After Agent Mobius finished his introduction, everyone exchanged a few words of their own. But introductions weren't really necessary—most of the Multiverse already knew each other. The only unfamiliar figure was Lorien Su. Until now, Agent Mobius and the outsider Loki had only identified his abilities, learning his name just moments ago.
Once everyone was acquainted, Natasha gave a slight nod and turned her gaze toward Lorien. Thor and Loki also looked over. After all, they had never faced a situation like this before. What should be done here would depend entirely on Lorien's decision.
Agent Mobius, however, had only two concerns.
First: the issue of this universe. Though he had phrased it as a question of "whether" intervention was necessary, the mission of the Time Variance Authority was to deal with anomalous timelines. Otherwise, why would their full name be the Time Variance Authority? If they encountered a universe with problems, their duty was to fix it.
Their politeness now existed for only one reason: sitting before them were two hosts—one of the Phoenix Force and the other of Chaos Magic. On top of that, these two hosts were partners. That made the situation even more delicate.
It had to be understood—the Phoenix Force is the very framework of the cosmos. It came into existence with the birth of the Multiverse itself. It is both the structure of the Multiverse and the sole guardian linked to the Heart of the Universe. Meaning, even if Lorien could only call upon the Phoenix Force, a single moment of anger from him could ripple through the entire Multiverse.
That was a consequence Agent Mobius could never afford. If he truly enraged Lorien, the Multiverse itself would bear the fallout. In that case, Mobius wouldn't be returning to file a report at all—he'd be lucky to return anywhere, let alone home.
As for Chaos Magic—its threat needed no elaboration. It didn't share the Phoenix Force's ancient origin, but it could permanently rewrite reality across the Multiverse. If Wanda were to lose her temper, the entire Multiverse could shift in an instant. Today it could be a pile of rotting filth, tomorrow it could be a pile of perfumed filth. Any being below the universal-level would have no chance of escape. Only multiversal-level entities could endure.
So when faced with two wielders of the Three Great Cosmic Powers, was Agent Mobius cautious? Of course he was. He couldn't afford not to be. He dared not speak bluntly. Instead of saying, "This universe must be repaired, and that's final," he could only soften his words:
"I'd like to repair this universe. What do you think?"
That was the difference.
Second: reconnaissance. That mission was about finding Lady Loki and had nothing to do with Lorien. So Mobius had no intention of involving him.
Lorien nodded slightly, his tone calm as he addressed the room.
"Agent Mobius, the TVA's mission—yours and Loki's—has nothing to do with us. As long as it doesn't affect this universe, you're free to investigate."
The implication was clear: if it touched this universe, then it was off-limits. Mobius had better behave.
Agent Mobius caught the meaning immediately. He fell into silence. He dared not oppose Lorien. Because whether in this universe or across the entire Multiverse, even considering only the Phoenix Force and Chaos Magic, there were few who would risk defying the will of the Three Great Cosmic Powers.
Their hosts could shift the fate of the Multiverse itself. And Mobius? He couldn't bear that kind of responsibility. He was just an agent.
Sitting across from him was the hidden power behind this universe. The only reason Mobius could still sit there was because Lorien hadn't revealed his true identity. If he had, Mobius wouldn't even have the privilege of this meeting.
So could Agent Mobius really risk open opposition? Raise objections on the spot? And if things went wrong, who would carry the blame? Him? What use would that be? Did he even have the standing?
It was like a junior employee at a corporation saying, "If this project fails, I'll take responsibility." But the truth was—he was just an employee. What weight did his responsibility carry?
So after a long silence, Agent Mobius could only lower his voice and whisper a single line.
"We'll give it serious consideration, rest assured, Mr. Su."
As soon as he finished speaking, the outsider Loki glanced at the other version of himself. Then he turned to Lorien and asked,
"Then I have a question."
Everyone looked at him, signaling he could go ahead. The outsider Loki thought for a moment before finally fixing his gaze on Lorien.
"Why is it that in this universe, you all obey him? I've never seen anyone like him in any other universe.
Not even anything remotely similar.
Take you, for example. Even if other universes lack him, they still have individuals with the same abilities.
But here, you all follow his lead. That strikes me as very peculiar.
Is he from this universe?"
The outsider Loki blurted out the question directly.
