I followed Odin to Hades.
The place, well, also technically the person too. Now that I think about it, it's kinda weird that he named the underworld after himself. Not for the prideful aspect; that I can understand from a god. But how confusing it makes it when differentiating between verbs.
Regardless, I popped in quickly, and Hades, as well as Zekram, were already there and waiting.
I almost forgot that Zekram joined us.
Yes, our little secret cabal, the goal of which is to resurrect the Biblical God. Me, a half-devil son of Lucifer. Two Pagan Gods, and the literal original Bael Devil.
There's a joke somewhere in there, but I felt like it was too far beneath me to even make.
"I heard you were triumphant and earned a staggering victory." Zekram was the one who spoke first, though it seems like he gave Hades the opportunity to speak first, but the god didn't deem it necessary.
If there was one thing Zekram was good at, it was following decorum. As the 'homeowner,' Hades should have had the opportunity to greet us first, that sort of deal. Obviously, Odin nor I cared about that one iota, but it was interesting seeing how easily Zekram still followed with proper etiquette.
"Something like that." Honestly, it was rather complicated. "Things have basically settled, but there's mostly just logistics to handle now."
"No need to explain. Often, the after-war necessities are more difficult than the war itself." Zekram hummed.
"He's not wrong." Odin chimed in. "Rewards, looting, punishments. Then handling the withdrawal of troops…there's a lot to consider."
"Thankfully, I'm absolutely useless there, so I was able to come back a bit earlier." I'm glad that all my girls are competent enough that I don't have to look over their shoulders. "Though, now that it was brought up, there is a matter that's going to be coming to the attention of nearly every faction. Norse, Greeks, you name it."
Hades, who seemed to be brooding for some reason, became more alert. "What annoyances will be dropped in my lap?"
"Not your lap specifically, but Olympus in general." I made sure to clarify.
"That does not bode well." Odin grunted. "Just pull the Band-Aid off."
"It's not necessarily a bad thing. Basically, there were quite a few humans who got stranded within the Fae Realms and managed to survive and build up a sort of town together. Time and space are completely disoriented in that place, so they've come from all different time periods. Vikings with Crusaders, Samurai with World War Veterans…." There were a lot of cultures mixed there. "Suffice it to say, hardship builds strength, and they've been living there for centuries, many of them several hundred years old. And many of them are high-class in strength, a handful might be Ultimate-Class, and nearly every adult was at a minimum of Middle-Class."
They were all intelligent; it only took them a moment to realize the implications.
"Right, dropping them back off in the human wood wouldn't go well." Odin snorted.
"It seems we're in agreement, All-Father." Hades tapped the table. "I assume that Takamagahara will be the ones to make inroads to other pantheons?"
"Yup, Amaterasu is already aware and is going to start reaching out soon since this is a hot potato of world-wide proportions."
"Then it's not something I should concern myself with. However, I am grateful for the warning ahead of time. I can talk to my brother to give him the news and say it was a gesture of goodwill from Izanami to hide our interactions. He will appreciate the sentiment and believe he's receiving extra care, which will make him reciprocate better when answering the call from Amaterasu." Hades basically voiced his thoughts on the matter.
That's good; Hades basically just implied that Zeus wouldn't use the opportunity to stir shit up if he believes he's being treated so well, despite the fact that this would be a boon for him and Olympus.
Because who wouldn't want a bunch of worshippers appearing with that kind of strength?
"You didn't happen to run into any Devils, did you?" Zekram asked.
"Not a single one, no." I shook my head.
"I didn't expect much." He let out a small sigh, seemingly saddened that he wasn't receiving any 'benefits' like everyone else was.
"Well, they're more than welcome to come to Asgard. We're recruiting anyone and everyone, as long as you're not a dick." Odin declared rather easily.
"Speaking of that as well, would Iðunn be interested in taking care of another tree? The reason they survived so long with human lifespans is because they were adopted by a Fae Tree there and were literally expending its lifeforce to keep them alive."
Odin blinked, seemingly surprised by that. "She would probably be ecstatic. Especially if this tree you mentioned is 'nice' and willing to be friends with her. The little girl already spends so much time tending to the Golden Apple Trees despite them not needing that much care. It would be good if she had some company." He rubbed his beard.
