Let's just say I hit a bit of a bottleneck writing from a first-person perspective. I plan to write the next chapter from a third-person perspective and see how it turns out. If it's good, I'll write two chapters and publish them to make up for yesterday.
...
"Let's just say you're about to get a power boost that'll catapult you into a whole new league."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, the earlier tension vanishing like a bad dream. Huh. Truly a pragmatic woman.
"Hold your horses, Sunshine. The method I'm offering is straightforward, but there's a catch: either your body adapts to the mutation, or you die."
Her enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but she didn't seem deterred. Having navigated this world's underbelly, she knew that power always came with risks—99% of the time, at least.
"Let me paint you a picture," I said, drawing her attention. "This is how four ordinary folks—a scientist, his fiancée, her kid brother, and a pilot—became something extraordinary."
"They called themselves the Fantastic Four. But before that, they were just... reckless. Brilliant? Sure. Brave? Perhaps. But mostly arrogant."
"Their leader, a man obsessed with cosmic rays, detected an impending cosmic storm—a once-in-a-lifetime event."
I paused, giving her a moment to process. Thanks to her Hydra connections, she had briefed me on figures like Reed Richards and Tony Stark to help me grasp this universe's landscape.
She caught on quickly. "You mean Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—the ones you had me investigate earlier?"
According to the investigation results, Reed Richards is currently very interested in Cosmic Rays and the Cosmic Storm he detected.
I smirked. "Exactly. Glad to see you're more than just a pretty face."
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "So, they got zapped by a cosmic storm and—voilà—superpowers. Are you suggesting I take a trip to space?"
Despite her nonchalant demeanor, I could sense her excitement. After all, who wouldn't be thrilled at the prospect of gaining powers? Especially someone like her, always on the hunt for an edge.
I chuckled. "Not everyone can stumble into power so easily. Reed Richards, the nerdy guy, gained super-elasticity and enhanced intelligence, enabling him to create things like time machines and interdimensional portals."
"Susan Storm acquired invisibility and the ability to generate powerful force fields, capable of holding off heavyweights like my little brother Thor and the Hulk—both of whom can lift over 100 tons without breaking a sweat."
"Johnny Storm, with his pyrokinesis, could incinerate alien fleets that were millennia ahead of human technology."
"And then there's Ben Grimm. Superhuman strength, durability, and endurance. Sure, he ended up with a rocky exterior, but he once held up a collapsing mountain range estimated to weigh about 150 billion tons."
She seemed to forget to breathe for a moment, her heart skipping a beat before she regained her composure.
"Are you serious? A human holding up 150 billion tons? Another wiping out alien fleets? And you're telling me such people exist on Earth? That we'll be attacked by aliens? That time travel and dimensional portals are real? Are we still talking about our world?"
Oops. Maybe I let slip more than intended. But: "Yeah, trust me, Earth is more dangerous than you can imagine. The number of times this planet will be destroyed and saved is more than a toddler can count."
"But don't worry. With me, you'll have the power to survive. And if you manage to prove your loyalty, I can help you gain abilities that make Earth look like an egg—an egg you can crush at will."
Of course, when I say 'Earth,' I mean the mundane version she knows, without any of the Marvel Universe's protections.
In fact, I know there's a risk in making her go to space with the Fantastic Four, but at least it's not a big risk.
Sure, if it were the Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) where the Fantastic Four got their power after being exposed to the N-Zone, I might consider it, since the N-Zone really did have some risk. But in almost all the universes where they were hit by the cosmic rays, they gained their powers.
Although there are many theories linking their power, like the Four-in-One entity, as I recall, many people did gain power under the same circumstances of being hit by cosmic rays, like Victor von Doom, the U-Foes, Red Ghost, and the Super-Apes, so it does seem very likely.
Still, I didn't want to put her at risk. I should explain everything to her and let her make her own choice. "Look at me, girl, what I'm about to tell you is the secret concerning our universe, one that many would destroy your planet to know."
"Let's put it this way, our current universe is just one tiny speck among many others—universes or parallel worlds, as you may call them—and I have an ability that allows me to know what happened in these worlds."
"So technically, although I don't know the future because it's always changing according to my choice, I do know that in nearly every universe where the Four encounter that cosmic storm, they gain powers. The odds are in your favor, but that doesn't mean it's 'safe'."
Well, I told her that I know the future before, but doing things like asking her to investigate and collect info or even something later would eventually make her doubt me. Rather than coming up with an excuse later, it's better I explain before it happens.
She exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "That's... insane. And terrifying." Then, after a beat, a smirk tugged at her lips. "Also incredibly exciting."
Huh, thrill-seeker?
"Exciting?" I arched a brow, amused. "Most people would be questioning their sanity right about now."
She shrugged, her smirk widening. "Most people don't survive the Red Room, let alone claw their way up Hydra's ranks. Insanity is just another Tuesday."
I smiled. "Alright, it seems that you've already made up your mind, then I don't need to tell you what to do, right?"
The Fantastic Four in this universe are working at the Baxter Foundation, a government-sponsored research institute for young prodigies. With Viper's connection and Hydra's infiltration in the government, it's too easy for her to enter.
"Of course," she said, smirking with full confidence. "I'll get myself on that mission. If others can gain power, I definitely can. I would do anything to gain power."
Well, the villainesses are thought to be dangerous, but by anything... does that also include betraying me?
Still, it's time to meet my true interest. Coming across Viper was an accident; I'm more inclined toward the Yandere Wanda and the 'hot' Jean.
Unfortunately, according to the investigation done by Viper, Wanda is in one of Hydra's bases, a newly recruited child who hasn't yet awakened her powers.
This lets me set my objective to the other one who can see me: Jean. Honestly, I'm more interested in her Dark Phoenix personality. She's too hot, haha.
Good, I said, watching Viper's confident gaze. "Then I'll leave the details to you. But don't forget, sweetie—power is only as useful as the hand that wields it. And I always collect on my investments."
She must never get the idea of betraying me; I hate traitors the most in my life.
.....(End Of The Chapter)
If Hela were to be granted powerful new rewards—such as the 'Holy Grail (Infinite Mana Version),' the Uchiha Bloodline, the Thunder Fruit, the Flying Thunder God Technique, etc.—what would you suggest?
Also, we've now reached the Top Ten! As promised, I'll uphold my commitment of two chapters per day. I hope you'll continue supporting us by doing your part—especially tomorrow after the reset—so we can maintain our position.
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