Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5753 - 4776: X Royal Family: Rebirth (16)

Shiller reclined against the bed, eyes shut as though resting. With a soft groan, the door creaked open. A Spider-Man entered, speaking as he approached, "I heard Mr. Stark wasn't feeling well, so I came to check in. Mr. Stark, are you alright... oh, apologies."

Spider-Man quickly fell silent. He cast a look at Stark, whose face still appeared rather pallid on the hospital bed, then at Shiller, who seemed to be dozing against the bed. He placed the gift he was carrying onto the bedside table and quietly exited.

However, at that precise moment, a tempest of brainwaves washed over him. In an instant, Spider-Man lost all awareness. Upon regaining his senses, he found himself aboard a spaceship, a Force Laser Sword grasped firmly in his hand, encircled by uniformed soldiers.

"What in the blazes? Did I just time-travel?"

Spider-Man instinctively surveyed the laser sword in his grip. Without hesitation, he swung the hilt, positioning himself with practiced stability, and attacked with both hands. Though he possessed no formal swordsmanship training, his extensive viewing of Star Wars allowed him to execute the moves with a surprising degree of skill in combat.

Yet, an ever-increasing number of soldiers converged, and Spider-Man began to falter. Just as he prepared to deploy his webs for an escape from the encirclement, another Spider-Man tumbled into the fray.

"Mr. Stark, I'm here to visit you... what the heck???"

"Hey!" Spider-Man called out to his duplicate. "Steady your blade, Force Warrior! Let's break through these ranks together!"

After a brief, disorienting moment lasting roughly two seconds, the second Spider-Man also commenced his swordplay. The pair fought back-to-back against the numerous white-clad soldiers, all while exchanging crucial information about their current predicament.

"Did Mr. Stark somehow install an invisible teleportation portal in his room? Did we somehow cross over without even noticing it?"

"How could that possibly be? Star Wars is a film series! How could we possibly end up in the Star Wars universe?!"

"Ah, I recall now, but I genuinely believed in a galactic empire before I turned ten."

"That's not entirely inaccurate, considering the existence of the Three Great Empires."

"Come now, those Three Great Empires pale in comparison to the empire depicted in Star Wars." Spider-Man fiercely parried, pushing back the soldiers, and added, "Do you think if we fight our way through, we'll get to meet the Black Knight?"

"I suspect we might be too late," the other Spider-Man replied. "I observe a considerable number of fallen soldiers over there; the protagonist has likely already entered, attempting to locate Darth Vader."

"Protagonist? Who exactly is the protagonist?"

"Naturally, it's Tony Stark. This entire experience is his dream," Spider-Man stated. "This scene certainly resembles his childhood."

"Ah, indeed. Children our age rarely watch Star Wars anymore," Spider-Man mused. "Could it be that his illness and some disruption in his brainwaves caused him to pull people into his dream?"

"Didn't you notice Dr. Schiller when you first entered? I have a strong feeling it was his doing. After all, fighting a Star Wars battle within a dream must be incredibly taxing. He likely sought a few assistants, which seems reasonable."

"So how shall we assist him? Should we simply fight our way through?"

"Let's give it a try," they agreed.

The two Spider-Men charged forward, brandishing their Force Swords. Fortunately, their Spider-Powers remained operational. When cornered, they ascended to the ceiling using their webs, and when the enemy numbers grew too dense, they leaped back down to re-engage.

However, the soldiers continued to pour in relentlessly, and the duo found themselves struggling to maintain their ground. Just as they were on the verge of being overwhelmed, a deafening "boom" echoed as a section of the deck suddenly burst inwards, and a colossal Tyrannosaurus Rex crashed into the scene.

"Mercy me!" Spider-Man exclaimed in shock.

Before they could utter another word, Shiller swiftly seized them both, hoisting them onto the dinosaur's back. One Spider-Man clung to its neck, while the other grasped its tail. The one in front shouted, "Doctor, what is happening?"

"How should I know! Tony dreamed that the Black Knight dispatched individuals to Jurassic Park to hunt him. I'm trying to discover his hiding place!"

"Good heavens, he has quite the vivid imagination. So, where can we find him? What if he becomes dinosaur fodder?"

"Just hold on!" Shiller yelled. "Charles is en route; he should stabilize Tony's mental state shortly, and then we can depart these bizarre dreams..."

The instant his words concluded, the dream dissolved. Everyone regained consciousness within Stark's room. Stark himself also awoke.

He drew a deep breath, then stretched with a wide yawn, saying with a touch of bewilderment, "Did I drift off? I told you those fever medications have side effects..."

"Apologies, I'm a tad late," Charles announced, entering from the doorway. "I first had to sort out his brainwaves before rousing him; otherwise, it might have startled him."

Shiller also roused himself, sitting up abruptly with a long sigh. "He's been unconscious for six hours, and I've been navigating through dreams for all that time, delving into every cultural and cinematic work that left a mark on my childhood."

Stark, though still a bit groggy, quickly grasped Shiller's meaning. He managed a grin and replied, "When I'm unwell, my mind conjures all sorts of peculiar dreams. But it's not so bad, Xier. It makes up for the childhood adventures we never had."

Two figures in Spider-Man suits rose from the ground. The Spider-Man from the Main Universe touched his forehead and inquired, "It seems we've arrived at an inconvenient moment. Are you feeling alright, sir?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Stark responded, glancing at the gift resting on the bedside table. "The Avengers must be swamped with work, yet you still made time to visit me?"

