The game field quickly expanded to cover the entirety of New York City. Li Hua, Elena, Gwen, and Victor were the first to feel the sudden emergence of this unprecedented, massive game field.
At the same time, they received an urgent alert from Dan, informing them that the game field had now enveloped all of New York—a situation of extreme gravity.
With the Chitauri soldiers still a threat, Gwen—already capable of flight thanks to her level 50 game cartridge—immediately sped toward the center of the game field: Stark Tower, to assess the situation.
Upon arriving, Gwen immediately spotted Genm, the Bugster being who had previously crossed paths with them and possessed the ability to create game cartridges.
"Genm, what are you scheming this time? Creating a game field that covers all of New York, trapping everyone inside it?" Gwen asked gravely, her tone heavy with concern.
Tony's expression shifted as well—he had seen the rapidly expanding light barrier generated by Genm's game cartridge but hadn't expected it to cover the entire city.
Genm, observing Gwen and Tony's wary stares, smiled faintly and said, "Schemes? I act directly and openly, as always."
"We don't want to debate that. We just want to know your goal," Gwen replied, leaning forward, ready to act at any moment.
"My goal is simple: to have everyone in New York City enter my game," Genm said, voice slightly exalted, as if a masterpiece had just been completed.
"Are you trying to use the game cartridge to create this giant game field, infecting everyone with the bugster virus to generate countless new monster?!" Gwen's eyes widened in shock at the terrifying possibility.
"Are you trying to use the virus to exterminate all humans in New York?" Tony's face darkened as he realized the implications—just as the city faced an alien invasion, this virus monsters suddenly appeared to cause chaos.
If Genm truly used the game field to spread the virus, the entire city might already be infected. Combined with the alien invasion, countless Bugster monsters could be born from the immense mental pressure of the infected, devouring untold numbers of humans.
Genm shook their head, laughing lightly with disdain. "You really don't understand me. You think I want to create countless Bugster beings to destroy humanity? Such a plan is far too boring. Without interesting players, a game is meaningless."
"You mean that all the humans in New York are the players in your game?" Tony's eyes narrowed.
Genm nodded. "This is the start of the ultimate game. Everyone is part of the game and a player as well, participating in missions, fighting Bugster beings, completing the game, and eventually challenging the final boss: the Game God."
"And after completing the game?" Gwen asked.
"All those who disappeared due to the Bugster virus will be revived," Phantom Dream replied calmly.
"Once the game field covers all of New York, every human gets a second chance at life. Those killed by the alien invaders aren't truly dead—they are merely ended within the game, their data under the control of the Game God. Though they disappear, they can return. If someone successfully conquers the Game God, all the dead can be revived. So be grateful—I'm giving them a second chance."
"This is the Game for everyone. Defeat the final boss, and you save everything. Every player has the chance to become a hero," Genm said, voice full of excitement.
"Ordinary humans couldn't possibly fight Bugster monsters… your plan is purely…" Tony recalled his first encounter with a Bugster being, his voice trailing.
"Of course, I'll later provide humans with universal player game cartridges, giving them the power to fight monsters," Phantom Dream interrupted.
"And if players fail?" Gwen asked, wanting to know the consequences.
"Then the game ends ('game over'). They disappear in the real world, becoming data integrated into the game, waiting for someone to clear it and rescue them," Genm said matter-of-factly.
Gwen nodded, voice resolute. "We will clear your game and save everyone."
"I look forward to it," Phantom Dream replied, satisfied.
Tony tilted his head, asking, "Why don't we just take the game cartridge from him, have Dan analyze it, and find a way to revive everyone directly?"
Genm nodded seriously. "Not a bad idea… you want to try?"
Tony hesitated, scanning the seemingly confident Genm, brow furrowed.
"Let's deal with the alien invasion first," Gwen said, shaking her head slightly at Tony, signaling him not to act rashly.
"This game field is constructed from the infinite energy of the Tesseract absorbed by the virus. The rules of the game are nearly immutable. Even if you take the cartridge, it won't work. And trying to snatch the cartridge within Genm's domain is not easy," Gwen explained Dan's reasoning to Tony.
Tony's eyes flickered thoughtfully.
"Sir, the missile is approaching," J.A.R.V.I.S. warned abruptly.
Tony snapped back to attention, spotting the missile with its long, blazing tail speeding toward them. He immediately set aside other thoughts to deal with the peace missile.
"I can't let this ruin the game I've been waiting for," Genm suddenly said, waving the game cartridge at the missile. A faint, illusionary light wrapped around the missile, merging with it.
The missile exploded, releasing a burst of colorful bubbles.
Tony stared in disbelief. "How is this possible?! Am I dreaming?"
"This is the world of the game. Nothing is impossible. As long as the virus is strong enough, even the most unreasonable things can become reality," Phantom Dream said with a slight smirk.
"Then can you close the spatial portal above us?" Tony asked, his tone faintly provocative.
"Closing the portal isn't hard… but why should I help you?" Phantom Dream remained unmoved.
"Your game's target is the humans of New York, not these ugly alien invaders. You're not really going to let them occupy the city, are you?" Tony said, pointing to the Chitauri warship peeking through the portal.
By its size, the ship's cross-section likely spanned half a city block. Its energy shield could even withstand Thor's massive lightning attacks. Its hull was visibly bristling with weapon systems—clearly an immensely powerful and difficult opponent.
Genm stroked their chin. "You're right—these aliens, obsessed with killing, add nothing to my game. Fine, I'll give you a hand."
Genm released energy from the game cartridge, dissolving the Tesseract energy shield surrounding the portal device.
Dr. Erik then easily shut down the device.
The portal immediately began to shrink, severing the Chitauri warship that had been partially entering. Its broken head plummeted straight to the ground.
(End of Chapter)