The Crossroads - Newly Established Building15 Minutes After the Hall
Marco had manifested his shop inside the new building Elrond had provided. The massive door of liquid metal and shattered glass now had a permanent home, which meant he didn't have to summon it every time.
Small victories.
"James"—if that was really his name—walked into The Multiversal Store with the confidence of someone who had seen impossible things before.
But even he stopped when he saw the inside.
"Impressive," he murmured. "True extradimensional space. Not an illusion. Not technology. Pure spatial creation magic." His eyes—still glowing with that unnatural blue—scanned the endless bookshelves. "Whoever gave you this had power on the level of Abstracts. Maybe higher."
"I'm not going to dispute my sources," Marco said, walking to his desk. "But I'm willing to discuss your problem. Sit down."
James sat down, his posture relaxed but his eyes constantly moving, evaluating, calculating.
"TARS," Marco muttered mentally, "give me EVERYTHING you can about this guy."
[Scanning... This is complicated. Your energy signature is unstable. It's as if multiple entities are superimposed on one body. Detecting at least FIVE different power patterns.]
"Five?"
[At a minimum. It could be more. And none of them are completely compatible. They're... fighting for control.]
"Great. Absolutely great."
"Talking to your assistant?" James asked, amused. "I can sense an AI presence in this space. Sophisticated. I don't recognize the programming language."
"Because it's not from this universe. Or yours." Marco activated the interface. "Before we discuss business, I need some basic information. Who are you, really?"
James considered it for a moment. Then he sighed.
"My real name is classified. Literally—uttering it would cause reality distortions. But 'James' works for practical purposes." He leaned forward. "I'm what's left after a cosmic entity called Legion was shattered in battle against Celestials."
"Legion?" Marco searched his comic book memory. "Like in... the multiple personality entity?"
"You know about me. Interesting. In your world, do we have... stories?"
"Something like that. But keep explaining."
"Legion was—IS—an Omega mutant with the power to create alternate personalities, each with their own superhuman ability. At my peak, I had over 200 personalities, each more powerful than most of the X-Men."
Marco felt chills.
"And what happened?"
"War. Against the Celestials, space gods who judge planets. During the battle, I was... fractured. Not just my personalities—my very EXISTENCE. Fragments of my being were scattered across multiple dimensions."
James—Legion—raised his hand. His skin began to glow, revealing patterns of pure energy flowing beneath.
"This fragment contains five of my strongest personalities. But without the whole, they're unbalanced. Fighting each other. And if I lose control..."
He didn't need to finish. Marco could imagine.
"How much power does this fragment have?"
"Enough to destroy a small solar system if it gets completely out of control. Not immediately—it would take time. But eventually, yes."
[Marco, he's being honest now. A signature of power confirms destructive capability on a planetary scale.]
"And the other fragments?"
"Scattered. Some on Earth-616. Others in random dimensions. I've been looking for a way to bring them together, but the process is... complicated. It requires knowledge I don't possess."
"And you think I have that knowledge?"
"I know you have it. Because you sold information about soul-splitting to Sauron." Legion stared at him intently. "Horcruxes. Magic that splits essence into fragments anchored to objects. If you can teach splitting, you can teach reunification."
Marco leaned back in his chair, processing.
"There's a fundamental difference. Horcruxes are INTENTIONAL division. You were fragmented by external force. The mechanics are different."
"But the principle is similar. A divided soul needs to be reunited. And you have access to multiversal knowledge about soul manipulation."
"Maybe. But even if I had that knowledge, why should I help you? You're literally a walking bomb."
Legion smiled. It wasn't a pleasant smile.
"Because if you don't help me, I'll eventually lose control. And when that happens, this fragment will explode. And considering I'm currently in MIDDLE-EARTH, in RIVENDEL specifically..." he let the implication hang in the air.
"You're threatening—"
"I'm not threatening. I'm being pragmatic." Legion raised his hands defensively. "I don't WANT to explode. I'm actively working to maintain control. But it's like containing a nuclear bomb with willpower. Eventually, I'll fail. It's mathematical inevitability."
"How much time do you have?"
"Right now, with constant conscious effort, maybe six months. But every time I use my powers, that time gets shorter. And there are... complications."
"What complications?"
Legion hesitated. Then he spoke:
"One of the personalities I contain is called The Terrorist Legion. It's... problematic. It has the power of time teleportation—it can send someone's consciousness to the past or future. And it's constantly trying to take control of this fragment."
