Chapter 212: Across the Spider-Verse (36)  

[In Michael's Universe]

The scene in Michael Wilson's universe was one of chaotic intensity. The room was bathed in the eerie light of a massive rift that had recently opened, casting an unsettling glow over the assembled heroes and villains. The air crackled with tension as the remnants of the battle began to settle, revealing a grim tableau of allies and adversaries alike.

Loe Halloway, gravely injured with a deep stab wound in his abdomen, was being tended to by Bruce Banner, who worked with a focused urgency to stabilize him. Nearby, Doctor Strange was locked in a tense standoff with Thanos, whose imposing presence filled the room with a palpable sense of dread.

Thanos, towering and menacing, held an array of powerful artifacts in his gauntlet: the Mind Stone, Soul Stone, Space Stone, and Time Stone, each gleaming ominously. In his left hand, he wielded a menacing blade, its edge gleaming with lethal intent. Beside him stood Ebony Maw, his telekinetic powers creating ripples in the fabric of reality as he manipulated the environment with effortless precision.

Suddenly, another portal burst open, and Corvus Glaive emerged, his imposing figure cutting through the chaos. Thanos' gaze shifted to his lieutenant with a mixture of anticipation and impatience.

"Did our men appear here?" Thanos inquired, his voice resonating with authority.

Corvus Glaive, his eyes sharp and calculating, nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, my lord. All of them have appeared safely, though they are dispersed across different locations."

Thanos' expression hardened into a grim smile. "Good. Then let's hunt this world."

Thanos' declaration hit the heroes like a jolt of electricity. It was clear: Thanos planned to tear the world apart in his search for his power stone bringing chaos and destruction wherever he went. The heroes, already on edge, understood that things were about to get much worse.

Amid the chaos, Ebony Maw floated above the battle, using his telekinetic powers to attack Doctor Strange again. Strange, alert and focused, used his magic to block the attacks. Meanwhile, his cape was hiding the Power Stone, keeping it safe. The fight was intense, with both sides battling hard to gain control.

Thanos' gaze swept across the room, searching for the elusive Power Stone. His frustration was evident as he bellowed, "Where is the Power Stone?"

Loe, gritting his teeth against the pain, spat out a defiant retort. "Beats me, ask the goddamn fucker." Showing his middle finger to them while holding his injuries.

Ebony Maw's eyes narrowed in anger. "Arrogant fool!" he seethed, preparing to unleash his telekinesis once more.

But Thanos, seemingly weary of the fruitless search, raised a hand to stop him. "No more.." he commanded. His attention was now drawn to Mark Taylor and Emily Taylor, who had moved to confront him.

Mark, his expression steely with determination, shouted, "Don't touch him!"

Emily, also known as Lady Vamp, moved with a graceful yet menacing presence, her vampiric nature clear from the way she carried herself and the aura she exuded. Thanos, his eyes keen and scrutinizing, noticed her supernatural qualities and studied her intently.

"You are a half-breed," Thanos stated coldly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Emily. His gaze then shifted to Mark. "And you are not what I would call human. You are like the Avengers."

Mark's confusion was palpable. "Avengers? What are you talking about?"

Thanos' lips curled into a cruel smile. "So, there are no Avengers in this universe. How intriguing."

[The absence of Avengers in this universe suggested that the heroes might be facing an even greater challenge without the support of their iconic counterparts.]

Doctor Strange, sensing the gravity of the moment, continued to guard the Power Stone within his cape, his mind racing to devise a plan. Bruce Banner's hands worked swiftly to stabilize Loe, his concern for his boss evident despite the ongoing battle.

As the room became a chaotic battleground, the heroes and villains clashed with an intensity that reverberated through the air. Dr. Strange, surveying the scene, realized the urgency of their situation. The scientists, caught in the crossfire, had scattered in panic, their screams echoing through the room as they fled from the chaos.

Dr. Strange's mind raced as he considered their options. With the room filled with the sounds of battle and the tension rising, he knew they needed to escape. He focused on the space around him, trying to conjure a portal that would lead them to safety.

