The Multiverse is boundless, unimaginably vast. Even one ten-thousandth of its volume defies comprehension.
Malrick glanced at the four restrained individuals, surprised once more. He never would have guessed their capacity for disruption. Their talent for chaos rivaled that of Iron Man or Mister Fantastic.
Before he could comment, Captain Carter interrupted Jarvis, disbelief lacing her voice.
"Interference? No, it isn't! We are helping those universes in need! Not long ago, we helped a universe repel an invasion by Shuma-Gorath. You should be precise, Ultron!"
After Malrick defeated Infinite Ultron, Carter had been sent back to her own universe by Waqtu. Yet subsequent universe-crossing events led her to meet Storm, Kahhori, and Porty Duck. Together, they formed a new team, aiding worlds against threats. They had even defeated a Kang and seized his ship. Later, they built their own Multiverse-traveling vessel.
Among all the people she had encountered, none had accused her of meddling. On the contrary, almost everyone considered her just and selfless. That had been her guiding principle.
Until today, when an Ultron accused her otherwise.
Captain Carter instinctively argued. Yet the data presented shook her deeply.
"Ms. Carter, I must correct your form of address. I am Jarvis, not Ultron. Ultron was not born in my universe," Jarvis said calmly. "Further, while your actions and those of the other three may not have been malicious, they caused serious consequences.
The intersections you created by crossing universes — the links you formed between unrelated worlds — could once have been harmless. But now, the Multiverse is contracting, colliding, and collapsing. Even one small connection created by your travels is enough to make universes collide.
Moreover, you have been consistently confronting Shuma-Gorath's dimension. While protecting various worlds, Shuma-Gorath is tracking you. Wherever you go, that place bears its mark. In short, numerous universes are heading toward destruction because of your efforts, and the trend continues to spread."
Captain Carter was principled, like Captain America, yet she did not deny mistakes. Jarvis's words weighed heavily, undeniable. Her face paled as images of colliding universes and countless lives flashing in terror filled her mind. Echoes of screams rattled her.
"How… how could this be? We went to save people, repelled Shuma-Gorath, protected worlds in crisis…" Her hands gripped the armrest tightly, veins bulging.
The others fared no better. Their desire to create paradise had inadvertently contributed to chaos. Regret and dread surged, drowning them.
Carter remained vacant for three minutes, muttering under her breath, until her voice faded into silence. She appeared like a stagnant pool.
Black Strange frowned, silently reaching out to cast a calming spell. Yet Carter's eyes suddenly snapped up, urgency replacing regret.
"We have to act! We must do something! We thought we were saving the world, but we were driving the Multiverse's destruction. Those universes we could not reach, the worlds that collided because of our 'good deeds'… Jarvis, Malrick, Strange, you must know how to fix this. Tell us. No matter the cost, we will make amends!"
Jarvis did not respond, turning to Malrick instead. Malrick gave a subtle nod. The Temporal Devices around their necks clicked open. Malrick extended his palm.
"Welcome to the TVA, Captain Carter, and you three," he said.
The Multiverse's destruction had accelerated. For Battleworld or the God-Kingdom Universe, it was not entirely negative. Malrick's investigation aimed only to eliminate dangerous variables. Now that the factor had been identified, TVA agents could carry out the mission, concluding the matter.
After recruiting Carter's squad, several moved to the command room. Jarvis served tea and explained TVA operations.
"This news may offer some comfort," Malrick said, holding a ceramic cup of steaming black tea, its aroma calming.
"The reason for these Multiverse collisions, beyond Doom's constriction of timelines, had foreshadowing long ago. Captain America Steve Rogers — you should know him well. In nearly every universe, a Captain America travels to another world to marry and have children with the Carter there. Initially, this seemed a stable, high-probability event of the sacred timeline. But it carried hidden risks capable of causing universe collisions. Doom of Battleworld once confided this to me. He bore great malice toward Rogers, believing that the Multiverse's path to destruction was linked to Superheroes like him. And, in truth… he may have been right."
Malrick sipped the tea calmly. Across from him, the four women's expressions shifted like colored lights, a constant reflection of awe, fear, and apprehension.
"To make amends is simple. Follow Jarvis's instructions, carry out missions. He will design the most efficient plan. But first, we must discuss Waqtu." Malrick set his cup down, the clink of porcelain echoing lightly.
Carter's squad, dazed by universe-wide catastrophe, regained focus. Carter produced a diamond-shaped fragment from her waist. Transparent but iridescent, it resembled a shard from a shattered, dreamlike mirror.
"We only found this. Waqtu's condition is unclear," she said.
Malrick examined the fragment. "This is from the edge of the Observer's domain."
Carter nodded. "When Waqtu took me through the universes, I saw similar outer walls. Perhaps this fragment means Waqtu is in danger."
"Highly likely," Malrick pondered. "A battle occurred in the Observer Realm. It is certain that forces beyond a single universe were involved. Observers often die first before major events begin. It seems Waqtu's situation is indeed grim."
Malrick allowed himself a moment of mourning for this old friend, still somewhat unfamiliar yet cherished.
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