Sebastian and Thor's bodies seemed to ripple like water. They quickly transformed from their Japanese appearances back to their original forms. They walked straight towards the large Japanese-style house in front of them that occupied a considerable area.
As they approached, their Western appearance immediately attracted the attention of the Hand members stationed in the nearby house. These Hand members were dressed in suits and looked nothing like traditional ninjas.
However, in the eyes of Sebastian and Thor, these warriors were no less dangerous. They were at least much stronger than the soldiers of the Chitauri army from before. They were all masters who had undergone rigorous training and practice!
Of course, this assessment was in terms of the level of danger they posed to ordinary people. For Sebastian and Thor, these people were very powerful, but not to the point of requiring caution.
Snap!
Sebastian snapped his fingers. An invisible energy wave spread out from him. The Hand members who were rushing towards them immediately froze in place, motionless as stone sculptures. Apart from the most basic life aura, they could not be seen as living people at all. They appeared more like statues.
Seeing Sebastian's casual display, Thor smiled and said, "Sebastian, your magic is getting stronger and stronger."
"It is just enough to make a living."
Thor shook his head and laughed. Without hesitation, he raised his right hand high. Suddenly, dark clouds covered the sky above them. A bolt of lightning fell from the heavens, landing in Thor's hand and transforming into Stormbreaker. Blazing white electricity emanated from Thor and the weapon. When the light and electricity dissipated, Thor wore his battle armor once again. His eyes flashed with lightning. He once again embodied the majestic demeanor of the legendary God-King of Asgard.
"Sebastian, I will go down first. I will leave the rest of this place to you."
"Go!"
Thor smiled at Sebastian. Without hesitation, he smashed Stormbreaker into the ground, causing it to collapse. Thor fell directly into the underground Shadow Council stronghold.
At the same time, Sebastian's wand materialized in his hand. He muttered a spell under his breath, then gently waved it. A symbol of magical Authority appeared between Sebastian's brows. Now, Sebastian's magical Authority encompassed not only his own new magical system but also the Dark Arts he had inherited from Chthon. It was a profound change in his power.
With this wave of his wand, an invisible barrier rapidly unfolded. It completely enveloped the entire Shadow Council stronghold, both above and below ground. Only those powerful enough to brute-force Sebastian's magic could escape. To truly escape, Sebastian would have to be eliminated first.
With this accomplished, Sebastian flicked his wand slightly. Portals rapidly opened around the perimeter. Namor and Black Bolt emerged from these portals, accompanied by a small number of their elite followers. Namor was primarily seeking revenge for his previous pursuits by the Hand and the Green Goblin. Black Bolt's target was the Inhuman organization that had joined the Shadow Council. They were the Inhumans currently affiliated with the enemy, led by Raina.
Elsewhere, the Avengers and the Ultimate Avengers emerged from another portal. Sebastian naturally noticed the Ultimate Avengers team, including Carol and the others.
Giving them a brief nod of acknowledgment, Sebastian spoke without further ceremony. He addressed everyone present, "Our goal this time is to completely eliminate the formidable enemy known as the Shadow Council. They also possess powerful individuals, so do not be too careless. As for other precautions, I do not need to elaborate. You are all seasoned warriors, so nothing will stand in your way. Now, let us each rely on our own abilities!"
With that declaration, Sebastian took the lead. He used Apparition and disappeared directly, teleporting into the Shadow Council's underground base.
Meanwhile, the Shadow Council's base had already begun its counterattack. Numerous Hand ninjas emerged from all directions, attacking all outsiders. Meanwhile, the Shadow Council members gathered in the core underground area. They were attempting to break Sebastian's magical blockade while remaining ready to fight the incoming enemy forces.
Sebastian waved his wand. He instantly petrified a group of Hand ninjas attacking him. He then activated his Phantom Form, transforming into black smoke and phasing through walls and ground as if they were nothing. He quickly caught up with Thor, who was swinging his weapon with unparalleled force. Thor was sweeping away the Hand ninjas and advancing towards the core area.
A crow made of black smoke, ignoring all attacks and dodging the thunderbolts, arrived at Thor's side. It spoke directly, "Thor, I am going down first to the core."
Upon hearing Sebastian's words, Thor immediately said, "These warriors are too annoying. Help me take care of them."
"The Avengers and Ultimate Avengers will be here soon. They will help you. I am going down first."
"Hey, Sebastian, you are being rude!"
Thor ignored Sebastian's complaints, allowing him to continue tangling with the fearless Hand members. Sebastian then disappeared underground, quickly reaching the lower level of the underground base. The black smoke materialized on the ground, revealing Sebastian's true form.
At that moment, a bolt of lightning and a beam of photon energy shattered the ceiling overhead. They brought down scores of Hand ninjas. Many of them were severely injured or dead. Most had mutilated limbs. They landed not far from Sebastian's position.
In his full assault, Thor was unstoppable against the Hand ninjas. As for Carol, now transformed into her Binary form with photon energy blazing, she was naturally formidable as well.
Carol felt awkward and distant towards Sebastian. Under normal circumstances, she would not have stayed near him. But this situation was different. To deal with the Shadow Council, the three of them who had arrived first needed to unite with all their might.
Sebastian had no particular thoughts about Carol. The past was over, and he had no desire to pursue it further. Besides, Carol had been controlled and influenced at that time, so there was no need to discuss it.
Of course, Sebastian would not actually engage in any talk of closeness or collaboration either.
Carol's personality and style were inherently disliked by Sebastian. While temporary cooperation was acceptable, Sebastian saw no point in easing relations between them.
Looking at the spacious and empty underground stone hall in front of them, one could tell from its architectural style that it was the work of the Hand. It must have been there for many years. On the other side of the hall, a stone door slowly opened. A group of people walked out. They were none other than the super criminals of the Shadow Council!
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