A galaxy far, far away.
The Middle Ring. The small principality of Hyperbernia.
758 DBYA.
20 years before the Mandalorian Purge.
Victor von Doom.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I scrutinised every detail of my unbearably young body, focusing, of course, on my face.
A face unmarred by burns and scars from the explosion! A face that didn't need to hide behind a mask!
"It'll do." — The green eyes were exactly the same as when I used magic in my real body, but the hair... The hair was an unusual shade of blonde. Slightly richer than Susan Storm's... I don't call her by her full name anymore... Just think, instead of me, me!
...To choose some Richards. What a disgrace. The greatest stupidity on her part. And I despise stupid people even more than Richards.
As for Mephisto and the deal... His so-called contractual partners have not deigned to show themselves. Even after a whole month in this very, very unusual universe.
Or, more accurately, galaxy.
In the end, the local people were too similar to my own kind for me to rush to dismiss the fact that I was still in the same universe. No matter what the demon said.
Even despite some other factors, including the complete impossibility of using the magical practices I was familiar with... Although, should the local mystical energy even be called Magic?
Here, it was called by a ridiculous and pathetic name — the Force. And judging by what I feel in my gut, the range of possibilities is not particularly wide... But it's too early to tell. I have no knowledge. I mean, none at all. Even when I was studying in New York in my distant youth, I had more information about the mystical side of the world.
But returning to the body that finally freed me from the prison of disfigured flesh...
Age: ten years old.
Just a month ago, a guy hit his head badly, and his soul successfully left the body where Mephisto or his partners had placed me. This question also needs to be resolved. I do not wish to suddenly discover that the galaxy where my reborn mother may live could be prematurely abandoned by me... The search must begin as soon as possible, and it will be easier to do so after first subjugating this Far, Far Away Galaxy.
...As for the social status of this body, Victoria Ersbeta... What a disgusting surname, by the way. I'll have to change it to my real one later... The boy was the only son of a very successful human trader, Afondros Ersbeta.
His mother was dead. She died in an accident. I'm used to it... But.
But I'll have to find out more about that. I wouldn't want anyone to try to kill me before I gain any real power... Shame, though... But for now, I'll have to rely solely on my brilliant mind and the protection of this body's father.
"Are you awake, sir?" — As befits a slave, the Twi'lek girl entered my bedroom with her eyes downcast.
An alien. A representative of one of the many species in this galaxy, of which, according to the guardian of this body, there are millions.
What role did the Twi'lek play in the social community of the Galaxy?
Voluntary slaves. It was an interesting phenomenon when these creatures voluntarily went into slavery because of the harsh life on their planet. The most famous women of easy virtue were from their race. It didn't matter what they were called, dancers, waitresses... The essence was the same.
Perhaps this was their way of escaping the patriarchal system of their home world and throwing themselves into a life of debauchery?
I should find out more about them. After all, traders in this galaxy often traded slaves, who were very popular among free intelligent beings. More precisely, they are officially contracted workers, but does a change in name change their status?
Not at all.
"Yes, Talisa." — I replied briefly, already beginning to prepare the role of a thoughtful child, which would smoothly transition into that of a sensible and attentive teenager. One who always judges truthfully, speaks correctly, and, in general, is the only one suitable for the role of leader.
With a silent bow, the woman led me through the corridors of a three-storey building located in the inner circle of the planet's capital city. Outside, there was another building where the less well-off intelligent people lived. The builders of this place did not bother with serious architectural solutions, thoughtlessly dividing the rich and the poor.
Stupid. There was no such stupidity in Latveria, unworthy of a real state.
"Oh, son!" exclaimed a well-fed man at the table.
"Father." — I nodded barely perceptibly, carefully concealing my contempt. That was all I could afford to show to such a pathetic little man, whose only merit was his ability to trade. But I had seen too many people like him in the twenty-first century to respect them even a little.
Oh, how many "tempting offers" they made to the new monarch of Latveria... I still don't regret giving the order to the Doom-Bots to destroy them. People who tried to rob my country don't deserve forgiveness.
