Chapter 193: The Hero's End
In the vast expanse of space, a spaceship sailed through the cosmos. It was filled with Avengers. If Thor's Millennium Falcon hadn't been so spacious, it might not have fit.
The ship traversed numerous wormholes before finally halting in orbit around a stunning planet.
A Marauder ship approached, and aboard it was a familiar face—Yondu.
Yondu answered the call, "Is everyone here? Thanos arrived about twelve hours ago on a donut-shaped ship. I don't know the details and didn't dare get too close."
Carol Danvers exited the spaceship. "I'll investigate first."
Having missed "Infinity War," Carol felt a need to prove herself, to avoid being sidelined.
Moments later, she returned. "There are no satellites, no spaceships, no armies, and no ground defenses. It's just him."
"That's enough," Thor replied quietly.
The planet was a beautiful world of lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and melodious birds.
Thanos, looking frail, picked a fruit from the ground and placed it in a bag. He then limped towards a dwelling, each step marked by heavy breathing. His body was covered in scars, a stark contrast to the imposing figure he once was.
His old battle armor hung outside the house, as if bearing witness to his life's journey.
He slowly prepared a pot of soup, added a handful of seasonings, and abruptly looked out the window.
Despite his weakened state, his sense of danger was still sharp. He quickly raised his hand in defense.
Suddenly, a blinding light from Captain Marvel surged in, knocking him to the ground. She swiftly advanced, climbing onto his neck and tightening her grip.
Thanos gasped for air, struggling to rise as Carol fought to maintain her hold.
Simultaneously, Iron Man and Hulk smashed through the window, each grabbing one of Thanos's arms and holding him firmly.
Thor entered the room with the others, cast a glance at Thanos, and sheathed his battle axe.
He felt a moment of disorientation. The scene before him seemed to blur with his memories, with familiar scenes but different outcomes.
He examined Thanos's empty right hand and asked, "Where is the gemstone?"
Carol's grip on his neck loosened slightly. "Answer him!"
Thanos rasped, "I don't know..."
"Boom—"
Iron Man shoved him roughly. "Are you kidding me?"
Iron Man's motivation was to retrieve the stones and resurrect Vision, despite Thanos's injuries.
"I'm not lying. I genuinely don't know where they are now."
Thor pressed, "Without the power of the six stones, you lack the ability to destroy the infinity stones. Tell me, where did you put them?"
"I don't know if the stones are still there, but they're no longer with me, and I don't remember where I left them..."
Iron Man, anxious and frustrated, urged, "We need to search for them; he must be lying!"
At this point, Gamora spoke up, "What he says is likely true. My father could do anything, but he never lies..."
"Thank you, daughter," Thanos croaked. "Perhaps I was too harsh on you in the past..."
Thor looked at Jean Grey, who nodded in agreement. Thanos hadn't shielded his thoughts from intrusion, and from what she saw, he genuinely didn't know the stones' whereabouts.
It seemed there was nothing more to extract from him.
Their visit wasn't solely about retrieving the stones.
"Well, we'll find the stones. In any case, you've committed unforgivable crimes against the universe and nearly caused countless deaths. Do you have any objections?"
Thanos managed a grim smile. "I acknowledge my actions, but I never saw them as crimes. The universe needs balance, and I was merely its enforcer. Unfortunately, I failed in the end."
Thor dismissed any further argument. "There's no point in debating your philosophy. Failure comes with its own consequences."
Thanos remained silent.
Gamora stepped forward. "Let me handle this."
Thor studied her for a moment, then said, "Fine. Killing someone who cannot fight back is rather dull."
He waved his hand dismissively and walked towards the door.
Seeing this, the others also left, leaving only Star-Lord and Gamora behind.
Star-Lord looked at her with concern. Even in his weakened state, Thanos could still be a danger to Gamora if he were to lash out.
Gamora whispered, "Step outside. I need to speak with him alone."
Star-Lord hesitated but eventually complied, stepping outside.
--
Chapter 194: The Last Supper
At that moment, a long-unheard system task prompt echoed:
"Congratulations! You've triggered the Thanos-related quest: The Last Supper. Completing this quest will earn you a reward!"
"Mission Description: I am a retired fruit farmer. One day, as usual, I went home with my small cloth bag to pick fruit and prepare some soup. Unexpectedly, a group of robbers burst in, beat me, overturned my soup, destroyed everything in my home, and finally decapitated me!"
"Mission Goal: Ensure that Thanos finishes this bowl of soup before he dies, and be a satisfied spirit! Mission Reward: Advanced Artificial Intelligence."
Thor: "..."
After a moment of contemplation, Thor turned and said, "In our land, driven by humanitarian values, we strive to fulfill the last meal request of the condemned before their death. Therefore, you can have your final meal."
Gamora gave a subtle, grateful nod.
"Beep! Congratulations to the host for completing the mission: The Last Supper. You've received the reward: Artificial Intelligence: Red Queen."
The Red Queen, a supercomputer from "Resident Evil," is designed to monitor "hives." Her mission is to protect humanity and the Umbrella Corporation. When these objectives conflicted, she chose a compromise—obliterating humanity while simultaneously sabotaging Umbrella's plans.
She was essentially a creation from Alicia's childhood, representing her true self.
Thor chose not to dwell on this for now, as he noticed a flash of light above the Soul Gem in his possession.
"The deal has finally been concluded!"
Thor: "???"
"Remember the sacrifice rule of Vormir? The essence sought is not merely the power of a potent soul but the soul of the most beloved person in one's heart."
"And that gomora, the person she cherished most in her heart, is that Thanos . Although it came a bit late, the deal is now complete."
"This means you are now fully qualified to wield the Soul Stone. There is no longer a ten-year limit. Until you die or choose to relinquish the Soul Stone, I will return to Vormir and initiate a new soul-for-soul transaction."
A moment later, Gamora stealthily exited the hut, clutching a blood-stained dagger. Her expression was a mix of madness and emotion, making it difficult to discern if she was crying or laughing.
Thor felt a pang of melancholy. Thanos sacrificed Gamora, and now Gamora has sacrificed Thanos—was this the so-called karmic retribution?
Upon reflection, it seemed there was indeed a subtle correction in this world, though not overtly apparent.
For instance, Ragnarök occurred for different reasons, and Asgard became a site of destruction.
Captain Marvel was aware of Thanos's invasion early on but missed the Infinity War.
The Soul Stone's sacrifice, originating from Thanos and Gamora, reflected a tragic love and conflict between father and daughter.
Perhaps this was why some events hadn't changed. Doctor Strange determined that Iron Man couldn't die and decisively entrusted him with the Eye of Agamotto, despite his vows to protect it.
He felt the war was not over, at least not Iron Man's battle, and that Iron Man would remain crucial at some point in the future.
Although Thor was curious about these insights, he knew that the sorcerer would never disclose them.
Dr. Banner and Spider-Man were still endearing, their words flowing after a brief moment of hesitation...
Observing the silent Stark, Thor patted him on the shoulder. "Okay, don't be too disheartened. I've said this many times before. The Time Stone hasn't vanished, and it can always be found."
"No," Stark shook his head. "I'm pondering whether my thinking is correct. I've designed the armor to the best of my ability, nearly reaching its limit. Yet, despite that, Thanos remained formidable."
Thor remained silent, listening.
Stark extended his hand, showing Thor the damage to his wrist armor.
"Look, even with the most advanced material I could find, my armor still couldn't withstand high-end combat. And Vision, despite being composed of Vibranium, the hardest material on Earth, was easily twisted by Thanos."
Thor raised an eyebrow, acknowledging Stark's point.
The poor rely on adaptation, and the rich depend on technology.
In many cases, relying on technology is a more stable path to strength. As long as technological advancements are achieved, improvements are inevitable.
However, this approach has its flaws: it is often too slow, especially compared to the supervillains of the universe, who have had ample time to evolve.
Most crucially, Earth's fundamental technology is too underdeveloped. Producing a genius like Stark is rare. While Wakandan technology is indeed advanced, it primarily revolves around Vibranium, differing significantly from Stark's innovations.
---
Chapter 195: Follow-Up
"So, are you considering a career change?" Thor said with a smirk. "I have an idea. How about I ask Banner for the serum and use gamma rays to transform you into a Hulk too?"
Stark's forehead was covered in lines of frustration as images of Hulk smashing things flashed through his mind.
"Why is your imagination so wild? And why do you always overlook the best options?"
"Are you sure you didn't become disillusioned?" Stark shot back.
Stark continued, "This time you've engaged with a significant number of alien allies, most of whom possess technology far superior to ours. They're at least in the interstellar age. I believe Earth should engage more with them, especially the Nova Corps of Xandar, which is an alliance of many planets. If possible, Earth should also join them..."
"Absolutely no problem," Thor agreed.
Although Earth's basic technology isn't weak, it certainly has room for improvement, especially with its superheroes. Earth has revealed many of its potential forces in the battle against Thanos—Wakanda, Kamar-Taj, the Avengers...
And with the Kree, longtime enemies of Xandar, kneeling, joining the Nova Corps would be more beneficial than harmful.
Speaking of the Kree, Thor suddenly recalled something and stopped Carol, who was wandering: "I need to ask you something. According to what you said, Ronan was just a powerful Kree. But when I saw him a few years ago, he seemed almost invincible and could even withstand the power of the Power Stone for a short time."
Carol halted.
After some hesitation, she confessed, "At that time, I heard that the Kree secretly obtained the corpse of a Celestial. Though it was dead, its energy was still formidable. Ronan used it to bathe in the 'blood of the gods,' which enhanced his power."
Thor understood: "But such enhancement must have side effects, right? Otherwise, there would be more Kree doing it."
Carol nodded: "Yes, it greatly enhances physical abilities but at a cost. Bathing in the blood of the gods makes one's personality volatile and significantly affects them."
