"How exactly did you create this golem?"
Professor Gilbert glanced at his... colleague. Yes, that was probably the most accurate term for the person who had assisted him in developing Dragon Man.
After a moment of contemplation, spent figuring out the best way to explain the construction of an android to someone who had lived his entire life in a world without electronics, Gilbert began to speak:
"When you create magic, do you control every step of the process?"
Gilbert had learned a bit about magic during their joint work. He knew that, in some ways, magic was similar to programming—while programmers worked with virtual space, magicians manipulated reality directly.
"It's the same here," Gilbert nodded when he saw understanding in Diablo's eyes. "As for the construction, it's even simpler."
"A puppeteer and a master dollmaker in one," Diablo observed.
"Exactly."
After this exchange, Professor Gilbert noticed that Diablo began to observe his work more closely. This attention didn't intimidate Gilbert; on the contrary, it filled him with immense pride. He had managed to capture the interest of such an extraordinary individual.
Soon, Gilbert and Diablo became a well-coordinated team, and their work progressed faster. The pinnacle of their collaboration came when Diablo managed to grasp the general design of Dragon Man.
According to Diablo, in order to help improve Dragon Man, he needed to understand how the android was built. Gilbert was delighted to explain the product of his genius to someone who, in a way, was also a man of science.
"I've created the necessary formula," Diablo said.
By this point, more than three weeks had passed since they began working together. Just as Diablo had absorbed some of Gilbert's knowledge, the professor had also picked up a bit of what Diablo had to offer.
At least now he didn't feel completely ignorant when Diablo explained the workings of the potions he intended to use to complete the Dragon Man project.
A grin of anticipation spread across Gilbert's face. He set his sandwich aside and asked:
"Have you tested the formula?"
"Of course, I have. The results should be arriving soon."
Reports in this facility were done on paper, as electronic records were more easily compromised. Gilbert, being old-school, didn't mind these conditions—in fact, he preferred them. Though, at times like this, he wouldn't have minded electronic reports since they would have arrived much faster.
"I could demonstrate the experiment for you," Diablo offered. "If you don't trust my word."
The alchemist looked at the professor without a hint of fear in his eyes. Given how long Gilbert had been working with Diablo, this was no surprise.
"I believe trust is the foundation of good teamwork."
A satisfied smirk appeared on Diablo's face. The professor believed that this smirk was due to the upcoming success.
—= Present Time =—
—= New York =—
"So, you're an evolved dinosaur?!"
At that moment, Parker was trying to provoke the humanoid lizard—who wasn't Dr. Connors—while deftly dodging the creature's attacks alongside Johnny Storm.
In response to Parker's taunt, the dinosaur-like creature threw its head back. At that moment, Parker's spider-sense screamed in alarm.
"Watch out!"
BAM
A blast of fire from the creature's mouth was terrifyingly powerful. The protective barrier Dr. Richards had left couldn't withstand the heat and began to melt.
"When did dragons start walking on two legs and stepping out of Tolkien's books?!"
Johnny was irritated, not just because this dragon was destroying the defense system of their home, but also because it was wasting time he could have spent with Crystal.
"My thoughts exactly!"
Webbing began to wrap around the dragon's snout. They both knew it wouldn't hold for long, but it was the best Parker could do at the moment.
"Don't they know about copyright?!"
—= Present Time =—
—= Reed Richards =—
"The integrity of the space-time jump point has been compromised."
Chronos delivered this message just as my team and I were preparing to teleport to the Fantastic Four Building. His mechanical voice was like a thunderclap, freezing us all in place.
"Does that mean no teleportation?" Ben asked, his voice rough with concern. The question was valid—we needed to get back to New York as quickly as possible, or the consequences could be disastrous.
"Yes, that's exactly what it means," I confirmed, trying to hide my disappointment and mild irritation. Internally, I was kicking myself for not creating additional teleportation points.
The situation was becoming increasingly tense, but I quickly began forming a plan. I analyzed all possible alternatives, weighing the risks and benefits of each. Time was running out, and we needed to act swiftly and decisively.
