Malrick thought carefully about Dr. Doom's statements recorded by the Time Variance Authority. Phrases like, "The world is sick," and "To save the world, we must tear it down and rebuild," echoed in his mind. Also, "The answer lies at the end of time," and "To bring true peace to the Multiverse." It all pointed to one conclusion: Doom intended to destroy all Universes, and on the ruins, reconstruct a completely new order.
In the comic Universe, after destroying the Multiverse, Doom indeed achieved this. He gained the Transcenders' power, created Battleworld from the ruins, and established his own order.
But in the movie Universe, Doom lacked Transcender power. If he still wanted a Battleworld, he would have to take what was available—destroy all Universes and then, in the Void Land, use the remnants to form a Battleworld.
This was not difficult for him. Doom had stolen all of Kang's time technology, sufficient to create a Battleworld or even a new TVA. After all, the original TVA founder, Kang the One Who Remains, only possessed this technology. But Doom's ambition clearly went further; otherwise, he would not have attempted to seize Loki's power—and it seemed he had succeeded.
Malrick reviewed all the clues he had gathered and flew across the boundless land toward the central region. He activated his Super Hearing, capturing every sound in the Void Land.
A small village came into focus.
"Banner, move these boxes over here. We need to make some Dollars today."
"Okay, Karl, I'll help."
Malrick approached and saw a town populated entirely by Hulks. The voices belonged to Dr. Banner from the Main Universe and his sister.
How long has Earth been destroyed? Why do Banner and the others seem to have been living here for so long?
As he drew closer to the continent's center, he saw more cities and tribes. He kept his Super Hearing active and picked up a conspiracy in a tavern.
"Everyone, things are tense. After this gathering, we may not meet for a while." That was Wong's voice.
"But Wong, we agreed to rescue Steve. When do we start?" said America Chavez.
"Don't mention him!" Wong snapped. "Last time I saw him, he acted as if he didn't recognize me at all. He's completely become that tyrant's lackey!"
"Impossible! Doctor Strange would really become Doom's subordinate?" Yelena's voice protested.
"How is that impossible? What's more impossible than waking up and being transported to this cursed place?" Ms. Marvel countered.
"Now is not the time to argue. For now, we'll keep our distance," Wong said. "A toast to success—finding the truth and overthrowing the tyrant!"
Glasses clinked. Everyone concealed their appearances and quietly dispersed.
It wasn't just that tavern. Superheroes gathered elsewhere, some plotting rebellion against Doom, some simply trying to uncover the truth of their situation. Most didn't even know this was the Void Land. To them, this place was Battleworld.
It really is Battleworld… Doom's first step succeeded, Malrick realized, a faint emotion stirring within him.
He saw familiar faces across the land: Star-Lord and White Vision watching TV and drinking in an apartment, Wakanda's Black Panther Legion guarding city walls, Winter Soldier imprisoned in a water-filled cell.
Malrick paused at Winter Soldier, curious, before continuing toward the center.
In the comics, the ruling core of Battleworld is the Kingdom of Washington. In the movie Universe, names were less formal. Most Superheroes didn't call Doom "God King Doom," simply labeling him a tyrant who deceived everyone.
Above the central palace, Malrick activated Super Vision. He saw a court in session.
Dr. Doom, in his green cape and metal mask, sat on the throne. Beside him, Invisible Woman Susan leaned against the throne, a close and unsettling relationship apparent. Below, Doctor Strange of the Main Universe, robe dragging, reported on the state of Battleworld.
Malrick couldn't help but feel a mix of shock and disbelief. In the comics, Doom brainwashed Mister Fantastic's wife, turning her into his own, and claimed Reed's children. Could the same have happened here?
Doom, preaching peace to the Multiverse, had the habits of a schemer, taking what belonged to others in secret.
Malrick observed Strange's report for a few minutes. Battleworld had existed only a few years, and the internal situation was fragile due to scattered Superhero resistance. As more remnants of destroyed worlds merged, Doom's world would eventually solidify and prosper.
The court session ended, and Doctor Strange hesitated before asking about searching for Loki again.
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