Chapter 38: The Grandeur of the Void

Harvey knew that it wouldn't be long before Tony Stark, now with his enhanced youth and physical prowess, would seek to become something like himself.

"If you become like me," Harvey said, "you'll be considered an outlier by others due to your different identity."

"Is this your concern? Have you really thought this through?"

Tony pondered Harvey's words, then replied, "To have a longer life to explore my talents and discover new things... I believe many would dream of such an opportunity."

"I was just too foolish to realize how mediocre my own thoughts were."

"But now I understand," Tony added, looking at his hands.

"If you've made up your mind, I can agree to your request," Harvey said. "But before we proceed, let me introduce myself properly."

"I come from the Void, and my power originates from the Void," Harvey said with a smile.

Tony wasn't surprised that Harvey Amberlock wasn't human; the knowledge and perspective Harvey possessed clearly extended beyond what ordinary superpowered beings knew. Tony was also aware that moral constraints wouldn't affect Harvey. But hearing about the Void, Tony's eyes widened.

"Is that… Grim Reaper… from the Void as well?"

Knowing about Grim Reaper had been Tony's gateway to the new world.

"Grim Reaper is merely a persona I use for convenience," Harvey explained. He decided to be upfront, anticipating that Tony might later seek out Grim Reaper as a fellow being. Given Tony's intelligence, it would be easier to clarify things now.

"Apologies for my previous offenses…" Tony said quickly, feeling a cold sweat break out as he remembered his past arrogance.

"You don't need to fear once you know my true identity," Harvey reassured him. "I'm not overly concerned with etiquette, but I have a principle: I treat others as they treat me. As long as you don't consider becoming my enemy, I won't harm you."

Tony was relieved by Harvey's non-revengeful stance, reassured that his past offenses hadn't been counted against him.

"Had I known Grim Reaper was your kin, I might have made a fool of myself with my Iron Man suit," Tony mused with a touch of regret.

"I hadn't considered that. But I didn't think you were a fool," Harvey replied. "On the contrary, I see you as a genius. You created the Iron Man suit with your own intellect. Though it has flaws, if you can replace palladium with another element, it could become an epoch-making product, granting others extraordinary powers and transforming humanity in profound ways."

Harvey paused his eating and thoughtfully reflected before speaking. "Let's set aside the compliments. Since you know about the Void now, how can I become like you?"

Tony was momentarily taken aback by the praise and shifted the topic to the main question.

"To become like me, you must believe in the Void and join it," Harvey said, noticing Tony's smiling pride. He didn't call him out but continued along Tony's line of questioning.

"Believe in the Void and join it?" Tony asked, confused. "What exactly is the Void—an entity, an organization, or a manifestation of some will?"

As Tony asked this, Harvey heard the system's voice in his mind.

"New lifeform detected with interest in the Void. Please confirm if you wish to make them experience the Void and alter their fundamental nature."

"The Void can be understood as a place, an intent, a race, or a dimension," Harvey explained, somewhat distracted by the system's message.

"So if I join the Void, I would no longer be human?" Tony asked, considering the implications.

"You can interpret it that way," Harvey replied. "Humans have limited lifespans. The explanation might be complex, so I'll show you, and then you can truly decide if you wish to embrace the Void."

Tony was intrigued but unsure of how to proceed. "How do I get to experience it?"

"You will know soon enough," Harvey said with a smile, confirming the system's request.

At that moment, Tony's eyes glazed over, and it felt as though his consciousness had drifted far away.

Tony found himself amidst the vast expanse of the cosmos. A colossal energy black hole appeared, its dazzling and bizarre colors mesmerizing.

This sight was something Tony had never witnessed in reality, only seen in movies. The universe trembled, and Tony saw the environment warping and shaking, as if something terrifying was emerging from the black hole.

Tony felt paralyzed with fear, his whole being trembling as he watched the cosmic void distort.

A monstrous figure, resembling a gigantic purple mantis, emerged from the black hole. This was only a part of its massive body, so enormous that Tony struggled to comprehend.

In comparison to this creature, the stars and celestial bodies seemed insignificant. Tony felt like a mere speck of dust in the vast galaxy.

The creature eventually transformed into a figure Tony recognized—Harvey Amberlock. This version of Harvey appeared different, exuding a sense of invincible solitude as he strolled through the cosmic expanse with his hands behind his back.

Tony saw other unimaginable creatures—one in a golden mask and white cloak that vanished into the Void, another covered in spines, swallowing a star whole, and a giant purple eye observing the universe from the shadows.

There were beings digging terrifying tunnels through the Void and a massive figure in purple armor seemingly overseeing the cosmic timeline.

The Void's myriad beings were beyond Tony's understanding, leaving him speechless and overwhelmed.

Finally, all these entities coalesced into one figure.

At this moment, Tony felt his insignificance and the grandeur of the Void, understanding the true nature of the Void's will.