Chương 40: Chapter 40

"Got all your toys?" Ben's question pulled me out of deep thought.

I still didn't fully grasp the threat posed by Rama-Tut, so I decided to bring along the most advanced tech from my arsenal.

"You could say that," I replied with a slight smile. "Caution is never a bad idea."

We stood in my spacious lab, surrounded by shelves filled with various gadgets and devices, each of which could be crucial in our upcoming adventure. The light from the cold lamps reflected off the metallic surfaces, giving the room a sense of a futuristic capsule ready to embark on a journey through time.

"I think I have everything we need to face the unknown," I continued, closing my bag with the last of my 'tools'—a compact device capable of analyzing temporal fields.

Ben nodded, his expression a mix of respect and nervous anticipation. It seemed we both felt a blend of excitement and uncertainty, understanding that the trials ahead might be beyond our comprehension.

"In that case, let's check our equipment one last time and go meet our fate," I said as we moved towards the time portal, already flickering with light, awaiting the start of our journey.

Near the quivering portal stood Sue and Johnny, both equipped with the latest modified suits I had designed specifically for this expedition. These changes, in my opinion, were critically important, considering the unpredictable and harsh climate of ancient Egypt.

The suit fibers were infused with nanotechnology and unstable molecules, providing a high level of adaptation to external conditions. I had wanted to use vibranium for these suits; its unique properties would have offered us unparalleled protection and flexibility, but even without that exotic material, the result was impressive.

"Let's go," I said as the air before us shimmered, and the portal began to glow, revealing the gateway through time.

A kaleidoscope of colors—that's how one could describe the sensation of time travel.

In an instant, which felt simultaneously too short and endlessly long, the world around us transformed. One moment, we stood on familiar ground, and the next, we were in an entirely different landscape.

Above us, a relentless sun reigned, its rays piercing through sparse clouds, turning the ground beneath our feet from cold urban asphalt to warm, shifting sands of an ancient desert. Wherever we looked, the horizon stretched out into an endless sea of golden dunes.

However, inside our suits, the conditions were entirely different. The temperature remained optimal—a testament to the advanced technology allowing us to feel comfortable despite the harsh external environment.

"Are we sure we were supposed to end up in the middle of the desert?" Johnny's question interrupted my thoughts, his voice filled with both surprise and excitement.

I wasn't particularly surprised that Johnny Storm paid little attention during the initial briefing. His interest always leaned more towards the adventure than the details.

"Yes," Ben answered succinctly.

"Awesome!" Johnny exclaimed, looking around in awe. "So Rama-Tut, I assume, is near the pyramids?"

"We should look near the Sphinx," I corrected, recalling details about Nathaniel Richards' device.

Johnny's grin grew even more pronounced. It seemed he was planning something reckless.

"In that case, let's do this!" he said as his body ignited, and he took to the sky.

In seconds, Johnny's silhouette became a small dot in the sky, barely visible against the sun.

"I hope he doesn't get noticed," I said as Johnny soared above.

Sue looked up and said, "Judging by how his body blends with the background at times, he's fine."

At that moment, Johnny descended back to us. Thanks to his training, he could change forms with incredible speed.

"We need to head west," Johnny said in his human form.

"You found the Sphinx there?" I asked him.

He nodded and added, "And there were clusters of settlements. I'd bet all my money that Rama-Tut is there."

"In that case," I began, pulling out my latest invention, "we can head there now."

At that moment, nanobots formed into a transport suitable for the local conditions. Thanks to my tested and proven hovering technology, creating it with my devices wasn't too difficult.

"Good thing we don't have to play Moses," Ben said, settling onto the gleaming hovercycle.

"Technology is amazing," I agreed, taking my place on my vehicle. The cool metal of the handlebars felt pleasant under my fingers. "The controls are practically the same as a regular motorcycle."

"Why didn't we take the Fantasticar?" Sue asked, her voice thoughtful.

"The Fantasticar's engines require constant monitoring, and I didn't have time to check how they'd handle such a journey," I explained with a hint of self-reproach. "My future self implied that the matter was extremely urgent."

Sue nodded and, embracing the atmosphere of our preparations, mounted her hovercycle. In her eyes, I saw a spark of caution and anticipation of adventure.

"Don't worry about falling," I reassured. "The AI in these hovercycles handles the flight."

As I was about to say we should head out, my gaze caught a sudden movement in the distance. A figure in armor was rapidly approaching us.

"Someone's coming! Be ready!" I shouted.

Before I could finish, a body clad in a suit, eerily reminiscent of Stark's, crashed against my magnetic shield with a loud thud.

BAM

The shield held, but the impact sent a cloud of sand into the air, obscuring visibility.

The Scarlet Centurion. Fragments of knowledge about who stood before me flickered in my mind. I attempted to use my newfound telepathic abilities, but the Centurion's mind was shielded.

Nathaniel Richards wasted no time. From his palms, where repulsors were hidden, a bright flash erupted, and he began an assault with energy waves pressing against my shield.

