Marvel's Death Merchant

Just when Reed was at his wit's end, a golden-red Iron Man suddenly appeared inside the space station. Everyone's eyes lit up, realizing that Iron Man had rescued someone inside the space station. Ben was rescued and brought back, and Iron Man's appearance allowed Ben to return even faster than in the movies.

At this moment, a cosmic storm rushed towards the space station. Fiery red cosmic particles descended upon the station and onto everyone. The power of the storm was somewhat weakened by the space station's defenses. It was more powerful than the energy depicted in the movie.

Waves of powerful particles continuously modified the cells of Reed and others, as well as Stark. The cells within their bodies fused with cosmic energy, splitting and generating new powers, and superpowers appeared in these individuals.

Stark felt every cell in his body burning, and the shrapnel near his heart was being disintegrated by an unknown force. Meanwhile, Tang Tian was at the center of the cosmic storm, the graphic on his arm glowing as he absorbed vast amounts of cosmic energy, his own power rapidly increasing.

The power of the Cosmic Storm energy is in no way weaker than that of the Cosmic Cube, and the two are, in fact, from the same source. After being analyzed by the computer on his wrist, the Cosmic Storm energy was found to contain dark matter components, which is why it can modify human cells and produce powerful superpowers.

After absorbing a large amount of cosmic energy, Tang Tian felt his cells evolve once again. Furthermore, the T-virus, G-virus, and Veronica virus in his body had completely fused with his cells. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Tang Tian's strength had reached S-rank.

In the darkness of space, Tang Tian opened his dark eyes inside his Iron Man suit and muttered to himself, "Absorbing the energy of the cosmic storm here is indeed a good choice. Now that Tony Stark has also been modified by cosmic energy, I believe he will gain some useful abilities. Victor and Wesker, who are hiding in the space station, have also gained superpowers; they are also part of the future plan."

After absorbing cosmic energy, Tang Tian returned to the space station, pretending nothing had happened. Reed, Johnny, and Susan, upon waking, were all relieved to be alive; after all, scientific accidents weren't uncommon, but most people who encountered them perished.

Reed was relieved that he and his companions had survived, and at Victor's suggestion, he returned to Earth. After experiencing such a harrowing ordeal, Reed did not refuse Victor's proposal, and thus the experiment to study cosmic storms came to an abrupt end.

Three days after the cosmic storm experiment ended, at Umbrella Corporation's headquarters in New York City.

"Stark, how are you feeling? Although the experiment failed, I believe you must have gained some benefits. You look quite well now, so I think you can remove that reactor from your chest." In the office, Tang Tian looked at Stark, who was in good spirits, and said calmly.

“Brother, you did a great job. The energy of the cosmic storm is not only harmless, but it can also modify human cells, producing powers similar to those of mutants.” Tony Stark became serious for the first time, speaking earnestly to Tang Tian, ​​who was also pondering this question.

"The shrapnel in your chest, your newfound superpower took care of it, didn't it?" Tang Tian said, smiling as he looked at Tony Stark after noticing the reactor in his chest was gone.

“You guessed right, my ability solved the problem of heavy metal poisoning. Because when I discovered the palladium battery, it had already begun to erode my cells,” Stark said with some relief, since he almost died from palladium poisoning in the movie.

“Hmm, Stark. I feel that the power you gained is either metallic or electromagnetic.” Tang Tian knew that the only way to remove the shrapnel from his body was through magnetism or by controlling metal, which is why he said this to Stark.

“You’re right. But I think,” Stark said to Tang Tian, ​​resuming his nonchalant demeanor, “the power you’ve gained isn’t weak either.”

Tang Tian nodded upon hearing Stark's words, after all, his original superpower was already quite powerful. This latest modification added another power, which would be a great help when traveling to other movie worlds. Tang Tian was also very interested in learning more about Stark's superpower, because having an extra power would certainly be beneficial for the future. (To be continued...)

