Chapter 5: The Baxter Foundation
Yes, Richard's plan was to get closer to the Baxters. Since he wasn't having a knowledge problem, he planned to get closer to Reed Richards.
Reed's mind worked in a vastly different way from most people, so he believed that if he could touch him, he would gain an even deeper understanding of what he knew.
"As much as I want to believe that, that should be impossible," Mr. Storm replied with a smile.
"Well, it isn't exactly hard to do. The laws of physics in this universe are something you can find online, and if more is discovered, you can simply add them to further improve the space," Richard countered.
"Let's test it then," Mr. Storm said as he conjured a massive machine that looked awfully familiar to Richard.
"This looks like an inter-dimensional transporter… Wait, you want to test the space with this?" Richard asked.
"Yes, anything wrong with that? And also, how do you know about this?" the man asked with a frown on his face.
"I may just be a 17-year-old, but it doesn't mean I am dumb, sir. With just a look, anyone smart enough would be able to guess what that thing is. Though, where is the trans-molecular converter? Without that, no one would ever be able to survive passing through the portal generated by this. Also, the power source…" Richard said as he began rambling on and on about the flaws of the device. This was the side effect of stealing knowledge; you also get a tiny portion of the person's passion for said thing.
"Guess the smart ones are truly attracted to one another," Mr. Storm said as a chuckle left his lips.
"Huh?" Richard asked, waking up from his rambling and cartoon-ish repairs. He had completely redesigned the entire machine, and it was now smaller but functional.
"How would you like to come and work with us here at the Baxter Foundation?" Mr. Storm said, not caring if the device was fixed or not.
"Oh… Oh… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to ridicule your work. It's just that I am awfully familiar with this device; it was one of the things used in the making of this space."
"No... don't worry abo— What?"
"Oh… You see, to create a virtual space that truly reflects our universe, I had to go the extra mile. In our universe, there exist several layers of dimensions stacked on top of each other. A layer above this is the Digital Realm, and below this is ours. And no, you aren't dead."
"Wait, that means we are in-between realities now?"
"Sort of, but to solve your problems, we are absolutely safe. Neither side can access this place without these glasses."
"Oh… my... god, you can already travel between dimensions," the old man said, completely flabbergasted.
Richard didn't blame him for his reaction. He too would react even more dramatically if he found out that a 17-year-old had already figured out something that you have been battling with for years. As for the inter-dimensional portal, Richard had truly created it, but that was only because unlike many people of this world, he could draw inspiration from literally anyone.
He was a next-level polymath, and also what he had built was a small-scale inter-dimensional portal. So comparing it to what the Baxters were building was unfair; after all, when things are scaled up, they become a bit harder to build. From experience, he could say that not everyone would think of a trans-molecular converter.
When you think of portals, you just think of a doorway in space and time that allows people to go from one point in space to another. But in reality, to do that, you need a device that transports your molecules over said distance. Without it, the user would simply find himself shredded to pieces with no hope of return.
"Not really," Richard replied.
"Wait, if this place is between realms, then exactly how are we here?" Mr. Storm asked as panic began to set in.
"Well, we actually aren't here. The glasses simply create a digital version of you from head to toe, then give you control of said avatar, you know, like you control a character in a game," Richard explained.
"So, our bodies are still back on Earth, right?"
"Oh, I see the confusion now. You see, the Digital Realm isn't some fancy realm like what you are probably thinking. It is just a space filled with messages, viruses, ads, etc.—basically the internet of the universe."
"Oh… Oh! Why didn't you just say that from the beginning?"
"Well, I never said that it was some dangerous place with separate lifeforms."
"Then would you like to work with us? At least you have some experience in making something like this."
"Honestly, I would love to."
"Then welcome aboard… Oh, and how do we leave this place?"
"Just reach for your eyes to pull off the glasses," Richard explained as he did the same.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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