Chapter 103: The Light Beyond Stars
The Marvel Universe was in chaos as different realities started bleeding into each other through cracks in space.
Each new crack caused more problems as different versions of heroes and villains found ways to jump between timelines, starting wars that spread across endless different possibilities.
Even the Null Space, that empty area between worlds where realities touched each other, was changing in ways that would drive normal people crazy.
Powerful beings were claiming territory in the empty space between worlds, building kingdoms from pure possibility and feeding off raw reality itself.
Among these self-appointed rulers of nowhere, none scared people more than the mutant called Nova.
Just her being in the Null Space created waves of distortion that made experienced dimension travelers avoid entire areas of the void.
Even Loki, who had mastered Allioth and gained incredible power in small areas, approached her territory with the kind of respect you'd show a dangerous predator.
Nova was something new - she was the twin sister of an X-Men from a timeline where genetic mutation had gone way beyond normal understanding.
In her universe, the line between mutant and cosmic force had completely disappeared, leaving beings who existed more like living ideas than just enhanced humans.
The Raven's awareness across multiple universes studied the complex structure behind what people called "the Marvel Universe."
It wasn't really one reality but more like a huge group of space-time clusters, each one containing countless parallel versions and branching possibilities.
The One Above All ruled over this entire system, tying different realities together into something that worked like a unified purpose.
These universe clusters connected through the Null Space, kind of like neurons in a cosmic brain, allowing controlled interaction between realities that would otherwise stay forever separate.
It was a smart system, designed to prevent the kind of contamination that could corrupt entire reality groups.
Kang the Conqueror's Sacred Timeline had worked as both a prison and protection, isolating not just alternate timelines but entire universal clusters from each other.
His defeat had broken these barriers like a dam bursting under too much pressure, letting the chaotic flood of infinite possibility flow freely again.
But within this seemingly uncontrolled chaos, the Raven noticed patterns that suggested a deeper plan.
The Tzeentch fragments growing within the Marvel Universe's chaos represented more than just random corruption - they were signs of something much bigger.
The Architect of Fate's essence fed on change itself, drawing power from the constant flow of possibility that defined Marvel's reality structure.
In an environment like this, Tzeentch didn't just survive - it grew exponentially in ways that would have been impossible in more stable realities.
Already, people studying magic had started getting whispered hints from sources they couldn't identify.
Sorcerers looking for more power found their research guided by insights that seemed to come from their own minds, never suspecting their thoughts had been gently shaped by influence from beyond reality's barriers.
The corruption spread through curiosity rather than force, making it almost impossible to detect until the change was complete.
By the time practitioners realized their studies served purposes beyond what they originally intended, they had already become willing carriers for spreading Tzeentch's influence to others.
"It really is a mess," the Raven said with something like admiration for just how big this disaster was.
But this chaos was an opportunity rather than a threat.
The Marvel Universe's structure made it basically quarantine-proof - even if Tzeentch took complete control of that reality cluster, its influence would stay contained by the same barriers that had once protected individual timelines from each other.
By the time the Architect of Fate developed enough power to loudly declare, "My fate is mine, not OAA's."
The Human Empire would have achieved the technology and spiritual development needed to launch trips between dimensions.
…
After finishing his survey of the four changed realities, the Raven started looking at potential targets for the next phase of imperial expansion.
His consciousness drifted through idea-space, touching the edges of countless universe clusters and reality groups.
"How about the Saint Ruins Universe? I don't know if I should go to the Shrouding the Heavens timeline, or the Perfect timeline, or the Ancient timeline."
The possibility was very appealing - realities where individual cultivation could reach truly cosmic levels, where single beings wielded power enough to reshape universal constants through pure will.
If Tzeentch followed them into a framework like that, the results would be spectacular in how quickly they'd end.
The Raven could see the scene perfectly: some transcendent cultivator would form an Emperor Seal with a casual gesture, grab the corrupting influence, and refine it into harmless essence within moments.
The Architect of Fate's multi-dimensional schemes would collapse like sand castles before the tide.
"Let's forget about it." Despite the temptation, practical concerns won out.
"The Saint Ruins Universe is ultimately too scary, and it leans toward the transcendent side. I can't just go and take Emperor Scriptures for scientific research, can I?"
The basic philosophies were just incompatible.
Those realities focused on individual transcendence through personal cultivation, while the Emperor's vision emphasized group ascension through technology and spiritual development.
Trying to bridge such different approaches would waste precious time and resources that could be better invested elsewhere.
