Chapter 325: Unscrupulousness to the Fourth Power (Part 2)

"I am not exaggerating; a large-scale war between the Universe Demon Gods is about to begin, and the nearest battlefield lies within the Nine Great Realms. We must start preparing for war."

"Even if Kamar-Taj never involves itself in anything other than protecting Earth, we must first ensure we can defend ourselves. The new apprentices don't even know how to use their sashes yet, and even the seasoned sorcerers have grown rusty. We must mobilize quickly..."

In the Great Hall of Kamar-Taj, Strange looked solemnly at Wong and said, "Kamar-Taj has little time left."

Wong's face was grim. He said, "I have received news from the Sorcerer Supreme. Lately, the universe has been filled with ominous signs; it seems many races have received this news. You are right; protecting Earth is Kamar-Taj's innate responsibility. We must begin our preparations."

Soon, in the Great Hall of Kamar-Taj, one dossier after another was laid down. Sorcerers wearing robes and hoods took their seats in turn. The cushion in the center of the hall was reserved for the Sorcerer Supreme, but this time Strange sat upon it, and no one raised any objection.

Although this was the first time Strange had convened all of Kamar-Taj for a meeting, his voice remained steady. He said, "I believe everyone should already be clear on the current situation. As a pure land independent of any power in the universe, although the Sorcerer Supreme coordinates externally, the duty to defend our territory cannot be neglected."

One female sorcerer wearing a dark blue robe spoke first: "I have learned from the ancient Star Spirits that war is imminent. Strange, the Ancient One has gone into the universe to confirm this news, and by leaving all of Kamar-Taj's backup arrangements to you, she has proven she trusts you greatly."

Another male sorcerer with a somewhat low voice also said, "That's right, Strange. Your talent and abilities are obvious to all. This will be the greatest test before you ascend to the position of Sorcerer Supreme. I believe you will not let us down."

Strange nodded. He said, "Although my seniority is shallow and my abilities cannot compare to yours, in times of emergency, we must act pragmatically..."

"I declare that the Earth Defense Network of Kamar-Taj and all major sorcerer sanctuaries worldwide shall immediately enter a state of war readiness. All sorcerers are to remain at their posts..."

"No sorcerer is to leave Earth without authorization. Magic apprentices must stay within the Defense Network. All treasures, weapons, and supplies must be reported one by one to Wong once fully prepared..."

"Everyone, the war is about to begin."

"The war is about to begin?" Stark looked at Schiller with a puzzled expression and said, "I only went into seclusion for a few days to upgrade my armor. How can there be a war already?"

Schiller shook his head. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window of Stark Tower's laboratory, he looked down at the street below. His tone was slightly low.

"Nothing in the universe halts because humanity is weak and backward."

"Just as humanity does not consider the thoughts of an ant when waging war, even though it may bring utter destruction to the ant and its colony."

Stark, who had once seen the scenery from the heights, knew better than anyone how vast the universe was and how tiny humanity was. Yet, as a member of this civilization, he also wanted more than anyone to protect Earth and to make humanity strong.

Stark sighed and said, "Even if humanity's main civilization has received no warning, the magical side should at least..."

"Do you want to rely on that group of sorcerers?" Schiller shook his head and said, "Through Strange, you should know that among the entire human race, those who can learn magic are few and far between. Those who can master magic well and use its power to defend Earth are even rarer than phoenix feathers."

No anti-piracy measures.

Stark looked up at Schiller and said, "That is why I have always believed that the way out for human civilization lies in technology and machinery."

"Then use the machinery and technology you are best at to defend our civilization. Now is precisely the time when your doing so is most needed, is it not?"

Stark took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled it. He did not rush to the laboratory as he usually did, eager to produce results every minute.

He stood in place, standing very straight, as if a force had burst forth from his soul. There was no pride in Stark's tone; he was merely stating a fact:

"I have always wanted to use my wisdom to guide human civilization and to protect Earth."

"But the reason I have not yet taken effective action is not that I cannot do so, but that I do not know how to control the intensity so that this protection does not destroy everything."

Schiller continued his words: "I understand, just as a person must control their strength so as not to crush an ant."

"But now, you can unleash part of your wisdom to provide reliable protection for Earth in the war. This is not excessive. Or rather, even if you use your wisdom to slightly accelerate the development speed of human civilization, I think that would be fine."

Stark sighed and said, "So, is this your goal? To force internal unity and development on Earth by pressing an external cosmic crisis?"

"Truly a Multiverse-level Stark. It seems nothing escapes your eyes. I am now beginning to doubt: have you truly descended in rank? Or is it that once proven supreme, one remains supreme forever?"

"Do not doubt. I guessed it. If you were not behind this, you would not have allowed such an event to happen, let alone come here and use reverse psychology on me..."