"Oh, you're as brief as ever... Well, never mind, the main thing is that your teachers praise you and you will be able to inherit my business..." — clearly not embarrassed by his supposedly unintelligent child, said the fat man.
In these words, I also caught his involuntary hint that he would not replace me with one of his bastards. The previous owner of this body knew about them. Useless scum who could only enjoy the favour of their biological father. They would be of no use — which meant they were also candidates for elimination or absolute submission to the will of the Council.
"Yes, Father, Shol praises me highly." — Gritting my teeth, I forced a smile and showed a little servility.
Oh, how much effort it took! Mef-f-fisto! You'd have been better off making me an orphan! I'm more used to that! But never mind, Duma never forgets a slight... Never!
"Well, that old one-legged Söfi taught me, so I trust him... Here's what I wanted. Are you ten already? So... Today you'll go with me around town, and I'll teach you a few things. Shol is good at maths and other arithmetic, but he's a complete zero when it comes to business.
Shofi... A much more interesting race. They live longer than humans and are very similar to the mythical elves of northern mythology... Although, considering the existence of Thor, they could well be in my universe... But I haven't met any.
"Thank you, Father." — It was a miracle that my teeth didn't grind. Even though this trip would be useful to me and allow me to explore the capital of the planet and the principality at the same time.
"It's good that I have such a clever son..." — the merchant grunted contentedly, grabbing the leg of one of the galaxy's numerous birds.
I didn't deny myself the meal either. Despite all the inconveniences of my situation, the food here was quite good, albeit unusual.
A few hours later.
The demon... He definitely knew about this place.
Otherwise, I don't understand how this principality could be so similar in its ruin to Latveria before my glorious reign as the first and last of the Dumovs.
If even in the wealthy areas I saw ragged beggars, what must it be like in the poor ones? Surely that was why the father of this body never went there, as even his limited mind understood that not even his guards could save him there.
This piece of lard was babbling something about trade, but I listened only in passing. Personally, I intend to earn money only until I find at least some clear instructions on how to control this... Power. What a stupid name.
So far, I can only use light telekinesis, lifting or moving objects weighing no more than a kilogram with great effort.
It's a disgrace, not the Force with a capital F.
...I learned of the existence of the Sith's eternal enemy, the Jedi Order, known throughout most of the galaxy... But these monks were too different from those I had met in Tibet. They were much more intelligent, and I had a great deal of respect for them for imparting their knowledge freely.
The Jedi... The Jedi were more like the heroes I despised... That is, they were just another bunch of do-gooders and justice seekers, ha! What's more, they renounced worldly things like money and power, which was complete nonsense. With their power compared to ordinary intelligent beings!
For this reason, I was now interested in their ideological opponents, who were using their powers to gain power, and those who had signed a contract with Mephisto — the Sith. According to the old Sefi, they had disappeared several centuries ago... But how many times had self-proclaimed superheroes thought that Dumo was finally defeated? My musings were interrupted by a squad of local law enforcement officers, half human, half zabrak... Creatures similar to humans, except that instead of hair, they had horns.
"Don't resist. You will be searched... We have received information that rebels and insurgents may be hiding here..." — one of the men stepped forward, though he did not seem particularly enthusiastic.
Perhaps he was intimidated by our guards, who outnumbered them almost two to one? This is a disgrace, not a government. I would have long ago... Oh yes, let's not forget that the locals are not as intelligent as I am... And there are no beautiful Dumbots here, incorruptible and crystal-clear loyal to the ruler. What a primitive and pitiful state...
Speaking of Dumbots... I'll have to inquire about local progress in robotics... I mean, droid construction. I'd better get used to the local terminology.
"Ho-o-o! How dare you speak to the baron, husband of the late daughter of Count Aloso?" — the mention of this noble title caused me a slight toothache... Barrons...
With a barely perceptible sigh and an angry glance forward, which fit the image of a nobleman's son, I once again engaged my intellect. Judging by the way the law enforcement officer paled, there was a system of privilege typical of the Middle Ages, where those with titles were subordinate to someone other than their own kind.
