章 23: Chapter 23
"Nicholas Joseph Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., a veteran of countless secret operations and a man who has seen more mysteries and secrets than most people can imagine, stood in the dim light of his office, deeply lost in thought. In his one remaining eye, which had endured so many trials, there was a mixture of confusion and tension.
"How did we not find him?" The question lingered in the air like a barely audible whisper, but to Fury, it sounded like thunder.
Before him on the screen were the details about Namor McKenzie, the King of Atlantis, whose story of struggle and strength was legendary even among the heroes of World War II.
"A horrifying mistake," Fury thought, clenching his fists until they turned white. His brain worked at full capacity, analyzing every possible strategy and move that Namor might take. For a man accustomed to controlling the situation, admitting that the King of Atlantis had remained unnoticed for so many years was tantamount to a catastrophe.
Addressing Maria Hill, his trusted deputy and right hand, Fury spoke with unwavering firmness: "Prepare for battle." His voice was low and resolute, reflecting the seriousness of the upcoming confrontation. Understanding flickered in Maria Hill's eyes—the coming battle would not be just another skirmish; it would be a test of their readiness for the unknown. "We need to use the data Dr. Richards sent us."
Namor, whose actions and decisions were always full of contradictions, was never known for his kind nature. His return to the world's political arena could signal the beginning of a new era—one filled with storms and challenges. For Fury and his team, it was not just a warning but a call to action.
= Reed Richards =
"Dr. Richards, you have about a week left," said Chronos.
From the moment I began studying Max Eisenhardt's X-gene, each day of my research was filled with incredible discoveries and challenges. The lab became my second home, where I, immersed in countless experiments and analyses, strove to understand the essence of the mutation that endowed him with unique abilities. My hands, the unwilling executors of my will, tirelessly worked on various samples, tested hypotheses, and created prototypes.
When Chronos reminded me of the deadline, it added an extra vector of pressure to the already accumulated tension. But my determination did not allow me to retreat or slow down. I acknowledged his words with a nod, maintaining focus on my work.
"Thank you, Chronos," I replied briefly, but my tone conveyed the importance of every minute dedicated to this research.
My laboratory was filled with sparkling screens, flickering indicators, and pulsating lights of various devices, each playing its role in this complex process. Here, among glass beakers, pipettes, and reagents, I felt like a true wizard, wielding knowledge capable of changing the course of history.
The study of the X-gene became a quest of sorts, where each discovery brought me closer to the solution, to the possibility of implanting the mutation within myself without losing control over its manifestations. My notes, scribbled with formulas, graphs, and diagrams, bore witness to months of relentless work and unwavering confidence in success.
The difficulty did not lie in creating a clone—the process, although requiring high precision and deep knowledge in genetics, was already within my grasp. The true challenge was understanding the unique structure of the mutant organism, identifying and studying specific genetic markers responsible for its abilities. It was like trying to decipher an ancient code, each symbol of which revealed new horizons of possibilities.
In my quest to implant Max Eisenhardt's mutation within myself, there lay not only a thirst for knowledge but also a deeply personal motivation—the desire to overcome my limitations and expand the boundaries of the possible.
= Some Time Later =
"Dr. Richards, code Blue," Chronos announced.
As soon as Chronos uttered "code Blue," the atmosphere in the lab instantly filled with a sense of tension and anticipation of the unknown. Code Blue always meant that events unfolding in the ocean depths were beyond the ordinary, and this time it involved Namor McKenzie himself.
"Display it on the screens," I said.
Immediately, the room was bathed in soft blue light, and a hologram of Earth materialized before me. The blue sphere rotated in the air, highlighting certain areas with glowing markers, indicating anomalous occurrences in the ocean. These markers were concentrated in one region, pointing to the location that had caught Chronos' attention.
The hologram allowed me to see not only the geographical position of the event but also various parameters associated with the anomaly: temperature readings, water movements, and unusual energy emissions. Each of these factors was crucial for understanding what exactly was happening in that part of the ocean that was now under our scrutiny.
My attention was riveted to the screens, where the data dynamically changed, providing an increasingly detailed picture of the events. I had to analyze this information to identify patterns and possibly predict Namor's next moves. Initial theories and hypotheses were already forming in my mind, each requiring thorough study and verification.
"Chronos, monitor this area," I said, pointing to the part of the ocean where disturbances were most likely to occur. "Notify me if fluctuations exceed 10% of the norm."
"Understood, Dr. Richards," Chronos replied.
Meanwhile, I proceeded to the final stage of my project.
