Chereads / The Guardian Of The Multiverse / Chapter 72 - Certain enigmas are best allowed to linger in the shadows

Chapter 72 - Certain enigmas are best allowed to linger in the shadows

(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)

Piltover, the city of progress, bustled with its inhabitants going about their day as airships navigated the skies. In a particular sector of the city, a group of Enforcers conducted an investigation. This was the same vicinity where Karito had clashed with Morlun earlier. Inside a house, Jayce, the unfortunate homeowner, found himself trapped in a state of disbelief and frustration due to the circumstances. Sheriff Grayson's inquiries only heightened his exasperation.

Meanwhile, Karito, the Guardian of Fiction, picked up on the commencement of the second episode of the series, anticipating a shift in focus between the characters from Piltover and Zaun. His duty compelled him to maintain vigilance over them all, guarding against any potential interference by the Darks that could disrupt the narrative. Employing his camouflage skill, he slipped into the crime scene with utmost stealth, quietly eavesdropping on the ongoing conversations. He observed Jayce's evident dismay, empathizing with the situation, and Viktor's focused examination of Jayce's calculations. Suspended from the ceiling, Karito remained silently attentive.

(Jayce) "Hey, hey! Be careful with that, please."

(Viktor) "I believe someone should have said that earlier." Looks around " Two superhumans did this? My word, that's absurd."

(Jayce) "The supernatural, huh?" Thoughts "I didn't think that there were beings of such power, besides him..." Remembering his past

(Grayson) "The only thing that I heard could do this was the stories I was told about the Arcane."

(Viktor) "What we should be asking is, who authorized your research. None of this was approved by the Academy."

(Jayce) "It was an independent study." Looks at Viktor "Who are you anyway?"

(Viktor) "I'm assistant to the Dean of the Academy, who it may serve you to remember is also head of the Council. He sent me here to ensure that anything dangerous is removed safely. Which, according to my list, includes you."

(Jayce) "What?! How am I dangerous?"

(Viktor) "Uh, that's for the council to decide." Motions Grayson to handcuff him

...

...

...

The Underground City, the arcade room.

Karito found himself in the makeshift arcade that he and the other kids had fashioned for their leisure. His gaze seemed distant, as though he were fixated on an unseen focal point—or perhaps someone. While Vi engaged with a punching bag, a contraption crafted by Powder and Karito for her boxing practice, Karito took up the role of her instructor instead of Vander. This slight diversion from the original timeline appeared innocuous to him, unlikely to disrupt events. Vi persisted in her quest to surpass Karito's unattainable record, while Powder, Claggor, and Mylo engaged in casual conversation. Although they attempted to include Karito in their discussions, he remained seemingly "preoccupied."

(Claggor) "I still can't believe that Karito's "wall running" was because he could actually crawl walls."

(Mylo) "Do you know how many times I tried to "wall jump" like he did just to notice it was because he's built differently?"

(Powder) "Well, you guys just focused on the physical stuff, which you now know it's impossible for you. Maybe you should learn other things he could teach you?"

(Mylo) "Oh, yeah? Like what?"

(Powder) "I don't know, don't miss in the shooting range I built?"

(Mylo) "It's because you fix it that I keep missing!"

(Claggor) "That's not a valid excuse..."

(Powder) "Just admit it."

(Mylo) "Admit what?"

(Claggor) "That Powder is better than you with a gun."

(Mylo) "No, she's not!"

(Claggor) "Yes, she is."

(Powder) "Karito said that I am, so I win."

(Mylo) "What?! That's bullshit!" Looks at Karito "She isn't... right?"

(Karito) "..."

(Powder) "Karito?"

(Karito) "..."

You promised that we would win.

(Vi) Stops her exercise "Karito? Are you okay?"

(Karito) Finally snaps out of it "...What?"

(Vi) "They were talking to you and you didn't respond."

(Karito) "Oh, shit, really? My bad."

(Mylo) "That wasn't like you, what's up, hero?"

(Karito) Rolls his eyes "It's nothing. Just thinking."

(Powder) "About what?"

(Karito) "You wouldn't get it."

(Powder) "Oh..."

In that instant, Karito's heightened senses tingled, setting off his spider-sense. Glancing through a slender gap in the window, he observed enforcers engaged in coercive questioning of the local populace. However, a curious detail emerged—while a portion of the enforcers bore the customary blue and gold armor, others sported garments shaded in black and purple, exuding an unmistakably ominous energy. The moment Karito registered this sensation, he recognized the imminent turn of events.

