Chapter 39

My gaze was fixed on the latest scan data of Jean Grey's X-gene. This project marked the pinnacle of my scientific efforts to enhance mental capabilities.

Working without Chronos, who usually handled routine tasks, felt exhausting. Yet, after countless experiments and endless checks, I finally achieved the desired breakthrough.

I managed to stabilize Max Eisenhardt's X-gene along with Jean Grey's X-gene, a true milestone in my career. This success opened new possibilities for the practical application of my research.

"Now it's time to move on to the final stage..." I thought.

The next step was to integrate all this into my own body. I was well aware that this would take much more time than the stabilization of the X-genes.

---= Some Time Later =---

In the time-accelerated dome, where each second stretched into years, I spent the equivalent of two decades working on my ambitious experiments. The challenge was to balance the powers so they wouldn't neutralize each other—a task requiring exquisite scientific skill and patience.

The process of growing clones, each created for a unique purpose, would have impressed even Nathaniel with its scale. These measures were taken to minimize the risk of any unforeseen situations that my computer simulations might not have accounted for.

Once I confirmed everything was working, it was time for the final touches.

My fingers moved across the interface with incredible ease, as it was designed specifically for me, making the work enjoyable.

The simplest algorithm of actions was embedded in the chamber that would transform my body anew. Ensuring everything was properly set up, I entered the chamber.

As soon as I assumed the correct position, the chamber filled with anesthetic gas.

"Just a little longer..." was my last thought before darkness enveloped me.

I awoke to a completely different state. I could feel that my brain's structure had changed.

"Chronos," I called, activating the AI.

"Yes, Dr. Richards?" the AI responded.

"Activate training room 10," I ordered.

Training room 10 was configured to test my new abilities.

In the next moment, the room began to shift, and soon I was standing in the room that would be my home for the near future.

---= Nicholas Joseph Fury =---

In recent days, tension at SHIELD headquarters had reached a peak. Director Nick Fury, already overwhelmed by dealings with General Ross, who persistently sought assistance in locating Dr. Bruce Banner, now faced a new challenge. As if releasing Namor from custody wasn't enough, he now had to deal with the consequences of Norman Osborn's actions.

"What have you found?" Fury asked, addressing Maria Hill, who was always his reliable right hand in the turbulent waters of espionage and covert operations.

Maria held the latest analysis data on Norman Osborn's body. She glanced at the sheet and then slowly looked up at Fury.

"He modified himself with an unknown substance. Our scientists are having difficulty identifying the components—Reed Richards' device apparently blocked access to these reagents in his blood," she reported clearly.

Fury sighed heavily, leaning on the table. He felt the weight of recent events press even harder on his shoulders.

"I see," he began, gathering his thoughts. "What about the upcoming trial?"

Agent Hill quickly understood what her boss meant.

"Osborn is likely to find a way out of this situation," Hill replied.

Fury's eye flashed with intense anger for a moment.

"Who?" Fury's voice was terse.

Maria Hill, with an unflappable tone, responded.

---= Reed Richards =---

As soon as I stepped into my lab after returning from Chronos, I was overwhelmed by an inexplicable feeling that something was amiss. The air in the room seemed charged with electricity, as if it retained the aftertaste of an intruder's presence. I stopped, trying to pinpoint the source of my unease, listening to the silence within the walls filled with technological marvels.

A moment later, my eyes landed on my workbench, where a letter lay, unnaturally neatly folded, as if touched not by hands but by shadows themselves.

"Chronos," I addressed the AI as my fingers carefully opened the envelope. "Who has been here in my absence?"

"No one has entered, Dr. Richards," Chronos replied in his emotionless, metallic voice.

His answer only heightened my sense of unease. A chill crept over me, as if an unseen observer had violated my privacy. The letter, its presence here in my sanctuary of science, was a silent testament to the breach of my world's boundaries.

"Hello, Reed. I assume you're surprised to find this letter in your lab. Don't bother hiding your astonishment—I know exactly how you feel reading these lines. Not long ago, I went through similar emotions, and the same thoughts swirled in my mind as they do in yours now.

You're probably wondering how my experiences could mirror yours. You know the answer, Reed Richards, or should I call you by another name?

So, I felt the same unease and caution when I first encountered the unknown, just as you do now. Our connection runs deeper than you imagined, and the answers you seek may be more frightening than the wildest theories that have ever crossed your mind.

This letter is just the beginning. I invite you on a path that changed me and will change you too. Are you ready for the next step, which will open your eyes to what you always considered possible, but unlikely?"

"Damn it," I whispered, seeing my name from my past life before I was inexplicably sent to this universe.

"... Since I have your attention, let's get to the most important point. I am you from the future.

No surprised face? Alright, I guess you've figured out what you've gotten yourself into."

"Temporal cycles," I thought.

"I received this letter at the exact moment you're receiving it now..."

The letter then listed numerous proofs and self-praise. This part could be skipped.

"You need to deal with Rama-Tut."

Kang from ancient Egypt?

"Kang from Ancient Egypt. He needs to be sent to the future for many reasons. But the main reason concerns Apocalypse and Immortus.

I believe the provided technology will enable you to achieve what you need?"

The letter included detailed schematics for a time machine.

"Never a dull moment..." I muttered.

—\\—

A time machine is an incredibly delicate subject, as such a device can become the source of countless problematic situations. However, it was also an essential tool in the Marvel multiverse.

