Chapter 238 to Chapter 247

  ...

  The two women had a heated discussion, but no matter how much they deliberated, the options remained limited. Among the nine realms, only a few were suitable for living.

  One possibility was Alfheim, the realm of the elves. Thor had described it as a land of unparalleled beauty, where the elves lived in harmony with nature, tending to flowers and plants while basking in light. The elves themselves were kind, powerful, and enchanting.

  Another option was Nidavellir, home of the dwarves.

  However, both were inhabited realms. No matter how much Leon's influence had shifted their perspectives, neither Natasha nor Wanda would consider taking what rightfully belonged to others.

  Ultimately, the two women ran out of ideas and turned to Leon.

  Leon offered them a mysterious smile but said nothing. Wanda immediately protested, shaking her head and squirming in his lap in mock frustration. The movement almost pushed Leon to his limits, but he managed to suppress the beast within, enjoying her playful antics with an amused grin.

  Finally, Leon relented and spoke.

  "Asgard."

  "Asgard?" Natasha and Wanda echoed in unison, their sharp minds catching on instantly.

  Natasha studied Leon closely. "Are you suggesting we find a galaxy or dimension as suitable as Asgard and create a new realm of our own?"

  Wanda was equally stunned by the magnitude of his idea.

  Finding a new dimension wasn't impossible—Wanda knew her growing powers would allow her to traverse dimensions eventually. But creating a world suitable for habitation? That was an entirely different matter. The scale of resources and power required for such a feat was almost incomprehensible.

  Even with her abilities to alter reality and reshape the world, Wanda couldn't imagine creating something on the scale of Asgard anytime soon. Not even in the next decade.

  Both women understood Leon well enough to know he wouldn't suggest such an idea unless he was confident.

  Their curiosity was palpable as they waited for him to elaborate.

  Leon, unbothered by their wide-eyed stares, took a leisurely sip of iced juice through a straw. Then, with a smirk, he said, "You're underestimating your man."

  "Finding a new world isn't difficult," Leon continued. "And as for building one? That's not beyond my capabilities anymore."

  Natasha leaned in, her imposing figure pressing against Leon as she scrutinized him. Wanda wasn't to be outdone, settling herself more firmly in his lap and making a face at Natasha.

  Faced with the teasing warmth of the two women, Leon surrendered. One arm wrapped around Natasha's slender waist, while the other hand found its way to Wanda's hip. Wanda blushed furiously but made no move to stop him.

  "You want to know my strength?" Leon asked, finally addressing the unspoken question. "I've reached the level of a Sky Father. At most, I'm in the first echelon—but I'm still far from Odin's peak."

  His confidence wasn't misplaced. The Sky Blade series of battleships had propelled his power to new heights, allowing him to stand among the first tier of Sky Father-level beings. If he had the full computational support of Merlot Heavenly Court, Leon was certain he could rival even peak Odin.

  "You're growing too fast," Natasha remarked, her voice tinged with awe.

  She felt a swell of pride. Her man was an unimaginable genius.

  Natasha understood the significance of Leon's strength. At the Sky Father level, a being could easily destroy a planet or traverse entire galaxies. Compared to that, her ability to obliterate a country felt almost insignificant.

  Glancing at Wanda, Natasha said, "It seems Odin and the Ancient One have treated us so favorably because of you."

  Natasha's sharp instincts quickly pieced together the clues. Wanda's smooth acceptance into Kamar-Taj, her designation as the next Sorcerer Supreme, and Leon's fortuitous encounters with Thor and Asgard—it was all too convenient to be mere coincidence.

  Leon didn't deny it. He nodded, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

  "I've said it before: only the strong have the right to negotiate. Both the Ancient One and Odin have their own concerns. My appearance offers them another possibility—an alternative that might influence their choices."

  "Friend or foe," Leon said simply, "it's their decision. But as a human aligned with Earth's natural order, my presence gives us certain advantages."

  Natasha smiled, leaning in to kiss him. Her eyes softened with affection.

  Wanda, unwilling to be outdone, gave Leon a kiss of her own—but hers was so forceful it left a faint mark on his cheek. In retaliation, Leon pinched her hip, making her yelp in protest.

  "Don't start something you can't finish," Leon teased, using one hand to hold her back as she playfully clawed at him.

  Leaning back, Leon gazed toward the horizon where the sun hung low in the sky. His tone grew reflective.

  "The Earth can't sustain us forever. It's our home, but our ambitions lie beyond it. In this chaotic era, we need a world of our own—a place where we can grow without limits."

  "I'll lead you to new horizons," he vowed softly. "Together, we'll build a world where no one can threaten us."

  ...

  Wanda had been working tirelessly of late, leaving little time for outings with Leon. Her current obsession was figuring out how to transform the Destroyer armor.

  Transforming the Casket of Ancient Winters into a necklace had taken her less than a day. She'd presented the necklace, now adorned with a gemstone made from the ice core, to Leon with a solemn expression. He wore it proudly.

  But unlike the Casket, the Destroyer was far more complicated to work with. The Casket was essentially a massive energy module encased within a container. Once Wanda had opened the Casket, suppressed the energy burst, and compressed the frost energy into a gem, the transformation process was relatively straightforward.

  For the Destroyer, things weren't so simple.

  The Destroyer armor was crafted during Odin's prime to battle the Celestials. Its metal was a rare, enchanted material, and its true power came from the intricate magical runes and inscriptions Odin had imbued upon it. These runes granted it unmatched defensive capabilities, self-repair functions, and the ability to channel and amplify the immense power of Odin at his peak.

