American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

"What… what did you do!?"

Tony Stark's jaw dropped as his eyes widened in shock at the scene before him. He couldn't comprehend what was happening.

In this universe, the concept of magic wasn't particularly advanced. Even the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, wasn't seen as overwhelmingly powerful.

Below, the zombified Reed Richards had stretched his neck to bite into the neck of another Tony Stark, growling as he did so.

"He's very important—critical, even. We need him to help us complete the time-travel device. So we can't devour him like we would an ordinary person. Just a few bites will do!"

"Just a few bites? That's too hard, Reed!"

"His blood smells so good… I can't hold back any longer. I need more flesh and blood."

The members of the Fantastic Four had lost all traces of humanity, their expressions twisted into feral snarls. They now resembled bloodthirsty, cunning hyenas rather than human beings.

"Oh, dear God…"

Hearing the sounds of teeth tearing through flesh, especially as the victim was another version of himself, Tony Stark felt his stomach churn violently.

He quickly turned his gaze away from the grotesque scene, unwilling to look further, and instead focused on his current state.

Raising his hands, Tony was surprised to see a faint blue glow emanating from his body. He and Alex were floating midair, overlooking the chaos below.

It was strange—this was supposed to be a laboratory, with a ceiling no more than three meters high. Yet, they were hovering five meters above the ground.

"So, what's happening to us? They can't see us, and it feels like we're fused with the steel framework of the ship. Is this some sort of out-of-body experience?"

Hearing Tony's confusion, Alex, with his hands clasped behind his back, explained calmly.

"There's no need to be surprised. We are now in the folds of reality, what some call the 'Mirror Space.' In this unique dimension, reality is like a one-way mirror. We can see them, but they cannot see us."

"Interesting. What about me? Am I dead? After all, I just saw Reed Richards bite me… though it was another me."

Tony inspected the blue glow surrounding him, still suspecting he was in some form of a spiritual state.

"As I said earlier, I've split your timeline. Think of it as me creating a new, exclusive timeline for you within the existing one. As long as you don't disrupt the original timeline's progression…"

Alex turned his head, smiling slightly.

"Then yes, there will be two Tony Starks in this world."

Tony stared at Alex for a long moment before letting out a sigh.

"I may not understand your magic or sorcery, but if you ask me, what you're doing seems neither wise nor easy."

"Yes, it's dangerous—extremely so. But as a scientist, you should know that sometimes bold action is necessary."

Alex's gaze shifted into the distance. Noticing Nick Fury sneaking the time-travel device out of the room while the Fantastic Four feasted on Tony Stark, he continued, "Our time is running out, Tony."

"Alright…"

Tony ran a hand through his hair in frustration, shaking his head. Then, lifting his gaze, the weariness in his eyes gave way to resolve.

"What's the next step?"

The fall of the Helicarrier was inevitable.

Once Reed Richards' mind had been corrupted and hollowed out, there was no turning back.

When the world's smartest individuals became zombies, there was little left for humanity to do but await the end.

Reed, having prepared for this "evolution," had no doubt devised a plan to infect Earth's mightiest heroes—the Avengers.

Thor, Doctor Strange, and others, once considered humanity's last hope, were now doomed to succumb to the zombie plague.

This wasn't about strength or systems. Perhaps the moment the timeline was tainted, the end had already been written.

---------------------------

The ruined Stark Tower.

From the moment the zombie outbreak began, the building had fallen. All of Stark Industries' employees became food for the undead, leaving no living soul in the tower.

"So, Gandalf, guess what? I'm starting to get interested in magic. If I combine magic with my tech armor, how do you think it would turn out?"

"I can imagine it, Tony. You should know that as an Echo, you've already inherited part of my power. So…"

"You're saying I already know magic?"

Tony perked up excitedly, raised his hands, and struck a pose as if conjuring an energy blast.

Embarrassingly, nothing happened.

"You haven't learned magic yet."

