The party was in full swing. The main hall of the building was bathed in glittering lights, crystal chandeliers, and the constant hum of high society chatter. Elegantly dressed people moved from one group to another, champagne glasses clinking in the air, while impeccably uniformed waiters weaved through the crowd with trays of fine wine and hors d'oeuvres.
Tony seemed to be in his natural habitat, smiling almost automatically as he dominated every little circle of people like he was the host of the party. He dragged Arthur along, introducing him to businessmen, politicians, and renowned scientists as if he were showing off a trophy.
Obviously, Arthur knew he wouldn't remember half of those names the next day. In fact, he was already struggling to recall the first ones. Meanwhile, Gwen and Jean had taken refuge in a lively conversation with Pepper, who seemed far more interested in everyday matters than the tedious discussions of corporate mergers dominating the hall.
"Tony, can you please stop dragging me around? My jaw's going numb from forcing a smile," Arthur muttered, though still keeping up proper etiquette.
"Don't ruin my fun," Tony replied without even slowing his pace. "Most of these people are just waiting for an excuse to shove proposals at me about resuming weapons contracts or some other nonsense. If I'm busy chatting, they think twice before cornering me."
Arthur raised a brow, discreetly grabbing a glass of wine from a passing waiter's tray. "So you're using me as a shield?"
"Shield, bait, lucky charm… take your pick," Tony shot back with a smug grin.
Arthur chuckled, shaking his head, but then his attention was caught. Amid the flow of people, his eyes locked onto a middle-aged man who looked strangely familiar. He frowned, trying to dredge up the memory.
"Who's that?" he asked Tony, gesturing subtly with his chin.
Tony gave him a quick glance, sipped his drink, and muttered: "Dr. Henry Pym. Pretty famous biochemist. If I remember right, he discovered a peculiar set of subatomic particles… He called them 'Pym Particles.'"
Arthur nearly choked on his wine. His mind made the connection instantly.
Dr. Henry Jonathan Pym. The man who not only discovered Pym Particles but also used them to create the technology that would make him Ant-Man.
(Wait a second… wasn't it him who created Ultron in the Marvel comics?) The thought hit him hard, making Arthur narrow his eyes.
Without hesitation, he whispered almost inaudibly into the small earpiece hidden in his ear:
"Ruby, keep constant surveillance on Hank Pym. If you discover he's building any kind of robot based on his brain patterns, notify me immediately."
[Understood,] Ruby replied in his ear.
Arthur sighed, but Pym's presence made him more alert to his surroundings. His eyes scanned the room more carefully now, analyzing every familiar or potentially important face. That was when he froze on another group.
"And that one?" he asked casually.
Tony followed his gaze and smirked with amused disdain. "Ah, Reed Richards. Genius, countless doctorates, blah blah blah… The man who can turn any conversation into a two-hour lecture. The other guy's his assistant, but honestly… can't remember the name."
Arthur nearly rolled his eyes. (Tony doesn't even remember the women he's been with, let alone men who don't stroke his ego.)
But Arthur knew who it was. The broad-shouldered man with the firm expression and almost military posture could only be Ben Grimm.
Reed Richards and Ben Grimm.
Reed Richards—the man who would be known as Mister Fantastic, perhaps the greatest intellect in the Marvel universe.
And Ben Grimm… the future Thing.
Suddenly, realization hit Arthur like lightning, his eyes widening.
(Wait… Why didn't I connect the dots before!? That spaceflight… that's when they'll get their powers!)
The realization hit him like a storm.
A smile crept onto his lips.
(What effect would that cosmic storm have on me? If there's ever a time to take the risk and find out—it's now.)
He slapped Tony's shoulder with newfound energy. "Take me to them."
Tony blinked, surprised. Just minutes ago Arthur had been whining like a bored kid, and now he wanted an introduction? "You really change moods fast…" he muttered, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Let's go."
They approached. Reed Richards, in his immaculate suit and courteous demeanor, immediately brightened at recognizing Tony. "Mr. Stark."
"Reed." Tony replied naturally, as geniuses tend to recognize and respect one another—even if they'd never admit it.
Tony then turned slightly, flashing a teasing smile. "Allow me to introduce you: my friend Arthur Morgan. Aside from being a writer, he's also a brilliant mechanical engineer in his spare time."