Thor: "..."
The mystery was solved. It turned out there was a reason Ronan acted so irrationally. No wonder he was deceived by Star-Lord's awkward dance...
Carol looked at him curiously: "Hey, are you considering this for yourself? But I think your physical abilities are already beyond what you need..."
Essentially, it's a trade-off of intelligence for strength. For ordinary people, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For someone with a body as strong as Thor's, even daily exposure to the blood of the gods wouldn't significantly enhance his strength.
Stark, while mortal, clearly values his intellect over brute strength.
Stark quickly shook his head: "Forget it, I'd better focus on my inventions..."
He suddenly brightened and said, "By the way, Thor, Pepper and I are getting married next month. You must come!"
Stark has decided to hold the grandest wedding ever, showcasing that the former playboy, Tony Stark, has found a partner and is settling down.
"I'll definitely be there. As an elder, I wouldn't miss it. Ah, your father once worried about your waywardness. Now that you're getting married, I'm very pleased, my friend..."
Stark: "Get lost!!!"
Although no gems were found on this trip, Thanos was successfully defeated. This achievement reverberates throughout the universe.
Whether as the cosmic destroyer, the ultimate executioner, or a humble retired fruit farmer, Thanos's death is of historic significance.
It marks the end of an era and signifies Thor—the new king of Asgard—making his stance clear. Anyone who dares to offend the Nine Realms will face consequences, even Thanos.
With Odin's death, many who had underestimated Asgard now view the Nine Realms as a top-tier threat.
While Odin's wrath drove Thanos away, he showed little interest in pursuing him beyond the Nine Realms.
Thor, however, is determined to exact revenge, even if it means hunting Thanos down wherever he might be.
Meanwhile, some have noticed the absence of Titan...
--
Chapter 196: Five Years
Back on Earth, Thor visited Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man, who had just been discharged from the hospital.
Scott had been transformed into a giant for an extended period during battles, which took a toll on his body. Additionally, he had been controlled by the Mind Stone and later forced by Mantis to gain hypnotic abilities. His mind remained under control, though it was not fully lifted.
Originally, Thanos had been somewhere else, and any magician could have cleansed him and removed the control. However, at the time, Hawkeye, who was relatively weaker in the Avengers, had been responsible for Scott. After being controlled by Loki, Hawkeye was "purified" by Thor on the space carrier.
Thor believed this to be the most effective method to remove Mind Control (which it was), so he extended the same treatment to Ant-Man...
Scott Lang, uninjured, spent half a month in the hospital and rushed to find Dr. Pim as soon as he was discharged. He promised to help Dr. Pim find his wife, Janet Van Dyne, who had been trapped in the quantum realm many years ago.
The plan was going started in a week , but the invasion of Thanos took precedence, delaying the mission. Once things settled, Scott hurried back to pursue it.
Thor had no intention of intervening in the events of "Ant-Man and the Wasp." Though the bug-themed heroes were quite useful in battle, gods like Thor had little interest in mortal affairs, similar to his lack of involvement with Spider-Man's fight against Vulture.
Besides, the current Ant-Man was not restricted by the "Sokovia Accords," so he could seek help from other Avengers without complications.
The main concern was ensuring he didn't get lost in the quantum realm and fail to return...
Back at the manor, Thor reflected: "The Red Queen."
A young girl with a cute appearance appeared before him, speaking in a peculiar voice, "Boss, at your command!"
Thor looked at her and said, "I should call you Alice, right? After all, you were named after her as a child."
The Red Queen glanced at him with suspicion, puzzled how Thor knew her origins, and nodded, "Yes, Boss. Please enter the first program criterion!"
The Red Queen, summoned by the system, had not yet joined any programs.
Thor considered it and decided to join a rather unconventional program—protecting all women who had a close friendship with Thor.
Red Queen: "..."
Time flew by, and five years passed in the blink of an eye.
For some Asgardians with long lifespans, five years felt like a mere moment, but for Earth, it was neither short nor long.
In the past five years, the world had undergone unprecedented changes.
From the great battle in New York to the real-life Star Wars, the arrival of a new era was clear. Following the Ultron crisis, the superhero civil war, the world war initiated by Wakanda, and Thanos's invasion, the world had seen a multitude of upheavals.
Superheroes had shifted from being viewed with suspicion and distrust to becoming integral to daily life. For instance, Spider-Man, known as a friendly neighborhood hero in New York, had become highly popular and almost rivaled Thor in fame...
The only difference was that Spider-Man's fans consisted mostly of children and middle-aged women, partly because his identity was concealed!
Indeed, many of Spider-Man's adversaries were members of Kingpin's organization...
This minor loss to Kingpin was insignificant. Normally, Kingpin would have retaliated, but after Thor's intervention, Kingpin let it go. After all, the individuals caught in Spider-Man's web were considered worthless and insignificant.
Thanos's death marked a turning point.
In the five years following Infinity War, Earth seemed to have returned to a state of calm. The frequent global crises appeared to have vanished.
The primary reason was Thanos's defeat; most adversaries were deterred from attacking Earth. Additionally, Earth had joined the Nova Corps, strengthening its defenses.
Local issues, though present, were manageable after the previous major crises, with S.H.I.E.L.D. under Phil Coulson effectively handling them.
Moreover, Stark had not been idle in recent years.
---
Chapter 197: Endgame
Although Iron Man had been out of sight for a long time, it was because there had been nothing that required his direct intervention.
In recent years, he had been developing a global UAV system. At first glance, it resembled the old Insights Project. However, the key difference was that this new system wouldn't declare someone guilty for their inactions, fundamentally differing from the Insight Plan.
Essentially, this system served as a global reinforcement, ready to support the world at any moment. Even Steve Rogers, now serving as President, supported the plan.
"If you master this power, I'll approve it. But you must promise never to hand it over to anyone else!"
Stark agreed wholeheartedly.
The relative peace on Earth in recent years could be attributed to this army of drones. They dealt with small, reckless forces that were unaware of their own limitations.
The UAV system continued to improve and upgrade, with only a few people aware of its advancements.
To the public, Stark seemed to have retired. He lived a semi-reclusive life in a forest cabin, having become a wealthy retiree. He had a daughter named Morgan Stark.
When the Ultron incident occurred, Stark had once visited Hawkeye's home and mentioned that Pepper might enjoy such a farm. Now, he had made that a reality.
Long-term peace had made Iron Man genuinely consider retirement to spend time raising Morgan. However, he remained ready to return if the world ever needed him.
As Pepper had said, "In my life, I may never be able to persuade you."
The research on his armor had not ceased; it had merely moved from the city to the suburbs. He was always prepared.
Additionally, he had not given up searching for the two missing Infinity Stones.
Another notable couple in the Avengers was Bruce Banner and Princess Shuri of Wakanda. Banner was considered Wakanda's first foreign prince, and with his connection to Shuri, his value had surpassed even Stark's, despite the shortage of Vibranium.
Both Banner and Shuri were extreme workaholics. Once engaged in scientific research, they would forget to eat and sleep. Unlike Stark, who separated work from life, their dedication was all-consuming.
"Thor, this is the endgame," said Doctor Strange within the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York.
Thor frowned, "The endgame? The world is fine now. Who would go back to the past just to cause trouble?"
In truth, even if someone went back to the past, it would not be problematic. The current Nebula had not undergone transformation, so she would not become a central threat.
Doctor Strange smiled but said nothing.
Thor felt a sudden urge to punch him; Strange's cryptic mannerisms were irritating. Reflecting, Strange had always been difficult to deal with, even when he was a doctor.
After a pause, Strange said, "Maybe someone will?"
"At most... it won't exceed six months," Thor replied, looking relaxed.
He wasn't overly concerned. The Avengers' current strength was significantly greater than it was in 2022 in the original timeline, making them less vulnerable to surprise attacks.
In the original history, Stark's sacrifice resulted from multiple factors. These included Thor's condition, Wanda's interrupted spellcasting, and Captain Marvel's late arrival.
Many superheroes capable of resisting Thanos had been disconnected due to various reasons, providing Thanos with an opportunity to strike.
These issues could be avoided this time.
Moreover, Thanos in 2017 was not as formidable as his 2014 self, making the latter's presence more of a gift.
Since becoming King of Asgard, Thor's strength had grown steadily, comparable to Hela's. Only he knew the full extent of his current power.
Leaving Kamar-Taj, Thor walked through the space portal and headed home. Though not overly concerned, he still needed to make some preparations.
After five years of reconstruction, Asgard had returned to its former glory. The infrastructure capabilities of the Asgardians were comparable to those on Earth.
However, when Thor referred to home, he meant not Asgard but an island in northern Norway.
---
Chapter 198: New Asgard
Five years ago, the battle with Thanos nearly obliterated half of New York, leaving countless buildings in ruins, including Thor's original manor.
Given the frequent disasters in New York, Thor decided to build elsewhere.
Initially, New Asgard was a small fishing village that housed Asgardian refugees.
In this timeline, Asgard only destroyed the above-ground structures, and thanks to a blend of advanced technology and magic, the reconstruction was swift, allowing the people to remain in their ancestral homeland.
In northern Norway, where Odin last looked upon the sea, it did not become the new home of the space Vikings from Asgard but rather became Thor's personal residence.
Five years ago, Thor used the energy of the Power Stone and the Tesseract to pull a meteorite from space, creating a small island where he built his castle, naming it New Asgard.
Technically, the ownership of newly discovered islands in international waters should belong to the first to discover and claim them. The specifics can depend on disputes between parties.
And there's no force in the galaxy stronger than Thor's.
Additionally, the old superpower Lighthouse State and the new superpower Wakanda both expressed their support, officially recognizing Thor's claim to the island.