The cultivation path demanded power to return to oneself, concentrating cosmic authority within individual consciousness until single beings could challenge reality's fundamental laws.
The imperial path sought universal elevation, raising entire species to heights that no individual could achieve alone.
Both approaches ultimately aimed toward transcendence and eternity, but their methods couldn't work together.
Trying to combine them would likely produce something worse than either of the pure paths.
"For the new universe, let's choose the Ultraman Tiga Universe!"
The decision came together with satisfying clarity.
Among the available options, the Ultraman reality cluster offered the best benefits while minimizing serious risks.
The Raven had several universe coordinates that contained real infinite energy sources, but every such reality came with dangers that could threaten even empire-level civilizations.
The remaining options provided only fake-infinite energy, sources capable of supporting planet-scale operations indefinitely but lacking the cosmic scope needed to power time anchoring systems across reality barriers.
After careful analysis, the Ultraman reality cluster represented the perfect compromise between opportunity and stability.
The technologies for transforming ordinary humans into giants of light could revolutionize imperial military capabilities, while the various energy sources scattered throughout that reality framework might provide the foundation for true inter-dimensional expansion.
There was also the possibility of recruiting Daigo Madoka, the human host of Ultraman Tiga.
The first light of the universe had combat capabilities that could prove invaluable during future cosmic conflicts.
The Raven spent considerable time gathering intelligence about the Ultraman reality cluster's structure.
Like the Marvel Universe, it consisted of multiple grand universes and parallel versions woven together into a working whole.
Such complex reality architecture provided natural resistance to void corruption through backup systems and isolation protocols.
Corruption represented a universal threat that extended far beyond the specific forms of Chaos in Warhammer reality.
Across all reality frameworks, specific patterns of entropy and evil influence sought to transform ordered realities into nightmare landscapes where hope itself became impossible.
Once a universe gave in to such corruption, the results were always catastrophic.
Eldritch horrors would multiply like cancer cells, while evil entities achieved near-divine power through feeding on suffering and despair.
Entire civilizations would be reduced to screaming madness as reality's basic constants became subject to the whims of insane gods.
This was why many universe clusters automatically suppressed the power of dimension travelers, not from hostility, but as protective measures designed to prevent contamination.
The restrictions applied not just to the Emperor, but to all entities attempting inter-dimensional transit who might carry corruption between realities.
The Ultraman reality cluster's structure resembled a cosmic onion, with outer universal layers wrapping around core realities in protective shells.
When outer versions became corrupted or damaged, they could be purified through controlled dimensional purging or simply discarded like diseased tissue.
Similarly, when outer layers required repair or replacement, they could draw power from core universe reserves to regenerate or spawn entirely new protective versions.
The system provided both stability and adaptability while maintaining the purity of essential reality matrices.
Entering the Ultraman cluster would potentially grant access to several subsidiary reality groups, including the Trigger Universe with its Eternal Core, the Land of Light Universe with its Plasma Spark Tower, and the innermost Gaia Universe, where the fundamental forces of light and shadow achieved perfect balance.
The Eternal Core represented a desirable prize, an energy entity capable of reshaping universal constants through pure applied will.
While the current Human Empire lacked the technology base needed to use such artifacts fully, they could serve as invaluable research subjects for future development projects.
The Plasma Spark Tower's ability to promote human evolution along beneficial paths offered more immediate applications.
If its operating principles could be reverse-engineered and adapted to imperial specifications, entire populations could be elevated to superhuman capabilities without the instability that plagued many Golden Age enhancement technologies.
When the Human Empire eventually achieved enough development to begin systematic multi-universal conquest, such technologies would prove essential for establishing stable control over conquered realities.
It was better to acquire and study them during the current expansion phase than to attempt hasty integration during active military campaigns.
After finishing his analysis of the Ultraman cluster's predetermined fate patterns, the Raven left the Mist Space and returned to baseline reality.
The Emperor remained absorbed in his laboratory experiments, having shed his ceremonial golden armor in favor of practical research equipment.
Without the trappings of imperial majesty, he looked like nothing more than a dedicated scholar pursuing knowledge for its own sake.
Projection screens filled the laboratory's atmosphere with cascading data streams and runic analysis programs, while biological samples pulsed within nutrient-rich containment cylinders.
The harmonious chorus of precision instruments created a symphony of discovery as machine spirits sang their joy at participating in the grand work of understanding.
