CHAPTER 26
C26: I'm the Taoist Priest!
"The Spider-Union is an organization that spans the multiverse," Miguel O'Hara, Spider-Man 2099, explained.
"The purpose of the organization is to maintain the orderly operation of the multiverse," he continued. "The Web of Destiny is the source of Spider-Man's power. It is also the foundation for the organization's ability to travel across the multiverse."
Miguel glanced over at Russell, waiting for him to explain the complexities of time and space within the multiverse.
Russell turned his attention to the Ancient One.
I was just speaking nonsense earlier; how could I possibly understand this?
Had Gwen not intervened, she would have successfully steered the conversation back to Miguel.
The Ancient One, with a sigh, responded, "I don't want to get into the details. It's too complicated. Let's focus on the disruption within Spider-Man's Web of Destiny."
Miguel's expression darkened. He didn't expect the Ancient One, with his timeless wisdom, to be so flippant about the issue.
"Alright," Miguel said, his voice steady despite the mounting tension, "let's hear the details."
The Ancient One spoke calmly. "The Web of Destiny not only serves as the source of Spider-Man's power, but it also weaves the destinies of all Spider-People across the multiverse. It stabilizes the multiverse by maintaining the connections between the various versions of Spider-Man."
Miguel's expression was unreadable as he processed the information. It seemed in line with the principles he had encountered during his time as a part of the Spider-Verse, though he remained cautious.
"Master Ancient One, as you said, what you've done has disturbed the Web of Destiny, which in turn affects the stability of the multiverse. Is that right?" Miguel asked.
Russell, with a knowing smile, responded, "Yes, that's correct."
Miguel's posture tensed. A battle seemed imminent. He hadn't expected the two so-called 'Supreme Mages' to be so unreasonable.
"That's not entirely accurate either," Russell interjected, his tone confident. "Disrupting the Web of Destiny doesn't necessarily destabilize the entire multiverse. The stability of the universe isn't as fragile as you think."
He then delivered his next statement with full force: "Miguel, your understanding of the multiverse comes from observation and deduction. You've learned the rules, but not the truth. I can tell you this: the space-time of this universe is, for the most part, stable."
Miguel shot back, "You're just talking in circles. Why should I believe you?"
"I can perceive time and space in ways you can't," Russell retorted, his gaze unyielding.
The two stood in a standoff, both unwilling to back down. Russell was determined not to let tragedy befall Gwen, while Miguel remained skeptical of the man who claimed to be a Supreme Mage.
"Ahem," the Ancient One cleared his throat, cutting through the tension. "Russell, be patient. While this young man may be stubborn, he's a good person."
"Yes, Russell," Gwen added, trying to calm the situation. "Please, let's not escalate things."
Russell gave them both a pointed look. "Do I look like someone who doesn't know how to handle important matters?"
Miguel's frustration was apparent. The implication was clear: both the Ancient One and Gwen were disapproving of the impending confrontation.
With a final cold snort, Miguel turned to leave. "Fine. But I still don't agree with you."
Russell watched him go, feeling a twinge of frustration. "Dealing with noble people is so much trouble—they insist on talking things out. If it were a villain, I'd just punch them out. Right, Kingpin? Daredevil?"
Putting that matter behind him for the time being, Russell addressed the Ancient One. "Mage, since you can cast spells, could you make everyone forget about Spider-Man's 'killing' of Peter and erase what just happened?"
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow. "You really don't want to learn how to do this yourself? It's quite simple, you know."
Russell shook his head firmly. "No, not interested. My main focus right now is figuring out that portal spell. There's something to it—something that lets you travel the multiverse with minimal effort. It must have a secret."
"You could use the Time Stone to tamper with the past," the Ancient One suggested, "but be careful. As I mentioned before, altering the past comes with consequences. It's like repairing a perfectly fine piece of clothing—no need to fix what's not broken."
Russell frowned. Isn't that different from the Time Variance Authority's approach in the MCU?
Seemingly sensing his thoughts, the Ancient One elaborated, "Earth-199999—your universe—has unique problems. Right now, it's a swamp of issues. Even if you don't get stuck in it, you'll still end up covered in mud."
Russell hesitated. "Master, I understand, but…."
The Ancient One raised a hand, cutting him off. "Two more things: don't try to tamper with absolute time node events unless you're prepared for the consequences. Some individuals with heightened perceptions might notice that reality is being altered."
Russell caught the underlying meaning. "So, you can alter time… as long as you do it carefully."
"Exactly. But don't draw attention to yourself," the Ancient One warned.
Russell nodded. He now understood that tampering with the past could be done, but only under specific conditions.
"I won't alter this particular event, then," Russell muttered, deciding against changing the past. Instead, he focused on his plan.
After a moment's concentration, he reached for the Time Stone, activating it and sending his consciousness back in time to the moment Gwen killed Lizard-Parker. He decided not to interfere directly, as meddling with the past carried too many risks. Satisfied, he returned to the present, letting go of the energy of the Time Stone. A moment of exhaustion washed over him.
The Ancient One was watching him closely, his curiosity piqued. "Where did you get the energy to support the Time Stone?"
Russell's expression shifted as he checked the status of his energy reserves.
Dark blue… Start.
[Lifespan: 25/318, 2800]
Over 50,000 units of energy were evaporated.
Miguel's face darkened with realization. "Master, you didn't tell me this spell would cost so much."
The Ancient One, slightly taken aback, replied, "I prepared the spell for you, but I didn't expect you to use it quite so… extravagantly."
Russell, now aware of the depletion of his energy, made a wry smile. "It seems I've underestimated the cost. Master, if you've got more energy to spare…"
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow, focusing on Russell. After a moment of contemplation, he produced a ball of pure golden energy. It sank into Russell's body as he absorbed it, feeling a rush of power.
+100,000.
Russell beamed. "Thanks, Master. That's exactly what I needed."
The Ancient One, now suspicious, observed Russell intently. He had no idea where Russell's energy came from, but something was clearly off.
A month later, in the Ancient One's private courtyard, Russell grinned as a portal slowly formed before him.
Yes! I've done it!
On one side of the portal stood the Ancient One, while on the other side…
Another Ancient One.
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