Chapter 439: 439 Three Beauties Hijack Time Square, Marriage Proposal, The Suffering of Electro and The Great Villain Dr. Doom.
The apartment's living room lit up with joy as the girls took a few photos with Allen in his suit.
Due to certain circumstances, Allen didn't pick up Gwen from her house. Instead, they would both leave Allen's house and on their way to the dance, they would pass Gwen's house, where her mother was waiting for them.
George Stacy wasn't home because of the Norman Osborn case, which kept him busy as the officer assigned to Osborn's custody and interrogation.
George had accepted the case despite knowing he would miss seeing Gwen off. However, Allen had an idea, why not set up a live video call so George could still be part of the moment?
Natasha finished adjusting Allen's tie. "Tell me, aren't you worried about how people will react to seeing you with three girls?"
Allen tilted his head to the side, his expression calm and confident. "In the worst-case scenario, my identity gets revealed, which could make our future a little complicated. In the best case, a bunch of guys will envy me, and I'll have to endure their death stares... though only for half a second before I deal with them."
"A year ago, you would've panicked at this question..." Natasha chuckled. "Not sure if this response is better~."
Allen passed through the living room, bidding farewell to all the women before leaving his apartment. Needless to say, the girls, including the dolls, would spend the evening teasing him about how backward he seemed. After all, he had important jobs as both a professor and the director of a high-security mental institution/prison, yet here he was, dressing up for prom.
"Who cares..."
Allen shrugged and gave a sly smile as he dismissed the thought.
As he exited the building, Gwen and MJ walked beside him, both in high spirits. This day might be special for many girls, but Allen smiled because, to him, the prom itself didn't matter. What mattered was seeing the girls beside him smile.
When they reached the street, they saw a limousine waiting for them. It wasn't surprising, considering Allen had a car dealership in his inventory. However, there was something unusual about this limo. As the window rolled down, a familiar face appeared.
"Oya~ The young master has two beautiful flowers at his side. I'm jealous~."
"Huh?!"
"What?!"
Both Gwen and MJ raised their voices in surprise. Their reaction wasn't unwarranted—of all people in the world, Nokotan was the one driving?!
The two girls looked at Allen with concern. Though it might sound harsh, Nokotan wasn't someone who inspired confidence in situations like these.
Allen laughed. "Relax... she's the co-pilot."
"Master..."
Dressed as a maid, 2B appeared and opened the limo's back door. The girls sighed in relief, but Allen couldn't help but stare at 2B. He had intended to hire a limo service like everyone else, but the girls insisted on handling it themselves. Things escalated to the point where 2B sulked because he didn't want to let her drive.
"Thanks, 2B."
"Thank you."
"Don't worry; it's my duty to serve my master..." 2B's response was calm.
Gwen entered first, followed by MJ, and lastly, Allen climbed into the limo. But he paused to look at 2B.
"Master, please proceed," 2B said, smiling faintly with a blush on her cheeks. How could she not know what was on her master's mind?
Treating one of his women as a driver while taking others to a dance might seem unfair, and Allen couldn't accept that.
"Master, you don't have to look at me like that. My entire being exists to serve you, and nothing makes me happier than doing so," 2B's eyes shone with sincerity as she bowed gracefully. "Allow me to be of use~."
"All right..." Allen lifted her face and kissed her lips, taking her by surprise. "Since I accept your selfishness, I hope you'll accept mine... I'll collect this debt later."
The intense gaze seemed to strip the girl bare, making her tremble with embarrassment.
"Y-yes..."
Only Allen could make an automaton, originally devoid of emotions, stammer with just a simple phrase.
Allen got in, and they headed to their first destination.
...
[I chose this image as the new cover... ignore the fact that Gwen is crying in this image, it has no meaning 🍷🗿]
...
In an interrogation room, Norman held his head as he waited for the police to arrive. His face was bruised, but he showed no signs of pain. His mind was preoccupied with his actions.
He had been conscious while inside the Green Goblin, watching as it murdered all those people. Norman couldn't bear the reality of what he had become. Yet, he couldn't blame the Goblin Serum—he had willingly taken it.
Norman had long been suppressing a part of himself—a dark part.
The door to the interrogation room opened, and Captain George Stacy walked in, his expression a mix of resignation and sternness.
"I heard you refused a lawyer..."
"…"
George sat down across from the silent Norman.
"When you came here demanding we release your son, I understood you as a man who didn't abide by others' rules. However, I never thought you'd turn into a genocidal maniac..."
