Volume 8: The Fourth Impact Chapter 43 Ha, didn't expect it, Mason, this is my way of escaping
The arrival of Hermes, the god of speed, meant that Mason no longer needed to be a substitute, and the subsequent scene of eight speedsters running at the same time was quite terrifying.
In particular, the speed force resonance generated by them when running is manifested differently in the material world, and the colors and forms are all different, which is really dazzling. But in fact, this is not the speedsters deliberately "showing off their skills", but the different maximum running speeds of each person lead to errors in the external form of the speed force.
As a good friend of Flash and a researcher who has felt the energy of the Speed Force many times, Mason is no longer surprised by this phenomenon. When he wears the Speed Force armor, he can also show different luster according to different speeds.
However, the crowd watching at this time did not quite understand this, and some were discussing on the comms which of the eight speedsters had the most beautiful light.
Mason had to explain the principle of this phenomenon to the "curious babies" during the charging stage of the Speed Force Cannon. After all, being a teacher is the common pleasure and hobby of every adult man.
This behavior is more commonly known as "pretending to be cool."
"The different speed levels cause the Speed Force to produce a 'blue shift' phenomenon in the material world."
The captain held a special instrument in his hand to monitor the resonance of the Speed Force energy, and explained casually:
"When the Speedster is running at a constant speed, this power will appear as the most common red, just like when Flash first debuted, he always flashed red as he ran through the city. When he accelerates, the red will shift to yellow, indicating a rapid increase in speed.
When ordinary speedsters run at maximum speed, a brilliant yellow stream of light will appear, but the speed difference between the two is not exaggerated for a speedster.
However, after breaking through superluminal speed and entering another level, it will show a more obvious blue shift. At this time, the speedsters will be surrounded by blue light fragments when running, indicating that they have exceeded the maximum speed that ordinary speedsters can achieve.
For example, Barry who is running now and Hermes, the god of speed who came to support us. "
"Well, that sounds interesting."
Sister Ka stood on a high place and looked at the beams of light that converged as the speedsters below accelerated their running. She asked curiously:
"So the blue feature of Savitar that we killed last time means that he is faster than Flash? And why is the symbol of Hermes' speed force not a lightning bolt but a moving snake?"
"Savitar that's a special case."
Mason looked at the rising energy readings in his hand and explained:
"Obtaining the Speed Force through different methods will also cause the light of non-genuine Speedsters to change differently, just like the Reverse Flash's Speed Force will always appear yellow, and when I use the Speed Force armor, it will appear a weird blue because I have to absorb the Speed Force from the outside, but this is not within the scope of discussion.
As for Hermes' symbol of speed...
After all, he is a legitimate god of speed, and he always creates some cool scenes for himself that can make mortals worship him. His two snakes are actually "molded" from the speed force energy with superb shaping skills.
This must have taken a long time of practice to achieve.
However, this thing only looks powerful, and it has no effect on increasing speed. However, since he can control the speed force to such a subtle degree, the destructive power he causes when running must be stronger than other speedsters."
"These Speed Force secrets are so interesting! My little sweetheart is so amazing, but why did Wally turn white?"
The cute little Harley, who was looking over here with a telescope, exclaimed:
"The Speed Force on him is turning white. Does that mean he's a racist asshole?"
"That means Wally's speed has equaled or even exceeded the speed of time. As long as he wants, he can easily travel to any point in time he wants to reach.
You are indeed the fastest man in the universe."
Mason exclaimed:
"But as far as I know, this doesn't seem to be Wally's limit... but it is the limit of what the special runway of the Speed Force Cannon can withstand, Wally!
Keep this speed and don't speed up. If you run faster, my equipment will start to smoke.
Everyone, the energy resonance is about to reach perfect coordination, and the speed force extraction will begin in half a minute. You need to maintain the current speed for at least ten minutes to complete the charging of the speed force cannon. "
"receive!"
Seven voices rang out in unison, but Reverse Flash, who was wearing a speed force armor and running at a constant speed with yellow speed force on the main track, did not respond.
This is normal.
This guy was forced to participate in this event, and his running track is longer and larger than that of other speedsters, which means that the pressure that Reverse Flash has to bear when running is also greater than that of other speedsters.
As Mason counted down, the energy storage devices in front of the eight runways were successfully activated, like a hamster cage generator.
The speed force resonance energy caused by the speedsters when they ran began to be absorbed, and energy of different colors was absorbed in the form of electric current covering. The eight lights on the main frame of the entire speed force cannon also began to flash.
"Maintain this speed. Very good. The energy transfer is very smooth."
Mason, the engineer who was manually operating the Speed Force Cannon, shouted:
"Phase 1, energy storage target 5%! Estimated completion time 30 seconds."
