Chapter Eighty-Two: The Impending Catastrophe

Faced with the questions posed by Atanis, Selandis and Volasyn quickly regained their composure. Although casualties among the innocent were inevitable in the fight against evil, to pursue the eradication of evil at the expense of civilian safety would be no different from the evil itself.

“Your Excellency Atanis, we can try to delay the battlefield to an open area and then set up defensive positions at the periphery. Perhaps we could even ask the Christmas mages to create a mirror space,” suggested Selandis, with Volasyn quickly following suit.

“We might utilize the psionic matrix located on the moon to establish permanent defense installations on Midgard’s surface. Since the battlefield is destined to be here, such defenses seem necessary,” Volasyn proposed, surprising Atanis. Establishing permanent defenses implied that the Star Spirit Empire would formally establish contact with the various regimes on Midgard. However, Midgard was fragmented with many human settlements scattered across numerous islands. To install permanent defenses, some territories would have to be sacrificed.

“Volasyn, do you understand what that means?” Atanis conveyed his concerns, to which Volasyn promptly replied, “Of course, Executive Officer. The Odin Manuscripts were originally meant to warn the regimes of Midgard. But it seems that humanity’s suspicion and pride will prevent them from uniting before disaster strikes. So this crisis is also an opportunity—an opportunity to bring them together.”

“This is far too risky. The Light and Shadow Council has long decreed that, unless Midgard’s governments unite, we must not contact any one regime. Our every action will be scrutinized excessively. Do not forget the lesson of the Skrulls,” Atanis reminded, recalling how the Skrulls’ misdirection had led to the current standoff between the two great empires—though the Star Spirit Empire remained unaware of the hidden manipulations of the Queen of the Bugs.

“I am well aware of the Skrull Empire’s lesson, but we do not necessarily need to contact Midgard’s governments directly, do we?” Volasyn’s words gave Atanis pause.

“I recall that Thor is a member of some organization on Midgard,” Atanis murmured to himself, suddenly understanding.

...

Deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, within an uncharted underwater rift, the Dark Holy Sword was opening a spatial passage to the capital of the Deep Dwellers—Iha Ensley.

Having successfully breached one spatial rift, the subsequent actions became considerably easier. As the Dark Holy Sword slowly moved forward, the rift expanded along the tip of its blade, soon carving a fissure ten meters long.

Through this blackened crack, one could faintly discern the strange architectural cluster inside. Now, the only barrier between reality and Ensley was a golden-red seal.

Once the spatial passage was opened, the golden-red seal appeared at the fissure—a final defense. The Dark Holy Sword was close to completing its mission.

...

Elsewhere, after finalizing their plans, Atanis and his two companions left Kamatai and arrived in New York City, their destination the Avengers Tower.

Thanks to the Avengers’ renown, the trio swiftly reached the tower’s rooftop. Concealed by Volasyn’s shadows, they stirred neither person nor device.

At that moment, Tony Stark was consulting with Dr. Helen on how to alleviate mental contamination. Through testing individuals at different stages of infection, Dr. Helen had successfully discerned the pattern of the outbreak.

“That’s right, Tony. This is the only way to ease the contamination. It also explains why your symptoms are more severe than Mr. Heil’s,” Dr. Helen said, gesturing to the screen as she compared various samples. Identifying the pattern was relatively straightforward.

“Oh, heavens, how is that even possible? I can’t just stop thinking,” Tony grumbled, pacing and running his hands through his hair. For a genius like him, no matter how he played around, his mind was always engaged in intense activity—his source of inspiration. And now, the solution proposed by Dr. Helen was to simply cease thinking.

Having completed the tests, Heil awkwardly scratched his head. As the only person currently infected at level three, his symptoms were surprisingly mild, almost negligible. Tony, knowing the truth, couldn’t help but mock him for having a brain like a pumpkin.

Dr. Helen was frustrated but tried to reassure Tony: “Tony, perhaps you could consult Dr. Banner. I’ve heard he’s visited many religious groups seeking inner peace. That might help you.”

To find a solution, Tony had invited Dr. Helen to the lab, making her sign a confidentiality agreement and an employment contract, hiring her as the Avengers’ Chief Medical Executive. This was how she came to know about Banner’s situation.

“Alright, I guess I’ll try to empty my mind as best I can. I’ll consult Banner,” Tony said, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. He rubbed his temples, bid farewell to Helen, and returned to his lab.

Shortly after entering, a fog enveloped the lab. Tony immediately asked Jarvis, “Jarvis, what’s going on? Is there an intruder or a biochemical leak?”

“Sir, no anomalies detected. Your location is secure.” Jarvis’s voice cut off abruptly, and Tony then heard another voice.

“Mr. Stark, I apologize for the sudden visit. I come with an important matter to discuss,” said a somewhat familiar voice. Tony looked toward the fog, where a figure began to emerge.

“It’s you. I remember you’re a friend of Thor’s. What was your name again?” Tony responded casually but cautiously approached the desk. Though this person appeared to be Thor’s friend, his current circumstances demanded utmost vigilance.

“My name is Atanis, an Executive Officer of the Star Spirit Empire. I have come to tell you—wait!” Atanis was about to explain when he suddenly sensed a powerful surge of dark energy rolling in the distance.

Being in New York, Atanis felt the dark force clearly. With no time to elaborate, he drew out the Ian Crystal he carried and handed it to Tony. “Darkness will soon engulf this planet. Countless lives will be extinguished in this crisis. Look closely— the fate of all creation hangs by a thread.”