Marvel: King of Mythology Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Unexpected Encounter

“And now a drop test.”


This should work.


This had to work.


“Here goes everything.” 


The one kilo weight that Gwen held in her hand and was about to drop from a rather risky height was going to determine our fate.


“Go.”


In that instant, as the weight dropped both of us felt our heartbeat going beyond the healthy rate.


It dropped on the bridge, and to my relief it did not break it.


“Three…”


I gulped.


“Two…”


Gwen’s eyes were fixated on the project.


“One!”


And at that instant, I felt a sense of relief that I had not felt in a ridiculously long time. 


“It works!”


The tiny bulb that we had to the corner of the build started to glow. It didn't last long but it did glow and that was exactly what we were looking for.


Just one kilogram of weight from a few feet above was able to turn a light bulb on. 


“Thank god.” Gwen slouched down, clearly exhausted from the entire workload. “We can finally breathe in peace.”


And I didn’t blame her, I felt the same.


“And we did that just in time.” She said, making my eyes shift towards a certain man.


“Students, we are happy to announce that we will be starting the fair in five minutes.” The man, Coulson, the one responsible for this whole ordeal said in a cheerful voice. “Our guests are about to arrive in five minutes, so be at your best behavior.”


The two of us just looked at one another, satisfied. 


“Now, bring whoever wants to come.” Gwen grinned, “I am ready.”


This resulted in us sharing a high-five. 


“Do you want to look around?” I asked, “We have our table set up, let’s check the others.”


“You want to check on Peter, don’t you?” She smiled and I could only shrug.


“Guilty, but he genuinely seemed stressed.” I explained. “So, I just want to see that if everything is alright.”


She smiled, “It's fine. Let's go and check on him.”


She was a nice person. 


“Thanks.”


I already knew where Peter was. Lucas had set up their table to the corner and even with the crowd, I could see Lucas poking out.


“Hey, Lucas.” I called, with Gwen behind me. “Peter. Got your project?”


The spectacled genius turned around with a grin and the same grin was on Lucas’ face.


“Ayy, Michael.” He greeted, “And yeah I finally got it.”


As he said that, our eyes were diverted to the project that he was talking about.


A gray colored project.


“A brick?” Gwen asked, amused.


And well, she had good reasons.


Because what Peter showed us was indeed that –a brick.


“Yep.” He said, “A brick.”


Gwen and I stared at one other, wondering if the boy was alright. 


“I had the same look as you two.” Lucas said, “Just let him explain, you will understand.”


And well, I doubt any explanation could make me interested in well… a brick.


“Why don't you try touching it?” Peter said, with a massive grin. 


I was confused, what was he trying to do.


“You sure?” Because I wasn’t, but seeing his excited face, I couldn’t help but do just that.


“Well, here goes nothing.”


With that, I slowly pressed my finger over the brick. 


And shit.


Color me impressed.


“Is that…”


“Memory foam?” Gwen was equally impressed.


Why? Because the moment I poked the brick it started to wriggle around like jelly before going back to its original shape.


“Memory brick.” Peter explained, “Try to knock it.”


This time, I didn't question him further and just did what he asked for.


And damn, he just keeps outdoing himself.


“It is as hard as a… brick.” I mused, making Gwen decide to try the same.


“Let me.” She said, before knocking the brick and being equally surprised. “How is this possible?”


She asked and I had the exact same thought. But all we got as a reply from Peter was – 


“It’s science baby!”


He definitely wasn’t going to explain further. And just his luck, as I wanted to pry, fate didn't allow me.


“Everyone, get to your positions.” Coulson said, “Our guests are here.”


And that’s when I saw.


“From Oscorp, we have the esteemed Norman Osborn.”


Someone that I didn't want to see.


“From Baxter corp and a famous personality, we have Dr. Reed Richards.”


Someone that I knew I would see with Norman.


“And from the same Baxter corp, we have the famous researcher and hero, Dr. Susan Storm.”


And someone that I was baffled to see.


So, this was why she was shocked to know that I didn't know her.


She is a fucking hero herself. 


…

…


[Susan Storm]


Susan wasn’t that interested in judging a science exhibition. She was here because she needed to talk to Reed and considering that he was barely seen these days, she had no choice but to jump in on the train to even have a chance to talk.