  The armor wasn't just a weapon—it was a symbol of Asgard's deepest secrets: the art of crafting and the mystical knowledge of runes.

  Odin himself had sacrificed his right eye for the wisdom of the runes, hanging from Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to uncover the secrets of the cosmos. In Asgard, what appeared to be advanced technology—aircraft, weapons, and fortresses—was actually a blend of dwarven craftsmanship and rune-based spellwork.

  This was why the Destroyer posed such a challenge to Wanda.

  As she delved deeper into the study of white and black magic, Wanda's thirst for knowledge only grew. She was no idle dreamer; her experiences and her bond with Leon had instilled in her a relentless drive for power. The more she learned about the Destroyer's secrets, the more determined she became to master the art of rune crafting.

  Runes were not just symbols—they were a language imbued with power. Each rune had its own meaning and energy, and their combinations created new and diverse effects. But learning them wasn't as simple as memorizing letters; it required spiritual communion and a deep understanding of their essence.

  Wanda wasn't impatient, but she wasn't one to waste time either. If there was a smarter way, she'd take it.

  So, she turned to Leon.

  Leon agreed with her plan but told her it would take some time. Though puzzled, Wanda trusted him and returned to her studies.

  Meanwhile, the Sky Blade battleship had already scanned and analyzed the Destroyer when Wanda brought it into the Mirror Dimension. However, deciphering divine texts required an immense amount of computational power. The Sky Blade's resources were already stretched thin, focused on analyzing Thor's genes and constructing additional Sky Blade series battleships.

  Learning runes wasn't impossible for Leon, but it demanded effort and patience—something he had in abundance.

  Suddenly, a deafening boom shook the heavens. Brilliant beams of multicolored light descended, sending shockwaves in every direction. Warriors clad in armor were thrown back as a powerful electrical storm raged, tearing through the battlefield.

  Thor Odinson stood at the center of the chaos. His crimson cape billowed behind him, and Mjolnir crackled with lightning in his grip. His sharp, storm-filled gaze scanned the scene.

  The ground beneath his feet was not natural earth but the metallic surface of a massive war fortress floating in space. Surrounding him were countless Chitauri warships and swarms of smaller aircraft.

  Thor recognized the figures at the far end of the battlefield immediately.

  "The Chitauri..." he muttered grimly, his voice filled with disdain. His eyes narrowed on the man standing beside the Chitauri King. "And Loki..."

  Loki, dressed in his green and gold armor and signature horned helmet, smirked as he gripped the scepter gifted to him by Thanos.

  "My dear brother, Thor Odinson," Loki drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've never lost my way. I simply know what I need to achieve my goals. These allies are the key to realizing my ideals."

  "They are ruthless executioners!" Thor thundered. "What do you hope to achieve by aligning yourself with them? Invade Asgard? Take the throne? That's not how one rules. Even if you succeed, you'll never win the hearts of our people."

  Thor's voice was heavy with frustration and heartbreak. He could barely recognize his brother anymore. The Loki before him was cunning and callous—a stranger. Yet, Thor held onto a sliver of hope, desperately wanting to believe Loki had merely strayed down the wrong path.

  But as Loki stood confidently beside the Chitauri King, his smirk unwavering, Thor knew his pleas would fall on deaf ears.

  ...

  Loki shook his head disdainfully, leveling the scepter at Thor. His face twisted with anger and arrogance as he roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

  "I have never needed the hearts of Asgardians! I have never cared for the throne that you so casually disdain. The only thing I care about is proving that I am better than you!"

  "Why should I remain hidden in your shadow? The world sees only you—shining brightly, carrying glory and the weight of everyone's expectations."

  "Is it because I have the blood of a Frost Giant?"

  "Since they've abandoned me, I have only one path to take: the path Odin once walked. I will conquer them with fire and iron. They will kneel at my feet, looking up to me with humility and piety!"

  Each of Loki's words struck Thor like a hammer, battering his heart. He froze in place, stunned by the sheer venom in his brother's voice.

  For a long moment, Thor stared at Loki, disappointment evident in his storm-filled eyes. Slowly, he raised Mjolnir and pointed it at his brother. His voice was low but resolute.

  "This isn't you, Loki. You've never been this person."

  "You have always been an Asgardian."

  Thor's expression softened as he continued, trying to reach the brother he once knew.

  "When I was exiled to Midgard, I witnessed incredible things. They showed me that greatness isn't determined by blood or by conquest."

  "Humans, who we once thought of as mortals with fleeting lives, have proven that they can rise beyond their limits. Through their effort and ingenuity, they've shown they can surpass even those who call themselves gods."

  Thor's voice carried sincerity, a plea for Loki to see reason. But Loki's eyes remained cold, his mind consumed by rage.

  "We'll never agree," Loki said, his tone icy. "War is the only way to settle this."

  "If you want war, Loki," Thor replied, his expression hardening. "Then so be it."

  Boom!

  As Thor's voice echoed, a deafening thunderclap erupted around him. Lightning surged from his body, illuminating the battlefield in a blinding flash.

  All around, Chitauri soldiers raised their energy weapons, taking aim at the God of Thunder.

  Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

  A barrage of energy beams rained down like a deadly storm. But Thor was faster. Lightning crackled around him, slowing the world as he moved like a raging tempest. With Mjolnir in hand, he charged forward, his target clear: Loki.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Chitauri soldiers in Thor's path stood no chance. The moment he reached them, they were obliterated by the furious might of his lightning. Across the battlefield, a glowing line of destruction marked Thor's advance.