"We can't afford to wait," I continued, addressing the team. "We need to find an alternative way to get to New York, and we need to do it now."
"What exactly are you suggesting?" Ben asked, his eyes burning with determination. He was ready for anything, and his resolve gave me confidence.
"We have a few options," I began, listing them one by one. "First, we could try to repair the jump point, but that would take too long. Second, we could use one of our backup transport vehicles, though it would be slower. Finally, we could reach out to our allies for assistance."
Each of these options had its pros and cons, and we had to make a quick decision. The team listened attentively, exchanging quick glances and gestures.
"I think the best option is to ask for help from our allies," Sue suggested, her voice calm and assured. "It's the quickest and safest option in this situation."
I nodded, agreeing with her suggestion. Sue was always the voice of reason and calm in our team, and her opinion carried significant weight.
"Alright, let's go with that plan," I concluded, turning to Chronos. "Chronos, contact Tony Stark."
Thanks to the data Johnny sent, I knew that Parker and Storm were in the vicinity of where Dragon Man and the Lizard were currently located. However, considering the worst-case scenario, it was likely that there were others who had their eyes on my inventions.
"Understood, data transmission initiated," Chronos responded, his voice once again cold and emotionless, but in that moment, it was exactly what we needed.
—\\—
In Tony Stark's workshop, the air was thick with the sound of loud, dynamic music, filling the space with energetic rhythms. This background noise was an essential part of the billionaire's creative process. Unlike many of his colleagues, Stark found it more comfortable and productive to work to the tune of music that fueled his inventiveness and inspired new breakthroughs.
"I need to add remote activation..." Tony muttered under his breath, his sharp gaze fixed on the model of his Mark VI armor.
His eyes scanned the holographic projection, analyzing every detail. With the powerful computational resources at his disposal, Tony could work at an incredible speed and with unmatched efficiency. The task before him was complex: to maintain the armor's airtight integrity while also adding the ability to assemble it without additional setup.
Suddenly, a new perspective dawned on him, one that had previously eluded his attention. From this new angle, he could clearly see the details he'd missed before. The connection points and joints, which could be utilized more effectively, came into focus like a complex mosaic finally falling into place.
Without hesitation, Tony began making adjustments to the armor's model. The hologram before him gradually transformed, and soon he was looking at a new, improved version of his suit.
"Jarvis, run a simulation," Stark said with a self-satisfied grin, confident in the success of his efforts.
His voice was filled with assurance and pride, as he knew the solution he had devised was not only effective but also innovative. The results of the simulation, conducted by Jarvis, confirmed his suspicions: the problem was solved.
In celebration of his success, Tony allowed himself a brief moment of relaxation, savoring a freshly brewed cappuccino. But his relaxation was short-lived.
"Mr. Stark, an urgent message from Dr. Richards," Jarvis's voice rang out, catching Tony's attention.
Those words made him tense up, knowing that Reed wouldn't send an urgent message without good reason.
"Jarvis, explain the situation," Stark commanded, activating the assembly of his armor.
The AI was integrated not only into Stark's central servers but also into his suit, ensuring seamless communication and control.
"The Baxter Building is under attack," Jarvis reported, accompanying his words with live footage from the scene.
The screen displayed images of the Human Torch and Spider-Man desperately battling two lizard-like creatures, trying to prevent them from breaching the building. Simultaneously, a group of armed men in masks was assaulting the building, methodically advancing toward their objective.
"Jarvis, what else was in Reed's message?" Tony asked, his eyes glued to the screen.
He knew Reed must have included something important. Dr. Richards was as much a strategist as he was and wouldn't have sent a message without additional data.
"The message from Dr. Richards included access codes to the network used by Johnny Storm and Spider-Man," Jarvis replied, his voice clear and emotionless.
"Connect me to them," Tony ordered, feeling the adrenaline begin to surge through his veins.
"Executing," Jarvis responded.
The connection was established in an instant, and the armor began to envelop Stark's body, merging seamlessly with his skin. The familiar sensation of power and invulnerability filled him as the armor pieces locked into place with millimeter precision.
