The invasion started with a low rumble, the kind that made the air feel heavier, as if the atmosphere itself was bracing for impact. Above New York, the sky darkened unnaturally as Chitauri ships broke through the clouds, their shapes ominous and unfamiliar. The world was about to change.
Metis, Natasha, and Rumlow stood on a rooftop overlooking the chaos as the first wave of the alien fleet descended. The streets below were filled with SHIELD agents, police, and civilians scrambling to find cover. The world had never seen anything like this.
Metis's system, always humming quietly in the back of his mind, flared to life. New objective detected: Survive the Chitauri invasion. Eliminate high-level threats to gain experience and evolve abilities.
The system's cold, calculating tone blended into his thoughts as if it were simply another part of him. Metis had learned to live with it, to use it. He'd come to realize that it was more than just a tool—it was a key to his growth, his survival. And now, it was time to push it to its limits.
Time Remaining: 30 minutes.
Metis's mind was already racing through battle plans. He'd positioned key SHIELD units at the most vulnerable entry points in the city, anticipating where the Chitauri would strike first. His system fed him constant updates, suggesting strategic adjustments as the situation evolved.
But this battle wasn't just about tactics—it was about survival. He would need to get stronger, and fast. The Chitauri weren't just an enemy; they were an opportunity.
The thought made him grimace slightly. This world had a way of twisting one's priorities.
"Let's move," Natasha's voice broke through his thoughts. She was already adjusting her gear, her sharp eyes fixed on the distant alien ships. "We need to get to Stark Tower. If we can stop Loki, we can cut off their command."
Metis nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere for a brief moment—on the system. It had remained silent on Loki's threat, but he knew better than to underestimate the trickster god. The real battle wasn't just with the Chitauri—it was with the mind behind the invasion.
"Right," he said, focusing again. "Rumlow, take your team to the east side. Cover the civilians and eliminate any Chitauri landing parties. Natasha and I will head to Stark Tower."
Rumlow gave a brief nod before moving off with his squad. It was a high-risk operation, but he trusted Rumlow's ability to handle it.
As they moved through the chaotic streets, Metis's eyes flickered with the soft blue glow of his system interface. Each defeated enemy would bring him closer to leveling up, to gaining more power and abilities. The system kept a running tally of every kill, every point earned. His focus was razor-sharp now.
Current Status:
Level: 3 Next Level in: 450 experience points. Abilities: Strategic Foresight (Enhanced), Tactical Manipulation.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +50 XP.
Current Level: 4.
The surge of power hit him as his level increased, a brief but intense rush of strength. His mind sharpened even further, his awareness of the battlefield expanding. Every move, every decision felt clearer, as if he was seeing the fight from a higher plane.
"Metis!" Natasha's voice pulled him back to reality, and he turned to see her taking cover behind an overturned car. A group of Chitauri had descended nearby, and they were already opening fire.
Without hesitation, Metis moved to her side, his gun raised as he fired precise shots, each one calculated. His system worked in tandem with his instincts, making sure his aim was deadly. One by one, the Chitauri soldiers fell.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +25 XP.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +25 XP.
Natasha fired alongside him, her movements swift and lethal. Together, they cleared the area in a matter of seconds. When the last Chitauri hit the ground, there was a brief moment of quiet.
Metis's gaze flicked to Natasha. Despite the chaos, she was calm, focused, her face betraying none of the stress of battle. She was in her element. But behind those eyes, he knew there was always more. Always a wall, a layer of caution that kept people at a distance.
And he understood that. He was the same way. Trust, for both of them, was not given easily.
"You okay?" he asked, knowing full well that she was.
Natasha glanced at him, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. "You're asking the wrong person."
Metis chuckled softly. "Fair enough."
They didn't need to say much. The bond they had was still forming, but it was there—fragile, complicated, and growing, despite both their efforts to keep their guards up.
Current Status:
Level: 5 Next Level in: 600 experience points. New Ability Unlocked: Combat Prediction (Limited).
The new ability filled his mind, a fresh layer of awareness settling over him. Combat Prediction allowed him to anticipate enemy movements a few seconds in advance. It wasn't perfect, but it gave him an edge—one that would be crucial in a fight like this.
As they neared Stark Tower, the tension in the air thickened. Loki's influence could be felt even from a distance. The chaotic energy surrounding the city seemed to pulse from the tower itself. They were close.
"We're going to need a plan," Natasha said, her voice low but steady as they stopped for a moment, taking cover from another wave of Chitauri overhead. "Loki's not just going to give up."
Metis nodded, his mind already working through the possibilities. "We need to disrupt the portal first. Take out the Tesseract's power source. Stark's likely working on that already. We back him up and hold off the Chitauri while he shuts it down."
"Sounds simple enough," Natasha replied, her tone laced with dry humor. She glanced at him, something unreadable in her eyes. "What happens after?"
Metis didn't answer right away. There was no clear "after" in his mind yet, only the endless march of battles to be fought. The system didn't care about what came after—it only cared about what came next. For the first time, Metis felt that weight pressing down on him. Was this what his new life would be? An unending series of conflicts, always leveling up, always chasing the next threat?
"I guess we'll find out," he said quietly, his voice betraying none of his inner turmoil.
Natasha's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she nodded. She seemed to understand more than she let on, but she didn't push.
"Let's move," she said, and together, they continued toward Stark Tower.
Current Status:
Level: 5 Next Level in: 550 experience points.
As they moved deeper into the battlefield, Metis could feel the weight of each decision, each victory. His system was a constant presence, guiding him, making him stronger. But there was something else, too—something more personal. The connection with Natasha, still tentative, still fragile, but undeniably there.
They were both complex, both scarred by their pasts, and trust would take time. But in the heat of battle, that bond was starting to take root, whether they liked it or not.
And as the Chitauri invasion raged on, Metis couldn't help but wonder: how far would they let it grow?