(Dark Enforcer) "..." Spots the Guardian

(Karito) Mumbles "Fuck, since when did they start infecting the disposables characters?"

(Vi) "Karito, what's wrong?"

(Karito) "We are leaving."

(Claggor) "What? Why?"

(Karito) "Because-."

As Karito was on the verge of explaining his intuition, a beggar was abruptly hurled through the glass partition. Without even glancing, Karito adeptly caught the man and turned his attention to the enforcers positioned outside. The enforcers, dressed in traditional blue uniforms, brandished their batons, while their Dark counterparts mirrored the action. However, Karito discerned a peculiar glitch in the weapons of the Dark enforcers, revealing them to be concealed swords and firearms. With a resigned sigh, Karito recognized the unfolding scenario all too well.

(Karito) "Run."

Without a moment's hesitation, the others sprinted toward the back exit. The enforcers appeared poised to give chase, but Karito intervened, delivering a seemingly casual punch that disintegrated one enforcer's helmet on contact, the shattered pieces scattering against an adjacent wall. Marcus, an observer of the unfolding events, swiftly summoned the remaining enforcers to his location.

In a fleeting instance, Karito's spider-sense projected an impending event, a mere seconds away - the Dark enforcers preparing to teleport to the very spot the group was fleeing. In a heartbeat, Karito's resolute step fractured the floor as he surged forward, a resounding crack echoing his determination.

(Marcus) "Don't let him get away!"

(Karito) "70 meters away... only got 2 seconds to make it... okay..." Ka-Boom!

70 meters and 1 second later.

The gang was dashing through a narrow alleyway, navigating a crossroads, when suddenly, two Dark enforcers materialized in midair. One aimed a deadly strike while the other poised for a vicious attack, their malevolent intent palpable. Yet, Karito emerged seemingly from thin air, executing a powerful scissor kick that struck both enforcers squarely in the face. The impact was bone-crushing, sending their bodies hurtling through the air until they slammed into a wall, their features gruesomely distorted.

Karito deftly rolled across the pavement, his gaze locking onto Ekko, who stood on a nearby balcony. Acting swiftly, Karito hurled a ladder toward them, providing a means of escape. The trio scaled it with haste, but their retreat was met with resistance. A Dark enforcer managed to fire a shot, causing Powder to lose her balance and teeter precariously. In a flash, Karito's reflexes took over, his outstretched arms snatching Powder from midair. With a burst of agility, he simultaneously slammed his knee into one of the Dark enforcers' masked visage, shattering the concealing barrier.

As the last of the Dark enforcers appeared to be on the brink of defeat, an unexpected turn unfolded. More enforcers seemingly warped into existence, their sudden arrival encircling Karito and Powder, whom he clutched tightly in his arms.

(Karito) "Why does this feel like they're killing time?"

(Powder) "Karito, get us out of here!"

(Karito) "Oh, we will, just hold on."

(Powder) "What are you-?" Holds on like a Koala

With resolve fueling his every step, Karito dashed forward, the Dark enforcers in relentless pursuit. The chaotic chase unfolded, and suddenly, a Dark soldier materialized right in his path, aiming to halt him. Without hesitation, Karito delivered a powerful shoulder-bash that sent the soldier hurtling into a nearby building. Karito ricocheted off a wall, his momentum unabated, executing a sharp turn as the pursuing enforcers doggedly trailed him.

Ingeniously, Karito deployed a range of traps with precision, a strategic symphony that incapacitated his Dark adversaries. Mines detonated underfoot, ensnaring webs immobilizing some, while Karito's magnetic prowess acted like a gravitational force, pulling others into an involuntary dance of chaos.

Amid this tumultuous escapade, Karito's sharp instincts led him to a series of doors. Like a stampeding rhinoceros, he crashed through them, leaving only disarray in his wake. Observing an enemy teleporting above him, Powder seized a nearby mine and adroitly affixed it to the Dark soldier's visage, resulting in a fiery explosion.

Within the building, Karito continued his relentless assault, a whirlwind of destruction. Onward he charged, his unstoppable path eventually culminating on a semi-final floor. Leaping through a window, he cocooned it with his adhesive webs. Powder, caught in a mixture of fear and awe, realized the once-solid structure was succumbing to the chaos within, crumbling into itself.