= Norman Osborn =
Norman Osborn, standing on the threshold of unexplored possibilities, felt a mix of anxiety and excitement coursing through his veins alongside adrenaline. The air in the lab vibrated with tension, anticipating the moment that could rewrite human history and, undoubtedly, his own fate.
Who would have thought that the unfortunate accident that befell Peter Parker would open such paths before him? Yet, the incident had paved a new path, one leading him to greatness.
His gaze, piercing and determined, was fixed on the chemical compound whose effects were expected to be as revolutionary as they were uncharted. This green concoction promised to grant him powers he had previously only dreamed of, powers worthy of the next-generation supersoldier.
And all thanks to Peter Parker's blood... Norman smirked. His son had at least been of some use.
"Administer it," Norman ordered.
The green liquid, endowed with the potential to rewrite the laws of nature, began to slowly flow through the transparent tubes towards its destination.
Norman closed his eyes as the first drops of the grand elixir entered his veins. He felt every movement of the liquid through his body, each moment of transformation, as if time had slowed down just for him. And then, when the green light filled every corner of his consciousness, the world plunged into darkness.
"Rise, Norman..."
"Your subordinates must not see you like this..."
"Get dressed..."
"Kill..."
"Molten stone..."
The scientists observing the changes in Norman Osborn's body recorded data that were within normal limits. However, in an instant, Norman's body began to transform at an incredible speed. The observers didn't have time to react before the Goblin's eyes opened.
"Kill... Parker... Fatty acids can't grow... Burning eyes..." the monster with green skin whispered.
Then it smirked.
BAM
—//—
At dawn on the fifth day, bathed in the shimmering light of monitors and the silent rustle of my notes, I finally unraveled the mystery that had eluded me for months. The complex puzzle of Max Eisenhardt's X-gene, the magical key to incredible magnetic abilities, lay before me like an ancient manuscript ready to reveal its secrets only to the worthy.
Days and nights of endless checks lay ahead of me. I immersed myself in a world of experiments, where every observation, every analysis held immense significance. Virtual simulations, expertly crafted in laboratory conditions, allowed me to trace in detail the possible reactions of my body to the introduction of the foreign gene. These digital worlds, full of variables and constants, became my second dimension, where I could safely explore every potential outcome.
However, the real challenge awaited me in my practical experiments on clones. With each one, I walked on the thin ice of the unknown, expecting either a failure or a remarkable success at any moment. Watching these creatures, crafted by my own hand, subjected to the powerful gene, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was playing god, rewriting the laws of nature.
When the final research results formed before me, I couldn't help but feel a thrill.
"Probability of success is 99%," I whispered these words in the complete silence of my laboratory, sounding like an incantation foretelling a new era in my life. The data on the screens didn't lie, but every cell in my body tensely awaited the final step—the actual introduction of the gene into my own body.
Then the time came to implement the X-gene into my system.
= Two Days Later =
The transformation of my body took a day, and I slept for the next 15 hours. Such radical changes were incredibly energy-consuming for the body.
But it was worth it. When I woke up, my perception of the world had changed on a fundamental level.
I now saw the world on a higher plane than before. Electromagnetic waves—one of the fundamental forces of the Universe—were now under my control.
"Chronos, bring up the training dummies," I said.
Metallic mannequins appeared before me. I didn't expect to reach Magneto's level of mastery in one night, but it was necessary to start striving to surpass Max Eisenhardt.
The mannequins that advanced toward me were bent into spheres with incredible ease.
"This will be an interesting training session," I whispered, reveling in this newfound power.
Understanding how to exert coarse magnetic force proved not too difficult.
= Namor McKenzie =
The King of Atlantis sat on his throne, bathed in the mysterious light emitted by bioluminescent plants and animals that adorned the majestic underwater hall. The water around him was cool and calm, creating a sense of isolation from the outside world. The throne, carved from coral reefs covered with centuries-old growths, served not only as a place of governance but also as a symbol of Namor's eternal connection to his underwater kingdom.
After years of his absence, Atlantis had found a new ruler who, unfortunately for him, did not understand that there could only be one true king.
"You managed to fall so low in my absence?" Namor's words cut through the water, reaching every corner of the hall where the Atlanteans had gathered. Their faces were hidden behind masks of surprise and concern.
"Y-Your Majesty..." muttered one of the Atlanteans, an elder with hair the color of sea foam and eyes reminiscent of the ocean depths. His voice sounded weak in this mighty assembly, like a drop in the ocean.
