On the Quantum Tunnel platform at the Avengers base, all members participating in the Time Heist had assembled.
Levi stood at the center of the platform, raising his right hand. A complex magic circle appeared in his palm.
Eight fundamental laws circulated within his body. The Law of Mind was separated out, transforming into countless transparent threads. These threads wove together in midair into a massive network, each node corresponding to a person's consciousness.
"This is a mental barrier," Levi said calmly. "It will conceal your presence, preventing the 2012 version of me from detecting you. Back then, my mastery of the Law of Mind was still crude. As long as you don't actively expose yourselves, this layer will be enough to deceive me."
Tony raised his arm, and JARVIS immediately began scanning. Streams of data appeared on his suit's display, showing an additional layer of energy shielding around his cerebral cortex—something undetectable by physical means.
"How long does it last?" Tony asked.
"Six hours. Enough to complete the mission." As Levi finished speaking, the transparent threads shot forward, sinking into each person's forehead.
Steve felt a gentle energy spread through his mind, like an invisible film covering the surface of his consciousness. It didn't hurt, but he could clearly sense his thoughts being protected.
"My spatial perception detects physical sound waves and energy fluctuations," Levi added. "The mental barrier only hides your presence on a consciousness level. So you still need to move carefully—don't make too much noise. Though I'll likely pass through the black hole into space soon, so it shouldn't be too much of a concern."
"Then we adapt as things come," Clint said, checking the special arrows in his quiver. "Our objective is clear—retrieve the Space Stone, Mind Stone, and Time Stone, then get out."
Rocket hopped onto a metal crate, resting his energy rifle on his shoulder. "You Earthlings love overcomplicating things. Why not just charge in and grab them? I've been a bounty hunter for twenty years—I don't bother with these convoluted plans."
"That's because you've never stolen Infinity Stones," Rhodey replied. "Those aren't ordinary items. One wrong move and the entire timeline collapses."
Tony input the final parameters into the console. The Quantum Tunnel began charging, emitting a low hum.
"Alright, enough talk. Everyone check your temporal GPS, confirm your Pym particle dosage. Target time: May 4th, 2012. Location: Manhattan, New York. The moment of Loki's invasion."
Levi looked at his comrades about to embark on time travel. Determination was written across every face. Five years of waiting, five years of pain—all of it would reach a turning point in the next few hours.
"Remember," Levi said one last time, "do not alter any key events. Do not interact with your past selves. Do not stay in that timeline longer than necessary. Get the Stones, and return immediately."
Steve nodded and pressed the activation button on his temporal GPS. The others followed suit.
The Quantum Tunnel unfolded instantly, white light swallowing them all.
Levi watched them vanish into the light, then turned and walked toward another platform. His destination was Asgard in 2013—where the Reality Stone awaited, along with a future he had to face alone.
—
As the white light faded, Steve Rogers opened his eyes to find himself standing atop an abandoned building.
Explosions and screams filled the air. Chitauri aircraft roared across the sky. In the distance, above Stark Tower, a massive portal continuously spewed alien troops.
The Battle of New York was underway.
Steve glanced at his temporal GPS. The display was precise down to the second.
May 4th, 2012. 2:37 PM.
Tony's voice came through the comms. "All teams, report positions."
"Cap's team in position. Three hundred meters west of Stark Tower," Steve replied.
"Iron Man team in position, heading to the Sanctum," Tony said, wind noise audible from his flight.
"Banner team in position, preparing to enter the Sanctum," Banner added.
"Nat's team in position. Target locked," Natasha said calmly.
"I see them," Steve said into the comm. "Our 2012 selves are fighting. It's loud."
He scanned the battlefield, searching for Levi.
According to his memory, Levi should have been here during the Battle of New York—and a key force at that. But all he could see were the 2012 versions of Tony, himself, Natasha, Clint, and the Hulk.
No Levi.
"That's not right," Steve frowned. "Levi isn't here."
The comm fell silent for a few seconds before Tony spoke again. "You sure?"
"I'm sure. I see all of us from 2012—but no Levi. This timeline is different from what we remember."
"Damn it," Tony cursed. "A branch already? We just got here."
"No," Banner cut in. "It likely branched before we arrived. Remember what Levi said? The Time Variance Authority removes threats to maintain the Sacred Timeline. Maybe in this branch, Levi never existed at all."
Steve tightened his grip on his shield. If Levi wasn't here, how would the Battle of New York unfold? Who would destroy the Chitauri mothership? Who would close the portal?
He looked up. The portal was still expanding, the Chitauri pouring through endlessly. The 2012 Avengers were struggling far more than he remembered.
