The screen flickered continuously.
The audience showed no signs of slowing down. Instead, the comment became even more intense than before. Inside the small spacecraft, as everyone continued their conversation, an overwhelming amount of information was revealed. Every revelation was shocking enough to leave viewers speechless.
"Thor wants to forge a new weapon?"
"He seems incredibly confident. A weapon capable of killing Thanos? I can't wait to see it!"
"Gamora is Thanos' adopted daughter. She must know a lot."
"I noticed that too. The look on Gamora's face just now was strange. It feels like she knows where the Soul Stone is."
"Quill is hilarious. He's so jealous it's painful to watch."
"Brother, women only slow down your progress! Just give up!"
"Hahaha! Watching Quill imitate Thor is giving me secondhand embarrassment."
"Thanos already has two Infinity Stones. Doctor Strange has one, Vision has one, and the Collector has one, but there's still one whose location is unknown. Only one of the six Stones remains unaccounted for."
"It's over. If Thor knows this much, then Thanos definitely knows even more. He'll collect them all himself."
"The King of the Dwarves? Is that another race? There really are countless civilizations across the universe."
"Didn't you realize by now? There are far more races in the universe than anyone on Terra ever imagined."
"The power of the Infinity Stones is terrifying. With the Space Stone alone, Thanos can travel anywhere in an instant."
"The Time Stone is still aboard the ship. Doctor Strange and the others are in serious danger."
"I honestly can't imagine how anyone could defeat Thanos once he has several Infinity Stones. Can Thor's new weapon really make a difference?"
At the Research Center.
The Founder, Lyosha Eliott, stared intently at the screen. The synchronization progress between Apollo and the Network had already exceeded 50%. Even more astonishingly, the connection speed continued to accelerate. Ecstasy filled Eliott's face as the speed had completely exceeded his expectations.
"It's almost as if the Network is actively accepting Apollo..." The thought flashed through his mind, and that was exactly what he had hoped for.
The Network was simply too secretive, so no one had ever uncovered its deepest secrets. If Apollo could truly integrate with it, there might finally be a chance to uncover more of its hidden truths.
Eliott glanced toward another system he had prepared in advance. It was an emergency monitoring system designed to respond to any unforeseen situation. He called it the Observer. Its sole purpose was to monitor everything continuously and issue warnings the moment an anomaly appeared.
Taking a deep breath, he quietly waited for the synchronization between Apollo and the Network to finish.
Inside the Administration Bureau.
The Director's expression was grim. After Thor's explanation, the locations of the Infinity Stones had essentially been exposed to everyone. And judging from the situation, it wouldn't be difficult for Thanos to obtain them all. The Infinity Stone currently in the Collector's possession... was probably already lost.
"The Time Stone and the Reality Stone will likely fall into Thanos' hands soon. The Soul Stone, whose location remains unknown, and Vision's Mind Stone may be our final opportunities. But..." The Director let out a weary sigh as his eyes drifted toward the surveillance screens.
Several investigation teams were still painstakingly analyzing footage, hoping to uncover some overlooked clue. Yet, in his opinion... Everything seemed far too late, especially after hearing what Gamora had said. One snap of Thanos' fingers... would erase half the life in the entire universe.
The thought alone sent chills down his spine. If, in that previous timeline, Thanos truly gathered all six Infinity Stones... and snapped his fingers... Would the catastrophe somehow affect the universe of present-day Terra as well?
A horrifying possibility lingered in his mind, and it was the last outcome he wanted to see. Unfortunately... There was nothing he could do to stop it.
Johan and the others wore equally troubled expressions.
Tonio forced a smile and said, "Don't worry. Thor is going to forge a weapon capable of killing Thanos. Let's see what happens."
The Director remained silent, his heart heavy. After a moment's thought, he sent several messages to Councilor Gladwin.
The screen shook violently, then it gradually stabilized. As the new scene appeared, everyone was stunned.
"Uh... what is this?"
"Oh... I had a bad feeling before. Looks like I guessed right."
"Well... congratulations, I guess."
"Waaaaah! Tell me this isn't real!"
The scene took place inside a bedroom.
Wanda was wearing a simple white outfit while quietly sipping a bowl of sweet soup. Near the window, a tall figure gently pulled back the curtains.
The moment everyone saw his face, they recognized him immediately; it was Vision. Looking at the atmosphere inside the room, an unmistakable realization dawned on everyone. Vision and Wanda... were living together.
The chat detonated.
"They aren't even the same species! How did they fall in love?"
"Vision is practically a brand-new lifeform."
"Look at Quill and Gamora. They're from different races too."
