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[Superman] Chapter 171: Entering the Speed Force Portal, An Encounter with the TV Series Barry
🕑 Added 2024-07-22 03:20:35 +0000 UTC"Could this be Apokolips?"
According to legend, beyond the endless multiverse of DC lies a blazing star of flames. On this star resides a formidable being known as Darkseid, the Dark Lord, the Ultimate Tyrant.
He and his loyal followers occupy this fiery star, which does not belong to the Infinite Universe, commanding everything and perpetually watching over the vast multiverse.
His true form is so powerful that even the universe cannot contain him. Only countless avatars, scattered throughout the infinite universe, assist him in seizing territories, acquiring the Anti-Life Equation that can corrupt and consume everything, and devouring the entire multiverse.
At this moment, the planet before Peter, which even he can sense as having a powerful aura, is clearly not the eight-year-old child from the movies who was struck by a war god's axe. Instead, it is Darkseid’s true form, existing in the fourth dimension beyond the third dimension, and the genuine Apokolips.
“Dark Lord Darkseid… if given the chance, I’d like to meet you and see your Omega Beams that can pierce and incinerate everything!”
The thought of Darkseid immediately conjured an image in Peter's mind of a powerful figure with a hand resting behind his back, his eyes glowing red, exuding a sense of oppression.
In the DC Universe, while Darkseid's avatars scattered across countless universes are often defeated and repelled by Earth’s heroes, his true form is undeniably powerful, having long surpassed single universes. Peter is uncertain whether he is stronger or weaker compared to Darkseid.
Thus, Peter’s gaze lingered on the peculiar cosmic planet for a long time before he slowly withdrew his eyes.
“Sir, our Speed Force energy can only open a portal to one universe, and it may only be maintained for less than half a month.”
At this moment, as the DC endless universe slowly appeared before Peter and the others, it marked the end of the test for Reed and the others.
The next challenge is Peter’s choice.
Their Speed Force energy can only open a portal to one universe. If they do not select the correct target universe, they may not get a second chance.
“Are you really prepared to venture alone into that unfamiliar universe to investigate the source of the Infinite Universe crisis?”
At this moment, the other Reeds' gazes were firmly fixed on the calm Peter, fully aware of the danger involved.
Venturing alone into another universe is akin to a single person confronting an entire universe.
“Of course, I can’t wait to witness this equally wondrous cosmic scene!”
Despite everyone's concern, Peter's lips curled into a faint smile, as if he was not facing an endless, unfamiliar multiverse but rather visiting a long-awaited tourist spot.
“Your determination is admirable!”
Undoubtedly, they found it hard to believe Peter's calm words, assuming he was braving the unknown dangers for the safety of the universe. At this moment, Peter's figure appeared immensely grand and noble in their eyes.
“Sir, we will follow your will and ensure the safety of our multiverse!”
One of the Reeds, standing behind Peter with respect and determination, spoke.
As the endless universe shimmered before everyone, if someone could record this brilliant moment, it would become an indelible epic in the history of the multiverse!
...
Although Peter sensed that they had misunderstood his words, he saw no need to argue or explain.
Countless distinct and peculiar DC universes shimmered before him, awaiting Peter's final decision.
"Finally, I've found you..."
After a long time of scanning various universes, Peter's gaze fixed on a particular one with a somewhat dim sheen, shrouded in wisps of black smoke. In this universe, he felt the familiar presence of the dark energy he had been searching for and confirmed it as his true target.
"Reed, magnify the image of that universe."
Following Peter's command, Reed unhesitatingly enlarged the image in the indicated direction. Soon, the dimly glowing universe appeared before everyone.
"Sir, are you certain it's this one?"
It wasn’t that they doubted Peter, but they understood the importance of this opportunity, knowing they might not get another chance if they failed.
"Of course!"
Peter spoke with confidence, recognizing the unique dark energy’s presence. He knew the owner of this dark energy must be a being as powerful as he and Darkseid, the Dark Lord of the DC Universe. Otherwise, such a feat would be impossible.
"Sir, then we shall lock onto this universe and use all the Speed Force energy to open a portal to it..."
Reed, convinced of Peter's choice, prepared to lock onto the universe and open a Speed Force portal to it.
"No, wait!"
"Our target is not this universe!"
However, as Reed was about to operate the multiverse translocator, Peter’s voice suddenly interrupted him.
"Sir, why?"
Even the ever-trusting Reed was now filled with confusion, as were the other Reeds from different universes.
"The universe I choose to open a portal to is actually this one..."
Peter didn't explain further but pointed to a universe nearby, intertwined with darkness and flames. As it zoomed in, the chosen universe appeared alongside the initially targeted one.
This universe, selected by Peter, had an even dimmer sheen, seemingly on the brink of extinction, as if all life within it was about to vanish. The flames of destruction flowed like magma on the planet’s surface, intertwining with the dark void, threatening to annihilate the entire universe.
"Sir, why are you doing this?"
The group was baffled by Peter’s choice, unable to comprehend why he chose a seemingly dying universe over the original target.
"Wait, I think I understand!"
Suddenly, Reed from the zombie universe seemed to realize something.
"You intend to go to this universe to gather more Speed Force energy!"
...
In reality, it was just as the Reed from the zombie universe had guessed.
The scarcity of Speed Force energy limited their ability to open a portal to the DC Universe. They had only one chance to open a universe portal, and it would last less than half a month.
Half a month might not seem like much. After all, for Peter, a mere moment is enough to destroy countless planets or even entire galaxies, or even an entire universe.
However, investigating why the DC Universe had suddenly invaded their universe would take far more time than half a month.
Thus, Peter had to find another way to give himself ample time to investigate everything.
