RedX43
patreon
[Frog] Chapter 124: The Stubborn Mephisto…
🕑 Added 2024-10-28 10:04:46 +0000 UTCIn Hell.
Mephisto’s white eyes were fixed intently on Ancient One—or, more precisely, on the red rune mark glowing on her forehead.
It was this very rune that had allowed her to dispel the Hellfire he had summoned. The narrow, skeletal corridor fell silent, the only sound being the slight rustling of Ancient One’s robes in the breeze.
“The Sorcerer Supreme of Earth…” Mephisto sneered. “Drawing power from the Dark Dimension… Are you truly the protector of Earth?”
Ancient One calmly withdrew her magic and responded, “That’s not something for you to worry about.”
“As Earth’s guardian, I don’t oppose visitors. All I require is an explanation of their purpose for coming.”
Mephisto’s expression darkened slightly. If it hadn’t been for that rune, he’d have already silenced her a thousand times over for her insolence. But this time was different…
With that mark, she was not so easily defeated. Fighting her would lead to no good outcome, especially since he had once angered Galactus. If he were injured in a battle with Ancient One and Galactus decided to take advantage, the consequences would be disastrous.
Though Galactus was one of the universe’s five Cosmic Entities, Mephisto had no doubt he’d stoop to such an act.
What Mephisto failed to realize was that he was hardly any better himself.
Under Ancient One’s unyielding gaze, Mephisto was forced to relent. “I have no other motives. I simply sensed a soul brimming with obsessive desire,” he said. “A soul that happens to suit my tastes perfectly.”
“I only came to make a deal with him,” he added.
As Mephisto spoke, Ancient One’s sling ring emitted a soft glow. “Mephisto, Lord of Hell, possessing power near godhood,” she said. “And you’re interested in one mere human soul on Earth? Doesn’t that seem a bit far-fetched?”
She continued, “You should be aware that if you set foot on Earth, Odin will sense it too.”
Seeing Mephisto’s change in expression, Ancient One’s suspicions grew stronger. “So… you’re after… a stone…”
At the word "stone," Mephisto burst into laughter.
“Hahaha… Do you think my strength relies on trinkets?”
Then, Mephisto’s eyes locked back onto Ancient One. “Rest assured, until Odin’s little prize is off Earth, I won’t touch much of anything there. That old fool can still be quite terrifying when he’s mad.”
“I just haven’t come across such an evil soul in ages, so I intervened.”
“An evil soul?” Ancient One narrowed her eyes, then ventured, “Norman Osborn?”
Mephisto nodded, looking disgruntled. “There was someone before him—someone who, after receiving my power, had the nerve to perform good deeds! And even took on the name ‘Ghost Rider!’” (Referring to the first Ghost Rider, who rode a horse, not the motorcycle rider.)
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to deal with him, but he’s been stuck on Earth. If I make a move, I risk disturbing Odin’s little pet project, which isn’t worth it.”
The red mark on Ancient One’s forehead gradually faded. Nodding in understanding, she said, “So you want to groom Norman Osborn—to take down Ghost Rider for you?”
Mephisto grinned. “Exactly. Especially with his second personality, the Green Goblin. He’s the ideal candidate to take on the Ghost Rider.”
“I can already picture it—Ghost Rider, down on his knees, begging for mercy.”
Filled with excitement, Mephisto rose from his skeletal throne, red flames erupting around him.
It’s clear how angry he was after being toyed with by Ghost Rider back in the day. So much time has passed, yet he still holds a grudge, and whenever he gets the chance, he immediately signs a soul contract with the Green Goblin.
“Of course, I’m not asking him to deal with Ghost Rider right away,” Mephisto continued. “I want him to play around for a while first. I believe that with his current strength on Earth, as long as he doesn’t run into you, the Sorcerer Supreme, he’ll be invincible.”
Mephisto spoke with great confidence. After all, there was only one Sorcerer Supreme like Ancient One on Earth, and she was right in front of him. So, the Green Goblin could run amok without any concern.
“Are you sure?” Ancient One replied, regarding Mephisto with a strange expression. Why did she suddenly find this horned red demon somewhat... adorably foolish?
Standing proudly before the skeletal throne, Mephisto proclaimed, “Of course! I believe that soon he will report to me as a loyal servant…”
“…telling me how many souls he has sacrificed and loudly saying…” At that moment, the Green Goblin’s voice seemed to pierce through space: “Master, save me!”
“That’s right, loudly say ‘Master, save me!’” Mephisto declared.
Ancient One’s expression grew even more peculiar. Was Mephisto really the cold-blooded, merciless lord of Hell?
Lost in the echo of the Green Goblin’s plea, Mephisto’s expression suddenly changed.
No! Norman wasn’t boasting! He was calling for help.
Mephisto shot a look at Ancient One: “What have you done?”
In his mind, only Ancient One had the power to make someone who possessed his abilities like the Green Goblin plead for mercy.
…
Ancient One smiled gently and shrugged. “I did nothing. You simply underestimate the people on Earth.”
“Earth?” Mephisto’s aura surged, a wave of red flames hurtling toward Ancient One.
Ancient One’s sling ring opened defensively, and the red mark on her forehead reemerged. The golden magic circle collided with the red flames, scattering them in an instant.
Then, with a grasp of her hand, endless darkness resembling shattered glass emerged from Hell, crashing toward Mephisto.
Seeing such magic, Mephisto’s expression turned serious. “Mirror Space!”
He thrust his palms forward, firmly resisting the advance of the mirror-like space.
“The Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, it seems I underestimated you after all!”
“You’re stalling me here while your disciple deals with the Green Goblin. Am I wrong?”
Hearing Mephisto’s conjecture, Ancient One could only shake her head helplessly. This guy was so stubborn. Were all the legends just fabrications?
“I can only tell you that it’s you who has underestimated the people on Earth.”
Ancient One’s words certainly wouldn’t convince Mephisto; after all, he had roamed freely on Earth a long time ago. Back then, it wouldn’t have been an exaggeration to say Earth was the weakest planet in the universe.
“How long has it been? You expect me to believe there’s more than one powerful person like you? Do you think I’m a fool?”
“Those who dare to deceive me will pay the price…”
With a fierce grip, Mephisto clenched his hands toward the mirror space, unleashing countless red flames.
…