"So that?"
"To change history. To 'improve' the world through temporary intervention. But their methods are... extreme. Genocidal, generally."
[Marco, ALERT. A personality with time-traveling powers is a MASSIVE problem. If they take control in Middle-earth, they could change the entire timeline. Including ours.]
"So you're not just a bombshell. You're a bombshell that could rewrite history."
"Basically, yes." Legion looked genuinely distressed. "That's why I came to you. I need reunification urgently. And I'll pay any price."
Marco activated his Merchant's Eye, scanning Legion completely.
The information was... overwhelming:
Entity: Legion (Fragment 1 of 37)Contained Personalities: 5
James (Base/Coordinating Personality)Jemail Karami (Temporary Teleportation)Jack Wayne (Energy Absorption/Manipulation)Zachary (Super Strength/Invulnerability)Ian (Cosmic Pyrokinesis)
Power Level: OMEGA - Planet Destroyer ClassTime Until Out of Control: 187 days (APPROXIMATE)Available Resources: IMMENSECurrent Honesty: 91%
"Very well," Marco said. "Before we discuss whether I CAN help you, let's discuss whether I SHOULD help you. Give me three reasons why reuniting you wouldn't result in an even greater threat."
Legion was surprised by the question. He clearly expected Marco to jump to solutions.
"One: The complete Legion has total control over all personalities. The fragments are the problem—without central coordination, each personality can rebel. Reunited, I am stable."
"Stable but more powerful."
"True. But also more RATIONAL. Fragmented personalities are like... unsupervised teenagers. Reunified, I'm a functioning adult."
"Doubtful, but it continues."
"Two: I'm not a villain. I'm not looking to rule worlds or destroy civilizations. I just want to... exist. Without the constant threat of self-destruction."
"And three?"
Legion looked directly at him.
"Three: If you help me, you'll have Omega Entity favor. And in the Marvel Universe, those favors are worth... everything. Protection. Resources. Access to technology that would make Celestials weep. Whatever you need, I can provide it."
[Marco, that's true. The entire Legion is one of the most powerful entities in Marvel. Having their favor would be... priceless.]
"But I would also have his ENEMY if something goes wrong," Marco muttered.
"Sorry?"
"Nothing. Let me check my inventory."
Marco activated his interface, searching in the SOUL MANIPULATION category.
[Results found: 47 relevant items/services]
It filtered by "reunification" and "fragmentation".
[Refined results: 12 items]
The most relevant ones were:
╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗║ REUNIFICATION OF SOUL/ESSENCE ║╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝
OPTION 1: Fragment Fusion Ritual
Origin: Bleach Universe (Shinigami)Effect: Gathers scattered soul fragmentsRequirement: All fragments must be presentCost: 2,500,000 MCDifficulty: EXTREME
OPTION 2: Psychic Reintegration Machine
Origin: Warhammer 40k UniverseEffect: Reintegration force of multiple consciousnessesRequirement: Extreme will of the subjectCost: 3,000,000 MCRisk: 40% catastrophic failure
OPTION 3: Shard Summoning Spell
Origin: Elder Scrolls UniverseEffect: Attracts all fragments to the point of originRequirement: Know the location of at least 60% of the fragmentsCost: 1,800,000 MCTime: 3-6 months to complete
OPTION 4: Guided Reunification Service
Origin: TARS Staff (Multiversal)Effect: Personalized guide to self-reunificationRequirement: Customer commitment for 1 yearCost: 1,200,000 MC + 10% of future Legion servicesRisk: LOW (but time intensive)
Marco studied the options.
"TARS, which one do you recommend?"
[Option 4. Because we don't sell instant solutions—we sell PROCESS. We reduce risk, maintain control, and establish long-term relationships with extremely powerful clients.]
"But it takes a year."
[Yes. And during that year, Legion will be linked to us. Working WITH us. Not just a client—a PARTNER. And if it's successful, we'll have a permanent Omega ally.]
"What if it fails?"
[With proper guidance, the probability of failure is less than 8%. Compared to the machine's 40%, it is obviously a better option.]
Marco nodded and turned towards Legion.
"I have a solution. But you're not going to like it."
"Because?"
"Because it takes time. About a year. And it requires your full cooperation."
Legion frowned.
"A year is... a long time. I could lose control before then."