However, it wasn’t an unenjoyable trip.


‘They are full of hope.’ She smiled, seeing the students standing around their projects with bright smiles. ‘I was the same.’


She missed those times where she only cared about improving herself. In a way, she felt sad that she had to change.


Not just for herself, but for the people as well.


A hero had too many responsibilities.


“As they are people who have been in the field of science for a long time,” Coulson said, pointing at her and Reed, “Or within the field that allows science to prosper,” This was directed at Norman. “We are glad to have Mr. Norman, Dr. Reed and Dr. Susan with us.”


He walked back a little, “Since, this is the not the first time Mr. Norman had been to Midtown University and should be comfortable, I would like for him to start with a speech from his side.”


Susan knew that since his son, Harry studied here, it made sense for him to come to this place from time to time. 


And speaking of Harry, she saw him quickly moving towards a corner and taking out his project onto a table.


She felt bad for Harry. While she knew that as the sole heir of Oscorp, a lot was expected from him, but she could also see that expectation taking a toll on him.


‘He just seems to want validation.’


Something that Norman refused to give.


Even his project wasn’t too bad. Susan already knew what it was.


It was a sensor based drone. 


He could control the drone with simple movements of his hand, and that was quite a good design in her mind.


But apparently it wasn’t good enough for him.


“There isn’t much to say, or a speech to give.” Norman spoke through the mic, “I have been here from time to time, so most of you already know me. But in case someone is not aware, I am Norman Osborn. I run a moderately sized corporation by the name of Oscorp that does a little bit of robotics and chemical manufacturing.”


He turned to look at Coulson, “I do not consider myself quite skilled enough to judge others, but I appreciate the invitation and would do my best to understand the marvels that you all have created.”


Susan stared blankly at him, amused at how he intentionally downplayed himself.


And she knew that it wasn’t that he was humble, she was well aware that it was only an act.


An act to make himself look good in front of others.


“Well, we all know that you are anything but just a simple man, Mr. Osborn.” Coulson laughed, “And now I would like to ask Dr. Richards to share a few words.”


Susan was not a fan of speeches and she could see that the students weren’t either.


“Err…” Reed fumbled hard, “I am not sure what to say, but good morning everyone. My name is Reed Richards, I am a researcher and also a guy that likes science in general.” He gave a smile, “I am happy to be invited and I hope to see some great projects today.”


Susan felt herself sighing, ‘He just made a few of the students nervous with that.’


“Well, thank you Mr. Richards.” Coulson said and finally looked at Susan. “And finally, I would like to ask the lovely Dr. Storm to share a few words.”


She put on a smile, she couldn’t show her disinterest in speeches in front of the crowd.


“Thank you, Mr. Coulson.” She said with her smile, “And good morning everyone.”


She saw the faces of everyone.


Everyone had a different expression. Some were cheerful, some were excited and some were worried.


Truly a scene that made her recall some fond memories.


“I hope everyone is doing great?” She asked, “Because I am.”


Sometimes, you have to lie.


Not in the Norman way, but in the Susan way.


“I know most of you won’t enjoy long speeches, so I will just introduce myself and tell you about something that you would definitely like to hear.”


“So, to start off my name is Dr. Susan Storm,” She said, “And yes I am flaunting my doctorate. And you should all do that too with things that you can be proud of.” She explained, “Even if it is something meaningless for others or something that others might not find special. It is your hard work, so do not be afraid to show it off.”


She gave a bright smile, “Even your projects. No matter if someone thinks it is not special. If you have truly put effort into it, even if it does not work. Be proud, you did your best.” She explained, “And don’t be sad or nervous. Everyone messes up once or twice. So, just show your projects with confidence.”


This did lighten up the mood a little as most students looked at their projects and nodded. 


“And just to make this worth your time a little,” She took a deep breath and said, “The ones whose projects would be the best, that team would get an internship opportunity at Baxter.”


This caused an uproar within the room.


But just when she looked around the happy faces, she saw a certain face.


‘That’s…’


And the boy noticed her looking at him too, and all that the two could do was give each other an understanding nod.


‘Michael.’


She felt that this just might have gotten a little more interesting.


‘Who would have thought I would have ended up meeting him here of all places?’