Thor brought everyone from the manor to the island.
Thor resides here most of the time. Asgard is wonderful, but the space is quite limited.
Unlike his former manor, this island is not open to the public. Except for Thor, no male creature is allowed within ten miles.
Here, Thor lives almost like a king.
Although he inherited the throne, Thor mostly plays the role of a caretaker, preferring to wear his crown without shouldering the full burden.
Loki handles internal affairs, while Hela manages external matters. Since then, the king has rarely attended court. In a traditional kingdom, such a king would have been overthrown, but as long as Thor excels in battle, the world remains at peace.
Loki's abilities remain formidable, even when idle. As for Hela...
Hela's ambitions remain unfulfilled, and she acknowledges that she cannot match Thor's growth potential. Intrigue is not her forte, otherwise, she wouldn't have been betrayed by Odin and cast out.
Despite the royal duties, the sibling relationship is very strong, especially in their cooperative efforts against Loki, where their synergy is unparalleled.
What truly troubles Thor is Hela's latest scheme to "save the nation."
The specifics are hard to pin down. It resembles a parallel universe from a Marvel comic Thor read in his previous life—"New Ultimate Alliance."
Hela has her own room in the New Asgard castle, room 404, a number that represents a certain taboo, signifying that those of that surname are doomed.
Ah, Thor enters, and so does the doom!
"Welcome back, master!"
A crisp female voice greeted him...
This was the voice of the Red Queen. The advanced artificial intelligence from the Umbrella Corporation is considered Thor's steward of New Asgard, managing the island comprehensively.
When foreign enemies attack, the island's defense systems initiate an immediate counterattack, delivering a devastating blow to intruders.
Additionally, the Red Queen can penetrate and seize any network data, making her more powerful than Ultron in some respects.
The hologram of a light red girl appeared before Thor. Although intangible, she was quite close to resembling a real person.
For some reason, the essence of the Red Queen summoned to this world had changed. She was no longer a static image but could grow like a normal person.
She was a little girl five years ago, but now she resembled a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old.
The Red Queen's development made Stark envious; he couldn't fathom how Thor had achieved this advanced artificial intelligence.
In comparison, my Miss Friday doesn't seem so impressive...
"Did anything happen at home while I was away?"
"Everything is normal! But Miss Natalia brought back a few teenagers, saying they are worth cultivating..."
Teenagers? You're only a teen yourself, speaking so formally...
Thor silently expressed his dissatisfaction.
--
Chapter 199: The Young Avengers
A few months ago, the Avengers held an internal meeting to discuss a long-considered plan. To be precise, this was not a new plan but an extension of the Avengers' original concept—the Young Avengers.
A long time ago, during SHIELD's era, Nick Fury had envisioned this idea when he formed the Avengers, but it was put on hold.
Not every Avenger has an extended lifespan, and many will grow old and retire eventually.
The purpose of the Young Avengers is to train a group of promising individuals who could become Avengers in the future. They would gain experience by handling relatively straightforward super-powered incidents.
When the time comes for the Avengers to retire, these Young Avengers can step in to fill their ranks.
It's worth noting that the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker, was considered a member of the Young Avengers from the start, and Stark took notice of him early on.
However, during the Infinity War, Peter Parker stepped up to participate in the conflict despite his youth, and he has since become a full-fledged Avenger.
The Young Avengers training program is divided into two locations: The Avengers Base on the coast of New York and New Asgard.
Most of the training takes place at The Avengers Base, under the guidance of seasoned Avengers like Rhodes and Falcon.
A select few promising candidates are brought to New Asgard, provided they agree. In reality, they are all eager, as Thor is known to be the most formidable fighter among the Avengers.
The only requirement is that they must meet the basic conditions of New Asgard Island.
.....
"Your Highness!"
As Thor entered the castle gate, two rows of valiant soldiers in silver and white armor saluted him.
Here, it's the Valkyrie!
When Thor retrieved Valkyrie's soul from Hela, it was delayed due to his busy schedule.
Over the past five years, Thor has resurrected those fallen heroes as his own warriors.
They are true fighters—thorough and unwavering in their loyalty. Once they choose their allegiance, they remain dedicated until death.
Even in the face of Hela's vengeful nature, they suppressed their emotions to avoid causing Thor any discomfort. Thor's reconciliation with Hela brought them relief, and they were aware of it.
One reason Hela's room is numbered 404 is that Thor considered their feelings.
The surviving Valkyrie from Sakaar is not included.
Years of indulgence have rendered her unfit for combat.
Fortunately, due to the ongoing exchanges and cooperation between Thor and the Grandmaster, a chief executive is needed to stay in Sakaar for an extended period, making her the ideal candidate.
The Valkyrie residing in the castle are all former warriors. They are elegant, beautiful, heroic, and powerful, though they tend to be overly serious.
Luckily, this is only the case during the day...
When Thor arrived at the training ground, Natalia was already there.
Behind her stood three girls, around seventeen or eighteen years old, seemingly high school students. They were promising candidates from the first batch of potential Young Avengers.
"Let me give you a brief introduction."
Natalia pointed to the girl on the far left and said, "This is Gwen Stacy.
About half a month ago, she was accidentally bitten by a strange spider.
She is gradually awakening her super abilities.
The type of ability is somewhat similar to Peter Parker's; I heard he was also bitten by a spider..."
"Wait a minute..." Thor looked puzzled.
What does it mean for a girl to arrive at the new island of Asgard? Even if everything is normal, many would dream of it.
Those who choose to come to New Asgard Island instead of staying at The Avengers Base likely have a high regard for Thor or are fans of his.
"What's wrong?" Natalia asked, noticing his strange expression.
Thor was wondering if he had inadvertently misled Peter Parker in some way, though he wasn't aware of it yet.
Reflecting further, Thor realized that Spider-Man in this world had a rather unusual preference, similar to Bruce Banner. Just like Banner's fondness for his Shuri, Peter Parker seemed obsessed with MJ.
However, such thoughts were not suitable for direct conversation.
Thor changed the subject casually: "Ah... I was just thinking—first Peter Parker, then Gwen Stacy... What kind of spider is so extraordinary that it has bitten two Avengers?"
He glanced at Natalia and quipped, "Could it be a widow?"
"Bang—" Natalia's hand playfully smacked Thor's face.
--
Chapter 200: Little Spider-Man's Human Tragedy
The three girls were stunned to witness their greatest idol, the most powerful Avenger and the hero who defeated Thanos, facing domestic troubles. It felt as though their admiration had been shattered...
"I heard that Black Widow is Russian, right? The rate of domestic violence in that country seems quite high..."
A girl with white hair said weakly.
Gwen Stacy nodded: "You guessed it right. They are actually men being abused by women!"
"Felicia Hardy was born in Queens, New York. Her father, Walter Hardy, appears to be a salesman, but in reality, he's a notorious thief. This information is recorded in SHIELD's files."
The girl, who had just vented her frustrations, felt much better. Though her blows had little effect on Thor's steel body, her hand was sore...
Thor was momentarily stunned. He recognized this character from comics, a partner of Spider-Man.
A moment of silence for Little Spider-Man!
At a university in New York, Peter Parker suddenly sneezed.
"Peter, are you okay?" MJ asked with concern.
"Oh, it's nothing," Little Spider-Man muttered with a puzzled look. "I just have this strange feeling of malice..."
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he looked at MJ and said, "MJ, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time but never had the courage to say. I've been worried that if I tell you, it might affect our relationship with our friends. But now, I've finally decided that I must tell you..."
"You're Spider-Man, aren't you?" MJ interrupted his heartfelt confession.
"Um... how did you know?"
Peter Parker's heart sank, but he had finally gathered the courage...
"She has exceptional balance, flexibility, strength, and extensive hand-to-hand combat experience. She's fully capable of performing as a gymnast and acrobat at an extremely high level," Natalia continued with the introduction.
Thor recalled the information about the girl and suddenly asked, "Little girl, do you have something else to share?"
"Huh?" Natalia's demeanor shifted instantly; she was now alert and intense, like a predator ready to strike.
Felicia shuddered and turned pale.
"Okay, you scared her. It's not as bad as you think," Thor chuckled, pulling Natalia back. "Everyone has their secrets. As long as there's no ill intent, it's fine. I was just mentioning it casually."
Natalia glared at him. If it weren't for this sweet little girl, would you be so lenient?
Felicia hesitated and then said, "I'm sorry. I just didn't want to expose any secrets. I didn't hide it intentionally. But since it's you, it should be alright!"
Natalia relaxed and continued listening.
"I was injected with the super soldier serum years ago!"
"What? That's impossible!" Natalia's eyes widened with disbelief. "The super soldier serum is long out of production. There's only one Captain America, and the last batch was destroyed."
Thor waved his hand, signaling her to continue.
"Many years ago, during Captain America's experiment, a child sneaked into the lab and recorded all the experimental equations and serum formulas. That child was my father."
"For years, my father kept his identity secret and even turned himself in to SHIELD, thinking it was the safest place. He didn't expect someone would discover him."
"For my safety, my father didn't reveal his connection to me. He injected me with the serum so I could protect myself."
Thor nodded; the story aligned with what he knew.
As for the forces searching for them, mainly HYDRA and Kingpin, HYDRA was no longer a threat, and Kingpin could be handled with a simple greeting.
The super soldier serum is highly coveted by mortals, but it holds little appeal for him.
"Now that you're on this island, you have nothing to worry about," Thor reassured her and turned to the last girl.
He noticed that the girl had calluses on her hands.
---
Chapter 201: Prologue
"Her name is Kate Bishop.
I met her by chance in the park. She was attacked, and I rescued her. After that, she became interested in superheroes. She began learning archery and various melee combat skills, including swordsmanship."