"Interracial romance... that's hard to accept."
"Why does that matter? Love is love."
"This is the ultimate power couple! Can they even have children?"
"Forget that, Wanda is gorgeous!"
As Vision gazed out the window, a sudden pain shot through his forehead. The yellow Mind Stone embedded there began glowing brilliantly. Vision lowered his head, gently touching the Stone as though listening to an invisible voice.
Noticing his discomfort, Wanda hurried over. "Vis? Is it the stone again?"
Vision nodded slowly. "It's as if it's speaking to me."
Wanda stepped beside him and softly asked, "What does it say?"
Vision shook his head. "I don't... I don't know, but something."
As they spoke, the Mind Stone flashed once more, and Vision frowned in pain. Wanda immediately cupped his face with both hands, trying to comfort him.
Vision gently took one of her hands... and placed it over the glowing Stone. "Tell me what you feel."
Red energy rippled from Wanda's palm as she carefully sensed the power within the Stone. After a long moment, she slowly shook her head. "I just feel you."
The scene shifted again.
Late at night, the two walked quietly down an empty street. Holding Vision's hand, Wanda smiled. "So there's a 10:00 a.m. to Glasgow... which would give us more time together before you went back."
Vision looked at her. "What if I miss that train?"
Wanda laughed softly. "There's an 11:00."
Vision stopped walking, and his eyes remained fixed on Wanda. "What if I missed all the trains? What if this time I didn't go back?"
A trace of reluctance flashed across Wanda's face. "But you gave Stark your word."
Vision answered without hesitation. "I'd rather give it to you."
Wanda lowered her head. "Well, there are people who are expecting me too, you know. We both made promises."
Vision gently shook his head. "Not to each other."
"Wanda..." He wrapped an arm around Wanda's shoulders.
"For two years, we've stolen these moments... trying to see if this could work and... I don't know." For the first time, Vision struggled to put his feelings into words. His normally calm voice became hesitant. "You know what, I'm just gonna speak for myself. I think... It works
Tears gradually filled Wanda's eyes, and she nodded repeatedly. "It works."
Looking into her eyes, Vision spoke with complete sincerity. "Stay... Stay with me."
Wanda didn't answer immediately.
Seeing her silence, Vision awkwardly said, "Or not. If I'm overstepping..."
Instead of replying, Wanda turned to look behind them. A television inside a nearby store was broadcasting breaking news. It showed the massive ring-shaped spacecraft arriving above Earth... and the moment the aliens launched their attack on Tony Stark.
Wanda covered her mouth with her hands, watching the news in disbelief. "What are they?"
Vision looked at the news and said, "What the stone was warning me about."
The live audience was enthusiastic. The Avengers had been disbanded, but Vision and Wanda's combat abilities were no trivial matter.
After seeing the news, they knew there was a huge problem.
"I believe they'll definitely return to the Avengers!"
"After two years of isolation, this is probably what brings them back."
"Vision looks like he's gotten used to this peaceful life and doesn't want to go back."
"Wanda's strength is obvious to everyone. She'll probably be the backbone of the team!"
"There shouldn't be a problem with Vision, but he has an Infinity Stone in his head!"
As the comments continued to scroll...
On the screen.
Vision kissed Wanda's hand, then he slowly stepped back. "I have to go."
"No, Vision." Wanda said, "Vision, if that's true, then maybe going isn't the best idea."
Vision looked at Wanda. "Wanda, I..."
Before he could finish speaking, a sharp blade suddenly pierced straight through his body, and Wanda screamed.
The audience was equally shocked as everyone stared in disbelief at Vision's body being impaled. Everyone knew that Vision possessed the Mind Stone. If he died, the Infinity Stone would be lost.
"It has to be one of Thanos' men!"
"Damn! Starting with a critical hit? That's brutal!"
"Look, this is what happens when you're distracted by love! It'd be terrible if Vision's gem were taken."
A roar echoed while the blade suddenly lifted upward with Vision on the tip. His ordinary clothes disappeared, revealing his synthetic body. One of Thanos' subordinates wielded a spear, hurling Vision violently to the ground.
"Vision!" Wanda cried out.
Just as she was about to unleash her powers, a projectile suddenly struck her from behind; then she crashed into a nearby building. In the darkness not far away, another alien emerged.
Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive looked on coldly. Their objective was obvious as they headed straight for Vision, who lay helpless on the ground. Corvus Glaive stepped on Vision's chest, and the blade in his hand pressed against the Mind Stone embedded in Vision's forehead. He intended to forcibly pry the Mind Stone out.
