I Created a Sanctuary in Marvel

Chapter 76 Victor von Doom

Inside a laboratory at the Imperial University, the cold instruments emitted a regular hum, reflecting on Viktor von Doom's solemn face.

His long, slender fingers swept across the control panel, turning off the still-flashing indicator light, a hint of barely concealed disappointment flashing in his eyes.

"Failed again."

His voice echoed in the empty laboratory, carrying weariness and confusion.

The sophisticated instrument before him, the soul resonance device he had painstakingly designed over several months, was now completely silent. The screen displayed only a steady straight line, without any of the fluctuations he had expected.

The laboratory door slid open gently, and Reed Richards walked in, glancing at a stack of documents.

He looked at Doom's stiff back, then glanced at the unresponsive equipment, and couldn't help but sigh.

"Victor, I think there might be something wrong with our experimental approach."

"These data are completely inconsistent with our theoretical model. This is no longer the research direction we initially envisioned."

Reed placed the documents on the worktable, speaking cautiously.

Doom slowly turned around, a complex light flashing in his eyes: "No, you don't understand the significance of this research at all, Reed."

"It is virtually impossible for a mortal to achieve the results I envision."

His voice was a mixture of frustration and stubbornness. Doom knew better than anyone that his mother's soul was imprisoned in Mephisto's hands, and that technological means alone could not possibly retrieve anything from the Lord of Hell.

As the son of Cynthia von Doom, he inherited his mother's magical talent, and in the hidden world of the supernatural, his magical skills are comparable to those of the mages of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

But he never revealed any of this to Reed.

"So what are you going to do now?"

Reed asked with concern, as the light swept across the scattered drawings and calculation formulas on the lab bench.

Before Ye Feng appeared, Reed had always thought Doom's obsession with soul research was almost absurd. But out of curiosity about the unknown realm of science and trust in his friend, he still participated in these experiments.

It wasn't until recently, when Ye Feng's public speech at the United Nations conference confirmed the existence of hell and demons, that Reed began to rethink the direction of his entire research.

Doom took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind: "Go to the Sanctuary and find Pope Ye Feng. He can help me."

"Sanctuary?"

"Have you seen the news? The Saints from Sanctuary are in New York. If you want to contact Sanctuary, this might be your best chance," Reed pondered.

Doom looked up abruptly, hope rekindling in his eyes: "What did you say? Saint Seiya in New York?"

"That's right, it's said to be to wipe out a notorious supernatural organization. If you want to seek help from the Sanctuary, I suggest you try your luck with the Sanctuary Foundation."

"Victor, with all the things that's been happening in the world lately... I guess there's something you haven't told me. But anyway, you're my friend."

Reed paused for a moment, then added thoughtfully.

Doom was slightly moved and nodded gently: "Thank you, Reed. This news is very important to me."

He quickly packed his belongings, putting some key research materials and personal items into his briefcase.

After saying goodbye to Reed, he hurriedly left the lab and hailed a taxi at the school gate.

"Go to the Sanctuary Corporation Building."

Doom said to the driver, a hint of urgency unconsciously showing in his voice.

The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror and chuckled, "Judging from your appearance, you're going to see a celebrity, aren't you?"

"Stanning a celebrity?" Doom didn't react for a moment.

"That's right, the Saints of Sanctuary!"

"They're currently staying at a five-star hotel owned by the Sanctuary Foundation. I heard they're here on some special mission. A lot of young people have been flocking there these past few days, just to catch a glimpse of the Saint Seiya."

"Whose fan are you? Taurus Gold Saint Logan? Or Space Queen Clarice?"

The driver said excitedly as he skillfully turned the steering wheel.

When the topic turned to Saint Seiya, the driver immediately started talking, recounting all the recent media reports about Saint Seiya as if he knew them by heart.

Doom was somewhat surprised: "Has the Saint Seiya series become this famous?"

Because he was so engrossed in experiments, he paid little attention to popular culture. Although he kept track of news about the Sanctuary and Pope Ye Feng, he knew very little about the influence of Saint Seiya among the public.

But upon closer reflection, this is not surprising.

With the exposure of the demon invasion and the secrets of the Vatican, mythology has become reality, naturally attracting widespread attention and admiration from all sectors of society.

"I'm not a fan of celebrities, but I really want to meet a Saint Seiya character."

Doom responded politely, his gaze drifting to the rapidly receding street scene outside the window.

When the taxi arrived near the Sanctuary Corporation, Doom was stunned by what he saw.

Groups of people gathered around the conglomerate building, some holding banners and others carrying cameras; they were clearly all die-hard fans of Saint Seiya.

"So many people?" Doom muttered to himself, his heart sinking.