Unbeknownst to her, Karito's rampage had method. He systematically shattered support beams, creating a gravitational vortex that entrapped all inside, confining them to their own demise. As the building tilted and plummeted, Powder's screams of panic filled the air. The ground loomed closer, and with her eyes clenched shut, she braced for the impending impact. Yet, to her astonishment, the anticipated jolt never arrived.

Hovering serenely in the air, Karito employed his magnetic abilities to halt their descent. As they touched down gently, a mixture of relief and disbelief washed over Powder, her heart gradually steadying from the chaotic whirlwind they had just survived.

(Karito) "Well, let's get out of here."

(Powder) "That was awesome! We should do it again!"

(Karito) "Nope."

(Powder) "Awww! Come on! Please~?"

(Karito) "Still no."

(Powder) "I helped, you know?!"

(Karito) "Yeah, that's true."

(Powder) "So?"

(Karito) "Nope."

(Powder) "Ugh..."

A Few Minutes later...

Karito and Powder walked in tandem, their strides in unison as they made their way side by side. The hero's grip was firm but gentle on Powder's hand, a reassuring touch as he guided her back to The Last Drop. Amid the maze of undercity pedestrians, some couldn't resist the impulse to approach them, their focus invariably settling on Karito. Inquisitive voices cut through the air, seeking details of his confrontation with the enforcers who had rampaged through the area. Despite the inquiries, Karito remained tight-lipped, his expression giving away nothing. In a blink, both he and Powder vanished, leaving the curious onlookers only with unanswered questions.

Upon arriving at The Last Drop, Karito's ears caught the unmistakable sound of clamor resonating from within. A cacophony of voices merged into a symphony of protest and fervor. The altercation between the enforcers and the undercity's denizens had ignited a spark, and the flames of retribution were fervently fanned. Quietly, Karito and Powder crossed the threshold of the establishment, entering its lively interior. Conversations swirled around them, a mix of voices echoing sentiments of anger, defiance, and the thirst for vindication.

(Sevika) In anger "We should hit them back. We've got the numbers to be them. And Let's not forget boy wonder, he's our wildcard."

(Angry Individual) "Yeah! Let's teach them what it means to mess with us!"

(Crowd) "Yeah!" Shouting in agreement

(Vander) Lights his pipe "You sure that's what you want?"

(Stallholder) "Let's do it!"

(Vander) "We crossed that bridge once before, and we know how that ended."

(Angry Individual) "You're just protecting your kids. Pluss, Karito doesn't need anyone's help. He just as competent as you, Vander."

(Vander) "I'm protecting our people. I'd do the same for any one of you. And do you really want a child to see the horrors of what happens when a war breaks out? This will blow over. We just need to stand together."

(Sevika) "The Vander I knew, the one who built the underground, wouldn't be afraid to fight."

(Vander) Approaches her face-to-face while inhaling his pipe "Do I look afraid?"

(Sevika) "No. You look weak. And it's even more laughable when the "child" took down more than 20 Enforcers and dropped a building on them to have more balls than you."

Sevika emitted a sharp, attention-grabbing whistle, a piercing sound that acted as a rallying cry. The effect was swift and undeniable – a response from the bar's occupants was immediate. Nearly half of the individuals present rose from their seats, their gazes locking onto Sevika as they heeded her call. As one, they abandoned their positions and formed a makeshift procession, following in Sevika's wake as she led the way toward the exit.

(Claggor) "Why isn't he doing anything?"

(Powder) "Karito kicked the Enforcer's butts by himself and they didn't catch us. Imagine what the whole of the Lanes could do."

(Mylo) "Jeez, even Powder wants to fight."

(Vi) "So, why aren't we? Karito, we can do this. With your help-"

(Karito) "Not happening." Goes downs stairs

(Vi) "Karito! What the hell?!" Sees Ekko fidgeting "Spill it, Ekko."

(Ekko) Sighs "Um, okay. Well, um, Vander's got a deal with the Enforcers."

(Vi) Shocked "What deal?"

(Karito) Facepalms

...

...

...