The Loki Lorien knew shrank his neck at those words, wishing desperately to distance himself. This outsider Loki was the version from the first Avengers. He hadn't suffered defeat, nor gone through growth. So he asked whatever came to mind without hesitation. He wasn't afraid of being beaten to death. Simply put, he was bold.
Lorien himself didn't mind the question. But Natasha, Wanda, and Gwen weren't having it. The three narrowed their eyes at the outsider Loki.
Especially Gwen.
The murderous intent from her Black Necrosword spread straight toward him.
In an instant, the outsider Loki felt like he was sitting on needles. Cold sweat nearly broke out.
Their reaction wasn't because he had struck a nerve. It was his lack of respect. These questions could be asked. Had he been polite, or chosen his words carefully, no one would have cared. But the way he asked—it was nothing but rude and disrespectful.
And it wasn't only the three women. Thor also looked at him with displeasure.
He thought: How can this Loki be so much more foolish than the one standing beside me? Is this really my brother?
Agent Mobius, standing off to the side, tensed up as well. He knew this outsider Loki was hard to control. He had already tested the TVA's rules again and again. But he hadn't expected him to be this reckless. You really dare!
Under everyone's sharp stares, Lorien waved his hand. Only then did the others gradually withdraw their dangerous gazes.
Gwen gave Loki one last look.
"If Hela were here, the moment you said that, she would have executed you herself."
And it was true. If Hela had been present, no one else would need to move. She would have drawn the Nightsword on the spot and taken her brother's life.
"Hela?" The outsider Loki froze. "Who is Hela?"
At that, Thor and the other Loki finally understood. This Loki's timeline was earlier. He must have run into trouble earlier and been captured. Otherwise, there was no way he wouldn't know who Hela was.
But it no longer mattered.
Lorien interlaced his fingers, thumbs pressed together, and spoke slowly.
"I can answer your question, but only this once."
With that warning, Lorien continued.
"To earn genuine respect from others, you must first respect them yourself. Second, you must have ability and strength.
They follow my lead because I can guide them to victory—others cannot.
As for whether I belong to this universe, I do. And if I didn't, what difference would it make? Who could change anything?"
Lorien's eyes fixed on the outsider Loki.
"I know you're the God of Mischief. Even those seemingly reckless words you just spoke were meant to stir conflict among us.
But next time, widen your perspective. Look at the Loki beside Thor. Do you still think he's the same as you?"
Natasha's heart jolted at Lorien's words. Despite all her agent training, she hadn't immediately realized that the outsider Loki's remarks carried more intent to sow discord than simple recklessness.
The God of Mischief never fears those too strong to challenge.
Just like Loki in Infinity War, crushed by Thanos. Until his last breath, Loki still tried to trick him. Even knowing Thanos's overwhelming strength, he couldn't help but attempt one last scheme.
That is the essence of the God of Mischief—precisely because the other party is strong, he becomes all the more eager to manipulate, to toy, to scheme. Only then does he feel true delight.
To him, strength itself isn't what matters. Because no matter how powerful someone appears, their heart may still be fragile. With the right trick, even the mightiest can have their resolve shattered. Even the strongest alliances can be torn apart, crumbling into ruin.
This is the God of Mischief—a god who lives for trickery, for schemes, for intrigue.
After Lorien's reminder, the others finally grasped it. One by one, their eyes turned venomous as they glared at the outsider Loki.
Agent Mobius broke into a cold sweat. He wished he could shove that Loki back into the timestream immediately.
The outsider Loki froze. He hadn't expected to be exposed so quickly, his intentions laid bare the instant he voiced them.
He turned to the Loki standing beside Thor, only to meet a gaze full of disappointment. That Loki slowly shook his head, sighing.
What did it mean?
It meant utter disillusionment.
Perspective! Where's your perspective?!
What are your little schemes worth in the face of Lorien's absolute power? A clown's act?
Even my sister Hela throws herself at him! Thor and I can't even get close enough to curry favor! And you? What the hell are you playing at with these cheap tricks?
As the atmosphere grew heavier, Agent Mobius could take no more. He immediately pulled Loki up to his feet, and together they bowed deeply to Lorien.
"Our deepest apologies, esteemed Mr. Su, host of the Three Great Cosmic Powers.
For Loki's transgression, we will confine him to a century in the Time Prison once his mission is complete. Please forgive our offense!"