After contacting his allies, Tony indulged in a hearty meal at home, satisfying his appetite before heading back to the aircraft carrier.
The members of the Avengers had mostly gotten to know each other by now. Although Loki wasn't particularly fond of them, Thor's easy-going and cheerful nature helped him bond quickly with the rest of the team.
Steve took the opportunity to ask Thor about space. In just a few days, he had witnessed far more than he could have ever imagined.
It was unlikely that Steve would feel comfortable asking Tony Stark directly about the universe, so aside from Tony, Thor was the only one present who had substantial knowledge on the matter.
When Tony finally arrived, Thor immediately looked up from his conversation with Steve.
"How did it go?"
"Sorted it out. I found four reliable friends," Tony replied.
"They're all strong enough to match my abilities."
Tony's words earned a slight nod from him.
"Are the cosmic warriors really that powerful?"
Banner was taken aback; if they could match Tony's strength, did that mean they could overpower him?
"Match you?"
"That means they're no small fries."
"Who are they?"
Thor asked thoughtfully.
"They'll arrive in three days at the latest. You'll see for yourselves then," Tony said with a smile, not wanting to elaborate too much.
The others were curious but didn't press Tony for more details since it was clear he wasn't willing to divulge any further information.
"Loki, where's Erik?"
Tony then turned to Loki. Opening and closing the portal was crucial, and he didn't want to waste time—he aimed to conduct research as swiftly as possible.
"Erik's already here, working in the lab," Loki responded.
"Great, Jarvis, tell me the lab's location; I'm heading over."
"Banner, you should come with me," Tony added.
Banner understood that this was a matter for their intellect and followed along.
"Don't forget, this is a war between civilizations," Tony reminded them.
"While America boasts top-notch technology on Earth, compared to the universe, it's like a toddler who hasn't learned to walk."
"If you think the war can be fought as it has in the past—with technology and equipment crushing the opponent—then you're mistaken."
"If it comes to that, the entirety of America, and indeed all of Earth, could become a battlefield, and there would be no safe place."
"Don't think I'll rescue you just because you're lounging around," he warned, glancing around at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and military personnel in the control room, some dazed and others even playing games, exuding a relaxed demeanor.
Tony's words turned the previously easy atmosphere in the control room icy.
Historically, even when facing other nations, America had the technological upper hand, making victories relatively easy.
It's not an exaggeration to say that there were few nations on Earth capable of waging a proper war against them.
This sense of invulnerability had fostered the military's arrogant attitude.
Even as they anticipated the impending war, their initial tension had eased, especially given Tony Stark's decisive demeanor.
With formidable heroes like Thor, Tony, and the Hulk on their side, they all assumed victory was assured.
Though Tony's blunt warning was harsh, it woke the agents and soldiers in the room from their complacency.
They began considering their strategies and planning out the distribution of their forces.
Tony led Banner to the lab, where they found Erik had returned to normal.
After some polite exchanges, they delved into technical discussions.
The primary reason scientific advancement stagnates is the failure to tackle challenges that are difficult for ordinary people to overcome.
However, Tony, Banner, and Erik were all geniuses in their respective fields.
Plus, Barton had secured the key element to stabilize the Cosmic Cube's energy.
Meanwhile, Thor and Loki had left the aircraft carrier to unwind in New York.
From his vantage point, Harvey observed it all. Honestly, he hadn't expected that the first assembly of the Avengers would be entirely led by Tony.
Given Tony's naturally forceful personality and his vastly improved strength compared to the past, it was no surprise he had seized command from Nick Fury and was orchestrating the war efforts.
Harvey stayed comfortably at home, leisurely awaiting the commencement of the war.
Initially, the Avengers had not just aimed to repel the Chitauri but more to defeat Loki and forcibly close the portal.
If the portal remained open, the early Avengers would have been unable to prevent the relentless onslaught of the Chitauri.
Three days passed swiftly.
On this day, a cosmic ship descended outside Earth.
Reno contacted Tony to confirm their meeting point before they landed in the sea.
As the ship settled on the water, Leicy flew out, gazing at the clear ocean below and the multitude of unmutated marine life, feeling the refreshing sea breeze.
"This planet's environment resembles Xandar's, and in terms of habitat, it's even better. It's a suitable place to live," she remarked, impressed.
Perhaps because Earth's technological level wasn't that advanced, there were still many places and resources that hadn't been effectively developed.
Consequently, its environment was superior to many highly developed planets.
"Didn't we come for a war?"
"Why aren't there any signs of Chitauri military presence?"
Kael, towering over two meters, stood at the top of the ship, peering at the radar, puzzled by the lack of indications of a large-scale conflict.
"Let's see what Tony has to say when we meet," Reno suggested.
"How much longer until Tony arrives?"
"Just one minute," the Seer replied, his dark eyes glinting.
Sure enough, moments later, a medium-sized transport ship appeared on the radar.
"That stealth ship crafted with reflective panels is a clever trick," Kael remarked. "But the detection system is a bit shoddy, making it appear more impressive than it is."
"Is this Tony's handiwork?"
Leicy descended from the air, puzzled by what she saw.
"Impossible; Tony wouldn't make something so subpar," Reno replied, shaking his head.
With the ability to create powerful Iron Man suits and master gravity systems and AI, it was inconceivable for Tony to produce something so mediocre.
"It's not Tony's work; it's made by other humans on Earth," the Seer clarified.
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 238 at patreon.com/MythicForge11.