Jarvis's primary body, clad in the Infinity War Armor, remained in Hell.
What existed on Earth at this moment was only one of Jarvis's sub-bodies.
With the assistance of the Avengers' satellite network, Jarvis rapidly breached the data defenses of the opposing Earth. He identified its governing bodies and superheroes, then relayed information regarding the ongoing convergence of the two worlds.
Before long, Jarvis delivered his report to Tony.
"The Earth on the opposite side is not an extension of the Sacred Timeline," Jarvis said calmly. "It is a world where Mutants exist."
"I have reviewed their records from the TVA archives. Professor Charles Xavier is present there. He is a man of integrity and has already agreed to help stabilize the situation on his Earth."
Tony nodded.
"So it's the Mutant Earth. If Professor X is there, then we really do not need to interfere."
Tony was familiar with Professor X from comics. The telepathic Mutant was a member of the Illuminati in those stories, someone whose influence and strength were enough to calm an entire planet when panic set in.
"So this collision is just going to resolve itself, and we only need to wait?" Pietro sighed in disappointment.
"That's boring. Just like last time we went to the main universe, I did not even get a chance to move."
Banner patted Pietro on the back.
"Do not say that. This is the best possible outcome. Fighting is not always the solution."
"Oh really?" Pietro curled his lips. "Then what about the big guy inside you? Doesn't he solve everything with brute force?"
The Avengers remained inside the building, quietly waiting for the collision to end.
Because of Malrick's assurance, even as the other Earth loomed closer, they were as relaxed as if they were attending a routine meeting.
"Honestly, if Malrick hadn't guaranteed there would be no danger, I would already be panicking," Hawkeye said.
The massive silhouette of the other Earth had become clear enough that buildings on its surface were now visible.
That overwhelming planetary shadow was enough to trigger deep fear in anyone who looked at it.
Unrest gradually began to spread across various regions of Earth. If Malrick had not issued advance notice worldwide, the planet would likely have descended into chaos already.
"Maybe we should go out and reassure people," Tony said.
His armor assembled itself around him as he walked toward the window.
"Captain, start a live broadcast. I'll circle the globe. The rest of you with smaller reputations, stay here."
The moment Tony finished speaking, flames erupted from his boots and he shot into the sky.
"Wait, what do you mean by 'smaller reputations'?" Pietro protested immediately.
"Quicksilver is a well-known street hero, and my merchandise sells really well."
"A mortal's reputation," Loki said calmly as he stood up and pushed his chair aside.
He adjusted the cuff of his suit and casually nudged Captain America away from the broadcasting equipment.
"Do you not think that among all of Earth's so-called heroes, I possess the greatest fame?"
The room fell silent for a moment.
When everyone thought about it, they realized Loki was not wrong.
Every movie he starred in was a box office hit. His music albums sold in massive numbers. There were likely more people on Earth who recognized Loki than Captain America.
Loki took control of the central computer and replaced the holographic Earth display with a live-streaming interface.
The broadcast went live instantly.
Viewers flooded into the stream by the millions.
"Long time no see, my subjects!" Loki declared, spreading his arms wide, his expression radiant with regal confidence.
The screen was immediately overwhelmed by expensive digital gifts and scrolling comments.
Every message read the same.
"Tributes to the God King."
At this moment, Loki seemed like a completely different person. He looked more at ease and commanding than he ever had in Asgard.
The Avengers exchanged looks.
This was the first time they had ever seen this side of him.
Only Hela, now fully mortal and seated quietly in the corner, rolled her eyes. She was already used to it.
The timid Third Prince of Asgard had somehow become a worshipped God King on Earth.
The fanatic devotion of Loki's fans rivaled the reverence Asgardians once held for Odin.
Loki urged everyone watching the stream to remain calm, promising that as their God King, he would resolve the crisis alongside Superman.
The comment feed erupted with praise.
The effect was immediate and impressive.
Jarvis quickly forwarded the broadcast to public channels across the globe. In cities filled with massive commercial screens, Loki's voice echoed through the streets.
Meanwhile, Tony noticed that Loki's live stream was being broadcast everywhere he flew.
He opened a communication channel back to Avengers Tower, irritation clear in his voice.
"You actually let an alien drama king calm the entire planet? Are you serious?"
At that exact moment, Loki shouted into the stream,
"Kneel before your God King, my subjects!"
Another wave of gifts and comments flooded the screen, all repeating the same phrase.
"Kneel before my King."
The Avengers fell silent.
"I think… Tony, you might as well come back," Banner said carefully. "It looks like you are not needed outside anymore."
Tony refused to back down.
"No. Compared to him, Earth still needs me more."
Tony's armor streaked across the skies, appearing before crowds in city after city.
Unlike Loki's global broadcast, Tony opening his faceplate and speaking directly to people reassured them in a different way.
It was not just about prestige.
The fact that Earth's richest man had not fled was enough to convince many that the situation was still under control.
When Tony finally returned to Avengers Tower and his nanotech armor retracted, he walked straight into the conference room.
"Jarvis," he said stubbornly, "run the numbers. Whose reassurance worked better, mine or Bambi's?"
"Happy to comply, sir," Jarvis replied.
"However, sir, there appears to be an unexpected development."
Tony frowned. "What now?"
"Several fighter jets from the opposing Earth are approaching our planet," Jarvis reported.
"They have severed external communications and have refused all contact attempts."
Captain America's expression hardened.
"Any unannounced military action during a crisis can be considered hostile."
"Are you saying they might attack us?" Carter asked. "But why would they?"
Banner stepped toward the floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the ever-closer Earth above.
Suddenly, he understood.
With the two worlds so close, hesitation could mean extinction.
They trusted Malrick, so they were willing to wait.
But the people on the other Earth knew nothing about him.
Banner's mind jumped to the Dark Forest theory from The Three-Body Problem.
When two unknown civilizations encounter each other, the one who strikes first survives.
"They… they might be here to destroy our Earth," Banner shouted, spinning around.
"Everyone, we have to stop those jets immediately. They might be trying to—"
Buzz.
Banner never finished his sentence.
A vast and overwhelming psychic force descended from the sky, violently invading the minds of everyone on Earth.
Professor X had made his move.
He was aboard those fighter jets.
And he was attacking the entire planet.
___
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