I'M IN MARVEL

c37 Ancient One: The Web is Ready

Quantum Realm.

Mephisto and Russell faced off in a deadly battle.

Program name:

If You Chase Me, I Will Run Away; If I Catch You, I Will Beat You Up.

The small island that initially served as the battlefield was reduced to fragments in the aftermath of Mephisto and Russell's clash.

Russell, using his Ikeen Form, repeatedly split himself into clones while casting spells to disrupt Mephisto's relentless pursuit.

However, the Ikeen Form had an unexpected drawback: the clones could not replicate Russell's physical attributes. Instead, their strength depended on the energy Russell invested into creating them.

"Master Russell, how much longer do you think you can maintain this charade?" Mephisto taunted, his crimson eyes gleaming as he closed the distance.

"You might as well stop running. Let's sit down and discuss terms like reasonable beings."

Russell smirked as he darted between dimensions, his voice unwavering. "Oh, I could run circles around you all day."

Though his words were confident, Russell remained cautious. He knew Mephisto's promises were always traps.

Suddenly, Mephisto stopped mid-flight and grinned. "Master Russell, I think it's time for a more… binding conversation."

With a flourish of his hand, Mephisto pointed to the sky. A web of scarlet runes materialized overhead, while the fires of Hell erupted from below. The energy from Mephisto's attacks had covertly woven a massive spell circle around them.

The air crackled as a projection of Hell began to manifest, sealing the area and leaving Russell with nowhere to run.

Meanwhile, in the Quantum Realm's exit corridor…

Tony Stark emerged from a portal into the ruins of the Stark Expo. Barely taking a moment to assess his surroundings, Tony opened another portal, intent on reaching Kamar-Taj.

However, his plans were immediately derailed.

Kamar-Taj was on lockdown. A protective barrier shimmered across the sanctum as Tony stood outside, shouting to the mages.

"I'm Tony Stark. I need to speak to the Ancient One—now!"

Mordo stepped forward from the crowd, his expression unreadable. "Tony, the Sorcerer Supreme isn't here. She's dealing with a powerful magical entity elsewhere."

"Mephisto?" Tony asked sharply.

"I don't know," Mordo replied with a shake of his head. "She didn't say. Her last order was to enforce full martial law to guard against potential invasions from the magical dimensions."

Tony scowled, frustrated by the lack of details. "Fine. When she returns, tell her that Russell is fighting Mephisto in the Quantum Realm. It's urgent—don't delay!"

The mages murmured among themselves.

"Russell is fighting Mephisto?" one of them exclaimed in disbelief.

Though Russell rarely visited Kamar-Taj, his reputation preceded him. Known for his unorthodox methods, Russell's raw magical talent had impressed and bewildered his peers. Many had privately debated how to persuade him to take his studies more seriously.

But this? Facing Mephisto, one of the Hell Lords?

Ignoring their chatter, Tony opened another portal and stepped into SHIELD headquarters.

SHIELD agents immediately raised their weapons, but lowered them upon recognizing Iron Man.

Coulson approached, his tone sharp. "Tony, you can't just show up unannounced like this. What's going on?"

"No time for formalities," Tony said, cutting to the chase. "What does SHIELD know about Mephisto?"

"Mephisto? The devil from folklore?" Coulson asked, bewildered.

"No, the real Mephisto," Tony clarified impatiently. "Lord of the Hell Dimension. Does SHIELD have any intel on him?"

Coulson shook his head. "Not at my clearance level. But Dr. Pym has been mentioning that name frequently in the past few days."

Tony's eyes narrowed. "How long have I been gone?"

"Jarvis," he called, "what's today's date?"

"Sir, it's June 4, 2011," Jarvis replied.

Tony's jaw tightened. He'd spent what felt like an hour in the Quantum Realm, but four days had passed in the real world.

He turned to Coulson. "Take me to Dr. Pym. Now."

Tony's mind raced.

Time flows differently in the Quantum Realm. This delay might give me enough time to form a team and reinforce Russell.

Back in the Quantum Realm…

Mephisto's cruel laughter echoed as he loomed over Russell. "Master Russell, you've run out of tricks. It's time to talk terms."

"Russell," came another voice—calm yet commanding. The Ancient One had arrived. "The magic circle is complete. It's time to close the net."

Despite the odds, Russell stood tall, his expression resolute. "I don't negotiate with evil."

Mephisto grinned wickedly and snapped his fingers. Scarlet runes flared to life, and energy chains rained from the sky, binding Russell's limbs.

Mephisto approached, his fiery aura suffocating. "You don't get a choice, Russell. This contract will be signed—whether you want to or not."

But Russell only smiled. "Think again."

Summoning his innate energy absorption, Russell drained the chains of their power until they disintegrated.

He clenched his fist, divine energy crackling around it, and delivered a devastating punch to Mephisto's face.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three explosions followed as Mephisto was hurled into the distance.

Russell turned to the Ancient One. "When dealing with demons, there's no need to play fair. Let's finish this—together."

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