Thanos, towering and imposing, cast a chilling gaze over the heroes. His voice was a cold, ruthless declaration. "I killed them all. The Avengers..." His words were meant to inflict psychological damage as much as physical.

Mark, still grappling with the enormity of the situation, was taken aback. The mention of the Avengers, whom he had no knowledge of but assumed to be akin to the heroes he was familiar with, filled him with a new rage. The idea that these heroes had been slain by Thanos fueled his determination to fight.

Bruce Banner, his expression one of grim resolve, urged, "Sir, we need to go. Now!" He supported Loe Halloway, trying to keep his injured friend steady.

Peter Quill, his injuries severe, locked eyes with Thanos. His voice trembled with fury and anguish as he demanded, "Did you also kill Gamora?"

Thanos remained silent, his expression unreadable. The lack of response was a heavy blow to Peter Quill, who took it as confirmation of his worst fears. His face twisted in a mix of grief and rage. "You monster!" he shouted, launching himself at Thanos in a desperate attack.

Corvus Glaive, ever vigilant, responded without hesitation. With a swift, practiced kick, he struck Peter Quill in the stomach. The force of the blow caused Peter to double over and vomit, his body flying back from the impact.

Dr. Strange, realizing the futility of confronting Thanos and his forces directly, shouted, "We can't fight them here. We need to escape!"

Thanos roared in frustration, his voice booming through the chaos. "Bring me the Power Stone!"

Corvus Glaive and Ebony Maw, loyal to their master, acknowledged the command with a nod. "Yes, my lord!" they chorused, their eyes scanning the room for the elusive artifact.

Dr. Strange, still trying to maintain his focus amidst the chaos, began to open a portal. But Ebony Maw, sensing the impending escape, used his telekinesis with deadly precision to disrupt Strange's spellcasting. A blade, wielded by Thanos, was hurled towards Strange.

Strange managed to evade the blade with a quick sidestep, but the weapon grazed his cheek, leaving a painful cut. The blood trickled down his face, a stark reminder of the danger they faced.

The room was a cacophony of clashing powers and desperate cries. The heroes were fighting for their lives, their movements frantic as they tried to outmaneuver their formidable foes. The stakes were higher than ever, and the fate of their universe seemed to hinge on their ability to escape and regroup.

Dr. Strange, his determination unwavering despite the injury, continued to focus on creating the portal. His mind was set on one goal: to get his allies to safety and regroup before they faced their next challenge. The battle was far from over, and every second counted as they fought to survive and protect what remained of their world.

The battle in the underground room had reached a fever pitch. Dr. Strange, his face etched with concentration and frustration, muttered, "Tsk, I can't find an opening." His efforts to conjure a portal were being thwarted by the relentless attacks from Ebony Maw, who used his telekinesis to keep Strange on the defensive.

Corvus Glaive, eyeing the beleaguered Guardians of the Galaxy, prepared to finish them off. His cosmic glaive shimmered with deadly intent as he advanced menacingly toward them. Mark Taylor and Emily Taylor, both injured but determined, stepped in to confront Corvus.

Corvus smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Heh... no matter how strong you two are, you can't match my power!" His voice was dripping with arrogance as he raised his glaive, ready to strike.

Meanwhile, Ebony Maw continued his relentless assault on Dr. Strange. Strange dodged and weaved, his magical defenses barely holding as he tried to keep Ebony Maw at bay while searching for a way to escape.

Thanos, meanwhile, turned his attention toward Loe Halloway. Loe was still suffering from the stab wound, his condition growing more critical by the second. Bruce Banner, frantic and desperate, realized that Loe's life was hanging by a thread. He had no choice but to use the vial of green liquid he had been keeping—the product of his latest experiment, which he had dubbed Power Radiation. This potion, created by harnessing the weakening power of the Power Stone, was meant to boost the gamma radiation abilities.

Bruce's mind raced as he uncorked the vial. "I can't waste time. I have to drink this!" he thought, his gaze fixed on Thanos, who was closing in on Loe.

