The First Ant-Man

Authors Note-

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After the Apocalypse joined the Black Shadow Mercenaries, Ivan felt relieved and could stay on Earth to focus on cultivation. Ivan made a significant breakthrough in the Rules through his research on Apocalypse. The next period would witness rapid enhancement of Ivan's strength. Ivan prioritized practice; strength is the foundation of everything.

Ivan spent most of his time on the farm, comprehending the Rules while accompanying his children. Occasionally, he took time to advise Kerry, realizing even a few words could benefit Kerry significantly. With memories from previous lives, Ivan's understanding surpassed others.

As Ivan's loyal butler, Kerry managed Ivan's property but dealt with a master who disliked being in charge. Busy every day, Kerry barely touched the ground. Despite superhuman strengthening, exhaustion persisted, except when dealing with the Red Queen.

In the following years, Ivan delved into research. Despite appearing as an ordinary farmer, the power he represented remained hidden. Ivan found contentment, occasionally visiting Skull Island to communicate with the star whale, ride the Smaug, draw blood for the phoenix, and create potions, living a fairy-like existence.

One day, Ivan received a call from Chris for help. Investigating, he discovered a special guest at Devil's Cabin seeking a deal. The transaction posed a challenge beyond his abilities, requiring Ivan's assistance.

Intrigued, Ivan questioned Chris. Given his son's resources, there seemed little he couldn't handle, raising Ivan's curiosity. Chris, unable to refuse the deal, sought Ivan's help or risk losing it.

After Chris explained the situation, Ivan learned the visitor was the first Ant-Man, Hank Pim. Willing to trade Pym Particles and an Ant-Man suit, he sought Chris's aid in saving his wife, Janet Van Dyne, trapped in a subatomic state during a mission.

Ivan, interested in Pym particles, transformed his appearance using a nano-robot, resembling a devil with two horns and an alien phantom. Arriving at the Devil's Cabin, he saw Chris talking to a tall man, Hank Pim.

Dr. Hank, was not the elderly figure from the Ant-Man movie, he was in his prime. Years of exercise endowed him with a robust and heroic physique, and he was tinged with sadness for his wife.

Ivan's arrival drew attention. Chris hurriedly introduced Ivan as the Devil's Cabin owner, crucial for saving Hank's wife. Ivan, interrupting Chris, acknowledged Hank Pim and revealed knowledge about his situation, prompting Hank's suspicion and defensive inquiry about Ivan's identity.

"Don't be so defensive; there are no secrets in the Devil's Cabin. You don't have to worry as long as we want to know. Of course, we will not reveal your secrets to outsiders. Let's talk about business now. I've made it clear: You can use the Pym particles in your hand, along with all the relevant knowledge and Ant-Man's equipment, in exchange for our help finding your wife. I agree, and you can sign the contract now."

Hank Pim was stunned by Ivan's confident approach, taking a while to react. "Are you sure to save my wife? Her current state is beyond imagination; I'm afraid getting her back won't be easy."

"Don't worry; I already know about your wife. Since I've taken over this matter, she can be pulled out of the quantum world. It is another dimension, but you are fortunate. I know the mystery of dimensions. But I can use a special method to keep you conscious in that state and rescue your wife."

Ivan took a small piece of wood from his pocket, holding it in his left hand while his right index finger traced the pendant around his neck. A red light flickered at his fingertips, swiftly carving a complex, ghost-like pattern on the wooden block. Ivan borrowed a bracelet from Hank that belonged to his wife, captured its essence, sealed it in a wooden card, and handed it to Dr. Hank.

After receiving the wooden card, Hank Pim glanced at it, immediately drawn in by the intricate pattern, feeling like he was being pulled in.

"Wake up!"

Ivan's stern command snapped Hank Pim out of his trance. Frightened and sweating, Hank Pim felt his soul drained.

Placing the wooden sign on the table with palpitations, Hank Pim stepped back, asking, "What is this?"

Ivan explained softly, "It's a millennium-pick wood amulet to protect your soul from external forces. Even in the subatomic state, you can maintain consciousness. I've sealed your wife's essence on it; it will guide you to find her. But there's a time limit; try not to delay it too long."

Hank Pim hesitated, distrust flickering in his eyes. "How do you guarantee this amulet will be effective? What if I lose consciousness after entering a subatomic state?"

Ivan waved indifferently, "I won't give you any guarantee because you will doubt it no matter what I say. I can only write it in the contract. When you save your wife, please give me the Pym particle. But, you must give me the suit first to save your wife."

"This..." Hank Pim was torn and didn't know how to choose. He hoped to save his wife but worried the amulet might be ineffective, leaving him in subatomic space. It's OK if he's a widow but still has a daughter, Hope. What if he can't get her back?

Ivan disregarded Hank Pim's dilemma, leisurely sipping tea and looking confident.

In the end, Hank Pim's love for his wife surpassed everything, prompting him to take a gamble. He nodded and agreed with Ivan's plan, carefully reading the contract before signing his name.

"Very good! Smart choice!" Ivan praised, reaching out to grab Hank Pim. They were transported out of the devil's hut, floating in the air with a transparent carpet beneath their feet.

"Okay, do what you need to do." Ivan made a gesture of invitation and stepped aside.

Hank Pim, surveying the area where his wife had an accident, couldn't help but feel emotional. After a moment's thought, he removed a small pendant from the keychain around his waist, revealing the Ant-Man suit.

Quickly donning the suit, Hank Pim examined the wooden amulet attached to his wrist and glanced at Ivan. Finally, he gritted his teeth, pressed a button on his hand, and rapidly shrank, disappearing.

Although Ivan appeared unconcerned, he observed Hank Pim's situation through his mental power. As Hank Pim shrunk to the size of an ant, he remained visible through telepathy. However, as the shrinking continued, reaching the size of cells and molecules, Ivan could no longer detect him. He reluctantly gave up.

As time passed, and ten minutes went by without any movement, Ivan grew anxious. Despite the confidence in his amulet, accidents were possible in quantum space. Hank Pim might be trapped if it were damaged and lost its function.

Anxiety crept in, and after half an hour with no signs, Ivan felt a peculiar wave. Before his eyes, Hank Pim in the Ant-Man suit appeared, holding a woman with wings—a clear sign of the Wasp. 

"Congratulations, Dr. Hank. It seems your journey to the quantum world went well."

Ant-Man unmasked, revealing a grateful face. "Thank you for your help. My wife is still in a coma; I need to take her to the hospital. As for the Pym particle information and suit, I'll send them to you as soon as possible."

"Of course, I believe you won't break your word. Saving your wife is more important. Go!" Ivan watched Hank Pim leave, not attempting to stop him. In truth, Ivan secretly hoped Hank Pim would breach the contract, enabling him to claim Hank Pim's soul and enlist him into his service.

Sadly, Hank Pim kept his word. Within hours, he sent the Pym Particles, Ant-Man battle suit, and related materials, leaving no opportunity for Ivan to exploit.

Nonetheless, this outcome was alright. Pym particles represented technology far beyond modern times, promising significant benefits when used effectively.

After thoroughly researching Pym particle technology, Ivan sent it to Kerry, who grasped its potential better. Wearing a Ant-Man suit, Kerry got an extra protection layer and launched dozens of satellites into outer space, shrinking them with Pym particles for surveillance over Earth.

Upon hearing Kerry's approach, Ivan approved, saving himself considerable trouble.

After completing the transaction with Ant-Man, Ivan anticipated resuming his leisurely life. Unexpectedly, after a brief respite, he received news from his estranged father that something had happened to the Black Shadow Mercenary Group.