"Because you've become such good friends with us in this universe, even collaborating and playing along in this act!"
"Although we don't know what exactly you intend to do in our universe, we have reasons to trust our judgment that you won't harm us!"
"Of course, the main reason is that now you possess three Infinity Stones, and with the power you've just displayed, we feel it would be very difficult for the four of us to take them from you!"
"So, we have no choice but to trust you! We hope you won't let us down!"
Tony was very serious initially, but his tone lightened considerably towards the end as if joking amicably among friends. "Well then, I should thank you for trusting me so much! But rest assured, following you to your universe will only bring benefits, not harm. You'll understand when the time comes!"
Li Yue also smiled, satisfied with this outcome. After all, his main goal was simply to reach their universe.
"Here, this is a temporal stabilization device, similar to a GPS, essential for traveling through the quantum realm. I've already set your time and place; just use it directly!"
Since they were almost certain they would take Li Yue back with them, Tony casually handed him a device resembling a wristwatch. This device navigated the quantum realm, a crucial tool for precise time and space travel.
Being less scientifically inclined, Li Yue didn't understand the complex technology Tony used to create such an advanced device. However, as long as it worked properly, Li Yue was content not to delve too deeply into the technical details.
"Let's go now, everyone! It's time to go back and save those who disappeared!"
With that, the Captain finished speaking, and everyone activated their devices. Quantum suits instantly enveloped their bodies. A flash of white light followed, and the future Tony, along with Li Yue, disappeared from the spot and this universe as well.
Li Yue was unfamiliar with time travel, but that didn't matter because he was now experiencing it firsthand. This was his first encounter with time travel, and it felt nothing like using his superpowers to traverse the universe.
When the device was activated, Li Yue could distinctly feel his body rapidly shrinking, yet without any discomfort, a very strange sensation. The Pym particles, known as one of the darkest technologies in the Marvel Universe, allowed one to shrink to subatomic size and easily enter the quantum realm, a truly mind-boggling ability.
During this process, Li Yue, with his powerful psychic abilities, noticed many things he had never seen before as he continued to shrink. He even spotted a civilization living in this realm, humanoid in appearance and armed with spear-like weapons, just before entering the quantum realm. However, the shrinking process was so rapid that everything flashed by instantly, and he could only catch a brief glimpse of their appearance.
It's no wonder some speculate that the universe humans inhabit might be a tiny cell within an unimaginably large creature. Although such a theory is nearly impossible to prove, it's thought-provoking.
Traveling through the quantum universe took less than a tenth of a second. Only someone like Li Yue, who could experience several minutes in a second, would retain a clear memory and impression of the journey.
Soon, Li Yue felt his body enlarge again, the opposite of the shrinking process. In a blink, he was back to his normal size. Beside him appeared several individuals in white quantum suits, including those who had gone to other times in the universe to retrieve the stones and complete their missions successfully.
These individuals were all familiar to Li Yue. "Has everyone got the stones?"
After their return, Tony was the first to inquire, wanting to ensure that everyone's tasks were completed. "I can't believe we did it!"
No one voiced any objections, and War Machine, Rhodey, expressed his surprise and delight. However, good news often comes with bad news, which was the case here.
Hawkeye, Clint Barton, seemed to have lost all his strength and knelt on the ground, overwhelmed with sadness. Notably, a familiar figure was missing from his side.
"Clint, where's Natasha? Why didn't she come back with you?"
Banner asked urgently, his voice filled with anxiety, sensing something terrible had happened. Clint, however, just knelt there, tears streaming down his face, unable to utter a single word.
Understanding that Natasha might not be returning, a profound sadness swept over everyone present. The atmosphere turned incredibly somber. They hadn't expected to face the pain of losing a teammate again in a mission meant to save those who had disappeared.
"Everyone! Stop crying now! Haven't you noticed? It seems we have an outsider among us!"
Just as the mood at the scene turned silent, a voice suddenly broke the quiet, pulling everyone back to reality.
"Hey, buddy, how did you sneak in here?" The voice spoke again, this time directly addressing Li Yue.
The speaker was none other than Rocket Raccoon from the Guardians of the Galaxy, the only member of the group who was somewhat sane. Although he felt a touch of sorrow for Natasha, his grief was less intense than others, allowing him to notice that their group had one less familiar face and one unknown newcomer, prompting him to become alert.
"Everyone, calm down! Rhodey put down your gun; he's not our enemy!"
Hearing Rocket's voice, Tony quickly regained his composure and remembered Li Yue, who had accompanied them. He quickly spoke up to prevent any misunderstanding as he saw Rhodey, in his War Machine armor, raising his arms with guns aimed at Li Yue as if ready to shoot.
"Tony, what's going on? Didn't you say we should avoid altering anything significant in the timeline? How come you've brought back a living person?"
After Tony's interjection, Rhodey lowered his arms but remained visibly astonished, pressing Tony for answers.
"Hi everyone, I'm Li Yue! But you don't need to introduce yourselves; I know everyone here quite well!"
Seeing that the others had finally pulled themselves together, Li Yue began his introduction, his gaze sweeping over all present. He saw Thor, now corpulent from his time away from battle, the small-statured Rocket Raccoon, and Nebula, whose expression flickered with uncertainty.
"Moreover, I'm here to help you guys!"
"Rocket, it's not 'crispy noodles'; it's Rocket!"