Natalia shrugged and continued, "Unexpectedly, she's incredibly skilled, especially in archery. If she receives proper training, she might become the next Hawkeye."
Thor silently complained, wondering why Kate Bishop couldn't become the next Hawkeye if she had such impressive abilities. He asked, "But, shouldn't Clint Barton be the most suitable mentor for her?"
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Natalia's face. "That's what I suggested, but Barton refused. He said he's focusing on training his own daughter right now and doesn't have time to take on another apprentice, especially a female one..."
Wanda nodded in agreement. "That's likely an excuse. Archery requires close, hands-on training which often involves a lot of physical contact, so it's usually taught by someone of the same gender. It makes sense for Barton to train his own daughter rather than another female apprentice."
Thor mused about finding an appropriate solution, considering his own past experiences on the European battlefield.
Natalia, sensing his thoughts, gave him a stern look. "Don't even think about it. I found a few promising candidates, and I'm not asking you to bend the rules!"
Thor remained silent, feeling a bit uneasy about the accusation.
The three girls couldn't help but laugh at Thor's discomfort.
"Sister Natalia!"
After the three girls were settled, Wanda stopped Natalia at the door. "Why are you so intent on undermining His Highness today? You even started a dispute in front of everyone!"
Usually, Natalia behaved like an elegant lady in the presence of others...
Natalia smirked and explained, "Our Lord Thor is a notorious charmer; he brings people home at the drop of a hat. These girls are completely infatuated with him. I had to shatter their idealized image of him! Otherwise, no matter how many rooms there are in the castle, they'd never get enough space!"
Wanda admired Natalia's strategic approach—she had outmaneuvered everyone with her subtle tactics!
That night, the three girls shared a room. They didn't have private accommodations.
"I always thought the famous Lord Thor was aloof, but today I saw a different side of him!" Gwen Stacy sighed.
"People who thought there were two separate worlds now realize that superheroes are much closer to us than expected!" Kate Bishop added.
"Suddenly, I feel like His Highness Thor is so much more approachable!" Felicia remarked, her eyes sparkling.
The others agreed with her sentiments.
If Natalia had overheard their conversation, she might have been amused.
As everyone was laughing and chatting, no one anticipated that a new crisis was looming.
On a distant, remote planet, several strange-looking aliens operated a massive, oddly shaped machine.
Five years ago, their plan was successfully designed, but they had decided to wait for the right moment. Acting prematurely would have jeopardized their scheme. Now, the time had come.
With a series of button presses, the leader of the aliens adjusted the main valve. A brilliant light suddenly illuminated the entire sky.
If this weren't a remote, uninhabited planet, many might have noticed the anomaly.
The center of the machine began to open, expanding gradually.
"Boom..."
An enormous spaceship roared out of the machine and ascended into the sky.
In the command room of the spacecraft, a formidable purple figure observed the new universe before them. Both Thanos and Thor had underestimated the situation.
Thanos believed his surprise attack would catch the Avengers off guard, causing heavy losses in the initial wave and rendering them incapable of further resistance.
Thor's miscalculation was believing that the adversary was only the Thanos from 2014.
---
Chapter 202: Surtur: Can't Think Of It? I'm Back!
On the nearest planet to Titan, a group of dark-robed sorcerers were carving intricate patterns into the landscape. These sorcerers, marked by their dark circles and ghostly appearances, were not ordinary practitioners but fallen beings who had absorbed energy from the Dark Dimension.
Over the years, this planet had been transformed into a massive magic circle, its surface covered in runes and symbols.
"You're done!"
With the final stroke completed, the sorcerers sighed in relief and looked toward Surtur, who loomed menacingly in the sky.
Since the destruction of Titan five years ago, Surtur had been wandering aimlessly, seemingly lost. The sorcerers exchanged glances, then unleashed a barrage of magical lightning toward him.
"Boom..."
To Surtur, this attack was akin to a mere mosquito bite, but it was enough to alert him to the presence of attackers.
"Roar..."
With a furious roar, the giant Flame Giant charged toward them. The leading sorcerer remained calm. This was their plan. They quickly activated the Sling Ring, opening a portal. They stepped through it and immediately appeared on a pre-arranged spaceship.
Losing his target, Surtur's rage escalated. He looked at the planet before him, raised his Twilight Sword high, and plunged it into the planet's core.
"Boom..."
A tremendous roar followed, and the planet shattered. At the same time, the runes across the planet illuminated brilliantly, enveloping Surtur's massive form in a blinding light.
"Roar..." Surtur thrashed wildly in the light.
On the spaceship, the fallen watched frantically. This was a Super Transfer Circle, the culmination of their years of effort!
For an entity of Surtur's power, ordinary sorcerers lacked the ability to teleport him.
Suddenly, many of the fallen began to freeze, followed by agonizing screams.
"Ahhh..."
Dark runes appeared on their bodies, spreading from their hearts and connecting throughout their veins. Their bodies convulsed violently as the dark energy, along with their life force and magic, was drawn out through the runes.
"Ugh..."
With the enormous energy extracted, the fallen aged rapidly and turned into mummies in an instant.
Dark energy might be powerful, but it was never truly one's own. Even if it granted temporary benefits, there was always a price to pay.
Even Kaecilius, who had once served Dormammu and destroyed the three Sanctums, faced his end when he tried to betray his master.
Dormammu was never a benevolent being.
With the sacrifice of these fallen sorcerers, the magic circle's energy surged, enveloping Surtur completely. With a final roar, Surtur vanished, leaving only the remnants of the shattered planet behind.
---
Outside Asgard's atmosphere, the sky suddenly split open, an enormous Flame Giants emerged.
Even with the sacrifice of many fallen sorcerers, transporting a being as powerful as Surtur directly to Asgard was impossible. However, this proximity was sufficient. Surtur, sensing Asgard's aura, turned toward it and charged.
"I am the end of Asgard!"
With an arrogant roar, Surtur descended rapidly.
As soon as Surtur appeared, Asgard reacted. A piercing alarm echoed throughout the realm.
A golden stream of light shot up to meet Surtur, striking him in the neck and causing him to stagger.
Surtur halted, grabbing Carol Danvers and tossing her aside like a ragdoll.
At the same time, several enormous spikes, imbued with deathly energy, pierced his chest.
Hela had intervened.
"Roar!"
"Why is this behemoth back again?" Loki yelled frantically from below. "Damn it, it mustn't land, or we're all doomed!"
Heimdallr advised urgently, "Your Highness, we should inform His Majesty and let him make the decision. If there is no other solution, we can use the Bifrost, just as we did five years ago!"
--
Chapter 203: Shrouded in Darkness
At the Hong Kong Sanctuary, one of the three Sanctuaries in Kamar-Taj, a man in a green robe with a ghostly face entered the premises.
Five years ago, this place, along with the Sanctuary in London, had been destroyed at the onset of the Infinity War. If the Avengers hadn't desperately defended the last Sanctuary in New York, Dormammu's emergence would have severely disrupted the timeline, and the outcome of the Infinity War might have been very different.
Under normal circumstances, ordinary people would find it nearly impossible to breach the Sanctuary. The magicians had set up extensive protections, ensuring that even though the Sanctuary was located within a city, it remained undisturbed by outsiders.
The intrusion of the green-robed man was considered an act of invasion.
The sorcerers reacted swiftly, casting their spells and summoning magical weapons to confront him. However, it was evident that their efforts were in vain.
By the time Fatty Wang arrived, the sorcerers had already been defeated and lay on the ground.
Fatty Wang looked at the green-robed man, his voice filled with anguish. "I was unwilling to believe that Strange accused you of betrayal because you were once one of the teacher's most promising disciples. Tell me why you did this, Mordo!"
Fatty Wang's tone nearly reached a roar by the end of his statement.
"I'm not betraying anyone," the man in the green robe—Mordo—said earnestly. "I'm merely setting this chaotic world back on the right path!"
Mordo continued, "After I left years ago, I spent several months traveling the world. Eventually, I came to understand where the real problem lies. There are simply too many sorcerers!"
Fatty Wang shouted, "So, this is why you allied with Dormammu? Do you have any idea what the consequences will be? The world will be plunged into darkness!"
Mordo sneered. "Really? And what's wrong with that? Darkness isn't as terrifying as you think. Heh, our great teacher—the Ancient One—while advising others to be wary of the darkness, himself received power from Dormammu!"
Fatty Wang's fury was palpable. "It's pointless to argue. As long as I'm here today, you won't get what you want. Don't even think about it!"
"I'm afraid you're powerless to stop me," Mordo said with a smirk, and they began to fight.
The battle lasted only half an hour. Mordo, once one of the Ancient One's top disciples, was far superior to Fatty Wang, who stood no chance. Moreover, with Mordo having embraced Dormammu's power, even Strange might struggle against him.
"I won't kill you. I'll let you witness who is right!" Mordo declared to Fatty Wang, who lay defeated on the ground, before turning to leave.
"Boom."
A few minutes later, the Hong Kong Sanctuary was destroyed once more.
Simultaneously, a group of fallen beings attacked the London Sanctuary.
No combat ensued.
Upon entering the Sanctuary, they found the sorcerers unconscious, with no signs of a struggle—seemingly asleep.
"Ah...don't, help me..."
"No, don't kill me, please..."
Even though the sorcerers were asleep, their faces were etched with terror, and they occasionally emitted fearful cries that made even the fallen shiver.
The true nature of their terror remained a mystery to the fallen.
"Boom."
A few minutes later, the London Sanctuary was also destroyed.
---
In New York, at the Avengers' base, two colossal figures—one red and one green—were engaged in combat, creating terrifying shockwaves.
The green figure was the Hulk, and the red one was the Anti-Hulk armor.
"..."
With a deafening crash, the two figures separated.
"..."
The Anti-Hulk armor could no longer withstand the force and disintegrated, pieces scattering everywhere.
