"…Am I really dealing with Old Brother Mephisto?" Marvel Qi muttered under his breath.
Despite the magical power radiating from his dimensional club, there was absolutely no income coming in. The situation was overwhelming. Marvel Qi's expression hardened as he struggled to maintain composure.
For a moment, he even doubted his own copying ability. Could it be… I chose the wrong design?
Marvel Qi sank into a deep confusion, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. He thought bitterly: This isn't right. I spent so much time choosing this design! To uphold the honor of the strongest legal department in the Western Hemisphere, I gave up my "chubby" male apprentice brother and selected this "invincible" Miskatonic club design!
How could it be wrong?
The thought made his mood plummet. He had sacrificed countless intellectual properties for this three godly companions from his male god generation, the "Sheep" and the "Bear," even the ultimate gem, crafting bottles, androids… all to reproduce this perfect design.
If this failed, his face would be ruined. Even as a budding Dimension God, he would lose all dignity.
Luckily, just as Marvel Qi was about to despair, an unexpected guest arrived, saving his precarious honor.
Truthfully, when he saw the elegantly old-fashioned English gentleman, Marvel Qi didn't even mind losing face. He would have happily surrendered it… if only in words.
The moment the elder appeared, Marvel Qi's dimensional club immediately sensed the aura of a great demon and revealed the visitor's true identity: Mephisto.
If he weren't careful, Marvel Qi felt he might just blurt out, "Master, save me!"
Indeed, the sophisticated gentleman standing before him was none other than Mephisto, the embodiment of Satan, a terrifying figure with dominion across multiversal realms, capable of effortlessly stopping even the Ghost Rider.
A mere visit from such a high-level entity was enough to unsettle a novice like Marvel Qi.
What kind of demon is Mephisto? he wondered.
A master of cunning, cruelty, and intrigue, he stared at Marvel Qi as the young Dimension God cowered in his domain. The tension was thick and familiar, like a dangerous dance of wits.
Then the evil lord spoke, with a polite yet commanding tone: "Mr. Mickey, weren't you going to invite me in for a seat? I brought a sizable order with me."
Marvel Qi was momentarily moved. Well… should I let him in? After all, no matter how powerless, this is still my dimensional space.
If I let him in, I can buy myself some time… maybe even leverage the old man's conscience if things go wrong.
Resolute, he opened the dimensional space, welcoming the distinguished visitor. Once inside, Marvel Qi could rely on his club's defenses to assert some control, even against a demon. Outside, he would have been utterly defenseless.
Mephisto stepped in, graceful and dignified. Marvel Qi's mind raced as he recalled a small overlooked detail. Theoretically, this was his territory, and it gave him a bit of courage. He asked politely: "Um… Lord Mephisto, how do you know my name? I… I don't recall ever "
"Ha," Mephisto interrupted with a smile. "Do not worry, Mr. Mickey. Nothing bad will come of it. I am not the sort of arrogant or foolish demon who would misuse knowledge of someone's true name."
Marvel Qi forced a nervous smile. "That's… good… but sir, how do you actually know my name?"
"You might consider me… rather familiar."
Who? This stranger?
The hellish lord's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You are no unknown entity. In our truly intelligent circles, your reputation precedes you. A 'migrant' surviving as you have is exceptionally rare."
Wait… your circle?
"You mean… I'm famous in some secret… clever circles?" Marvel Qi's voice trembled with fear.
Mephisto chuckled. "Do not worry, Mickey. In truth, you are not especially notable to most. I merely have a fondness for humans and an instinctive ability to observe them. That's why I have been watching you."
To reinforce his point, Mephisto continued: "Even Master Strange is among us."
What? Old Master Strange is one of them too? Marvel Qi's heart skipped a beat. He didn't even dare complain that the Hell Lord appeared to play cosmic observer.
He tried to push the thought aside. Yet imagining what level Master Strange could reach across the multiverse, his absurd schemes, and even the way he played with words… Marvel Qi's pulse quickened. For a moment, he forgot the elder before him was the incarnation of the Demon King.
Only one thought remained in his mind: This Master Strange is seriously problematic!
And yet, Mephisto, observing quietly, spoke kindly to this young novice, reminding him of something important he had long forgotten.
"Also, Mr. Mickey," Mephisto said, "I have news that might please you."
Marvel Qi's expression immediately contorted part astonishment, part disbelief, as if threatened by every weapon in the multiverse. Yet he quickly realized the message was a gift from the Demon King.
Mephisto continued: "I brought a special gift for you, little brother Mickey. Take a look!"
He handed Marvel Qi a shopping list, and the young Dimension God accepted it eagerly. Acting naturally was key; he didn't want to overplay his reaction and risk punishment from the cunning Demon King.
Marvel Qi's eyes widened as he scanned the list. "Lord Mephisto… you want me to provide… weapons? And I even get to choose the types, modules… and operate them myself?"
This was beyond Marvel Qi's wildest expectations. The man before him had traversed multiverses, yet treated this fledgling novice with remarkable courtesy.
Just this order alone surpassed any peak price Marvel Qi had imagined for his schemes.
With this, as long as Mephisto remained steadfast, Marvel Qi's Marvel merchandise would never lack demand. His eyes sparkled with excitement.
He looked at Mephisto with the admiration of someone seeing a powerful older brother.
Mephisto, noticing Marvel Qi's enthusiasm, smiled warmly. "This list is just a list! Among brothers, there's no need for contracts. Fill in what you want, little brother. When the time comes, my demons will deliver and pay. No contract required."
Marvel Qi's jaw dropped. This was one of the most contract-obsessed demons in the Marvel multiverse, yet he had willingly abandoned formality. This was extraordinary!