At the outset of his journey in the MCU, Thor is characterized by his arrogance and self-importance, believing himself to be above others. This hubris led Odin to exile him, hoping that he would eventually grasp the values of humility and compassion.
Now, as he stands before Vorrak, Thor may still possess the same fierce fighting spirit, but he has transformed into a being of kindness and respect. This mature warrior values camaraderie, representing a remarkable shift from the Thor that Odin once knew, highlighting a profound evolution in his understanding of the universe around him.
Vorrak felt an unsettling numbness wash over him, his thoughts spiraling as he attempted to comprehend everything unfolding before him.
'What if my worst fears have materialized... Have I crossed into Marvel's Parallel Universe? If that's the case, I might encounter mutants, Celestials, or perhaps even Miles Morales as Spider-Man instead of Peter Parker!' he pondered, shivering at the thought.
Like icy water splashed across him, Vorrak felt a wave of weakness wash over him. It dawned on him that he had indeed been thrust into a universe where everything was altered, including Thor's abilities, which seemed different from his MCU version.
'This is chaos. How can I apply my knowledge of the future if nothing aligns? What if Peggy Carter is the one who wielded the shield as Captain America instead of Steve?'
'How can I... I'm at a loss for words,' Vorrak realized with a sinking feeling that his foresight was futile, especially given his limited grasp of the Marvel universe.
He found himself in unprecedented trouble, more dire than any previous predicament he had ever faced.
'Did my earlier transportation trigger this change? Was it when I drew the Sword?' Vorrak mused, uncertain about what lay ahead.
'With everything spiraling out of control, my new priority must be simple: I need to survive until I can find a way to use my inter-dimensional portal to leap to another universe,' he resolved, forging a new purpose in his mind.
Instead of his past ambition of corrupting others, he was now focused on mere survival, aware that TOAA may already be observing him, taking note of his blunders.
In a moment of reflection, barely a heartbeat later, Laussa lauded him for defeating Thor, but Vorrak couldn't summon any joy from it. Everything felt utterly alien to him. Perhaps Loki possessed knowledge about his true origins—just the thought of it was enough to unsettle him even further. He managed a weary smile, recognizing how powerless he truly was in the face of fate.
Though he had resigned himself to his destiny, he had not given up hope. No, it was quite the opposite; he finally understood his position and, with that understanding, he had the upper hand to adapt and brace himself for the unpredictable challenges ahead.
"Now that victory is yours, prepare for a celebration that will last three days and nights!" Thor declared with great enthusiasm, while Odin watched Vorrak intently, his gaze lingering on the warrior's sword, though he chose to keep his thoughts to himself.
Meanwhile, Frigga engaged in conversation with Loki, who couldn't help but sneak glances at Vorrak's side. The atmosphere was light with laughter, and the spark in Vorrak's eyes was unmistakable. As soon as Thor's announcement was made, the attendants sprang into action, spreading the word of Vorrak's triumph over Thor and the upcoming festivities.
That day marked the most extraordinary chapter in Vorrak's life. After what felt like an eternity, he was finally embraced by the camaraderie of the Asgardian Gods.
Vorrak and his kin had a special affinity for raw food; the sweetness of blood tantalized his taste buds, while the nutrition from fresh meat invigorated his spirit. As the celebrations wound down, Vorrak returned to his quarters, graciously provided by Laussa herself. He settled in and took a moment to check his status, which was brimming with new updates.
It had been quite some time since he last reviewed his status, and he realized he had yet to fully explore the exciting new features of his system.
[Name: Vorrak (Carl)
Species: Symbiote
Talent Entries:
Red-Grade
- Symbiote Apex (Corrupted Symbiote)
Gold-Grade
- Eternal Sorcerer (Ancient One)
Blue-Grade
- Sovereign Swarm (Queen Ant)
- Widow's Dominion (Brown Black Widow)
- Indomitable Survivor (Kirabo)
- Burrowing Sage (Earthworm)
- Elderseer's Flame (Laussa Odinsdottir)
Green-Grade
- Silverback Dominance (Silverback Gorilla)
- Titan Strangler - Silent Execution (Titan Python)
- Velocity Predator (Cheetah)
- Phantom Stalker (Black Panther)
- Sky Sovereign (Eagle)
- Titan's Might (Elephant)
- River Juggernaut (Hippopotamus)
- Iron Sentinel (Pangolin)
- Stoneback Endurance (Honey Badger)
- Silent Reaper (Praying Mantis)
- Thunderous Roar (Baboon)
- Night Phantom (Barn Owl)
- Titan's Clutch (Giant Tortoise)
- Bladed Warden (Pangolin Beetle)
- Goliath Sprinter (Wilde Beest)
- Verdant Hunter (Tree Monitor Lizard)
- Storm Diver (Peregrine Falcon)
- Thunderhoof Titan (Rhino Stag Beetle)
- Crimson Viper (Bloodfang Viper)
- Obsidian Prowler (Black Jackal)
White-Grade
- Rhino Charge (Rhinoceros)
- Swift Burrower (Mole)
- Silent Skitter (Cockroach)
- Dew Forager (Antelope)
- Cunning Hopper (Grasshopper)
- Scale Shroud (Armadillo Lizard)
- Clutch Grappler (Gecko)
- Aqua Sentry (Terappin)
- Sharp Scent (Civet) ]
"What should I let go of in my entries? Aqua Sentry is essentially worthless to me; it merely helps me stay afloat in water, and I already possess the River Juggernaut. I can easily afford to part with Rhino Charge as well. In truth, most of my power derives from my green entries. So, two sacrifices it is," Vorrak murmured, tossing them aside and gaining 2 EP (Entry Points).