I nodded, not making any concrete plans yet.
It was a fully admitted weak spot for me; a loving and selfless parent is something I would do a lot to protect and support.
I promised her that I would help the humans; it's not difficult to bring her along as well. Odin wouldn't mind if they came from all over to visit her in Asgard.
But that's for later; Yasaka and them haven't even called me to help with the human issues yet. They're still dealing with settling everything over at the Winter Court's castle.
"Regardless, that's not the topic I was called here for, Hades." I let him take the proverbial floor.
The God of Death looked annoyed, not at me, but just in general. His tapping on the table ceased as he looked like he collected his thoughts. "I spoke to my father not long ago. He relayed news to me that the Khaos Brigade has possession of the Sephiroth Grail.
"...fuck." Zekram blurted out.
We all kind of looked at him.
"If he didn't say it, I would have." Odin stated.
"I did not wish to spread concern unless I verified it for myself. I have no concrete evidence, but I had noticed some odd discrepancies, and I believe the information to be correct." Hades added.
Now, I was impatiently tapping the table. "I can verify it. Aži Dahāka appeared during the war. Considering that Crom Cruach was there as well, it's not hard to put two and two together."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Aži Dahāka was killed roughly 2,200 years ago?" Zekram asked.
"Thereabouts." Odin nodded, rubbing his beard. "It was the last time I saw Ra throw around his weight. Funny enough, it was the last time that the Couger's EX made a public appearance, as sporadic as those have been. I only heard about it after the fact, but I believe that stupid dragon was rampaging and hit Japan for some reason, then moved across Asia and ended up in Egypt. Ra popped up and started throwing hands, then Izanagi joined in and helped put the dragon down for good."
"That summarizes the events I recall as well." Hades nodded. "He was particularly dangerous due to being able to create clones of non-insignificant power on a whim and in great numbers. A great many smaller religions note a 'Great Flood' due to his actions, throwing around large spells and such."
"Jesus, why did the world sound so chaotic back then?" I shook my head in exasperation just hearing about it.
"It was an interesting time." Odin chuckled. "Always something happening, always a fight, always... something."
I'm glad I wasn't alive back then. "Yeah, he made a bunch of clones and helped the Fae. Though he seemed to retreat and not really fully involve himself beyond a certain point, like a token effort if anything."
"I'm not surprised. I'm sure its pride didn't allow it to 'follow orders' willingly of those things." Hades waved his hand dismissively.
"There was one more thing too. The evil god Balor made an appearance. I fought it; it was annoying, but nothing compared to Kronos, even if they both utilized an authority over time. If anything, it seemed severely weakened, like it wasn't properly resurrected."
Hades and Odin both blinked.
"That shouldn't be possible." Odin was the first to speak up. "A dragon is one thing, but to bring back a true god is another matter entirely. It's… technically possible with that thing, but the circumstances needed are beyond absurd."
"I agree with the All-Father; the Grail, while admittedly powerful, is only one facet of the Biblical God's power given a physical form to inhabit. By your words, it's just a fraction of its authority held within the device. Even he would have trouble resurrecting a God at his peak." Hades added on.
I shrugged. "I'm telling you what I know. One thing, though: I had a talk with Great Red—well, he more so told me a few things, and I listened without trying to shit my pants. But he called it an amalgamation of a God and a Devil. And lastly, Crom Cruach retrieved the thing's Eye after I beat it. If I'm not mistaken, there's a Sacred Gear that utilizes his Evil Eye to power it.
"... brat, did you go bother the big fuck-off dragon in the dimension gap?"
"He summoned me." I quickly defended myself.
"I have so many questions."
"I do not." Hades said sternly. "If that thing deemed it appropriate to speak with you, I am not getting involved. I have heard how terrifying it is from both Nyx and Hypnos without needing to be in front of it myself."
There was a beat of silence as I acknowledged his standpoint, and I couldn't find fault with it. Though I had one question on my mind now.
"Considering Morpheus is the God of Dreams… how does that work with… you know?" I asked.
"Would you believe me if I asked him that same question eons ago?" Hades snorted. "His answer was that the Dragon of Dreams doesn't bother with him and other Gods associated with Dreams unless they bother him or don't do their jobs properly. And if anything, he punishes those who impede the work of Dream Gods, considering it his 'domain.'."