Tony Stark's head emerged from the wreckage, grumbling, "Damn it, you big green ball, you've destroyed another set of my armor!"
The Hulk's form gradually reverted to Bruce Banner, who rubbed his head in embarrassment. "Um, Hulk has lost his strength..."
Stark shrugged. "By the way, Hulk's strength seems to be increasing recently. Have you noticed?"
Banner nodded.
Stark continued, "Thor has been hinting that a crisis will come again one day. It's not time for us to rest. Are you ready?"
Banner hesitated before nodding. "Maybe. It's still a little iffy..."
"Me too..."
Stark said this quietly, suddenly feeling the surroundings darken as if enveloped in shadow.
"What's happening?" Both looked up and saw a massive sky fortress looming above them.
---
Chapter 204: Arrival
"Sanctuary II?" This was the initial reaction of the two, having seen the images provided by Thor.
"No, there's a difference. It appears to be heavily fortified! Regardless, it's not a friendly arrival. Prepare to defend!"
Stark shouted, activating the reactor on his chest. The Mark 85 armor instantly enveloped him.
Over the past few years, the nano armor had undergone numerous upgrades, significantly enhancing its performance.
The Mark 85 was Stark's latest achievement, equipped with an energy shield to absorb damage and a high-powered energy cannon on its back capable of absorbing Thor's lightning.
Beside him, Banner also transformed, with the Hulk glaring ahead. A large number of Avengers stationed there emerged, keeping a vigilant watch over the sky.
Various facilities at the Avengers Base were activated, and the defensive weapons on the building were prepared for action.
As the spaceship approached, Thanos issued an order: "Open fire!"
"Bang bang bang..."
A barrage of missiles was launched from the barrels of Sanctuary II.
"Missiles?" Stark scowled.
"No!" Banner's voice came from Hulk's body. "He's targeting the New York Sanctuary!"
Missiles that had been traveling for countless years mocked the existing air defense systems.
"Boom..."
In New Asgard Castle, Thor received a communication from Loki.
"Surtur is approaching. We need to act quickly, Asgard!"
Isn't Surtur on Titan? How did he end up in Asgard?
Thor had no time to ponder this; he knew something was wrong. This was clearly a diversion. He couldn't afford to abandon Asgard.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Thor declared, "Jane and I will return to Asgard. You need to be prepared for any potential issues on Earth. This must be a ploy to draw us away!"
Wanda stayed on Earth as a key asset to handle any emergencies.
Jane Foster was undergoing divine enhancement training in Asgard, while Carol Danvers had arrived a few days earlier. She was studying the Bifrost's transformation to establish a stable transport channel, with energy sourced from the Tesseract.
The energy, while significant, was not yet perfect.
There were already sufficient forces in Asgard; Surtur could only cause limited havoc, and if necessary, they could call for reinforcements.
Five minutes after departure, Natasha's phone rang—it was Stark.
"Hi, is Thor there? Why can't I reach him?"
"What? He's back in Asgard? Damn, New York is under attack again!"
In Asgard, tens of thousands of meters above the ground, a massive Flame Giant rampaged, unleashing fiery energy.
Around it, three figures flew in a desperate attempt to fend it off, appearing insignificant against its colossal size.
Energy waves, flying swords, and thunder continuously struck it, but did little more than draw its ire.
Even Odin at his peak would struggle to defeat it.
The trio remained undaunted, knowing that if their attack ceased, Surtur's focus would shift to Asgard. They were trying every possible way to divert its attention.
If they could change locations, they might succeed, but Asgard seemed to have an inexplicable pull on Surtur. Whenever they ventured a certain distance away, Surtur would inevitably follow. The moment their attack halted, it turned straight back toward Asgard.
"No way, if we keep this up, we'll be overwhelmed!"
Among the three, Jane Foster was the weakest and was breathing heavily.
"When Thor arrives, we'll find a solution! If necessary, we can activate the Bifrost again, just like five years ago!"
However, Thor might be too preoccupied at the moment...
The previously clear sky was now covered with a layer of black clouds, as if a massive rift had torn open in the heavens, with dark energy seeping through and quickly spreading.
The rift grew larger, revealing a colossal face that seemed ready to emerge and descend upon Asgard at any moment.
The King of the Dark Dimension—Dormammu!
Unlike Surtur, Dormammu was not driven by madness. If he entered, he could engulf all of Asgard in an instant.
Jean Grey watched in horror and whispered, "Could this be what he intends?"
Thor hesitated briefly but then laughed bitterly. "If Strange, a mere magician, can confront Dormammu, then what's there for me to fear?"
With that, he raised his battle axe and charged directly toward Dormammu's looming, monstrous face.
---
Chapter 205: Facing the Darkness
As Thor approached the rift, the dark atmosphere thickened. He had no time to dwell on it, however, as he saw Dormammu's colossal face trying to push through the rift, still bearing a look of disdain.
A mere Asgardian, a native deity in the eyes of mortals...
Closer, closer...
As the two sides were on the verge of contact, Thor suddenly sheathed his battle axe and unleashed a burst of deep purple light from his hand.
"Boom..."
With a full force strike from the Power Orb, Dormammu was caught off guard, his face half-receding as he was pushed back by the energy.
"No! Mortal, you are courting death!"
Dormammu roared furiously, but before he could react further, Thor drove him back into the dark dimension.
"It's futile; the three Sanctuaries have been destroyed. You can't stop me!"
Thor's expression was grim as he threw the Tesseract into the rift, forming a spatial barrier that temporarily sealed the energy overflow from the dark dimension.
The people of Asgard watched helplessly as their king plunged into the dark dimension with Dormammu.
"F...."
Jean Grey gasped.
She was no longer a novice to this world and understood the significance of Dormammu's dark dimension...
Seeing the rift being forcefully closed by the Tesseract's energy, she gritted her teeth and plunged in after them.
In the dark expanse, energies surged wildly, and Dormammu's immense face slowly took shape.
"How did you get in? Do you realize how dangerous this is?"
Thor quickly spoke as he confronted Dormammu.
"I... don't trust you alone. It... is strong!" Jean murmured.
Thor shook his head, knowing that persuading Jean to leave was just as challenging as convincing Dormammu to retreat.
He forced himself to stay calm and faced Dormammu.
Although the chances were slim, Thor still wanted to make an attempt.
"Dormammu, I'm here to negotiate terms!"
"No, you lack the power to negotiate! Your world belongs to me, just like all other worlds!"
Glancing at the spatial barrier near the rift, Dormammu sneered. "You won't be able to keep it sealed for long!"
With a roar, a terrifying burst of energy erupted, and Thor stepped in front of Jean, desperately shielding her from the blast.
Using his steel-like body, he barely withstood the attack, but he was reaching his limit.
His body began to crack, yet it continually regenerated and healed due to his enhanced physique.
This might be the closest Thor has ever come to death!
On Earth, at the Avengers Base, enormous portals gradually opened.
Forces from Wakanda, the Kamar-Taj sorcerers, the Marauders, and the Nova Corps fleet, all of whom had been assembled by Strange, were now on standby.
"Is this all there is?" Strange asked.
"Why, do you still think it's insufficient?" Wong responded, shocked.
Strange surveyed the numerous troops landing at Sanctuary II and said solemnly, "We must hold out until Thor arrives. He must be engaged with Dormammu right now!"
Wong looked taken aback and asked, "Are you sure he can defeat Dormammu?"
Strange remained silent.
He had seen countless possible outcomes, but this one seemed the most favorable. However, the future was always in flux, and all one could do was their best.
A vague figure wielding a large knife appeared at the rear of the dark army. Though unclear, the Avengers recognized him—Thanos!
"What's happening? Isn't Thanos dead? Who is this before us?" Stark asked, more to himself than anyone else.
"I see!"
Ant-Man suddenly realized, "This is Thanos from an alternate timeline! They traveled through time and space to reach this universe!"
"But how did they achieve that?"
"Pym particles!" Ant-Man said gravely. "Thanos accessed my memories!"
He had connected the dots too late, his realization coming only now.
"Delaying tactics?" Stark nodded. "I think we can manage that!" Although Thanos was formidable, with so many Avengers assembled, it might be possible to stop him.
Without the Space Gem, Doctor Strange alone could provide significant restraint.
"It won't be easy..." Strange warned.
--
Chapter 206: Emperor
In the midst of the battlefield, Steve Rogers shouted, "Avengers, assemble!"
Immediately, a roar like a mountain and a tsunami erupted as countless Avengers formed ranks and charged towards Thanos.
Thanos, standing on the other side, raised the Overlord Skyblade, with his army surging behind him.
The army charged forward and clashed with the Avengers.
Thanos remained passive, watching the two forces battle with cold detachment and a sinister smile. "Senseless resistance!"
If Tony Stark and the others were to see him up close, they would notice a significant difference in Thanos.
Standing before them, Thanos appeared grayer and more wrinkled. If the Thanos of memory was a vibrant purple, this Thanos resembled a decrepit version of that.
This was not the Thanos from 2014!
The Chitauri soldiers began releasing the giant apes from their shackles. Thanos observed, then commanded, "Let this beast loose; it will surely demoralize the enemy!"
Soon, several Chitauri soldiers wheeled out a cage containing a man wearing a collar.
The Hulk!
"Roar..."
The caged Hulk, driven mad, was nothing more than a feral beast, roaring and charging towards the Avengers.
Watching the Avengers struggle fiercely, Thanos was filled with contempt, his thoughts drifting back a few days...
He was not originally from this universe; to be precise, he was a criminal from a parallel universe.
In that world, Thanos sought to annihilate all life from the very beginning. Invincible, he invaded Earth and easily defeated all the Avengers. Except for the Hulk, whom he kept as a pet, he wiped out the Avengers, leaving Earth in a state of death.