Every component had been blessed and sanctified according to Mechanicus protocols, ensuring that no evil influence could corrupt the research through technological possession.
Valdor stood at the laboratory's edge like a golden statue carved from living metal, his presence serving as both protection and witness to the Emperor's scholarly work.
"Big Corn Cob." The Raven appeared from dimensional transit and settled on Valdor's shoulder with casual familiarity.
"Raven." Valdor's acknowledgment came in tones of formal courtesy, though subtle warmth under his words suggested genuine affection for the creature's irreverent company.
"How are Big Guy's experiments coming along?" The Raven asked while preening his feathers with unconscious vanity.
"He is dissecting the Super Soldier Serum obtained from the Marvel Universe, preparing to reverse-engineer it to enhance the mortal auxiliary forces," Valdor replied with characteristic precision.
The information sparked immediate interest within the Ravens' consciousness. Captain America's enhancement formula represented one of the more stable genetic modification protocols in Marvel's reality.
It was powerful enough to elevate human capabilities beyond baseline parameters while maintaining psychological stability and physical integrity.
Unlike the explosive transformations that produced beings like the Hulk or Abomination, the Super Soldier enhancement provided measured improvements across all physical and mental attributes.
More importantly, it achieved these benefits without the catastrophic side effects that plagued most Golden Age enhancement technologies.
The Thunder Warriors' eventual madness served as a perfect example of uncontrolled enhancement syndrome.
The Super Soldier formula's stability made it ideal for widespread deployment among imperial auxiliary forces.
Once reverse-engineering was complete and manufacturing protocols established, every member of the Astra Militarum could potentially receive enhancement to near-Astartes physical capabilities while retaining normal human psychology and social integration.
The image of an imperial guardsman pointing at alien opponents while declaring
"Bring it on, I can fight you all day," carried considerable appeal.
Such forces would represent a dramatic improvement over current baseline human military capabilities.
After observing the research process for several minutes, the Raven's attention began to wander toward more entertaining pursuits.
"I'm so bored, Big Corn Cob, do you get bored standing here all day?" he asked while examining his reflection in Valdor's polished armor.
The Captain-General maintained his characteristic silence, offering no response to the creature's casual question.
"Let me tell you a cold joke." The Raven positioned himself closer to Valdor's hearing with evident enthusiasm.
Without waiting for permission, he launched into his story.
"Once upon a time, a family of earthworms lived happily together, but one day, when little earthworm woke up, he didn't see earthworm daddy, so he asked earthworm mommy, 'Where did daddy go?'"
The Raven's delivery was punctuated by his own laughter as he scratched at Valdor's armor plating with obvious delight in his own comedic genius.
"Little earthworm mommy said, 'Daddy went fishing with someone.'"
Valdor observed the creature's performance with expressions that suggested philosophical resignation rather than amusement.
The Raven's tendency to dissolve into hysterical laughter at his own jokes before anyone else could respond had become a familiar aspect of his personality.
"What's so funny?"
The Emperor's question came as he finished his current experimental phase and disposed of contaminated protective equipment in designated sterilisation containers.
"Raven is again amused by his own cold joke," Valdor reported with a deadpan face.
"I really envy you, always so happy every day." The Emperor's observation carried genuine warmth as he watched the Raven's continued giggles with paternal indulgence.
The creature's unstoppable joy represented something precious in a universe that offered countless reasons for despair.
His ability to find humour in even the most ordinary circumstances served as a constant reminder that existence contained possibilities beyond mere survival and conquest.
After several minutes of sustained laughter, the Raven finally regained enough composure to address practical matters.
"Big Guy, next time, I'll tell you an even funnier one." His promise carried the weight of solemn commitment.
"Then I shall be all ears," the Emperor replied with evident anticipation.
"Alright, we need to talk about where we're going. We've rested long enough." The Raven's tone shifted to business-like efficiency as he focused on their next dimensional expedition.
"Have you chosen a target universe?" The Emperor's question confirmed his readiness to resume their multi-universal campaign.
The Raven nodded with satisfaction. "I've chosen it."
"Then I'll go put on my armour. We'll depart immediately." The Emperor moved toward the laboratory's exit with purposeful strides, already mentally preparing for whatever challenges awaited them in the Ultraman reality cluster.
The next phase of imperial expansion was about to begin, and with it, the acquisition of technologies that could reshape humanity's destiny among the stars.
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(T/L: Hehe Emperor being softy huh nice nice!! hehe)
(PS: Brothers, check out this glorious image of our Saviours.)
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