"Johnny, Peter, it's Stark," he began as soon as the connection was live. "We've got a problem. Who are these lizards, and what are they after?"
"Tony, great to hear from you, but this isn't exactly the best time for a chat," the Human Torch responded, his voice tense. "These creatures are trying to breach our home's defenses. I hate to say it, but we could really use some help!"
"Already on my way," Tony replied, pushing his engines to full power. "Jarvis, send me their coordinates and status updates. We need to be ready for anything."
"Coordinates sent, status updated," Jarvis confirmed.
A detailed map of the city and the location where Tony needed to be appeared before his eyes.
—= Wilson Fisk =—
Wilson Grant Fisk, also known as Kingpin, always played for high stakes. His ambitions and grand plans were evident in everything he did—from lavish purchases and extravagant spending to his ruthless and relentless activities in the criminal underworld.
When he was approached with a proposal to steal Reed Richards' inventions, supported by a meticulously crafted plan, Fisk carefully considered the situation from all angles. He was known for his caution and ability to foresee moves several steps ahead. Weighing all the pros and cons, he concluded that even in the event of failure, he stood to lose nothing. But in the case of success—he could gain immensely.
Fisk was a master of strategy and planning. He enjoyed feeling in control, and this operation seemed to offer just that. Having made his decision, he began to act without delay, positioning his pieces on the chessboard of the criminal world.
"Prepare the men," he ordered quietly and confidently to his subordinates, who had gathered in his spacious office with a panoramic view of the city. "We proceed according to the plan. Our plan."
His words were like a decree, and the team immediately set about executing the assignment. Fisk understood that every detail mattered, and everything had to be executed flawlessly.
He stood by the massive window, gazing thoughtfully at the city lights twinkling below. In his mind, all the details of the upcoming operation were already falling into place. This city was his chessboard, and the people were his pieces. Soon, if everything went according to plan, he would have new, powerful tools in his arsenal.
Kingpin knew that any risk could be justified if calculated correctly. And now, he was ready to make his next move in this dangerous game, leaving no room for failure.
—= Matthew Murdock =—
Attorney Matthew Murdock was breaking the law. He knew this all too well, but his duty to the people of Hell's Kitchen outweighed any doubts.
BAM
"ARGH!" cried the man as his bones cracked under the blow.
Daredevil, as the residents of Hell's Kitchen called him, unmistakably heard the sound of another of Kingpin's goons' bones breaking. His heightened senses picked up every sound and movement.
"YOU BASTARD!" shouted another of Kingpin's men, his voice filled with rage and pain.
Predicting his opponent's next move was easy. Murdock heard the distinct click of a gun's slide being pulled back, ready to fire. But Daredevil was faster. His billy club flew through the air and struck the hand holding the weapon with pinpoint accuracy.
"DAMN IT!" cursed the thug as the gun flew from his weakened grip.
In the next instant, Daredevil was upon him. His fist, fueled by righteous anger, connected with the man's jaw, breaking it with a loud crunch. Another henchman was neutralized.
Murdock moved like lightning—silent and relentless. His goal was clear: to incapacitate Kingpin's men who were preparing to storm the Baxter Building. He knew that any delay could cost the lives of his friends and innocent people.
Every move he made was calculated and precise. He fought not only with strength but also with intellect, planning each action several steps ahead. Murdock understood that in this battle, physical prowess was as crucial as strategic thinking.
Soon, all his opponents were down. Daredevil stood amidst the defeated enemies, his chest heaving with exertion and adrenaline. But he knew this was only the first skirmish in a long war against Kingpin.
—= Reed Richards =—
The Fantasticar was pushed to its limits, its speed surpassing all imaginable thresholds. According to my calculations, it would take us about an hour to reach New York.
Judging by the reports coming through our monitors, I could only hope that my allies would manage to hold off Dragon Man, the Lizard, and Kingpin's men, who seemed to be involved based on the fact that Murdock had started neutralizing them.
"Why do I have the nagging feeling that this is all part of a grand scheme..." I mused as I watched Stark and Johnny attempt to take down Dragon Man.
Read chapters ahead on p@treon.com/patreonarcane