"Just send me to prison. I have no intention of defending myself."
"Everyone has the right to a defense, especially those with problems up here..." George pointed at his head.
"No... I don't deserve it. Everything I did was of my own making."
George tapped his finger on the table several times. He was here to interrogate Osborn due to the nature of his crimes. Somehow, Norman had gained superhuman strength, yet now he seemed to be held back by mere handcuffs with no intention of escaping.
"You don't have the power to decide that—neither do I. Only a jury and judge do."
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Osborn slammed the table with both hands. "THAT THING IS INSIDE ME, WAITING TO COME OUT, ITCHING TO DO HORRIBLE THINGS!"
"..."
Osborn's actions were enough to have him committed. However, George remained calm, unfazed by the outburst.
"Believe me, I wouldn't have a problem locking you up and throwing away the key. But I've been a cop for a long time. I know when a criminal is a criminal, and you're not acting like one. That's why I'm here, on the day of my daughter's prom... Norman Osborn."
"Heh... Harry should've been at that dance too..." Norman clenched his fists, breaking down. "I keep making mistakes! I should've been there for him! I shouldn't have taken that thing!"
George sighed. "Sometimes, all it takes to turn someone into a villain is one bad decision, not a dark heart..."
...
The limousine pulled up in front of Felicia's building. Allen got out and walked toward the entrance. When he pressed the intercom, Felicia's lazy voice answered.
"Oh~ My prince came to pick me up?~"
"Felicia, don't tell me you were asleep?"
"Well, hehe, I won't tell you then~."
"…"
"I was asleep earlier, but I'm ready now... come up."
There was a hidden meaning behind her words, spoken with a seductive tone. Felicia's moods were like a cat's—out of nowhere, she could be affectionate, proud, loving, seductive, lazy, or indifferent. However, that last one never applied to Allen.
With a calm look and his hands in his pockets, Allen gazed upward. He had no intention of taking the elevator. His eyes glowed for a moment, and he disappeared, reappearing in front of Felicia's apartment.
The building was decent, but it couldn't compare to where Allen lived. To be honest, Allen sometimes felt foolish for never realizing he lived like a millionaire. He couldn't have bought such a large apartment with only his parents' inheritance. It had been thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D.—or rather, Natasha's deal with Fury.
Before he could knock, the door opened, and a stunning woman appeared.
"...!"
Allen was momentarily struck. Felicia smiled, amused, her blue eyes gleaming. She wore a black evening dress that contrasted with her white hair. Her lips of a faint pink shade curved with a mix of mischief and allure.
She stepped closer and leaned on Allen, showcasing her beautiful face adorned with fine makeup.
"What's wrong, Mr. Walker?~"
"You're wearing a dress..."
Allen's surprise doubled, as Felicia was the unpredictable type. She could've opened the door in jeans and a leather jacket or fallen asleep ignoring the day altogether.
"Haha, that's true..."
Felicia was pleased to see Allen's reaction. Just for that, the three hours she spent getting ready were worth it.
Allen hugged her and looked into her eyes, "You look beautiful."
"Hehe I love you very much Mr. Walker maybe we should go inside and show you when❤️~"
"Tempting but it would be too rude to the others..."
"Hehe~" Felicia blinked. "Shall we go?"
Allen picked her up in his arms and disappeared. When they reappeared downstairs, a woman dropped her grocery bag, her mouth agape. Seeing this, Allen set Felicia down and snapped his fingers, rewinding time so the bag returned to the woman's hands.
This time, Nokotan opened the car door for them. "Young master, lovely lady, please step inside~."
Nokotan appeared to enjoy acting as a butler, complete with a suit and a fake mustache.
Allen approached her, gently patting her head before handing her a bag of Shika Senbei.
"A new recipe, improved by me..."
Nokotan was stunned for a moment before smiling brightly and leaping onto Allen.
"I love you~"
Nokotan might be the easiest creature in the world to please. Felicia laughed at how simple the deer girl could be, something to envy in a world where people are weighed down by their problems and rarely find joy in small things.
"Hurry up and get in!" MJ urged the two of them.
"We'll be late," Gwen added.
Felicia entered after Allen, and soon they were on their way.
...
When they arrived at Gwen's house, the two stepped out of the limousine. As they opened the door, Helen greeted them with a camera in one hand and a phone streaming a live call in the other.
"Mom, Da—!"
Gwen smiled cheerfully, but her greeting was interrupted by Allen.