Chapter 198 Fantastic Four

“Stark, I don’t want to know what your superpower is. However, you still need to keep a low profile to deal with danger. I believe you don’t want to experience what happened in Afghanistan a second time,” Tang Tian said seriously to Stark.

"I understand, I'll be careful." Stark had become complacent again since his physical crisis was over. However, after being reminded by Tang Tian, ​​Stark knew he still needed to use his trump card.

Tang Tian was able to say this because he knew Iron Man wasn't a low-key person. Unlike Spider-Man, he didn't hide himself, so Tang Tian needed Stark to be careful.

After reminding Stark, Tang Tian went to find Reed and the others. However, he should now be called Mr. Fantastic, and is also the leader of the Fantastic Four.

"Mr. Reed, how are you feeling? The cosmic storm didn't affect you, did it?" In Reed's laboratory, Tang Tian also noticed that Ben hadn't turned into a stone man yet. Tang Tian didn't have any other thoughts, because awakening his superpower was only a matter of time.

Reed was still surprised by Tang Tian's appearance, as an investor hadn't achieved his expected goals. Most people wouldn't treat these scientists well, but Tang Tian was concerned about their safety.

Reed paused for a moment, then gave Tang Tian a friendly smile and said, "Mr. Donas, thank you for your concern. We were not affected by the cosmic storm. I'm sorry that the experiment you invested in failed."

Tang Tian smiled and said to Reed, "It's okay that the experiment failed. I believe you can do better. You're no worse than Stark, that genius scientist."

Ben and Susan, who were standing nearby, had a good influence on Tang Tian. At least he didn't deliberately put Ben in danger like Victor did, and this time he also disappointed Reed's team with Victor as an investor.

"One person is missing." Tang Tian noticed that Johnny was gone and said to Reed with some confusion.

“Oh, that’s my brother Johnny. He went out to play excitedly after waking up, and he should be skiing in the Alps now,” Susan said to Tang Tian after thinking for a moment.

"Perhaps Johnny just felt lucky," Tang Tian said with a noncommittal smile.

“That’s right.” Reed nodded in agreement.

Tang Tian chatted casually with Reed, and the two benefited greatly from their scientific exchange. After all, Tang Tian now possessed the technology of several civilizations in his mind. It would be impossible for a scientist like Reed not to benefit from this. Just as Tang Tian and Reed were engrossed in their conversation, Ben suddenly clutched his heart as if experiencing some kind of pain.

"Ben, are you alright?" Reed asked with concern, noticing Ben's pale face.

Ben suppressed his pain and said, "I'm fine. I'm just a little uncomfortable because I've just returned to Earth and haven't adjusted to the environment yet. I think I need to go back and rest."

"Well, Ben, if you're not feeling well, you should go back," Reed said earnestly to Ben. Upon hearing Reed's words, Ben immediately left, seemingly not wanting others to notice his change.

Seeing that Ben had left, Susan said to Reed, "I'm leaving too. Victor must be very angry right now, since our experiment failed. So I'm going to see him."

However, Reed clearly didn't understand Susan's meaning. He simply said, "Victor has invested a lot in and supported us. So we should take a look at Victor."

Susan was speechless at Reed's answer. She said, "Are you just trying to contribute to science? I think you know how Victor did on the space station." Reed replied seriously, "I think the best time in our relationship is when we're doing scientific research."

Susan asked, somewhat puzzled, "What time?"

Reed suddenly said solemnly, "It's time to study new science."

Tang Tian, ​​who was being ignored by the two, saw Susan's angry expression and knew that their superpowers were about to activate, and the Fantastic Four would officially make their debut.

Susan continued, "Reed, you really don't understand flexibility. You never have. And you never will, unless I explain it to you using quantum mechanics."

"I just wanted to tell you that I..."

Susan angrily interrupted him, saying, "Reed, to be honest, I'm very disappointed in you. You're only interested in science. Victor himself has flaws, but he knows what he's pursuing."

Tang Tian saw that Susan was growing increasingly angry. He also sensed a special energy emanating from both of them—a power belonging to supernatural abilities. While Susan's clothes remained unchanged, her nails and all her cells had become transparent.