"Just say whether you will do it or not. If you won't, I can find someone else to do it. After all, you are not the only genius in this world..."

Before Schiller's words had even finished falling, Stark had already turned and walked back into the laboratory. Schiller smiled and shook his head, saying, "It seems ascending does not cure tsundere behavior."

In the office of the Director of S. H. I. E. L. D., Pierce extinguished the cigarette in his hand and frowned, saying, "Are you telling the truth? The universe is about to start a large-scale war. Then Earth..."

"This is exactly what I am about to say. We must have a professional team to deal with such a crisis. You and I both know this is not something ordinary people can get involved in, not even the military."

Pierce frowned deeply. Even though his cultivation was good, anxiety began to spread across his face. After all, the news Nick brought was too shocking. He could not even imagine what a war between Universe Demon Gods would be like, let alone a large-scale chaotic battle among Demon Gods.

"I know the World Security Council has always had concerns. I can understand you. After all, the group of superheroes is inherently uncontrollable. Bringing them together might cause even greater chaos. I understand all of that..."

"But now, the facts are laid before us. We have no other way out except to unite these superheroes who possess special abilities."

Pierce's fingers kept tapping lightly on the desk. After a few minutes, he finally sighed and said, "Very well. I believe our interests are aligned. Nick, I will withstand the pressure from representatives of other member nations at the World Security Council meeting for you, but you must guarantee that the team you form will be used for the right purpose..."

"Pierce, you know I need someone to do the dirty work..."

"That is your business. I have already given you the maximum authority within my jurisdiction. Do not let me down, Nick."

Pierce looked into Nick's eyes and said, "We have known each other for many years. I know you well. I know you have had doubts about me recently. This is normal, because our positions have changed, and our relationship can no longer be so simple."

"But in facing the future of our race and the security of Earth, our interests have always been the same. I have not forgotten the original intention for which I joined S. H. I. E. L. D..."

"So have I."

A black hand and a white hand clasped together. The two men's eyes met, and both became more firm in their resolve.

Following their line of sight downward, through the multiple floors of S. H. I. E. L. D., then into the underground reception center of S. H. I. E. L. D., then turning east, entering Hell's Kitchen.

In Daredevil Ma Te's hideout, Steve tapped his shield, drawing everyone's attention. He said, "S. H. I. E. L. D.'s plan to form a superhero team has begun to be implemented. As soon as Nick confirms he has received the support of the World Security Council, he will begin recruiting members."

"I came here only to persuade two of you..." Steve looked at Spider-Man and Daredevil. He spoke in a very sincere tone: "I hope you two will join the superhero team and serve as the backbone of this team to deal with the potential cosmic war crisis."

"I do not trust S. H. I. E. L. D." Ma Te said very directly. "I do not trust any institution similar to it."

Peter turned to look at Ma Te, then looked at Steve, and then asked hesitantly, "Are you saying there is going to be a war in the universe? S. H. I. E. L. D. is forming this team to protect Earth. Can I understand it that way?"

"That is correct. We cannot rely on outsiders to protect us. We must defend ourselves."

"If that is the case, I will join." Peter pursed his lips and said, "After all, the simplest truth is that if Earth is finished, everyone will be finished."

Saying this, he turned to look at Ma Te. Ma Te stared at Steve's face and said, "Indeed, I do not trust S. H. I. E. L. D... but I trust you and Nick. I will join."

In the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, Charles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He turned his wheelchair, intending to return to his room to sleep. Just then, the phone suddenly rang. He picked up his mobile phone from the table beside him and heard a strange voice coming from the other end.

"Hello, may I ask, is this Professor Charles?"

"That is correct, it is me. Do you need something from me?"

"Hello, I am Schiller Rodriguez, the special psychological consultant invited by S. H. I. E. L. D. The purpose of my call is to inform you of recent changes in the cosmic situation. Regrettably, we have received reliable news from Asgard. Soon, a chaotic battle will erupt in the universe, and this may affect Earth..."

"So what?" Charles asked, frowning.

"Do not be nervous, Professor Charles. Perhaps you would prefer to communicate with my other identity. I once asked a question on the Psychology and Education Forum..."

Before Schiller could finish speaking, Charles asked, "Is it you? How are those children?"

"One of them has already improved significantly; the others are still under observation and treatment. Professor Xavier, this time I..."

"Enough, you need not say more. What do you need me to do?"

Professor Xilei's voice paused. He asked, "Why do you trust me so? Do you not worry this entire thing is a S. H. I. E. L. D. conspiracy?"

"If you have ever tried to treat children with psychological problems and achieved remarkable results, then I believe you are not a bad person, and I am willing to speak with you."

"Professor Xilei, we shall meet shortly."

----------Author's Note----------

This book is also titled "The Entire American Comic Universe Doesn't Add Up to a Single Moral Bottom Line"