"Continue the mission," Steve decided. "We can't change this timeline—we just take the Stones and leave. Tony, status on the Time Stone?"
"Banner's at the Sanctum. The Ancient One just showed up," Tony said. "Doesn't look easy."
Steve turned toward Stark Tower. According to the plan, the Mind Stone was inside Loki's scepter. At this point, Loki had already been defeated, and the scepter would soon be taken by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. He needed to intercept it before they left the building.
"Nat, do you see the agents?" Steve asked.
"I do," Natasha replied. "Rumlow is leading the STRIKE team. They're evacuating with the scepter in a case."
Steve leapt off the rooftop. His shield spun through the air, smashing precisely into a Chitauri soldier's helmet. He rolled upon landing, dodging an energy blast, then sprinted toward a side entrance of Stark Tower.
Natasha's voice fed him real-time updates. "Rumlow's team is in the elevator. Thirty seconds to reach the lobby."
Steve accelerated, pushing through a security door into the building. The hallway was in ruins—half the ceiling had collapsed, wires dangling and sparking.
He heard the elevator.
Footsteps echoed at the end of the corridor.
A squad of heavily armed S.H.I.E.L.D. agents came into view, led by Brock Rumlow, carrying a silver metallic case.
Inside it was Loki's scepter—the Mind Stone.
Rumlow froze upon seeing Steve. "Captain? What are you doing here? I thought you were outside handling the Chitauri."
Steve steadied his breathing, his mind racing. He needed a reason—one that would make Rumlow hand over the case willingly. There was no time for a fight. Any conflict might draw the attention of his 2012 self and completely destabilize the timeline.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has new orders," Steve said, stepping forward with a stern tone. "The scepter needs to be transferred to a more secure location immediately. The situation outside is too chaotic."
Rumlow frowned. The agents behind him exchanged uncertain glances. "I haven't received any new orders. This transfer route was personally authorized by Director Fury."
That wouldn't be enough. Rumlow wasn't an ordinary agent—he was the leader of STRIKE, a veteran of countless covert missions. He wouldn't trust a verbal order so easily.
Then Steve remembered.
In the original timeline, Rumlow would later be revealed as a member of Hydra.
Steve lowered his voice and stepped closer, leaning toward Rumlow's ear. He could see the tension in Rumlow's eyes, feel the man's finger tightening near the trigger.
"Hail Hydra," Steve whispered.
Rumlow's pupils contracted instantly. His entire body stiffened as if struck by lightning. He stared at Steve—shock, confusion, then something more complex flickering in his gaze.
Steve continued, his voice barely audible. "Secretary Pierce ordered the immediate transfer of the scepter. Highest-level directive. You understand, Rumlow. Some things aren't discussed here."
Rumlow swallowed, glancing between Steve and the case. After a few seconds of silence, he took a deep breath and handed it over.
"Understood… Captain," Rumlow said, his voice tight. "I'll note it in my report."
Steve took the case, feeling its weight. The Mind Stone—one of the most powerful forces in the universe—was now in his hands.
He nodded and turned to leave, but Rumlow suddenly called out.
"Captain, wait."
Steve's back tensed, but he didn't turn around.
"I need to confirm something," Rumlow said hesitantly. "Did Secretary Pierce really give this order?"
"Are you questioning it?" Steve replied coldly.
"No, I just… it's sudden. And protocol says Director Fury should oversee the handoff."
Steve turned, his gaze sharp. He couldn't afford delay—every second increased the risk of exposure.
"Rumlow, you should understand—some missions don't come with explanations. You've seen the situation outside. The Chitauri could breach at any moment. The scepter must be moved immediately. This is the organization's decision."
Rumlow stared at him for a few seconds before finally stepping back. "Understood, Captain. Good luck."
Steve nodded and strode toward the stairwell, the case in hand. He could feel Rumlow's gaze on his back until he disappeared around the corner.
Tony's voice came through the comms. "Steve, did you get it?"
"Got it," Steve said, moving quickly through the corridor. "Mind Stone secured. Preparing to extract."
"Banner's still having trouble. The Ancient One won't hand over the Time Stone," Tony said.
"Tell her the truth," Steve replied. "Tell her we're from the future. Tell her what Thanos will do. Tell her Strange will become the Sorcerer Supreme—and that he willingly gives up the Time Stone. The Ancient One can see through lies. Only the truth will convince her."
There was a pause, then Banner's voice came through. "Understood. I'll try."
Steve found a secluded room, set the case down, and opened it.
Loki's scepter lay quietly inside, its blue glow piercing through the dim light.
He reached out and touched it. A force tried to invade his mind—but the mental barrier Levi had placed activated instantly, blocking it completely.
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