  In seconds, Thor had crossed the battlefield, closing the gap to less than a hundred meters from Loki.

  The Chitauri King, standing silently beside Loki, finally spoke in a hoarse, guttural voice.

  "It's time to prove your worth, Loki. Don't disappoint the master."

  Loki glanced at the Chitauri King, his expression unreadable. Then he stepped forward, raising the scepter in his hand.

  Boom!

  A terrifying blue beam of energy erupted from the scepter, slicing through the air like a scimitar. It was so fast that Thor couldn't react in time. The beam struck him square in the chest.

  Boom!

  Thor was hurled backward, the force of the blast overwhelming him. His body crashed through Chitauri soldiers and debris, spinning uncontrollably through the air before slamming into the surface of the mothership's upper deck. He hit a massive cannon with a resounding crack, the impact creating spiderweb-like fractures across the structure.

  Embedded in the wreckage, Thor groaned as he pulled himself free, landing on the deck with a heavy thud. Lightning crackled around him as he swung Mjolnir, deflecting incoming energy blasts from the Chitauri.

  His sharp gaze fixed on Loki's scepter, doubt creeping into his mind.

  Loki had fled Asgard with Gungnir—the eternal spear. But the weapon he now wielded was far more potent, capable of delivering a strike that even Thor couldn't withstand.

  "Loki!" Thor growled, his voice filled with suspicion and fury.

  This wasn't a simple struggle for the throne. Thor's instincts told him there was something far more sinister at play.

  As he pieced the puzzle together, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. Behind Loki's ambition, there was a greater force—a shadowy figure lurking in the background, manipulating events from afar.

  Thor's grip on Mjolnir tightened. His heart burned with a desire for justice.

  "No matter who's behind this," he vowed, "I'll uncover your conspiracy, destroy it, and take your heads as trophies."

  Boom!

  Thor raised Mjolnir high, summoning a massive storm. A sea of thunder and lightning erupted, consuming the entire top deck of the mothership. Chitauri soldiers disintegrated instantly, reduced to ash by the sheer power of the storm.

  Amid the chaos, a rainbow-colored beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping Thor.

  Loki watched in frustration, understanding all too well what was happening. Heimdall had activated the Bifr?st, pulling Thor back to Asgard.

  Though Loki longed to stop him, he knew the Chitauri alone weren't enough to hold Thor.

  For now, he could only watch as his brother disappeared into the light.

  ...

  Thor's departure did not stir any emotion in Loki. He remained calm, knowing Thor was never his true objective. Thor was merely a bonus in his larger plan. When that plan came to fruition, Thor would kneel before him, powerless, perhaps even kissing his boots.

  "You let him escape, Loki," the Chitauri King growled, his tone sharp and accusing.

  The King's piercing gaze held both suspicion and resentment. A loyal servant to Thanos, he had waded through seas of blood, massacring countless races in his master's name. His hatred for Loki, an Asgardian who had somehow earned Thanos's trust, festered like a wound.

  But Loki's face remained cold and impassive. Tilting his head, he said with a hint of mockery, "Are you accusing me of jeopardizing the plan?"

  The Chitauri King froze, his imposing figure stiff. After a tense silence, he muttered through gritted teeth, "I'll be watching you, Loki. If I sense even a whisper of betrayal, the Chitauri armies will rip you apart."

  Loki barely reacted, his gaze distant. He murmured to himself, "The next surprise will be even grander, my dear Chitauri. I assure you, Asgard will tremble."

  Back in Asgard, the energy portal of the Rainbow Bridge shimmered as Thor stepped through hastily. Heimdall stood solemnly at his post, his Guardian Sword in hand.

  "You saw it, didn't you?" Thor asked, his voice heavy.

  "I did," Heimdall replied, unflinching.

  "You know what I'm talking about."

  Heimdall's expression did not change. "Loki wields the Spear of Eternity. It cloaks him from my sight."

  Thor clenched his fists. "A conspiracy is brewing, Heimdall, and we remain blind to its depth. This is dangerous."

  "I've been tracking the Chitauri flagship," Heimdall said with a frown. "They linger near the MX13 system, yet they haven't made any moves to attack."

  "The Chitauri revel in carnage and conquest," Thor said grimly. "My father should have obliterated them long ago."

  "But they aren't foolish enough to provoke Asgard without cause," Heimdall countered.

  Thor nodded slowly. "Exactly. The Chitauri are pawns in a larger game. The true mastermind hides in the shadows, plotting against us and the Nine Realms."

  Heimdall studied Thor for a moment before asking, "What will you do?"

  Thor paced, Mjolnir in hand, his mind sharp. "I'll summon the gods and sound the alarm. War looms on the horizon, and with my father still in the Odinsleep, I must uncover the identity of Loki's benefactor."

  Heimdall's stoic demeanor softened slightly. "Wisdom and patience suit you, Thor."

  Thor allowed himself a small smile before striding toward Asgard's great halls.

  True to his word, Thor summoned the gods to warn them of the approaching danger. The Asgardian army prepared for battle, but Thor had another plan. With Heimdall's help, he opened the Rainbow Bridge and descended upon Earth.

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  A vibrant beam of light pierced the New York skyline, landing near Stark Tower. The sudden arrival caused panic on the streets, with traffic grinding to a halt and onlookers pointing at the spectacle.

  "Who is that guy?" someone murmured.

  "Is he a mutant?" another asked.

  "He looks like he stepped out of a medieval fair!"

  "Wait, that's Thor! He's been on the news before, hasn't he?"