Without hesitation, Bruce chugged the vial's contents. The green liquid surged through him, and almost immediately, his body began to pulsate with raw energy. His heart raced, and he could feel the transformation taking hold. Thanos, sensing the ominous shift in energy, looked at Bruce with growing curiosity and recognition.

Thanos's eyes narrowed as he observed the transformation. "Now, why do you look so familiar? You are Hulk!" he exclaimed, the realization dawning on him.

As Bruce's transformation reached its peak, his body began to swell and grow, turning an intense shade of green. His muscles expanded, and his stature grew colossal. The once-docile scientist was now the Hulk, his power magnified by the experimental potion. The ground trembled beneath him as he roared, his presence now an enormous force of fury and strength.

Thanos's gaze was a mix of intrigue and wariness. The Hulk, now fully transformed, glared at Thanos with a primal rage that promised devastation.

The room's chaotic energy surged with the Hulk's entry into the fray. Everyone, though battered, was shocked by Bruce's transformation, having never seen anything like this before—a massive green creature. But Dr. Strange, who was already aware of it, seized the opportunity provided by the momentary distraction, focusing on creating a portal making it big for hulk and everyone to fit in,while the Hulk prepared to confront Thanos with newfound strength.

Loe Halloway watched in shock as Bruce Banner transformed into the Hulk, his normally composed demeanor replaced with an uncontrollable rage.

"Bruce, what have you done?" Loe murmured, his voice tinged with both awe and concern. He knew the green vial had changed Bruce; after all, he had seen Bruce drink that potion.

Loe, clutching his injuries, realized the gravity of the situation.("This is not good. It seems like Bruce has become a mindless beast...) he thought, his eyes following the rampaging Hulk as he charged at Thanos with reckless act.

Thanos, observing the chaos with a calm, almost amused expression, remarked, "Now this Hulk is even more out of control than the one I fought before." A smirk curled on his lips as he added, "Maybe he's stronger than that Hulk too."

With that, the two titans collided. With a roar, the Hulk swung his massive fist at Thanos. Thanos didn't flinch. Instead, he met the Hulk's punch with his own. When their fists collided, the force was so powerful that it sent shockwaves through the room, making the ground tremble. Thanos grinned as he felt the Hulk's strength, impressed by the raw power but still holding his ground. The two were evenly matched in this clash of strength, with neither one backing down.

Meanwhile, Ebony Maw was continuing his assault on Doctor Strange, using his telekinesis to prevent Strange from completing the portal. Just as Ebony Maw was about to strike again, a sudden force struck him, sending him flying across the room. Dazed and surprised, he looked up to see who had delivered such a powerful blow.

Standing before him was Emily Taylor, also known as Lady Vamp. Her eyes glowed with a fierce determination, and her vampire trait was evident in the sheer strength and speed of her attack.

Ebony Maw, now recognizing her true nature, muttered, "A vampire… or rather, a half-vampire."

Emily glanced at her husband, Mark, who was squaring off against Corvus Glaive. "Babe!" she called out, concern evident in her voice.

Mark, keeping his focus on Corvus, replied, "Hon, focus on him! Let me handle this!" His eyes were locked on Corvus Glaive, ready to defend against any attack

Loe, struggling to stay conscious, surveyed the battlefield. The sight of his allies fighting with everything they had filled him with guilt. (I screwed up… I'm sorry, Michael...) he thought, regret weighing heavily on his mind.

As Loe Halloway fought to stay conscious, the pain from his injuries and the chaos of the battlefield overwhelmed him. His thoughts were a whirlwind of regret and worry, but then, amidst the turmoil, he heard a familiar voice, soft yet filled with concern, echoing in his mind.

"Honey, are you okay?"

Loe's eyes widened slightly, and his heart skipped a beat. It was the voice of his wife, Mindy Halloway, who possessed the power of telepathy. Despite the dire situation, her voice brought a sense of calm and comfort to him.

"Mindy..." Loe responded in his mind

To be continue