Vorrak cringed at the thought of discarding any of his entries; they served as his shield, unlike these two, which would only keep him alive in aquatic environments and barely boost his impact strength—attributes he hardly needed, given his overall enhancements in speed and strength.
Who knows what the future holds? Ultimately, he might have to eliminate most of his entries, keeping only a select few that truly serve him.
For the moment, he opted against experimenting with synthesis. He needed to find items that would work well together; based on his extensive gaming knowledge, the compatibility of elements is crucial for crafting higher-quality outcomes. If he attempted to combine poorly matched items, the result would be subpar.
That's why he remains uncertain about his remaining entries. For now, though, he needs to recharge, as a long day waits ahead before he can make his way back to Earth.
---
A few days ago, after Vorrak had been transported, Mark Kenner awoke in a haze, his gaze flickering as his once vibrant irises morphed into a haunting black and red.
In that moment, a ferocious roar reverberated through Kamar Taj as Mark transformed into a beastman. From his back sprouted slick, black tentacles, and his fingers elongated into razor-sharp claws, glistening menacingly.
Jack Kenner, standing closest to Mark, was taken aback, instinctively retreating as the memories of battles past flooded his mind. Suddenly, his eyes shifted into slits like those of a feline, but he quickly repressed this sudden change, worry etched across his face as he focused on his grandson.
The Ancient One, beside Jack, instantly recognized the drastic transformation and summoned a whip-like weapon to restrain the raging Mark, now fully transformed into a monstrous figure.
"A mutant? No, this is something beyond the ordinary," the Ancient One observed, her voice a mix of awe and caution. "He's stronger than any beastly mutant I've ever encountered." Jack, a beast mutant himself, nodded in silent agreement, understanding the magnitude of the situation.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jack embraced his own transformation, morphing into a silver beastman reminiscent of a werewolf. The Ancient One wasn't surprised; she had anticipated that he would shift as well.
The X gene, which flows through bloodlines, explained Jack's transformation, mirroring Mark's in essence, even if their appearances, strengths, and intimidation levels differed.
The Ancient One quickly grasped the cause of these disparities: it was Vorrak, who had inadvertently altered Mark Kenner's already mutated gene by taking residence within him.
Although Vorrak was gone now, his chaotic influence had left yet another challenge for her to tackle.
As Mark, now fully corrupted by his beastly nature, broke free from the Ancient One's restraints, he charged toward her in a frenzy.
His claw swiped through the air, aiming directly for the Ancient One's head. However, she conjured a portal just in time, allowing his strike to pass harmlessly through her as it instead struck his own back. A howl of anguish erupted from him, but within seconds, his regenerative powers mended the injury.
Jack watched, stunned and wary. The disparity between their regenerative abilities was stark; Mark's healing was unparalleled. Nonetheless, he composed himself and rushed to assist the Ancient One in subduing him.
Even without his help, the Ancient One could have overpowered Mark, but as a grandfather, Jack felt a deep obligation to protect. This partnership, fueled by their years of experience, facilitated their efforts.
But Mark Kenner, having undergone two mutations, boasted a level of strength that was formidable. Suddenly, something burst forth from his back; dark tentacles shot towards them with rapid ferocity.
Caught off guard, Jack and the Ancient One braced themselves as they narrowly avoided the oncoming appendages, only for the tentacles to deftly track their movements.
While they dodged the relentless strike, the Ancient One swiftly summoned twin swords, slashing at the tentacles, which seemed to regenerate with every cut. Jack, whose body was already robust, parried the assaults while conjuring a few spells, but the battle dragged on as Mark, tenacious as ever, continued to fight despite fatigue.
Finally, with a decisive blow, Jack managed to subdue Mark, who reverted to his human form and collapsed, unconscious. Breathing heavily, Jack hoisted Mark over his shoulder and glanced at the Ancient One, who wore a serious expression.
"Now... there's so much about you that needs to be revealed, Jack," the Ancient One remarked, her calm demeanor belying the intensity of the recent struggle.
Quietly, Jack followed her, aware that answers lay ahead in the wake of their chaotic confrontation.