Chapter 325

I'm not exaggerating—a massive war between cosmic deities is about to begin, and the nearest battlefield will be within the Nine Nations of our country; we must begin preparing for war immediately.

Even though Kamar-Taj has never involved itself in anything beyond protecting Earth, we must first ensure we can defend ourselves—new apprentices can't even wield their sashes properly, and even seasoned sorcerers have grown rusty; we must mobilize without delay…

In the grand hall of Kamar-Taj, Strange spoke solemnly to Wong: "The time left for Kamar-Taj is running out."

Wong's expression was grave. "I've received word from the Sorcerer Supreme—the cosmos is in turmoil. Many races have already been alerted. You're right: protecting Earth is Kamar-Taj's innate duty. We must begin preparations."

Soon, scrolls descended one after another across the grand hall, and robed sorcerers with hoods drawn took their seats in sequence. The cushion at the center was reserved for the Sorcerer Supreme—but this time, Strange sat upon it, and no one objected.

Though this was Strange's first time summoning all of Kamar-Taj for a meeting, his voice remained steady. "I assume everyone is already aware of the current situation. Kamar-Taj, as a sanctuary beyond any cosmic power, relies on the Sorcerer Supreme for external coordination—but our duty to defend this world cannot be neglected."

A female sorcerer in deep blue robes spoke first: "I've learned from ancient star spirits that war is imminent. Sorcerer Ancient has departed into the cosmos to verify this news—and by entrusting all contingency plans to you, she has shown complete trust in you."

Another Ma Lei sorcerer, with a deeper voice, added: "True. Strange, your talent and ability are undeniable. This is the greatest trial you'll face before ascending to Sorcerer Supreme. I believe you won't let us down."

Strange nodded. "Though my experience is shallow and my abilities pale beside yours, circumstances demand swift action…"

"I declare: Kamar-Taj's Earth defense network and all global sorcerer sanctuaries are now on full war alert. All sorcerers remain on standby…"

"No sorcerer may leave Earth. Apprentices must stay within the defense network. All artifacts, weapons, and supplies must be reported to Wong once fully prepared…"

"Ladies and gentlemen, the war is about to begin."

"The war is about to begin?" Stark stared at Shearer in confusion. "I just closed myself off for a few days to upgrade my armor—how is war starting now?"

Shearer shook his head, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window in Stark's lab, gazing down at the streets below. His tone grew slightly somber.

"Nothing in the cosmos halts because humans are weak or backward."

"Just as humans wage war without considering the thoughts of an ant—even if it means annihilation for that ant and its colony."

Stark, who had seen the heights, understood better than anyone how vast the cosmos was and how insignificant humanity was—but as a member of this civilization, he also wanted more than anyone to protect Earth, to make humanity strong.

Stark sighed. "Even if humanity's main civilization hasn't received any warning, the magical side should at least…"

"Do you plan to rely on those sorcerers?" Shearer shook his head. "Through Strange, you should know: among all of humanity, those capable of learning magic are exceedingly rare. Those who master it well enough to use it to defend Earth are rarer still."

No anti-theft

Stark looked up at Shearer. "That's why I've always believed humanity's future lies in technology and machinery."

"Then use the machinery and technology you excel in to defend our civilization. Isn't this precisely when you're most needed?"

Stark took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. He didn't rush toward the lab as he usually did, desperate to produce a breakthrough every minute.

He stood still, posture rigid—as if a force had erupted from his soul. His tone held no pride, only quiet fact:

"I've always wanted to guide humanity's civilization with my intellect, to protect Earth."

"But the reason I've never taken effective action isn't because I can't—it's because I don't know how to control the scale, so this protection doesn't destroy everything."

Shearer continued: "I understand perfectly. Just as a person must control their strength to avoid crushing an ant."

"But now, you can unleash part of your intellect to provide reliable defense for Earth during this war. That's not excessive—or rather, even if your wisdom slightly accelerates humanity's development, I believe it would be acceptable."

Stark sighed. "So this is your goal? Using an external cosmic crisis to force internal unity and development on Earth?"

"No wonder you're a multiversal-level Stark. Nothing escapes your eyes. I'm starting to wonder—did you really downgrade? Or is it true: once proven above all, proof is eternal?"