At that moment, Namor struck the ground with his trident, and his action created a powerful shockwave that spread throughout the hall, causing the water to vibrate and creating the impression of an underwater earthquake. The trident, a symbol of royal power and authority, emitted a cold light, illuminating the hall with shimmering reflections bouncing off the walls and ceiling adorned with mosaics of shells and mother-of-pearl.
The Atlanteans surrounding the throne felt small and powerless before the might of their king, who, like the very element, reminded them of his right to rule. The water around them shimmered with new colors, reflecting the power and grandeur of the true ruler of Atlantis, who had returned to restore order in his underwater realm.
"Apparently, you have forgotten what it means to have a King of Atlantis," Namor said, looking at the Atlantean.
After surveying the surrounding space, he added, "Have you all forgotten that we are Atlanteans?!"
It disgusted Namor to see them cowering in fear under the weight of his words. He hadn't expected his people to become so... weak...
= Reed Richards =
I emerged from Kronos just as the satellites detected strange movements underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. These movements, initially seeming no more than anomalies, soon turned into underwater tremors felt even on distant shores.
"It's a tsunami," I whispered, my eyes glued to the monitoring screens showing a massive body of water inexorably moving towards New York. This water colossus, like a giant awakened from an ancient slumber, was heading towards the city's shores, bringing destruction. "This disturbance caused a tsunami..."
"What are we going to do, stretch?" Ben asked me in his rocky form.
"We're going to solve this problem," I replied.
"Sounds easy enough," Johnny said, standing nearby with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. His fiery eyes sparkled with a challenge, and his hair, playing with shades of flame, highlighted his readiness to confront the element at any moment.
"Has Fury contacted us?" I asked Ben, pondering the plan of action. It was important for me to know how seriously the authorities perceived the threat and what measures were already being taken at the highest level.
Ben nodded, confirming the contact with Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., who, as always, was aware of the situation and awaited our proposals to minimize the impending catastrophe's consequences.
"He said that S.H.I.E.L.D. would work with the Fantastic Four to solve this problem," Susan said.
I sighed and decided to ask just in case, "Has Namor reached out?"
She shook her head.
At that moment, my satellites, the orbital sentinels invisibly hovering in the skies, detected the presence of Namor McKenzie, the king of the underwater world, at the center of the massive body of water moving towards New York. His power and might, even visible through satellite images, were impossible to ignore.
"In a way, I'm almost glad I'll get to punch him," I thought, clenching my fists. The muscles in my arms tensed like steel cables, ready for battle.
クリエイターの想い 
Arcane_Eso
Arcane_Eso Stones for the God of Stones! Souls for the Throne of Souls!
章 24: Chapter 24
"You want to fight him here, in the heart of New York City?!" Ben asked, looking at me in bewilderment. His eyes were wide with surprise, and his eyebrows shot up so high they seemed to disappear under his cream-colored cap. "Stretch, have you lost your mind?!"
At that moment, we were inside the Fantastic Machine, slicing through the air like a metallic beast, heading to meet Nick Fury. The exterior of the machine gleamed under the morning sun, and its engines emitted a monotonous hum, creating a sense of inevitability about the upcoming meeting.
"Water is Namor's element; he's stronger there than on land," I began, trying to remain calm despite the tension that gripped me. "Meanwhile, we're not as strong in the water; in fact, we're quite the opposite."
My words hung in the air like misty clouds, concealing the impending storm.
"Well, I burn just as well underwater as I do above it," Johnny said, smiling so broadly his grin seemed capable of igniting the very atmosphere around us. Mischief danced on his face, and his eyes sparkled with anticipation for the upcoming challenge.
We had indeed tested Johnny's abilities underwater, and after numerous experiments conducted in various conditions—from sunken ships to deep-sea volcanoes—we concluded that he could indeed burn like a beacon, cutting through the dark water.
"But what about the rest of us?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in doubt and addressing the other team members. "Ben, in his rocky form, isn't exactly a great swimmer, not to mention Namor moves underwater as fast, if not faster, than he does on land."
My words carried enough weight to be considered seriously.
"There's also the matter of the osmotic cannon," I said, pointing to the hefty weapon. "Its effectiveness would be nullified underwater."
"But what about collateral damage?" Susan asked, her voice soft yet decisively firm. Her concern for the city's safety and its residents was evident in every word.
"That's where Fury comes in," I replied with a slight smirk, trying to inject some optimism into our serious discussion.
At that moment, as the sun began to reach its zenith, painting the sky in unique hues of dawn, we arrived at our destination. The meeting place with Fury was located away from the bustling city center and out of sight of curious citizens.
The Fantastic Machine, a marvel of engineering, easily crossed a masking barrier that to the untrained eye appeared as a mere shimmer in the air, like a heat haze over a desert. But once we passed through it, we were greeted by a scene worthy of the pages of a science fiction novel.