"Not quite," the Local Spider-Man explained. "They mentioned this was an opportunity to scout the situation on Clarkia, as I'm the only one able to reach the island. But my primary reason for coming is to see you. Knowing you're well, I'll depart immediately."

"There's no need to rush," Charles said warmly, smiling at him. "Apocalypse has returned, and the mutants are planning a tournament. Would you care to stay and observe? Afterwards, we could relax in the hot springs together. Have you ever experienced soaking in a natural volcanic hot spring?"

The Local Spider-Man's interest piqued, and he asked with curiosity, "A volcanic hot spring? Is there a volcano on this island?"

"Indeed, there is an active volcano to the north. It's not particularly massive, but it does display occasional activity, and the underground hot springs are plentiful. We're actually planning to develop a hot spring spa."

"That sounds wonderful," the Local Spider-Man exclaimed. "I've never even experienced a natural hot spring before; they're usually too distant and costly. May I truly stay?"

"Certainly, but given that Clarkia Island is currently facing international sanctions and maintaining cordial relations with other nations is challenging, I suggest you contact your friends to inform them of your whereabouts. We wouldn't want them to think you're being held against your will."

"Of course not," the Local Spider-Man asserted, waving a hand dismissively. "Everyone knows Spider-Man is not someone to be trifled with; otherwise, they wouldn't have permitted me such easy access to the island. However, I haven't contributed anything to Clarkia, and accepting such generous hospitality without giving back makes me feel a little uneasy. Is there anything at all I can do to assist?"

Spider-Man hesitated for a moment, then admitted somewhat sheepishly, "I'm aware that Clarkia is currently under sanctions from numerous countries, particularly America. However, I rarely have any influence in such matters, and the U.S. government is unlikely to heed my words, so I fear I cannot be of significant help."

"Not at all," Charles reassured him. "I've never perceived America as a monolithic entity. You, the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., or other American mutants – you aren't necessarily in league with the government, nor are you inherently hostile towards Clarkia. We would naturally not regard you as an adversary. Please, relax and enjoy your stay."

Before departing, Charles placed a comforting hand on the Local Spider-Man's shoulder. The Spider-Man turned, watching Charles's retreating figure for a long while in silence.

As he too exited, the Main Universe Spider-Man approached and commented, "While we may not be able to sway this universe's Earth Government, as you said, no one would dare to trouble Spider-Man. Perhaps we can leverage this position to mediate disputes and foster peace."

The Local Spider-Man nodded thoughtfully.

The Main Universe Spider-Man returned to the chamber housing the Main Universe Avengers. The Main Universe Iron Man inquired, "How is he? Is he truly ill?"

Spider-Man confirmed with a nod, "It appears his fever has just broken. However, caution is still advised. Captain has already gone to seek out potential remedies, so if a solution presents itself, it would be best to implement it swiftly."

"This is truly peculiar," the Main Universe Iron Man remarked, his usual confidence replaced by evident concern. "He's had the Arc Reactor embedded in his chest for such a prolonged period, which clearly indicates he's no ordinary individual. How could he have succumbed to illness like this?"

"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be overly worried," Black Widow interjected. "However, we've just concluded a battle, you yourself are injured, and if this island's inherent hostility towards you were to manifest concurrently, you could find yourself dealing with far more than just a common cold."

"Nevertheless, as I mentioned," Spider-Man stated, taking a seat and looking at the Main Universe Iron Man, "a direct evacuation would always be the safest course of action."

The Main Universe Iron Man appeared to give the suggestion serious consideration before shaking his head. "No, we must see this through completely. Half-measures are unacceptable."

"Although the Solar System is currently secure, and a large-scale conflict on Earth seems unlikely, one can never be too vigilant. You've witnessed it yourself: the current geopolitical climate is exceptionally volatile, and even the slightest anomaly could... cough, cough, cough..."

Suddenly, the Main Universe Iron Man began to convulse with violent coughing fits, drawing the immediate attention of everyone around him. He had been perfectly fine when he started speaking, but following the coughing, his complexion grew flushed and his voice turned gravelly.

It was then that Captain America entered, announcing, "Their proposed solution involves the Clarkia Flower, though it necessitates an initial test on several scientists, which might require a period of observation... What troubles you, Tony?"

The Main Universe Iron Man pushed himself to his feet, and his mechanised suit swiftly entered through the window. As he donned the armor, he continued to cough, his words punctuated by the fits: "Cough cough... I believe I might be... cough cough..."

Captain America made an instant decree: "Steven, you must ensure he does not remain on this island! Escort him away immediately, either to the mainland or perhaps even the Moon!"

Doctor Strange paused for a brief moment, but Captain America's stern gaze fell upon him. "This is not the time to address personal disputes; that is an order!"

With a swift 'swish,' the Teleportation Portal materialized. Doctor Strange then escorted the Main Universe Iron Man away. Black Widow let out a profound sigh, remarking, "Now that they have departed, we can finally commence a proper strategic meeting."

"Assemble everyone; prepare for the meeting," the Main Universe Captain America instructed. "Inciting the Clarkia mutants into madness through sanctions offers no benefit to anyone; our objective must be to discover a path toward mediation."