In the grand, solemn hall of a massive interstellar warship, Loki stood face-to-face with the leader of the Chitauri.The atmosphere was tense and heavy — the entire chamber seemed frozen in time. Behind them stretched the vastness of space, while between them crackled invisible tension, as if the air itself was charged with electricity.
Loki's eyes were sharp, his posture straight and regal — every inch a god. He smiled slightly as he looked at the Chitauri leader.
"Chitauri leader, we both know that Earth is a valuable resource — full of potential. I think it's time for me to lead the invasion. As a god, I have the power to command a mighty army, to conquer Earth and make it our colony."
The Chitauri leader's gaze was cold and cutting. With a faint, disdainful laugh, he replied,
"Loki, you're nothing more than an arrogant little man. We are the guardians of the universe. Earth needs our protection."
Loki's smile deepened, laced with mockery.
"Chitauri leader, your army may be powerful, but let me remind you — I am a god, and you are merely an alien. My power and intellect are far beyond your comprehension. If you refuse to obey my command, I can easily crush you and take your empire for myself."
The Chitauri leader raised an eyebrow, pride flashing in his eyes.
"Loki, you're as foolish as you are arrogant. Do you really think you alone can conquer Earth? Don't forget — the Chitauri are far stronger than your kind. Cross our line, and we'll destroy you and your so-called army without hesitation."
Loki sneered — that was the funniest thing he'd heard all day.
The two continued to argue over who would lead the invasion of Earth.Loki wanted to use Earth's resources to satisfy his ambition, while the Chitauri leader viewed Earth as a strategic stronghold that must be enslaved and controlled.
Just then, a wave of immense energy swept through the hall, making the whole place tremble.The cosmic conqueror, Thanos, appeared.
His presence alone was enough to make both Loki and the Chitauri leader lower their heads in submission.
Thanos looked at them coldly, his deep voice echoing with authority:
"Why are you two fighting? Earth is nothing but a speck in the vast universe. I summoned you not to witness a petty quarrel, but to find the Infinity Stones."
Loki and the Chitauri leader both felt the crushing weight of his power. Defying this demon was unthinkable.
Loki clenched his jaw, then said respectfully,
"Yes, Great Conqueror."
The Chitauri leader remained silent, knowing full well Thanos's strength and cruelty.At this moment, only obedience could ensure his survival — and that of his race.
Thanos gave a dismissive, humorless chuckle.
"Then get to work."
Loki stepped forward respectfully.
"Lord Thanos, if possible, please send your lieutenants — the Black Order — to accompany us."
"They have their own missions," Thanos replied, glancing briefly at Loki.
Loki continued,
"My lord, there are… beings on Earth — they call themselves 'superheroes.' They might interfere with your great plan."
Thanos raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Oh? Tell me more."
Loki nodded quickly.
"They possess powers such as telepathy, lightning manipulation, and invisibility."
The Chitauri leader sneered.
"Loki, are you afraid?"
Loki ignored him and turned back to Thanos.
"Very well," Thanos said finally. "Supergiant will assist you in this operation."
Loki and the Chitauri leader both stepped aside respectfully. Thanos's decision didn't surprise them — he was one of the most powerful beings in the universe, and his Black Order was an unstoppable force.
The Recruitment of a Mysterious Man
"Ned, why are we here?"Peter Parker looked nervously at the growing crowd around them.
Ned's eyes sparkled.
"Dude, are you kidding? This is the Hawke Group's Superhero Recruitment Expo! I'm hoping to meet some future Avengers!"
Peter glanced helplessly at Ned — who was covered head-to-toe in Hawke-brand superhero merchandise — and sighed.
When they reached the venue, they found two entrances: one for spectators, the other for applicants.
After confirming they were spectators, the two rushed to their seats, carrying popcorn and sodas.
"Oh yeah, oh yeah, this is gonna be awesome!" Ned cheered, eyes wide with excitement.
Animal trainers, boxers, singers, dancers — all sorts of people took the stage.
One hour later…
Peter looked speechlessly at Ned, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder like a dead pig.
The crowd — adults and kids alike — was half-asleep. What was supposed to be a superhero recruitment show had turned into a parade of mediocrity.
Even the host looked drowsy as he walked to the front of the stage.
"Next up, we have… the Master of Illusions, superhero candidate Quentin Beck!"
Peter's heart skipped a beat at the name.When he saw the man's silhouette, an uneasy feeling washed over him.
Music began to play.Quentin Beck emerged from backstage, dressed in a sleek black suit — mysterious and charming. He smiled warmly at the crowd, who responded with applause and cheers.
Beck's eyes glimmered with confidence — and a hint of arrogance.He waved a hand, and the props on stage began to transform. Suddenly, a breathtaking starry sky appeared, making the audience feel as if they were floating in space.
With a flick of his wrist, Beck changed the scene again.A castle materialized amid roaring winds and flashing lightning — the apocalypse in motion.
He extended his hand, and an illusion enveloped the stage. The crowd gasped as their reflections twisted and warped before their eyes.
Then Beck's performance turned physical — he leapt gracefully into the air, flipping and spinning like a phantom.The audience was in awe, unable to comprehend how any of it was possible.
Landing smoothly, Beck uncorked a small bottle.A strange fragrance filled the air, and the spectators grew dizzy, slipping into a hallucinatory trance.
A multicolored bird fluttered from his palm, dancing through the light — the audience held their breath, enchanted.
But then, the music shifted abruptly.Beck's demeanor darkened. His eyes turned cold, and a wicked smile spread across his face.The audience grew uneasy — it felt as if two beings were battling inside him: one good, one evil.
The "good" Beck began fighting the "evil" Beck, moving with supernatural agility.Finally, the villainous Beck was defeated and collapsed. The hall filled with cheers.
Beck took a bow, and the theater erupted in applause.
"Wha— what happened?" Ned jerked awake, panicked.
"You missed the show," Peter replied dryly.
"Seriously?" Ned looked around at the cheering crowd, feeling like he'd just missed out on a million dollars.
Then Peter glanced at his watch.
"Oh no, I'm late for dinner with my aunt."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's get out of here," Ned groaned.
The stage lights dimmed as Quentin Beck waved to the audience and walked offstage.
Backstage, his smile faded — replaced by tension and anxiety.
He was tired of working behind the scenes.He wanted to be seen, to be a star. But in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, that dream felt impossible. His hunger for fame had grown into obsession.
But this time, being a superhero was even more famous than being a movie star.
Recalling the audience's reaction, Beck's mood steadied.
Suddenly, a staff member approached.
"Mr. Quentin Beck?"
"Ah— yes, that's me. How can I help you?" Beck asked, startled.
"Mr. Beck would like to see you," the staffer said politely.
"Really?" Beck's confusion turned into excitement.
"Yes, he's waiting for you. Please, follow me."
Beck grinned wide.
"Heh… heh-heh."
When they arrived, Beck froze — there were many others there waiting as well.
"I thought I was the only one…"He gave a strained, half-smiling, half-crying expression.
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