A group of operatives, dressed in uniforms that seemed to blend with the environment, went about their tasks with such concentration it seemed they noticed nothing around them. Beside them were devices and technologies decades ahead of civilian science. These machines, with their unusual shapes and blinking indicators, created the impression that we were on the threshold of a new era of discovery.
The atmosphere around us was filled with anticipation; every sound from the equipment, every rustle of the operatives' uniforms, added a vibration of tension and expectation to the air. Yet, despite all this, there was a confidence in our abilities and a belief that we could face the challenges ahead.
Here, at this secretive base, a significant group of operatives had gathered, their names known to anyone even slightly interested in the world of superheroes and special agents. Alongside Nick Fury, with his ever-watchful single eye, were notable figures such as Maria Hill, his loyal right hand, Natasha Romanoff, the master of espionage and combat known as the Black Widow, and Clint Barton, whose sharp eye and arrows never missed. Each of them, with their unique stories and skill sets, had come together to discuss the impending threat.
However, Fury intrigued me the most... Thanks to my current abilities, I could sense the metal inside his body... Before me stood not a living man.
"I can't say the same," I replied. "Let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point, specifically Namor McKenzie."
"I see why you're not invited to parties," Clint Barton muttered, his voice carrying a friendly tease. He stood slightly aside, smiling as if anticipating the unfolding conversation.
Fury simply nodded in response to my words.
"I've reviewed your plan," he finally said, his voice deep and confident, leaving no room for doubt about his resolve.
This was not surprising, but rather expected. Fury was always a step ahead, anticipating the moves and decisions of both allies and adversaries.
"And what have you decided?" I asked.
The question was only to gauge Fury's reaction, for in reality, I knew he would accept the plan, as it provided him with many valuable tools.
"It's a solid plan," Fury said, his voice sounding approving, but his face remained an impassive mask, revealing no emotion. It was his trademark style—to always keep his composure, regardless of the circumstances.
This intrigued me.
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to conceal my surprise and a slight dose of skepticism. According to my calculations, the chosen location was ideal—its topography and position gave us a tactical advantage I could only dream of.
"That location is not suitable. I can't tell you why," Fury said, his voice tinged with regret, as if he himself was not pleased with the turn of events.
His gaze told me everything. Most likely, there was a state facility at that location, well-hidden.
The tension in the room was palpable; everyone exchanged glances, trying to decipher what could have made Fury reject such an apparently perfect plan.
Natasha Romanoff watched the proceedings with a slight smirk, Maria Hill looked cautious, and Clint Barton seemed ready to propose his alternative.
"Do we have any other options?" I asked decisively, seeking a way out of the situation, aware that time was running out and we needed to act swiftly and effectively.
Fury nodded and said, "This area..."
= Some Time Later =
The area Fury suggested wasn't far from the previous location.
After numerous issues were resolved, it was time to prepare the battleground.
"Director Fury, have you positioned your men around the perimeter?" I asked Fury.
"Yes, Dr. Richards."
"In that case, activate the Net."
The Net—several dozen devices that, when combined, performed multiple functions: creating an enclosed battle arena and harnessing the energy from the water mass's movement, thereby reducing the tsunami.
—//—
"Begin," Fury commanded into his earpiece.
In the next second, as if responding to his order, the space before his eyes came alive, transformed.
Numerous Quinjet fighters, metallic birds of the era, powerful and unyielding, soared into the sky with the characteristic roar of their engines. They descended to a level almost tangible to the naked eye, their silhouettes starkly outlined against the pale sky, heralding the coming storm.
"Falcon-1 ready," came a clear, decisive voice.
"Falcon-2 ready," echoed another voice, no less confident.
"Falcon-3 ready," the tone carried readiness for action.
"Barton ready," Clint said with a smirk.
There was playfulness in his voice, but also an unwavering confidence in his abilities.
Each of these acknowledgments was like an oath, a confirmation of their readiness for battle, for heroism, for the trial that lay ahead. They were not just voices in the ether; they were heralds of determination, embodiments of fearlessness and dedication to their cause.
After all the pilots had spoken, the moment arrived. Time to execute the plan.
"Fire," Fury's command was like a verdict.
BAM
Numerous advanced missiles, like birds seeking freedom, launched from their nests. Their flight was swift and relentless, filled with deadly purpose.
Their target was Namor, or more precisely, his trajectory, which cut through the space menacingly, presenting a threat. Everyone knew well that Namor could evade the missiles, but he wouldn't be able to maintain his original course all the way.
