The war room at Xavier's mansion buzzed with energy. Around the glowing hologram of the Serpent fortress, the greatest concentration of power the world had ever seen stood shoulder to shoulder.
Reed Richards adjusted the projection, highlighting the fortress's shifting barriers.
"These walls bend space. If we breach them incorrectly, we'll scatter across dimensions. Precision is everything."
Wolverine growled, tapping his claws together. "Then precision better get me close enough to gut the snakes."
Across the table, Moonstone rolled her eyes, but Helena placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her. "We're all angry, Logan. Let's focus it where it counts."
At another corner, Hiro Hamada and Tony Stark argued over tactical drones, Baymax gently mediating with factual corrections. Silvanna leaned against Stark's shoulder, crimson tendrils of blood dancing lazily from her fingertips, drawing side-eyes from Natasha and Steve.
Nearby, Vanessa sat apart from the crowd, Juggernaut looming like a wall behind her. Luna Snow broke the silence between them, her voice soft but cutting.
"You spoke of a world without evil. To build that, you'll need more than strength."
Vanessa met her eyes, steady. "Then teach me what strength alone can't."
On the training grounds outside, the joint strike force drilled together for the first time:
Thor sparred with Mona's demons, his laughter booming each time they lunged with surprising cunning.
Candy and Greta coordinated with Susan Storm, who layered invisible shields over their attacks to sharpen their timing.
The Thunderbolts tested maneuvers beside S.H.I.E.L.D. squads, gruff soldiers exchanging uneasy nods with criminals-turned-allies.
Watching it all, Professor X whispered into the minds of leaders across the field. Doubt festers. Fear lingers. But beneath it, something stronger—hope. They are not ready. Yet they will be.
As night fell, fires burned in the courtyard where groups ate together for the first time. Strange conversations lit the air: Wolverine sharing a drink with the Thing, Hiro excitedly questioning Delilah about her flames, Natasha quietly warning Silvanna about Tony's recklessness.
For a fleeting moment, the factions were no longer enemies, rivals, or strangers. They were simply soldiers waiting for dawn.
Then Xavier wheeled into the circle of firelight, his voice firm.
"At first light, we march. Tomorrow, the Black Serpents learn what happens when the world stands together."
The fire crackled louder. Hearts steadied. And across every faction, from the smallest hero to the most feared juggernaut, the truth sank in:
This was more than a mission. It was the last stand of an era.