Mark's frantic Spider-Sense in his mind abruptly ceased, and the pulsating Web of Fate returned to calmness.
Mark was momentarily surprised. He had anticipated that the Beyonder might use his overwhelming power directly against him or even try to manipulate him.
Hence, before appearing here, he had devised an emergency plan—to leave this world immediately with Gwen once things seemed unfavorable.
Although theoretically, the Beyonder possessed the ability to traverse worlds arbitrarily, it was mentioned in the original plot that when not in his own dimension, the Beyonder would continually lose his power.
Though unsure why, it seemed his reality was linked to the world of '94 Spider.
This led to a situation when he went to the Spider-Carnage world; he could only escape by simultaneously risking his life with the Six-Armed Spider, who was still in a timeline of mutation crisis.
The impact of fighting across different realities was evident.
Therefore, Mark had reason to believe that by leaving this world, perhaps even departing the entire animated dimension, he could potentially evade the Beyonder pursuit.
However, what he never expected was that after sizing him up for quite some time, the Beyonder proposition was surprisingly a fairly equal trade?
Was he using a negotiating tone?
What was going on?
But Mark also noted the terminologies used by the Beyonder.
Space-Time Spider-Man. It was the identity he had been using for self-introduction all along. Even though time-space was just one of his quantum abilities, it held significant representation.
Firstly, it could straightforwardly convey his origins during introductions.
Secondly, time-space traversal was his earliest awakened ability. It had led him to numerous thrilling experiences, provided him with various abilities and strengths, and helped him find a girlfriend like Gwen. Therefore, it formed the foundation of Mark.
There was also the third point. The spider that had bitten Mark, the one that came through time-space, continuously undergoing decomposition and restoration due to its time-space travel, eventually granted Mark his quantum abilities.
So, perhaps at this moment, "Quantum Spider-Man" was more apt, yet far from satisfying as the title "Space-Time Spider-Man".
He had introduced himself with this title when meeting Madame Web, so the Beyonder knowing wasn't unexpected.
But "Master of the Web of Fate".
He did have the concept of the Web of Fate in his mind, something he hadn't even mentioned to Gwen.
It wasn't that he intentionally concealed it; explaining the Web of Fate was just incredibly complicated despite being visible in his mind.
So, Gwen, Ultimate Spider, and Miles knew only that Mark had the ability to connect with different Spider-Men across worlds but not the specifics.
As for the grandiose-sounding title "Master of the Web of Fate," Mark was even less inclined to mention it.
So how did the Beyonder know?
Could he discern his concealed abilities?!
Mark's mind was filled with uncertainty.
However, he didn't foolishly inquire about these matters but continued along with his words, "Hello, Beyonder. I want to know, what do you mean by mutual benefit?"
"I'll have him fight in the war against "them" if you assist us," the Beyonder responded.
'94 Spider frowned and stepped forward, "Hey! You, the so-called Beyonder! You need to understand, that's a war I have to participate in, not one I'll be directed to! Besides, I'm not under your command!"
Mark looked at the Beyonder with a half-smile, "Peter's right. He's also a member of the Spider-Men, meaning he's already a part of this war; it's inevitable for him."
The Beyonder shook his head, "But I can seal off this world. They won't find their way here."
"But their ultimate goal is to perform a ritual using the 'descendants,' 'brides,' and 'other' special Spider-Men to eliminate all Spider-Men from parallel universes directly from the source. Whether he can escape unscathed then, it's hard to say," Mark said.
The Beyonder furrowed his brow slightly, surprised by this revelation.
However, he wasn't entirely surprised.
Multiverse were full of strange occurrences, and although he possessed immense power, he wasn't omniscient.
"But if they dare to enter the world under my jurisdiction, I will show them what death means." the Beyonder stated confidently.
"But they're not afraid of death at all," Mark shook his head.
"Why?" the Beyonder asked in confusion.
Mark explained, "They've gained complete control over their world, turning it into their domain. In the universe labeled as earth-001, they've established a tech company and use cloning technology to provide infinite bodies for each member. As soon as a body dies here, they can instantly resurrect it using their technology!"
Now, the Beyonder was frowning.
He finally realized the complexity of the issue and fell into contemplation.
Through this brief exchange, Mark roughly analyzed the background of this Beyonder.