"Mr. Stacy, Mrs. Stacy, I'm here to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
Gwen turned bright red, hitting Allen's arm in embarrassment.
Helen chuckled. "Haha, how thoughtful of you, Allen~."
George remained silent, his expression serious. This shifted the mood, making Gwen and her mother uncomfortable.
Allen, however, stayed calm, meeting George's stern gaze without flinching.
"How serious are you?" George asked gravely.
"Completely serious," Allen replied with equal seriousness.
The atmosphere changed. Gwen and her mother were left speechless, and Gwen began to tremble, her legs seemingly giving out beneath her. Allen wrapped his arms around her for support.
George watched his daughter calm down in Allen's arms and sighed.
"It's impossible to say anything against..." George softened his expression. " I appreciate your sincerity, Allen. In this day and age, kids don't usually ask for their parent's blessing, but it means a lot that you consider us an important part of Gwen's life. Honestly, I can't imagine anyone better suited to be my daughter's husband."
"Thank you, George"
Helen covered her mouth, while Gwen's own eyes brimmed over.
"Dad!"
"Gwen... I'm sorry I can't be there with you right now. My little girl's grown into a remarkable young woman... I—"
George's words were cut off abruptly as the call suddenly disconnected.
Everyone froze in confusion.
"Dad?"
"Dear?"
"...?"
Just as Allen began to release Gwen to investigate, the signal returned, and George reappeared.
"Sorry, looks like the connection was bad. Don't worry about it."
Allen observed George Stacy, who seemed normal, so he dismissed the incident. It wasn't unusual for phone signals to fail inside buildings with thick walls.
Helen bid farewell to her daughter and Allen, who returned to the limousine and headed to the prom. Allen grew more pensive during the ride but didn't let the girls notice.
---
The streets were calm that night; a usual occurrence when Allen was back in town, as crime rates tended to drop significantly. Of course, this didn't apply to supervillains, who were typically more audacious.
As expected, Allen didn't drive the girls directly to the prom. Instead, he made a detour through Times Square. The giant screens lighting up the famous avenue dazzled everything around them.
MJ opened the sunroof and leaned out, Gwen joining her. Felicia laughed at the sight of the two girls forgetting their age for a moment to enjoy the lights.
Allen smiled and snapped his fingers. The screens suddenly changed, displaying various photos Allen had taken of the girls:
A shot of Felicia riding her motorcycle, one walking arm-in-arm with Allen on the street; a photo of MJ hugging a plush toy on the couch, one holding Allen's hand at the mall; and pictures of Gwen studying in the library, one attempting to cook.
The girls were stunned into silence, staring at the displays. MJ and Gwen sat back down, their expressions overwhelmed.
"I thought you'd jump on me, but I guess my surprise was a bit too much, haha."
None of the girls responded. Allen had essentially hijacked the center of New York to surprise them, something that would definitely make the news. People would be asking, "Who on earth has the power to pull that off?!"
MJ threw herself at Allen with puffed-up cheeks. "Was it really necessary to include a photo of me on the couch?"
"You're beautiful in casual clothes and without makeup," Allen replied with a grin.
Gwen leaned against him, pouting slightly. "It was amazing, but did you have to show a picture of me burning the kitchen?"
"You looked adorable..."
"I loved it, but I didn't see any pictures of me in my room. Am I not attractive with less clothing?~" Felicia teased, taking the opportunity to flirt.
"Those are part of my personal collection..."
The girls glanced at each other, blushing. What kind of photos did Allen have of them without their knowledge?
Allen smiled, but the Times Square screens suddenly went dark for a moment before turning back on. He narrowed his eyes. Coincidences did happen, but in a world like this, true coincidences were rare.
---
Victor's POV
It seems my little experiment was riskier than I anticipated. I must admit, I underestimated Allen Walker—even if that wasn't my intention.
I put on my lab coat and entered my lab, where various containers held "samples" from different species I had managed to acquire. From a sorcerer of Kamar-Taj to a mutant, from a gamma monster to a cosmic entity that had crashed in a meteor. Yet none of these would provide me with absolute power.
If only there were a way to obtain the power of Allen Walker... For now, the best idea I have is to use a shapeshifter's abilities. If I could get a mutant with that power to copy Walker's abilities, even in a weaker form, I could uncover his vulnerabilities.
But that will take time. For now, my focus is on the quantum reactor...
A quantum reactor is a device that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate massive, potentially unlimited energy. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, a quantum reactor doesn't rely on physical reactions or fuel but manipulates subatomic particles in extreme quantum states.
