Hmm, seems like you really missed me," she said with a satisfied smirk.
"It's hard not to miss you," I replied.
After a moment of enjoying our embrace, I asked, "Dinner out?"
"Italian?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, French," I answered, recalling we had recently been to an Italian restaurant.
She teased me with silence for a few moments before finally saying, "Sounds tempting."
—= Victor von Doom =—
In the shadowy refuge of his castle in Latveria, the ruler of this nation, Victor von Doom, was intensely focused on the final enhancements of his Doombot. This machine, crafted with unparalleled skill, was to be the key to his victory over Richards. Clad in his signature armored suit, Victor meticulously made the last adjustments to the bot's control system.
The encounter between Richards and Namor had revealed new facets of Richards' abilities, forcing Doom to rethink his strategy. Observing how Richards utilized his knowledge and skills in battle convinced Doom that he needed to alter his approach. Although the information he gathered was incomplete, it provided Victor with the insight that new challenges lay ahead, requiring inventiveness and sophistication.
In his lab, filled with the latest technological advancements and ancient magical artifacts, Doom refined the Doombot's software, enhancing its adaptation and learning algorithms. Every microchip, every spell module received his unwavering attention. Victor aimed to create not just a machine, but a perfect soldier capable of countering not only the physical prowess of the Fantastic Four but also their intellect and willpower.
Special attention was given to modifying the Doombot's combat systems to effectively counter Richards' new abilities. Victor integrated advanced defensive spells and arcane techniques he had studied during his mystical dimension travels to counter new threats.
Each step, each action taken by Victor was imbued with a determination to gain supremacy over his enemies. His eyes gleamed with cold resolve, and his hands moved confidently, imbuing the machine with new power. He knew that his Doombot must become the pinnacle of his creations, a symbol of his intellect and might, capable of altering the course of the battle with the Fantastic Four.
—= Reed Richards =—
After an incredibly pleasant evening at the theater with Sue, which left warm memories and strengthened our relationship, I returned to my scientific research and experiments.
My lab, filled with my inventions, welcomed me back, providing everything needed to work on the project aimed at countering the Doombot.
My task was to create a device capable of generating a powerful electromagnetic pulse that would not only disable the robot's sophisticated electronics but also disrupt the magical protections cast by Doctor Doom. It was a complex engineering and magical challenge requiring an unconventional approach and deep knowledge in both fields.
However, I encountered a serious obstacle. Creating an anti-magic field powerful enough to counter Doom's spells was beyond my current capabilities. At times like this, I especially missed having access to Mysterium—a unique metal with extraordinary properties.
Mysterium, extracted from the White Hot Room—the domain of the Phoenix—was known for its ability to nullify magical effects. This metal, endowed with exceptional strength and resistance to physical damage, as well as a unique ability to disrupt magical spells, would be the perfect foundation for my project.
Without access to this rare resource, I was forced to seek alternative ways to achieve my goal. My thoughts raced to find a solution while my hands automatically sifted through the tools and components on the workbench. The lab air was thick with anticipation of a breakthrough as I continued my relentless work, surrounded by semi-darkness and the glow of flickering monitors.
At the same time, I was contemplating a permanent solution for Doom. Killing him was not a viable option, as it would send his soul to Mephisto's Realm, from which he could escape, considering what Doom from Earth-616 had accomplished...
"The Council of Reeds' method is also highly dubious..." the thought crossed my mind.
At that moment, the processes I had left running autonomously finally completed...
—= Some Time Later =—
"Johnny, can you call Spider-Man for us?" I asked.
The reason for my request was that Johnny had met Spider-Man during one of his flights.
"Hmm, I think I can, but why?" Johnny looked at me puzzled.
"I need to tell him something and give him something," I replied, pointing to a suit in Spider-Man's colors.
Johnny, who was standing opposite me, turned to look at me with a bit of confusion in his eyes. His gaze shifted from me to the Spider-Man suit I was pointing at. This moment, filled with genuine interest and a bit of amusement, was so typical of Johnny. His lively character and penchant for jokes always added a special color to our meetings.
"Does his latex suit bother you too?" he said with a light laugh, his eyes gleaming with the anticipation of a joke or a comical reaction from me.
"Immensely," I replied, unable to suppress a smile. My answer seemed to satisfy his curiosity, as he nodded, already looking forward to the unfolding events.
"Haha, considering the time, I should head there now."
—\\—
On the rooftop of one of New York's many skyscrapers, where the city's landscape stretched out below like a picturesque canvas, Johnny Storm found Spider-Man.
This place seemed to charge both heroes with the city's energy, reminding them that each had chosen a path of helping people despite the difficulties and trials that came with being superheroes.
"Hey Spidey," Johnny said, his voice warm and easy as he watched Spider-Man enjoying a simple human pleasure—a delicious sandwich.
"Hey Johnny," Spider-Man replied, setting aside the remains of his food. His voice was full of respect and curiosity, as Johnny's visits were always interesting for him. "Did you just come to talk?"