Huh.
So he's like the Big Boss for them then. He did strike me as someone who honestly takes his duties seriously.
"As fucked as this is, I do have some good news." Odin spoke up again. "I'm following a lead on where the Cross is, and I was planning on getting my hands on it."
"You know where that is?" Zekram perked up. "That has been lost for many years, or so I've heard."
"If my sources are right, it's apparently in some old church in Germany, deep underground. I'm pretty sure it's a Nazi safehouse at one point with a lot of other stuff stashed away. There is a group of church people who aren't affiliated with the church living there, so we'll see." Odin stated.
"Curious. If we're speaking of our progress, I do know where the Shroud of Turin is located; I have known for centuries. I will gather a small group of trusted individuals and steal it without causing a large commotion." Zekram said as well.
I'm imagining Zekram finding other old Devils and them doing the whole 'You son of a bitch, I'm in' as they plan a big heist.
Maybe I've watched too many movies when I was younger….
"That's four out of five that would be in our hands then." Hades hummed.
"Unfortunately, the most annoying one is out of our reach." Odin clicked his tongue. "But, let's settle the easy ones first."
"I should mention as well my descendant. Your other ancestor has awoken from her slumber; she may try to meet you at some point. If Venelana hasn't mentioned it, you can expect her to soon."
"My other ancestor? The Gremory Devil?" I vaguely recalled her still being around like Zekram; I just never put any thought into it.
"Oh, she's fun." Odin laughed.
Zekram, though, let out a long-winded sigh. "She is... difficult. Ask Venelana; she will know enough to answer any questions." He seemed to not want anything to do with it.
"How's the old elf? I heard he went over there to lend a hand. He even brought the big danger noodle with him." Odin suddenly asked.
"Uh... yeah." I scratched my head. "That is something that happened. Just… don't be surprised if Jormungandr is a bit traumatized…"
Odin blinked. "I don't think I want to know the details."
"Probably for the best."
I know that I'm probably going to shit my pants if I wake up in the middle of the night and look out my window to see a blood moon.
"If there's nothing else, I don't' want to be rude, but I'm hopping around after just getting back from everything." I looked around, then focused on Hades.
Hades waved his hand nonchalantly. "Go, I said my piece. Thank you for the courtesy despite the hasty summons."
I nodded to him before opening a portal and stepping through.
(Line Break)
Instead of immediately going back home, I realized I had a little bit of time, so I may as well go see Gramps.
Zelretch was sitting at his desk, looking up at me, then back down. He was quite literally nursing a glass of something to his forehead.
"Dare I ask?" I looked at him.
"I connected with Ruby to see what happened from her perspective." He deadpanned.
Ah.
That would do it.
So I guess Rin is back home then, since he could connect back with Ruby, and I knew that Rin made sure Ruby was 'secure' after meeting back up.
"Well, it all turned out okay in the end." I said in an effort to cheer him up.
"Somehow." He grunted with a sigh. "How are you doing, Wilhelm? It's been a while since we've chatted, and you've been through a lot recently."
I let out my own sigh, sliding into the chair opposite him like I had done so many times in the past. "Kind of want to just hop off somewhere after the whole thing."
"Then why don't you?" He said.
I tilted my head back and forth. "To be honest, I already told myself I would, but I'm trying to justify it to myself as well."
"Look at this from another perspective: Is there any reason you can't?" He offered.
I pursed my lips, finding it hard to answer that question. "They still need my help with certain things."
"They can call you at any time."
"They're still busy."
"Everyone's busy; that doesn't mean they need you there."
"I feel guilty about fucking off while they're still dealing with the mess." I finally settled on.
"Ah, that's a bit harder to justify, I suppose. But frankly, what could you accomplish if you hovered over their shoulders?" He asked, though it was rhetorical, and he was right. I've already gone over this myself, but sometimes feelings aren't rational.
Honestly, I just wanted him to tell me to go without feeling any guilt.
"Alright, I'll treat myself to another working vacation. A little bit of adventure and a little bit of work mixed together."
"It's funny that you just explored an entirely new realm, but you consider wanting to go explore somewhere else as a 'vacation' from that." Zelretch pointed out.
