Arthur didn't hesitate for a moment regarding T'Challa's proposal to establish a branch inside Wakanda. In fact, if that branch could truly be set up, it would offer Camp Lehigh an invaluable platform for large-scale, clandestine operations.
Wakanda's perfect cloaking technology ensured the world remained completely ignorant that it was the most technologically advanced nation on Earth. This naturally made it the ideal sanctuary for the Superhero Alliance to hide even deeper.
And the deepest form of concealment possible… was when an entire, sovereign country helped hide you!
So Arthur readily agreed, granting T'Challa significant operational authority so he could move forward boldly and decisively.
As the two talked, they entered the conference room.
Today's meeting was strictly for combat personnel. Although Natasha wasn't a fighter, she was the official mission recorder, so she sat quietly on one side.
When Arthur arrived, everyone was already present.
Arthur blinked in mild surprise. "Well now, it's not required that the host shows up last. I just didn't expect all of you to be so punctual. I figured I'd have to wait."
"Lateness is a common affliction among the elderly. We are all very understanding."
Tony clapped his hands together as he spoke, having clearly adjusted his mood from the previous encounter.
But after Arthur stared at him for a moment, he suddenly waved his hand. "Get out."
"Huh?" Tony froze. "I'm pretty sure that was just a harmless jab."
"Joking is fine, but this time, you're staying behind to manage things," Arthur stated. "If you leave, and Banner also leaves, who's going to oversee the Artificial Intelligence Project? So, no matter how much you hate it, you are staying put this time."
The truth was, Arthur was deeply worried about Tony's mental state.
In the films, Red Skull had only appeared briefly, but precisely because it was a brief appearance, no one truly knew what hidden capabilities he possessed now.
When facing an uncertain threat, if one were mentally distracted or emotionally unstable, even the strongest individual could suffer unpredictable damage.
That was the true motivation behind Arthur's decision.
Tony looked visibly disappointed, shrugging with resignation. "Fine. I understand."
He gave Arthur a profound look, clearly, the "I understand" wasn't just about understanding the reason for being benched. Smart people couldn't easily deceive one another.
Arthur nodded. "Since you understand, then sit and listen… Though there isn't actually much left to say."
He glanced around the table: Steve, Banner, Peter, T'Challa, Wanda, Pietro, and Brock. Sam and Sharon were staying behind to guard the camp. With them, Tony, and Natasha remaining, Camp Lehigh would be secure.
Rubbing his temples, Arthur began:
"I've outlined this plan more than once. This time, we're heading to a completely unfamiliar planet. I've told you all the history of the six Infinity Stones many times, and the place we're targeting is where the most unique one lies, the Soul Stone. Unlike the others, this gem possesses its own consciousness."
"An Infinity Stone with independent awareness?" Tony blurted out. Then he noticed the stares directed at him. He shrugged defensively. "What? I'm not allowed to speak just because I'm observing?"
"Of course you can." Arthur let out a helpless sigh. "Yes, a sentient Infinity Stone with incomparably vast power. Simply put, it can manipulate souls."
"So you're saying that once we enter the effective range of the Soul Stone's abilities, our very souls might be vulnerable to attack?"
Banner employed the logic of his seven PhDs to analyze the situation. "Then what exact countermeasure should we take to deal with this Stone?"
Arthur shrugged. "That's the real problem! We aren't going there to fight the Stone itself. We're going there… to deal with Red Skull!"
"A former Hydra leader is worth this much trouble?" Peter Parker asked earnestly. "I mean, bad guys should be caught, sure, but going all the way across the universe for one red skeleton, is he really that critical?"
"Absolutely!"
Venom howled excitedly through Brock's body: "I've heard legends about that red guy forever! I wonder if he tastes like braised pork? I've been craving that lately!"
"As an alien lifeform, you honestly eat too much," Brock muttered angrily. "Don't you notice you've been getting fatter recently? I can literally feel the extra weight!"
"My love, I'll absorb all the extra burden for you," Venom replied, the voice turning strangely soothing.
Brock froze completely. "Do you mean you'll absorb me… or you?"
"That's not important right now."
"It's VERY important to me!"
Brock was visibly spiraling toward a breakdown.
Arthur rolled his eyes and tapped the table twice for silence. "I think we're missing the point. Well… to be precise, this person is extremely important."
Everyone waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't.
They exchanged silent glances, yet none of them pressed him further.
After all, repeated experience had taught them: Arthur might be as maddeningly indecisive as an eighty-year-old on emotional matters, but when it came to anything serious, anything truly critical, he was always reliable.
So if Arthur declared this person had to be dealt with, then he had to be dealt with. End of discussion.
"Alright then," Banner conceded. "So the immediate priority is figuring out what kind of power Red Skull has gained after all these years of exposure to the Soul Stone! Does that sound right?"
Arthur nodded. "Today's meeting isn't just to tell you our objective. The main point is a reminder, once we get there, you must be extremely cautious. If we were facing a hundred armored thugs, the Hulk could crush them easily. But when it comes to matters involving the soul… I don't believe any of us have significant expertise in that domain."
"Isn't there someone who would have that experience?" Tony suddenly interjected. "Didn't you visit Kamar-Taj?"
Arthur blinked, then a sudden, wide smile spread across his face. "Perhaps… there really is someone who can help us after all!"
(End of Chapter)
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