The Legendary Mechanic in Marvel Universe - Chapter 279
Chapter 279 Meeting Otto
Shortly after, Steam’s voice came from the communicator via Mechanical Force – Relay, as if it were echoing in Leo’s mind and unheard by others.
“Buzz! Steam pinpointed Master’s general location, Kathmandu central area. But the exact position is unknown as if the electromagnetic signals in Master’s vicinity underwent distortion for several square kilometers.”
Leo nodded slightly, confirming that they were indeed in Kathmandu. The position of the sun in the sky also corroborated this fact. Besides, peering at the distinctive architecture outside through the lattice window, he could tell it was in the style of Kathmandu, but certainly not the buildings around Phyurika Street.
It appeared to be a hidden realm with unknown coordinates and size.
The Parkers chose not to sit down, and Mary Jane led her husband, Peter around the hall to take in the sights. The architecture exuded an ancient and Nepalese charm, a stark contrast to the concrete cityscape of New York, which greatly fascinated Mary Jane.
Having donned Viper and visited numerous cities and regions, Leo had seen it all and thus didn’t harbor much curiosity about the unique architectural designs. Lost in thoughts, he poured himself a cup of tea and savored it slowly.
Five minutes later, footsteps could be heard approaching from the other side of the hallway. The footsteps somewhat hurried, and soon enough, a slightly plump figure appeared in the hall with a face filled with surprise.
“Dr. Otto Octavius?” Peter also spotted Otto and exclaimed in delight, “You look great!”
It was the aging Otto who used to have a balding head, but now his hair had grown back. He used to be quite overweight but now his body had regained its shape and his belly had reduced considerably. On the other hand, his often stressed expression now glowed with a healthy red hue.
All in all the present Otto looked at least ten years younger than he did two years ago!
“Peter? Mary Jane? It’s you! When Sorcerer Hamir said some New Yorkers came looking for me, I had a hunch. And now seeing you guys, I’m over the moon!” Otto cried with joy as he extended his hands, stepping forward to give the Parkers each a warm embrace.
After exchanging a few more greetings, Otto asked, “Why did you two suddenly come here? And how did you manage to find this place?”
“It was me who brought them here,” Leo chimed in from where he sat, sipping his tea.
Startled to see Leo amidst his excitement and joy of reunion with the Parkers, Otto hurriedly greeted him, “Mr. Erwin, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
As much as he was thrilled to see the Parkers, Otto was equally surprised by Leo’s presence and there was an additional sense of gratitude and respect. “I should’ve realized it sooner. Since you guided me to find Kamar-Taj, naturally, you could lead Peter and Mary Jane here as well.”
With that, Otto remembered the help Leo had provided him in the past and promptly expressed his gratitude, “Mr. Erwin, I truly thank you for your help back then.”
Leo stood up and smiled, “Otto, don’t worry about it. Your acceptance among the people here is mainly due to your talent and efforts. All I did was just being a small guiding role.”
Without any pretense, Otto gazed sincerely at Leo as he spoke, “But still, guidance is often the most crucial aspect, much like that of a teacher. Having been a university professor myself, I understand this point very well. Mr. Erwin, I’ll forever hold your help and kindness in my heart. I will never forget them.”
Afterward. Otto performed a unique gesture towards Leo, something he must have learned during his time in Nepal.
Leo didn’t insist on being formal and accepted Otto’s thank gracefully, patting Otto’s shoulder casually as he asked, “Two years have passed, I wonder how your health has been recovering?”
Of course, the Parkers were even more concerned about Otto’s well-being. Hearing Leo’s question, they immediately gathered around. Peter quickly asked, “That’s right, Dr. Octavius, how are you feeling? Is it ‘idiopathic neuropathy disorder’? How is it now?”
“It’s ‘degenerative neurological disorder.’” A smile appeared on Otto’s face as he raised his hands and gave them a firm shake, saying, “That disorder was once considered incurable by doctors, but I’m completely healed now! Look at my hands, how strong they are, and how flexible my fingers are!”
The Parkers were overjoyed when they heard that Otto’s illness was cured, putting their minds at ease. While sitting nearby, Leo glanced at Otto’s hands and couldn’t help grinning awkwardly for a bit.
Not only had Otto’s health improved, but when Leo patted his shoulder, he noticed Otto even developed well-toned biceps, almost excessively so. It seemed that Otto managed to receive the true teachings of the sorcerers and had been promoted to a battle sorcerer. Now, Otto could casually conjure weapons and get into fights with others at the drop of a hat.
However, Otto was still engrossed in chatting heartily with the Parkers, so Leo didn’t say anything about the fact that Otto had changed class from a scholarly scientist into a tough fighter. Instead, he considerately pulled some chairs over and had everyone sit around the table, sipping tea and chatting.
According to Leo’s motto, during conversations, there should be chairs and there was no need to stand around and suffer meaninglessly.
Otto and the Parkers hadn’t seen each other for many years, so naturally, there were plenty of topics to talk about, leading to a lengthy and enjoyable chat. But it was mostly just Otto and the Parkers doing the talking with Leo occasionally chiming in or telling a joke. The rest of the time, Leo was savoring his tea peacefully.
Speaking of which, the tea in Kamar-taj was delicious. The specially blended tea leaves mixed with a hint of honey carried a stimulating effect, keeping one’s mind clear.
As a result, Leo ended up drinking too much tea and had to make several trips to the washroom during their lively chat.
After a long while, the talkative trio finally finished their chat.
Suddenly, Peter looked at Leo who was still savoring the tea, “Dr. Octavius wants to take us to taste the local cuisine and experience the local culture and customs. Mr. Erwin, are you joining us?”
“Sure, I’d like to,” Leo gladly accepted the invitation.
“Great! But please wait a bit, I had a bit too much tea earlier. I need to use the washroom first,” Peter sheepishly said before heading in the direction of the washroom.
“Wait for me, Pete. I’m coming too,” Mary Jane hastily caught up with Peter and walked beside him as they left.
Watching at their backs, Otto sighed, “Time flies so quickly! It feels like just yesterday they were both sitting in my class, listening to my lectures, and now, in the blink of an eye, they’re already married. Maybe the next time we meet, their children will be going to school.”
“Dr. Octavius, you don’t need to worry too much about the times. If you focus on studying magic, I believe living for over a hundred years wouldn’t be an issue for you,” Leo said cheerfully. “Therefore, you’re still in your prime. Why be so sentimental?”
Otto chuckled and shocked his head, “Even so, my mindset has aged! It’s not the same as when I was younger. Besides, you possess vast knowledge, not just in mechanics and the Internet, but also understanding the secrets of sorcery so well,” Otto complimented.
“I know more than you might imagine,” Leo replied with a sudden grin. “For instance, I’m aware of the Ancient One. I wonder if Dr. Octavius could introduce me to them?”