Going to a DC Universe and acquiring more Speed Force was a good option for him. After all, the Flash in the target universe had already been obliterated along with the Speed Force to save his companions.
"I see, Sir. Your plan sounds feasible!"
The other Reeds did not argue with this simple and direct plan. For them, having more Speed Force was undoubtedly a welcome development. They could use the additional Speed Force to study the mysteries and differences between the two universes.
Moreover, this could indeed help them investigate the multiverse crisis.
"Sir, then I will proceed to open the time-space portal to this universe as you instructed!"
Reed looked at Peter, seeking his approval.
"Go ahead..."
Peter nodded slowly, no longer stopping the final moment of opening the universe portal.
"Everyone, success and failure hinge on this moment. Let us pray together for the future of the multiverse and safeguard its safety. We have an obligation!"
As the coordinates of the dark and fiery universe were input into the multiverse translocator, Reed, like someone praying in a church, unhesitatingly pressed the switch to open the portal.
Vroom!
The next moment, the entire laboratory shook violently once again. The surrounding scene became incredibly blurry before everyone's eyes.
Only the universe, entwined with darkness and flames, grew clearer and clearer to them, as if they could touch it with outstretched hands.
The Speed Force energy erupted at full power.
A dazzling lightning bolt suddenly appeared amidst the endless Marvel universe void.
The lightning, moving at incredible speed, jumped and refracted across the spheres representing the infinite universes.
In the cosmic void, a figure with a disproportionate head and body observed a planet enveloped by a star map made up of countless stars.
"The seal created by that being is growing weaker. The multiverse disaster might soon be upon us..."
The Watcher Uatu, through the star map covering the universe, looked at a figure continuously emitting massive multi-colored energy and attacking the cosmic barrier, his eyes filled with hesitation.
As if debating whether to intervene and prevent the impending crisis.
Suddenly, a lightning bolt leapt rapidly through the cosmic void. By sheer coincidence, it passed right in front of the Watcher, disappearing almost instantaneously.
Only a phantom-like image remained.
"What... is that?"
The Watcher stared in shock at the direction where the lightning had vanished. For the first time, intense astonishment appeared in his eyes.
In his countless years of observing the universe, he had witnessed numerous unique and powerful energies:
Chaos force that could alter all realities.
Phoenix force that could destroy everything.
Even powerful beings capable of devouring everything and enhancing themselves.
But he had rarely seen anything as bizarre as this peculiar energy, seemingly able to traverse time and space, unaffected by any cosmic rules.
Crack!
"Not good!"
Suddenly, a shattering sound reached Vatu's ears.
The next moment, he no longer had the mood to focus on the strange lightning energy but looked at the dark star map enveloping the universe, which seemed to have exhausted all its energy and collapsed.
His expression changed drastically.
At the same time, the silver-white robotic figure in the universe seemed to sense that the seal enveloping the universe was about to disappear. Its eyes glowed with a chilling red light, and the five dazzling Infinity Stones on its chest began to emit a mesmerizing and terrifyingly violent energy.
...
At this moment, with the violent Speed Force lightning piercing through the cosmic void, it finally crossed the vast distance and reached the All-Powerful Universe Wall that envelops the multiverse.
Next, the lightning began to tremble rapidly, as if sending some special signal to the other side of the All-Powerful Universe Wall.
In the laboratory, Peter and the others suddenly noticed that on the planet where darkness and flames intertwined, a brilliant lightning bolt erupted as if receiving some signal. It instantly crossed the endless cosmic void, passed through the Speed Force Wall, and traversed the cosmic armillary sphere surrounding the DC multiverse.
As if performing a spatial leap, it crossed the realms beyond the multiverse, the Observing Realm, and arrived at the Source Wall.
The Speed Force lightning, identical to that outside the wall, stood in opposition!
Crack!
The two bolts of lightning exploded with dazzling light and then merged together as they entered the wall separating the two All-Powerful Universes.
They then slowly faded away.
Meanwhile, in the laboratory, the multiverse translocator erupted with a unique energy, gradually coalescing into a lightning phantom before everyone’s eyes.
The next moment, the lightning tore through the void in front of everyone, forming a massive crack leading to beyond the universe.
Peter glanced at the other side of the crack, which seemed to be filled with an unknown, mysterious glow, and without hesitation, stepped forward, preparing to enter the crack.
"Sir..."
The others behind, gazing at Reed's imposing figure, murmured to themselves!
"We will wait here for your glorious return!"
Peter’s figure did not pause; he instantly stepped into the dazzling lightning crack.
He vanished from the laboratory before everyone’s eyes, heading into a special universe full of unknowns for them.
The surrounding cosmic phantoms slowly dissipated, leaving only the lightning-formed passage still floating at the center of the laboratory.
The group’s gazes were resolute as they watched the passage, waiting for the hero’s return.
Meanwhile, Peter, who had entered the Speed Force passage, felt no fear.
He strolled through the special passage composed of endless electrical light, as if taking a leisurely walk in a park, occasionally casting curious glances around.
"The Speed Force passage really is quite different..."
As Peter was marveling, a figure in a red tight suit suddenly appeared in the passage, running at high speed next to Peter.
With eyes full of shock, this figure looked at Peter, who had appeared in the passage with him, seemingly at a loss.
"Sir, do you know where this is? I just broke through my speed limit and uncontrollably ended up here..."
"Ah!"
Just as Peter was about to speak with this obviously first-time visitor to the Speed Force passage, the figure’s body suddenly seemed out of control and fell out of the Speed Force passage.
"Is this the TV Series version of Barry?"
To Peter’s eyes, the Flash’s mask appeared as if it didn’t exist. Looking at the somewhat familiar handsome face, Peter seemed to recognize his identity.
……
(End of Chapter)
