"The SS Serum, which combines the advantages of Extremis, E-Mould, T-Virus and other viral enhancements, is a gene-evolution serum," Tony explained. "It keeps me locked in my prime, about thirty years old. I could likely stay that way for centuries."
"Mother, now that you and the old man have been resurrected, you'll need to be rejuvenated too," Tony continued. "But your current physical condition is too fragile. So Malrick and I need a few days of research to refine the gentlest version of the serum."
Howard's interest sharpened. "A serum developed by the two of you? Are there samples in the lab downstairs? Show me."
They moved to Tony's lab together. Howard stared at the decrypted research displayed on the holographic projector.
"This is incredible, far more powerful than the Super-Soldier Serum. Tony, Malrick, you've outdone me," he said, astonishment in his voice.
Malrick remained modest, unmoved by the praise. Tony, however, allowed a proud smile to play across his face — he would cherish that feeling for a long while.
"In the coming days, we'll tweak the serum. Once we confirm it's safe, we'll administer it to you," Tony said.
At that moment, Malrick interrupted calmly. "Actually, there's no need."
Tony blinked in surprise.
"Our current enhancement serums are already outdated," Malrick said with a mysterious smile. "After my recent transformation, besides growth in strength, I've also become Master of a Dimension."
Tony's eyes widened. "You… you're a Dimensional Demon God now?"
"That's right," Malrick replied. "Your serum is useless now, because I can directly alter Howard's and Maria's bodies."
A faint glow pulsed around Malrick's fingertips — the six-colored energy of his newly mastered Dimension. As Master of a Dimension, he could draw power from that realm, even while physically in this world.
Though limited in maximum output, his Dimension's energy — shaped by the Six-Gem Rules — resembled the power of the Infinity Stones. It imparted no sense of chaos or corruption.
He studied Howard and Maria with calm intent. "If you accept becoming Dimensional beings, I can even extend your lives until the end of the Universe."
Howard stared at the glow dancing around Malrick's fingers, awe in his eyes. "Dimensional Demon God… truly unbelievable. But if we become Dimensional beings, how different would we become?"
"You might lose some human traits," Malrick warned. "Pale skin, perhaps tentacles — things like that."
Maria shifted uncomfortably. "Then… maybe let's go back to the serum."
Malrick raised a second thought. "There is another, more direct option… Borrowing power."
"Borrowing?" Tony asked cautiously.
"My former mentor, the Ancient One, lived for centuries by borrowing energy from the Dark Dimension." Malrick said.
Howard frowned. "I've heard Death mention the Ancient One. But borrowing power must come with a price."
"Of course," Malrick admitted. "If you borrow energy from me, the price is… helping me teach Tony a lesson."
Tony's face drained of color. "You little brat! Don't push it too far — I haven't even finished paying you back for making Jarvis drop the soap before!"
Howard, however, appeared impatient. "Sounds fair. Malrick, go ahead. Help Maria and me borrow some power."
"No problem," Malrick replied.
Maria squeezed Tony's shoulder, comforting him. "Don't worry, Tony. I won't beat you too hard."
Tony looked at her, wide-eyed.
---
Meanwhile, at the offices of the Time Variance Authority, two figures — Doctor Doom and B15 — watched a screen showing Malrick resolving the cosmic collision crisis.
"Superman is indeed an Abstract Entity," B15 murmured. "A crisis we thought unmanageable was solved by him so effortlessly."
Doctor Doom remained silent behind his mask, his gaze fixed on the two Earths drifting apart on the screen.
"He is powerful, yet even he cannot stop every collision," Doom said in a low, harsh voice. "If we continue letting these superheroes meddle, the Multiverse will shatter."
B15, more optimistic, patted Doom on the arm. She rose from her seat and strolled out of the command room lightly. "Don't overthink it. Once all crises are resolved, the Multiverse will be stable. Besides, we still have Superman, right?"
Left alone, Doom stood rigid like a blade. The aura around him sharpened.
"The Time Variance Authority — comfortable and slow-moving — cannot bear the burden of safeguarding the Multiverse. So they must be eliminated."
He stared at the depiction of the World Tree on the wall, a dark ambition flickering in his eyes.
"To shape the true future, one must transcend this world… transcend time."
He turned his head as if gazing at someone seated at the Source of Time — the one named Loki.
"You wish to descend. I wish to ascend. All for this world."
---
Two days later, Malrick gathered his principal allies on the first floor of the magic tower of the Sorcerer Supreme Academy.
The room brimmed with powerful figures: from Kamar-Taj came Wong, Karl Mordo and others; from the Men in Black there were Natasha, Yelena Belova, Agents K and M; from Paradise Island arrived Queen Hippolyta and General Antiope; and also Tony, Pepper, Howard, Maria, Kara, and Wanda.
Malrick addressed them with calm authority. "Here is the deal. I have become a Dimensional Demon God. From now on, the Academy will introduce an additional branch of magic."
He paused as everyone exchanged glances.
"This new branch is my God-Realm Dimension Magic — you can call it Malrick Magic," he continued.
"From now on, anyone needing power will come to me. Wong, draw up a standard charter. Yelena, do the same for your agents. The cost for borrowing power will be deducted from merits. They all must perform good deeds afterward."
Malrick casually demonstrated powerful spells — once known as Vishanti's Sacred Sword, or Setorak's Crimson Bands.
From now on, they would be renamed Malrick's Sacred Sword, Malrick's Six-Colored Bands.
Even powers like absorbing abilities via his Black-Light Clone, or heat vision and steel enhancements from his main body, became available to borrow.
But powers came with an increasing price.
For example, saving a small fire might grant one use of Wolverine's regeneration.
Saving Earth could grant Steel-Body ability for a time.
If someone saved an entire world, they might even become an m-body equivalent to Rejedo's personal clone — human in form, but powered by Malrick's dimension.
---