"That's why the solution includes stabilization measures. Techniques to extend your control. Mental exercises to strengthen coordination between personalities." Marco leaned forward. "It's not an instant cure. It's long-term treatment. But it has a success rate of over 90%."
"Compared to?"
"The other options have a 60% success rate at best, and a 40% catastrophic failure rate at worst."
Legion processed this.
"And the cost?"
" 1,200,000 Multiversal Credits, plus 10% of your future services for the next decade."
"That's... specific."
"That's fair. I'll give you a year of personalized guidance. You give me fair compensation."
Legion lay back, contemplating.
"And what guarantees that you can actually help me? That you're not just taking my money?"
Marco activated his Hatsu. The golden coins materialized.
"This. My contracting ability. If I agree to help you and fail without justifiable cause, I suffer massive penalties. Psychological distress. Loss of power. Ruined reputation. I can't defraud you even if I wanted to."
Legion studied the coins with interest.
"Contractual magic based on vital aura. Elegant. And binding even for entities at my level because it works on a conceptual, not physical, plane." He nodded slowly. "Very well. I accept your terms. One year of treatment. 1,200,000 MC plus 10% of future services."
"But," Marco raised a finger, "with additional conditions."
"Which is it?"
"One: During this year, you will not use your destructive powers without my explicit approval. I need to make sure that you do not accidentally destroy Rivendell or any other part of Middle-earth."
"Reasonable. I accept."
"Two: You commit to regular monitoring sessions. At least once a week. To assess progress and adjust treatment."
"Also reasonable. I accept."
"Three: If at any point I feel that you are close to losing control and represent an immediate threat, I have the right to... temporarily neutralize you."
Legion raised an eyebrow.
"How do you plan to neutralize entity Omega?"
Marco smiled.
"I have my methods. Do you accept the term?"
Legion considered. Then, surprisingly, he nodded.
"I accept. Because I recognize that I am a danger. And I prefer to be temporarily neutralized than to accidentally destroy everything."
"Then we have a deal."
Marco extended his hand.
Legion took it.
The gold coins exploded in brilliance, splitting between them. Marco felt the contract form—it was different from the previous ones. This one was more... tense. Like a rope stretched to its limit.
[CONTRACT ESTABLISHED WITH LEGION (FRAGMENT)][WARNING: EXTREME risk client][Debit: 1,200,000 MC + 10% future services (decade)][Credit: Guided Reunification Service (1 year)][Constant monitoring ON]
"It's done," Marco said. "TARS, process the payment."
[Confirmed. Debit: 1,200,000 MC. Remaining balance: -940,000 MC.]
Marco blinked.
"Wait, NEGATIVE?"
[Yes. Your balance was 260,000 MC + 50,000 elven gold converted to ~200,000 MC = 460,000 MC total. Minus 1,200,000 = -740,000 MC. Technically, you are in DEBT to the system.]
"And what does that mean?"
[This means that until you pay off your debt, some premium features are locked. And you accrue 'interest'—basically, the system will assign you additional clients to accelerate revenue generation.]
"Great. I'm indebted to the multiversal magic shop."
Welcome to cosmic capitalism.
Legion watched the exchange with amusement.
"Did you just discover you didn't have enough money AFTER making the deal?"
"Finance is complicated when you work with multiple monetary systems," Marco muttered defensively.
"That's... hilarious. Multiversal trader in debt." Legion stood up. "But I respect that you proceeded anyway. It shows commitment."
"Or stupidity."
"They're often the same." Legion walked toward the door. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow. Come to this location at noon. We will bring an elven healer and a mental health specialist for an initial consultation."
"Mental specialist?"
"For your personalities. We need to understand their structure before we can reunite them."
"Right. See you tomorrow then."
Legion stopped at the door.
"Marco Antonio Durán, you are one of the most interesting mortals I have ever met. Most would have fled or tried to kill me. You negotiated."
"That's what I do."
"Good philosophy of life. I hope it keeps you alive."
And with that, Legion disappeared into a blue portal.
Marco slumped into his chair, exhausted.
"TARS..."
[Yeah ? ]
"Did I just accept a client who could destroy the solar system?"
[Yeah.]
"And now I'm in debt?"
[Yeah.]
"And do I have to spend next year monitoring a living bomb?"
[Yeah.]
"...I need a vacation."
[You're in debt. There are no holidays until you pay.]
"I hate my life."
[No, you don't hate it. You find it stressful and terrifying, but secretly it excites you. Admit it.]
Marco considered this.
