"For these past three months, you've likely realized that this is just the beginning of your new life. There's no need to rush," Harvey said, smiling at Tony Stark, who had just mentioned his impatience. "Joining me to explore the universe and witness new worlds is only a matter of time."
Seeing Tony's sharp, clear gaze, Harvey felt relieved. He was pleased that Tony had taken his advice to heart over these past months. Tony hadn't tried anything rash like consuming or absorbing other beings to increase his power. Though his progress was slower, it was steady and measured, ensuring he wouldn't get lost in the depths of his ambitions.
"Watching myself grow younger each day and feeling this power surging within me, is exhilarating," Tony replied with a grin. "But it also reminds me how small I am compared to the titans of this universe, the gods and rulers scattered across the cosmos."
"Good to hear you're adapting well," Harvey nodded approvingly.
Tony's mind was already spinning with ideas, and he couldn't resist asking, "Harvey, when you're traveling the universe, could you bring back some unique alien tech or rare materials for me? Something I can use in my research?"
He added quickly, "Of course, I'd make it worth your while. Maybe we can trade for some Stark Industries shares, or I can pay you handsomely in cash. The more advanced the tech, the more valuable Stark Industries becomes, and you'll get what you want—lots of money."
Harvey paused thoughtfully before responding. "I can return to Earth whenever I want, so sure, I'll bring back a few things. Shouldn't be a problem."
Tony's eyes lit up. "Great! I'll look forward to it, then. And don't worry, while you're away, I'll make sure your estates are well-maintained. They'll be spotless when you return."
Harvey smiled and accepted the offer, though it wasn't something he particularly needed. Still, it was a nice gesture from Tony.
Turning his attention to Pepper Potts, Harvey greeted her with a slight grin. "Pepper, it's been a couple of months, and you're looking more beautiful than ever. No wonder Tony's always so protective of you."
A blush crept across Pepper's cheeks. "Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Amberlock. It's all thanks to you giving me this opportunity."
Pepper knew exactly how powerful Harvey was. Tony had been very clear about that. Tony had warned her to be mindful of her actions and words around Harvey and anyone else who might join the Void in the future. The Void was a world beyond the laws and norms of regular society, and Pepper had started to see that it required a new kind of caution.
"Looks like you're adjusting well too," Harvey noted before turning back to Tony. "I'm off to explore the universe. If anything unusual happens on Earth, just send me a message. I'll be back to take a look."
With that, a dark void opened beneath Harvey's feet, and he vanished without a sound.
"Traveling back and forth between Earth and space with such ease… Harvey Amberlock is truly incredible," Pepper said with a mix of awe and wonder once he was gone.
Tony nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Yes, but what we've seen from him is just the beginning of his power. We're both at the very start of our evolution. There's no need to rush. Slowly but surely, we'll grow stronger. And when we do, we'll explore the universe together."
Pepper's eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought. "We'll walk under the stars, visit planets we could only dream of, and witness things that were once beyond our reach."
Tony's determination grew stronger as he remembered the terrifying creatures he had once encountered—monsters capable of crossing the galaxy in an instant. Compared to them, Harvey's abilities no longer seemed so shocking. Still, witnessing it only reminded him how much further he had to go.
Harvey, now standing on the surface of the moon, gazed down at Earth. The cold, empty expanse of space felt as soothing as a gentle breeze to him. For a long time, he had possessed the physical power to travel to space, but he had lacked a way to reach other planets.
Now, with the abilities of the Void Walker, he could finally explore the farthest reaches of the galaxy. He had a plan: to become a bounty hunter in the universe, make some money, and then spread the influence of the Void. Once his name was known, other beings would seek him out, eliminating the need for him to actively hunt them down.
The more he thought about it, the more he realized that there was no need to steal Vibranium from Wakanda. On Earth, it was a rare and precious resource, but in the universe, Vibranium might not be as impossible to find as people believed. Somewhere out there, he could buy or even discover large amounts of it.
Focusing his mind, Harvey's vision expanded across the Milky Way. He needed to locate an advanced planet first, somewhere with technology that could provide him with a universal translator. Without one, communication would be impossible.
Meanwhile, on Earth, in Kamar-Taj, the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, felt something… a presence. She quickly stepped outside, gazing upward in alarm.
There was a powerful force watching over Earth, something she couldn't see clearly. She cast a spell to enhance her vision, but even then, she couldn't discern the source. Beyond the planet, there was only darkness.
Far away in Asgard, Heimdall, the ever-watchful guardian of the Nine Realms, sensed it too. His golden eyes scanned the cosmos, seeking the mysterious observer. When he tried to follow the source of the sensation, his vision filled with an empty void. Floating in the center of that void was a terrifying black-and-purple star.
It was unlike anything Heimdall had ever seen. He didn't know what it was, but he was certain the All-Father, Odin, had felt the same thing.
As Heimdall suspected, Odin, sitting in his grand hall, had sensed the same ominous gaze. The aging king's face grew stern, and his golden armor shimmered into place. "Who dares to spy on Asgard?" he roared, hurling his goblet aside.
The sensation disappeared as quickly as it had come, leaving Odin's warriors confused and on edge. They had seen the king's outburst but had no idea what had caused it.
Read Chapters Ahead on patreon.com/MythicForge11