Dimension Beth-omega (ℵω)

The enigmatic entity, whose identity remains veiled behind the enigma of three question marks, traversed the expanse of an infinite dimension. This realm resided beyond the limits of human cognition, an unbounded space in which the concept of direction lost its meaning. Here, the rules of space and time were nullified, and the confines of human logic surrendered to a greater, unfathomable reality. It was a place of simultaneous existence and non-existence, a tapestry where events unfolded in both linear and non-linear sequences. The entirety of creation manifested in the smallest and grandest of scales, an amalgamation of beings, concepts, and occurrences that transcended the conventions of time and space.

Within this dimension, he moved with a purpose, navigating the boundless realm with a cosmic intent. This venture defied understanding, as he sought an elusive truth, a singular individual, or perhaps a higher echelon of existence that surpassed even this unimaginable plane. His vision, though seemingly motionless, encapsulated every conceivable event, each potentiality existing as a mere moment's glance. Frustration colored his ethereal visage, an emotion that resonated despite the otherworldly nature of his being.

Closure of his eyes did not signify a cessation of observation; rather, it symbolized an inner focus, a turning inward as he grappled with the perplexity of his pursuit. The purpose behind his sojourn within this indescribable continuum remained a puzzle, even as he directed his perception toward the blank canvas of existence. The letters forming these very words – the narrative that now unfolds – served as the conduit for his quest, drawing him inexorably toward the readers of this account.

As his figurative footsteps carried him toward the lens of readerly engagement, his enigma remained poised on the threshold of comprehension, a sentinel from beyond the limits of reality, inviting us to peer through the curtain of the unknown.

(???) "Huh, so he's trying to kill some time. Alright, I guess I can keep you, bastards, around for a bit. Anyway, I was looking around for the Nexus. I thought I might be slightly lucky if I entered this dimension, but I was wrong. Should've known, though. The Nexus exists layers higher than this dimension and is perceived as fiction within such a place. But what piqued my curiosity is that I'm able to see every single fictional character in history when I'm here, even the ones that are still on the run. I don't care about them, though; they will fall eventually. I'm still questioning how SCP-999 is still roaming around. Anyways, about the Unwritten Leviathan that disappeared and hasn't been heard of since the chapter 'Across the Line of Reality.' Somehow, he's now inside someone. How? I don't know how that even happened; I'm assuming it was because 'The Bridge' was affected. The bastard's lucky that it saved him. However, that's not exactly what happened. It's as if it contacted a 'Higher Being' to save the vessel. His power is still too weak to even use his full potential. But I wonder... when will he realize that he should be thanking me for even having such power?"

Chuckling "Hehehe... HAHAHAHAHA!!" Calming down "Oops, lost it for a bit there. Anyways, the future contains many... interesting paths. The possible outcomes are infinite, and the ideas that continue to pile up are infinite as well. The cosmology just keeps becoming more and more beyond comprehension. To be honest, it's getting worrisome, but it's also going to benefit me." Holding an omniverse "Something so unimaginable, and yet, it's as small as a Rubik's cube for me. These verses are incredibly vast..." Making it disappear "I really wonder, reader. Once you see the secrets of everything, will you be able to comprehend it? Or will your head hurt from being unable to grasp such boundlessness?"

Please, don't kick me-

(???) "Shut up, Narrator."

IuJ*$((S)S)SSS

Error...

...

...

...

Silko's base

The Darks have turned Deckard into a monster, with bulging muscles and purple veins, just like in the original storyline. Silko and Morlun sat down at a round table, which was occupied by another four individuals. Their existence are a mere blur, making me not be able to tell you reader who they are. It seems that they don't want to be revealed but for it to be a surprise, or so I assume. All that I can decipher is that two have Herculean bodies, one has a slim liquid body, and lastly, one of them is a giant. His size is purely menacing but radiates a large amount of hatred as if he has a culmination of the hate of billions of beings. Morlun then recomposes himself and speaks first.

(Dark Morlun) "It is a pleasure to see you all again, it's been a few thousand years, hasn't it?"

(Dark R??) "Well, at first, I was going to ignore you, but when you mentioned that the Guardian is here, I just HAD to come! HAHAHA!!" His forearm turns into a blade "He killed one of my variants, and for once, I did get along with that version of me."

(Dark K??) "I'm certainly curious, how much he'll struggle once he "returns" the Spider-powers back to its rightful owner."

(Dark J??) "I forgot that you are the first ever Spider-Man to exist in the Spider-verse."

(Dark M??) "The Guardian will die BY MY HANDS! I WILL NOT LET A TRACE OF HIM!"

