After confirming the exchange, Marcus produced a hard drive containing the data he'd prepared in advance.
"The deal is concluded. Until we meet again!"
Marcus gestured toward the artificial sun, and the power of Wisp spread outward, enveloping the contained star. In the next instant, the artificial sun vanished from the press conference as if it had never existed. Marcus himself slowly faded from view, leaving only the hard drive in Harry and Dr. Otto's hands as proof the encounter had been real.
"The alien's gone! Same as last time!"
One reporter called out, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and disbelief. He'd seen Marcus's previous appearances on news footage, but had dismissed them as fabricated images. If his news agency hadn't pressured him to investigate, he never would have come to New York searching for alien traces.
He hadn't found any evidence of extraterrestrial visitors—until the Osborn Group's press conference invitation arrived. Now he'd witnessed not only revolutionary artificial sun technology, but an actual alien transaction. This was bigger than anything he'd covered in his entire career.
"Mr. Osborn, Dr. Otto, can you show us what's on that drive?" another reporter pressed.
Harry and Otto exchanged glances. The alien technology was joint property of the Osborn Group and Dr. Otto—they certainly couldn't reveal its contents to the media.
"I'm sorry, everyone, but we can't share this technology at this time," Dr. Otto replied diplomatically, though confidence radiated from his voice. He knew the exchange had been incredibly favorable for them.
While Dr. Otto clearly understood the technology's immense value, Marcus hadn't been concerned with fairness. He'd achieved his goal—the final Aya Essence—and could now look forward to seeing what different paths Peter and Harry would take in his absence.
"I should leave, but I need to say goodbye to Peter first."
As if summoned by his words, police sirens wailed in the distance. Several squad cars were pursuing a cash transport vehicle while, overhead, Peter swung between buildings on web-lines, racing toward the armored truck.
"Perfect timing."
Marcus stepped backward off the tall building, entering free fall. Halfway down, he arrested his descent and flew after Peter.
"Woohoo!" Peter called out excitedly as he soared through the air. The guys who'd hijacked the armored van were no match for him, guns or no guns.
"Little spider, what's got you so excited?"
Marcus's voice appeared beside him, startling Peter mid-swing.
"Ah! Marcus, why are you here?"
"Nothing important. I've been here long enough—time to move on to other places. Remember to keep up with your training."
After those brief words, Marcus turned and flew skyward, accelerating in the opposite direction. He left Peter hanging in place, reflexively shooting out web-lines to maintain his momentum.
Even though Peter had always known Marcus would eventually leave, he hadn't expected it to happen so soon. After just a few days, Marcus was already ready to depart. Watching the diminishing figure, Peter reluctantly turned his attention back to the cash truck and resumed his pursuit.
Marcus returned to the void dimension shortly after leaving, preparing to find a new world to explore.
"This world was quite interesting. Let's see if other worlds have anything entertaining to offer."
Standing in the dimensional void, Marcus surveyed the fluctuating realities around him. After careful consideration, he selected a world emanating particularly intriguing energy patterns.
"This world looks promising, though I wonder which one it is."
Marcus stepped into his chosen reality.
"I hope you prove entertaining!"
On a city street, Marcus emerged from a side alley, clutching a discarded newspaper.
"Vought Company? Why does that name sound familiar?"
He walked while scanning the headlines. "Homelander, A-Train, Translucent, The Deep...? I think I know where this is."
If there was one world where superheroes were the most human-like—in all the worst ways—it had to be this one. The world of The Boys. As the newspaper's contents triggered his memories, Marcus smiled. He'd always found this world fascinating—plenty of experimental subjects, and no one particularly cared what happened to them.
"Compound V should be available here, right? After all, if they can create a weakened version of Superman like Homelander..."
His thoughts were interrupted as someone moving at incredible speed entered his perception range. The figure was approaching fast—definitely not a normal human.
"Looks like I've found my first target."
Looking up, Marcus spotted a distant blur racing toward his location. Facing this high-speed approach, his legs transformed into the thick, powerful limbs of a Rhino. He raised one foot and slammed it down with devastating force.
BOOM!
The massive impact sent shockwaves through the area, creating a localized time-distortion effect that brought everything—including the rapidly approaching figure—to a complete standstill. Marcus looked at the frozen speedster, recognizing A-Train from the newspaper photos.
Chuckling, Marcus reached out and grabbed A-Train by the throat, lifting him effortlessly. As soon as the time-pause effect ended, A-Train—still high on Compound V—suddenly found himself unable to breathe.
"Hello, A-Train."
Marcus smiled pleasantly, though his steel-like grip on A-Train's neck somewhat undermined his friendly demeanor.
"Let... me... go..." A-Train gasped, desperately clawing at Marcus's hand. His superhuman strength was nothing compared to Marcus's grip—he couldn't even make the fingers budge.
"Judging by your bloodshot appearance, you just killed another bystander, didn't you? Too much Compound V?"
Marcus gave A-Train's face a light pat, then began examining the speedster's abilities more closely.