Marvel’s Spider-Man: Across the Multiverse

Chapter 60: Chapter 59: The Mind Stone



Captain America, Vision, and Ghost Girl all possessed the ability to analyze microexpressions. As Peter narrated his story, they all kept their eyes on his face.

However, since most of what Peter said was actually true, even Vision couldn't detect much that was amiss.

Though there were minor inconsistencies, they simply assumed Peter was withholding some personal secrets—after all, who doesn't have secrets?

As a result, Captain America and the others readily accepted his explanation.

Moreover, their attitude toward Peter improved significantly.

From Peter's account, they had already pieced together an image of a hero who, despite being thrust into a dire situation, had saved the world only to inadvertently end up stranded in another world.

Even now, in this unfamiliar realm, this person was still striving to help them.

How could they not grow to like him?

After chatting with Peter for a while longer, Captain America got up and headed toward the back of the plane, pulling out his phone as he went.

It seemed that Peter's story had inspired him greatly—he decided to try persuading Tony again.

Once Captain America left, Peter found himself approached by another pair: Wanda and Vision.

"Thank you for telling us everything," Vision said earnestly, looking at Peter.

Peter shook his head. "No one can stand by and watch innocent lives suffer without doing something. It's all for life."

Vision offered a smile.

Peter, however, took the opportunity to focus his gaze on the Mind Stone embedded in Vision's forehead.

The Infinity Stones!

These were arguably the most powerful artifacts in the Marvel universe. The six Infinity Stones each possessed unique, incredible powers.

And the Mind Stone before him was the source of thought and consciousness in the universe. It could create and alter any mind at will.

Loki had once used the Mind Stone's scepter to control Hawkeye, forcing him to serve his cause.

It was also known to have the ability to unlock potential in the brain—Hydra had used this to awaken Wanda and Quicksilver's latent abilities.

Of course, its most successful application was in Vision.

Tony Stark and Dr. Banner had uploaded J.A.R.V.I.S. into Ultron's body and implanted the Mind Stone, ultimately bringing Vision to life.

If it were possible, Peter truly wished he could get his hands on an Infinity Stone.

As Spider-Man, his physical constitution ranked among the strongest of mortals, second perhaps only to the Hulk. A single Infinity Stone—or even two—probably wouldn't harm him much, right?

Besides, he had just the method to get Vision to willingly hand over the Mind Stone!

"Mr. Vision, Ms. Wanda," Peter began, carefully choosing his words. "I wonder if I might make a small suggestion."

Wanda blinked and nodded. "Go ahead."

Peter said, "I suggest removing the Mind Stone from Mr. Vision's forehead."

"What did you just say?" Wanda's eyes widened in fury, anger surging within her.

But Vision stopped her. "Wanda, let Mr. Peter finish."

Peter was startled—when Wanda grew angry, his spider-sense flared more intensely than ever before.

Had he not mentally prepared himself, he might have instinctively leapt out of there.

He continued, "The Mind Stone is one of Thanos's primary targets—he's determined to get it. While everything might go smoothly and we gather enough power to oppose him, as we say in Hanxia: 'Better safe than sorry.' If, by any chance, something goes wrong in the end, Mr. Vision would surely die if the Mind Stone is forcibly taken from him!"

"It would be better to remove it preemptively. That way, even if the Mind Stone is taken, Mr. Vision wouldn't have to lose his life because of it."

Peter's words were heartfelt and sincere.

Wanda's face flushed slightly; she realized she had overreacted earlier.

Vision spoke up, "My apologies, Mr. Peter. I must apologize on Wanda's behalf for her earlier behavior."

Peter waved it off with a smile. "It's perfectly understandable. When it comes to someone you love, I can empathize with Ms. Wanda's reaction."

Wanda interjected, "But the Mind Stone is Vision's core. If we remove it, then he..."

Peter shook his head and responded, "While the Mind Stone does provide Mr. Vision with self-awareness, that doesn't mean he can't exist without it."

Both Vision and Wanda looked at Peter with hopeful eyes. After all, if there were a way to live, who would willingly choose death?

Instead of answering directly, Peter posed a question, "Mr. Vision, you are a highly knowledgeable individual. Could you tell me—what is thought?"

Vision pondered for a moment before replying, "From a biological perspective, thought is the process where neurons transmit signals via electrical impulses or action potentials. These signals travel down the axon and are then transmitted to the next neuron through synaptic chemical neurotransmitters. The next neuron receives the signal through its dendrites and continues to pass it on via its axon to a third neuron."

He paused and then said, "Are you suggesting that we use technology to replicate the synaptic signals produced by the Mind Stone, allowing me to completely break free from its constraints?"

However, he quickly shook his head and added, "That would be nearly impossible. Even Mr. Stark wouldn't be able to program every single neuron in my system—it would require an astronomical amount of work."

Peter chuckled. "Specialization matters, and while Mr. Stark is undoubtedly brilliant, this isn't his area of expertise. But I know of a place in this world where this could be accomplished."

"Where?"

"Wakanda!"

Two hours later, the Quinjet carrying Peter and the others gently landed beside a sprawling complex of buildings.

Following Peter's suggestion, Wanda was eager to take Vision to Wakanda immediately to help him break free from the Mind Stone and become truly autonomous. However, they decided to make one stop first.

Despite having left the Avengers to operate independently, there was one fact no one could ignore:

The Avengers still had one of the world's greatest minds—a superhero who was a paragon of fame, wealth, and genius.

Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man.

Dubbed the man who "stood shoulder to shoulder with gods as a mortal," he was an irreplaceable part of any attempt to reassemble the Avengers.

More importantly, he was one of only two remaining active members of the original Avengers—three if you counted Vision, who was frequently absent.

As Peter disembarked the Quinjet, he curiously examined the surroundings while trailing behind Captain America and the others toward the main building.

Although he couldn't understand the purpose of many of the instruments he saw, that didn't stop him from marveling at them.

The Avengers clearly spared no expense. To secure such a vast property in land-scarce New York, even with government backing, must have been no small feat.

At the end of the day, it all came down to money.

"Who gave you permission to invite them here?"

However, as Peter and the others stepped into the building, the first words they heard weren't a warm welcome but an angry, questioning voice.

(End of Chapter)

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