"Everyone retreat to a safe area immediately!"
Mason also issued instructions in the communication:
"With the current level of Speed Force resonance, it will soon cause time disturbance in this area. It will be very troublesome if you are sucked in. If you don't plan to see your childhood self or go to your own tombstone to lay flowers, don't rush near it before it's over."
Sister Ka and the Lords of Justice retreated to the edge of the city ruins, and Mason himself put on the speed force armor to avoid being caught in the time turbulence.
"The first stage of energy storage has ended! The current storage capacity is 7%, which is faster than expected! Very good, everyone, now entering the second stage, the storage target is 30%!
Estimated completion time: three minutes! "
Engineer Mason's voice rang out again. Everything went incredibly smoothly.
This made the captain feel a little uneasy. Based on his experience in every incident he had participated in before, if nothing unexpected happened, then an accident would happen soon.
"Hey, Mason."
Only ten seconds had passed since the "disaster foreknowledge" mentality emerged. Reverse Flash, who had been silent today, suddenly spoke up. Mason's heart skipped a beat, and at the same time, the stone in his heart fell to the ground quietly.
Look, the accident is coming.
“There’s something wrong with my runway!”
Reverse Flash said coldly:
“Although I haven’t run on other tracks, I guess the shouldn’t be as strong as mine?
According to the timetable you set and the current rate at which my Speed , there is a 50% chance that I will die of exhaustion by the time this cannon is fully charged!"
"No, I won't."
Mason responded candidly:
"The Speed Force armor on you will bear some of the pressure for you. As long as you don't do anything weird, the end result will be exhaustion but not death.
This is the result of precise calculations. You have to believe that numbers will not lie. If you need, I can show you the complete calculation process. With your intelligence, you will probably be able to understand it.
Don't do anything stupid, Reverse Flash!
I will let you go after this is over. You should know that I am a well-known person and I always keep my word."
"Do you think I will choose to believe your bullshit promise in this situation?"
Reverse Flash sneered.
He continued running, but spoke to Mason calmly:
"Eight runways, eight speedsters, the last one you 'borrowed' from the gods. I was wondering why you insisted on forcing me to join, but now I know the reason.
It's not that my life depends on your mercy, Sir Mason, it's now that you need me!
Oops, it looks like we've entered a very awkward situation. This thing has already started and started charging, it can't be stopped, right?
You said, if I stop running now..."
"Don't do anything stupid!"
Mason's tone turned cold, and he said to Reverse Flash:
"You are playing with your own life now. I really don't recommend this behavior."
"Yeah?"
Reverse Flash snorted, and said in a deep voice while slowing down:
"I don't believe it!"
"Click"
The moment the main runway slowed down, a light on the Speed Force Cannon turned into a flashing red, and Engineer Mason immediately exclaimed:
"The main runway's charging speed is decreasing and is close to being interrupted! We are about to stall. Main body, what are you doing? Hurry up and make it run. Without the support of the main runway, the charging will not be completed in the scheduled time. This cannon will overheat and be destroyed because the charging time is too long."
"Ha, I knew it."
Reverse Flash slowed down from the speed of light to a jog in a few seconds. He seemed to have regained the initiative and shouted at Mason:
"You put me at the core of this system just to make me die in place of your heroic friends! You are such a cold-hearted bastard, but do you really think I will just accept my fate?
But you shouldn't put me in such an important position!
I don't know how long it would take you to rebuild a Speed Force cannon, but I'm guessing you don't have enough time to attempt it on such a large scale again.
So, I have the final say on the current situation.
Unlock the proton bomb, now!"
"The countdown to the explosion has started! 30, 29..."
Mason's response to this was quite direct. He activated the proton bomb on Reverse-Flash's wrist. The cold countdown echoed in the Speed Force armor that bound Reverse-Flash.
"I'll say it one last time, run!"
The captain warned in a very serious tone:
"Don't play with your life at this time. I have a backup plan, but you don't! You are asking for trouble."
"You are the one who is still humiliating yourself, right?"
Reverse Flash stood with his hands on his hips on the main runway that had completely stopped. He stared at the other seven speedsters running at high speeds with a playful look as if he was watching a hamster running, and ignored the countdown that was constantly counting down.
He shouted:
"Don't you see the current situation clearly? Little Mason, I've told you that the initiative is in my hands, just like my legs are on my body.
I can run when I want to and stop when I want to.
Your armor can only make me run in the predetermined direction, but what can you do to me if I don’t run?
Oh, I never expected that the most powerful move I, a speedster, could make at this moment is to stop running to protest against Mason's tyranny. This change in the world is really fucking awesome.
What you said before was very right!
We speedsters have been running too long, and perhaps stopping once in a while would be better for our tired legs."
"20, 19, 18..."
