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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Chương 41: Chapter 41

"Rama-Tut's main army consists of ordinary Egyptians," Nathaniel said.

In that moment, legions appeared before our eyes, creating an absurdly surreal scene.

The soldiers wore ancient Egyptian attire but wielded highly advanced weaponry.

"They don't realize that these tools are crafted by human hands, not by gods," Nathaniel smirked.

"None of his men can reproduce or repair the weapons if they malfunction?" I asked.

Nathaniel nodded.

"Yes, Rama-Tut tried to train them, but he failed," Nathaniel explained. "So, the maintenance falls on Rama-Tut himself, or more precisely, on his AI."

This was expected. Rama-Tut hadn't had enough time for a new generation of Egyptians to grow up as the necessary specialists. The current generation could hardly be properly trained.

Hardly… My thoughts clung to that idea.

"Do they have any protection against telepathy?" I asked Nathaniel.

My distant descendant pondered for a moment.

"Yes," Nathaniel nodded. "It's crude but effective."

In that instant, a scene of battle appeared before us, showing a man confronting one of Rama-Tut's soldiers. The man frowned and raised his hand… The next moment, the soldier's head exploded.

"I take it this is their protection?" I asked Nathaniel.

"Yes," Nathaniel confirmed. "Rama-Tut doesn't lack for men, so he permits such measures."

This was unsettling news...

"How exactly is the protection integrated?"

Nathaniel focused, and before us appeared the device used by Rama-Tut's people.

"The weapon operates on nanites," Nathaniel began. "These nanites establish a link between the user and the weapon. Additionally, some concentrate in the brain area to create a telepathy bomb using the body's resources."

"Do you have a schematic of the link between the body and the nanites?"

Nathaniel nodded, and a 3D model of the symbiosis between the brain and nanites appeared before me.

"Damn," I muttered upon seeing it.

I could use magnetism to extract the metal, but it would be pointless since the people would die anyway, making telepathic entry just as lethal.

"Which passages do you think we can use?" I asked Nathaniel, trying to formulate a strategy.

As soon as I finished my question, the surrounding landscape changed instantly.

Before us stood the palace of Rama-Tut, the epitome of pure luxury. Every architectural detail screamed wealth and power—from the golden pillars to the intricate mosaic patterns covering every surface. The majestic halls were adorned with gemstones and shimmering fabrics that glimmered with every movement of the air.

Johnny, awestruck by the sight, couldn't suppress a whistle of amazement.

"The palace of Rama-Tut is indeed well-protected," Nathaniel began. "And it's not just about the guards. Rama-Tut has employed the most advanced technologies to ensure his security."

Nathaniel's words came to life in our imagination as we saw every corner of the palace equipped with sensors, laser traps, and other high-tech security measures, integrated so seamlessly into the decor that it was hard to distinguish the security elements from the decorative ones.

"But no security system is flawless," Nathaniel continued. "And there is one detail in Rama-Tut's defenses that will be his downfall."

Nathaniel then showed how he intended to smuggle us in.

"I hadn't thought of that…" I murmured at the sight.

—= Some Time Later =—

"Rama-Tut, access granted," the emotionless voice of the AI announced.

Nathaniel's plan had succeeded.

"Just like that?" Johnny asked.

I could hear a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Yes, just like that," I said, stepping forward.

Nathaniel believed that the palace's security was linked to Rama-Tut's biometrics. Considering that these two were the same person, we could pass through hidden paths known only to Nathaniel.

"Did you expect us to storm the place?" Sue asked, also entering.

Ben simply shrugged and followed.

"No," Johnny replied. "But I was hoping for a bit more excitement."

Despite his words, Johnny joined us, and soon we found ourselves in a network of corridors led by Nathaniel Richards.

"We're almost there," Nathaniel said after ten minutes. "Be prepared."

He was right. I could sense the numerous weapons and Rama-Tut himself very close by.

According to my calculations, it would take us no more than one or two minutes to reach him.

There was no need for words. My team already knew what to do. Thanks to telepathy, we had rehearsed nearly every possible scenario.

As soon as we reached a hidden door that would lead us to the throne room, the plan went into action.

BAM

Johnny, Ben, and Nathaniel formed the first line of defense. Their job was to distract most of Rama-Tut's men while I dealt with Rama-Tut himself.