Surrounded like this, it would be virtually impossible for him to meet with the Saints or the higher-ups of the Sanctuary Foundation.

After paying and getting out of the car, Doom stood on the street corner, gazing at the towering Sanctuary Corporation building in the distance, his mind in turmoil. Did he really have to go to Sanctuary himself?

But as far as he knew, the Holy Land was now shrouded in a mysterious golden barrier, making it impossible for ordinary people to enter.

Furthermore, if he were to reveal that he is the son of a witch and has a background in dark magic, how would the Sanctuary treat him? In the Middle Ages, witches were always the targets of the forces of light, and this prejudice may continue to this day.

"Perhaps we can start with their mission this time."

Doom had a flash of inspiration and came up with a plan. He had been lurking in the underworld anonymously for years and had a deep understanding of New York's extraordinary black market and various secretive organizations.

If he can provide valuable information, he might be able to get a chance to speak with the Sanctuary.

Doom quickly found a nearby café that offered computer services, sat down, and began composing an email.

He detailed his knowledge of New York's underworld and offered to help, only asking to have a face-to-face conversation with the Saint Seiya.

At the end of the email, he attached his resume, and his reputation as a gifted student at Imperial University at least added some credibility.

For the next three days, Doom was restless in his dorm room, constantly refreshing his email, afraid of missing a reply.

Seeing his anxious expression, Reed couldn't help but ask, "Still no news?"

Doom shook his head, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table: "Perhaps my approach was too presumptuous, or perhaps they simply don't need outside help."

Just when he was about to give up hope, his phone suddenly rang. It was a number from the Sanctuary Corporation.

"Is this Mr. Victor von Doom? We received your email and invited you to come for a detailed discussion tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM."

After hanging up the phone, Doom smiled, a rare occurrence for him: "They agreed!"

Reed patted him on the shoulder excitedly: "Great! Does that mean you'll get to meet the Saints?"

Doom nodded and immediately sat back down at his computer: "I need to prepare more detailed information; I can't waste this opportunity."

The next day, the special car sent by the Sanctuary Foundation arrived at the dormitory building on time.

Along the way, Doom repeatedly checked the information he had prepared, thinking about how to persuade the Saints to accept his help.

Upon arriving at the hotel where the Saint Seiya were staying, Doom was led into a conference room.

The one seated at the head of the table is Taurus Gold Saint, Thuragon. He is even more imposing and majestic than the media reports suggest, and just sitting there quietly exudes an undeniable aura of authority.

After a brief introduction, the staff of the Sanctuary Foundation left the room, leaving Doom to face Logan and the other Saints.

Space Queen Clarice leaned against the window, scrutinizing him sharply, while Johnny sat next to Logan, his expression relaxed but his eyes alert.

After a moment of silence, Logan suddenly spoke, his voice deep and certain: "You are a superhuman."

Doom was startled, and all his prepared opening remarks got stuck in his throat.

"There are magical fluctuations emanating from you," Logan added, his gaze sharp.

Doom opened his mouth, but didn't know how to respond. He hadn't expected the Saints' senses to be so sharp, seeing through his deepest secret the moment they met.

"I sensed the presence of darkness."

"Your magic originates from a witch?"

Johnny leaned forward, watching him with interest.

Doom was completely stunned. Before he could say a word, his background had been thoroughly investigated.

Logan observed his reaction and nodded slightly. "Looks like we guessed right. You must need something from the Sanctuary, right? Tell me, what are your terms?"

Doom took a deep breath, knowing there was no point in hiding it from these people, so he had no choice but to confess: "Yes, I..."

I need the Sanctuary's help.

"My mother, her soul is imprisoned in Hell by Mephisto. I tried to bring her back using technology, but all my attempts failed. I've heard that the Sanctuary has the power to fight against the forces of Hell..."

He paused for a moment, and seeing that Logan's expression did not change, he continued, "In exchange, I can provide all the intelligence I know about the New York underworld."

"I know all about the organizations, black markets, and extraordinary criminals hiding in the shadows."

Logan and Clarice exchanged a glance, then Logan slowly stood up and walked to Doom: "Mr. Doom, the Sanctuary never easily deals with users of dark magic."

Doom's heart sank, but Logan's next words rekindled his hope:

"However, we can see your sincerity and understand your desire to save your mother. Therefore, we accept your proposal."

Logan reached out his hand.

Doom grasped Logan's hand, feeling the other's powerful inner strength, and at the same time made up his mind that no matter what the cost, he would seize this opportunity to take back his mother's soul from Mephisto.

Johnny, standing to the side, looked somewhat surprised.

Unexpectedly, someone else shared the same desire as him, which made him feel a bit closer to Doom in front of him.