"I could see how it might sound from that perspective, but it's different. It's taxing, having other people's lives in my hands, having to be responsible for things that could lead to deaths like that. I'm not a leader, Gramps. I don't have the same firm mentality that Yasaka, Artoria, and them have that lets them lead like they do. I hate having that responsibility."
Zelretch smiled warmly. "Ah, what a youthful answer. Not all things are inborn; maybe in a few years, you will feel differently."
"Yeah, yeah." I rolled my eyes. "I just want to run around without that kind of heavy weight on my shoulders. I'm fine with just taking care of the handful of people I care about. I'm not like them; I'm not a hero or a king or a leader."
Gramps nodded along. "Before I forget to mention it, you haven't forgotten about what Lorelei told you, correct?"
"The Mystic Eye Train auction? Yeah, I didn't forget. I should still have some time for that, right?"
"It's not immediate, so you're fine for now."
I nodded. "Salem enjoyed her time here; I'll see if she wants to go on another date with me to the auction." I idly voiced my thoughts.
Zelretch leaned back. "What are your goals?"
I took out my wand and spun it in my hands. "I wanted to get a better mastery of this branch of magic in my free time and perfect a few other things. I have Meridia helping me with crafting a Mystic Code for a particular spell as well. And maybe find some materials for Greed to upgrade it some—that's my poison Goblin Sword. And whatever else I can get my grubby hands on."
Zelretch hummed to himself again, looking deep in thought. "You still have that list of world-lines I gave you. There was one on there that I just had a thought about. Your sword has been infused with various substances, but you haven't given it anything to upgrade its metal structure, yes?"
I realized immediately what he was talking about. "Now that you mention it, no. It's still purely the Goblin Silver."
"I do know of a Metal somewhere; I can help you look through the list to see if I can find it again. But what was it called…? Vibro...Vibranium? It was a particularly noteworthy metal because beyond its physical structure—which was impressive in and of itself for a mundane metal—it had the ability to resist magic."
"Oh? Color me curious." A metal that can resist magic; that would be perfect to add to my anti-mage sword.
"Let's see if I can't recall where I recorded that down at…"
(Line Break)
I happily opened a portal back home after spending some time with Gramps and making an outline of a game plan.
I would at least wait a few days before jumping off to a new world to explore. I've reflected on it a bit, and I've come to believe that one of my favorite things to do was discover new worlds and their peculiarities.
At my heart, I'm a researcher.
I immediately stopped myself from moving as I appeared back home and did my best not to make a sound.
Right in front of me, a familiar head of blonde hair was bent over, and I understood two things.
One, Jeanne was back.
And two, her booty was still just as magnificent as well.
I couldn't help myself.
I gave her a firm smack on her butt, watching it jiggle for that single moment before she turned around with a loud squawk.
"Neh!?" She put her hands over her butt, quickly adjusting herself and turning my way. "Wilhelm!" She squawked again, seeing that it was me; her cheeks flushed immediately.
"I couldn't help myself; the Jeanne Booty was too much for me to resist."
"Don't call my rear that!" She puffed up before throwing her fists at my shoulder lightly.
Despite her 'indignation,' I quickly wrapped her up in a big hug.
"I missed you, Jeanne." I said to her. Despite the fact that we were both over there, I didn't get to see her for a long time.
"We—we just saw each other over a week ago." She stuttered.
"That's too long; I need to recharge my Jeanne batteries at least once a day."
"Neeeeh!" She puffed up again. "Don't tease me." She said quietly.
It was certainly worth putting off my next adventure for at least a day or two if it meant I got to do this a bit more before leaving.
Regardless, I was looking forward to what that new world has in store for me.
(Line Break)
A/N
Alright, moving along to the next world, and I hope it was obvious where we're going next. A good mix of sci-fi and magic shenanigans. And as always, it will be a bit AU as I tweak things for my liking. Next world starts next chapter!
If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
I also have a boosty if you can't use the above under the same name.
There's something to be said about the small things in life.
I sat at the table with my head propped up with my hands, simply watching silently.
A bunch of hands moving around, in and out of the kitchen, the smells wafting throughout the house.
The sight of Venelana wearing an apron and cooking was something I didn't know I needed until I saw it. It tickled me in a very specific kind of way that I would be utilizing at some point in the future.
Of course, it wasn't only us two that were here.