Vision had already suffered severe injuries, and the energy within his body fluctuated violently as the Mind Stone was his core. As the blade dug deeper, Vision let out a rare, agonizing scream. Corvus Glaive pressed down harder with his glaive, and it seemed the Mind Stone would soon be removed.
At that moment, a wave of crimson energy blasted both enemies away as Wanda rushed out of the shattered building. Dark red energy surrounded her hands as she lifted Vision into the air, then she flew away with him.
"The enemy looks really strong."
"Vision got taken down with one stab..."
"Wanda is strong! Trust her!"
"Thanos sent four people just to steal the Infinity Stones."
"First the Time Stone, now the Mind Stone too?"
"Damn it! Why?!"
The massive wound in Vision's abdomen glowed faintly, but Wanda supported him as they moved forward. Vision could no longer stand, so he slowly sat down on the ground. "The blade, it stopped me from phasing."
Wanda asked, "Is that even possible?"
Vision replied, "It isn't supposed to be. My systems are failing. I'm beginning to think we should have stayed in bed."
The crimson energy in Wanda's hands covered Vision's wound, and the gruesome injury rapidly healed. Just then, Corvus Glaive charged forward at incredible speed. Vision instantly shoved Wanda aside. "Vis!"
Vision was pinned to the wall. With a grim expression, Corvus Glaive said, "Give up the stone, and she lives."
Vision forced himself to move. He grabbed Corvus Glaive's shoulders and carried him, crashing through the clock tower. Both of them landed on the rooftop. Meanwhile, Wanda was intercepted by Proxima Midnight, so she had no way to support Vision.
The weapon in Proxima Midnight's hands was incredibly powerful. With a loud explosion, Wanda's energy barrier was shattered, sending her flying upward. Proxima Midnight leaped into the air, its spear slashing toward Wanda so she spread her hands. Dark red energy intertwined, locking both the weapon and its wielder in place.
On the rooftop, Vision seized the opportunity. He punched Corvus Glaive several times, then hurled him away before the Mind Stone on his forehead released a brilliant yellow laser. However, the weapon in Corvus Glaive's hands was equally extraordinary, as it easily blocked the Mind Stone's beam.
Light and blade collided before a violent shockwave erupted. Yellow beams scattered in every direction, cutting through the surrounding buildings. Corvus Glaive's face turned grim before the blade in his hand trembled and reflected the energy beam back. Vision was instantly blasted into the air.
The sudden reversal left the audience stunned.
"I thought Vision was about to turn things around."
"Vision was stabbed right through his core. He can't even control his body anymore."
"Who is this monster? He's ridiculously strong! Feels even stronger than that purple guy."
"It's the weapon that's terrifying. Even Ultron's Vibranium body couldn't withstand the Mind Stone's laser, but that weapon blocks it and even reflects it."
"Wanda, hurry up and help! This is driving me crazy!"
"Don't let this happen!"
"This is so painful to watch."
"The Avengers exist in name only!"
"Thanos himself is terrifying, and every one of his subordinates is unbelievably powerful."
Panic spread among the audience.
While fighting Proxima Midnight on the ground, Wanda suddenly heard a scream, and she looked up; then she immediately realized something was wrong. Crimson energy erupted from her hands, blasting Proxima Midnight away.
On the rooftop, Corvus Glaive pinned Vision down once more, and his blade pressed against the Mind Stone. Suddenly, he heard bricks shifting behind him. He turned around and saw an enormous mass of crimson energy gathering in Wanda's hands.
"Hands off!"
Corvus Glaive was blasted completely out of sight before Wanda rushed over to support Vision. Crimson energy surged around them, lifting both of them into the air.
On the ground, Proxima Midnight raised his weapon and aimed at the fleeing pair before firing.
Blue energy struck both of them. They immediately plummeted diagonally downward, smashing through a wall of glass. They hit the ground heavily, slid across the street, and crashed into another wall.
Wanda hurried over to help Vision. "Come on. Come on. Come on, you gotta get up. You gotta get up. Come on. Hey. We have to go."
But Vision had clearly been gravely injured. Not only was the wound in his abdomen severe, but after the Mind Stone had been struck twice, its damage had also greatly affected him. He tried several times to stand, but failed each time.
Vision leaned weakly against the railing, then he slowly shook his head. He reached out and gently touched Wanda's face. "Please. Please leave."
Wanda was almost in tears. "You asked me to stay. I'm staying."
Vision still insisted, "Please."
Suddenly, glass shattered overhead before Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight landed from above. They stared coldly at the two of them. In their current condition, Vision and Wanda had no chance of escaping.
"Oh no... they're going to lose the Mind Stone too!"
