Countless people stood in front of the screen, watching the crisis, unaware that it was all just a plan created by the Avengers.
After witnessing Bruce Wayne's one-man team seemingly defeat the Avengers, the screen fell into an eerie silence. Although some key members like Captain America, Hulk, and Thor were missing from the Avengers' lineup, Iron Man, War Machine, Hawkeye, and others had proven countless times in the past that they could safeguard world peace.
However, this time it seemed they had failed.
The invincible player, Bruce Wayne, displayed on the screen, just as in the main timeline when the quiz game revealed Thanos' future video, filled people with a sense of despair and oppression. Whether it was the relentless Zerg monsters or Captain America playing the villain's right-hand man, or Iron Man standing beside Bruce Wayne, all Avengers seemed powerless in comparison to them.
Of course, this was all part of the plan.
Bruce Wayne intended to portray himself as one of Thanos' subordinates, and the more vicious he appeared, the better, as it would draw attention to Thanos. Hence, the Avengers' members were essentially acting in a mock battle.
"I'm starting to worry that Bruce is being too convincing. Will people become too desperate and give up struggling?" the Captain America of this world in the command room spoke over the communication channel, silently observing the battle.
"It's not time for you to show up yet," Bruce Wayne replied as he sent Iron Man flying with a teleportation move.
Iron Man added, "Steve, warm up. You take the stage later!"
"Okay, our side is ready!" Captain America of this world responded.
Bruce Wayne continued to press forward, breaking through alone into Wakanda's heartland. He flew through the air at supersonic speed, with Zerg monsters swarming below and other players joining the fray, adding to the spectacle.
In the rendered scenario, Wakanda had become the last line of defence against the alien invasion. If it fell, the whole world would suffer. At least, that's what the viewers watching the live broadcast thought. And that was precisely the intention behind Bruce Wayne's crisis plan.
"Look! The surface of the earth is full of warships. We are surrounded, and no one can escape!" the live broadcast's camera panned to space, showing warships floating outside the earth, creating a sense of impending doom.
What the viewers didn't know was that most of these space battleships were virtual compositions, and only a few were real. This grand illusion was created by player Tony Stark using advanced technology, fooling everyone into thinking the world was about to end.
But in reality, the fake crisis was coming to an end.
In the last moment, the Avengers, together with Wakanda, successfully defended Vision and prevented the enemy from taking away the Mind Stone. The Captain America of this world and other superheroes arrived just in time, bringing the good news that by destroying the Heart of the Zerg, Thanos' offensive could be disintegrated.
Of course, they didn't want to deceive people, so Black Widow fabricated a story: the split Avengers chose not to sign the Sokovia agreement, but they still felt responsible for protecting the Earth. They had been aware of Thanos' existence for a long time and had gathered clues about his weaknesses.
Through investigation, they discovered that the Heart of the Zerg was the core of Thanos' army, and destroying it would save the Earth. United once more, the Avengers, together with Wakanda, formed a tactical plan to raid the Heart of the Swarm with an assault team.
The planning process was not without its challenges, and both sides fought fiercely. But in the end, Vision used the power of the Mind Stone to destroy the formidable Heart of the Zerg, turning the Zerg army into a puddle of thick juice. Bruce Wayne, fighting alongside player Iron Man and others, seemed weakened and defeated.
"Stupid and poor people of Earth, you escaped unharmed this time, but soon, the benevolent Lord Thanos will personally take action and give you a great balance!"
Playing the role of the villain dutifully, Bruce Wayne left them with ominous words before disappearing.
Soon after, the global live broadcast came to an end.
Half an hour later, the officials regained contact with the space satellite and confirmed that the alien army had retreated, and only a few warships still hovered near the Earth.
The crisis alert was lifted, and the rehearsal concluded successfully.
Wakanda's soldiers cheered to celebrate this hard-won victory. Looking at the battlefield covered with foul-smelling juice and strange green miasma, T'Challa couldn't help but sigh, "I wonder if anyone died because of this war."
King T'Chaka came to him and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Many were injured, but fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. This battle was executed perfectly!"
Wakanda had indeed demonstrated its strength and excellence to the world through this fake crisis.