Jeanne was helping her, bringing things out, basically just being an extra set of hands or a taste tester. And to help cook, Izzy was also helping on that end, which was always a wonderful sight to see.
Salem was quietly sitting at the table with me; her expression was hard to discern, but I'm pretty sure she was happy with the current situation. There was a certain contentment and peacefulness in her eyes.
That reminds me, I need to hop over to Remnant. I feel like it's been a long time since I've seen everyone. Pyrrha, Roman, Neo, the twins, even Junior. Also, while Tessai did pop over there with my help before the war started to check up on the girl, he hadn't been there since. We should schedule another checkup, and I was curious to see the status of her after everything.
Though, the most surprising addition was Mozart, who was humming a tune I didn't recognize as he came over and took a seat.
"Caster, it's been a while." He had sort of disappeared to do his own thing with Venelana's blessing when he became a devil.
"It certainly has!" He smiled happily. "Time passes quickly when one finds themselves entrapped by modernity."
"Catching up on the modern world?" I hazarded a guess.
He nodded. "There is quite the difference between having the knowledge put into my head and experiencing it for myself. The food, I have nothing but good things to say about the food that developed."
I found myself chuckling. "I'm sure it's not just the food."
"Of course, of course." He chuckled too. "I seem to have lost myself in experiencing the music of the world since arriving." He fumbled through his pockets and took out what looked like a miniature music player. "This wonderful little device, it has thousands of songs on it, and I can keep adding more! Humans never cease to amaze me."
"Find any favorites yet? Genre, particular songs, or anything in that regard?" I questioned curiously.
It was always interesting to see the perspective of someone from another era experience new things that I'm used to.
"I began my adventure from when I passed. With the help of my wonderful King, I've compiled a vague outline of music to listen to in the order it was released or created. The artists of their era and such are included, of course."
"I'm glad you've found this kind of pleasure in your new life. What are you on right now, if you don't mind answering?"
He coughed a little awkwardly. "I admit, I became a tad sidetracked. I was intent on starting off getting a feeling for each new genre that emerged over the years, but I've been stuck on jazz for some time now. There's simply something so rustic and genuine that I've found myself taken with."
Hearing him say that, I can't say I'm surprised. Being quite literally an old soul, I do have memories from Zelretch in the back of my mind that recall that era.
"I even acquired this." He held his hands out, and a saxophone appeared in them, coming from his own little storage bracelet. "A scant 50 years after my death, and such a wonderful instrument was invented. I've been teaching myself how to play."
"Was it really only that long ago? I could have sworn it was created far earlier."
"It was certainly not around when I was alive, and from what my King told me, it was patented in the following century about halfway through." He nodded before letting out a sigh. "Who could have predicted such changes that only happened years after my death? Not just the invention of this instrument, but even the colonies that barely became a country for a handful of years before my death. They're now such a large entity, with so many different cultures meshing and combining that it produced such wonderful musical overtures."
Right, that should have happened right before he died.
"You know, I always hear these kinds of things like, 'Music was better in my day; the music today is bad,' or what-have-you. Do you think the same? Was music better 'in your day'?" I quirked a smile as I said that.
"Bah!" He let out a scoff. "What nonsense is that? Music... all music is good."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "All music" because I was ready to throw out some really obscure music genres or songs that I think he would have trouble defending.
"Don't be mistaken; there are plenty of musical elements I don't like." He held a hand up, stopping me from continuing so he could get a word in. "It's the prerogative of the individual to find their own musical haven. Each person, they have their own values, their own feelings, and their own emotions. Not all songs, or tunes, or performances will resonate with every person; it was a hard fact I learned in my life. But I will say without a shadow of a doubt in my heart and defend it until I'm out of breath that all music is good."
"I think a great many people will disagree with you." I wasn't one of them, but some people got really defensive in regards to their music choices.
"Give me the most obscure music in the world; if there is but a single person in all of existence who has listened to it, who has experienced the euphoria, who had their emotions invoked, or simply smiled when they heard it, then it is good music."
What a rare insight into the mind of one of the most famous musicians ever to exist.
"Alright boys and girl, dinner's done." Venelana came out with Izzy and Jeanne, all carrying plates before putting them on the table.
This was nice; I couldn't help but smile again as they all sat down.
