Game Master of marvel

Justine sneered slightly, clearly still a bit annoyed by Merlin's previous remark about her acting like a parent, even though he recognized her capabilities.

"I can handle this myself this time. Let's just announce that Hammer Industries has made a technological breakthrough," Merlin said with a nonchalant smile.

After getting the information she needed, Justine didn't linger at Merlin's house for long. The situation at Hammer Industries had been delicate lately, and she was living in a constant state of anxiety.

Now, at last, she could breathe a sigh of relief. Although there had been some compromises, the overall situation was moving in a positive direction.

Giving up some interests and rights was a small price to pay. After all, Merlin had only been with Hammer Industries for a few months, and his android research wasn't deeply tied to the company. If Hammer Industries had invested billions into the project, it would have been a different story entirely.

"Talent is such an elusive thing..." she muttered enviously before leaving.

"If I had the talents of Stark or Merlin, I wouldn't have to worry about the company's affairs anymore."

After Justine departed, Merlin contacted Ada Wang to pass along information about the android project.

The stock of androids had been prepared, and an exhibition was planned to showcase them to the public.

Unlike the versions sold to players, these androids were designed for civilian lifestyles. They included models for entertainment, companionship, housekeeping, home repair, and even culinary expertise.

"Huh... Sol, join the message and don't let anyone in for the next twenty-four hours!"

"Okay," Sol replied promptly.

After issuing these instructions, Merlin headed to the lounge to prepare for entering the game world.

With Optimus Prime and the tuning shop's advanced defense systems in place, there was no need to worry about external dangers.

In the dimly lit room, Merlin equipped his metal armor backpack, packed plenty of food, and stepped onto his flying sword skateboard. Opening the system panel, he reviewed his options.

"Please select the time flow rate!"

Merlin examined the list of options and settled on a time flow rate of 1:6.

He recalled that most of the Death Stranding world consisted of desolate landscapes. People lived in isolated underground installations, disconnected from the internet. Luck would determine whether he encountered anything of interest. Given this, a longer time setting seemed more practical.

"One hundred million reputation points, please confirm!"

Merlin clicked Confirm.

The moment he did, countless light particles converged in front of him. As the energy swirled and intensified, a blue spatial vortex materialized before him.

"Zizzi..." Sparks crackled as the spatial passage stabilized.

Fixing his gaze on the strange orange, dreamlike energy swirling within the portal, Merlin steeled his nerves and flew into it on his magnetic levitation flying sword skateboard.

In a future where science and technology had reached unparalleled heights, logistics systems were fully automated.

However, a catastrophic void-devouring event at the center of the US shattered the nation into two halves.

This massive explosion obliterated communication and transportation networks, triggering the emergence of Timefall Rain and BTs (Beached Things). Consequently, humanity was forced to retreat into isolated node cities.

Couriers, responsible for delivering essential supplies, became the unsung heroes of this fragmented world.

The surface of the Earth became increasingly desolate due to the destruction and the lack of human activity. Over time, vegetation reclaimed the land, gradually erasing the remnants of human civilization.

Dark clouds loomed heavily, veiling the sky, and the mountainous horizon was suddenly shrouded in mist. Flocks of densely packed birds, sensing an impending crisis, flapped their wings and ascended in chaotic unison, nearly blackening the sky with their departure.

A gentle pattering rain began, forming a mist that lingered among the barren mountains. The cool air carried an overwhelming atmosphere of emptiness and desolation, spreading a sense of solitude throughout the forsaken landscape.

On a moss-covered cliff strewn with jagged rocks, tiny particles of light emerged quietly, like fireflies in the darkness, bringing faint vitality to the desolate world. These luminous particles gathered rapidly, forming a portal as space energy surged through the area.

A figure riding a levitating flying sword emerged from the portal and descended into the barren mountains.

"Pattering..." Raindrops fell onto his dark hair, and like ink spreading on paper, the white tips of his hair quickly extended. Feeling the rain's corrosive touch, the metal backpack on his back morphed into sleek black-and-white armor, encasing his entire body for protection.

"Buzz!" A shield of electromagnetic energy materialized, enveloping him in a protective barrier.

"It doesn't seem to have any impact," Merlin muttered, examining his transformation suit. He breathed a sigh of relief.

His Cow Cat Armor, crafted from bio-metal, was impervious to conventional effects due to its unique composition. However, exposure to Time Rain could still corrode it, requiring the shield for added protection.

After ensuring his safety, Merlin surveyed the mist-laden surroundings. The veiled mountains, painted in subdued hues, resembled a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

The cacophony of birds had vanished, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. No trace of humanity remained.

"Time Rain... an upside-down rainbow…"

His voice trailed off as his gaze landed on a peculiar sight—a rainbow arched upside down in the rain, adorning the distant mountain peaks.

"What the…? An upside-down rainbow?!" Merlin froze in astonishment before cursing under his breath.

"Damn it! Of all times, I had to stumble into this mess right after arriving—Time Rain and BTs right away."

Time Rain, a phenomenon caused by Chiral Substances released during the cremation of the dead, was infamous for its devastating effects. It accelerated the passage of time for anything living it touched. Humans and animals aged rapidly, plants withered within moments, and metals corroded at an alarming rate.

Merlin paused, contemplating his next move. Staying put seemed the wisest choice.

"This would be a great time to have Gwen's spider sense…" he muttered, longing for the ability to sense imminent danger.

Suddenly, faint splashes broke the silence.

"Snap! Snap! Snap!"

In the pattering rain, puddles began to form frog-like footprints not far from Merlin. Each print varied in depth, growing steadily closer. Yet, despite their proximity, the advanced chip embedded in Merlin's armor failed to detect any movement.

Merlin's heart raced. "Gwen's spider sense would be really handy right now," he thought bitterly.

"Buzz…"

An engine roared somewhere in the rain.

The approaching footprints abruptly vanished before the engine's sound grew louder, the rapid pace of the footsteps retreating into the distance.

"Pap! Pap! Pap…"

The noise echoed and faded quickly, swallowed by the rain and engine hum.

Letting out a long breath, Merlin observed the direction in which the BT had disappeared. A spark of excitement lit his eyes, though he remained cautious.

Instead of chasing the BT, he stood his ground, waiting patiently for the Time Rain to subside.

The dark clouds above gradually dispersed, and the rain eased into silence.

Once the skies cleared, Merlin activated his radar. With its guidance, he slid over the rugged terrain at a low altitude, his levitating flying sword carrying him toward his destination.

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