"Almost. Reed wanted to talk to you," Johnny continued, his words causing a surge of excitement in Spider-Man. Mentioning Reed Richards, or Mr. Fantastic, always brought a sense of importance and anticipation of significant events.
"Dr. Richards?" Spider-Man's voice carried a note of admiration. For him, Reed was not just another hero but a symbol of scientific genius on par with Tony Stark and Hank Pym, whose achievements inspired not only heroic deeds but also scientific pursuits.
"Yes, and he wanted to give you something instead of that latex," Johnny said, unable to hide his smile.
"Dr. Richards... I get to meet Mr. Fantastic himself..." Spider-Man murmured to himself, his words filled with awe and reverence at the prospect of meeting the esteemed scientist. "When?"
"As soon as possible," Johnny replied, his voice both challenging and friendly. "Ready for a race to the Baxter Building?"
The two heroes' eyes met, and Spider-Man said, "I'm ready to show you my speed any Saturday."
"Ha, we'll see, Spidey."
They both took their starting positions for the race. Spider-Man and Johnny Storm had competed in speed before, and they were eager to do it again.
—= Reed Richards =—
Peter and Johnny arrived just as I was finishing the tracking device for the Doombot. Thanks to discovering the metals used in its creation, finding it wasn't as difficult as expected, especially given the unique energy emissions of Victor von Doom's creation.
The intriguing path to my lab through a specially equipped door designed for Johnny's quick access and the use of the Fantasticar opened more than just a physical transition from point A to point B. It was an entrance to a place where the boundaries of reality and possibility blurred, creating a canvas for the realization of the boldest ideas.
When they entered, I had to momentarily tear myself away from my project. I paused my work, knowing that the presence of Spider-Man and the Human Torch in my lab was an event deserving of my attention. Without turning to face them, I greeted them while carefully putting away the tools and components that cluttered my workbench.
"Hello, Spider-Man," I said, my words resonating in the lab filled with the glow of numerous screens and blinking indicators. "Give me a few minutes to put away my tools."
When Peter Parker, known as Spider-Man, first entered my lab, his eyes widened with awe and wonder. He looked around with the same admiration as a child in a toy store with endless choices. His non-verbal reaction was the best compliment to my workspace, filled with cutting-edge scientific achievements and experimental equipment.
"Hello... Yes..." he stammered, trying to gather his thoughts and return to reality from the world of wonders he had momentarily entered.
Meanwhile, Johnny and Peter were fascinated by the mini-collider, one of my latest creations, representing the culmination of many months of diligent work and incredible engineering. This object, capable of revolutionizing our understanding of modern physics, instantly captured their attention.
"Don't touch anything," my voice came out stern and decisive. The importance of this warning couldn't be underestimated, as even the slightest wrong interaction could lead to unpredictable consequences.
"Okay!" Peter exclaimed, quickly adopting a stance as if ready to follow orders. His reaction highlighted his willingness to cooperate and respect the importance of the situation.
"Don't be such a boring genius!" Johnny retorted, not hiding his disappointment at my strict tone. His free-spirited nature and love for adventure sometimes made him forget the need for caution in places like my lab.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the lab shifted when Johnny received a notification on his phone. His eyes widened in recognition, and it was clear that this message from Crystal stirred strong emotions in him.
"Alright, guys, it's been fun, but I have a very important meeting to attend!" he said before his figure burst into flames, and he soared upwards, leaving a trail of light and heat behind.
Now, it was just Peter and me in the lab, surrounded by the hum of the working equipment.
"I suppose this is somewhat fortuitous," I said, breaking the silence. "It will be easier to convince you of certain things without him."
"Peter Parker, you need to be more careful in your superhero endeavors," I said with unexpected candor, striking Peter like a bolt from the blue. He met my gaze, and in his eyes, I saw a flicker of alarm mixed with complete incomprehension.
"I... What?... Wait, how?..." His reaction was immediate and bewildered. He was trying to piece together his thoughts, as if searching for some hidden meaning or mistake in my words.
In response to his confusion, I snapped my fingers, and the numerous screens scattered around the lab sprang to life. Each displayed images and videos of Parker's carefree behavior in his Spider-Man suit—moments he might not have even realized were observed.
"God!" he exclaimed, shocked by what he saw. Each image, each video fragment was a reminder that heroism required not only bravery and resolve but also caution and wisdom.
"Don't worry, these files have been erased by my hand," I reassured him, emphasizing that his secret was safe. My aim was not to frighten or accuse him but to highlight the responsibility that comes with being a superhero. "However, this cannot keep happening. Do you understand?"
Spider-Man nodded sharply.
"In that case, let's move on to the next revelation. The spider that bit you also bit another individual."
Peter's focus sharpened even more.
"That spider also bit a young woman named Cindy Moon."
At that moment, I showed Peter footage of Silk's creation. I didn't stop there and added:
"And third, you need to ditch that latex and get a proper suit that will actually keep you safe."
Read chapters ahead on p@treon.com/patreonarcane
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Arcane_Eso
Arcane_Eso Stones for the God of Stones! Souls for the Throne of Souls!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone