Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5697 - 4721: X Royal Family: Annihilation (Part 3)

Prior to their departure, Shiller and the Unscrupulous Quartet convened for a meeting. Time did not permit a visit to the hot springs beneath the World Tree, so their rendezvous was set directly at Arkham Sanatorium.

"What in the blazes is this?!" Nick exclaimed. "The Prime Universe sent word that they've already crossed over and warned other universes against following suit. Who do they think they are?"

"Such behavior is hardly unprecedented," Strange remarked, tearing his gaze away from a page of medical records and letting out a sigh. "Sometimes, I truly envy our neighbors. At least Batman doesn't carry himself like the sole ruler of the Multiverse."

"The reality is, the harmonious Multiverse we once envisioned simply doesn't exist," Loki chimed in. "More individuals invariably lead to more complications. Folks can find reasons to quarrel over anything. Furthermore, none of our superheroes possess the absolute authority of someone like Batman. The inevitable outcome of failing to maintain control is widespread chaos."

"Let's not dwell on the other side," Shiller interjected. "Matters aren't exactly smooth sailing there either. Not only did a cosmic chain reaction occur, but the Origin Wall itself sustained damage, leaving a gaping hole. The Batmen are currently occupied with the perplexing task of mending it."

A collective sigh rippled through the group. Every corner of existence grapples with its own unique set of challenges. On the Marvel side, unity is lacking, with factions vying for Multiversal supremacy, hinting at brewing internal conflict. Conversely, the DC side, while possessing a clearer system, is plagued by numerous troublemakers. The Multiversal Darkseid has yet to depart, and now the Black Death Emperor has made his entrance. Even Bruce, responsible for initiating such a monumental crisis, hasn't managed to eliminate the competition, and the Creator Goddess remains a formidable contender for the title of the Multiverse's greatest threat.

"Very well, let's address the situation at hand," Nick stated. "If we all venture out, direct confrontation with the Prime Universe is inevitable. Even if conflict is fated, we cannot permit their universe to become our battlefield. Doing so would undoubtedly draw severe criticism. We must consider universal optics."

"However, if only Shiller and Tony were to go, they might struggle against numerous adversaries. The inhabitants of the Prime Universe are already treating the afflicted universe as their own personal prize, and we would surely become targets ourselves. Therefore, my intention is not only to aid the beleaguered universe but also to devise a strategy to neutralize the Prime Universe's influence."

"And what exactly do you propose we do?" Loki inquired.

"We shall divide into two teams," Nick declared. "Shiller and Tony will provide assistance. The remaining three of us will endeavor to create a diversion within the Prime Universe. Once their own dominion faces turmoil, the Prime Universe's populace will be too preoccupied to interfere elsewhere."

"That is certainly a viable approach," Loki mused, his eyes gleaming slightly. "However, we must exercise the utmost caution to avoid detection. Given the Prime Universe's unique status, any aggression against it could easily be construed as an invasion of the entire Multiverse. We cannot allow our universe to become the focus of universal condemnation."

"Where shall we commence our efforts?" Strange pondered, stroking his chin. "Do they possess any particular weaknesses on their end?"

"Their most significant vulnerability lies with The Avengers, but regrettably, The Avengers have already been dispatched for a retaliatory strike," Shiller lamented. "Our only recourse is to proceed there and assess the situation firsthand."

Nick nodded in agreement. "Indeed, even if a weakness existed previously, the current circumstances may have altered it. Thus, we can only proceed cautiously and adapt as we go."

"But are you truly set on going with just the two of you?" Nick reiterated his concern. "You handle the political maneuvering, and he oversees the technological aspects. Yet, with only a single individual in each domain, outmaneuvering others will prove challenging. Especially for Tony. What if the Main Universe's Iron Man were to boast, 'No one understands Red Orchid better than I do'?"

"Don't even suggest it, that's entirely plausible," Loki chuckled. "Although I haven't interacted with him extensively, he does possess that particular…"

At this juncture, Iron Man undoubtedly exhibits an overbearing demeanor, a fact Shiller acknowledges. The comic book version of Iron Man displays considerably more assertiveness than his cinematic counterpart, possesses a more pronounced business acumen, exhibits less emotional sensitivity, and operates with greater cunning.