Even after conquering Earth, Thanos's quest did not end.
He then targeted Asgard, intending to destroy the ruler of the Nine Realms.
At that time, Asgard was under the rule of Thor, who had inherited the mantle of the All-Father.
Despite rallying the power of the entire realm, Asgard struggled to resist his forces, and the Nine Realms fell to Thanos's tyranny.
Not content with destroying Asgard, Thanos craved further conflict and destruction.
At this point, he had become the destroyer of all life.
After countless years of battle, Thanos had grown old, yet his strength only grew stronger.
He destroyed the entire universe, slaughtering all its inhabitants.
Aside from his dark army and the creature he had tamed like a pet, he was the only living being left in the universe.
He was the supreme ruler!
After achieving domination, he experienced endless loneliness. He had never felt so empty, and the entire universe seemed devoid of purpose.
Ultimately, Thanos, plagued by boredom, devised a radical plan: to travel to the past and prevent his past self from destroying the world!
However, the six original Infinity Stones had long been destroyed, making time travel extremely difficult.
Having obliterated the universe, Thanos acquired the most advanced technology available.
After countless failures, he finally developed a device capable of time travel.
The final hurdle was to find someone in the past timeline to assist him.
To orient himself and avoid getting lost in the vastness of time and space.
At this moment, another formidable figure attempting time travel appeared at the end of time. The other self...
Was him from another world!
What was most intolerable was that, unlike his own self, this alternate version was a failed, retired fruit farmer, defeated by the Avengers, with all his ideals shattered on this remote planet Earth!
Unable to accept this reality, he prepared to eliminate that timeline and restore Thanos's former glory...
The fruit farmer Thanos intervened.
"The Avengers in this world are far beyond imagination. Rushing in would be unwise. A more secure plan is required!"
The retired Thanos was surprisingly cautious. "This is our last chance; a decisive blow is essential! Failure means no chance for a comeback. I will seek additional allies!"
Old Thanos did not object, though he felt it was unnecessary. No matter how long Thanos had lingered in the opponent's universe in the past, for him, he could instantly travel to the time of the opened coordinates.
Upon returning to his own timeline, Thanos completed all his preparations during the ten days the Avengers spent searching for him.
Finally, having fulfilled his mission, he had the sorcerer Mardo use the Mind Gem to erase his memories and returned to his retired life as a fruit farmer in peace.
Reflecting on the present, Thanos tightened his grip on the Overlord Skyblade.
The self in this world had completed all the arrangements he had made and rested eternally.
The rest was up to him.
From now on, he would be the inherent threat to this world!
---
Chapter 207: You Are Not Worthy!
"Boom..."
As Ant-Man knocked down a giant Leviathan with a single punch, it signaled that the battle had reached a critical point.
In the sky, silver light flashed as the Valkyrie troops arrived swiftly on their pegasi. Their powerful presence, combined with the Black Dragon Princess, had once again suppressed the air power of Thanos's army.
"It's getting interesting," Thanos remarked casually, appearing indifferent.
"Boom!"
Stark fired a powerful laser, sending Corvus Glaive flying. He was about to pursue him when a tremendous force hit him from behind, sending him sprawling away.
Black Dwarf? Stark guessed.
Looking back, he was momentarily stunned. The laser cannons he had prepared were all paused.
"Hulk? What the hell are you doing?"
Soon, Stark realized something was amiss. Although the Hulk was usually irritable and prone to smashing things, he was still somewhat rational. But the Hulk before him seemed entirely irrational.
More troubling was the collar around his neck...
Is this... a Hulk from a parallel universe?
"Roar..."
Stark had no time to ponder. The collared Hulk struck him, sending him flying, and proceeded to pummel him relentlessly.
"Damn it!" Stark was caught off guard and unable to break free.
"Boom!"
Another green figure knocked the collared Hulk into the air.
"I didn't expect the Hulk from another world to be like this. It's so tragic!"
From within the Hulk, Bruce Banner's voice emerged.
"It's not the Hulk... it's not the Hulk..."
The Hulk lisped back to Banner.
Two Hulks clashed...
The aerial forces of Thanos's army were formidable, but they were no match for the combined strength of the Marauders and Wakandan fighters, along with Stark's drone army. The massive Leviathans were firmly restrained by the Black Dragon.
Despite their smaller size, each Valkyrie possessed the strength to take down the Leviathans.
Thanos had not intended for the battle to end so quickly.
While sending his subordinates into the fray first might seem a strategic blunder, it's a common tactic to let the underlings fight before stepping in himself. However, the situation was dire; if he did not act, his army would be defeated.
Particularly troubling was the Black Dragon. While not the strongest, each time it took a deep breath, it unleashed flames that incinerated many Chitauri soldiers and vanguards. It was as if it was tailor-made for this battlefield...
And what about that giant wolf—Fenrir? Wasn't it supposed to be long dead?
Corvus Glaive had already been knocked to the ground once.
The Overlord Skyblade spun out, blocking Stark's approach to Corvus Glaive. Thanos leaped in front of Stark.
"Tony Stark, is it? I know you."
Thanos said coolly, "In my world, there's also an arrogant Iron Man like you who tried to thwart my rule. Unfortunately for him, I removed his head and made it a trophy."
Stark's expression changed. He retorted, "In my world, there's also a Thanos. I wanted to keep his head, but I'm not fond of shriveled purple mug..."
Thanos narrowed his eyes. "I hope your strength matches your words!"
He was answered with a laser blast.
The battle between the Hulks had intensified.
While the collared Hulk was no match for the Rage Hulk in terms of strength, his beastly fighting style made him difficult to counter.
Besides punching and kicking, he also bit, making Hulk feel like he was facing a ravenous beast that had been starved for days.
Emotionally, Bruce Banner was filled with sadness and shame—this was his otherworldly self!
One Hulk, tamed by Thanos, had become a mere pet! A Hulk reduced to a dog!
Bruce Banner empathized with the Hulk's growing fury and increasing strength.
"Boom—"
With a thunderous impact, the collared Hulk was thrown to the ground.
"You... are not worthy of being a Hulk!"
--
Chapter 208: In The Case Of Extreme Anger...
With Hulk's roar echoing across the battlefield, a power that seemed to be hidden deep within him began to awaken.
His already enormous muscles bulged even further. Though his body shape remained the same, anyone could sense the immense primordial power surging within him.
Grabbing the collared Hulk, who had fallen to the ground, Hulk clasped his hands on top of his head and roared angrily, "You don't deserve this!"
"Crack..."
Under the horrified gazes of everyone, the collared Hulk was torn in half from head to toe.
Human physiques are not uniform. Some people, in extreme anger, have punched through thick steel plates. But this Hulk achieved the extraordinary feat of tearing apart another Hulk with his bare hands in a state of extreme rage!
"Roar..."
After tearing apart the entity bearing his name, Hulk stomped on its back and roared with fury.
The relatively composed Black Dwarf of the Black Order couldn't bear it any longer. He spun his tomahawk and swung it like a meteor hammer.
Hulk didn't even glance back; he could have punched him away.
"Boom--"
A tremendous force propelled the giant axe back at an even faster speed. Black Dwarf barely managed to dodge his own weapon and was dragged several hundred meters through his own troops before coming to a stop.
In the sky, a giant Leviathan, noticing the show of strength from Hulk, roared and tried to swallow him.
Hulk grabbed the sides of the Leviathan's head, one hand on each side, and twisted hard.
"Kalala..."
The sound of metal tearing echoed as the giant Leviathan's body was contorted like a twisted rag, its tough hide cracking apart.
"What? When did Hulk become so formidable?"
Stark exclaimed in disbelief.
Having barely survived his recent encounter with Thanos, Stark had realized that Thanos was far fiercer than he remembered. He quickly left the fight to the masters, Strange and Wanda, who had arrived to help. Stark couldn't afford to confront Thanos directly.
Hulk turned his head, glanced at Stark, and Banner's voice spoke within him: "This is a new transformation, achieved only when Hulk's anger reaches its peak. I was developing this in the lab recently. It seems this is the first successful manifestation of it. I call it—King Hulk."
Hulk's grumbling voice interrupted: "King!"
"Alright, King Hulk, smash to your heart's content!"
"HAAA..."
With a triumphant roar, Hulk charged into the crowd. No matter if they were Chitauri soldiers or vanguards, no one could stop him as he wreaked havoc and destruction.
Nearby, Thanos, who was locked in an endless struggle with the Juggler, saw this and felt a surge of frustration. He had hoped to use this situation to demoralize the Avengers, but instead, the Hulk had evolved once more!
It became clear that against Emperor Thanos, Doctor Strange's flashy tricks were ineffective.
As Strange gestured with both hands, countless illusions appeared. The combination of Aikon's shape and the control magic from the Scarlet Necklace tightly bound Thanos.
Thanos roared to the heavens, unleashing his full power. The hundreds of Doctor Strange duplicates around him were immediately dispersed, and the Overlord Skyblade swept through, eliminating all the illusions...
Thanos smirked and leaped at Strange.
"Boom--"
Wanda's red energy enveloped Thanos' sword just in time, holding him in the air.
Seeing that Thanos was about to break free, Strange wrapped him tightly with an energy whip.
Despite Thanos's immense strength, he was a pure fighter, and facing two of the world's most powerful mages, he struggled to resist.
Wanda, however, lacked the power to tear him apart.
"Kacha—" The Tyrant's Heavenly Blade couldn't withstand the power of the CHOAS Magic and shattered in mid-air. Thanos's armor was also breaking apart, but his body remained intact, comparable to a man of steel.
Thanos struggled and shouted, "Fire!"
"Bang bang bang..."
The energy cannons from Sanctuary II fired, and Wanda barely had time to raise a shield before being blown away.
