Chapter 2: Coffee
I was still furious, though I knew getting mad wouldn't solve anything. Anger was a spark, but it wasn't a solution. I needed to understand what had gone wrong,to get to the bottom of it all.
It had taken me years to build everything I owned. Every piece of wealth, every property, every contract written across dimensions none of it came easy. I worked for it. I planned for it. I bled for it.
Using my dimensional travel ability, I built an empire that no government could trace. I could move merchandise between worlds, transport people seeking a new start, and even relocate entire populations who wanted a better place to live.
One of my most daring moves was the deal I made with the Viltrumites of Dimension-45. I helped them conquer another dimension in exchange for their promise — to leave my planet and all my property untouched. It wasn't trust that made the deal work, only necessity and leverage.
"Alana, call him. I'm going to D-64, but first, I'll stop by the technicians. I'll be back soon," I said, standing up from my chair.
"Yes, sir," she replied promptly, her tone calm but respectful as she watched me open a swirling green portal in the air.
Stepping through, I entered a vast dimension filled with strange life forms. The skies shimmered in pale hues of orange and green, and the ground pulsed faintly with bioluminescent light. This was the dimension I had given to the technicians a place they could call their own.
Primitive species roamed the lowlands, simple-minded and weak. The technicians had turned them into laborers,their servants.
"It's good to see you decided to visit us today, Mr. Adams," one of the technicians greeted me, bowing slightly.
His voice echoed through the metallic corridors, each word bouncing off the smooth, silver walls.
"I'm sorry I didn't bring the resources you asked for," I said. "But in due time, I'll make up for it."
One of them shifted uncomfortably, the movement small but noticeable. I caught it but ignored it. There was nothing he could do.
"Is what I requested ready?" I asked, cutting straight to the point.
"It's still in progress, sir," another technician replied. "But if you come with me, you can observe its development."
They led me down a narrow corridor, the doors opening one by one with a hiss of pressurized steam. The air grew colder as we moved deeper until finally, we entered the main chamber.
In front of me stood a large pod which was transparent, humming softly. Inside, suspended in a pale blue liquid, was a man.
"We ran his DNA signature and analyzed the profile," one technician explained. "It's… complex. Hard to decipher. But we'll crack it soon."
"Once we're done, the results will be phenomenal," another added confidently.
I studied the pod in silence for a moment. The figure inside didn't move, but something about him even frozen radiated power.
"Then I hope the next time I return, everything will be finished," I said quietly, turning back toward the portal.
With a flash of green light, I stepped back into my main office.
Alana was already there efficient as always and beside her stood Robot, my personal assistant and the overseer of my operations.
He wasn't just a helper; he was the mind that made my empire run smoothly under the shadows. His metallic form gleamed under the room's soft light. The new suit he wore was one I helped him develop, using a material I'd discovered myself - one that absorbed kinetic energy completely. It made him practically untouchable.
"It's good to see you, sir," Robot greeted. "I assume you're ready for departure?"
I gave him a silent nod. The portal shimmered again, opening the way to Dimension-64 the one that mirrored the main Invincible universe.
The transition was smooth. The portal deposited us directly inside a luxurious office.
Behind a massive Italian desk sat Machine Head, rolling around lazily in his chair, his robotic fingers drumming against the polished surface. He seemed distracted,lost in thought — until another figure emerged from behind him.
It was Isotope, his loyal teleporter. He noticed us immediately, his eyes widening slightly before he stammered, "Uh, boss, you ne—"
"Shut up, Isotope," Machine Head cut him off. "Can't a man enjoy the view of his own city in peace?"
But Isotope didn't move. Instead, he pointed at us — forcing Machine Head to turn his head.
"Ah," Machine Head muttered, recognizing me. "Mr. Adams. Didn't see you there. Care for a cup of coffee?"
"Isotope, get the man some coffee," he ordered.
Isotope sighed but nodded, used to his role as more of an errand boy than an assistant.
"Cut the crap, Machine Head," I said sharply. "Where are my merchandise?"
Machine Head froze for a moment before replying, "You see… the goods were destroyed. But I promise, we'll get another shipment soon."
"I don't want assurances, I want results," I snapped. My patience was thinning fast.
"We made a deal — you, me, and the Order," I continued coldly. "You'd oversee things here. And don't forget the favor I did for you — making sure you became the Order's second in command."
"How can you lead anyone when you can't even manage a few business?" I added.
Machine Head tilted his head slightly, his mechanical eyes whirring as if processing my words.
"Apparently," he said after a pause, "we had a mole. Someone leaked information to the Guardians. During the clash, the items were destroyed."
I knew immediately who he was referring to — Titan. In the comics, he'd owed Machine Head money and carried a personal grudge. Machine Head, being the calculating fool he was, refused to let him go, believing Titan still had value to exploit.
"Don't worry, Mr. Adams," Machine Head added with a synthetic chuckle. "We'll deal with the traitor and his little friend soon. In fact… I believe the time is almost here."
As if on cue, Isotope teleported in a group of men — a blur of light and energy.
Tether Tyrant. Mag Maniac. Kursk. Furnace. And Battle Beast.
Each of them carried an aura of power and menace, but none more than the lion himself — Battle Beast. I'd heard of him even in other dimensions. His strength was legendary.
"Isotope, where's the damn coffee?" Machine Head asked suddenly, as if the tension wasn't heavy enough.
"I thought that was… the magic word," Isotope said, looking confused.
"Never mind," Machine Head grumbled disappointed by his assistant.
Then suddenly chaos unfolded.
The building shook violently, gunshots erupting from below, followed by the screams of men and the sound of metal tearing apart.
"I guess they made it," Machine Head said with a hollow laugh.
The door burst open a moment later, ripped clean off its hinges. Two figures stood there — Invincible and Titan. Both covered in blood of the bodyguard from the fight below, their eyes radiating fury.
Invincible hovered in the air, as his eyes narrowed, he quickly noticed the numbers in the room but mostly the guy who stood out in a black suit.
"Uh… who's that guy in the fancy suit?" he asked Titan. "You didn't say there'd be two crime bosses here."
Titan frowned. "I didn't think so either. Never seen him before."
He clenched his fists, ready for a fight.
And I just stood there watching everything fall into place.