American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

342. Doctor Doom’s Final Act!

"Foolish to the extreme!"

Galactus's enormous form slowly broke away from the fleet, advancing toward Doctor Doom.

The terrifying cosmic radiation washed over him; Galactus didn't even need to make any extra moves. Just by advancing a few steps, the magical barrier before Doom began to tremble violently.

The golden glow struggled to withstand this oppressive force. Unlike the firepower of the fleet, Galactus's power was incomparably stronger. The cosmic energy radiating from him originated from the primordial forces of the universe, something no mere magic could hope to repel.

At that moment, Doom's army of Doombots sprang into action. Their bodies emitted a variety of strange lights, radiating dangerous energy as they surged toward Galactus.

Protocol 3 was designed by Doctor Doom specifically to counter anyone with the power to threaten his rule. Initially, he set this defense against Red Skull and Hydra, and later felt that only heroes like the Justice League could be worthy opponents.

But now, as he faced the Universal Church of Truth's interstellar fleet and the towering presence of Galactus, Doom understood.

He was the ruler of Latveria, Earth's most powerful leader. He had once fought to the death against the Avengers and stood beside Doctor Strange against the threats of hell's lords. He had been Red Skull's strongest ally and the closest friend of the Fantastic Four.

Now, the Avengers, Doctor Strange, Red Skull, and the Fantastic Four were all gone. If anyone remained to fight for Earth, it was only him. Thus, Protocol 3 activated according to Doctor Doom's original plan, launching a final charge against an existence that threatened his dominion.

"I am the great Doom! If you wish to take Earth, you'll have to step over my dead body!"

In an instant, countless Doombots surged forward, unleashing powerful attacks in a relentless assault on Galactus.

Yet, that massive form needed no defense against the robots; their assault couldn't even scratch Galactus's body. As a cosmic entity the size of a small planet, Galactus's form was harder than any known metal.

With the resources at Doom's disposal, his Doombots were powerless to harm Galactus, let alone catch his attention. Compared to Galactus, the Doombots were like fleas. Their persistent attacks were no more than mosquito bites.

A golden-orange light gleamed in Galactus's eyes, and devastating cosmic energy surged through his body. Without any extra movement, Galactus's body pulsed, releasing a terrifying energy storm in an instant.

The Doombots, all engaged in their suicide mission, were simultaneously blasted to pieces. The energy storm, resembling a pale nebula, swept through, reducing countless Doombots to dazzling fireworks that shattered in space.

Doom's mind shook violently, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

This was a power too vast to overcome. Doom had once touched similar energies, but now he was no longer the person he once was.

Lifting his head with difficulty, he looked at the colossal form closing in on the glowing golden shield. Doctor Doom felt nothing but deep humiliation. Clenching his teeth, his bloodshot eyes glared at Galactus.

Now, Doom had exhausted his final resources. He could only watch as the colossal form loomed closer, its massive hand slowly rising and descending toward him through the radiant light.

"You are too weak, Earth sorcerer, so weak that I can barely hear your voice. Although, I don't care anyway."

The next moment—

A shattering sound like glass breaking suddenly echoed!

The Supreme Sanctuary's protective barrier, which had gathered all of Doctor Doom's remaining power, shattered under Galactus's gentle hand. An immense flow of magic burst forth, and the currents, which Latverian factories had converted into magical energy, dispersed into nothingness.

Across Earth, the magical circuits glowing with arcane light exploded into dust. And with that, Earth's last glimmer of hope faded away.

A terrifying repulsive force hit Doom. He couldn't even resist as he was sent flying backward, like a kite with a broken string, plummeting toward Earth.

Blood spurted from his mouth, evaporating into a bloody mist from the heat caused by his rapid descent through the atmosphere.

As his perspective quickly shifted, Doctor Doom could barely make out the distant figure of Galactus, receding further away, while he himself became a blazing meteor hurtling relentlessly toward Earth.

'In the end, I…'

Failed? Doom's heart sank. As a proud sovereign, he refused to admit defeat.

If he'd only had enough time to gather more artifacts, to build an even greater technological empire.

If only Red Skull hadn't severed Earth's connection to magic, and Earth still had the support of the mystical dimensions.

If only the Old War and all the events that followed had never happened, and he was still the ruler of Latveria, standing as both foe and ally to the heroes.

But there were no "ifs."

Doom's vision began to blur. He could no longer hear anything; the damage caused by breaking through the atmosphere had taken its toll. He could no longer summon magic or slow his descent.

He knew he was about to die, and Earth's fall would soon be inevitable. But at least, as a ruler, he had done nothing to dishonor his title. He fought for Earth, for his people, until his last breath.

Darkness closed in on his vision, and memories from the Old War flashed before his eyes like a montage of scenes, the once-painful or joyous moments now fading like clouds.

Throughout his life, he had chased a dream—a dream he could almost touch but could never truly reach.

Since the end of the Old War, Doom had wandered the wastelands for decades, hoping to find an achievement that would immortalize his name and bring him a glorious death. But now, he suddenly realized none of it mattered anymore.

In his final moments, he saw a blurry vision of the Invisible Woman, Susan.

She was embracing him, looking into his face. She still wore her Fantastic Four uniform, as beautiful as ever. Though the vision was too faint for Doom to see her expression clearly, the embrace alone was enough.

"Susan..."

The scene shifted, and now Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, stood before him. At this moment, Doom's heart held no more grudges.

"…Reed, I tried my best."

"I know."

Reed's voice replied, still as infuriating as ever.

"From here on…"

Doom's vision faded to black once again.

"...I'll leave it to you."

.....

📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
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343. Infiltrating Apokolips.
344. Cyber-Metal Justice League.
345. Hamster Flash.
346. Ruthless Actions.
347. Batman’s Fury Against Everyone.