But none of this posed any difficulty for Xu Dan at all, because his private super jet was still hovering overhead.
It was estimated that cleaning up this battlefield alone would probably take a month.
Stark Industries would also need to be renovated into the Avengers Building.
But none of that mattered. With two Infinity Stones now in his possession, he had more important things to do.
The Red Queen had already piloted the Chitauri main ship into outer space to keep it out of the sight of Earth's various forces.
Xu Dan then returned directly to Antarctic Biotechnology Company, bringing Selvig upstairs with him.
Looking at the two mages still guarding the entrance, Xu Dan stepped forward.
"Master Mordo, could you ask Master Ancient One if she's available? I have something important to discuss with her."
Among the two mage gatekeepers, Mordo was the easier one to communicate with compared to the bearded one.
His gaze fell suspiciously on the Psychic Scepter in Xu Dan's hand. As a mage, he could sense the mysterious power contained within it.
Even that faint sense of mystery alone was enough to pique his curiosity.
"What is it about?" he asked.
Xu Dan had no intention of telling Mordo about the Mind Stone. Mordo was rigid in his thinking—if he knew, he would surely start talking about violating the natural order.
"Please just help me ask whether the Ancient One is free. Thank you."
After saying that, he led Selvig into the laboratory.
"Heavens!"
The moment he entered, Selvig's expression changed.
With strong financial backing, this lab had been built into the world's best. Every piece of equipment required for experiments—large or small—was available.
Although Banner specialized in biological sciences and Selvig in astronomy—two entirely different fields—the instruments here could fully support both of them simultaneously.
"This is just one lab. I have dozens more," Xu Dan said indifferently.
Banner, who had been working, heard voices and moved away from the microscope.
"Wow, Dan, you brought another friend?"
"Well, this is Dr. Selvig, and this is Dr. Banner," Xu Dan introduced them.
In truth, the two wouldn't be working together. One focused on biological research, while the other would later be assigned to Antarctic military industry—there would be little interaction. Still, basic introductions were necessary.
Selvig's situation was special, and Xu Dan would need to arrange things personally for him later.
About half an hour later, a circular ring of light suddenly lit up inside the lab. A robed figure stepped out.
It was the Ancient One.
Xu Dan and Banner were unsurprised—this was standard mage ability.
But Selvig's eyes nearly popped out.
He had lived most of his life, yet in just the past few years he had witnessed one unbelievable thing after another.
Thor, the Destroyer in New Mexico, the Cosmic Cube incidents, aliens—and now this?
Was the world scientific or fantastical?
The Ancient One merely glanced calmly at Selvig. After confirming he posed no threat, her gaze shifted to Xu Dan's hand and the white box.
"This is…"
"The Mind Stone and the Space Stone," Xu Dan said openly.
In front of her, there was no need for concealment.
This Sorcerer Supreme, who had lived for centuries, had seen far too much.
She was visibly stunned. After a long moment, she looked into Xu Dan's eyes solemnly.
"No one in this world has ever gathered three Infinity Stones so quickly. Your existence is truly full of miracles."
Xu Dan shook his head. Fast?
Had she seen Thanos? He collected six in the span of a single movie.
"It's nothing, Master. I asked you here because I hope you can help me."
"Yes. I must help you."
"Must?" Xu Dan asked, puzzled.
"No one gathers the Stones this quickly. When something like this happens, it means disaster is approaching."
There was some truth to that.
But the issue wasn't that he was collecting the Stones—disaster was coming regardless.
"Then it seems I should speed up collecting them."
"Oh?"
Xu Dan explained, "I want to strengthen humanity as much as possible before disaster strikes. The Time Stone already allows different time flow rates—players spend three days in the game for one day in reality. As for the Mind Stone, it governs the spirit. If we use it to continuously strengthen players' mental strength… Humans can't fully control their bodies yet, but if their spirit grows powerful enough, Earth will have an army!"
"Of course, that's not all. I'll also find the Reality Stone and the Power Stone, allowing players to bring virtual power back into reality—strengthening humanity as a whole. Then the Space Stone: instead of relying on the Rainbow Bridge, I'll extend the virtual world to places across the universe where justice exists!"
He didn't mention the Soul Stone. Its purpose was personal—to allow souls to exist permanently in the virtual world after physical death. That wouldn't convince the Ancient One.
Hearing this vision, she seemed able to see the future.
No matter where disaster came from, divine soldiers would stand on Earth.
Let calamities come—Earth's guardians would be invincible.
She looked at Xu Dan with a faint smile.
"You may be the first person in the world to think of using the Infinity Stones this way. You are clever and fortunate. But finding the Stones will not be easy."
Xu Dan smiled.
For someone who knew where they all were, was it really difficult? Aside from the Soul Stone's strange condition, which one couldn't he find?
"Nothing in the world is difficult for one who has the will," he said.
A spark flashed in her eyes. She reached out, took the Psychic Scepter, and said:
"If you truly find the other Stones, I will help you at any time."