"There's Doom's study up ahead; we can talk there."
Following Doom, Adrian looked around at the corridor they had passed through. It was similar to the path he'd taken when first entering Doom Castle, but there were subtle differences. As he observed more closely, he noticed that just a few dozen meters behind him, the ground and walls were gradually shifting forward, and the corner he'd just passed had vanished. Doctor Doom had used some form of magic to create this moving labyrinth.
Doom opened a wooden door with a creak and entered the study, with Adrian following closely behind. In the center of the room stood a large oak table adorned with fine stationery and an ancient spell book. Shelves along the walls were filled with countless thick scrolls and books, likely containing the results of Doom's years of research in both science and magic.
In the corner, a grand coffee table held exquisite tea sets and rare teas. Comfortable leather sofas and luxurious chairs were arranged around the room, offering visitors a place to relax. Despite his reputation as a supervillain, Doctor Doom was also the ruler of Latveria, and it was only fitting for him to have a study suited to hosting high-profile guests.
Doom moved toward the desk and glanced at Adrian, who was scanning the room in awe. Although Doom didn't show it, he took pleasure in the surprise others often displayed when seeing his wealth and stature.
Growing tired of Adrian's admiration, Doom finally spoke. "Go ahead. Tell me."
"Let's get straight to the point," Adrian said, settling into a guest chair. "The firepower here isn't enough to withstand the onslaught of super-strong zombies that are headed your way. You need help."
"What?! How dare you insult Doom like this!" Doom roared, slamming his metal hand onto the table with such force that the entire study shook, and the sunlight outside briefly faded.
But Adrian remained unfazed. As he watched the darkness retreat from the chandelier, he spoke calmly. "Drop the act whenever you're ready, Doctor Doom. I think we both know that it's only a matter of time before Latveria falls to those monsters."
"If that isn't true, then what about your citizens? I saw no one in the streets, only servants. Where are the men, women, the elderly, and the children of Latveria?"
The metal-clad ruler stopped speaking, his intense gaze fixed on Adrian, waiting to see what he'd say next. Doom seemed torn between continuing to listen and tearing Adrian apart.
"I know you're building a teleporter, but it will take time to complete."
As soon as he mentioned the teleporter, Adrian felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders, as if the entire world was leaning on him, a sharp blade pressed into his back. His heartbeat quickened, but he kept his composure.
Doctor Doom sat behind his desk, staring coldly at Adrian. Although his iron face betrayed no expression, his deadly intent was clear.
"You know Doom's secret," Doom said. "Give Doom a reason to keep you alive."
"Because I know you're not as foolish as Reed Richards," Adrian replied, meeting his gaze. "That's why I've come to collaborate."
The intense pressure lifted, indicating that Adrian's words had struck a chord. Doom's interest was piqued, if nothing else.
Doom observed Adrian in silence, his gaze deep and cold. After a long pause, he replied, "Go on."
"Your teleporter must still need time to be completed," Adrian continued. "Otherwise, you would have already transported Latverian civilians to other universes. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s superheroes can help you finish it, and they can assist in defending Doom Castle alongside you."
"But there's one more thing," he added. "We need a ticket to your ark as well."
After listening, Doctor Doom stood and waved a hand. Suddenly, a green holographic projection appeared on the desk. Adrian narrowed his eyes, examining the scene it displayed.
In the projection, Captain Britain stood in a British-style office, angrily smashing everything in sight and shouting, "Once the Legion attacks, everything will fall into place!"
Adrian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The "Legion" Captain Britain referred to must be the one he'd heard of—the most intelligent group among them, able to process information on a rapidly dying universe with unparalleled speed.
If it came to it, they would have to wait in line for centuries. By then, Universe 2149 would have sought aid from the Legion.
Doom glanced at the projected image of Captain Britain with disdain. "That's your hero, praying for help that will never come. Why would Doom wait for your aid?"
"Johnny Storm is still with S.H.I.E.L.D.," Adrian responded.
"And?"
"Susan Storm is here, with you."
Adrian shrugged. "If you don't care about her, you could let her be devoured by the zombies. After all, why let her suffer, left behind with no family, children, or husband?"
Seeing Doom's slight hesitation, Adrian sighed, sadness clouding his face. "Mrs. Storm's suffering is truly tragic. To lose her family overnight—have you ever thought about how heartless it is to leave her to face the world alone?"
"And how will you confront Johnny when you realize he let himself be eaten by those zombies?"
Dr. Doom's face shifted, his displeasure clear as he replied coldly, "He's just an insignificant mortal. I care nothing for him."
"It's fine to lie to me," Adrian said, "but don't lie to yourself, Doctor Doom."
Adrian observed him, noticing how even Doom had forgotten to hide his feelings. The idea that Victor von Doom didn't care for Susan was laughable. One of the main reasons Doom had sought to destroy the Fantastic Four was to separate Susan and Reed. There was no need for the Thing; no one liked him, anyway.
What could be more satisfying than finally winning the affections of your first love?
In Universe 616, Doom would have counted Valea and Franklin, Susan's children, as his own and never allowed harm to come to them. Even in Universe 2149, it was unlikely to be any different.
And here, Doom's circumstances were even more favorable. With Reed gone, Doom's biggest rival was out of the way. And he hadn't even had to kill him—Susan's sister had saved her. He could easily be kind to Susan.
Adrian sighed again, deeply, feeling like he could hardly bear to watch Doom's pride any longer.
The poor widow had endured so much. Yet why was Doom still so arrogant? This wasn't the age of tsundere; a straightforward approach was what mattered now.