  Thor ignored the chatter. With Mjolnir in hand, he leaped effortlessly to the tower's rooftop. He landed with a resonant thud, drawing startled glances from within.

  Through the glass, familiar faces turned to meet him—Tony Stark, Cyclops, and Storm among them. As the windows slid open, Thor strode in, a wide grin splitting his face. He embraced them one by one, his booming laughter filling the room.

  Tony, ever the pragmatist, raised an eyebrow. "Well, welcome back to Earth, big guy, but your entrance caused a bit of a stir."

  Pouring a glass of whiskey, Tony handed it to Thor, who downed it in one gulp. "I've missed Midgard's drinks," Thor declared. "Especially the beer Jane introduced me to."

  Tony smirked. "Let's hope you didn't come just for the refreshments."

  Thor's expression turned serious. "I wish it were so. Trouble brews, Stark. I need the Avengers' help."

  The room fell silent. Outside, the sun gleamed off Stark Tower as the battle for the realms began to unfold.

  ...

  "I don't have beer here, if you need it—"

  Tony's words were cut short by Thor.

  "Thank you for your kindness, my friend," Thor said, his expression serious as his gaze swept over the room. "But I have no time to spare. I need to find Wanda, Sergei, and Pietro." He paused, his tone resolute. "I need their help."

  The gravity in his voice made everyone in the room exchange uneasy glances. Tony, Jean, and the others became solemn. For Thor, the future king of Asgard, to arrive on Earth with such urgency and concern, it could only mean one thing: this was no small matter.

  Tony stayed silent and looked at Jean, who hesitated briefly before nodding. Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number that had gone unused for years. The line connected in three seconds, the call amplified for all to hear.

  "Jean?" came a familiar, pleasant voice.

  "Wanda, there's someone here who needs to see you," Jean said carefully.

  "I think I know who it is," Wanda replied, her tone enigmatic. Without another word, she hung up.

  Before anyone could comment, the air in the room shifted. A crisp sound, like glass shattering, echoed as the space before them fractured into transparent, folding prisms. From this kaleidoscope of light stepped Wanda, dressed casually in a gray sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers. The shards of space reassembled seamlessly behind her, leaving the room as it was.

  Storm whispered, "Wow," unable to hide her amazement at the spectacle.

  "Hey, Thor," Wanda greeted, smiling. "I sensed the Rainbow Bridge energy and got Jean's call. I figured it was you."

  Thor grinned broadly. "Wanda, it's good to see you."

  "So," she said, crossing her arms, "what's brought you to New York in such a hurry to find me?"

  Thor's expression grew somber. "I need your help, Wanda."

  "Help?" Wanda's brow furrowed.

  Thor took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Since I returned to Asgard, Loki has vanished with the Eternal Spear. He's gone completely off the grid. Three hours ago, Heimdall detected Loki in the MX13 galaxy aboard a massive Chitauri mothership, surrounded by their army."

  He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I confronted him. We fought. He used a weapon I've never seen before, something powerful. During our brief exchange, it became clear: Loki and the Chitauri are preparing for war."

  "A war against Asgard? Against Earth?" Tony frowned. Words like "alien army" and "war" never led to anything good.

  Thor's face darkened. "It could be worse. The Chitauri are infamous for their atrocities, slaughtering countless civilizations. But they are not foolish. They wouldn't dare provoke Asgard unless something—or someone—gave them reason to."

  The room grew tense. Jean, Scott, and the others exchanged uneasy glances.

  "Do you think the Chitauri would willingly follow Loki?" Wanda asked, her tone skeptical. "And dare to start a war with Asgard? Is Loki mad?"

  Thor shook his head. "Loki is many things, but mad isn't one of them. He's the smartest—and most cunning—person I've ever known. He doesn't embark on plans doomed to fail."

  Thor's voice softened as he added, "But something about him felt... different. It was as if he wasn't himself. I believe someone else is behind this, someone manipulating Loki to ignite this war."

  The weight of his words settled heavily over the room. Tony, arms crossed, rolled up his sleeves absentmindedly, his mind racing.

  "If Loki leads the Chitauri against Asgard, what do you think the outcome will be?" Tony asked.

  Thor's response was swift and confident. "The Chitauri are semi-mechanized beings with hive consciousness. While their technology is advanced, they are no match for Asgard. In an open war, they would lose decisively."

  "But," Tony interjected, "if there's someone pulling the strings, why would they provoke a war they know the Chitauri can't win? What's the endgame? Chaos for the sake of chaos?"

  He fell silent, tapping his chin thoughtfully. Then, as if a lightbulb went off, he snapped his fingers.

  "Or," Tony said, looking around at the group, "maybe this isn't about winning a war. Maybe whoever's behind this wants to test something—to see how we respond. To measure our strength."

  The room buzzed with realization. Jean nodded. "That makes sense. It would explain why they're provoking a conflict they can't win."

  "And what are they afraid of?" Wanda asked, a faint smirk on her lips. "The answer's simple: Odin and the guardians of Earth."

  ...

  Wanda woke the dreamer with a single word.

  The realization hit everyone like a bolt of lightning. Tony even clapped his hands in excitement, speaking quickly.

  "Yes! Odin, the All-Father, rules the Nine Realms. His power alone is enough to deter those with evil intent."

  "But," he added with a frown, "Odin has entered his twilight. That person—whoever's behind this—isn't sure of Odin's condition. They're testing the waters, trying to figure out how much time he has left."

  As the words left his mouth, Tony caught himself, glancing at Thor with an apologetic expression.