How would it work in this context? It's all about manipulating the quantum vacuum. According to quantum field theory, even in the most absolute vacuum, there are energy fluctuations known as zero-point energy.
I approached a display case containing a protection suit. After donning it, I entered a reinforced containment chamber at the center of my lab.
Inside, there was a sphere emitting dense energy, pulsating like a heartbeat. Using specialized gloves, I carefully placed the sphere into a small cube-shaped container.
The quantum reactor taps into this vacuum energy, extracting small amounts and amplifying them through quantum resonance. This creates a continuous energy flow without the need for fuel, as the quantum vacuum is virtually infinite.
Of course, this is only a prototype... which means I need a "volunteer" to test it.
Once the quantum reactor prototype was secured, I could breathe more easily. Needless to say, these experiments carry the risk of instant and catastrophic death, but they are necessary.
"This casing should hold long enough for the next step."
I left the containment chamber and moved to another section of my lab, where a man lay on an operating table.
"Doctor?"
The man on the table wasn't ordinary; his body was covered in a crackling energy of electricity. His civilian identity was Maxwell "Max" Dillon, an electrical engineer who, after a workplace accident, gained the ability to absorb and manipulate electricity.
"Yes, Max, it's me..."
I responded with feigned concern. Max had become a superhuman, but far from being a hero, he had taken a darker path.
"Doc, can I really get stronger?"
Max first appeared in New York a month ago. His electrical powers were impressive but had a glaring weakness—water. Moreover, his abilities were limited by the amount of electricity he could absorb. These limitations had allowed Gwen and Natasha to defeat him using a fire hydrant, humiliating him as he became the laughingstock of the city.
Seeing this on the news, I decided to use him to test my prototype.
"Thank you, Doc... I really appreciate it"
Max closed his eyes as I began the procedure to replace his heart with the reactor core.
In the quantum realm, particles and antiparticles "virtually" appear and disappear constantly in pairs.
The reactor could force the separation of these particles before they annihilate each other, turning them into real particles and using their energy to power the system.
In Electro's case, the quantum reactor would be used to fuse his biological structure with this system, allowing him to directly channel the energy it produced. This would make him a living energy source, with his body acting as a quantum conduit.
Electro would now be able to absorb energy from anywhere, even from parallel universes or the quantum vacuum, theoretically making his power unlimited.
Infinite Energy Production:
Zero-point energy and virtual particles provide an inexhaustible supply, as long as the quantum stability of the reactor is maintained.
Breaking Physical Laws:
By operating on a quantum level, the reactor could manipulate phenomena like quantum entanglement, enabling instant energy or matter transportation across vast distances.
However, everything comes with limitations and dangers... for example, quantum instability.
Manipulating particles at the quantum level is extremely dangerous. If the reactor loses control, it could trigger a quantum vacuum collapse, destroying all matter within a massive radius or even the entire universe. But that's a risk I'm willing to take...
Electro would become a virtually indestructible being with unlimited power...of course, the reactor is just a prototype, and in some time, it will destabilize in case it doesn't; I have a way to sever the link between Electro and the quantum reactor... I am Victor Von Doom and I am not willing to let someone else be omnipotent.
---
End of POV
Hours passed as the operation progressed, and Doom gradually managed to integrate the core with Electro's body. This man of electricity weakly connected to the reactor the moment it was implanted.
This caused a temporary blackout in the laboratory.
"Reed Richards, you were a fool and a madman, but your intellect was undeniable. With you out of the way, I will take charge..."
There was one thing Doom desired above all else: absolute power, and he had the capability and resolve to do anything to achieve it.
---
Victor completed Electro's operation. The man lay motionless, the reactor having replaced his heart. However, it wasn't a real heart, which posed a significant risk of death within a short time. Yet, as usual, nothing was too valuable for Doom to sacrifice in pursuit of his ambition.
Before his eyes, Electro's once-brilliant, electricity-charged skin began to dim and fade.
"..."
Victor turned to leave. Even if this experiment failed, he would simply move on to the next.
*Heartbeat*
Victor stopped in his tracks and looked back. Electro's skin began to glow, and the beat of his heart grew stronger.
Blackouts and signal interferences occurred worldwide.
Victor watched with satisfaction. "It seems it worked."
Victor Von Doom was willing to risk destroying the universe without flinching, all for his ambition and obsession with power.
===
A/N: Sorry if this chapter is a bit confusing, it is better complemented with the next one 🗿