Convincing Nathaniel of this was challenging. He wanted to personally confront Rama-Tut, but my arguments won out, and he reluctantly agreed to follow my plan… though now I suspect it was a ruse.

As soon as we entered the throne room, Nathaniel flew straight at Rama-Tut without hesitation.

"Arrogant boy," Rama-Tut said, casually waving his staff without rising from his throne.

A beam of energy struck Nathaniel Richards, causing him to fall like Icarus who flew too close to the sun.

Thanks to my intervention, Nathaniel didn't crash, but judging by his lack of thoughts, he had likely lost consciousness.

"What a troublesome kid," I muttered.

Meanwhile, Ben and Johnny were having a blast with Rama-Tut's guards, showcasing the wonders of 31st-century technology.

"Isn't that right, Nathaniel?" I whispered in Rama-Tut's ear, despite being 200 meters away.

Manipulating the electromagnetic field made this quite simple.

My comment made his eyes blaze with fury, and he pointed his staff at me without a word.

"I see," I said, realizing a fight was inevitable.

His personal weapons were shielded against direct electromagnetic interference, but from my time with Nathaniel, I had thoroughly studied the neurokinetic armor…

"Code: Reed Richards," I said, activating the failsafe I had embedded in Nathaniel Richards' armor from this timeline. "Protocol: Icarus."

An electric charge surged through Rama-Tut, knocking him out.

"As expected," I said, while everyone else struggled to comprehend what had just happened. "This damn cycle."

—= Twenty Minutes Later =—

Once Rama-Tut was neutralized, dealing with his men was simple. The nanites in their bodies were the key to their quick defeat, as I accessed Rama-Tut's central supercomputer.

"So this Rama-Tut is our Nathaniel?" Johnny asked.

Throughout this time, young Nathaniel remained unconscious, as did Rama-Tut.

"Yes," I nodded. "Nathaniel was incredibly fortunate. I took precautions and embedded the necessary protocols into his neurokinetic armor. As we can see, my gamble paid off."

"Damn time travel," Ben said succinctly.

"What are we going to do now, Reed?" Sue asked.

"Next, we'll find out from this Rama-Tut what exactly he's been up to," I said.

With a snap of my fingers, Rama-Tut's armor activated.

"What did you do?" he whispered, looking at me with hatred in his eyes.

"You know the answer, Nathaniel," I replied, meeting his gaze with a calm stare.

—//—

"How did you figure it out?" Nathaniel asked, his eyes clearing and filling with unmasked rage.

"How did I know you were the future version of this Nathaniel? You told me yourself," I said, looking into his eyes.

I then theatrically tapped my temples. Nathaniel's eyes widened as he realized what I had done.

"Bastard," Rama-Tut hissed.

"I was born to a married couple," I continued. "Did you really think your mental defenses were flawless?"

Nathaniel indeed had powerful mental defenses based on the technology of his neurokinetic armor. Deciphering its principles wasn't that difficult, especially since he had demonstrated its use right in front of me.

"The moment I embedded the necessary protocols into Nathaniel's armor," I explained to Nathaniel.

My voice resonated in his mind, further demonstrating that the situation was entirely under my control.

I had nothing to lose by revealing this; Rama-Tut couldn't undo what I had done to Kang's armor. I was confident in this, as my future plans were already clearly laid out.

"Get out of my head!" Rama-Tut screamed.

Unfortunately for him, he no longer had full control over his body. The scream echoed only in his mind.

"If you think you are in a position to give orders, you are sorely mistaken, my dear descendant," I said in his mind.

Defiance. That's what I saw in Rama-Tut's eyes.

"I am Rama-Tut!"

He wanted to say more, but I presented a more compelling argument about his true situation.

How can you make a brain feel pain?

With telepathy, it was quite simple.

Mastering this new power had been surprisingly easy. The location of the Fantastic Four's headquarters in the heart of a metropolis, filled with people whose minds were unprotected from telepathy, had influenced this development. I didn't consciously invade other minds, but my telepathic sonar functioned at such a deep, instinctive level that it felt as natural as breathing — continuous and uncontrolled.

Accelerating my own consciousness allowed me to spend an incredible amount of time conducting deep experiments on the mind. These experiments targeted individuals of dubious reputation, those who deserved punishment. Many, subjected to numerous experiments, either perished or turned themselves in to the police, unable to bear the weight of their actions.

As a result, these experiments significantly enhanced my abilities to control other minds.

