Edward looked at the iconic Baxter Building with the Fantastic Four Logo. "First was the Inhumans, and now, the Fantastic Four. By that logi
Edward looked at the iconic Baxter Building with the Fantastic Four Logo. "First was the Inhumans, and now, the Fantastic Four. By that logic, the next major convergence should bring the X-Men into the fold."
"The probability of that happening is as high as 75%," Morgana nodded.
"Ra, what is the history of the Fantastic Four?"
"In the year 2007, a scientific expedition led by one of the most brilliant minds of the 21st century, Reed Richard — accidentally exposed him and three others to cosmic rays that granted all four of them powers. They then formed a team to help people."
"2007? That's before Tony was kidnapped," Edward muttered. It appears the Fantastic Four's myth has been woven into this timeline's history.
"Where were they during the Battle in New York?"
"They fought alongside everybody," Ra replied by showing him pictures and videos of the four, in their blue superhero costumes, fighting against the Chitauri.
"That means I should have invited them to the little talk I had with the Avengers," Edward commented.
"According to our investigation, you did," Ra nodded before showing him memories he retrieved from the Avengers. "Reed staunchly opposed how you treated everybody like a pawn at the Battle of New York. In fact, he opposed your existence as a whole, going as far as believing that there is a better way to deal with the convergences."
"It's understandable," Edward said calmly. Extremely intelligent individuals usually have an ego, believing they can solve any problems. "Well, has he found a better way?"
"Not as of now," Ra replied. "The cruel slaughter after the peaceful timeline fusion hit him hard, but ever since, he's been working in a more peaceful fusion method. He believes he can create a way for two timelines to fuse peacefully without the mindless killing."
Ra showed him Reed working on an object that resembles a cube. Then, the projection showed the blueprint.
"So, he has now admitted the Convergence cannot be stopped and devoted himself to managing the situation?" Edward chuckled before analyzing the blueprint. Edward immediately shook his head.
The thing contained a Dimensional Stabilizer, which Edward had already achieved. However, its presence revealed how little Reed trusted him, which left Edward speechless.
"It's a brilliant design," Edward commented. "He has already realized that the fundamental purpose of the convergence is to train people into soldiers. His design will allow people to inherit their variants' power and even memories with no issue. However, the greatest problem is stopping the madness."
During the peaceful fusion, anyone who meets their variant will have this uncontrollable urge to kill the other. The problem Reed is facing now is how to stop this madness before proceeding with the peaceful fusion.
"Does he have a chance of success?" Ra asked.
"My first instinct is to say no since even I can't do that," Edward said. The power involved in the Convergence is what Edward called the Greater Will, a term he coined to explain the Universal Will of the entire Marvel Multiverse — encompassing both the comic and cinematic universes.
The Greater Will is the sum of all the Universe Will in all timelines. Back in his home, it would be all the Cronai in all timelines added together. In fact, Edward believes that one of the primary purposes of the Convergence is the Greater Will regaining its power. By fusing all the timelines into one, the Greater Will can regain and focus all its power in one place to prepare for the terrifying future.
Reed was trying to study and interfere with such an entity. Under normal circumstances, Edward would say that it is impossible. But he would never underestimate one of the greatest minds in the MCU. Additionally, unlike him, the Greater Will may not interfere with Reed's study, and maybe even encourage him.
"What do you think?" Edward asked.
"I don't think he'll succeed as well," Morgana replied.
"Oh?"
"And it's not because of arrogance," Morgana added. "If the Greater Will wishes to train ruthless soldiers for war, Reed's peaceful approach is counter to its desire/plan."
"I see where you're coming from, but I don't completely agree," Edward stated. "Strong and ruthless soldiers are not the only thing needed to win a war. You also need normal people as support, or to build a better future after the war. So, I think Reed's existence is to study alternate paths for war preparations."
Morgana frowned: "Are you suggesting the Greater Will is using you and Reed as a pawn for this world's future? You represent the extreme path of war, and Reed is the more moderate and conservative approach?"
"I'm afraid so," Edward replied. "Our timeline is now a testing ground to determine what approach the Marvel Universe will use for war preparation."
"You, or this timeline, are insignificant for a being on the level of the Greater Will," Morgana added. "So, there should be other unique timelines that are resting grounds for the future."
"True," Edward nodded. "Update our database and label these unique timelines: Prime."
"I'm on it."
Edward focused on Ra: "Does Doom exist in our world?" Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, was the Fantastic Four's — especially Reed Richards' — greatest enemy. He was also Edward's favorite superhero back on Primordial Earth.
"No such person exists," Ra replied.
"What a shame," Edward muttered. He felt both relief and sadness that Doom wasn't present yet. Doctor Doom's mind rivaled Edward and Reed, and more importantly, Doom also combines magic and technology. Edward knew that if Doom ever got his hands on his Arcane Magic, the things this man would be able to achieve could cause him serious trouble.
The worst part is that Doctor Doom is a megalomaniac, meaning the chances of Edward getting along with him were higher than hell freezing over naturally.
"What should we do with Reed Richard?" Ra asked.
"I'll tell SHIELD to keep an eye on him. You just need to focus on protecting our timeline."
"Understood."
"Any other changes?" Edward asked. He invaded and annihilated a few timelines to reach the energy level of a Demon God King, meaning there might have been more changes to this timeline.
"The overall strength of all the universe's inhabitants has increased, but you would need to contact SHIELD for a more complete report."
"Alright."
Edward teleported to Kamar-Taj, but he did not meet the Ancient One first. Instead, he contacted Coulson.
"You're alive," Director Coulson said."I mean, you're back."
Edward's clone collapsed while he was in such a badly injured state, so he understood his reaction. "The situation was dire, so it took me a while to return."
"Well, I'm glad you're here," Coulson sighed.
"Report to me on the physical conditions of the people."
"Yes. The average human is now three times stronger than normal," Caulson said before showing him a file. While most people had their strengths and memories sealed, government agencies and the military were granted privileges. Of course, it was under the condition that these people would not use these superhumans to start a war or plunder resources.
"Do you think we are ready for public training?" Edward asked. The plan was to first focus on the military before expanding globally.
"I don't think so," Coulson replied. "SHIELD is still in the initial stage of spreading its scale universally. And even with the help of the Nova Empire, the process is slow." Edward has secretly controlled the Nova Empire and even created the Green Lantern Corps.
"In fact, even on Earth, we are still not united enough for mass public training," Coulson reported.
"I trust your judgement, but time is running out. You need to speed things up," Edward sighed. "I'll ask the Celestials to act as diplomats to different factions in the universe. This should speed up SHIELD's expansion. So, prepare to be busy for the next few years."
"I'm ready."