Reed's expression grew increasingly surprised. He said to Susan, who was still talking non-stop, "You're gone."

Susan thought Reed was changing the subject, so she exclaimed, "How could I be missing? I'm right here."

At this moment, Reed said to Susan, "Look at yourself, and you'll know why I say that."

Upon hearing Reed's words, Susan discovered that her hands had vanished, leaving only her watch and clothes floating in the air. Startled, Susan knocked over a bottle of red wine on the table.

Reed grabbed the wine glass, but at that moment his arm had mysteriously grown much larger. When Reed relaxed, his arm quickly returned to its normal size.

Susan also calmed down and, like Reed, returned to normal.

Reed and Susan realized things were serious, and they both looked at Tang Tian at the same time. Because when Tang Tian first arrived, his first question was whether they had been affected by the cosmic storm, Reed believed that Tang Tian possessed the same power.

Seeing their gazes, Tang Tian knew it was time to use his power. He wouldn't use his newly acquired superpower. He simply raised his right hand, and the wine bottle on the desk floated up as if it had no weight.

“Hey sir, your power is truly amazing. It’s in no way inferior to mine. Cosmic storms are truly incredible. Now I think it’s comparable to that of mutants.” Johnny, who had just flown back from the Alps, said excitedly to Tang Tian.

Susan saw her brother Johnny suddenly appear and asked him, "Weren't you skiing in the Alps? What are you doing here now?"

Upon hearing his sister's words, Johnny the Human Torch explained, "Of course, I can explain that. My body generates fire when I'm skiing, and that's how I fly back."

“That sounds good. Now I know. All of us who enter the space station will have superpowers. For example, Johnny’s fire ability and my gravity ability.” Tang Tian turned to Reed and said seriously.

“Yeah! Putting everything else aside, I think my abilities are really fun,” Johnny the Human Torch chimed in. Tang Tian nodded in understanding.

The energy of the cosmic storm was indeed incredibly powerful. Johnny's fire ability, Reed's shapeshifting ability, Susan's invisibility ability, Ben's petrification ability, plus Tang Tian's newly developed and strongest ability—all these proved the benefits of cosmic energy. It truly offered numerous advantages. (To be continued...)

Chapter 199 The First Signs of Superpowers

"It seems the energy of the cosmic storm has altered our genes. I never imagined my research was on the right track. I have an idea that could help me continue my research on cosmic energy," Reed said to the others after a moment's thought.

After learning about the energy of cosmic storms, Reed naturally wanted to simulate cosmic energy to create instruments for further research. After all, having personally experienced the benefits, Reed was very interested in new scientific phenomena.

“Reed, I think you’re right. The cosmic storm did indeed alter our chromosomes. Now our powers are no less than those of mutants,” Susan said thoughtfully, looking at Reed and Tang Tian.

Reed is no less capable than Bruce Banner in scientific research; in Marvel comics, Reed even created a machine that can travel between parallel universes. It's fair to say that Mr. Fantastic is one of the top scientists in the Marvel Universe.

Johnny suddenly said to Tang Tian, ​​"Hehe, now we're all superpowered. But I've heard that members of Mr. Donald's Watchmen organization all have superpowers. I can also use fire to fly and attack."

“You’re right, my Watchmen organization consists of people with superpowers. However, they are all mutants that I’ve gathered together,” Tang Tian said truthfully.

Reed became interested when he heard Tang Tian mention mutants. Reed believed that the Umbrella Corporation would definitely study mutants, so he wanted to know the differences between mutants and ordinary people.

Tang Tian glanced at Reed, smiled, and said, "The biggest difference between mutants and ordinary people is their genes; they are born with an X gene. But speaking of which, you've all gained superpowers, so what about Ben from your team?"

"Ben?" Reed's expression changed upon hearing Tang Tian's words, recalling the changes in himself and the others. Coupled with Ben's earlier demeanor, this gave Reed a bad feeling.