(Dark Morlun) "Yesh, must be a struggle being anger management incarnate."

(Dark M??) "THE FUCK YOU SAID?!"

(Dark Morlun) "Woah! Relax! Just remember who the target is! The Guardian, his people erased your story!"

(Dark M??) "Tch... fine."

(Dark J??) "I can relate to that hatred."

(Dark K??) "Because of Cyttorak?"

(Dark J??) "...Yup..."

(Dark Silko) "Friends, I think we are getting off-topic here."

(Dark R??) "It always happens. Anyways, what are we going to do? I don't wanna do this together."

(Dark J??) "Why? Because you want all the credit?"

(Dark R??) "Precisely. It's been so long and you still remember how I roll? How adorable."

(Dark Morlun) "I wouldn't recommend engaging the Guardian alone."

(Dark J??) "You? Who can destroy a planet if you want?"

(Dark R??) "Didn't you physically smash through dimensions, ripping the space-time itself because someone from 'Freezing' called you ugly?"

(Dark M??) "SHUT UP! YOU ALL TALK TO MUCH!"

(Dark R??) "Woah, calm down Jamal, don't pull out the 9."

(Dark Silko) "Enough! Is this seriously who we are working with?!"

(Dark R??) "Buddy, once you become a Dark, everyone and everything just... ceases to have any meaning. You get to be a Dictator, who's absolutely immune to everything and anything. Heck, the only threat to us are actual Authors and the Guardians, that's it."

(Dark Silko) "I am aware, but we have a Guardian here!"

(Dark Morlun) "Antagonist of Arcane, we are aware. But don't you forget who's in command here. The only reason you were 'special', was because you had a major role in this story, but now that we are here, we ALL became the antagonist. So... don't forget who you should be grateful for, we gave you this power."

(Dark Silko) "Tch... as long as this series falls under my control, I won't argue again."

(Dark Morlun) "Good, plus, there's a whole League Of Legends Omniverse to be conquered. So... who wants to go first?"

(Dark K??) "Rock, paper, scissors?"

(Dark Morlun) "Also... R...?"

(Dark R???) "Yeah?"

(Dark Morlun) "Keep turning the Council of Piltover."

(Dark R???) Smirks "Hehe, alright."

...

...

...

The Last Drop

Vander's attention was fixed on the scroll he had received from Grayson, his gaze drifting almost absently across its surface. The entrance to the bar swung open, and he offered a casual greeting to the newcomers. However, as his eyes fell upon their identities, his demeanor shifted to one of stern seriousness. Stepping inside were Marcus, accompanied by two Dark enforcers who appeared to be under the influence of a crimson symbiote. Marcus's apparent indifference or obliviousness to his companions' almost monstrous transformation added an extra layer of peculiarity. It was as though, within the confines of the narrative, the Enforcers retained their exterior appearance, while an underlying flaw of a Dark symbiotic nature emerged. Drawing closer to the bar, Marcus removed his breathing mask, his expression contorting into a snarl as Vander began to speak.

(Vander) "What can I get you?"

(Marcus) "Four sump-rats will do."

(Vander) "..."

(Marcus) "Search the place."The Enforcers grumble and the two spread out as he slumps down a chair "I'm curious, who is the fifth kid?"

(Vander) "There's a lot of kids down here, it's hard to keep count of all of them."

(Marcus) "Don't fuck with me old man, you know who we are talking about. He stands out like a sore thumb."

(Vander) "While you're wasting your time, with pointless questions, how about a proper drink?"

(Marcus) "I'll take the strongest shit you got."

Meanwhile...

All six of the kids were assembled in the room below the bar, but it was Karito who displayed a noticeable level of unease. His heightened spider-sense had alerted him to the impending arrival of the symbiotic Enforcer. Swiftly and discreetly, he directed everyone into a concealed hiding spot located in the ceiling. In a skillful move, he also made subtle contact with each of them, employing his hacking abilities to eliminate any trace of their distinct body odors. Acting with remarkable speed, he harnessed his magnetic powers to construct walls that absorbed sound, manipulating the materials on a molecular level to render the confines of their hiding place acoustically deadened. However, before he could take his own position within the concealed area, the Enforcer unexpectedly swung the door open.

(Dark Enforcer) "Grrr...."