  Thor, however, didn't seem offended. He gave a small nod, acknowledging the truth of Tony's statement. "It's fine. My father's time is limited—that's no insult, just fact."

  "But what about the guardians of Earth?" Thor asked, shifting his concern. "Are they in a similar state?"

  All eyes turned to Wanda, waiting for her response.

  "I can't say for certain," she replied, her tone carefully neutral. "But according to what I've heard, the Ancient One is nearing the end of her time as well." Wanda's words were vague, deliberately avoiding naming the Ancient One directly, but they carried enough weight to confirm the theory.

  Thor's face hardened with anger. "So this mastermind covets something, and instead of acting openly, they manipulate Loki into doing their dirty work. Cowards." He clenched his fists. "Loki is being used as a pawn in a conspiracy that could engulf both Asgard and Earth in war. This is unforgivable."

  Tony, ever the strategist, spoke up. "If this mastermind is afraid of Odin and Earth's guardians, that tells us something important: their power isn't as strong as they'd like us to think."

  "Their power isn't the problem," Wanda interjected, her lips curving into a faint smile. "It's what—or who—they're ignoring."

  The room fell silent as everyone's attention shifted to her. Wanda shrugged innocently. "I think they've underestimated us."

  By "us," it was clear she meant herself, Sergei, and the others—powerful individuals who weren't quite on Odin's level but were formidable nonetheless. And then there was Leon.

  Thor, catching Wanda's unspoken point, nodded thoughtfully. "Leon reminds me of my father."

  Coming from the son of Odin, the comparison carried significant weight. While Leon might not rival Odin directly, he was strong enough to make any potential adversary think twice.

  "If this mastermind hasn't accounted for Leon," Thor said, his voice low, "they've made a serious miscalculation."

  Wanda tilted her head slightly, glancing at Tony. Despite her fondness for teasing him, she had to admit that his intellect was unparalleled. Leon's high praise of Tony—calling him one of the most brilliant minds in human history—flashed in her mind. It made her grin inwardly, though she quickly brushed the thought aside.

  Thor interrupted her musings. "Heimdall is monitoring Loki and the Chitauri vanguard fleet, but it's massive—hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions strong. They're not making any big moves yet, but I suspect they're planning something."

  "I've summoned the gods and mobilized Asgard's defenses to the highest level," Thor continued, "but that puts us in a defensive position. It's too passive."

  Wanda's eyes lit up. "You're suggesting we infiltrate their army ourselves?"

  Thor nodded. "Yes. I tried to capture Loki earlier, but the sheer size of his forces—and the power of that scepter—made it impossible. I need time, and I need help."

  Tony blinked, looking incredulous. "Wait. Are you seriously suggesting that a handful of us take on an army of hundreds of thousands—maybe millions—and capture Loki?"

  Thor's serious nod was all the answer he gave.

  Logan, casually puffing on a cigar, smirked. "I like your style, big guy. If you can solve my little vacuum problem, count me in."

  Thor chuckled. "Thank you, my friend, but you're right—the battlefield is in space. I'll make sure to invite you to Asgard for a drink next time."

  Logan grinned. "I'll hold you to that."

  Tony, meanwhile, seemed intrigued. "As much as I'd love to join in, my armor isn't built for space combat. Looks like I'll need to add that to the next development project."

  "Perhaps you should meet the dwarves," Thor suggested with a laugh. "Their craftsmanship might inspire you."

  Tony's eyes lit up at the mention of the legendary dwarven forges. "You've got a deal. Next time, introduce me."

  Bringing the conversation back on track, Wanda said, "I'll summon Sergei and the others. Let's make some plans."

  ...

  The muster was swift.

  A portal opened, and about seven individuals arrived, including Sergei, Gennady, and others. Pushkin and a few others—those who were either uninterested or otherwise occupied—stayed behind. Among the absentees was Melina.

  Although Melina had trained and grown stronger, her reasons for doing so were personal. Leon had once mentioned that surpassing a certain threshold of strength could significantly extend her lifespan and preserve her youth. For a woman like Melina, such a prospect was irresistible.

  Yet, Melina's true passion lay elsewhere. She found fulfillment in training the Black Widows, helping them forge new paths beyond their tragic pasts. She was more inclined to guide and manage than to fight. As one of the decision-makers alongside Natasha and Yelena, Melina also played a crucial role in running the industries Leon disliked overseeing.

  Now, Thor, Natasha, Wanda, Pietro, Sergei, Gennady, Sumarokov, Lomon Losov, Alexei, and Yelena—ten in total—gathered in Tony's expansive hall. The space bustled with energy, a lively atmosphere filling the room.

  "Hey, everyone! Thanks for lending a hand," Thor greeted, embracing each person warmly.

  Introductions were quick, with Wanda facilitating. Thor's cheerful, direct personality made him easy to like, and the natural charisma of a warrior forged mutual respect. Sergei, Gennady, and the others, with their warrior instincts, recognized and admired Thor's strength. The camaraderie was instant.

  What excited the group even more was the impending battle.

  "I've been itching for a space journey," Sergei said, cracking his neck in anticipation.

  "Millions of Chitauri to fight—it's going to be a long one," Gennady added, his blood already surging with excitement.

  "Then let's make it memorable," Alexei chimed in. Having undergone gene-serum enhancements, his strength had skyrocketed, though most of his combat experience was limited to sparring with Sergei, Yelena, and the others. Now, he craved the chaos of real war.

