Gamora finished speaking and turned away completely, leaving without another word. For beings like them, wandering the cosmos, it mattered little what became of Earth. As long as it wasn't destroyed—after all, it was Quill's home.
Once the Guardians of the Galaxy had departed, Valkyrie glanced around and finally stood up.
"Apologies… we…"
She hesitated, shaking her head.
"We Asgardians are merely temporary residents of Midgard, passing through. We have no intention of involving ourselves in your politics or viewpoints.
We only hope that, during our stay on Earth, you will uphold the treaty we initially agreed upon and not go back on your word.
In return, Asgard will aid you when you need it, just as we did against Thanos!"
With that, she rose and walked away.
After Valkyrie's departure, Black Panther paused, then stood as well.
"Tony, just as before, I support your idea!
If you hadn't changed everything, my people and I would already be gone.
Our first defeat against Thanos made me realize that none of us alone are strong enough!
So I'll stand with you. Let's build a stronger, more complete, united, and effective collective organization.
Freedom means nothing in the face of survival, and with aliens looming, we must unite!"
"I agree entirely!"
Strange nodded decisively, then explained.
"In the past, I might not have joined this plan.
But now, and in the future ahead, everything is headed toward an unknown end.
I can no longer foresee what's to come, so we must face the future with greater caution and resolve.
Tony, T'Challa, my sorcerers and I will stand firmly behind you!"
With that, Tony, Black Panther, and Strange officially formed an alliance.
Yet the core disagreement remained unresolved!
Neither Natasha nor Barton truly mattered.
In Tony's vision for the future, their presence or absence was irrelevant.
But Banner and Captain America—they were the ones Tony truly sought to win over!
Tony turned to Banner, who nodded firmly.
"Honestly, I've been doing well lately, and I'm the 'special person' they talk about!"
He patted Rogers' shoulder with his dark green hand.
"Captain, look at me. Once I learned to control my temper, I integrated into society just fine.
Remember when we last met? Kids wanted photos with me—they love my uniqueness!
Times have changed, Captain. Today's 'special people' aren't hunted like Jews in WWII.
Especially with alien threats, capable individuals like us will gain society's acceptance!
So I'm in. I don't have Wakanda or sorcerers behind me, but I'm joining!"
He finished with a grin, bumping fists with Tony.
With Banner's declaration, all eyes turned to Captain America.
Seeing his teammates one by one support Tony, Rogers sighed helplessly.
"You've all made your choice. I have nothing more to say.
As Tony once said, if we'd implemented the Sokovia Accords eight years ago, we might have won against Thanos the first time.
But we lost, at a terrible cost.
So even though I still reject this freedom-sacrificing control, I won't stand in your way.
The world's changing. Every morning, I feel ill-suited for tomorrow's life.
Maybe… it's time I rested."
He rose wearily, picked up his quantum suit, and walked away.
"I hope your plan lifts Earth to new heights.
As for me, I'll return the stones and Mjolnir to their times.
After that, I hope to rest—to do things suited to my age.
Like tending flowers, raising animals… it'll be peaceful, and easy…"
With that, Cap left the camp without looking back.
Three or four seconds after he departed, Mjolnir, bearing his handprint, flew into Rogers' waiting grip.
Only when the Captain's figure vanished did those in the tent exhale deeply.
Why such tension?
Because Cap's influence was immense!
If he'd opposed Tony's plan and rallied others to resist, countless would have followed him, making a final stand for their chaotic freedom.
Now…
Tony pressed his lips, clapping awkwardly.
"Thank you, Captain, for not opposing us as before. After you retire, we'll ensure you have a good life!"
Finally, he smiled, satisfied.
As long as Cap didn't resist, his plan couldn't fail!
Of course…
Tony never believed he could fail. Cap's cooperation just made success smoother.
As for the others…
With Rogers' neutrality and retirement, Natasha easily joined Tony's side.
Tony finally had most Earth heroes' approval.
"My father's butler, and my former AI assistant, were both named JARVIS.
They always said…
'We're on the right path.'"
Tony nodded proudly, suggesting softly,
"To mark our new group's birth, let's retire the Avengers' name.
Our goal now is to bury dangers before they arise!
We won't be reactive Avengers anymore. We'll unite our strength, grow swiftly, and crush every potential crisis!
Avengers are always hurt.
We may not hurt others, but we'll never let Earth be harmed!
From today, we are the Illuminati!"
…
Those excited by the Illuminati didn't know…
Their Captain America would never return.
…
In another universe, the future grew darker, but Heisenberg's world was stable.
Three days back in his universe, and nothing had happened!
The Ancient One, after taking the Time Stone, left Heisenberg's home swiftly.
He wasn't disappointed. She'd made her choice, and when he needed her, she'd come.
His subordinates' work went smoothly.
Last night, Daredevil advanced in the mayoral race. Defeating two more rivals would make him New York's mayor—a dream he'd never imagined as Daredevil.
Bullseye and Elektra's task…
They aided Daredevil's rise by planting voodoo dolls of senators' children and Heisenberg's photos near their pillows.
Thirteen senators' children and eight pillows later, their work was flawless. Former rivals now backed Daredevil.
Once he won, their short-term goals would be met.
Crossbones, after meeting Heisenberg, headed to Europe.
Hydra's European branch faced trouble, and Crossbones aimed to investigate and recruit Daniel Whitehall, Gideon Malick, and Madame Hydra's forces.
Heisenberg approved, so Crossbones wouldn't return soon.
As for Jessica…
She now lay in Heisenberg's arms.
Since Killgrave's death, she'd grown more dependent.
How dependent?
Three or four times a night?
Probably…
While Heisenberg expanded his influence from New York to Philadelphia, Loki returned to Thanos with the Space Stone.
Facing the cold titan, Loki showed no fear.
He knelt, offering the stone.
"Great Thanos!"
He sighed.
"As planned, I brought the Space Stone without war.
But I faced a minor issue.
Thor attacked, taking the Mind Stone you gave me.
I need time to lead the Chitauri fleet back to the solar system via hyperspace.
Please approve."
"Hmph!"
Thanos said nothing, but Ebony Maw hissed,
"Fool! You've disappointed the Titan!"
"Yes, but I still have something. I just need to reclaim your investment!"
Loki bowed to Maw.
Thanos raised his head, his Infinity Gauntlet-clad finger tapping the throne.
"Go. Retrieve the Mind Stone.
But you'll need a supervisor. Heading to the solar system will draw Asgard's resistance.
Ebony Maw, summon Supergiant. Escort Loki and the Chitauri fleet to Earth!
Odin's weak. His power won't last, and his weapons—the Destroyer and Bifrost—are ruined.
So…"
He glared at Loki.
"Do not disappoint me again, Odin's son!"