Finally, I have uploaded 20 advanced chapters on my Patreon for the readers. Go check them out and read them, and please don't forget to give this story a Powerstone and show your support.
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Here's my Patreon: "patreon.com/Hussain678" — 20 advanced chapters have been uploaded there.
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"Since we can't find the Aether, then let it reveal itself," Malekith said calmly. Because he understood the nature of the Aether better than anyone, he was certain that it had already chosen a new host.
Although Malekith did not know what made this new host—one capable of blocking direct Aether detection—so special, that detail was irrelevant. If he could not find them, then he would force them to come forward.
Under Malekith's command, the Dark Elf flagship halted less than one hundred kilometers from Earth. Its cloaking system was shut down, and a massive spacecraft suddenly appeared just outside Earth's atmosphere.
Though the distance between the ship and the planet still exceeded one hundred kilometers, from a broader perspective, it had already entered Earth's domain.
The moment the Dark Elf flagship appeared, countless laboratories across the world detected it. With Earth's massive population, almost every patch of sky beyond the planet was constantly observed—especially after S.H.I.E.L.D. had issued its warning.
As for the sword-shaped alien warship, many recognized it instantly. It was the same vessel that had once destroyed British fighter jets.
Clark and the others who remained at the S.H.I.E.L.D. base learned of its appearance through internal surveillance feeds as well.
However, before any government could fully react, Malekith seized control of all video signals across the planet. In the next instant, his image appeared on every screen—computers, televisions, and mobile phones alike.
To the Dark Elves, Earth's technology was laughably primitive. It was like trying to send intelligence via carrier pigeons through a modern battlefield—an idea doomed from the start. Earth's encryption methods looked like childish toys to them.
"I am Malekith of Vanaheim. For certain reasons, the Aether we require has fallen upon your world. And for reasons equally unclear, the individual who obtained it has chosen to conceal its existence.
"Now, I demand that you hand over the person who possesses the Aether. If you are that person, I expect you to step forward voluntarily. From this moment on, Earth's fate lies in your hands. You have twelve hours. If I do not see you by then, we will choose to destroy this planet."
"Algrim, main cannon ready."
As soon as the words ended, video signals across the world returned to normal. But for those in the Northern Hemisphere, the spectacle was far from over.
At the exact moment screens resumed functioning, a point of light appeared in the sky—one that continued to grow brighter and brighter.
Everyone who saw it remembered Malekith's final words:
Main cannon ready.
The meaning was obvious. If Earth failed to deliver the person Malekith sought within twelve hours, the attack would begin.
To ordinary people, this message offered no intrigue—only despair. To them, it felt like the end of the world had arrived.
Even though governments scrambled to issue explanations once communication networks were restored, their words sounded weak and hollow in the face of a global crisis.
Some people mentioned the Avengers, who had once shone so brightly during the Battle of New York. But to most of the world, the Avengers—who had appeared only once—had long since faded from memory, like celebrities who no longer appeared on screen.
Outside the United States, many people could not even tell whether the Avengers were real or merely special effects. And now, with the arrival of the Dark Elves—beings that truly looked capable of destroying Earth—panic spread everywhere.
Yet compared to the terrified masses, Clark, stationed at Triskelion Base, considered this good news.
As long as the Dark Elves stayed in space, he would have far fewer concerns when facing them.
No need to worry about collateral damage on a massive scale. No need to worry about entire cities being reduced to rubble after the fight.
After hearing Malekith's broadcast, Clark said to Tony and the others, "These Dark Elves understand us very well. They know fighting on Earth would put them at a disadvantage, so they're staying in space."
"Leave this to me. You focus on monitoring Earth and see if anyone tries to escape using the network."
As he spoke, Clark gave Tony a subtle look—a silent signal telling him to use this opportunity to deal with countries that had previously refused to allow Avengers sub-bases within their borders.
Tony blinked in response, indicating he understood. As for whether Clark could defeat the enemy, Tony had no doubts. After all, Clark had once destroyed an entire space fleet alone. Losing to a single warship was unthinkable.
Not long after Malekith finished his broadcast, Clark appeared directly in front of the Dark Elf flagship.
His speed was so great that the Dark Elves aboard the ship never even saw him arrive. They felt only a brief sensation—then suddenly, a figure was there, hovering calmly before the ship's bow, as though he had always been there and they had only just noticed him.
"Who is he?" Malekith asked, staring at the figure ahead, turning to his lieutenant, Algrim.
After all, anyone who could appear in open space without protection had already surpassed planetary-level power.
Algrim was left speechless. In truth, he wanted to say that he had awakened far more recently than Malekith—and therefore knew even less.
As for Midgard, both he and Malekith had subconsciously regarded it as the lowest civilization among the Nine Realms five thousand years ago. Upon arriving, they had not bothered investigating whether Earth possessed any powerful beings at all. They had simply invaded its networks and issued their threat.
Thus, Malekith and his followers knew absolutely nothing about the man now standing before them.
"Weren't you just looking for me?" Clark's voice suddenly reached their ears. "Why are you asking who I am now?"
As he spoke, Malekith and Algrim saw a cluster of red crystalline energy emerge in Clark's palm.
Though Clark was still a kilometer away, separated by the ship's hull, their earlier conversation had reached him as clearly as if they were standing face to face.