The Enforcer extended its symbiotic tendrils, methodically sweeping each corner of the room in a meticulous search. Remarkably, Karito remained in plain view but concealed by the active camouflage skill. He observed as the tendrils neared the upper section of the room, where the remaining kids lay hidden. The Enforcer's proximity grew dangerously near, prompting Karito to take decisive action. He engaged his lateral repulsion ability with a deft move, creating a portal through his hacking skill.

In an instant, they transitioned from the bar's confines to the high skies. Karito displayed swift reflexes as he evaded a tendril thrust from the Enforcer's shoulder. Utilizing his unique skills, Karito pushed himself away from the symbiote, avoiding an attack that had transformed the creature into a menacing porcupine of spikes. The symbiote, retracting its spiky defense, attempted to ensnare Karito with a tentacle. Yet, with deft lateral repulsion, Karito sidestepped the maneuver, repositioning himself to the symbiote's rear.

In a rapid sequence, Karito seized the symbiote by its neck and channeled his Bio-Electricity, triggering the annihilation of the insidious symbiotic entity. As the malevolent presence burned away, Karito employed his hacking prowess to eradicate all traces of Darkness from within the afflicted character.

Observing their rapidly descending trajectory, Karito turned his attention to the impending ground impact. Swiftly, he equipped Toxin and ensnared the Enforcer in his webbing. Their earth-shaking landing resulted in a resounding explosion that sent shockwaves through the area. Panic rippled through the citizens of Piltover as the ground quaked.

Amidst the billowing dust cloud, Karito stood with a cocooned Enforcer in his grasp, his body slightly hunched from the impact but still upright. He straightened himself and cast his gaze toward the sky, releasing a deep sigh.

(Spider-Man) "You know, plummeting from 20,000 feet in the air, freefalling like a cat, and then crash-landing without a scratch? Hehe... That's a real thrill."

With a snap of his fingers, Spider-Man manipulating the space-time continuum, opens a portal back to the room where the kids were hiding and he enters with the Enforcer in hand. He places his hand on the Enforcer's head and programs him to do the following. Karito placed a command that the Enforcer didn't find anything and walked out back to Marcus. Once that was done, the Enforcer quickly walked away.

Upon closing the door, Karito unequipped his suit and stretched his arms, catching Powder before she hit the floor. The others look at Karito with pure shock at what they just witnessed. He just used that Enforcer like a puppet, which made them overthink Karito's capabilities. Now they assumed that they hadn't even scratched the surface of Karito's powers. They all stared at him, and the only response they got from him was just a shrug as he sat down on the sofa with a nonchalant attitude.

Meanwhile at the bar.

Marcus persisted in his attempts to assert dominance in the situation, continually underestimating the group. His frustration grew as the Enforcer he had sent downstairs returned with a quick reply, a sideways nod indicating that he hadn't found anything. It was clear that Marcus was becoming increasingly agitated as he contemplated how to handle the situation.

Just as he was about to resume his provocations, a sudden commotion interrupted him. A random person had burst through the door, delivering news of an explosion in Piltover and the sighting of Spider-Man. This information prompted Marcus and his two Enforcers to hastily depart from the area, making their way back to Piltover.

As the bar's doors closed behind the departing Enforcers, Vander wasted no time. He quickly headed downstairs to check on the kids, especially Karito, whom he assumed had caused a scene to divert their attention.

(Vander) Opens the door "Are you all okay?"

(Vi) Exits her hiding spot "No, we're not okay. T-That... thing... almost found us if it wasn't for Karito who opened some sort of portal and tackled it through it. If he didn't do that, it would've caught us all!" Agitated

(Vander) "No one is taking any of you. I'm never going to let that happen."

(Vi) "It already is! They aren't going to stop! We need to fight back." Slams the wall "And if you and Karito won't, then I will."

(Vander) Looks at Karito and back at Vi "I've heard of this talk before." Motions Vi to follow him "Karito, keep an eye on the others."

Karito locked eyes with Vander and Vi, giving a subtle nod before watching them exit the room. The rest of the kids in the room stared at him, waiting for his next move or command, but he remained seated on the sofa. Their curiosity prompted them to engage in various activities within the room, leaving Karito alone with his thoughts.

Deep in contemplation, he knew that Vi and Vander were about to engage in a conversation about war, a topic that had become all too familiar to him. Countless battles, a trail of death, and an unending war had left him weary. The constant cycle of violence and conflict weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he had lost count of the battles he'd fought. He did what he believed was necessary, but one persistent thought continued to gnaw at his mind: the relentless battle against the Darkness.