Just a dinner with my family before I headed off.
The only thing I regret is that not everyone is here for obvious reasons. Though, speaking of people that are not here.
I turned to Izzy. "Did you send Orihime home?"
"I sent her home not long ago." Izzy nodded. "Your grandfather was kind enough to assist."
"I'll make sure to set up a more permanent fixture soon." I replied, knowing that she was building up a bond with the young girl.
Izzy simply smiled warmly.
"Oh, I just got word from my son." Venelana spoke up. Normally, I would have absolutely no care about what her 'son' has to say, but clearly it was important because he knew my opinion. "The Devils that were reporting on the war just got back today. You can expect the last bit of footage to be released either tomorrow or the day after."
"Well, that's going to be a cluster fuck and a half." I idly mused.
"Mmm, I just wanted to give you a heads up." She didn't disagree.
"I appreciate it." I smiled towards her.
I wasn't exactly keeping up with everything on that end, but I could imagine there would be a big kerfuffle when the tail end of everything that happened. There were a lot of poignant appearances there that will cause some concern among various forces.
Thankfully, I'm leaving after dinner!
"On a side note, any word for Yasaka and them about when they're going to be back?" I looked around, not sure if anyone heard any news.
"A few of her generals returned earlier as well. However, there is no real timetable on when they're going to be back. You know how messy and disorganized that kind of thing is going to be." Izzy responded.
"I figured; I guess I was just hoping to see them before I headed out." Well, not like I expected much. "Be sure to send me a message when they get back; I'll come right over." Because realistically, there wasn't much difference between me being here or in another world when it came to coming back in a hurry.
"Just enjoy your time; there's no need to rush." Venelana smiled.
"Before you leave, I have compiled some notes on the matter of those magical texts you gifted me." Salem spoke up for the first time this evening, calmly eating with a noticeable grace and elegance. "I hope they will be of some value to you."
Ah, the warm fuzzies in my chest, they have returned.
"I'll happily accept them." It would probably save me an inordinate amount of time if I just blindly meandered through them myself. "Have you considered getting a wand made? Might make some of it easier as well, at least from my experience."
It's not like it's impossible to utilize that magic foundation without a wand; it's just like trying to cut something tough with a butter knife opposed to a steak knife. Magic is magic, regardless of where it comes from; it all originates from the same source and is reverse-engineerable. There are just shortcuts to simplifying it, like using a wand in this case.
"I was never particular about magical foci." Salem said offhandedly. "But I suppose the thought is not unappealing if only to understand it better."
I took my own wand out and twirled it in my fingers. "A wand is pretty nifty. And while the magic there didn't seem particularly flamboyant or 'powerful' in the same breath, the fine control is something to be admired. Like this—"Alohomora!" I may have put a bit of oomph into the spell.
"Neh!?" Jeanne was the first to react.
The others quickly followed, chests clutched with eyes wide. Well, Venelana just looked amused.
"Wilhelm, did you just unhook my bra!?" Izzy squawked.
Salem, of course, flushed with a cute scowl while Jeanne just embarrassedly turned red.
"Ah, I love magic." I leaned back, very proud of myself.
"My friend." Mozart spoke up, despite the glares being sent my way. "I may have discovered a newfound interest in learning magic." He said with complete seriousness.
A bread roll went flying through the air and smacked him in the face.
This was nice.
(Line Break)
Getting ready to leave, I was happy. Well, happier, because the door opened and Meridia strolled in without hesitation.
Clutched in her hands was a particular wooden sword.
She wasted no time basically dropping it in my hands. "It's completed."
The main point that I wanted her help with was to change its shape without 'harming' it. If I wanted to do what she did, I would have had to do some significant alterations to the branch itself, and it would have lost a lot of its potency. But for her, I'm sure it was as easy as waving her hand.
Though the fact that it was cultivated inside her literal body made of primordial light, its existence was elevated quite high.
It was made of wood without a visible edge, yet I was fairly sure I could slash someone with it and draw blood.
But that wasn't the intended purpose. My mind was already racing with thoughts on how to properly create this Mystic Code, but I shelved it for now, putting it away.
"Love you." I made sure to give her a quick kiss as thanks.
She happily accepted even if she didn't express it very openly. "I'm pleased it will be beneficial for you."