"Get away from my guy!" Sue exclaimed, and at that moment, the Centurion's pressure unexpectedly lessened.

Almost instantly, the mighty figure of the Centurion began to compress under the influence of a telekinetic sphere that Sue had created out of sheer will and concentration. Seizing this opportunity, I focused my efforts on scanning the inner workings of his armor. It wasn't easy, as the armor had a protective field hindering my senses.

SCREECH

The sphere halted, momentarily suspended in the air. In that brief moment, I could discern the structure of Kang's armor—it was intricate, like a labyrinth full of secret passages and defense mechanisms.

Already anticipating the next move, I concentrated on my next step.

BAM

Charges of electricity flared in my palms, pulsing and writhing like obedient serpents, coming to life and preparing to channel their power directly into the heart of the battle. The electrical wave shot towards the Centurion's armor, targeting the least protected points.

Simultaneously, Johnny, in his fiery form, created a wall of flames, striving to hold back the enemy's onslaught. He was like a raging volcano, unwavering and resolute.

Suddenly, Ben, using the hovercycle, rose into the air. In the next moment, he transformed into his rocky form—massive and indestructible, like a boulder flying through the sky.

BAM

Ascending high, he collided with the Centurion with devastating force. Distracted by me, Sue, and Johnny, the enemy couldn't adequately respond to this new threat. His attention was fragmented, and this became his weakness.

BAM

With a powerful blow, Ben struck the front of the Centurion's armor just before the latter could respond with a repulsor blast. The air around filled with sparks and flashes as the energy of the explosion spread in all directions.

Ben's body soared upward, flying several meters, while the Centurion, without losing a second, turned his repulsors towards us.

But before he could fire, I directed a concentrated solar laser at him. The beam, blazing with pure fire, cut through the space between us, aiming straight at the core of his armor.

BOOM

The Centurion's defensive systems were surprisingly powerful. I knew that penetrating such armor directly would be nearly impossible. But my goal was different. I needed to divert his attention and energy resources to defense, creating a vulnerable spot, a small window of opportunity through which I could execute my plan.

"Ready," I whispered as the Centurion froze, trying to compensate for the impact of my laser.

At that moment, I found a way into the mind of Nathaniel Richards, also known in the future as Rama-Tut or Kang the Conqueror, entering his thoughts as easily as I had analyzed his armor.

—\\—

Nathaniel Richards, known across various eras as the Scarlet Centurion, Rama-Tut, Kang the Conqueror, and even Immortus—his life path is shrouded in mysteries and speculations. For a long time, there were rumors that he might be a descendant of either me or Victor von Doom.

Now, however, I can state with certainty: Kang the Conqueror is my distant descendant. This revelation came to me from the deepest recesses of Nathaniel's memories when I delved into his consciousness. The mind of a 31st-century dweller was structured unusually, similar at a basic level, but with each deeper dive into his memories, the differences became more noticeable. These moments, pieced together, formed a mosaic of a life standing at the crossroads of times, epochs, and dimensions.

Each image of his past, each name he assumed at different times, unveiled new aspects of his character and his mission in this world. Within these memories were hidden keys to understanding not only his destiny but also the fate of our entire lineage, stretching through the centuries.

Studying the technologies of the 31st century, I realized that I had a unique opportunity—a chance that couldn't be missed. With this goal in mind, I immersed myself in the search for the knowledge I needed, and in a single moment, I glimpsed Nathaniel Richards' life before fate brought him to our time.

Nathaniel lived in a utopian world of the 31st century, where daily life flowed predictably and orderly, leaving no room for anything extraordinary or thrilling. It was this monotony that drove him to seek adventure, a craving for novelty that he so desperately needed. Adventures came quickly—his thirst for risk led him to one of his most coveted discoveries. Nathaniel found the location of the legendary von Doom castle, shrouded in mystique and secrets, which many considered a mere myth.

This discovery not only added vivid colors to his life, but it also became a gateway to a new reality where every step through the castle's corridors could mean either a revelation or a grand danger.

The moment he stepped into the ancient castle in search of knowledge was pivotal in his life. In its dark corridors, Nathaniel Richards came face to face with Kang the Conqueror. This meeting turned his world upside down: Kang showed Nathaniel the mosaic of his future incarnations and, to hasten his transformation into the Conqueror, sent him to a prehistoric era.

There, amidst primeval landscapes and mammoths, the young Conqueror experienced events that made him rethink his purpose. Eventually, Nathaniel decided to rebel against his future self, and thus he found himself in ancient Egypt, where every stone and statue breathed history.

Nathaniel was convinced that Rama-Tut, his future self, was unaware of his presence. However, I saw it differently. Rama-Tut, with his perceptive pharaoh's gaze, undoubtedly recognized the youth of his past self in Nathaniel.

Everything changed when Rama-Tut used his mind-control weapon against Nathaniel. Under its powerful influence, Nathaniel Richards became a loyal general in Rama-Tut's army, directed against Apocalypse.