Reed, Tang Tian, ​​and the others arrived at Ben's room, only to find the door locked from the inside. Reed nervously called out, "Ben, it's me, Reed. How are you?" But there was no response; no one answered.

Reed also noticed that Ben's electronic door had a combination lock. He then asked Susan, "Do you know the combination to this door?"

Susan shook her head and said, "This was just set up; Johnny and I didn't know about it."

Because the peephole of the electronic door prevented them from seeing inside, Reed and Johnny were getting anxious. Johnny said angrily, "Does anyone have a key to the room? If not, break the glass. We can't wait here any longer; Ben needs our help."

Seeing Johnny's anxious look, Reed said seriously to everyone, "I can try, see if I can squeeze through the crack in the door. Maybe I can do it."

Reed's rubber-like deformability made him feel confident enough to try using his ability. He then crouched down and placed his hand in front of the crack in the door. Carefully, he slowly flattened his hand, making it as thin as a sheet of paper. To Susan and Johnny's astonishment, Reed reached inside and unlocked the electronic lock.

Johnny, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but complain when he saw this scene: "How disgusting. Luckily, my power is fire."

Reed was speechless at Johnny's words, but before the others could enter, they heard the sound of the walls breaking, so they rushed into the room.

When Reed and Johnny entered, they discovered a large hole in the wall of Ben's room, through which they could see a stone-colored shadow running into the jungle.

"What happened? Mr. Donald is here too." Just as everyone was wondering about Ben's disappearance, Victor walked in and looked at the large hole in the wall. Victor asked in confusion.

Susan knew that Victor had also entered the space station, so she said seriously, "Victor, are you alright? I mean, did the cosmic storm affect you?"

Victor glanced at Tang Tian, ​​then shook his head and said, "I'm fine. I just got some scratches when the cosmic storm came. I wasn't hit by the cosmic storm at the space station's defense system."

Seeing how serious Victor was, Reed and Susan didn't think much of it. However, Tang Tian noticed a scratch on his right forehead. This was a sign that he possessed superpowers.

Victor continued, "I don't want to know what happened here. Mr. Donas, I need to speak with you." After saying that, Victor left with Tang Tian.

Seeing Victor's troubled expression, Tang Tian knew that his company's stock had plummeted, and shareholders were withdrawing their investments. Tang Tian could understand Victor's feelings. Furthermore, since developing his superpowers, Victor's temper had become increasingly volatile, and he no longer respected ordinary people. However, Victor still couldn't see through Tang Tian, ​​and what he needed was Umbrella Corporation's help to resolve this crisis.

After Victor left, Johnny said with some helplessness, "They've left, and now we don't even know where Ben is."

However, the observant Reed noticed the photos of Ben and his family and said with certainty, "I think Ben must be home."

Reed was right. After Ben's genes changed, he went to a clothing store and took out the largest garment to cover his body, doing so to prevent others from noticing his alteration. Then he cautiously returned to his neighborhood. The reason Ben came there first was to see his family.

“It’s me, Debbie,” Ben said to his wife after making the call from a public phone.

"Ben, are you alright? Your voice sounds off." Ben's concerned voice came through the phone.

Ben said excitedly, "Go to the front gate now."

"You're nearby, right outside the front gate! That's wonderful! I have another surprise for you." An excited voice came from the other end of the phone.

Ben said bitterly, "I also want to give you a surprise."

Ben, who was hiding behind a pine tree, saw that Debbie had come up in front of him and quickly said into the phone, "Debbie, don't come any closer for now, it's a little scary."

"Honey, what happened?" Debbie asked with a smile.

At this moment, Ben said seriously, "Debbie, do you remember when we said we would stay together forever no matter what?"

Debbie said earnestly, "I remember."

Ben sighed and walked out. In front of Debbie, he took off his hat, revealing huge, rough hands and a head full of blocky cracks, looking like a stone sculpture from a distance.

“Oh my God! What happened?” Debbie said, looking at Ben’s expression with anguish.