"I am not trying to incite panic, but a massive war between cosmic gods is about to begin, and the nearest battlefield is within the Nine Great Kingdoms. We must begin preparations immediately."
"Even though Kamar-Taj never participates in anything beyond protecting Earth, we must ensure our own safety first. Our new apprentices can't even use the magic silk yet, and even the experienced mages have grown rusty. We need to mobilize urgently..."
Inside the Karmajit Palace, Strange looked seriously at Wong and said, "We don't have much time left."
Wong's face was grave. "I have received news from the Supreme Magician. There is an uneasiness in the cosmos recently, as many races have received this information. You are right, protecting Earth is the inherent duty of Kamar-Taj. We need to start preparing."
Soon after, inside the Karmajit Palace, one proposal after another fell and was signed off. The grand mages, dressed in robes and hooded cloaks, took their seats one by one. The cushion in the middle of the main hall was reserved for the Supreme Magician, but this time, it was Strange who sat there, and no one objected.
Although it was Strange's first time convening all the members of Kamar-Taj, his voice remained steady. "I presume everyone is aware of the current situation. As a sanctuary independent from any cosmic power, Kamar-Taj must not neglect the duty of defending our territory despite the Supreme Magician's external coordination."
A female mage wearing a navy blue robe spoke first. "I learned that war is on the verge of breaking out from the ancient spirit of the stars. Strange, the Master Ancient One is in the cosmos confirming this news, and she has left all of Kamar-Taj's contingency plans to you. This shows that she trusts you immensely."
Another mage with a deep voice added, "Exactly, Strange. Your talent and abilities are evident to all. This will be your greatest trial before ascending to the position of Supreme Magician. We believe that you won't disappoint us."
Strange nodded, "Although I'm still relatively inexperienced and can't compare to any of you in terms of abilities, in times of emergency…"
"I hereby declare that the Kamar-Taj Earth Defense Network and all major Mage Temples globally are under full alert. All mages are to standby on-site…"
"No mage is allowed to leave Earth on their own. Magic apprentices must stay within the defense network. All treasures, weapons, and supplies must be reported to Wong after complete preparation…"
"Everyone, war is about to begin."
"War is about to begin?" Stark looked puzzledly at Shearer and asked, "I isolate myself for just a few days to upgrade my battle armor, and suddenly there's a war?"
Shearer shook his head, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Stark Building's laboratory, gazing down at the street. His voice held a hint of gloom.
"The events and objects in the universe won't come to a standstill just because the human race is weak and backward."
"Just like how humans don't consider the thoughts of an ant when they are starting a war, even though it might lead to complete catastrophe for them and their kind."
Having witnessed the grandeur from above, Stark understood better than anyone how vast the universe is and how insignificant humans are. Still, as part of this civilization, he wanted to protect Earth and bolster human strength more than anyone else.
Stark sighed, "Even if the primary human civilization wasn't notified of any pre-warning, the magic side should…"
"You want to rely on that group of mages?" Shearer shook his head. "You should know through Strange that only a very small portion of the human race can learn magic. Even fewer can master it and use the power of magic to protect Earth."
Stark looked up at Shearer, "That's why I've always believed that the future of human civilization lies in technology and machinery."
"Then use your strongest suit — technology and machinery — to defend our civilization. Isn't this the exact time you should be doing this?"
Stark took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He didn't rush to the lab as he had in the past, dying to produce a result every minute.
He stood there, standing tall, as if a force was bursting forth from his soul. There was no arrogance in Stark's voice, he was simply stating a fact:
"I have always wanted to use my intellect to guide human civilization and to protect Earth."
"But the reason I haven't taken effective action up to this point, isn't because I can't do it. It's because I don't know how to calibrate the intensity of protection so that it won't destroy everything."
Shearer continued his thought, "I understand, just as humans need to control their strength to avoid crushing an ant."
"But now, you can unleash a part of your wisdom to provide reliable protection for Earth during the war. This isn't too much to ask. Or even, if you use your wisdom to slightly speed up the development of human civilization, I think it shouldn't be a problem."
Stark sighed and said, "Is this your aim then? Forcing unity and development within Earth due to external cosmic threats?"
"Nothing escapes the eyes of the multiverse-level Stark. I am now wondering, have you really demoted yourself? Or is it that 'once being the one and only, always the one and only'?"
