James Jasper

[Do away with him,] a voice filled with malice said.

The voice came from the Living Tribunal, and James wasn't entirely surprised. After all, the Living Tribunal earned its name because each of its faces embodied a principle that allowed it to judge fairly.

[He has done nothing,] another voice countered.

"I know I have yet to commit any crime that would warrant my death but if I have, please have mercy," James pleaded.

The Living Tribunal was on an entirely different level compared to most characters in the Marvel Multiverse.

It took three post-retcon Beyonders just to defeat him. His Wiki entry stated that he was only inferior to The One Above All in power.

An Adam Warlock wielding the Tribunal's powers once claimed he could wipe out the Beyonders, meaning the only reason the Living Tribunal lost was that he didn't know how to fight.

This being was on a whole other level of power, and James didn't want to be on his bad side—not that he had a choice.

If the Living Tribunal decided to erase him, James had no way to retaliate.

Tenth Metal might help, but by the time he could amass enough to match the Tribunal's power, he'd be long dead.

[No one plans to kill you, child. I called you here to understand your purpose in this universe,] the Living Tribunal replied.

"Oh… Ohh!" James said, finally realizing the situation.

He was about to gain power beyond what was necessary, and while the Living Tribunal normally wouldn't care, James wasn't part of the Marvel Multiverse.

He was an outsider, and as the protector and embodiment of the Marvel Multiverse—or Omniverse—it was the Tribunal's duty to ensure relative peace.

"I don't have plans for the universe, let alone the Multiverse. I just have plans for Earth. As long as my family and friends are safe, I have no issues," James replied, much more relaxed now.

[As the protector of this Multiverse, I am charged with ensuring it isn't destroyed by any means. I will take your word for it, but know this: should you harbor any dark intentions for the Multiverse at large, I will ensure your death,] the Living Tribunal threatened, sending a chill down James's spine.

The words themselves weren't what mattered—it was the fact that they came from the Living Tribunal. This was a being who would do anything to fulfill its duty, and it was exceptionally good at it—until the Beyonders arrived.

"I understand, sir. Don't worry, I don't have that kind of ambition. The highest I see myself going is becoming an intergalactic empire," James reassured him.

[We hope that ambition remains the same when the Multiverse needs your help.]

"Oh, if the Multiverse needs my help, I'll help. But I'll upgrade my ambition to ruling a universe. I'd see it as a reward for my work."

[That is none of my concern,] the Living Tribunal said before vanishing.

"Okay, that was weird. Was he asking for help or threatening me? Argh!!!" James shouted as he suddenly felt himself being pulled back by an unseen force.

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1st POV

London,

A Certain Politician's House

England is a truly beautiful place. It has a calming, relaxing atmosphere that feels distinct from most parts of the world.

I guess this is why people think most British folks just sit around drinking tea. Well, some of them do, but you get what I mean.

The scenery here is breathtaking, and I have to admit, James Jaspers was really enjoying himself. No, scratch that—this guy has an entire manor to himself.

He's just a politician, but it's clear he comes from a filthy rich background. Add that to the money he makes as a politician—a corrupt one, at that—and you understand his status.

Right now, everything is at a standstill. Flying insects are frozen mid-air, birds hang motionless, and guards are stuck in place. I've stopped time.

This feat comes easily when you've practiced enough with omnipotent powers like reality warping.

With the Living Tribunal essentially showing me that it doesn't care if I rule a universe or not, I can do things like wear gauntlets made entirely of Tenth Metal.

These bracelet-like gauntlets allow me to warp reality on a planetary scale, which is a big deal. It means I could overthrow entire governments with nothing more than a thought.