Fury's gaze was fixed on the map showing the trajectory of the King of Atlantis. Just a few minutes ago, the trajectory had Namor heading straight for the center of New York, but after numerous missiles... the current trajectory led Namor directly to the arena.
"Mission accomplished," Fury said. "The rest is up to you, Dr. Richards."
=Reed Richards=
"Understood," I replied, looking at the wave looming ahead.
Thanks to the device and my sense of metal, I knew Namor was approaching. His power and speed filled the air with anxious anticipation.
"Get ready," I said, looking at my family.
Over the time spent with them, it was hard not to consider them family.
"I was born ready, Stretch," Ben said in his rocky form.
Johnny, like the embodiment of fire itself, transformed into his fiery form and soared into the sky, leaving a trail of sparks and heat. His laughter echoed in the air, like a challenge to the elements.
"The most handsome member of our team is ready," he said, his voice light and carefree, but every movement was filled with confidence and skill.
Johnny's older sister simply took a deep breath and exhaled, then nodded.
At that very moment, when the tension reached its peak, Namor and his unstoppable wave crossed the red line, the invisible boundary that marked the start of my field.
BAM
The Net, an invention born of many nights of research and dozens of experiments, absorbed the incredible wave. The kinetic energy contained in this mass of water began to transform, as if obeying an unknown spell, into a completely different form of energy, filling the air with a thrill and sparks of potential power.
Unfortunately, our tests on the mass of water were not the end. I managed to react to Namor's attack only thanks to my newfound power.
With Magneto's power now flowing through my veins, I managed to stop the thrown trident, as if snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at the last moment. However, what followed the trident was something I was not prepared for.
BAM
Namor's fist, powerful and unyielding like the nature he commanded, met Susan's force field. Namor's gaze fell on Sue, and deep in his eyes, I saw something I didn't like.
"TIME TO SMASH!" Ben shouted, rushing into battle.
The arena closed, locking the King of Atlantis with us in one field. This, in turn, meant it was time for stage two.
"Position number two!" I shouted, reaching out with my new power to the osmotic cannon.
Sue, Ben, and Johnny nodded. They understood perfectly what needed to be done.
As the battle flared up with new intensity, Ben, indomitable and steadfast like a mountain, confronted Namor. Their clash was filled with primal power, reminiscent of the collision of two elements.
Meanwhile, Johnny, embodying the unstoppable force of fire, began to unleash streams of flame on Namor and Ben. Thanks to his position in the air, he could do this with incredible ease.
Credit to the King of Atlantis, despite the onslaught from Ben, Johnny, and Sue, he remained unfazed. I knew well that such damage meant little to him.
"YOU THINK THIS CAN BREAK ME?!" Namor roared, his voice full of defiance and unyielding will. His words sliced through the air like a blade, reminding everyone of the unconquered power he represented.
In the next moment, his fist, imbued with all his anger and strength, broke through fire and stone, clashing with Susan's force field. The blow was so powerful that Ben, despite his invincible nature, was lifted a couple of meters off the ground like a light leaf in the wind, and Sue felt a pressure comparable only to the force of storms crashing against cliffs.
"Ready," I whispered with a slight smile on my face.
"IMPERIUS REX!" Namor bellowed, gathering all his rage and power into those words, trying to break through Susan's impenetrable force field. His voice echoed off the invisible walls of the dome, creating the illusion of multiple echoes, as if nature itself was amplifying his challenge.
"I'm sick of you already," I said, my words calm but filled with determination. My hand pressed the trigger of the osmotic cannon without hesitation, a device born from countless hours of research and experimentation.
In the next moment, the weapon's power hit Namor's body. He felt the full force of the invention, and judging by his reaction, the weapon worked exactly as I expected.
"KHAA!" Namor choked, his hands clutching at his throat. In his eyes, one could see the instant realization of what was happening, mixed with confusion and painful surprise.
CLICK
With a single click, I stopped the weapon. Namor still couldn't regain his composure. He didn't understand what was happening to him, why his strength had left his body.
"Bastard..." Namor whispered, looking at me with hatred clearly etched in his eyes. "Coward."
That word was the trigger. By this point, the power the Net had gathered was under my control, allowing me to understand some facets of my new strength.
"Is that so?" I asked with a slight smirk.
I raised my hand, and at that moment, a beam of energy began to condense above my palm.
"And you're a complete jerk," I said before sending the beam of energy toward Namor.
クリエイターの想い
Arcane_Eso
Arcane_Eso
Stones for the God of Stones! Souls for the Throne of Souls!
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