Marvel: Tony Stark's Journey in the Omniverse

Hello my dear readers, once again I hope your day is going well. If not, then I hope my chapter will improve your mood. This is the longest chapter to date with over 3000 words. I was considering splitting it up into two but I thought nah, that's for second-rate authors. (I was not being lazy, I swear). I also want you to know that due to this chapters length, there won't be a second one coming out today. I'd like to thank Meet_Duttha and Jandher who both gave me all of their stones. I really appreciate it guys. I also want to thank those who reviewed my novel since I I don't think I have done so yet. Thank you Meet_Duttha, warrioroflight_3 and rex_of_dreams, you all left stellar reviews for my book. Now here is the monster of the chapter you have all been waiting for.

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"Dad, here is the short list of people I came up with before to invite to our Fortress of Science!" Tony declared, grinning as he slid a paper across Howard's desk.

Howard sighed. "Son, don't we have enough talent right now?"

Tony shook his head. "Talent is the scarcest and most valuable resource, Dad. There can never be enough."

Howard picked up the paper and scanned the names. "Alright, hit me with it."

"Hank Pym, Herbert Wyndham, Myron MacLain, Noah Burstein, a group of four scientists known as the Enclave—Carlo Zota, Maris Morlak, Wladyslav Shinsky, and Jerome Hamilton—and finally, Nathaniel Essex."

Howard sighed again (he does that a lot) and said "That list is full of stubborn personalities"

Tony countered "I know just what to say to each of them so they will join"

Howard replied "I'll set up a day of interviews for them at your 'fortress'"

Tony then says "The sooner the better!"

---

The Day of Recruitment has Finally Arrived

Hank Pym

Tony greeted Hank Pym with a smirk as the scientist entered the room. "Good morning, Hank."

Hank scoffed. "So the one to interview me for joining the Fortress of Science is a child? This is Howard's doing. He's looking down on me again!"

Tony casually levitated a cup of coffee toward Hank. "I'm not just any child. My mind reaches places you could never dream of."

Hank raised an eyebrow, now interested. "Well, color me impressed. What can you offer me?"

Tony leaned forward. "A couple of things. I can make you smarter, extend your lifespan, even make you stronger and help you with that Ultron problem of yours."

Hank stiffened. "You know about Ultron?"

"Of course. In the height of your foolishness, you create a rebellious AI. Unlike me, who created perfection."

Hank's eyes widened. "You did what?"

"Nexus, introduce yourself."

A smooth, synthetic voice echoed. "Hello, Hank Pym. I am the Artificial Intelligence known as 'Nexus of All Knowledge.' My prime directive is to serve Master Tony in all his endeavors."

Tony giggled. "The perfect AI! Obedient, sentient and he only grows stronger."

Hank frowned. "How does Nexus evolve?"

"He has a natural ability to grow by himself but also devours other AIs to get stronger."

Hank said in excitement "With that ability we could end Ultron once and for all. He won't be able to escape!"

Hank then hesitated, then asked, "What do you want in return?"

"Pym Particles. I need them for my future endeavors to bring technology items back from my travels that surpass my ability to do so. I can teleport myself and others but struggle with larger objects. We won't commercialize them anytime soon, but you know they're completely broken, right? The lives you could save with it and its commercial value in general are amazing"

Hank sighed. "Fine. That's what worries me."

Tony grinned. "Welcome to the Fortress of Science. Anton Vanko will show you around. Now shoo, I have another interview."

---

Herbert Wyndham

A figure clad in metallic armor entered next.

"Greetings, Dr. Herbert Wyndham. Nice armor."

"The High Evolutionary stands before you. The name Herbert is dead to me."

Tony chuckled. "Fair enough. I hear you want to unlock the secrets of evolution."

Herbert "Yes" 

Tony says "We have the entire human genome mapped—a feat the world won't accomplish for fifty years."

Tony smirked. "We can enhance your body and mind by adding a 24th chromosome to it and even upgrade you with the Super Soldier Serum. Lastly, we can let you drastically enhance your intellect with a pill called NZT-48. Finally, we can let you study the first two to enhance your knowledge of evolution but the NZT is our closest guarded secret and it shall remain confidential for now"

Herbert's eyes gleamed. "A 24th chromosome, you say? Where did you get all this knowledge?"

