Stark Tower loomed ahead, its sleek design now a beacon for chaos. The Chitauri swarmed around it, their ships cutting through the air like predators circling prey. Explosions echoed through the city, shaking the ground beneath Metis and Natasha as they sprinted toward the tower's base.
"Stay low!" Natasha barked, firing off quick shots as they ducked behind a destroyed taxi.
Metis nodded, scanning the battlefield. His system fed him details: enemy positions, the most efficient routes to avoid incoming fire, and the weaknesses of each Chitauri soldier. His mind calculated rapidly, but there was no time to hesitate.
A Chitauri warrior landed in front of them, its energy spear already raised. Natasha didn't flinch. She rolled forward, under its weapon, and fired two shots into its chest. The alien fell, smoking and twitching. Metis followed, firing at two more incoming soldiers, each one dropping after a single, precise shot.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +50 XP.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +50 XP.
Metis glanced at Natasha. "We're getting boxed in. We need a route up the tower, fast."
She reloaded, her movements quick and practiced. "Elevators are dead, but the service ladder inside should still work. We'll have to go through the lobby."
Another wave of Chitauri ships roared overhead, firing indiscriminately. Civilians screamed in the distance. Metis's jaw clenched. They couldn't save everyone, not with the clock ticking on the portal.
"We move now," Metis ordered, leading the way.
They darted through the wreckage, dodging debris and explosions. Chitauri soldiers dropped from their ships, trying to cut them off, but Metis's system kept him a step ahead. His new Combat Prediction ability let him anticipate their attacks, moving him out of harm's way just in time.
He ducked under a plasma bolt, rolled forward, and fired three shots, dropping another group of aliens. Natasha was right behind him, covering his back as they made it to the tower's shattered entrance.
The lobby was wrecked, glass and steel littering the floor. Chitauri were already inside, tearing through anything they could. Metis took aim and fired, headshots one after another, clearing the path as Natasha moved swiftly behind him.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +75 XP.
Chitauri Unit Defeated: +50 XP.
Level Up: Level 6 Achieved.
Metis felt the rush of power as his system updated, but there was no time to dwell on it. "Where's the ladder?" he asked, scanning the chaos.
Natasha pointed to a side door, half-buried under rubble. "There. We'll have to climb."
A loud crash shook the building. More Chitauri were forcing their way in. They didn't have much time. Metis moved to the door and kicked it open, pulling debris away while Natasha provided cover fire. She was relentless, each shot precise and deadly.
"Go!" Natasha ordered once the path was clear.
Metis slipped through the door and found the service ladder. He climbed quickly, his enhanced reflexes making it easier to ascend. Natasha followed close behind. Below, the sounds of battle grew louder, but the immediate threat was behind them for now.
As they climbed, Metis's mind raced. Stark was somewhere up ahead, likely trying to shut down the Tesseract. Loki would be close, and the real fight would begin soon. But for now, all they could do was get higher.