HOPE

"No reason..." I trailed off, my mind racing with possibilities. I can't be certain with just name... I have to see her with my own eyes.

Penny led us through a maze of tunnels, the air becoming increasingly stale and claustrophobic. Finally, we reached a small chamber where a middle-aged woman sat hunched over a table, engrossed in her work. Makeshift fire lamps illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows across the walls.

Oh! Is that Gwen on the ceiling? She must be standing guard in the shadows...

"Gina, we have visitors," Penny announced, her voice tentative.

The woman looked up, her gaze sharp and assessing. Her eyes widened when she saw us, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. MJ wanted to say something but refrained.

"Brian?! Mary Jane?!" Gina exclaimed, rising to her feet.

"Mom!" I blurted out without thinking. So, she really is my mother in this reality.

"Brian?! Mary Jane?!" Gina repeated incredulously.

Penny shot us a bewildered look, "Wait... You three know each other?"

Before we could respond, Gina rushed forward, enveloping us in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her emotions raw and unguarded.

"I thought I would never see you again..." She sobbed, her voice thick with sorrow and relief.

My heart ached at the sight of her anguish. Despite having different memories, this version of my mother is undoubtedly hers. And seeing her in such a devastated state is gut-wrenching.

Penny stood awkwardly to the side, clearly confused by the unexpected turn of events.

She looks so tired and worn down... It seems like this reality has taken a toll on her. I need to find a way to save everyone and fix this mess.

"Mom, it's okay... We're here now," I soothed, returning her embrace.

Mary Jane remained silent, her expression somber. I glanced at her, noticing the tears glistening in her eyes. She is also affected by this reality.

Gina pulled away, wiping her tears, "I never thought I would see my son and his wife ever again..."

"Wait... His wife?!" MJ exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. She looked at me with a baffled expression, "Brian, are we married in this reality?!"

"This reality?!" Gina sighed as the reality dawned on her, "Of course, you aren't my Brian and Mary Jane... I... I buried them with my own hands..."

"Hey," I grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes, "It doesn't matter which reality I am from. I am still your son and you are my mom. You raised me and loved me unconditionally. Nothing can change that fact."

Tears streamed down her face once more, her eyes brimming with emotion. She embraced me again, her arms trembling slightly.

"I am... It's just so hard..." She whispered, her voice choked with grief.

"I know..." I patted her back gently, "But we will find a way to fix this reality and bring back everyone from the dead. Trust me."

"Bring back everyone... Don't joke around," Penny scoffed, "Even if there was a way to do that, it would be impossible for us. There's nothing we can do against the Maker..."

"Not if I can help it," I stated confidently.

"He took down Galactus and the entire Illuminati forces, alone," MJ added, trying to reassure Gina.

"Illuminati? Galactus?" Penny laughed mirthlessly, "You must be from another reality if you think those weaklings can match up against the Maker."

"Just how strong is he?" MJ asked curiously.

"Strong enough to kill anyone who defies him," Penny answered grimly. "He killed a freak from another realm, Brainiac or something... Then took over his ship and tech, enslaving the surviving heroes after he killed off the original Avengers..."

"Brainiac?!" I blurted out in shock. What the fuck is that tech freak doing in Marvel? How did he even get here?! This reality is getting weirder and weirder...

"Yeah, Brainiac," Penny nodded, "He was an alien invader from another dimension or something. His ship had this mind control technology that the Maker used to subjugate everyone under his rule."

I know exactly what she is talking about...

"Well, doesn't matter," I shrugged nonchalantly, "Kill that evil version of Reed, free the mind-controlled people, and bring the dead back to life... Easy enough."

"We are running out of resources and I am 100% sure he has already noticed your arrival. His army should be here any moment now. You are confident in your power... So, since we have nothing to lose, I say we fight... one last time," A woman's voice came from the ceiling. Gwen jumped behind us and landed gracefully.

"Gwen?! Is that you?!" MJ exclaimed in surprise.

"Hey, MJ..." She punched her lightly on her shoulder with a sad smile with a nod and turned toward me, "Brian, long time no see."

"You are the third Gwen I am meeting today..." I mused thoughtfully.

"Third Gwen? What are you talking about?" Penny frowned, shooting me a questioning glance.

"Long story..." MJ cut in, "Let's focus on fighting the bad guys first then chat later."

"So, what's the plan?" Gina inquired, her expression resolute.

"Plan?" I grinned, cracking my knuckles, "There is no plan... Just beat the shit out of the Maker and his army."

"That's... not a plan..." Penny sighed exasperatedly. "He has a time machine and mind control technology... He can revive himself infinitely..."

"Yeah, but..." I flicked my fingers manipulating the reality around me, turning the shabby chamber into a luxurious hall, "He can't use time travel or mind control technology if they no longer exist..."

Everyone stared at me in stunned silence, their jaws hanging open in disbelief.

"How... How did you do that?" Penny gasped, pointing at our surroundings.

This is nothing. Considering the weak look on their faces, I am sure they haven't had good food in a long time. Let's prepare some delicacies and feast before the final battle begins. A lavish spread appeared out of thin air, filling the room with the aroma of delicious food. Everyone gawked at me in astonishment, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion.

"Listen up. Everyone eat and rest for now. We will move tomorrow. Till then, leave the Ultrons to me," I declared firmly, taking charge of the situation.

"Thank you," Gina smiled gratefully, her eyes shimmering with hope.

"Thanks, Brian..." Penny mumbled, still overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. She quickly called every surviving human underground to partake in the feast.

I left them to enjoy the food and went outside. The Ultron army will be here soon... Better eliminate them before they reach the city. I closed my eyes, focusing on the Ultrons approaching the city.

<Activate Reality Warp>

An invisible force rippled outward, spreading around the base, and creating massive turrets and fortifications all around it. I created flying self-destructive drones and laser cannons, reinforcing the area further. Within minutes, an impregnable fortress surrounded the base.

Alright, let's wait for the Ultrons to arrive.

Fuck! That drained my cosmic energy by 20%. Although the regeneration is fast, I need to be careful. We are dealing with the smartest brain after all. But once I get him within my range, I should be able to isolate him. No... Before that, I need to take care of his time machine and Brainiac's spaceship... I will strip every single piece of technology from this world... Then I wonder what kind of face he will make.

"Open System Shop Max Level..."

What will you do Reed, in the face of overwhelming power?

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Next Chapter: New Upgrades [You will finally get to see an improved version of System Window]

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