The cold countdown sound continues.
Mason's silence made Reverse Flash a little nervous, but he had already made up his mind and there was no turning back. He shouted:
"Come on, blow me up! After I'm blown up, no one will be able to take on the important task you expect at this important moment. This is a classic coward game that I often played when I was a child!
Ha, I’ve never lost a game like this before. I’m a cold-blooded villain.
I don't believe you dare to blow me up at this time!"
"Do you think I wear this armor just to look good?"
Mason finally responded.
His response was to activate his armor and rush onto the main runway, getting the runway moving again as he ran, forcing Reverse Flash on the runway to run as well.
The light representing energy storage turned back to flashing green, but the speed could not be increased and the current energy storage progress was seriously behind schedule.
"So your solution is to replace me yourself? Hahaha, you are screwed, idiot. Your persistence in pursuing a great goal exposes your weakness."
Reverse Flash now feels more confident.
Although the countdown had reached the dangerous point of 10 seconds, he remained calm and began to run in the opposite direction on the track, forcing Mason, who was not as fast as him, to slow down.
"Disarm the bomb immediately!"
Reverse Flash scolded me with a confident tone, taking advantage of me:
"Your speed is stolen. If you are not a speedster, you can never complete such a run. If you run here for two minutes, your life will be drained out.
It’s like the dumbass Barry we’ve seen before, reducing himself to a skeleton for a world that’s doomed to die.
What a stupid sacrifice, when he could have gotten away."
"Countdown 5, 4, 3..."
"Stop now!!! Otherwise we will all die together!"
Reverse-Flash's last scolding was filled with panic.
But the next moment, the countdown stopped steadily at the number 2, which made Reverse Flash, whose heart was in his throat, finally breathe a sigh of relief, and then he began to laugh wildly towards the sky.
In the end, he won this game of cowardice, hahahaha, and the stupid Mason lost.
"Click"
The speed force armor that restrained Reverse-Flash popped open, allowing this guy to swagger out of his cage and put his hands in front of Mason, signaling him to quickly detonate the proton bomb.
"Let me tell you a secret, Reverse-Flash."
Mason also popped out of the armor, seemingly wanting to really help Reverse Flash defuse the bomb.
However, when his fingers touched Reverse-Flash's wrist, the captain suddenly looked up and stared at the smug villain in front of him with a deadly look.
He whispered:
"I don't give a damn whether you live or die! I really wasn't threatening you just now. I really hope you don't do anything stupid. I think you can also become one of us.
I know you do good things sometimes, and I don't think you are hopeless.
But it turns out that some birds are destined to be caged because intolerable stupidity shines in every feather of theirs.
You are asked to step out of the armor just because you don't want it to get dirty. In addition to saving the dry cleaning fee, you also have to consider the feelings of the next user.
Now, goodbye, fool."
"Countdown restarts, 1..."
"boom"
As Reverse-Flash stared in disbelief and wide-eyed, a ball of dark purple fire exploded on his wrists, and the horrific destructive energy destroyed his hands in a thousandth of a second and moved all the way up through his bones and flesh.
The red eye mask of Reverse Flash's helmet reflected the expressionless indifference and sarcasm on Mason Cooper's face outside the explosion, and the arrival of death was so decisive that he couldn't even utter a word of begging for mercy.
"No!!!"
It seemed to be a roar lingering in the waves of time.
But the fact is that in the precise directional explosion, the villain who could travel through time couldn't even move and turned into a charred ashes.
The black charred bones were scattered on the ground, and there were still some red remnants of the Speed Force in the fragile eye sockets of the skull, but in the next moment they were crushed by Mason who put on the Speed Force armor again.
This means that Reverse Flash is the poor loser in this game of chicken, because the person he chose to play with really doesn't care about his life at all.
In games of chicken or extreme pressure, the one who doesn't care about winning or losing will always win.
"You asked for it, man."
Mason stepped forward and folded the Speed Force cage armor that restrained Reverse Flash into its original mechanical box and stuck it on his gauntlet. He turned around and rushed onto the main runway and began to accelerate.
"The energy storage progress is far behind. You must continue to speed up, subject ."
Engineer Mason shouted:
"But you can't do this, Reverse Flash is right, you are not a speedster, this kind of draining force will make you die in two minutes.
Get back off now!
I'll tell you in secret, when I made this thing, I imitated Batman's thinking and kept a trick to not let you die. Now we can start Plan B and increase the energy extraction of the other seven runways, and let other speedsters bear this pressure. "
"That way they won't be able to recover when the impact comes. I still need them to operate the Speed Force Matrix in times of disaster. That's their real job, so I'll do it."
Mason Main says:
"Prepare to increase the energy extraction from the main runway... Don't be afraid, engineer, I really have a backup plan."