Arthur kept his smile, though inwardly he promised revenge. (You'll pay for this, Tony.)
Reed, however, didn't notice the unspoken exchange. He extended his hand warmly. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morgan."
If Tony Stark was praising someone, that was enough for Reed to assume Arthur must be someone remarkable.
"Pleasure's mine, Dr. Richards." Arthur shook his hand firmly with a genuine smile.
He held Reed's hand, studying him closely. The scientist's aura was completely different from Tony's. While Stark radiated charisma and eccentricity, Richards had a more introspective air, though no less brilliant—the look of a man who lived for science, discovery, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
"I've heard much about you, Dr. Richards," Arthur said carefully. "Your work in astrophysics and quantum engineering has crossed my desk more than once—I must admit, it's truly impressive."
Reed, not exactly used to sincere compliments at social gatherings, offered a small, surprised smile. "Thank you. It's always refreshing to meet someone outside the usual circles who takes an interest in science."
Tony snorted quietly, unable to resist poking fun: "Careful, Reed—if you start explaining your theories, he'll be asleep on his feet in under three minutes."
Arthur shot him a sidelong glance, narrowing his eyes with a half-smile. "Don't worry, Dr. Richards. I'm more used to dealing with long-winded engineers than you might think."
Ben Grimm let out a deep laugh. "Heh, I like you already. Normally Reed scares people off in under two minutes with his rambling."
"Ben…" Reed sighed, a bit embarrassed, though Arthur could tell it was just their usual dynamic.
Seizing the opening, Arthur probed further. "If it's not too forward of me, may I ask what you're working on? Judging from the gleam in your eyes, it's hardly an ordinary project."
Reed hesitated for a moment, but seeing Arthur's genuine curiosity—and perhaps reassured by Tony's presence—he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "We're finalizing preparations for a space mission. A unique opportunity to study an unusual cosmic storm. The radiation it emits may offer clues about the very origins of the universe."
Arthur kept his face neutral, but inwardly he celebrated. This was the confirmation he needed.
"Fascinating," he murmured thoughtfully. "I imagine the risk matches the scientific value."
Ben snorted. "Risky's an understatement. But nothing I can't handle."
Tony raised a brow, folding his arms. "So you're really going through with this? Can't deny it's bold—a little suicidal, too—but bold."
"Great discoveries demand great risks, Mr. Stark," Reed replied matter-of-factly, as though it were the most obvious truth.
Arthur took a sip of wine, drew in a deep breath, and decided it was time. He looked from Reed to Ben, then to Tony, before flashing a confident smile.
"Dr. Richards… if I may, I'd like to propose something. Let me join this expedition."
Reed blinked in surprise. Even Ben looked confused. "You… want to join?"
"That's right," Arthur said firmly. "I'm not just a writer. I have training in mechanical engineering, hands-on experience with complex projects, and… let's just say I think fast in critical situations. I could be a real asset on a mission with such high risks."
(I don't exactly have a degree in mechanical engineering, but Ruby can always forge some documents for me, Arthur thought.)
Reed looked genuinely thoughtful. He was a man who valued collaborative minds and new ideas, but he couldn't just let anyone into his projects.
Before he could answer, Tony burst out laughing. "Oh, this I've got to see. You, in space? Arthur, you can barely survive a high-society dinner without whining—what makes you think you can handle this?"
Arthur raised a brow, unshaken. "If I can survive you, Tony, I can survive anything."
Ben roared with laughter again, nearly spilling his drink. "I like him even more now."
Reed, however, was now studying Arthur with genuine interest. "Actually… it might not be such a bad idea. An extra mind could prove valuable—especially one unafraid of challenges."
Tony shook his head, still smirking. "See that? Now you've even convinced Reed. Fine, if he agrees, I won't be the buzzkill. You want in, Arthur? Be my guest. Just don't come crying to me later."
Arthur only smiled, knowing he had taken the necessary step. Deep down, he realized: he was about to witness—and perhaps be part of—the birth of the Fantastic Four.
And if he played his cards right, he might just erase one of Marvel's most irritating villains from ever existing.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."
The same goes here, I was kind of insane.