  Tony, observing the intense determination radiating from the group, felt a pang of mixed emotions. Even Wanda, who often balanced mischief with responsibility, burned with the same eagerness for the coming fight.

  Millions of Chitauri soldiers. Advanced weapons far beyond Earth's technology. It was enough to make even the most seasoned strategist pause.

  Yet, these warriors didn't flinch. Their resolve burned like a firestorm, a terrifying and admirable sight.

  "So, what are we waiting for?" Natasha said, her red lips curling into a confident smile. "Let's start this war."

  In the vast silence of space, Loki sat on the steps of the mothership's desolate hall. His green robes draped elegantly around him as he rested his chin on clasped hands, gazing out of the enormous floor-to-ceiling window.

  Beyond the glass stretched the starry expanse, dotted with countless Chitauri vessels. The sky swarmed with their insectoid ships, blocking the light of distant stars.

  "Loki..."

  The deep, resonant voice broke the silence, pulling Loki from his reverie.

  He stood abruptly, turning to face the source of the voice. A towering figure now occupied the empty throne at the far end of the hall. Radiating authority and menace, Thanos stared down at him.

  "Master," Loki murmured, dropping to one knee. His proud demeanor gave way to complete submission as he bowed his head.

  Thanos's gaze never wavered. "I told you, Loki: everyone has value. To prove yours, you must demonstrate your worth."

  "I understand, my lord," Loki replied humbly. "I just need time to prove it."

  Thanos's eyes narrowed. "Time is a luxury, Loki. If your proof fails to impress me, death will be a mercy you won't deserve."

  "Yes, my lord," Loki said, swallowing hard.

  Before he could say more, the room shook violently. A dazzling spectrum of colors lit up the hall, followed by distant roars and explosions.

  Thanos remained unfazed. Rising from the throne, he spoke coldly. "It seems your proof will have to wait. First, deal with your guests."

  With that, his form shimmered and dissolved into light, leaving Loki alone.

  Straightening, Loki dusted off his robes, as though brushing away his frustration. His attention returned to the window, where a startling sight unfolded.

  Floating amidst the stars was a figure of unmatched elegance.

  A woman, clad in dark red robes, black sweatpants, and white sneakers, radiated crimson energy. Her long red hair flowed as though caught in a celestial breeze, and glowing red tendrils coiled around her. Wanda Maximoff moved through the vacuum as if it were her natural element—a goddess of power and grace.

  Behind her, meteors streaked through the Chitauri fleet with blinding speed. Each impact unleashed massive explosions, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The destruction was like a fireworks display, deadly and breathtaking.

  Loki watched, captivated by the deadly beauty of the scene. His pale, sharp features twisted into a wry smile.

  Before he could act, crimson light burst from Wanda's outstretched hands, piercing the reinforced glass of the window with ease. The shockwave hurled Loki across the hall before he even had a chance to react.

  ...

  Bang!!

  Dragging a long tail of red energy flames, Loki was blasted across the wide hall, smashing into the throne and being buried under the ruins.

  The force of the blow left Loki feeling as if his entire body was falling apart. A sharp, metallic taste filled his throat, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Struggling, he pushed away the debris pinning him down and stood up with difficulty, one hand clutching his chest.

  The shattered glass behind him allowed a powerful suction force to pour into the room, the wind whipping his black hair and green robes. Yet, Loki wasn't enraged by the assault. With faltering steps, he emerged from the wreckage of the throne and gazed down at Wanda, who stood motionless against the howling winds.

  "What terrifying power," he muttered. "I didn't expect the Midgardians—"

  Before he could finish, the metallic floor beneath Wanda cracked. Her figure vanished in an instant, leaving only the sound of shattering steel. Loki's instincts flared; he conjured his deceptive magic just in time.

  The next moment, a pale, delicate hand pierced through the illusion where his chest had been.

  "Hmm?" Wanda's expression barely changed as the illusion shattered into shards of green light. Loki's real body, concealed behind a massive metal pillar, barely had time to react before the sharp hum of energy cut through the air.

  A blinding arc of crimson light sliced clean through the pillar, reducing it to chunks of molten metal. Loki scrambled, rolling to the side just in time to avoid the slash. His heart raced as he stood and saw the destruction: the metal pillar lay in two, severed cleanly, and the wall beyond bore a gaping, glowing scar.

  He sucked in a sharp breath. 'If I'd been hit, I'd have been torn apart just like that pillar.'

  Wanda wasn't finished. Before Loki could even catch his breath, she appeared in front of him again, her movements a blur. He barely registered her presence before a searing pain exploded in his head—like a hammer to the skull. His body flew backward, smashing through one pillar after another before embedding into the far wall with a sickening crunch.

  Boom!

  Loki hung in the shattered metal, blood spilling from his mouth and floating in the air before being sucked into the vacuum beyond the broken glass. His body was limp, and his thoughts scrambled. He had no chance.

  'She's...unstoppable.'

  Loki had always prided himself on his cunning, his magic, and his ability to deceive, but none of it mattered now. Wanda was too fast, too relentless, and far too powerful. Even his illusions, usually enough to confuse gods and mortals alike, crumbled under her assault.

  And worse still, she wasn't holding back.

  A crimson energy hand yanked Loki from the wall, slamming him into the floor of the hall with a deafening crash. The impact cracked the ground, sending spiderweb fractures across the metallic surface. Loki's head lolled to the side, blood dripping from fresh cuts on his forehead.

  Wanda stepped closer, her red hair glowing faintly in the flickering light of the ruined hall. She planted a foot firmly on his chest, pinning him down. Leaning slightly, she stared into his dazed eyes.