With the unveiling of the Multiversal stage, he has been granted an immense platform. He navigates effortlessly between different realities, and despite a less-than-stellar performance in the Multiversal war within the Prime Universe, he manages to garner support and rally allies, proving himself a formidable force.

The others exhibit similar traits. The Avengers featured in the comics are generally more assertive and intellectually sharp, with a stronger inclination towards control. American comic narratives have consistently portrayed figures like Batman and Captain America with comparable characteristics. In essence, they embody the archetype of the 'ideal leader' within Western cultural contexts: authoritative, eloquent, shrewd, unwavering in their commitment to universal values, and proponents of interventionism.

"Worry not," Shiller reassured them. "I have already formulated some strategies concerning that particular universe. You need not concern yourselves unduly with it. Your focus should remain solely on managing the affairs of the Prime Universe."

Further discussions ensued. In addition to plotting aid and devising schemes against the Prime Universe, they also needed to manage their own universe's affairs. This was crucial, as mishandling matters could lead the Prime Universe to adopt a similar strategy against them.

Previously, sentiment across the Multiverse had leaned towards instigating a conflict between the Central Universe and the Prime Universe. The Prime Universe was keen for such a confrontation, but the Central Universe's reserved stance and strategic approach averted escalation. Nevertheless, a significant number of universes anticipated an inevitable clash between the two.

This wasn't about outright invasion, but rather a contest for dominance, which naturally gravitated towards a confrontation. Many universes were already contemplating their allegiance.

The inherent logic within Marvel's narrative often points towards a grand, climactic showdown, with minds naturally focused on a decisive, high-stakes battle.

The declaration from the Prime Universe forbidding external interference was clearly a message directed at the Central Universe. It suggested their intent to foment unrest within the Central Universe's own territory, thereby diverting their attention and preventing them from rendering aid. The situation now hinged on who could better defend and who could strike faster.

Schiller assessed the situation and felt their side held the advantage. He reasoned that his past actions, initiating numerous major events, had forged the Central Universe into a battle-hardened entity. Unless he himself was the source of the chaos, they were unlikely to panic.

Despite this confidence, Schiller meticulously considered the Prime Universe's potential strategies. An invasion of Earth seemed improbable. Firstly, the majority of villains Earth faced had already been dealt with. Secondly, the Avengers operated within a moral framework and would not target Earth for destruction. Similarly, the Central Universe would not seek to destroy the Prime Universe's Earth.

A more likely tactic would be to instigate trouble and then shift the blame onto local superheroes, forcing them to contend with public scrutiny and the arduous task of clearing their names. This would undoubtedly consume their resources and prevent them from engaging in Multiverse affairs.

Who would be their target? As these thoughts occupied Schiller, his communicator suddenly chimed with a call from the administrative office of the Elders Council Hospital.

"Hello? It's me. Okay, I'll head over immediately..."

Unable to utilize public flying shuttles due to time constraints, Schiller procured an exceptionally costly solo-flight shuttle to reach the Elders Council Hospital, a sense of foreboding accompanying him. His apprehension was confirmed upon arrival; Strange was already present.

"We have received a patient's complaint," stated the doctor overseeing administration, adjusting his spectacles. "An individual alleges that Stephen Strange, the chief neurosurgeon, has been illicitly disseminating extensive patient records from the Elders Council Hospital to private convalescent facilities, subsequently receiving kickbacks for steering patients towards their services..."

"Hiss..." Schiller inhaled sharply. The Prime Universe, it seemed, had a peculiar way of operating. After refraining from meddling with cosmic engineering or inciting alien races, they now aimed to 'purify' the medical system?

"That is entirely untrue," Schiller declared unequivocally.

"However, our inquiry indicates a close association between yourself and Dr. Strange, and indeed, certain patients have sought recuperation at your facility..."