Now, Rama-Tut was experiencing the fruits of these experiments firsthand.

"ARGH!!!" Rama-Tut tried to scream, but instead, there was a tortured silence. In that moment, suspended between eternity and an instant, he felt a degree of pain he had never known, pain piercing the deepest recesses of his mind.

I ceased only when Rama-Tut's subconscious acknowledged his position. He couldn't respond rationally, as it was his consciousness that I was attacking.

"Do you finally understand?" I repeated, reinforcing my words in his mind.

Nathaniel didn't answer with words, but his mental image of agreement was as clear as day.

With that, I brought us both back to reality, where no more than two seconds had passed since my last question. Controlling the perception of time within someone's mind was a useful skill, although it didn't work with ordinary people, as most minds couldn't handle such a load. Nathaniel Richards was fortunate in this regard, as his mind belonged to my lineage and was enhanced by 31st-century biotechnology.

"Start talking, Nathaniel," I said, looking directly into his eyes. "You are in no position to remain silent or try to manipulate the situation."

I ensured that my warning reached his consciousness not merely as a request but as an inevitable demand.

Rama-Tut sighed heavily and began his tale:

"After I helped you overthrow Rama-Tut…"

Driven by the urgent need to confront his future self, Nathaniel sought out En Sabah Nur, the enigmatic and powerful mutant known as Apocalypse. He sought an ally to fight against his future self, who was destined to bring destruction.

En Sabah Nur, wielding immense power but lacking time travel technology, decided the best way to help Nathaniel was to isolate him from time itself. To this end, he sealed him in an ancient sarcophagus designed not only to preserve but also to hide him for millennia.

Trapped in his stone prison, Nathaniel witnessed the passage of epochs, remaining an unchanging witness to the flow of time, until the day Kang the Eternal, also known as the Conqueror, attacked New York. At this critical moment, the sarcophagus opened, and Nathaniel, full of resolve, emerged. With surprising calm and precision, he confronted Kang, defeated him in a deadly battle, and took his time machine.

Having gained control over time, which seemed to be his enemy, Nathaniel tried to alter his fate, avoiding the mistakes of the past. But ultimately, we find ourselves where we are now.

"Do you really not understand what has happened?" I asked Nathaniel in surprise, watching his puzzled expression.

He looked at me with a gaze full of bewilderment, as if there was an elusive meaning hidden between the lines of my question.

At that moment, even my friends understood what I was trying to convey to Nathaniel.

"Are you out of your mind, Nathaniel?" I exclaimed, realizing he hadn't grasped the depth of his actions. "All your efforts to fix this timeline have only caused the fabric of space and time to start cracking under the strain."

In the process of creating the time machine and analyzing data from Nathaniel's neurokinetic armor, I made a scientific breakthrough. I developed a device capable of detecting even the slightest changes in the fabric of space-time.

When I first saw the data collected by my device, I was horrified. It suddenly became clear why my future self had contacted me at this precise moment.

If the fabric of space-time were to collapse, the consequences could be varied, from the appearance of rifts to numerous chronostorms.

I had indeed arrived at a critical moment. If Rama-Tut had continued to exist in this time… I don't even want to imagine what might have happened.

Fortunately, I still had a chance to fix this problem.

"It seems we have no other choice," I said, looking at Nathaniel, whose face was shadowed by doubt. "You will have to face the consequences of your decisions."

At that moment, I dove back into his consciousness. I needed to alter Rama-Tut, as my plans required the larval form of Immortus, which in turn demanded forging a new path.

Nathaniel Richards didn't even realize how he began to change under my influence. His thoughts, previously tinged with sadism and nihilism, gradually cleared. I removed these dark inclinations, replacing them with seeds of creation. It was crucial for me to maintain Nathaniel's desire for conquest, as Kang the Conqueror had to emerge in the 41st century, and this trait, over time, would help foster the seeds of creation.

Once I completed my manipulations, Rama-Tut lost consciousness.

"What are you planning?" Sue asked, concerned, looking at me with intense curiosity.

"I'll send him home," I replied calmly. "And our young Nathaniel will have to undergo the same process Rama-Tut did."

After that, we placed Rama-Tut in his time machine. Once all preparations were complete and Rama-Tut's traces were erased, I activated the time machine.

My sensors detected that the chronostorm indeed corrected everything. Rama-Tut was sent to the 41st century.

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