In his relentless solitary struggle against the Darkness, Karito had gained a reluctant ally in Peter, who had miraculously survived the complete deletion of an entire dimension alongside him. However, two individuals against an infinite army of Darkness seemed like an insurmountable task. They were fortunate that their adversaries possessed organization and self-control, for if they didn't, the entirety of fiction might have succumbed to the darkness fueled by humanity's negativity.

Karito pinched the bridge of his nose, releasing a heavy sigh as he pondered the solitary war they waged. The relentless cycle of endless battles and the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Darkness weighed on him. He was well aware of the judgments people in the real world passed on him, a consequence of residing within The Nexus. Some criticized his perceived incompetence, others empathized with his struggles, and still, others merely enjoyed his story.

These thoughts spiraled him into a deeper depression, compounding the one he already grappled with. He questioned whether his life was merely entertainment for others, individuals who judged him without understanding his circumstances. This lifelong experience of being judged, starting with the misconceptions about his autism, had left him disillusioned.

His struggles began in childhood when he faced the misunderstanding and ridicule of individuals he believed were friends, who later spoke ill of him due to his perceived slowness. In his school years, teachers exhibited impatience and a lack of understanding, leaving him feeling left behind. The most recent incident, before becoming a Guardian, occurred during his university years. He had unknowingly pursued a degree in design instead of video game programming, a mistake that shattered his dreams.

The university's insistence on completing the degree he loathed had crushed him. It served as a stark reminder that individuals should never allow others to dictate their paths. Despite the odds and discouragement, one should keep fighting for their dreams. Life might throw challenges and naysayers may abound, but it was essential to preserve one's aspirations and never succumb to external pressures.

Karito had encountered professionals who predicted a bleak future for him during his early years due to his autism. They had expressed doubts about his ability to speak, study, graduate, or make friends. The pain of such predictions weighed heavily on his parents, who had faced the heartache of hearing that their son had no future. Karito's journey had shattered those expectations, proving that people should refrain from hasty judgments.

The lesson he had learned through his experiences was clear: never let others determine your worth or future. In the face of adversity and judgment, one must stand firm and fight for their dreams. Karito had defied the odds, and his story was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He hoped that someday, others would understand the importance of empathy and refrain from quick judgments. In a world where suffocating moments seemed endless, the key was to keep pushing forward, defending one's heart, and believing that everything would eventually be alright.

(Claggor) "Hey, Karito? You okay, bro?"

(Karito) Snaps out of it "Yeah, just spaced out. Sorry if I worried you."

(Claggor) "It's fine. Do you wanna talk about it?"

(Karito) "Nah, I'm good. Just worried about this whole situation."

(Claggor) "I gotta ask, why don't you fight?"

(Karito) "Because in war, you have to be willing to sacrifice someone if the going gets tough."

(Claggor) "But-"

(Karito) "Claggor, I know everyone is angry. But this... It's just going to make things worse."

(Claggor) Sigh "Alright."

(Karito) Spider-senses "Hey, I gotta do something. Watch the others for me."

(Claggor) "Where are you going?"

(Karito) "Just making connections." Opens the door to leave

(Powder) "Karito? Where are you going?"

(Karito) "Just gonna do something, I'll be back, okay?"

(Powder) "Oh, okay!"

Karito opened a portal, revealing an empty alleyway in Piltover. It was situated near Jayce's now-destroyed apartment. As he observed the significant character approaching the edge of his ruined home, Karito had a plan in mind. He understood that his current appearance as a child might not earn him the respect he needed from the characters in Piltover. To rectify this, he decided to suit up, allowing Toxin to envelop him completely.

(Toxin) "You sure about this?"

(Spider-Man) "Yeah, just in case, y'know?"

(Toxin) "Hmm, alright then, let's go."

...

...

...

Jayce's past apartment

(Jayce) "I don't even know your name.

(Viktor) "It's Viktor."

Thud!

(Jayce) "Who's there?!"

(Spider-Man) "Me? Well...Where do I begin?"

Now, let us tread carefully into the forthcoming chapter, for we are well aware of the events that shall transpire. The ominous presence of the Darks looms, poised to interfere, and Spider-Man must steel himself for the impending trials that lie ahead.

Hehehehe...

HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

To be continued...