However, the father of this body only remembered his title when it suited him. A typical picture.
"Lord Ersebet!" — The guard visibly trembled. "We apologise for our ignorance!"
"New here, are you?" — The father of the body snorted contemptuously, scratching his fat neck. "Mm-hmm... Where is our blessed principality headed? Since I'm in a good mood... Hey, Hart, do this..." — While the body's father was ranting, I moved my hand as inconspicuously as possible, trying to pull the man's leg aside with telekinesis.
It took some effort, but...
The alien, or "exotic" as the locals called them, opened his eyes wide and sat down on the floor from the shock.
A loud cry immediately escaped his lips.
Looking with satisfaction at the weak-willed nobody who reminded me of events from my childhood, of the cursed Baron Vladimir, who, by a twist of fate, managed to become king, albeit one whom I had overthrown.
Nevertheless, I put on a surprised face for those around me.
"Ha-ha-ha!" — blinking in surprise, the father of the body quickly burst out laughing. At the same time, he clearly did not understand that my action had caused his offender much more pain than his unspoken order to the head of security to deliver a few "preventive" blows. "Oh, you've cheered me up... Lieutenant, or whatever your name is? I'll let you go this time, but be more careful next time. Rebels and rioters, ha-ha... You've made me laugh!
I nodded almost imperceptibly to those around me, feeling a slight satisfaction at what I had done. And... You'd have to be a complete idiot not to understand the realities of the state you serve.
Did I imagine then that this minor incident would attract the attention of an interesting and intelligent individual?
No.
Would I admit this to anyone?
No, I won't.
A few weeks later.
This body had recently celebrated its tenth birthday. Lessons with the old Sefi continued. He told me more and more amazing things about this incredibly vast galaxy.
In my free time, I engaged in technical research. More precisely, I begged for a local droid for personal use.
Of course, not by myself. I couldn't have endured such shame, trying to kill the one before whom Samdumbyl was forced to humiliate himself like that!
Ahem!
My father had a new and, for the time being, beloved mistress of the human race, and I childishly hinted to this naive woman that I wouldn't mind having a beloved younger brother and sister... in exchange for the droid. She was clearly not completely stupid, since she knew how to please a very capricious fat man, so she quickly understood the potential of the idea presented to her.
Left alone, I spat for a long time that I had called such a lost woman a mother. M-m-m-filth!
...But back to the technology...
The droids here were very, very interesting.
Despite the fact that they were created using the binary code I was familiar with, the locals had developed it very, very well. It even got to the point where a miracle was created, even by my standards — a language, a binary language that allowed communication with the local robots, which were unable to speak in familiar languages.
This marvel was created only a hundred years ago, and the locals have not yet seen its potential! Fools... However, not everyone is destined to possess my level of intelligence.
As for the other droid systems... In some ways, they surpassed my Doom Bots, for example in their defence systems as a whole and in their artificial intelligence, but in other ways they were seriously inferior, such as in mobility, strength and overall combat potential.
Overall... There was work to be done and time to spend in my childhood body. Still, this mystical Force refused to grow stronger.
Yes, now I can lift twice as much weight, but that's a ridiculous increase!
However... This Force had another wonderful thing about it, like a premonition of danger, similar to the spider sense of a teenager. And thanks to that, I sensed the threat that had just arisen.
A neatly hidden blaster instantly flew into my hand, and I immediately fired it at the dark figure in the corner, which I hadn't noticed at all before!
"Power..." — I narrowed my eyes with interest as a large scarlet blaster bolt scattered from the swing of a hand encased in a black glove.
"Where did a ten-year-old child get such a powerful weapon?" — asked the stranger with interest, whose face and race I could not see because of his deep hood.
Oh, how I could use my sorcerer's knowledge right now! But it proved to be practically useless when dealing with this Force.
"I stole it from a slow-witted guard and upgraded it... And then I slipped a laxative into the food of a blind fool, which disgraced him in front of the fat man and... What?!" — I exclaimed angrily, quickly cutting myself off. Who dared to influence Duma like that?!