"Don't wonder, it's my own guess. If you didn't make this happen, you wouldn't let it happen, let alone come here to use reverse psychology on me…"
"Just say if you will do it or not. If you won't, I can find someone else. After all, you aren't the only genius in the world…"
Before Shearer finished speaking, Stark had already turned back towards his lab. Shearer laughed and shook his head, "I see that even promotion doesn't cure a tsundere."
In the office of the S.H.I.E.L.D Director, Pierce stubbed out his cigarette, frowning, he said, "Are you serious? The cosmos is going to wage a large-scale war, then that Earth..."
"That's exactly what I'm saying. We need a team of specialists to deal with this crisis. You and I both know it isn't something ordinary people can interfere with, not even the army."
Pierce frowned deeply. Even his poised demeanor couldn't hide his anxiety. After all, the news Nick brought was too shocking. He couldn't even imagine what a Cosmic Sorcerer's war would look like, let alone a large-scale melee between them.
"I know, the Safety Council has always been concerned about this. I understand, after all, the group of superheroes itself is uncontrollable. When they come together, things might get even messier, I get that... "
"But now, the reality is in front of us. Apart from uniting these super-powered heroes, we have no choice."
Pierce's fingers were constantly tapping on the table. After a few minutes, he sighed and said: "Fine, I think our interests align, Nick. I will support you in the Safety Council meeting against the pressure of other member countries, but you must ensure that this team you're forming will be put to good use..."
"Pierce, you know, I need people to do the dirty work..."
"That's your problem, I have given you the maximum power within my authority, don't disappoint me, Nick."
Pierce looked into Nick's eyes and said: "We have known each other for many years, I know you well, and I know you have been doubting me recently. It's natural, as our positions have changed, and our relationship can't be as simple as before."
"But when faced with the issues of race's future and Earth's safety, our interests are always the same, I haven't forgotten... the original intention of my joining the S.H.I.E.L.D..."
"Neither have I."
Two hands, one black, one white, clasped, their eyes locked, each more resolved in their own ideas.
Following their gaze down, through the many floors of S.H.I.E.L.D, and into the S.H.I.E.L.D's underground reception center, then turning east into Hell's Kitchen.
In Daredevil Matt's base, Steve tapped on his shield, attracting everyone's attention. He said, "The S.H.I.E.L.D's plan to form a superhero squad has started. As soon as Nick affirms that he has the support of the Safety Council, he will start recruiting members."
"I came here... only hoping to persuade you two..." Steve looked at Spider-Man and Night Devil, he said very sincerely, "I hope that you two will join the superhero combat team, and become the backbone of the team in the face of the possible cosmic war crisis."
"I don't trust S.H.I.E.L.D." Matt was very blunt, "I don't trust any institute like that."
Peter turned his head and looked at Matt, then looked at Steve, and then he asked somewhat hesitantly: "So you mean, there will soon be a war in the universe? The squad that S.H.I.E.L.D is forming is to protect Earth, can I understand it this way?"
"Exactly, we can't expect outsiders to protect us, we have to protect ourselves."
"In that case, I am in." Peter pressed his lips and said, "After all, the simplest truth is, if the Earth is done for, we're all done for."
With that, he turned to Matt, and Matt, staring at Steve's face, said: "I indeed don't trust S.H.I.E.L.D... but I trust you and Nick. I'm in."
In Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Charles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He moved his wheelchair about to go back to his room to sleep, and just then, the phone rang. He picked up the phone from the table next to him and heard a strange voice on the other side.
"Hello, may I ask, is this Professor Charles?"
"Yes, that's me. You need something?"
"Hello, this is S.H.I.E.L.D's special psychological consultant Schiller Rodriguez. I'm calling to inform you about the recent changes in the cosmic situation. Regrettably, we have received reliable news from Asgard that the cosmos will soon face a melee, and this might affect Earth..."
"So?" Charles asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Don't be nervous, Professor Charles, perhaps you would prefer to communicate with my other identity. I once asked a question on a psychology and education forum..."
Before Shearer could finish, Charles asked, "Is it you? How are those children doing?"
"One of them has improved greatly, and the others are still under observation and treatment, Professor Charles, this time I am... "
"Alright, you don't have to say more, what do you guys need me for?"
Shearer's voice paused for a moment, he asked, "Why do you trust me so much? Aren't you worried that all of this might be a plot of the S.H.I.E.L.D?"
"If you've tried to treat some children with psychological problems, and achieved significant results, then I believe you're not a bad person, and I would like to talk to you."
"Professor Shearer, I'll see you soon."