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Chapter: Latveria

Latveria, a small Eastern European nation nestled between Serbia, Hungary, and Romania, is graced by the flowing waters of the blue Danube River.

Decades ago, Latveria languished in feudal backwardness under the rule of arrogant aristocrats, its people enduring hardship.

The man who would change it all was Victor von Doom, the current sovereign of Latveria.

Doom's mother was a gypsy witch whose soul was lost in a deal with dark magic, a tragedy that haunted Doom throughout his life.

After his mother's passing and his father's subsequent demise at the hands of Latverian rulers, the young Victor, bereaved yet exceptionally gifted, was taken to the United States. There, he became a brilliant scientist highly esteemed by the U.S. military.

In America, Doom expanded his scientific knowledge, conducted countless experiments he had once only dreamed of, and made unprecedented strides.

Against his mother's dying wish, he delved into the realm of magic, mastering its secrets alongside his scientific pursuits.

Eventually, Doom emerged as a supreme scientist, engineer, and sorcerer.

With this formidable blend of knowledge and power, he overthrew the corrupt nobility, liberated Latveria from darkness, and ascended to its throne as absolute ruler.

In truth, Doom governed with an iron fist, surpassing any prior Latverian ruler in autocratic rule. As Latveria's Prime Minister once remarked, "Doom's word is law; even his slightest whim holds the force of mandate."

Yet, there was no dissent in Latveria. Under Doom's leadership, the once destitute nation prospered, grew strong, and became impregnable.

Today, Latveria stands not only as a formidable Eastern European power but also as a global force, rivaling even the great powers of the world. Some argue its might surpasses that of France.

Achieving such greatness from a nation steeped in poverty and turmoil should have been a source of pride for Victor von Doom. Yet, he found little satisfaction in it.

Moreover, Doom often felt consumed by despair and failure, withdrawing from state affairs. He delegated governance to proxies and ministers, ruthlessly replacing those who failed to meet his exacting standards.

There was one driving force behind Doom's detachment: his mother's damnation in Hell.

In a pact with the devil, Doom's mother's soul was condemned to eternal torment after her death. Doom cherished her memory deeply.

While most people's earliest memories begin at the age of two or three, Doom's precocious mind recalled sensations from before birth—tethered to his mother by the umbilical cord, immersed in her essence.

This indelible memory fueled Doom's relentless quest to free his mother from damnation, a quest he pursued through numerous failed attempts.

During his tenure in the United States, Doom marshaled military resources to construct a machine intended to breach Hell itself, hoping to rescue his mother.

Instead, he faced merciless mockery and disfigurement at the hands of the devil, condemned to wear a cold, metal mask henceforth.

Doom knew his mother's captor, the mighty lord of Hell, Mephisto, was nigh unbeatable.

Yet, Doom refused to relent, exploring every avenue to redeem his mother's soul.

His latest endeavor involved Blackheart, the wayward son of Mephisto who had escaped Hell. Doom hoped to glean Mephisto's weaknesses from Blackheart's defiance.

Alas, Doom's efforts met with failure once more.

Blackheart proved useless—a disappointment.

He offered no leverage, no alliance, no insight into Mephisto's weaknesses.

Doom contemplated dissecting Blackheart, deeming him of little value alive. Perhaps in death, he could yield something of use.

Unaware of Doom's machinations, Blackheart made his case in Doom's Latverian castle.

"Doom, I insist we secure the contract of Van Vangaza. With your aid, we can—"

"You underestimate the risks," Doom interjected, his cold metal mask betraying no emotion.

Blackheart paused, then pressed on. "Consider the power that contract wields. With it, I can challenge Mephisto himself. Your mother's soul could be freed."

"You cannot harness the malevolent power of the Van Vangaza contract. No creature on Earth can. It will only bring peril and consequence," Doom asserted.

"Trust me, Blackheart. Acquiring that contract guarantees consequences you cannot defy," Doom warned.

Blackheart fell silent.

He knew Doom's caution was warranted, perhaps true. Yet, he clung to a gambler's hope that the outcome might favor him.

The air hung heavy with unspoken tension as Doom weighed the prospect of dissecting the son of Hell before him...

"Your Majesty, a persistent reporter demands an audience," an automated voice interrupted.

A holographic projection materialized, revealing a confident female reporter outside the castle gates.

Doom scrutinized the image, then replied coolly, "Permit her access. Allow her every inquiry... and ensure she pays the price."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the mechanical voice affirmed before the projection dissolved.

"What do you mean by 'pay the price'?" Blackheart inquired casually.

Doom's response was measured. "The cost of knowing everything... is everything."

---

Two motorcycles were parked aside, and the three of them sat around the bonfire, looking at the roasted wild boar dripping oil on the flames and talking.

"I've actually heard your name, Frank," said Johnny Blaze.

Frank was a little surprised: "I think you might be joking, I'm not a well-known motorcyclist."

Father Moru drank the remaining half can of beer and said with a smile: "Actually, your reputation is more than that of Johnny. He is just an outdated driver, haha."

Johnny said half-jokingly, "Wait and see, Morrow, when I get rid of the curse of Ghost Rider, I'll get back to my old business, and be that much-anticipated driver, and then I'll let you take a photo with me. No chance."

Frank couldn't help saying at this time, "You want to get rid of Ghost Rider?"