The Witcher: Ascending Beyond Marvel

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Several cars sped across the vast wilderness of Texas.

Their wheels rolled over the rugged terrain, kicking up clouds of dust that formed a long yellow dragon in their wake.

These vehicles had clearly been carefully modified, with every component optimized to adapt to the roughest terrains. Even at high speeds over uneven, pothole-ridden ground, they moved smoothly, as if gliding over a flat road. Inside, the passengers barely felt the bumps, as though they were traveling in mobile fortresses.

In the largest vehicle at the center of the convoy, Wes was intently scribbling on a piece of paper.

Johnny, unconscious, was securely tied to his seat with thick ropes.

Carter glanced at the paper in Wes's hands but quickly lost interest. He shook his head, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes to rest.

Coulson, sitting beside Wes, watched him curiously, his eyes fixed on the intricate drawings. Wes, unfazed by the scrutiny, continued working.

The draft paper displayed a circular magic circle, its lines and patterns weaving into an intricate design.

Sweat formed on Wes's forehead as he made careful revisions with his pen. He remained focused, his movements precise.

An hour later, he finally exhaled in relief and handed the drawing to Coulson.

Coulson examined the design with a puzzled expression.

"Give this to the engineers," Wes instructed, his tone serious. "They must memorize it thoroughly. There can be no mistakes."

Coulson frowned. "What does this magic circle do?"

"I'll explain when the time comes," Wes replied, not offering any further details.

Then, he called out, "Jandi."

With a sharp bang, the house-elf appeared instantly.

Coulson flinched at the sudden arrival, staring at the strange creature in astonishment.

Carter, who had been dozing off, lifted the brim of his hat, took one look at Jandi, and let out a whistle. "A magical creature."

Wes pointed at Coulson. "Keep an eye on him."

Jandi gave a deep bow. "Yes, Master."

Without another word, Wes opened the suitcase beside him and stepped inside. The case locked automatically behind him.

Jandi stood guard in front of it, his sharp eyes fixed on Coulson, never relaxing for a moment.

Coulson hesitated, then tried to make conversation. "Uh, sir?" He struggled to address the creature, uncertain of its title. Judging by the voice, Jandi seemed male.

Jandi, however, remained unmoved. "Behave yourself, Muggle," he said coldly. "Unless you want to suffer."

Coulson swallowed his words and shut up.

When Wes finally emerged from the suitcase after resting, he was momentarily stunned by the scene before him. Coulson was curled up in a ball.

The moment Coulson saw Wes, his eyes widened, and he let out a muffled "Mmph—mmh!"

"Let him go, Jandi," Wes ordered.

Jandi snapped his fingers, and the restraints vanished.

Coulson immediately stretched his stiff limbs, exhaling in relief. "I just wanted to have a conversation with Mr. Jandi…" he muttered.

Johnny, now awake and sipping a beer, scoffed. "You just wanted to ask a million questions. Don't act so innocent."

Wes shot Johnny a look. Johnny raised his beer in acknowledgment and took another sip.

"Good job, Jandi," Wes said approvingly. Jandi beamed, looking absolutely delighted at the praise.

After receiving his next task, Jandi vanished.

Johnny chuckled, tossing his empty beer can out the window. "Magical creatures, magical suitcases, magical wizards…" He shook his head. "The last few days have been way too much."

Wes turned to Carter. "Did you tell him everything?"

"I only mentioned Ghost Rider," Carter admitted, shrugging. "The rest? I barely understand it myself."

Wes nodded slowly. "Alright. Where should I start?"

"Mephisto!" Johnny and Carter said in unison.

The two of them were bound by the same fate—both had signed contracts with the demon lord.

"Actually," Wes said, his tone heavy, "this all ties back to Mephisto."

Coulson hesitated. "Mr. Irwin… can my colleagues listen in? They'll be involved in this sooner or later."

Wes considered for a moment before nodding.

Coulson activated a communication device, but while he said it was for his colleagues, the truth was only one person would be listening—Nick Fury, back in New York.

Wes began explaining, starting with Mephisto's identity and the deeper implications of their situation. He spoke at length, revealing how he had been deceived by the Ancient One and forced into this mission.

As he spoke, the expressions of his listeners shifted between shock, fear, and disbelief. Even for people trained to handle the extraordinary, this was too much.

Coulson couldn't help but wonder—was Wes just spinning an elaborate myth?

But then, right in front of him were Carter and Johnny, both bound by a deal with Mephisto. Just last night, he had seen them in their Ghost Rider forms—flaming skeletons in battle. He had witnessed the horrifying demons they had fought.

This was no myth.

Wes regarded Carter and Johnny with an amused, almost pitying look. "I have to say… you two really have guts," he said dryly. "Signing a contract with Mephisto of all beings—the most infamous, insidious, and cunning demon in history."

Carter and Johnny looked embarrassed, regret etched on their faces.

Johnny slumped in his seat, muttering, "It's too late now. I've lost everything. I can't even die properly."

His voice was hollow, devoid of hope.

Carter, too, sat in despair, helpless and exhausted.

Nick Fury's voice crackled in Coulson's earpiece. "Ask him how to stop Hell from breaking through."

"I can hear you," Wes said, unimpressed. "Do you always eavesdrop like this?"

Coulson didn't even try to deny it. He pressed a few buttons, and suddenly, a realistic projection of a bald man appeared in the car.

Carter whistled in amazement. "Damn, technology's come a long way." He reached out to touch the hologram, but his hand passed through it.

"Not the time for curiosity, cowboy," Fury said, turning to Wes. "Alright, Mr. Irwin—how do we stop Hell from invading?"

"We don't," Wes said bluntly.

Silence filled the car.

Wes spread his hands. "I'm not that powerful." He leaned back. "I'm just here to complete the Supreme Sorcerer's task."

Fury's scowl deepened. "And where is this 'Supreme Sorcerer'? Why isn't she dealing with this?"

Wes laughed. "Oh, please. When the Supreme Sorcerer was busy saving the world, your ancestors were still running from lions in Africa."

Fury's already dark complexion darkened even further.

"The emperor is more anxious than his subjects," Wes muttered. "You worrying won't change anything. Just wait."

Fury looked like he wanted to argue, but just then, the car came to a stop.

"We're here." Wes grabbed his suitcase and stepped out.

Before them lay a barren landscape.

The only structure in sight was an ancient, weathered temple standing alone in the desert.

Carter and Johnny stared.

"This is… San Venganza?"

"Will Mephisto come here?" Johnny asked warily.

Wes exhaled. "I really hope not. I have no desire to face the Lord of Hell himself."