The group of sorcerers led by Kaecilius watched the events unfolding on top of Stark Tower with a mix of anticipation and confusion. They understood the power of the Tesseract, and combined with high-tech equipment, it was clear that something significant was about to happen.
Kaecilius couldn't help but recall the prophecy of the Great One:
"Earth is destined for its fateful doom. It will be invaded. A war of great scale will begin, leading to a catastrophic event."
The sorcerers' sense of anticipation and curiosity grew stronger. What exactly would the prophecy reveal?
Meanwhile, aboard the Helicarrier, Steve Rogers, realizing Loki's plan, urgently sought out Natasha Romanoff.
"We need to go," he said, opening the door to the infirmary.
"Where to?" Natasha asked, puzzled.
"I'll explain on the way."
"By the way, I remember you can fly a plane, right?"
Before Natasha could answer, Clint Barton walked out of the washroom and said, "I can."
Quickly, the team donned their uniforms and grabbed their weapons—bows, shields, and more—and hurried to the waiting aircraft.
On the Helicarrier, Director Nick Fury was going through the stack of cards left by Coulson. Agent Hill approached, observing the bloodstains on the cards.
"Director, these cards were supposed to be in Coulson's wardrobe, not his jacket, correct?"
Fury acknowledged with a nod. "They needed some motivation."
Clearly, he had deliberately taken the cards from Coulson's wardrobe, stained them with blood, and presented them as if they had been found in Coulson's jacket.
At that moment, the communication system buzzed with an alert:
"An unauthorized aircraft has taken off from the hangar!"
Fury quickly realized that the aircraft in question was the one Steve Rogers and his team had commandeered. He muttered, "Have they found Loki?"
He immediately issued orders through the communication system: "Use any means necessary to restore the communication system immediately!"
As he rushed to his office, he instructed Hill, "I need to be kept updated on the situation."
"Understood, Director," Hill responded.
Meanwhile, Thor regained his composure and wielded Mjolnir, summoning lightning from the sky.
At the same time, Tony Stark, alone in his Mark suit, sped towards Stark Tower.
As Tony approached, Syd arrived at the center of New York, close to Stark Tower, and saw Tony flying in from afar.
"Is it about to begin?" Syd thought, anticipating the climax of the situation and preparing to seize the Tesseract and the Mind Stone once things came to a head.
Syd was unconcerned about the public nature of his actions.
On the roof of Stark Tower, the massive technological device began to activate. The Tesseract, positioned at the center of the apparatus, emitted a brilliant white-blue light and began to levitate. Energy bolts flashed around the Tesseract, producing a sizzling sound as it spun and released power.
At this moment, Tony Stark approached Stark Tower.
"Sir, I've shut down the arc reactor, but the Tesseract is still drawing power!" JARVIS reported.
As Tony neared the building, he saw Dr. Selvig operating the controls. He warned, "Shut it down, Dr. Selvig!"
Controlled by Loki's scepter, Selvig ignored the warning and called out, "It's too late! It can't be stopped now!"
"It will show us… a new universe!"
Hearing Selvig's grandiose claims, Tony Stark didn't hesitate. He raised his suit's gauntlet and prepared to destroy the equipment.
Boom!
A laser energy blast shot out. However, as the laser neared the equipment, a blue energy shield appeared, formed by the Tesseract's power, rendering Tony's attack ineffective.
The laser blast, upon hitting the shield, was repelled with tremendous force.
An explosion followed, sending Tony Stark flying through the air and leaving Dr. Selvig unconscious after crashing into the building.
Watching from a distance, Syd pondered the situation. As expected, conventional methods couldn't stop the equipment from functioning. Only something related to the Infinity Stones could intervene.
Syd wondered if his chaos magic could counter the Tesseract. He wasn't sure if his imitation of chaos magic contained any of the Mind Stone's power. If it did, it might be able to stop or even destroy the Tesseract. If not, it would be as if he hadn't said anything.
At this moment, Tony Stark realized the same.
JARVIS's voice came through again:
"Sir, it's composed of pure energy and cannot be penetrated."
"Yes, I've noticed," Tony Stark confirmed. "Execute Plan B!"
JARVIS immediately reminded, "Sir, the Mark Seven is not yet combat-ready."
"Forget it, we're running out of time!" Tony Stark decided to forcefully put on the newly developed armor.
As he landed on the tower's landing platform, mechanical arms extended to help him remove his old suit.
At that moment, Tony saw Loki standing on one of the tower's floors, and his face showed both irritation and anger.
Loki, noticing Tony, smiled casually.
Tony Stark ignored him and proceeded into the building.
"Are you here to beg for mercy?" Loki asked with a grin.
(End of Chapter)