Firstly, his scope of ability was indeed extremely limited. Although he spoke of a multiverse, it probably consisted only of the six that appeared in the original series.
The "main universe" where '94 Spider resides;
The parallel universe of '94 Spider during the mutation phase;
The universe of Ben Reilly and the Spider-Carnage;
The universe with the Octo-Spider armed with octopus tentacles;
And the Iron Spider-Man universe, less connected to '94 Spider's main universe.
And the so-called real universe where the Spider-Man actors are located.
Among them, parallel universes one, two, and three are essentially parallel worlds in the truest sense because most of their "plots" are similar to '94 Spider's, resulting in actual parallel worlds rather than just universes.
Their differences only stem from historical divergences at certain stages, resulting in branches.
Their relationship is akin to the relationship between the three Andrew Spider-Men.
The reason why the Iron Spider-Man universe isn't closely linked to '94 Spider is due to the presence of Gwen Stacy in the Iron Spider-Man's universe.
Moreover, in this world, the Iron Spider-Man is a true winner in life, one of the rare Spider-Men who has a fulfilling and successful conclusion.
Starting as a superhero, he has consistently triumphed, defeating every villain and bringing them to justice. Consequently, the people of his world hold him in high regard.
His Uncle Ben wasn't killed, and he and Aunt May have been living happily together.
He even established the Peter Parker Science Foundation (similar to Parker Industries) and is extremely wealthy.
His fiancé is named Gwen Stacy. However, this Gwen Stacy's character differs somewhat from the other versions.
In summary, his life is happy and prosperous, completely different from the grim '94 Spider.
Regarding the Spider-Man actor: As the name implies, he's someone who plays Spider-Man and participates in Spider-Man movie shoots.
And the world he's in is called the "real universe."
In that world, there's Marvel, and there's the old man known as the "Cameo King."
Finally, '94 Spider eventually went to that world and had a conversation with the Cameo King.
Therefore, this world certainly can't be a parallel world to' 94 Spider's universe.
This also indicates that the Beyonder isn't the all-powerful transcendent being.
Perhaps he's just an entity born for some specific reason, in control of three parallel universes and three parallel worlds.
In terms of quantity, it's comparable to the current Mark.
Of course, his abilities should be quite impressive.
But only to a certain extent.
From the appearances, it seems he fully controls the universe where Mark resides, while Mark simply knows the method to traverse between various universes.
'An entity between the level of a single universe and a multiverse.' Mark roughly estimated the Beyonder's strength.
The Beyonder, silent for a long time, finally looked up.
He glanced at Mark, waved his hand, and both disappeared directly from Madame Web's space.
Not sensing any malicious intent, Mark didn't resist.
Shortly after, he found himself in a desolate landscape.
"What are you trying to say, avoiding them deliberately?" Mark puzzled.
The Beyonder replied, "I want to make a deal with you."
—-—
Mark quickly reappeared in Madame Web's concealed space, but the Beyonder didn't return with him.
Madame Web appeared somewhat puzzled, about to inquire, when she heard some voices nearby.
After listening quietly, she looked at Mark, her expression slightly complex.
Mark walked over to '94 Spider and patted his shoulder. "Peter, the path ahead is for you to walk alone."
'94 Spider, puzzled, asked, "What happened? What's going on?"
Mark explained, "Right now, you're still too inexperienced. For the future of your world and the upcoming war we're about to join, you need further growth."
'94 Spider looked at Mark and nodded, "I understand. Trust me, I'll become a better Spider-Man, a true Spider-Man!"
Mark smiled, "No, you're already a good and true Spider-Man. What you need to do is become an even better Spider-Man."
"Okay!" Nine-Four Spider raised his hand solemnly. "I'll become a better Spider-Man for sure!"
"For Aunt May, for Mary Jane, for us, keep it up, Peter," Mark offered encouragement.
"Keep it up!" '94 Spider clenched his fist and swore with all his heart.
"Madame Web, could you please send him back to his reality?" Mark turned to Madame Web.
Madame Web silently extended her hands and sent '94 Spider back to his world.
Then, she looked at Mark with a complex expression and a hint of sorrow in her words, "Master, he..."
Mark nodded without looking back, "That was his choice."
°°°
Hungry for more chaps? Then check out our pătreon!
Link: Påtreon.com/BaphometFiction
I post 10 advanced chapters of this fanfic there.