American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

364. The Watcher’s ‘Intervention’

"Well, maybe that's on me," Alex shrugged, not offering himself any excuse.

When he modified the Watcher's Eye, Alex had considered whether it would draw the Watcher's attention. But then he thought about it: this eyeball-headed guy held the Eye all day long without doing anything worthwhile, so if he could use it, why couldn't Alex?

"So, let's get to the point, Mr. Watcher. What's your purpose in coming here? Are you here to warn me about multiverse taboos, or are you just providing narration?"

"About that, I'm not yet certain."

"Not certain?"

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean? You don't even know what you're going to do next?"

The Watcher sighed, then continued speaking in his deep, broadcast-like voice.

"Before coming here, I never anticipated what I would encounter. But now, seeing you, I seem to perceive a kind of uncertainty I have never encountered before. I think that will be my greatest objective moving forward."

"Your 'greatest objective'... you don't mean—"

Alex pointed at his own face with his index finger.

The Watcher slowly nodded.

"Yes, you would be a perfect subject of observation."

Perhaps you haven't even noticed that you carry streams of information potent enough to impact all dimensions of reality. This might be the key to accessing higher levels of existence.

"Thanks, but I'm not exactly thrilled to have a voyeur constantly around me. Can I decline your observation?"

The thought of this bald head watching him all the time made Alex uncomfortable, as if he'd feel restrained in everything he did.

"If you're really bored, I could recommend a place for you. There's a guy who's been stuck on a throne and could use some company. The two of you could happily observe the multiverse together."

"Rest assured, I won't be watching you constantly. There are more universes in this cosmos than you could imagine. As for that 'place' you mentioned, sorry, it's beyond my field of observation."

"Alright then."

Alex scrutinized the Watcher, realizing there was no way he could make this guy leave. He would've loved to throw him out, but his own strength didn't allow for it.

Since he was here, Alex figured it'd be best to make use of the situation. Having a cosmic observer at his doorstep could be handy—at the very least, he could build a positive relationship and perhaps exchange insights on the multiverse's taboos.

"Well, since you insist, I won't argue. But as your 'perfect' subject of observation, you should know what I'm about to do next. Any advice?"

"If you mean..."

The Watcher glanced around, observing the inside of the House of Mystery. His gaze pierced through space, directly seeing the Wasteland Universe timeline outside.

"...that, then you must be aware of the dangers that intervening in a universe might entail."

"It's precisely because I understand that I know no world is absolutely safe. To ensure my friends can live in peace, I have to do this."

Alex spoke firmly, attempting to project a strong stance.

"Are you telling me that severing a timeline will destabilize the multiverse?"

"Hmm..."

At that, the Watcher fell silent.

He said nothing for a long time, simply gazing at Alex calmly.

It wasn't until Alex was nearly uncomfortable under that gaze that the Watcher finally spoke.

"This timeline was destined for destruction. You saved it and preserved part of a parallel universe, so it shouldn't cause any disturbance. However, remember that this applies only within it."

"I see. You mean since this timeline was supposed to perish anyway, it's fine for me to save it and handle it as I wish—as long as it doesn't impact other universes?"

Alex thought for a moment and guessed.

"Yes, you must ensure that these people won't cause trouble in other universes and that this timeline won't entangle with others again, creating further risks of collision."

"Understood."

Alex finally felt relieved.

In short, as long as he managed his own domain without disrupting the natural progression of other multiverses, he wouldn't attract the attention of higher powers.

"Thank you for the insight. Besides this, any other suggestions?"

The Watcher hesitated, realizing he'd already spoken more than usual. After a pause, he continued, "I can't offer specific guidance on the Wasteland's future development, but I think that while you're focused on establishing your organization of regulators, you should turn your attention to those who have come to this world by your hand."

Alex felt a surge of realization, recognizing something he had overlooked.

He quickly walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the House of Mystery's main hall. This was the only spot where one could see the outside world. Before him, five towering windows, over ten meters high, provided a view.

Through the windows, Alex could clearly see the lights of the multiverse timelines outside and a particularly prominent timeline representing the Wasteland Universe.

Now that the Wasteland Universe had been revitalized, its glow looked much brighter than before.

Not paying much attention to this, Alex made a swift motion with his hand.

The next moment, the scene outside the windows shifted, with the perspective changing to the interior of the Wasteland Universe.

The five windows now displayed scenes with Lady Shiva meeting Old Barton, Batwing lost with the Hulk Gang, Mr. Fantastic and Star-Lord's group near the Baxter Building, Connor and Steel arriving at the Lizardman's nest, and the Justice League landing in former Doom's territory.

"Tch, I knew I'd forgotten something."

Even the wisest can overlook things. After dealing with the two worlds' major problems and letting his guard down, Alex suddenly realized he'd forgotten that teleportation magic was random.

Though they all landed on Earth, Earth is a big place, and minor deviations could mean distances of thousands of miles.

For powerful heroes, this was manageable, but for regular people, being stranded in an unknown world could end in disaster.

Alex hadn't forgotten that girl who 'returned kindness with betrayal.'

In the Wasteland Universe, trust and kindness often came at a very steep price. Thinking of this, Alex could no longer sit still; he needed to resolve these issues quickly.

'Miss Minutes, forget about setting the timeline parameters for now. Open the portal.'

Calling on Miss Minutes in his mind, Alex soon saw a purple rectangular barrier appear before him.

Without hesitation, he stepped into the portal, leaving a faint statement echoing in the House of Mystery's hall.

"Thanks, Interferer. I'll catch up with you when I'm back."

". . ."

The Watcher stood silently in place, watching where Alex had vanished, like a statue.

After a long pause, he sighed.

The multiverse doesn't need my interference.

So then,

On the path ahead,

How will you proceed?

Let's wait and see.

The shadows returned to darkness, and in the House of Mystery's hall, only the crow remained, preening its feathers.

.....

30 advanced chapters on p@treaon
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365. The Hulk Gang!
366. Wasteland Justice League.
367. The Overseers!
368. A Voice.
369. Strange Data!!!