"I see," I said, emerging from the depths of Richards' consciousness.

The Scarlet Centurion stared at me in surprise, his eyes wide. My intrusion into his mind had weakened the manipulative ray's influence just enough for Nathaniel to break free.

"Mr. Fantastic?" he whispered. The faceplate of his armor retracted, revealing the true face of Nathaniel Richards—open and vulnerable.

"He's just a kid," Johnny remarked, watching as Nathaniel's battle stance relaxed and his young face showed confusion.

"Reed?" Sue looked at me, one eyebrow arching in surprise and questioning.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel's gaze filled with deep astonishment. He recognized us—the entire Fantastic Four—as though a sudden revelation dawned upon him: he stood before his heroes from history books.

"Nathaniel Richards," I declared solemnly, as if each word carried the weight of centuries. "My distant descendant."

The eyes of everyone present widened in shock, reflecting a mosaic of emotions—disbelief to awe.

"I think we need to talk in a more private place," I suggested, meeting his gaze, seeking understanding.

Nathaniel, still reeling from the revelation and overwhelmed by our presence, nodded slowly. His look was full of confusion, but deep within his eyes now glimmered a spark of hope that perhaps this conversation could change his fate.

—= Some Time Later =—

Thanks to Nathaniel, who had already studied this area, and my telepathy, which helped us avoid encounters with Rama-Tut's subjects, we quickly found a suitable hideout. Nathaniel, leading us, remained silent throughout the journey. His frequent glances, caught by me in passing, indicated that he was still stunned by our sudden meeting.

Our hideout was a secluded cave, hidden among the sand dunes. The wind playing on the dried bushes at the entrance only emphasized its abandonment and isolation. The shadows inside the cave danced to the rhythm of the flickering light from our lantern, creating a mystical atmosphere of an ancient secret chamber.

As we walked, my team did not hide their interest in Nathaniel. The glances of Ben, Sue, and Johnny often intersected with those of the young time traveler who was, after all, my descendant. Their looks were full of curiosity and perhaps some admiration for how history had brought him to us at the most unexpected moment.

"Well, I'd prefer a hotel, but this will do," Johnny said, a smirk playing on his lips, adding a touch of irony to his words. The lantern's light cast his shadow on the uneven cave walls, adding a theatrical drama to the scene.

"As for me, I wouldn't choose either a hotel or a tavern in this era," Ben replied, his voice serious as though he weighed every word. "After all, who knows what was popular here back then?"

Their conversation added a sense of reality and the passage of time to our adventure. The air in the cave was cool and smelled of damp earth, while the sounds of the night occasionally penetrated our hideout, reminding us of the wildness and unpredictability of the ancient world outside.

"Now that we've found some privacy, it's time for us to talk," I began, fixing a penetrating gaze on Nathaniel, whose face was illuminated with cautious hope.

He nodded, his eyes reflecting hesitance. "I don't even know where to start."

Exchanging glances with my friends, I suggested, "I'll take this part."

Nathaniel looked at me with a questioning gaze.

"I'll create a link between our minds," I explained. "It will allow me to transfer all the necessary knowledge faster and more efficiently."

He hesitated for a moment before agreeing, "I suppose that would be faster."

"Creating the link?" I asked.

"Yes," he nodded confidently.

Once he confirmed his consent, I immediately established a connection between his consciousness and the minds of my team. Thanks to his experience with neurokinetic armor, Nathaniel quickly adapted to this process. Before us unfolded a visualization of his youth—vivid images of New York in the 31st century.

"This is the utopian society of 31st-century New York," Nathaniel began. "A world where there was no place for me."

The images appearing before our eyes were rich in color and detail: transparent skyscrapers that seemed more like constructs of light than steel or glass, hovering vehicles moving silently between them, and people whose clothes changed colors and patterns at their will. It was a world where everyone seemed perfectly happy and content—a world that couldn't accept one young man.

—= Some Time Later =—

"...And that's how I met you," Nathaniel said.

Through the telepathic link, Nathaniel shared his entire story. My team could see not only what brought the young man to this place but also the image of Rama-Tut, who had conquered almost all of ancient Egypt. Their conflict with En Sabah Nur split Egypt in two, leaving centuries of strife in its wake.

"You've had quite a rough life," Ben said, his gaze free of judgment for Nathaniel's past actions.

Ben's words seemed to bring some comfort to Nathaniel, and he appeared slightly more at ease.

At that moment, I had already formed a plan of action that seemed feasible.

"Essentially," I began, locking eyes with Nathaniel, "our goals align. We need to drive Rama-Tut out of here."

Nathaniel nodded, not fully understanding my point. It became clear to me how his future self could manipulate Nathaniel's actions, controlling his destiny as if Nathaniel were merely a puppet.

"And we can join forces to deal with Rama-Tut."

Nathaniel's eyes lit up with understanding and determination.

"Yes," he said. "I can help you infiltrate Rama-Tut's palace to finish this."

"I appreciate your enthusiasm," I replied.

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