"That hardly constitutes proof," Schiller countered. "Our camaraderie stems from our time as classmates and our shared tenure at S.H.I.E.L.D. As for patients visiting my facility, it's merely a coincidence and does not imply any private referrals."

"And what of the leaked medical records?"

"There were no such leaks," Schiller reiterated his denial. "Strange did mention to me his difficulty in completing his medical reports and inquired if I knew of a more efficient method. I did suggest he delegate the task, but he likely had an intern handle it, which has no bearing on me."

As Schiller spoke, he considered instructing JARVIS to access his computer and delete the incomplete records. However, JARVIS was coincidentally absent from this particular universe.

"I must warn you," Schiller resorted to a veiled threat. "Without a proper warrant, you are prohibited from investigating the sanatorium. Should I discover any illegal investigative actions, prepare for legal repercussions."

"Rest assured, doctor. Our hospital is inclined to believe in your innocence. I summoned you today simply to confirm this matter directly. If you possess any evidence to the contrary, you should prepare it promptly."

Schiller grasped the underlying implication. The complainant likely hadn't restricted their report to the hospital alone; the media had probably been informed even earlier, with a press release already drafted.

Excellent. The Prime Universe had indeed chosen a cunning approach, targeting Strange's singular vulnerability. Schiller clenched his jaw internally. If only he had meticulously completed those records himself, this predicament might have been avoided. But his insistence on ghostwriting had now led to this trouble!

But the real puzzle is how the Prime Universe discovered his ghostwriting of medical records. This realization caused Shiller to feel a pang of guilt, remembering he had taken handwritten records to Battleworld to complete them. Could the Prime Universe's Iron Man, with access to the design department, have seen them?!

A sigh escaped Shiller as he inquired of the doctor, "Where is Steven at the moment?"

"He's in surgery. You know how it is; he's always in surgery."

Shiller found himself waiting for him outside the operating room. It wasn't long before Strange emerged. Shiller followed closely, announcing, "We've been exposed!"

Still clad in his surgical scrubs, Strange halted, turning briefly. "Which particular revelation are you referring to? The incident where you jabbed a ballpoint pen at my forehead, or our rather elaborate 'double duo triple kneeling'?"

"What's the fuss about that?" Shiller asked, feeling a wave of helplessness. "It's come to light that I ghostwrote your medical records!"

"That's hardly cause for alarm. No surgeon on this entire floor scribbles their own records. What exactly are you so afraid of?"

"But they're accusing you of leaking patient information and accepting kickbacks from me," Shiller stressed, emphasizing the severity. "Such ethical breaches could lead to you being blacklisted from the profession; you wouldn't be a doctor anymore."

"Then I suppose I'll simply don the Supreme Magician's regalia and make house calls for surgeries," Strange quipped, rolling his eyes.

Strange then stopped completely, turning back to face Shiller. "While you all jest about the 'Hand of God' title daily, you clearly fail to grasp the standing and influence held by someone who has truly earned such a title within the industry. Blacklist me? Ha!"

"This could very well be a conspiracy orchestrated by the Prime Universe," Shiller ventured, theorizing. "They might be attempting to impede us, preventing us from assisting other universes."

"Ah, I comprehend," Strange declared, spreading his arms wide and gazing upward. "This is unambiguously a rather dim-witted scheme concocted by the Prime Universe's very own 'God Without Hands'."

"Are you truly unfazed by all of this?"

"How many years have we known each other?" Strange countered, posing a question. "I mean, dating back to when you first pointed a ballpoint pen at my forehead..."

"Could you please refrain from bringing that incident up constantly?" Shiller pleaded with evident exasperation. "Over ten years, why?"

"Indeed, I have been the Hand of God for more than a decade now," Strange confirmed, meeting Shiller's gaze. "Did you genuinely believe I've been idle during these past ten-plus years?"

"And what exactly have you been doing?"

Strange pivoted, making a sweeping circular gesture from right to left. "Every single individual in this vicinity is my student."

"You mean all of the operating rooms?"

"All of New York City."

He turned back to Shiller, a proud smile gracing his features as he delivered his final line, "Now, tell me, who do you honestly expect will dare to pass judgment upon me?"