Alex shook his head helplessly.

"Your body is currently filled with immense magical energy—or perhaps divine power, depending on what you want to call it. But to actually use magic like a sorcerer, you need specific gestures and incantations."

"Ugh, sounds complicated," Tony Stark said with a hint of irritation, pursing his lips.

"Stop overthinking it. If you're interested, I wouldn't mind teaching you a thing or two. But right now, the most important task is locating the Sentry," Alex said.

Hearing Alex's words, Tony's expression turned serious. He redirected his attention to his system, fingers rapidly tapping away on the keyboard.

"This timeline is heavily contaminated, like a shadow has covered everything. I can't fully scan the environment or objects here. However, I'm certain of one thing—the Sentry is still here. He hasn't left."

"Understood," Alex nodded.

"Don't worry, buddy, I've got your back. You should be grateful that those things prioritize devouring flesh over destroying equipment. With my devices, I can monitor energy fluctuations across the entire planet," Tony said confidently.

"Should we place the spectral beacon in a more visible location?" Alex asked.

"No need. The energy source of the Stark Tower itself is powered by my arc reactor, remember? Nothing filters signal noise better than this thing."

Tony tapped his chest with a grin.

"With this baby, I can generate fusion reactions anywhere in the universe. Similarly, if that guy really has the energy of a star within him, he should stick out like a candle in the dark. It'll only take a few hours, I'd guess. By then—ding-dong—"

Tony snapped his fingers dramatically.

"We'll know where our golden-haired superman is hiding~."

"Let's hope so," Alex said with a faint smile. Then, in an instant, his expression shifted as if sensing something.

"Tony, I might need to step out for a bit."

"What? What's going on?" Tony asked, startled. He turned to face Alex, still shaken from the recent events. Seeing himself die in front of his own eyes wasn't something one easily forgets.

"Don't worry, it's nothing major. Just stay here and focus on locating the Sentry. See that crow tattoo on your arm? You can use that to contact me if needed," Alex explained, pointing to the black crow symbol on Tony's wrist.

"Alright, but could you at least leave me a few magic books or something? Don't make me sit in this boring place for hours. There aren't even any girls here!" Tony protested.

Alex pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.

It was true—Tony needed something to occupy his time. After all, in a sense, he was now one of Alex's "employees."

With a wave of his hand, a stack of thick books appeared on the table in front of Tony.

"These are collections from sorcerers in other universes. They should help you get started with magic. Even though you have plenty of magical energy, I wouldn't recommend diving into advanced magic just yet. Start with the basics."

"Of course! Don't worry—I'm a genius!" Tony declared proudly, patting his chest.

The books Alex left included texts from the Sanctum Sanctorum and some dark magic artifacts collected by the Red Skull from a wasteland universe. These were easier for Tony to study since they shared a common magical origin.

As for Constantine's collection, those were definitely not suitable for Tony to touch at this stage.

"Good luck. I've set up wards around this place, so nothing will disturb you. Once you locate the Sentry, contact me," Alex instructed.

Seeing Tony flash an "OK" hand sign, Alex gave a slight nod, turned, and opened a golden portal. He stepped through it and disappeared.

As Alex vanished from view, Tony waited a few seconds before turning his gaze to the forbidden tomes on the table.

A mischievous smile spread across his face as he twirled his mustache.

"I'm a genius. Naturally, a genius starts with the advanced magic first~."

--------------------------------

Elsewhere, on the far side of the moon.

In the dim, desolate environment, a golden ripple of light appeared out of nowhere. Alex stepped out of the portal, his feet landing softly on the lunar soil.

Closing the portal behind him, Alex tilted his head slightly.

"I was wondering when you'd show up," he said calmly.

"Watcher."

.....

📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢

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397. The Time Bard!!

398. Zombie Sentry!

399. A Killing Spree!!

400. Touching the Corruption!!

401. Connection Failed!!!