"I'll let you in on a secret: My psionic abilities, namely my teleportation skills take me farther than you realize. The knowledge of our reality is at my fingertips (Author Note: MC is deliberately hiding his ability to travel the Omniverse)."

The High Evolutionary sat back, stunned. "My original plan was to build a spaceship to study evolution in space, but this… this is far more promising. However, I want to remain in my citadel."

"That can be arranged. Soon, I'll have teleportation between locations, but don't tell the others—it's a surprise."

"Then I accept."

"Good. My father will show you around. Now begone! NEXT!"

---

Myron MacLain

"Welcome, Dr. Myron MacLain. I love your work on Captain America's shield."

MacLain smiled. "Ah, my magnum opus—proto-adamantium. Too bad I was never able to recreate it. I am working on synthesizing new metals but I have hit a snag in funds."

Tony says "We have unlimited funding, and we also have access to metal alloys the world doesn't even know exist."

Maclain exclaimed "Truly, that will go far in helping my research. I have a new metal I created called true adamantium but it is horrifically expensive so I am making another alloy called secondary Adamantium which is much easier to work with and significantly cheaper."

Tony grinned. "Work with us, and I'll fund your research." Tony then explains the company benefits.

MacLain's face lit up. "I'm in!"

Tony Says ""Good, I also want armor reinforced by True Adamantium. Dr. Zola, show this man around. Shoo Shoo! NEXT!"

---

Noah Burstein

"Dr. Burstein! Welcome to the Fortress of Science!" Tony said enthusiastically as Noah Burstein entered the room.

Burstein chuckled. "Fortress of Science, huh? Sounds like something a kid would name."

Tony smirked. "It is! And it's also the most advanced research hub in the world. But let's get to the point—you've been working on something fascinating, haven't you? The Electro-Biochemical System?"

Burstein sighed. "Yes, I like to call it the Burstein Process by the way but it's been a series of failures. Every test subject either suffers adverse effects or no effect at all. I'm running out of funding, and honestly, out of patience."

Tony leaned forward. "That's where you're wrong, Doc. One of your subjects was a success."

Burstein's eyes widened. "What? That's impossible. None of them—"

Tony waved a hand. "Ever heard of Carl Lucas? One of your test subjects at Seagate Prison?"

Burstein frowned, then his eyes flickered with recognition. "He escaped. I thought he just ran before we could get results."

Tony grinned. "No, Doc. He survived, and the treatment worked. But the reason it was a success is what I wanted to talk to you about. You've been cutting the power too soon. The Electro-Biochemical System needs to run at a much higher level for a longer duration. That's the secret."

Burstein's jaw dropped. "If that's true... I've been sabotaging my own experiments this entire time."

"Exactly. And that's why you need to join us. Here, you'll have unlimited funding, state-of-the-art equipment, and access to advancements from beyond this world. Work for me, and I'll help you perfect your system. We can create true superhumans. I've studied Carl Lucas, who is now known as Luke Cage. (Author Note: MC hasn't but is instead using his Marvel knowledge) Luke Cage possesses various superhuman physical enhancements after undergoing the Burstein Process, which was designed to increase his body's cellular regeneration rate. Luke Cage has superhuman strength reaching 5 tons, I believe with enough training it could reach even levels up to 25 tons. Cage's muscles generate less fatigue toxins than the muscles of ordinary humans, granting him superhuman stamina. Luke Cage's body is as hard as titanium steel. His muscles and bones tissue are super-dense, granting him much greater resistance to physical injury. He can withstand conventional handgun fire of 4 feet and cannot be cut by the sharpest of blades, although in the event of required surgery his skin can be lacerated with an overpowered medical laser. He can withstand up to one-ton impacts or blasts of 150 pounds of TNT without serious injury, and he is impervious to temperature extremes and electrical shocks"

Burstein hesitated, then asked, "What's the catch of joining the Fortress of Science?"

Tony shrugged. "No catch. Just loyalty to the Fortress and the cause of elevating humanity. And full transparency on your research. If we perfect this, we use it wisely—not recklessly."