  "Didn't Thor say you had some powerful weapons?" Wanda mused, her voice calm and almost disappointed. "Why don't I see them?"

  This was her first encounter with Loki, and based on Thor's tales, she'd expected more. Thor had bragged endlessly about Loki's magic, his cunning, and the so-called "powerful scepter" he wielded. Wanda's approach to battle—thanks to Leon's training—was simple: end the fight quickly and decisively. But after this one-sided beatdown, she was starting to doubt Thor's stories.

  With a casual nudge of her foot, she rolled Loki's limp body over. He didn't move. Sighing, Wanda extended her hand.

  A low hum filled the air as a crimson magic circle materialized beneath Loki. Chains of red energy erupted from it, coiling around his battered form and locking him in place. With a final flick of her wrist, Loki's body was swallowed into the circle, disappearing entirely.

  Her task complete, Wanda turned to survey the rest of the mothership. Just then, the heavy metal doors at the edge of the hall slid open with a sharp hiss.

  The Chitauri warriors flooded in, rows upon rows of them, their energy weapons raised and glowing. The suction from the broken windows caused some of them to stumble, but their hive-mind discipline kept them moving as one.

  They took in the devastation of the hall: shattered pillars, broken walls, and the gaping hole in the glass. And then, standing at its center, they saw her—the woman who had wrought all this destruction.

  Wanda turned to face them. Her calm expression didn't waver as hundreds of energy weapons locked onto her.

  Boom!

  In an instant, a wave of overwhelming crimson energy radiated from Wanda's body. The Chitauri warriors froze. Their weapons clattered to the ground as one by one, they crumpled like dolls, their bodies lifeless.

  Wanda frowned slightly, noting the eerie stillness of their forms. These weren't ordinary soldiers.

  'So that's it.' Thor had mentioned that the Chitauri were a semi-mechanized hive species, their consciousnesses linked to a central mind. The moment she unleashed her energy, their connection must have been severed.

  Brushing her hands together, Wanda cast a glance toward the broken throne and the stars beyond the shattered window.

  "Midgardians," she muttered to herself, "are full of surprises."

  ...

  The benefits of the Chitauri's hive mind are obvious. Their collective consciousness allows for instantaneous sharing of tactics and ideas, achieving perfect synchronization. Without complex human emotions such as fear, they act like emotionless, cruel machines.

  However, this also presents a fatal flaw. If the central mind is destroyed, all connected Chitauri soldiers immediately fall into a state of brain death. In essence, while their semi-mechanized bodies are more resilient than human flesh, their minds are as fragile as blank paper, easily pierced by any power capable of mental attack.

  This was Wanda's discovery. Using her domineering energy to target the minds and consciousness of the Chitauri soldiers, she crushed their fragile psyches, leaving them brain-dead in an instant. A smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  "Found the weakness~~"

  She strode purposefully toward the central control room of the mothership.

  Meanwhile, outside the mothership, an intense battle raged.

  Thor, wrapped in a storm of thunder and lightning, tore through the vacuum of space with a feral roar. Chitauri aircraft and Leviathan warships were reduced to smoldering debris in his wake. The soldiers stood no chance, their ranks obliterated by the streaking bolts of lightning that left destruction in their path.

  Yet, Thor wasn't alone in his devastation.

  Natasha, Gennady, Pietro, Sergei, and the others matched, or even surpassed, his destructive power. The genetic serum injected into their veins had not only enabled them to fight in space but had elevated their abilities far beyond human limits. The Moon Cloth, an evolved technique of Sky Blade, gave them superhuman speed and the ability to deliver powerful flying slashes.

  Natasha wielded her cross-sword with surgical precision, slicing through Chitauri soldiers and Leviathan warships alike. Her strikes cut through her enemies as if through paper, leaving dismembered limbs and shattered machinery floating amidst the chaos of the battlefield.

  The vacuum of space became an orchestra of carnage. Blood, wreckage, and fire painted the battlefield in a brutal symphony of destruction. Each fighter seemed to revel in the slaughter, their pent-up energy unleashed in this perfect storm of war.

  Amidst the chaos, Alexei, clad in a sleek black combat suit, hurtled through space at supersonic speed. His burly frame, honed by years of grueling training, smashed through scores of Chitauri soldiers and ships like a human missile.

  Finally, he collided with a massive Leviathan warship.

  Bang!!

  The impact was cataclysmic, leaving deep cracks across the warship's reinforced metal shell. Purple ichor seeped from the beast's organic underbelly as it let out a haunting wail of pain.

  Chitauri soldiers quickly mobilized, launching themselves from the Leviathan's flanks to surround Alexei with energy weapons drawn.

  Despite the silent vacuum of space, the feral grin on Alexei's face spoke volumes.

  He didn't need words. The fire in his eyes was enough to convey his thoughts.

  This was what he lived for: the thrill of battle, the power coursing through his veins, and the alien enemies who served as the perfect outlet for his rage.

  "This is the life I want," Alexei thought, his blood boiling with exhilaration.

  "I'm Alexei, the Red Guardian."

  BOOM!!

  His silent roar echoed in his mind as a wave of crimson energy exploded outward, engulfing the surrounding Chitauri forces. Soldiers and ships alike disintegrated under the overwhelming force, their remains left to drift lifelessly through space.

  Scanning his surroundings, Alexei noted with satisfaction that no Chitauri within dozens of kilometers had survived his onslaught.

  But it wasn't enough—not yet.

