"I'll get in contact with Agent Hill," Steve nodded firmly. Then he added, "But now, can you tell me what this alien threat is about?"
"In short," Shen He began, speaking in the same succinct manner he had when briefing Tony, "in a timeline observed by Chaldea, a certain second prince of Asgard will lead an alien fleet to invade Earth."
He didn't go into the full cosmic intricacies, just enough to convey the gravity of the event. The explanation he gave Steve was nearly identical to the one Tony had received.
"…So that's the crisis you've been warning us about?" Steve asked, his voice caught between disbelief and alarm.
Even for a super-soldier who had seen war on an unimaginable scale, the idea of a space invasion was a lot to digest. Hydra had been his biggest enemy. Now, gods and aliens?
"In truth, this is only the beginning," Shen He said, casually shrugging as if the idea of a planetary invasion wasn't enough. "We've got the means to prevent the worst of it—but that invasion will also bring… opportunity. A technological leap forward. So our objective isn't just to stop them—it's to turn the tables and take what they bring."
The Battle of New York was a landmark moment in Marvel history. From that point, Earth's technological evolution had shifted gears. What had once been a world of isolated super-genius tech began converging into a new global future.
"…I don't know how powerful they are," Steve said, taking a deep breath, "but if they threaten the Earth, then we stop them. Period."
"Exactly," Shen He agreed. "But it's not a fight we can win just by rushing in. We need to prepare—seriously." He gestured toward himself, then toward Tony's direction. "Tony and I have both been laying the groundwork for this war. Taking down Hydra was just removing the first barrier. What comes next is far more important. So—do you want in?"
"I thought I was already part of this," Steve responded, brows raised. "What exactly do you need from me?"
"Like I said—help build a team." Shen He stood and walked toward the living room's sideboard, retrieving three bottles of fine champagne. "Tony handles tech development. You rally and lead elite combat personnel. I'll focus on securing allies—both from this world and those connected to Chaldea HQ. If we're going to protect this planet, we'll need everyone's strength."
He poured the champagne and offered each of them a glass. With a calm but resolute tone, he raised his glass. "To Earth."
"To working together," Steve echoed, standing as he lifted his own glass.
"Champagne's for after a victory," Tony remarked dryly, clinking his glass. "So… consider this a toast in advance?"
Their glasses clinked with a soft note, uniting them in a quiet moment of shared resolve.
It was the first true step toward building a team.
After Tony and Steve departed, Shen He returned to his personal room—his real command center.
Every follower he'd summoned so far was there. His core squad.
"Violet, come over and rub my shoulders," Shen He said, collapsing onto the bed without hesitation.
Violet moved gracefully to his side and began to massage him without a word.
He really was tired—mentally and physically. Coulson's fate was uncertain. Tony and Steve were stubborn and difficult in their own ways. And without an official director leading S.H.I.E.L.D., coordinating future plans felt like dragging a boulder uphill.
Even with Lelouch's tactical brilliance supporting him, the burden remained.
But Lelouch was limited too—this wasn't his world, and he didn't have Chaldea's foresight.
"Are you tired, Master?" Jeanne asked softly from across the room.
"A little," Shen He admitted, smiling at her. "But if the Saint offered me a lap pillow, I think all my stress would melt away."
Jeanne blushed furiously and lowered her head. She couldn't tell if the request was sincere or a joke. If it was sincere, then as a follower, perhaps it was her duty…
Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—it was indeed a joke. Shen He couldn't help but enjoy teasing her innocence.
Still smiling, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small pendant, tossing it to Lelouch.
"This is…" Lelouch caught it in one hand, raising an eyebrow.
"One of today's spoils. It has defensive enchantments—you should be able to make use of it once you return home," Shen He said, watching him. "How do you feel about what you've seen of war… in this world?"
Lelouch's eyes lowered slightly. "…The stench of blood is as sickening here as it is back home. But…" He paused. "Avoiding it doesn't suit me. That's not the path I've chosen."
Blood-born hatred could only be resolved through bloodshed. He knew that. No matter how harsh, he had to adapt.
"I understand," Shen He replied seriously. "But Lelouch—don't forget. War is only a means. It's not your purpose."
He met Lelouch's eyes. "Your goal is for Nunnally to live in peace—a world where she can smile. If you're gone, or if those she loves disappear, then that world will never come."
Lelouch's expression shifted. "You're talking about my future… my original fate."
"Yes," Shen He nodded. "You'll hurt the people you care about. Even your sister. But I promised to help you reach your goal—so don't rush. Expand your view. Revenge is just a small milestone."
He'd wanted to say this for a while. At first, they were just contract-bound strangers. Now, after battle, they were comrades.
"…I won't let anything hurt Nunnally," Lelouch said at last. He tucked the pendant away and filed a return request through the system interface.
His experiences in this universe had broadened his perspective. He would use that clarity back in his own.
Shen He approved the request.
As Lelouch vanished, Shen He felt hope stir. The Devil King had more growing to do.
"Alright then," Shen He clapped his hands and turned to the rest of the team. "Hydra's crushed, and S.H.I.E.L.D. is off our backs. No more sneaky surveillance. No more sudden attacks."
He grinned. "So… we're going shopping tomorrow. Then we're hitting the beach."
Even a world on the brink needed its moments of joy. And, as per tradition, a little post-battle fan service never hurt.
"No," Saiki Kusuo said flatly, already pouring cold water on the excitement.
"I won't go either," added Shiki Ryougi without hesitation.
Shen He squinted playfully. "Really? The beach? Pudding? Ice cream? Sundaes? All-you-can-eat sweets? If [Weaver] were still here, he'd be all over that."
"…"
He took their silence as silent agreement.
"Settled, then," Shen He declared. "Everyone rest up tonight. We've got paradise on the horizon."
Faced with their master's will, Saiki returned to his dimension, and both Shiki and Violet retired to their rooms.
Jeanne, however, lingered, gazing thoughtfully toward the window.
She didn't feel like going out.
But perhaps, tomorrow… she'd change her mind.