"I'm going crazy!"
"Can Wanda still unleash another burst of power? Maybe she can take both of them down."
"A comeback? Don't count on it."
"This is terrifying."
"That blade definitely isn't an ordinary weapon. Otherwise Vision wouldn't have been injured so easily."
The audience watched anxiously. Vision and Wanda were in an utterly desperate situation and isolated; it was almost certain death. Then they saw Wanda gently lower Vision's head to the ground, and she stood up alone. Her face filled with fury as she prepared to confront the two aliens by herself.
Many viewers were saddened, especially those who had said before that Wanda and Vision are two species, so why should they fall in love? They suddenly understood. The bond between Vision and Wanda had long since become inseparable. Vision wanted to keep Wanda alive, and he would rather stay behind himself, while Wanda wanted to protect Vision, so she insisted on staying and was prepared to die. Together, they faced two powerful and unknown enemies. That kind of feeling was already stronger than that of most lovers and even many married couples.
"It really is true that adversity reveals true love."
"I don't want anything to happen to them."
"It's a beautiful thing to be able to die with the person you love."
"Seeing Wanda standing in front of Vision makes me want to cry. Damn it! What the hell?!"
"Hey! Who's that over there?!"
The viewers watching suddenly rubbed their eyes, wondering if they had seen it wrong.
On the screen.
Just as powerful crimson energy surged from Wanda's hands, a train suddenly passed behind her. Proxima Midnight's eyes shifted because she sensed something was wrong, so she stared behind the train. Seeing this, Wanda also looked back.
When the train passed, a figure was standing on the opposite side. Proxima Midnight tightened her grip before the weapon in her hand transformed into a javelin and shot toward the man.
The man simply turned sideways and casually caught the javelin. He stepped out of the shadows, and his face was filled with determination.
Wanda suddenly smiled.
The chat filled with comments.
"I knew it! It's Rogers!"
"He changed his hairstyle? He looks even more handsome."
"Can we finally see the Avengers assembled again? So exciting!"
"With Rogers here, there shouldn't be any problems!"
"It looks like the stone can be protected."
"Captain is so cool!"
"When Rogers appeared, the sense of security was overwhelming."
"Wow! It's not just Rogers, everyone else is here too!"
The wind roared across the sky. Falcon folded his wings, then dove downward to kick Proxima Midnight and send her flying. He then turned around, took off, and pressed the button in his hand. Several miniature missiles launched from his wings and flew toward Corvus Glaive.
Corvus Glaive tried to block the attack, but Rogers suddenly hurled the weapon in his hand. Out of the darkness, Black Widow rushed forward, and she grabbed the spear. With a single move, she blocked the attack.
Black Widow's combat skills were extraordinary as she knocked Corvus Glaive's weapon aside, then directly stabbed the spear into his chest. Corvus Glaive let out a scream before a roundhouse kick sent him flying.
Black Widow was about to continue attacking, but the spear in her hand suddenly flew away uncontrollably. Proxima Midnight, who had rushed back, caught it. Rogers rolled forward and picked up the blade on the ground, blocking Proxima Midnight's attack.
The two of them fought together against Proxima Midnight, and it was clearly being overwhelmed. When Falcon joined from above, it rolled across the ground, then crawled over to Corvus Glaive, who had fallen. "Get up."
Corvus Glaive shook his head. "I can't."
Falcon raised his gun and aimed at them, but Proxima Midnight glared at everyone. Black Widow said, "We don't wanna kill you, but we will."
"You'll never get the chance again." Proxima Midnight said.
Then, as if activating a switch, a beam of light descended, enveloping Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive, and they were instantly pulled into the sky. The weapon Rogers was holding was automatically dragged upward as well. High among the clouds, another circular spacecraft retrieved them, then flew away.
"Wow! The Infinity Stone is safe!"
"Relax, this is also an opportunity!"
"Rogers and Black Widow are all here now!"
"The Avengers need to reunite!"
Watching the two enemies leave, the Director and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The three quickly came over to Vision, and Falcon grabbed Vision's hand to help him up. "Can you stand?"
Looking at Rogers, Vision said, "Thank you, Captain."
Rogers nodded. "Let's get you on the jet."
On the plane, Black Widow carried a small equipment case. "Now, I thought we had a deal. Stay close, check in, don't take any chances."
Wanda apologized. "I'm sorry. We just wanted time."
Falcon piloted the aircraft and asked, "Where to, Cap?"
Rogers remained calm as he replied, "Home."
In space, aboard the craft, Gamora was playing with a delicate double-edged knife. She looked deep in thought.