  Bending his knees, Alexei summoned every ounce of power within him. The energy erupted like a volcanic blast, shattering the Leviathan warship beneath him. The once-mighty beast splintered into chunks of twisted metal and flesh.

  As debris scattered around him, Alexei launched himself toward a new cluster of Chitauri troops, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

  Elsewhere, Natasha, Yelena, and the others were in a similar state of euphoric release. Years of rigorous training and genetic enhancements had honed their abilities to near-perfection.

  But with that strength came a new challenge: the growing hostility within them.

  Every battle was not just a test of skill but a necessary outlet. Over time, their increasing power had brought with it an accumulation of deep, primal aggression.

  Fighting each other in training provided some relief, but it was never enough. No matter how intense their sparring, their instincts held back, restrained by the bonds of camaraderie.

  This war against the Chitauri, however, was different.

  Here, there was no need for restraint. They could unleash their full potential, letting their hostility flow freely.

  And in this chaos, they found catharsis.

  ...

  Even Natasha, when facing the Abomination, easily crushed it without using even half her strength.

  But that wasn't catharsis. True catharsis was the complete release of energy and emotions accumulated in the body.

  Breaking into the Chitauri army this time was undeniably a cathartic process. Everyone, including Natasha, relished the refreshing sensation of this wanton massacre—a feeling they hadn't experienced in ages.

  No longer restrained. No longer holding back their power. No longer fearing the damage they might cause to fragile buildings or humans nearby.

  Everyone's faces were adorned with cheerful smiles.

  Boom!

  Natasha, clad in a black leather coat, tights, and combat boots, moved with deadly grace. Her figure was as striking as her ferocity. Wielding a cross sword, her arms sliced through the air relentlessly.

  Terrifying flying slashes surged like a storm in all directions, reducing Chitauri soldiers and warships to shreds.

  Within moments, all enemies within a radius of dozens of kilometers were obliterated, leaving only floating body parts and wreckage drifting in the vacuum.

  Natasha hovered silently in the void, opening her arms wide with a smile as she faced the mothership.

  In a matter of minutes, hundreds of thousands of Chitauri troops—part of a million-strong army—were slaughtered.

  The Chitauri, a race with military prowess rivaling many advanced civilizations, owed their might to Thanos. As the Titan scientist, he had granted them a suite of advanced technologies.

  Ordinarily, Natasha and her team wouldn't have stood a chance against such an overwhelming force.

  But the Chitauri's greatest strength was also their fatal flaw: their hive mind. All Chitauri were linked to a central consciousness, the "mother body." This connection enabled unparalleled unity and coordination in battle. However, if the mother body faltered or was destroyed, the entire army would descend into chaos—or suffer brain death.

  This weakness wasn't lost on Wanda and the others. Their plan was simple: Wanda would infiltrate the mothership, disrupt, and ultimately destroy the mother body.

  The mother body's confusion had already rendered the Chitauri soldiers erratic. Their only remaining directive was to kill the intruders. Abandoning all defensive strategies, they attacked with blind aggression—exactly what Natasha, Thor, and the others had hoped for.

  As the team indulged in their rampage, Wanda's voice suddenly echoed in their comms.

  "Hey, guys. Enjoying yourselves?" she teased.

  "But what comes next might disappoint you."

  Bang!

  With Wanda's smug tone still hanging in the air, the distant Chitauri mothership suddenly began to collapse. The massive fortress was compressed by an overwhelming crimson energy. The surrounding space seemed to twist and distort as the mothership was crushed into an enormous metal sphere.

  The transformation was instantaneous.

  The mothership—once a symbol of Chitauri might—now floated silently in the void, a lifeless orb.

  The destruction of the mother body triggered the demise of every connected Chitauri soldier and Leviathan warship. One by one, they drifted into deathly silence.

  "Odin above," Thor muttered, his voice tinged with awe. The God of Thunder, wrapped in lightning and wielding Mjolnir, watched the aftermath in stunned silence. He shuddered at the sheer power displayed.

  Even with all his might, Thor knew that creating a storm powerful enough to destroy the mothership wouldn't have been simple—let alone reducing it to a metal ball.

  Bang!

  A red streak of light shot across the vacuum at incredible speed. Wanda materialized before Thor in an instant, her abrupt arrival a stark contrast to the tranquility of the void.

  Thor blinked, his expression a mix of happiness and undeniable competitiveness. His fighting spirit burned fiercely, almost as if he was silently challenging Wanda to a duel.

  Wanda raised an eyebrow, her head tilted in bemusement.

  Was he seriously thinking of fighting her now?

  After a moment, she dismissed the thought. Sure, Thor's raw power and unyielding determination made him a formidable opponent. But against Wanda's mastery of magic and her advanced combat training, he stood no chance.

  Wanda smiled to herself. If it came to it, she had 10,000 ways to defeat Thor before he could even land a blow. His greatest strengths—thunder and brute force—were meaningless against her. And her precision, speed, and overwhelming energy projection would utterly crush him in any close-quarters encounter.

  Still, Wanda entertained the idea briefly. The thought of sparring with the future king of Asgard was amusing. But this wasn't the time for such things.

  A quick scan revealed that Natasha and the others had already regrouped. Wanda didn't even need to conjure a portal. A brilliant beam of Bifr?st light shot out from the distant starry expanse, enveloping the entire team in a radiant embrace.

  In the blink of an eye, they disappeared, leaving behind a starfield littered with Chitauri corpses, dismembered parts, and the ominous metal sphere that once housed the mother body.

  Asgard was about to welcome a group of formidable guests from Midgard.