"How does it work?" I wondered as I reverse-engineered the machine I had built under the guidance of my future self. A time machine—this topic evokes strong feelings in any scientist or researcher, especially in the Marvel multiverse, where the consequences of each action echo through infinite dimensions. Such a device carries the potential not only for incredible discoveries but also for catastrophic events, creating an endless cycle of cause and effect.

Here I stand in the center of my laboratory, surrounded by flickering screens and complex devices, intently examining the machine assembled under the guidance of a wiser, more experienced future version of myself.

"How does it work?" This thought flashed through my mind as my hands, driven by curiosity and scientific rigor, conducted the reverse engineering of this device built by my future self.

Each component of the machine was integrated with astounding precision, and every part, wire, and microchip carried echoes of not only technological brilliance but also deep philosophical questions about the nature of time and fate. This device was not just a mechanism; it was a gateway to infinite possibilities and simultaneously a labyrinth of potential catastrophes.

Thanks to my extensive experience with time manipulation, progress in my work steadily advanced. However, manipulating the flow of time is an astonishingly simple task for those who understand the relationship between space-time and matter. These basics of temporal mechanics had long been familiar to me.

Yet, conscious movement forward or backward along the temporal axis proved to be a significantly more complex task. Especially difficult was maintaining the integrity of one's own timeline during such journeys, where each step could lead to irreversible changes in history.

In the Marvel universe, time functioned according to unique and often mysterious laws. From my memories, I knew that it not only bent or flowed back and forth but also had the ability to perform astonishing manipulations with reality. In most cases, time was remarkably pliable and malleable, like clay in the hands of a skilled sculptor.

"As I suspected, there's an element of magic involved," I mused, carefully studying the intricate components of the time machine, where each element was crafted with incredible precision. This machine was more than just a collection of metal and wires.

"Chronos, experiment number 001," I said as I finished the theoretical part.

Now it was time to address one of the most crucial aspects. I needed to test my theories.

"Proceeding," my assistant responded.

The time machine came to life.

FLASH

I received information on how this specific drone model appeared to me a bit earlier than I had created it.

"How I hate time anomalies," I muttered in mild irritation.

---= Some Time Later =---

After conducting over ninety experiments, my heart finally found peace. By this time, I had not only confirmed or refuted many of my hypotheses but also significantly expanded the boundaries of my understanding of complex temporal mechanisms. However, even with this wealth of data, I still couldn't fully grasp how Future Reed Richards managed to achieve what seemed impossible to me.

I was puzzled by the question of how he—or rather, we—managed to manipulate the time machine in such a way that it did not create alternate universes. My strategy involved using drones programmed for automatic dispatch to Limbo, as Limbo is a crossroads of universes and from there, one could reach almost any point in the Marvel Multiverse, to detect any anomalies in the data. These drones were supposed to return to their home universe if something went wrong, but to my surprise, not a single drone crossed the threshold of Limbo.

In the end, I concluded that Future Reed Richards had likely linked the time machine's operation directly to the original flow of time. This meant that interventions in the past or future did not create new temporal branches but rather represented natural adjustments to the already existing timeline.

Once this was resolved, it was time to prepare.

"Chronos, call every member of the Fantastic Four," I said, considering the potential issue named Rama-Tut.

"Will do, Dr. Richards," Chronos responded.

---= Some Time Later =---

"Where are we headed this time?" Johnny didn't bother hiding his impatience, diving straight into the conversation about our plans. His voice carried not only readiness for a new adventure but also a burning desire for action.

Johnny's enthusiasm was infectious; it was shared by all the team members, including Susan and Ben. Susan always supported ideas that fostered development and exploration, and Ben, despite his stone exterior, never hid his excitement in the face of the unknown.

"Ancient Egypt," I replied, unable to hide a grin, anticipating their reactions.

My announcement sparked lively interest among my companions, seated in the cozy room of our headquarters. They turned to me, awaiting details.

My smile widened, and I began, "I suppose it's best to start from the beginning so everything is clear."

"I wouldn't mind that, Reed," Ben supported, his deep voice resonating in the room.

"And neither would I," added Sue, her voice firm and clear.

"In that case, listen closely..." I began, immersing the team in the story of what Reed Richards had done and would do.

---= Five Minutes Later =---

It took me just five minutes to clarify the situation before us. The outlines of our future trials began to take shape.

"Stretch, I'm beginning to think that if our adventures stop being exploratory, Earth might fall out of orbit," Ben said with a deep sigh.

"You're not alone in that thought," Sue replied.

"A time machine..." Johnny's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Brainiac, you've outdone yourself!"

"I will outdo myself," I clarified. "I can't claim this as entirely my creation."

Blondie waved dismissively, "Future Reed Richards or present, it doesn't matter!"

His words brought a smile to my face.

"So, everyone agrees to go?" I asked the team.

Johnny nodded.

"And how could I let you go alone or with just this matchstick?" Ben raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I'm going with you."

"Do you really need to ask?" Sue added with a charming lift of her brow.

My smile at that moment was possibly the most sincere one I had ever shown.

"Reed, what exactly is Rama-Tut?" Sue asked after a pause.

"A man from the distant future," I replied. "Future me didn't give detailed information, but this man possesses technologies far beyond our time."

Future Me indeed didn't provide detailed information. All my knowledge was based on what I knew from the comics.

Rama-Tut, also known to many as Kang the Conqueror, but known to few as Nathaniel Richards, was an extremely dangerous adversary, as he had the troublesome power to rule over time.

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