"Don't doubt it—I figured it out. If you hadn't orchestrated this, you wouldn't have let it happen at all, let alone come here and use reverse psychology on me…"

"Just say whether you'll do it or not. If you won't, I'll find someone else. After all, you're not the only genius in this world…"

Before Shearer finished speaking, Stark had already turned and walked back into the lab. Shearer smiled and shook his head. "Looks like upgrading doesn't cure stubbornness."

In the Director of S. . . . . .'s office, Pierce extinguished his cigarette and frowned. "Is this true? A large-scale war in the cosmos—and Earth…"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. We need a specialized team to handle this crisis. You and I both know this isn't something ordinary people—or even armies—can handle."

Pierce's brow furrowed deeply. Even with his composure, anxiety began to show on his face. The news Nick brought was too shocking—he couldn't even imagine what a war between cosmic deities would look like, let alone a massive, chaotic battle among them.

"I know the Security Council has always been wary. I understand—you fear that superheroes, as an uncontrolled group, might cause even greater chaos if united. I get it…"

"But now the facts are before us. There is no other path except uniting these superhumans with extraordinary abilities."

Pierce's fingers tapped lightly on the desk. After several minutes, he sighed. "Alright. I believe our interests align, Nick. I'll hold off pressure from other member states at the Security Council—but you must guarantee this team you assemble will be used for the right purpose…"

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

"That's your problem. I've already granted you the maximum authority within my power. Don't disappoint me, Nick."

Pierce looked directly into Nick's eyes. "We've known each other for years. I understand you. I know you've been suspicious of me lately. That's natural—our positions have changed; our relationship can't remain simple anymore."

"But on the question of our species' future and Earth's safety, our interests remain identical. I haven't forgotten why I joined S. . . . . ."

"Neither have I."

A black hand and a white hand clasped together. Their gazes met, each more resolute than before.

Down their line of sight, through layer upon layer of S. . . . . . facilities, into the underground reception center, then eastward into Hell's Kitchen.

In Daredevil Matt's hideout, Steve tapped his shield, drawing everyone's attention. "S. . . . . .'s plan to form a superhero team is already underway. Once Nick confirms the Security Council's support, he'll begin recruiting members."

"I'm here to persuade the two of you…" Steve looked at Spider-Man and Daredevil, his tone earnest. "I hope you'll join the superhero team and serve as its core force against the coming cosmic war."

"I don't trust S. . . . . .," Matt said bluntly. "I don't trust any institution like it."

Peter glanced at Matt, then at Steve, and hesitated. "You mean… there's going to be a war in the cosmos? And S. . . . . . is forming this team to protect Earth? Is that right?"

"Exactly. We can't rely on outsiders to protect us—we must protect ourselves."

"Then I'm in," Peter said, lips pressed tight. "After all, the simplest truth is: if Earth is destroyed, we all die."

He turned to Matt. Matt stared at Steve's face. "I don't trust S. . . . . . but I trust you and Nick. I'm in."

At Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Charles removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He turned his wheelchair, preparing to return to his room for sleep—when suddenly, his phone rang. He picked it up from the table beside him and heard a unfamiliar voice on the other end.

"Hello, is this Professor Charles?"

"Yes, this is I. What can I help you with?"

"Hello, I'm Shearer Rodriguez, a special psychological consultant for S. . . . . . I'm calling to inform you of recent cosmic developments. Unfortunately, we received reliable intelligence from Asgard: a massive conflict is imminent in the cosmos, and Earth may be affected…"

"So?" Charles frowned.

"Don't worry, Professor Xavier. Perhaps you'd prefer to speak with my other identity. I once posted a question on a psychology and education forum…"

Before Shearer could finish, Charles asked: "You? How are the children doing?"

"One has improved significantly; the others are still under observation and treatment. Professor Xavier, I'm calling because…"

"Enough. Don't explain. What do you need me to do?"

Shearer paused. "Why do you trust me so much? Don't you fear this is a S. . . . . . conspiracy?"

"If you've successfully treated children with psychological trauma and achieved remarkable results, then I believe you're not a bad person. I'm willing to talk with you."

"Professor Shearer, we'll meet soon."

————Extra Notes————

This book is also titled: "All Marvel Comics Can't Even Meet a Single Moral Standard"