Marvel's master of cosmic magic-Chapter 813

Rowan Mercer had barely adjusted to his new state when reality tore him away.

One instant he stood within his own universe.

The next, he hovered in a boundless void.

Before him rose a colossal golden figure seated upon a throne formed from abstract law itself. Four faces regarded him from different angles, each radiating a pressure so immense that even Rowan’s newly reached multiversal level felt... small.

"The Living Tribunal," Rowan breathed.

The overseer of the Marvel multiverse. Judge. Arbiter. Executioner. The cosmic administrator beneath the One Above All.

The Tribunal’s central face looked down at him.

"Foreign entity. You have entered this multiverse without authorization. Judgment: death."

Rowan’s mind blanked for half a second.

Then raced.

He had expected observation.

Not execution.

Was it because he had crossed into multiversal territory? Had he simply been too insignificant before to warrant notice?

Fight?

Impossible.

Even if every incarnation devoured every world he controlled, the gap would remain immeasurable.

So he chose the only viable path.

"Wait," Rowan called out. "If you are judge and executioner, then I deserve the right to speak in my own defense."

The Tribunal regarded him silently.

Then one face inclined slightly.

"Speak."

Rowan exhaled slowly.

"First, yes, I am not native to this multiverse. But I did not invade it by choice. I was sent here. If there is a crime, I am not the architect. I am the displaced party. Surely the truly responsible being would warrant your attention more than the one cast through the door."

For a flicker of a moment, three of the Tribunal’s faces shifted in subtle, unreadable ways.

Rowan pressed on.

"Second, I have not harmed this multiverse. On the contrary, I have intervened to prevent crises. I’ve aided the Time Variance Authority in stabilizing fractured timelines. I’ve preserved worlds that would otherwise have collapsed."

The Tribunal did not interrupt.

It knew this was true.

"Third," Rowan said carefully, "if my presence is unacceptable, I am willing to leave. I can withdraw into the void beyond this multiverse. You would never need to concern yourself with me again."

Silence stretched.

Finally, the Tribunal spoke.

"You have contributed to the stability of several universes. Permission to depart is granted."

Relief washed through Rowan.

He opened a spatial gateway.

Then hesitated.

There were people here.

Friends.

Lovers.

Lives he had built.

If he left now, he might never return.

He turned back.

"One more request," he said. "Allow me to take certain individuals with me when I depart."

The Tribunal’s hand struck its throne.

The shockwave alone nearly forced Rowan to his knees.

"You overstep."

"To spare your existence is already leniency. Leave."

Rowan’s jaw tightened.

Push further and he might truly die.

He turned toward the gateway.

Then—

"Perhaps," the Tribunal added.

Rowan froze.

"What condition?"

"I will seal you within your native parallel universe in this multiverse. If you can break my seal and exit that universe, you may take with you all individuals you desire."

It paused.

"In addition, you may select ten parallel universes to remove from this multiverse."

Rowan narrowed his eyes.

"And if I fail?"

"You will remain confined there indefinitely."

He considered.

He specialized in seals.

In doors.

In thresholds.

Even a seal placed by the Living Tribunal might not be absolute.

And if he could not break it now, he could grow stronger and try again.

His incarnations still existed elsewhere.

Even if his primary self was trapped, the greater whole would continue evolving.

"I accept."

The Tribunal extended one immense hand.

Reality inverted.

Rowan was hurled back into his original parallel universe.

Before he could steady himself, the Tribunal’s voice echoed one final time.

"One more detail. My seal prevents not only your departure, but any contact beyond this universe. You will not project your soul outward. You will not create further incarnations here."

The connection snapped.

Every thread linking this body to his others severed instantly.

Silence.

Rowan stood alone.

Then he let out a slow breath.

"So that was the real objective."

The Tribunal had known.

Known he was brought here.

Known he could create extensions of himself beyond universes.

This had never been about execution.

It had been containment.

Perhaps not even the Tribunal’s will.

Perhaps something higher.

Rowan flexed his fingers.

The seal was there.

Layered.

Absolute.

But not incomprehensible.

He looked up at the sky of the universe he now could not leave.

"Well then," he murmured, a faint smile forming.

"Looks like it’s up to the rest of me."