When SHIELD agents conducted a search of Dr. Hank Pym's residence, no one suspected the secret surveillance hidden within.
A camera, shrunken by Pym particles, was quietly observing their every move.
Did SHIELD suspect me so soon?
Dr. Pym wondered. The vulnerability in his system could be discovered at any moment, and if that happened, it would be tracked and located through the SHIELD database.
We need to move quickly.
His thoughts shifted to Tony Stark.
The brain-damaged Stark was still alive, forcing Pym to expand the scope of his attack before eventually silencing him and exposing his identity.
Stark Tower
"Coulson, how's the investigation progressing?"
"Dr. Pym is missing, along with his suit," Agent Coulson reported.
Nick Fury's mind raced. It's you, Dr. Pym. But why?
Fury was confused. Though Pym and Howard Stark had their differences, they were trivial, not warranting assassination.
"Jarvis," Tony Stark interjected, "what's the latest?"
"Sir, we've detected unauthorized access to a file related to you in the SHIELD database," Jarvis explained. "Along with that file, several others from the 'Avengers' folder were accessed."
"Tracing the IP led us to Dr. Pym's neighborhood," Jarvis added.
Nick Fury exchanged a look with Tony. Co-authoring the SHIELD database allows you to access it freely?
"Don't give me that look," Tony scoffed. "Your SHIELD firewall is ridiculously basic."
Fury responded with a calm nod.
Tony asked, his tone suddenly serious, "We're all on that 'Avengers' list, aren't we?"
"Mm-hm," Fury acknowledged. There was no point in hiding it now.
Tony, rubbing his mustache, mused, "Dr. Pym targeted me first. Was it because I was at the top of your list?"
Fury paused, his silence thick with unspoken thoughts. Tony's guess hit too close to the truth, but Fury didn't confirm it. The question was a delicate one.
"There's a possibility that Clint Barton and Sam Wilson are also on Pym's hit list," Fury added, changing the subject. "Arrange extra protection for Bruce Banner."
With Dr. Pym's motives unclear, Fury knew that understanding his goals would make the situation more manageable.
However, Fury wasn't particularly concerned about the safety of Sam or Clint. If Dr. Pym found them, he'd be in for a serious challenge.
Hell Dimension
After the storm settled, Mephisto puffed on a cigarette, relaxing slightly. He had learned a lot from his time on Earth—though which Earth it was, he couldn't quite remember.
Now that his rage had subsided, he began to formulate his next move.
The magic circle he had encountered was unmistakable. It belonged to the Emperor of Weishan, a figure tied to the mystical city of Kamar-Taj.
It became clear that it would not be simple for him to claim the soul of Russell, the irritating mage.
Mephisto thought, No wonder he dared provoke me.
A Master of Kamar-Taj, in life, would be destined for the dimension of Emperor Weishan upon death—rather than any of the hells Mephisto controlled.
Intercepting that soul before it reached its destination? A task for a prime version of Mephisto, not the present one.
But before he could attempt it, a group of mages arrived on the scene. After dealing with them, Mephisto realized that Emperor Weishan might be next.
How do I avoid his gaze? Mephisto's chin rubbed thoughtfully. This situation's tricky...
Meanwhile, Back on Earth:
Russell sat across from the Ancient One, a look of frustration on his face.
"Master, I didn't expect it to be Mephisto. He's not easy to outwit."
The Ancient One calmly brewed tea, gesturing for Russell to sit down.
"Do not worry, Russell. In all my years as Sorcerer Supreme, I've dealt with countless demons, outwitting many through strategy. Mephisto is no different, though more cunning than most."
She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But he is not invincible. We will find a way."
Russell nodded, taking in her words. Patience was key when dealing with an adversary like Mephisto.
"Stay calm," the Ancient One advised. "Opportunities will present themselves."
Russell agreed. Mephisto was formidable, but he couldn't be rushed.
"I'm heading back to the bookstore," Russell said, rising to leave.
Under the influence of his psychic abilities, no one questioned his sudden reappearance.
Russell had to remain on Earth for the time being, ensuring that nothing would go awry and leave him unreachable. To safeguard his bookstore, he had cast psychic suggestion spells, ensuring peace and concentration.
Calm down. No noise. Focus on reading.
Soon, many patrons began to notice a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere in the bookstore. The overall ambiance had improved, making it an ideal place to study and read. The place was bustling with visitors, students of all ages.
Russell smiled as the bookstore thrived.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pym, conducting his usual surveillance on Russell, realized his plans were faltering. He had targeted Russell according to the list he'd followed, beginning with the most critical Avengers. His mission was to sabotage SHIELD's formation of the team, beginning with revenge on the organization.
However, Russell had been absent from the bookstore for days. With no progress made, Dr. Pym's focus shifted. Tony Stark became the next target.
"It seems luck is on my side," Dr. Pym murmured to himself, "Right after taking out Stark, you return."
Donning his Ant-Man suit and shrinking his body, Dr. Pym proceeded to the bookstore.
Everything went smoothly until he entered.
"Since Janet disappeared and Hope passed, I haven't read a book in ages," Dr. Pym thought nostalgically.
He sat, remembering the past, where his wife and daughter had been by his side.
"Thank you, Grandpa, for helping me with my homework," a voice suddenly broke his reverie.
Dr. Pym snapped back to reality. His gaze met a young man's eyes—the very target of his mission: Russell.
In that instant, panic surged through him. His plan was falling apart. How had he been so distracted?
Fleeing from the bookstore, Dr. Pym barely remembered how he escaped the scene, but it was clear he had narrowly avoided death.
As he wandered in a daze through the streets, he failed to notice the surveillance cameras. Fortunately, someone had covered his tracks—though not a human.
Mephisto, in the guise of a gentleman, watched Dr. Pym with a sly smile.
The soul of a scientist like Pym, while not as valuable as some, was still quite useful. Add to that the fact that Pym's soul was linked to his plans for Russell, and it was another profitable deal in the making.
The Quantum Realm awaited.
"See you soon, Dr. Pym. And Tony Stark. And that pesky wizard, Russell."
With that, Mephisto prepared to put his plans into motion.
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