This is an air raid shelter left over from World War II. Old-fashioned lighting could be seen everywhere on the walls, and the air was filled with a damp, musty smell that made the place uncomfortable. A group of researchers bustled back and forth, making the area return to its once-busy state.
"Apostle..." Loki sat quietly not far away, his gaze somewhat vacant.
The scepter rested in front of him, its tip glowing with the same blue light as the Cosmic Cube. Few knew that this was merely a disguise.
Inside the scepter was the Mind Stone—one of the six Infinity Stones.
Suddenly, the end of the staff pulsed with blue light, and Loki's consciousness drifted into a familiar yet alien space.
The environment around him shifted. The researchers in white lab coats vanished, replaced by a dark and desolate universe. Under his feet lay a shattered planet.
A humanoid figure emerged before him, its voice hoarse and sinister. "My people are tired of waiting."
"Let them prepare themselves." Loki didn't speak aloud; the two communicated through their minds. "I will lead you to a glorious war."
"War? Against those weak Earthlings?"
The towering Chitauri before him sounded disdainful. "As soon as you open the portal, the Chitauri will conquer that primitive, backward planet in no time! What can the humans do? They can only wait for death!"
"I hope your army is as strong as you claim." Loki's tone was indifferent. "You underestimate the people of Earth."
"Are you questioning us?" The Chitauri leader's voice turned sharp.
He stepped closer to Loki, his tone cold. "You doubt the one who gave you the scepter? He granted you ancient knowledge and new ideals. You were defeated, prince—"
"I am the King of Asgard!" Loki roared, his fury igniting. "I was betrayed!"
"No, your ambition is insignificant." The Chitauri leader sneered. "Compared to the vision of our master, you are nothing. Our gaze is not limited to Earth. We seek the vast cosmos that the Cosmic Cube will reveal to us!"
"You don't have the Cosmic Cube yet. Isn't it too soon to dream so big?" Loki mocked.
In a flash, the Chitauri leader appeared directly in front of him, his voice dripping with malice.
"Go and fight your battle, Asgardian. If you fail and the Cosmic Cube does not fall into our hands, then forget about your so-called kingdom. There will be no place for you in this universe. No matter where you run, he will find you. He will make you wail and show you what it means to suffer a fate worse than death!"
Loki was yanked from the illusion, his mind snapping back to reality. He sat there, his expression dark, though his eyes trembled slightly.
He knew the Chitauri leader was right.
If he failed, his end would be miserable.
Because that man…
Loki abruptly stood up and strode toward the laboratory. Inside, Dr. Selvig, his mind firmly under Loki's control, was directing a team of researchers as they assembled a machine.
This device would harness the Cosmic Cube's energy to open a portal for the Chitauri.
Dr. Selvig's eyes gleamed with an unnatural, eerie light, and his face held an expression of elation. Turning to Hawkeye, he asked, "Where did you find these people? They're brilliant."
He genuinely believed these researchers were no worse than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has many enemies, Doctor," Hawkeye responded, his sharp gaze similarly tainted by the unnatural glow. His face was grim. "Is this what you need?"
Hawkeye held up a tablet, presenting it to the doctor.
The screen displayed information on a rare element—iridium. Alongside the data was a photo of a black-haired boy, Luke.
"Yes, iridium." Dr. Selvig nodded, grinning. "It's not an element native to Earth. It arrived with meteorites and can generate antiprotons. It's the key to building this device. This stuff is in high demand now."
Hawkeye gave a brief nod. "I know where to find it."
At that moment, Loki entered.
The doctor, brimming with excitement, greeted him. "Hey! The Cosmic Cube has truly opened my eyes! Inside it is not just knowledge but the fundamental truth of the universe! This is what I've pursued my entire life!"
Loki nodded calmly. "I know." His gaze shifted to Hawkeye. "What do you see, Hawkeye Barton?"
Hawkeye frowned. "Please, call me Hawk."
"What?" Loki blinked.
"My nickname is Hawk."
Hawkeye walked over to his equipment, grabbing his specialized compound bow. As he swiftly unfolded the bow's arms, he spoke evenly. "I need bait. There's only one place that holds iridium. I wonder… have you heard of 'Apostle'?"
"Apostle?" Loki's expression shifted slightly.
…
S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier—Bridge.
Being in the same room as your lifelong idol is a dream for many. Today, Phil Coulson was living that dream.
"That's the collector's edition. Took me years to complete the set."
Standing beside the towering Captain America, Coulson couldn't stop talking about his treasured Captain America trading cards, oblivious to how awkward his enthusiasm was making Steve Rogers.
Coulson was like an excited fanboy, rambling on. "The cards are in near-mint condition, just some slight wear on the edges. I mean, if it's not too much trouble, would you sign them after the battle?"
"Sure," Steve replied, resigned.
Coulson beamed, overjoyed that he had the chance to fulfill one of his biggest wishes. He was already thinking about more opportunities to spend time with his hero after the war.
Just as he was about to continue, a sudden transmission crackled through the bridge's comms.
"We found Loki's location!"
Every eye on the bridge snapped toward the voice.
"Where?" Coulson quickly stepped forward.
Nick Fury, Captain America, Bruce Banner, Black Widow, Maria Hill, and the others all turned their attention toward the report.
"63rd Street, Queens, New York. He's not even trying to hide," the agent on comms said, clearly surprised.
On the central screen, a map of the area appeared. The image zoomed in repeatedly until it displayed a three-story building.
At least half of the people in the room reacted.
Luke was one of them.
The moment he heard "63rd Street, Queens," he felt a strange familiarity. Now, staring at the screen, realization dawned—it was his newly rebuilt warehouse.
Now renamed the Institute.
On-screen, Loki strode through the entrance, scepter in hand, as if he owned the place.
Nick Fury's single eye locked onto Luke.
Black Widow and Coulson also turned toward him.
Captain America and Banner exchanged confused glances, wondering why everyone was staring at this kid. Wait—why was this kid even here? Was he part of the mission?
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