"Are you wondering why I suddenly started telling the truth? It's an opportunity given to us by the Force. The Force that you also possess, young man." "Hmm," the stranger grunted, removing his hood and revealing a face that was not young. "Although I must admit, yes... You possess remarkable willpower, since you were able to dispel the illusion I created in just a few seconds. I was not mistaken about you. Not at all.
"What did you not mistake, and who are you?" — I raised my voice, stepping back and trying to figure out how to quickly call the guards so they could kill or capture the uninvited guest.
But the bald, half-blind man in dark clothes didn't even move, even though he could clearly see all my movements. That, in fact, made me stop. If he's so calm... It means he believes he can handle all of my father's guards.
Or he's a complete idiot, which I doubt. He wouldn't have lived this long if he were. Not in this galaxy.
"Are you a Jedi?" — I asked, not waiting for an answer.
"Why do you think so?" — the old man leaned forward with interest.
"I've heard that Jedi kidnap children. I used to think it was nonsense, the ravings of idiots who believe in fairy tales and rumours, but now that I've seen it with my own eyes..." — I chuckled calmly, beginning to calm down after such a vivid demonstration of my own helplessness.
Just think, me, me!
...Put in such a position...
Shame. And a new target for revenge. No one dares to put me in such a position!
"Ha-ha-ha!" — For some reason, the Sith became amused, and for a moment... Just for a moment, his disguise slipped, and I felt myself being enveloped by an icy stream of concentrated Force. A dark Force, like the cold nights of Latveria. "Oh, I'm sorry... Your words sounded so logical that I involuntarily drew parallels between my behaviour in recent years and the activities of the accursed Jedi.
"If you don't like these monks, and your Force... I suppose you are a Sith." — I understood immediately, for my brilliant intellect quickly drew the appropriate conclusions.
"Right on the mark." — The old man chuckled with a satisfied look on his face. "Although, to the uninitiated, I could have been a fallen Jedi... But I think I should tell you why I came to you."
"It would be worth it." — I nodded in agreement, putting my blaster aside and reflexively crossing my arms over my chest.
Even if he was a Jedi and had managed to deceive me, he had no hostile intentions and clearly did not know who I really was. Otherwise, this old man would have immediately tried to destroy me as a potential rival who surpassed him in everything. Or as the evil of the world, as some seers saw me.
"It's quite simple, young man. My apprentice was too weak to kill me, so I defeated him. After that, I had to travel across the galaxy to find a new one. Without success!" — he raised his voice, waving his hands. "I even looked on Corriban for answers... And what a surprise it was when a whole bunch of ancient spirits rose from their graves and sent me to this sector of the Galaxy! And only a few weeks ago did I realise which planet to look for a new apprentice on! Here, on Hyperborea!
"That doesn't mean anything to me." — I lied with a straight face, quickly beginning to understand what old dead people Mephisto was talking about.
Interesting... Apparently, they decided not to drag it out and immediately sent me their... Follower? Colleague? Slave? Most likely the second one. Otherwise, his words would have been completely different.
But that's assuming they're not blatantly lying to me right now.
"He's not saying anything yet. Besides, you're the first person in years I can talk to without killing him afterwards." — the old man exhaled, calming down. " — They sent someone too unreliable... All right! Tell me, young man, who speaks like a mature and intelligent person... Do you understand why I have appeared before you and am being so frank?
"You want to make me your disciple." — I snorted proudly, stating the obvious. For any sage, magician or scholar, it would be an honour to have the very Duma as a disciple!
"That's right. But not quite. It is you who wants to become my disciple!" — the old man threw his hands out sharply, immediately striking my current body with the brightest and fastest lightning bolts.
"Kh-kh... I... Will... Kill... You... Pathetic... Nothingness..." — I croaked through clenched teeth, struggling to my feet from the floor where I had fallen in disgrace.
"O-o-o-o... Magnificent, wonderful!" — the old man laughed with a hint of madness, continuing to strike with lightning bolts. "That, as you already understand, is what I hope for most of all!"
***
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