Marvel: Little Genius - Chapter: 395 (Patreon)

"Here's the deal, Mark. This guy came down from the sky, smashed the roof of the New York Sanctum, and then told me that a guy named Thanos is planning to cause trouble on Earth. He asked me to contact the Avengers and get ready."

Inside the New York Sanctum, Mark, who was already in a critical juncture of his study in Third Magic, was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Sorcerer Supreme, who had opened a portal. He listened as Strange described what had just happened.

"Sorry for damaging your roof, but Mark, I remember that the Avengers can claim damages for building destruction caused by their members through the Damage Control company's insurance process, right? You know, I've been away from Earth for two years now, and I don't have much savings on me..."

Doctor Banner looked a bit embarrassed as he looked at Mark, hoping to get some help.

"Don't worry, Doctor Banner! Your safe return to Earth is already the greatest surprise! You have no idea how heartbroken we were when the space portal was detonated by Max, and everyone thought you were consumed by space turbulence. If the other teammates, especially Natasha, find out that you're back, they'll be overjoyed."

Mark reassured him and went forward to give the long-lost Doctor Banner a big hug.

"I've missed you all too. It's truly wonderful to be reunited with you again! But I never expected that besides being a scientist, Mark, you're also a magician!"

"The so-called magic is just the realm that science hasn't been able to touch or decipher yet. The two are not necessarily contradictory. Well, Banner, I have something else to say."

Mark patted Doctor Banner on the back, and then the two separated.

"Strange, I've already understood the situation. Kamar-Taj has always been dedicated to resisting magical threats in the universe, which is why you haven't heard of the name Thanos. But that's okay; I'll explain it to you all.

But now, it's best that we gather all our allies who need to know about this and can fight alongside us. I don't want to keep introducing who Thanos is to everyone repeatedly.

So, let's start with him." As Mark spoke, he began gathering magical energy in his hands, opening a portal in space, and on the other side was the person he was looking for.

"Dad, sorry to interrupt your alone time with Pepper and congratulations on your newlywed bliss!

But now, there's something very important I need you to do, Dad. Pepper, I might have to borrow your man for a little while."

"So, Mark, have you made another breakthrough in your spatial teleportation technology?"

Tony asked, stunned, as he watched Mark walk out of the portal, which looked like a circus hoop.

...

Inside the New York Sanctum, Mark had managed to gather all the available members of the Avengers, both old and new, the current and former directors of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the three Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj: Doctor Strange, Mordo, and Wong. Except for Black Panther and Captain, who was currently wanted by the United Nations, nearly all of Earth's top superheroes had assembled here.

Many of them were discovering for the first time that, in addition to being their ally and comrade, Mark had this hidden identity. What was even more astonishing was the realization that magic, which they had thought was only found in fantasy literature, actually existed!

Returning to Earth, Doctor Banner was also the center of attention for both the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D., as everyone was thrilled about his miraculous return.

"Alright, we'll save the catching up for a post-victory party. Today, we need to discuss something more urgent and crucial.

You didn't hear wrong, and I didn't misspeak. I use this word because, without exaggeration, our Earth, and even the entire universe, are in a truly perilous state right now.

This is a fight for survival, where losing means losing everything, and even winning could result in heavy casualties. But I believe that none of you here will back down because, behind us, we have our home and our most important family and comrades."

As he spoke, Mark used illusion magic to present the six Infinity Stones before everyone. "These six stones, I believe most of you are already familiar with to some extent. They are the six Infinity Stones born since the Big Bang, each of them controlling an attribute of the cosmic source: Time, Space, Mind, Reality, Soul, and Power.

Once you collect all six Stones and withstand the tremendous energy they emit when used together, you can make any wish, no matter how absurd, and it will come true.

Now, an entity with the intent to collect all six Infinity Stones has appeared—Thanos! He's incredibly powerful, enough to support his ambition to use the Infinity Stones. And, in fact, this is not the first time we've crossed paths with him. Do you remember the Battle of New York six years ago?

It was him who entrusted the Mind Stone scepter to Loki and dispatched the Chitauri army to Earth, working together with Loki to invade Earth. Their goal was the cosmic cube, also known as the Space Stone, which was still on Earth at that time.

Thanos's ultimate goal, after collecting the Infinity Stones, is to randomly eliminate half of all life in the universe, believing it will achieve a perfect balance between life and resources.

Currently, there are still two Infinity Stones on Earth. One of them is in the possession of our Supreme Sorcerer, Doctor Strange. He serves as the guardian of Kamar-Taj, which you might not be very familiar with. But just like the Avengers, Kamar-Taj also plays a role in safeguarding Earth, although it leans more toward the protection of the magical aspect.

As for the other Infinity Stone, it's the Mind Stone, which we have stored in the underground space of the new Avengers base.

So, without a doubt, if Thanos has no intention of giving up his ambitions, he will certainly launch an attack on Earth, and this time, the scale will undoubtedly far exceed the Battle of New York.

Based on the information Doctor Banner obtained before returning to Earth, Thanos now possesses two Infinity Stones: the Power Stone and the Space Stone. Moreover, one of our allies, Thor, the God of Thunder and one of the most powerful members of the Avengers, is likely to have encountered misfortune.

Considering the current situation, it's highly unfavorable for us. We must relocate the battlefield because if we fight on Earth, we won't be able to employ our last and most extreme resort. Additionally, protecting civilians will divert our attention and prevent us from focusing on the immediate threat.

So, if anyone has any opinions or suggestions, please feel free to speak up now. Time is running out, and I believe the enemy will arrive much sooner than we anticipate."

"I think we should find Captain and the others. They would be a huge asset, and if we really go to war, Captain is undoubtedly the best choice for a commander," suggested Colonel Rhodes, who was the first to provide input. As he spoke, his gaze was directed towards Tony, expecting a response, but Tony skillfully avoided eye contact.

"By the way, I've been curious since just now: Where did Captain go? And what about Hawkeye and Natasha?" questioned Doctor Banner with a puzzled expression.

"We've had internal conflicts, Captain and I had a falling out, and the United Nations and the Security Council used this opportunity to divide the Avengers. We're no longer in contact," explained Tony, the one directly involved.

"Tony, listen carefully to what I'm saying—Thor has fallen at the hands of that guy, and he's coming to Earth with his army to accomplish the same thing. The personal grievances between you and Captain no longer matter."

Faced with Doctor Banner's advice, Tony fell into silence, or rather, he wrestled with himself. After a mental struggle, he ultimately took out the communication device that Captain had sent him two years ago from his jacket pocket, preparing to dial the only number in the phone book.

"Everyone, get ready. I don't think we have time to bring Captain back. The enemy is here now!" Mark's sudden announcement interrupted Tony's actions. And in the next moment—boom! An explosion resounded, and chaos befell New York, where two Infinity Stones were gathered.

"Now, all the superheroes of Earth, it's time to go to war..."