Behind her, Quill walked over. "Gamora. Do you know if these grenades are the blow-off-your-junk kind or the gas kind? Because I was thinking about hanging a couple on my belt right here. But I don't want to if they're the..."
Gamora didn't answer. Instead, she said solemnly, "I need to ask a favor."
Quill answered immediately. "Yeah, sure."
Gamora said, "One way or another, the path that we're on leads to Thanos."
Quill tossed the grenade into the air. "Which is what the grenades are for."
Seeing Gamora staring at him, he hurriedly corrected himself. "Uh, I'm sorry. What's the favor?"
Gamora spoke slowly. "If things go wrong... If Thanos gets me..."
She looked at Quill with tears in her eyes. "I want you to promise me... you'll kill me."
Quill froze. "What?"
Gamora looked out the window. "I know something he doesn't."
She turned back, and her tone became firm. "And if he finds it out, the entire universe could be at risk."
Quill frowned. "What do you know?"
Gamora replied calmly. "If I tell you, you'd know too."
Quill leaned against the ship. "If it's so important... shouldn't I?"
Gamora shook her head. "Only if you wanna die."
Quill still couldn't understand. "Why does somebody always have to die in this scenario"
Gamora faced him, and her voice trembled. "Just... Trust me. And possibly kill me."
Quill sighed. "I mean, I'd like to. I really would. But you..."
Gamora immediately covered his mouth. "Swear to me. Swear to me on your mother."
Quill frowned, and the smile vanished from his face. "Okay."
"Okay..." Then the two embraced.
Inside the Administration.
Darwin said solemnly, "It seems this Gamora is the key clue to the Soul Stone. As expected, every scene shown has a purpose."
Gamora's meaning was already obvious. If she were captured by Thanos, he would force her to reveal the Soul Stone's location. That was why she wanted Quill to kill her, to prevent that information from ever being revealed.
Tonio frowned. "I just have a bad feeling. Thanos has too many methods, and we don't know what other abilities he has."
Johan said, "What Kasey said is indeed a concern. Each Infinity Stone possesses different powers, but we still don't know the true abilities of these stones. What if one of them can extract her memories and obtain the Soul Stone's location?"
The Director took a deep breath. "Although Gamora may ultimately reveal the Soul Stone's location, she's also our best opportunity to resist Thanos. And now that the Avengers are gathering again, their combined strength will be extraordinary."
Odom said helplessly, "It would be wonderful if the Time Stone were still available; then we'd actually have a chance. As for the Mind Stone on Vision's forehead, it doesn't seem nearly as useful."
Everyone still remembered how Ancient One's successor had once used the Time Stone to confront Dormammu.
"Let's continue watching."
"Uh... this scene is a little awkward."
After the audience saw the next scene, many people burst into laughter.
Just as Gamora and Quill embraced, a crunching sound suddenly came from behind them. Both of them jumped in surprise, and turning around, they saw a heavily tattooed man standing there holding a bag of snacks while watching them while chewing.
"Oh." Gamora sighed.
Quill's expression instantly became one of horror and disgust. "Dude... How long have you been standing there?"
The tattooed man answered. "An hour."
Quill stared. "An hour?"
Gamora said speechlessly. "Are you serious?"
The tattooed man replied calmly. "I've mastered the ability of standing so incredibly still... that I become invisible to the eye."
"Watch." As he spoke, he completely stopped moving, not even a twitch. Then, he slowly raised a snack toward his mouth.
Quill said helplessly, "You're eating a zarg-nut?"
The tattooed man closed his eyes confidently. "But my movement... was so slow... that it's imperceptible."
"Mmm, no."
"I'm sure I'm invisible."
The antennaed woman appeared beside him, and she smiled. "Hi, Drax."
"Damn it!" Drax immediately moved while crushing the snack bag in his hand. Then turned around and walked away.
The viewer erupted with laughter. Drax's serious demeanor made everything even funnier.
Soon afterward, the spacecraft arrived at a massive cosmic settlement. Steel structures covered the landscape, and it looked like an abandoned world, like the Collector's domain from before. The spacecraft flew inward.
Quill looked around. "This place looks deserted."
Drax looked ahead. "I'm reading movement in the third quadrant."
Quill nodded. "Yep, I'm picking that up too. Let's put down right here."
The group disembarked, and they advanced cautiously. Suddenly, everyone noticed movement ahead. Hiding behind a crate and peeking, Quill immediately raised his fist, signaling for his teammates to continue walking.
As they drew closer, the situation ahead became clear. That towering figure was none other than Thanos. And lying at the Mad Titan's feet was the Collector, the former keeper of the Aether.