Burstein took a deep breath, considering the offer. Then, he extended his hand. "Alright, I'm in."

Tony says "Good we can add the Electro-Biochemical System to our soldiers and we can add it to our growing list of company perks once we iron out the kinks. Do you think that I can go through the process?"

Burstein hesitates then says "possibly but I'm worried it will stunt your growth"

Tony replies "I can wait until I'm older, no rush."

Tony then shook his hand firmly. "Anton, if you're done showing Hank around, show Dr. Burstein. NEXT!."

---

The Enclave

Tony sat back in his chair, waiting as four men entered the room. Carlo Zota, Maris Morlak, Wladyslav Shinsky, and Jerome Hamilton—the so-called Enclave. They moved with a sense of old arrogance, the air of scientists who once believed they were on the cusp of godhood but had long since fallen into obscurity.

"Ah, the infamous Enclave," Tony said, folding his hands in front of him. "Once, the great Science Guild, founded in the 1500s, spanning centuries of technological ambition. You must be so proud."

Carlo Zota, the apparent leader, puffed up his chest. "Indeed, the Enclave has long stood at the forefront of the world. Your Fortress of Science would have the honor of joining us. I—"

Tony cut him off and yelled. "Failures, the lot of you! That's what you are. You created Adam Warlock—he beat you up and rebelled. You tried again and made Ayesha—she beat you up and rebelled. And now, you're out of funds, out of influence, and out of options. And yet, you walk into my Fortress of Science thinking I should join you?"

Silence filled the room as the four men looked at each other. Wladyslav Shinsky cleared his throat awkwardly. "Perhaps… Perhaps we should rethink our approach."

Carlo Zota, trying to salvage some pride, straightened up and said, " The Enclave has a long and storied history, one that predates your Fortress of Science. With our experience and network, we could absorb your operation, combine our resources, and become something far greater."

Tony burst into laughter. "Oh, that's rich. You do realize that my Fortress has already eclipsed the Enclave in funding, manpower, and intelligence, right? Joining you would be a downgrade."

Maris Morlak frowned. "And what do you get out of this?"

Tony tapped the table. "Your expertise in genetic engineering, energy manipulation, teleportation, and molecular engineering. You've created some truly groundbreaking tech over the years—anti-gravity transmitters, molecular bond-severing blades, teleportation machines with a 2,000-mile range. All of it underutilized because you keep failing at the big picture. You need leadership. You need vision. You need me."

The four men whispered among themselves before Jerome Hamilton finally nodded. "Fine. We accept."

Tony leaned back, satisfied. "Good answer. Now, my father will show you around the Fortress. Welcome to the future, gentlemen. NEXT!."

---

Nathaniel Essex

A pale man in a lavish and absolutely tasteful cape swept into the room. "Ah, Tony Stark."

"Dr. Nathaniel Essex otherwise known as Mr. Sinister." Tony lightheartedly says "please don't clone me."

Sinister smirked. "No promises."

Tony said "my abilities are partially soul based in nature so even if you clone me he wouldn't have my powers. He'd at best be a pale imitation."

Sinister sighs and says "That's a shame"

Tony then says excitedly "I want to start off by saying I am a big fan of your work on genetics and the x-gene. But, I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that I am part of the small percentage of the population born without the gene. Unknown to most people almost the entire population has the x-gene, it's just deactivated in their case but not in mine".

Essex responds with fake sorrow while saying "Oh how sad"

Tony says "That doesn't mean I'm not special, I am first and foremost a genius, billionaire, and philanthropist, notwithstanding that I am powerful telekinetic and a telepath with a penchant for teleporting with no absolute limit as far as I can tell." I then tell him the benefits of joining the fortress and he to Tony's surprise agrees but with one exception.

Mr. Sinister then says "I want autonomy, the great Mr. Sinister shall not be chained to your fortress like some common rabble, I want the freedom and choice to be able to stay in my bases to do my own research

Tony mulls it over and agrees to it, on one condition "As long as you regularly upload your findings to our database I can agree to it."

Mr. Sinister smiles and says "Now then the truth, out with it, you wouldn't have called me here today due to my… checkered and grossly misunderstood reputation my dear Tony without some goal in mind. What is it you truly seek?"

