The soul had always been a mystery to science.
Some scientists believed the soul was simply consciousness, or that it did not exist at all. Others believed it existed, but current technology simply could not detect it.
Reed Richards belonged to the camp that believed in souls. He had once tried to build instruments to observe them, though the results had been less than ideal... In any case, the investor had gone bankrupt.
But that had not changed Reed Richards's views, especially after he began working with S.H.I.E.L.D. and learned of the sorcerer Doctor Strange.
If a legendary profession like sorcery existed, wasn't it perfectly normal for souls to exist too?
Reed Richards knew that, if his theory was correct, the best solution would be to have Nick Fury invite Doctor Strange, an expert on souls. But he did not do that.
His research into souls had never made much progress. Now that H.E.R.B.I.E. and the virtual game offered him a chance to uncover their mysteries, Reed Richards did not want to miss this rare opportunity.
"Let's go."
Expressionless, Reed Richards packed up the headset and the instruments connected to it, then picked up Johnny and headed out of Osborn Tower.
"Reed, you can save them, right?"
Looking at her sleeping brother, Susan Storm asked her fiancé for reassurance in a trembling voice.
"...Of course."
Faced with his fiancée's expectant gaze, Reed Richards fell silent for a moment, then gave her a reassuring smile.
Yes, as long as he could master the mysteries of the soul, rescuing the players trapped inside the game would be easy.
Not long after leaving Osborn Tower, Reed Richards and the others returned. This time, aside from the headset, they brought only a device that looked like a metal detector.
This instrument was the very