The relentless barrage continued, indiscriminately targeting friend and foe alike, as explosions rocked every corner of the battlefield, with blood and debris flying everywhere.
Thanos, now enraged, paid no heed to his own troops.
The mages of Kamar-Taj quickly established a protective shield, but it was merely a small reprieve.
The battlefield was vast, and there were too few mages to make a significant impact.
"Boom..."
A deafening sound filled the air as the reservoir dam near the Avengers Base collapsed, and a torrent of water surged forward.
Doctor Strange quickly ascended to a high vantage point, casting a spell to lift the floodwaters into the sky, temporarily preventing their spread.
However, the firepower from Sanctuary II showed no sign of abating.
--
Chapter 209: The Old Lady's Italian Cannon
Facing Sanctuary II, which hovers high in the air, even the Avengers find themselves unable to reach it.
If Captain Marvel could arrive in time, she might turn the tide, but she is still occupied with Asgard and Surtur...
"Friday, can the drone reach the height of Sanctuary II?" Stark narrowly avoided a missile and quickly contacted Friday.
"Not a problem. However, you need to understand that the drone's firepower won't penetrate the opponent's defenses," Friday responded.
"No, my plan is to use the drone to get close to the launch port and target the shells as they exit the chamber!"
"!!!"
"Boss, have you fully considered this? Doing so might destroy the entire drone system, which is crucial for dealing with the global crisis!"
Typically, Friday would comply with Stark's instructions, but this decision was too significant, prompting her to seek confirmation.
"I'm sure," Stark said with a wry smile. "Isn't this the greatest crisis the world faces right now?"
As the next round of artillery was about to commence, a swarm of drones approached Sanctuary II, firing relentlessly at each barrel.
"Bang—boom..."
The moment the artillery fired, the drone's bullets intercepted them, causing explosions.
The drones were affected by the shockwaves and engulfed by the explosions.
The intensity of the explosion couldn't damage the spaceship but was fatal to the lightweight drones.
"Bang bang bang..."
From the ground, it appeared that the artillery fire from Sanctuary II had been intercepted, with flames bursting from it. Stark knew that this was achieved at the cost of numerous drones, and the respite wouldn't last long.
Just when he was losing hope, a beam of light shot from the distant sky and, before Sanctuary II could react, pierced through it.
"Boom..."
The beam, not just any ordinary light, exploded inside Sanctuary II, engulfing the entire spaceship in flames...
Thanos watched helplessly as Sanctuary II, which had been his battle companion throughout his time in this world, suffered a catastrophic blow on the tenth day after his arrival.
Amid the raging inferno, the robust hull of Sanctuary II was torn apart and fell into the sea, causing massive waves.
Doctor Strange, managing the flood, exclaimed, "MVP!"
"I have a question: who dismantled this large spaceship just now?" Rocket asked.
"I remember a lady glowing all over who could do it, but she isn't here!" Rocket added.
Little Spider-Man glanced at the sky and replied, "It looks like an intercontinental missile flew from the north and passed through the North Pole. Could it be that someone restarted research on the super hydrogen bomb?"
Peter Parker shuddered.
"Eh... I think even a hundred Tsar Bombs wouldn't handle this spaceship..." Stark muttered.
In the new Asgard castle, Maya Hansen, Christine, and other non-combatants gathered around a hologram of a little girl glowing in red, offering praise.
"Well done! I used to think you were just cute, but I didn't realize you were so effective!"
The Red Queen, slightly bashful from the praise, explained in a low voice, "This is the ultimate defensive weapon designed at the beginning of the castle's construction. The owner named it the Italian Cannon. It's powerful enough to destroy the moon. The only downside is that it requires a long recharge time—one month after an attack before it can be used again."
Helen Cho patted her on the shoulder, then ran her hand through the hologram, remembering that the Red Queen wasn't a physical entity. She said awkwardly, "Um, I was wondering if I could create a body for you and transfer your consciousness into it. I've done it before. How about making you a Vibranium body? It's the hardest metal on Earth."
"Well... if you had a body, you wouldn't be called the Red Queen anymore. I should give you a more normal name, like... Alice?"
"No, no..." The Red Queen shook her head vigorously. "Vibranium isn't suitable for a body. I know from experience; the last Vibranium robot had its neck broken..."
In fact, there was another significant reason the Red Queen didn't mention—while others might not know, she, as a super artificial intelligence, did. Despite Vision's appearance being different from that of ordinary people, he was inherently flawed, lacking some crucial functionalities.
--
Chapter 210: The Unexpected Intruder
The crash of Sanctuary II was a significant blow to Thanos.
He silently gazed at the wreckage and remained still for a long time.
"Roar.....…"
Hulk roared and charged forward, landing a powerful punch on Thanos's head. Thanos was sent flying, tumbling twice before hitting the ground.
People's personal struggles and triumphs are often disconnected; Hulk simply felt that Thanos, the "purple potato man," was dazed.
Now that Hulk, in his green form, felt he had no outlet for his rage, he pursued Thanos, who had not yet fully recovered.
The Armour, previously shattered by Wanda's Chaos Magic, was now completely destroyed by Hulk.
"Boom...…"
An uppercut landed hard on Thanos's jaw, sending him upward.
Seeing Hulk closing in, Thanos quickly adjusted his stance, preparing to retaliate. However, Wanda's Chaos Magic arrived just in time.
Thanos watched helplessly as he was struck by a heavy punch. Midway through the blow, he was ensnared in red energy, causing him to jerk his arm back.
"Boom!"
A punch, fueled by Hulk's full strength, hit Thanos's face.
Thanos's vision blurred momentarily, and he felt a throbbing pain in his cheek...
"Bang bang bang..."
Hulk's relentless assault continued.
It wasn't that Thanos didn't try to fight back; the issue was that Wanda's Chaos energy constantly impeded him.
Even if he couldn't fully control it, it significantly slowed his movements. For a physical powerhouse like Thanos, this was undeniably crippling.
"Ahhhh..." Thanos roared in fury, realizing in horror that he seemed powerless against Hulk's onslaught!
Thanos suddenly felt that if he didn't act quickly, he might be beaten to death by Hulk...
A strange energy fluctuation enveloped the battlefield.
As Hulk pounded Thanos, everything before him began to spin. Thanos's figure vanished, and countless images flashed before Hulk's eyes.
In a daze, familiar and unfamiliar voices echoed in his ears:
"This equipment can extract the Hulk serum from your body..."
"If you dare to destroy the Hulk, prepare to be imprisoned forever!"
He seemed to be back in the dangerous days when he was pursued by General Ross.
"Ahhhh..." Hulk clutched his head and roared.
Simultaneously, all the Avengers fell into a bizarre state.
Stark witnessed the brutal aftermath of the battle, seeing a dying Captain America dragging his shattered shield, gasping, "You could have changed this!"
Natasha saw Vormir, where Thor had leaped off the cliff to make the sacrifice, never to return—the sacrifice was real...
"No!!!"
"No, help, I don't want to die..."
"Go away! Go away..."
"Ah..."
The Avengers were in distress, and others fled in terror and despair.
Even the most powerful magicians, like Strange and Wanda, who managed to briefly recover their senses, were affected.
Thanos's army remained unaffected. Seeing the magicians lose their ability to resist, they readied their weapons, preparing to deliver a devastating blow to the Avengers.
Noticing this, Strange quickly cast a spell. The Eye of Agamotto on his chest opened, revealing that the Time Gem was no longer inside. However, the Eye of Agamotto wasn't just a container; it still held some residual power being top artifact on his own and housing time Stone for centuries, allowing Strange to complete a spell with the remaining green energy.
Time for the entire world stood still...
"It's a nightmare!"
Strange turned and explained while maintaining his spell: "As name suggests, in the nightmare realm I created, she is nearly omnipotent. The Nightmare forcefully enters the opponent's dreams or drags them into the most terrifying nightmare imaginable.
In this nightmare, she can also absorb energy to become stronger.
Besides altering dreams, if the target cannot escape, their soul is trapped in this horrifying space forever."
"My spell lasts only one minute. Scarlet Witch, only you can stop her, right?"
--
Chapter 211
Perhaps stimulated by the power of time, Wang was slowly regaining consciousness. He was now the most powerful magician in Kamar-Taj after Doctor Strange.
Hearing Strange's last few words, he looked around and asked suspiciously, "Wasn't Nightmare sealed by the Ancient One? Besides, even if the newly sealed Nightmare lacks enough nightmares as a source of energy, how could she affect so many people at once, including the magicians of Kamar-Taj?"
Strange replied, "Because of the Mind Gem!"
The ability to create nightmares essentially involves advanced mental manipulation. For most people, this effect is overwhelming and nearly impossible to escape, but for magicians with high mental strength, the effect is less severe.
And the Mind Gem enhances her abilities.
Wanda glanced at the corner of the battlefield where had remained unaffected from the start. A figure was vaguely visible, holding a golden gemstone that gleamed.
"Do you see it?"
Strange spoke suddenly.
"See what?" Wang asked, confused.
Doctor Strange did not respond and continued, addressing Wanda: "This is Nightmare; only you can see her, and only you can stop her."
Wanda stepped forward and suddenly turned around, asking, "If I lose, what will happen?"
Strange looked at her with a complex expression: "The entire universe will become a cold, dead place."
Wanda nodded, her confused gaze turning resolute. She flew towards Nightmare, and in Nightmare's disbelieving eyes, Chaos energy flowed into her mind.
...
The previously invisible Nightmare became visible, and an energy storm immediately surrounded her and Wanda.
Wanda's pupils gradually changed, and a faint red light began to emerge...
Strands of dark green nightmare energy mixed with dark red Chaos energy in the storm around them, creating a mesmerizing display.
"Oh…
...