Only then Tony says "I have one problem that I have come across during my travels." (Author Note: Again, Mr. Sinister doesn't know he can travel the Omniverse, he just assumes he teleports to alien worlds)

Sinister says curiously "What is that?" 

Tony replies "Language proficiency my dear Sinister. I end up in worlds with completely unknown languages. While I can read minds to get access to languages it still takes time even with my psychic powers. I am worried that this may be the difference between life and death when staking out a new world.

Tony looks seriously at Sinister "can you implant an x-gene into someone without it like me perchance?"

Mr. Sinister stares at Tony with an utterly offended look and says "Who do you think I am? The task is at best trivial to one such as myself!"

Tony says "Good, I need mutant powers. Specifically, language based"

Mr. Sinister laughs and says "what a coincidence. I recently acquired the genetic sample of a child named Douglas Ramsey. He seems to have the ability to understand all languages and I mean everything that qualifies as a language, including programming languages, heck even body language counts."

Tony replies excitedly "Perfect, there are some other powers I want too Mr. Sinister. Can you give me more than one x-gene?" 

Sinister says "I have simulated that a person can house 5 x-genes at most none omega unless the body has already adapted to something similar like in your case with your psionic abilities without the body suffering complete genetic collapse".

Tony thinks that this corroborates with what he knows with the comics since Sinister creates a mutant chimera with five powers called Rasputin IV in an alternate future. 

Tony says "All right, one omega level power and four lower level powers. Is there any way to do this?

Sinister chuckled. "My tech has yet to advance to that level, I can give you one, but to receive multiple, You'd for now need Celestial technology— Only one being outside of the Celestials themselves has that as far as I'm aware. He is one of the most powerful mutants out there! A madman! A tyrant! The ender of civilizations himself! He calls himself the Evolutionary Caretaker of Humanity guiding and he has been guiding and shaping our history over the years. He was there at the fall of Rome, his people fanning the flames, when Christopher Columbus "discovered" the new world which caused the inevitable downfall of the Native Americans; his people were said to have been seen on one of the ships that crossed the ocean at that time. He has access to Celestial technology that can grant one mutant powers which he had granted to yours truly over a hundred years ago. It would be insane though to go to him. Apocalypse he dubbed himself a testament to the destruction he has caused in the name of 'evolving' humanity through the philosophy of 'survival of the fittest', his original name being En Sabah Nur." The final line Sinister said with a whisper.

Tony's mind raced and he decided to ignore the well-intentioned warnings. "Then I'll have to pay him a visit when I'm ready. But first, besides the genetic samples of Douglas Ramsey and Sage who I know personally, do you have samples of Takeshi Masuya who has technokinesis and technological intuition (known as Wiz Kid in the comics), and James Madrox (Multiple Man in both X-Men: The Last Stand and in the comics) who possess self-duplication powers that can make multiple copies of himself that act independently and when merging back into the host grant him their knowledge and experience.?"

Sinister replies smugly "I once again am surprised you know the names of those children, of course I do child who do you think I am? (Author Note: Mr. Sinister tries to get samples of every mutant on earth)"

Tony says "Tell me where we should teleport too to get the x-genes."

Sinister says "Then let's proceed."

They then go to teleport to a super secret base of Sinisters (Bar Sinister) and get the genes. Then they teleport back and proceed with the X-gene implantation.

Hours later, during an agonizing X-Gene implantation process, Tony yells "arghhhh couldn't you have I dunno used pain killers since I was being transformed on a cellular level!

Sinister smiled. "I could have, but I chose not to."

Tony, distracted by his new powers, chose to ignore that comment, he then said. "Now, onto the next phase. Sinister, do you have a method of turning X-Genes on and off?"

Sinister nodded. "Of course. It's cumbersome but I can regulate gene activation with my technology. Why?"

Tony grinned. "Because that means we can selectively activate X-Genes in our soldiers and scientists. If a mutation is useful, they keep it. If not, we turn it off. Another perk of working for the Fortress of Science."

Sinister's grin matched Tony's. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Tony sat up, feeling his new abilities settling in. "Alright, we're done here. Now onto the next plan…"