"...maybe a little."
[I knew it.]
Elrond's Hall - 30 Minutes Later
Marco had to explain everything to Elrond. Again.
"Let me get this straight," Elrond said, massaging his temples. "You accepted a client who is literally a mutant god-fragment. Who could explode with star-like force if he loses control. And he'll be living in Rivendell for the next year."
"When you say it like that, it sounds bad—"
"BECAUSE IT'S BAD!"
It was the first time Marco had seen Elrond lose his composure.
"Elrond, listen. I have a plan—"
"Your last 'plan' involved giving Sauron knowledge about divided immortality."
"And it worked! We saved Celebrimbor!"
"And now Sauron is even more dangerous!"
"But Celebrimbor is ALIVE!"
They both stared at each other, breathing heavily.
Círdan, who had been silently observing, finally spoke:
"You're both right. Marco's decisions save lives but create new problems." He looked at Marco. "But here's the reality: Legion is already here. It's already a problem. Rejecting it doesn't make it disappear—it only ensures it explodes unchecked. At least this way, we can monitor it."
Elrond sighed deeply.
"You're right. As always." She looked at Marco. "But Marco, please. Please. Before accepting the next apocalyptic client, at least CONSULT US first?"
"Legion literally appeared without warning—"
"Then establish a warning system. Some way of saying, 'Hey, a planet-destroying entity has just appeared, does anyone have any thoughts?'"
Marco considered this.
"That's... really reasonable."
"OF COURSE IT'S REASONABLE!" Elrond calmed down. "Forgive me. It's just... Marco, we've adopted you. Rivendell considers you one of us. And when you accept dangers like this, it affects us ALL."
"I know. And I'm sorry. I really am."
"Then establish protocols. Rules. Limits." Elrond sat down. "And please, for all the Valar, learn to verify your budget BEFORE accepting deals."
"In my defense, currency conversions are confusing."
"It's not a defense."
"No, it isn't."
Celebrimbor, who had been silent, finally spoke:
"What do you need to monitor Legion?"
"Ideally, some way to track their energy levels. Early warning if they're close to spiraling out of control."
"I can build that. Elven sensor mixed with your strange technology. Give me three days."
"Oh really?"
"Seriously. If we're going to have a living bomb in our valley, let's at least have a decent alarm system."
[Celebrimbor being pragmatic. I like him more and more.]
"Thank you, Celebrimbor."
"Don't thank me. Just... don't bring in any more apocalyptic customers unannounced."
"No promises, but I'll try."
Marco's Room - Very Late That Night
Marco couldn't sleep. AGAIN.
This time because I was doing mental calculations of how the heck I was going to get out of -940,000 MC of debt.
[You have options.]
"Like what?"
[Option 1: Sell more. Actively seek clients. Increase transaction volume.]
"How so? Customers appear randomly."
[Not exactly. The system assigns you clients based on need and opportunity. But YOU can actively seek out local clients. Elves. Dwarves. Humans. They all have needs. They all have resources.]
"That's... really obvious. Why didn't I think of that?"
[Because you've been in constant survival mode. Now you're settled. It's time to be proactive.]
"Okay. So tomorrow, after my initial session with Legion, I'll start actively looking for clients."
[Option 2: Complete the missions Sauron gave you. Retrieve those artifacts. Sell them.]
"Gurthang sword, Elessar, Ring of Barahir. Yes. That would generate significant income."
[Especially the Elessar. Galadriel would pay a LOT for that.]
"How much?"
[The Elessar is a gem of immense power related to preservation and healing. To Galadriel, who will rule Lothlórien for millennia, it is invaluable. Easily 500,000+ MC worth.]
"Then I need to plan a recovery expedition."
[Yes. But carefully. Those places are dangerous.]
"My whole life is dangerous now."
[Valid point.]
Marco finally fell asleep, his mind filled with plans, worries, and mental calculations of debts.
In his dreams, he saw his taco stand in Mexico City.
His mother was smiling.
His cousin Toño laughing.
Cruz Azul losing in the last minute.
And then he woke up.
In Rivendell.
In another world.
With a debt of almost one million loans and a fragmented cosmic entity as a client.
"My life is crazy," she murmured.
But as she got up and prepared for another impossible day, she couldn't help but smile.
Because this madness...
This madness was HIS.
And I wouldn't change it for anything.
Well.
Perhaps to pay off his debt.
That's definitely why.
[END OF CHAPTER 14]