The static state of time and space ended; Strange's magical effect had reached its limit and could no longer be maintained. At the same time, the Avengers awoke from their nightmares.
"Is this the end?" Wang asked, incredulous.
"It's not that simple."
Strange looked at the center of the storm where the two figures confronted each other: "She has merely forced Nightmare to withdraw her nightmare power to compete with her. If she wins, it's fine, but if she loses, the consequences will be just as I warned!"
Wanda was essentially bearing the fate of the entire universe, and no one else could assist her.
Nightmare had initially been positioned near Thanos's army, surrounded by a large number of Chitauri. The moment their energies clashed, the powerful storm turned everything in the area into dust.
This was a battle between the highest powers in the universe, and no one could interfere without being instantly torn to shreds.
If the Time Gem were still present, Strange might have tried to intervene, but not in this state...
In the dark expanse, fierce battles were underway.
"Boom!"
Thor held the Power Stone in front of him, deflecting Dormammu's palm strike.
"Let's go back. Even though we are not your match, we can at least withstand your attacks!"
Thor shouted.
"Hahaha..."
Dormammu's booming laughter reverberated, shaking the entire dark space: "You've always tried to solve problems through negotiation, which shows you're more desperate than I am."
Thor remained silent.
"Don't you wonder how Surtur, who is so far from Titan, reached Asgard?"
"I didn't know before, but I understand now," Thor said, his face growing darker.
With Surtur's strength reaching Asgard from such a distance, it must have involved Dormammu's intervention.
"Then you have two choices. First: Wait for Asgard's destruction; your companions won't last long. Second: Allow Asgard to join the forces of darkness!"
Dormammu finally revealed his true intentions.
Jean, standing behind Thor, looked at him with concern, uncertain about his decision.
The anger in Thor's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a chilling coldness: "I have a third choice. Don't force me to kill you!"
"Hooooooooooooooooooo..."
Dormammu's grotesque laughter echoed loudly: "That's the funniest joke I've ever heard. Even the Ancient One wouldn't dare to say such a thing. How can you kill me? Do you even have the ability?"
"Definitely... yes!"
Thor looked back, unflinching.
"Jean, break the seal and unleash your power!"
This is the reality of the situation.
--
Chapter 212: Dark Phoenix
In the Avengers' minds, their nightmare lasted only a second, as if they were suddenly in a trance.
In the midst of the fierce battle, no one had time to question what was happening.
The duel between Hulk and Thanos suddenly became a one-on-one fight, with Wanda's involvement abruptly ending.
"Drip—your slow-down technique has expired!"
Of course, Hulk didn't have a system to notify him, so he was unaware. Recently, his confidence had soared after fighting Thanos alongside Wanda. He felt as if he could pulverize Thanos into a rotten purple potato.
If he were still the original boxing champion, King Hulk might have been able to do it. Unfortunately, the current Thanos was several times more formidable than the Thanos he remembered. Wow!
Facing Hulk's wide-open punch, Thanos simply grabbed his fist.
Hulk: "Huh??"
Thanos then grabbed Hulk's other attacking hand.
Under Hulk's disbelieving gaze, Thanos slowly began to pull his hands away.
"Boom..."
With a left uppercut, Hulk was stunned and spun 360 degrees in place. He was then struck by a right uppercut from Thanos, turning Hulk into a human punching bag...
"Bang bang bang..."
The battle intensified.
Hulk was struggling, while Thanos remained fierce...
...
The battle in the dark space was also becoming more intense.
The collar around Jean's neck shattered the moment the Phoenix Force erupted, fully releasing her power.
Perhaps due to the buildup of energy from being suppressed for too long, the eruption was fiercer than ever.
"Ah ah ah ah ah..."
The overwhelming power caused Qin to float uncontrollably. Flames erupted from her body, turning the dark, lightless space into a blazing realm.
"Boom..."
The aftershock from the power caused countless surrounding stars to explode instantly, with Dormammu bearing the brunt of the energy.
"What kind of power is this? Damn, this is not the power that this universe should possess. Who are you? Stop it, stop it! Ugh..."
For the first time, Dormammu cried out in fear. He realized this was a terrifying power he had never encountered before—an existence born at the beginning of all things, Chaos was immortal, eternal, yet impermanent.
Fortunately, this force seemed immature and had not yet reached a level where it could annihilate him.
"You... will not succeed! Your strength is indeed powerful, but at most, it can cause me pain, not destroy me!"
Jean didn't respond; it was Thor who spoke: "Maybe not now, but soon."
He retrieved the Tesseract and took out the Aether at the same time: "Perhaps I couldn't do it in the original world due to the vast difference between worlds. But this is the Dark Dimension, a different universe!"
Under Dormammu's puzzled gaze, Tesseract, the Power stone and Aether emitted a blinding light, bombarding the front.
In the void, a crack slowly opened, just wide enough for one person, then stopped, and began to close.
However, in the next moment, a blinding light emerged from the crack, instantly widening it and transforming it into a sky full of flames.
"...
Pulled by the Phoenix Force erupting from Jean's body, the flames surged straight into her...
"Ah ah ah ah ah..."
Jean let out a hoarse cry. Her hair exploded into golden energy cracks, appearing as if they might burst at any moment.
Her body could not withstand this force, leaving her entirely passive.
If possible, Thor would not have used this method. It not only caused extreme pain to Jean but also left him unable to control it.
Unfortunately, there was no alternative.
The influx of energy lasted a full minute, during which neither Thor nor Dormammu could move.
"Boom..."
All the flames vanished, revealing a golden phoenix surrounding Jean.
At this moment, she was the Dark Phoenix!
The space crack instantly closed.
‒‒‒‒‒
In another universe, a voice suddenly exclaimed, "How did it disappear? It clearly appeared here!"
"Damn it! We must find who absorbed the energy. That power is mine!"
But she would never fulfill her wish unless Thor somehow summoned it to another universe.
However, that was impossible, even if the system malfunctioned She could choose to forgo the reward.
...
Chapter 213: The Darkness Is Shattered
"What's going on here? What the hell happened?"
Dormammu himself was unaware of the tremor in his voice.
"Maybe we can talk?" he asked Thor tentatively.
"Start negotiating now? It's too late!" Thor flatly refused. Besides, Jean was no longer under his control...
The Phoenix Force poured down towards Dormammu again in the form of flames.
"Ah! Stop it!"
Dormammu let out a loud scream.
Earlier, the Phoenix Force was like a mere drop in the ocean compared to Dormammu. Even though water can extinguish fire, it requires enough of it.
But now, it had become a torrential flood...
"Stop! I can leave; I promise not to invade Asgard again! No, I promise never to enter this universe again..."
Dormammu had gone mad. For the first time in many years, he felt a sensation of impending death.
He already felt his body slowly disintegrating—an experience he had never known before—and began to fear...
The output of the Phoenix Force continued to increase. Jean's red hair whipped around her, her once-clear blue eyes turned a ghostly golden yellow, and lines of Phoenix energy covered her face.
She suddenly ceased increasing the Phoenix Force's release and looked at Thor with conflicted eyes.
If she continued, it would spiral out of control...
Dormammu, understanding the situation in an instant, laughed maniacally: "You can't control it! If you kill me, you'll destroy your friends as well!"
Jean trembled all over as memories from her childhood resurfaced.
When she was young, her powers had gone out of control while her family was driving, resulting in her mother's death. Her father had then handed her over to the professor to raise her.
She knew Thor was telling the truth five years ago.
If the Phoenix Force got out of control again, it would be more terrifying than ever...
Jean looked at Thor once more.
"Don't worry, it will be fine," Thor reassured her, giving her a comforting look. "No matter what happens, I will take you home!"
"Hahaha... foolish mortals, always bound by emotions! Emotions only make you weak!"
Dormammu sneered, feeling as though he had walked through the gates of hell. He even thought that if he could just hold out a bit longer, Asgard would be dismantled by Surtur, and the situation could be reversed.
One of life's great illusions: I can still fight back.
Jean looked at Dormammu again. The confusion and hesitation on her face vanished, replaced by resolve: "No, you are wrong."
"My feelings make me strong!"
"Boom..."
The Phoenix Force erupted violently, sweeping through the entire dark space...
Near the battlefield, in a hidden corner, Modu observed everything happening.
Suddenly, he felt his heart twitch, and his flesh and blood began to transform into energy, gathering towards his chest before heading into the Dark Dimension.
"Ah... no, my lord, why are you doing this? No..."
Simultaneously, across the world, countless seemingly ordinary magicians were pulled by an inexplicable force. Their bodies turned into streaks of black energy, rising into the air and vanishing...
"What happened?" Fatty Wang asked, bewildered.
"They are all Dormammu's followers," Strange said with a troubled expression. "Dormammu is facing a crisis and has to withdraw all its power to fight it. From the moment they accepted Dormammu's power, this day was inevitable. Including Mordo, he is dead."
"What?" Fatty Wang was stunned, his jaw nearly dropping. "How is that possible? Even the teacher couldn't force Dormammu to this extent, could he?"
Strange didn't reply, his concern evident.
"No, you can't kill me! Darkness is eternal, and the Dark Dimension will not disappear!"
Dormammu roared in despair.
"The darkness won't vanish, but you will!" Thor retorted coldly. "You were merely a Socceror who accidentally discovered the Dark Dimension and entered it. To become its ruler, you abandoned your original body and were consumed by dark magic."
"The Dark Dimension may persist, and darkness may endure, but you, Dormammu, will not!"
...
The Phoenix Force surged, and Dormammu's colossal form finally crumbled into primordial dust.
A soul escaped from the remains, fleeing at high speed.
As long as it could escape, it believed it could eventually recover with the countless dark energies present.
It thought so in its heart.
An irresistible force began to pull it back.
"No!!!"
---