Honestly, I'm just happy to see her before I went off, sword or not.
And of course, I made sure to say goodbye to everyone properly. It felt like I was going off on a long trip despite the fact that I would probably hop back over within the week when my other girls came back.
Regardless, no one stretched it out, and with a final goodbye, I opened the precalculated coordinates that Gramps gave me and opened up a portal, walking through.
I was greeted with the morning sun and the fresh air of the polluted and smelly city as well.
Ah, London.
First things first, I need to get my bearings.
Even if I had that new world excitement that demanded I start exploring, there are certain things to take care of first.
Luckily, this is London in the modern day. That means there was usually someone selling newspapers in the major metropolitan area around this time of day, and if I'm accurate with my time period, it's still something predominant.
I remember that physical newspaper stands were slowly starting to disappear around this time as social media took off.
"Morning!" I greeted the guy with a cigarette in his mouth at a stand of newspapers with a few other people looking through things.
He just grunted in acknowledgment.
Right, that London hospitality.
Immediately, I was drawn to the front page of a newspaper, picking it up. Originally, I was just curious about the exact date and whatnot, but now, I am intrigued.
There was a big picture of a robot on the front!
'Tony Stark refuses to hand over the Iron Man suit to the U.S. government.'
"Oi!" The stand owner slapped the newspaper nearly out of my hand. "This isn't a library, mate. No browsing; I am not a charity for no skint."
I rolled my eyes. "How much is it?"
"Three quid."
I snatched the newspaper back out of his hand and grabbed a candy bar nearby before slapping a few gold coins on the cart. I did cast a minor illusion to make them look like pounds because I was always careful about using cross-world money. And it assuaged my guilt when it eventually wears off and he finds out he has a few gold coins that are worth thousands of pounds.
"Cheers, mate." He said happily, putting them away like they were just normal coins.
I flicked the paper again, evening it out, and began to read in earnest.
'Notorious billionaire and inventor, Tony Stark was called before the US congressional committee this past week in regards to the acquisition of the Iron Man suit with allegations that the inventor was keeping a dangerous weapon. Sources say that the refusal to hand over the potentially dangerous weapon was met with
I basically started skimming the rest of it, furrowing my brow as I was clearly ignorant about a great many things that were being written.
"Crazy shit, ain't it?"
I looked up at the stand owner, who glanced my way. "Crazy indeed. What do you think?" He was much more open now that I actually paid him.
He scoffed. "Some bloke with more money than sense flying around in a suit of armor with a bunch of weapons saying he's a superhero? I say those Yanks are getting crazier every year."
…what?
"Yeah... crazy times we're living in." I have so many questions right now.
"'Least it isn't another story about a mysterious monster tearing up some part of their cities. What was it…Halem in New York…?"
"Harlem?"
"Right, some daft idiots claiming it was some monster tearing up the place, not an earthquake." He scoffed. "Them yanks, I swear, they're all bonkers."
As weird as that sounds, it doesn't really concern me.
First order of business, I need to track down some of that Vibranium Gramps told me about.
Where to start? I could always—
I paused, blinking.
The world flipped upside down; no, rather, the world's space and time warped pointedly all around me. Like another dimension descended, and the rules of reality kept changing as everything warped and twisted in a strangely reflective way.
Intriguingly, I was the only person around; everyone else disappeared, or rather, I guess I was the one who disappeared into this place.
"How did you possibly slip through?" A voice grabbed my attention, and I turned around to see a woman, bald, and in what looked like monk clothes.
"Pardon?" I said in confusion.
"Could it be because the convergence is approaching that the barriers are thinning?" She seemed to ignore me and just spoke to herself in a soft tone. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. I'm in a hurry; a much bigger mess is happening on the other side of the world, so I don't have time to properly send you off. Stay here until I come back." She waved her hand, and a portal tore through space and time, connecting to another point in the world, and she walked through, completely ignoring him.
Silently, I looked around in confusion again, not a single soul within my senses.
"...what the fuck just happened?"
(Line Break)
A/N
Wilhelm arrives in the new world; Wilhelm gets put in a time out. Wilhelm is confused. Obviously it's not like the mirror dimension can hold him, but he's seriously wondering what the fuck just happened.
If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone.
I also have a boosty if you can't read the above under the same name.
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