Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5734 - 4757: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (24)

"You are surely imagining things. Back when he was the best surgeon, the celebrated Hand of God, what would it be like to meet him. But all your fantasies are merely rooted in your misunderstanding of him," Strange scoffed. "Stephen Strange is an exceptionally skilled surgeon, yet he cannot be deemed a good doctor."

Main Universe Iron Man regarded him. Strange continued, "If he served you back then, it wouldn’t stem from mutual admiration, but simply because you possessed wealth."

"How can you speak of him like that?" Main Universe Iron Man drew nearer, locking eyes with Strange. "How could he not be a good doctor? He could save every patient."

"Do you grasp what he would do if he joined your medical team?" Strange paused for a moment, then declared, "He would insist you dismiss all those incompetent fools, grant him all the medical funds, and then double the charges. Following that, he would serve you while labeling you a foolish nouveau riche."

Main Universe Iron Man was practically a cornered cat. Strange, however, took a deep breath. "Naturally, he has reformed now; there is no need for you to be upset. And I am merely relaying this to inform you—I have not! Be gone!"

Main Universe Iron Man nearly choked on his words. Just as he prepared to deploy his hand cannon and engage in a fatal confrontation with this irritant, another figure materialized in the vicinity of Earth's orbit. Stark observed Strange through the data stream mask. "I knew it; only you, Stephen, could create such a commotion above Earth. Is your designated role to adorn Earth in every universe?"

Main Universe Iron Man stared at Stark in disbelief, a flicker of doubt clouding his expression. This couldn't possibly be accurate.

Yet, he cast a glance at the Earth Magic Defense Network and hesitated to elaborate further. While rudimentary, there was a kernel of truth to it, though excessively crude.

This time, it was Strange’s turn to show displeasure. He fixed his gaze upon Stark. "Does slandering my character bring you such delight? You have tarried here for an extended period; have you yet to secure yourself a full-time occupation?"

"I lack the inclination to argue with you; I am merely passing through," Stark stated. "Much like our long-established division of labor, you shall manage the rear, while I proceed to the front lines to repel the invasion."

"Hmph," Strange snorted coldly. "The alien forces have already reached Jupiter, and you inform me that Earth is not the front line? Have you lost your senses?"

"Ahem," Stark cleared his throat twice. "In any case, I am about to undertake a more constructive endeavor. I am merely here to advise that you cease wasting your time, for with my intervention, they shall not breach our defenses."

"Are you so assured?" Strange narrowed his eyes. "Schiller permitted the alien armies entry to unify the forces on Earth within this very universe. If you prevent their entry, how then shall they unite?"

"Is Jupiter not sufficiently proximate?" Stark inquired, shaking his head. "I perceive no semblance of unity among them."

"You have remained sequestered at home for far too long; your intellect has demonstrably atrophied," Strange retorted. "To us, the entirety of the Milky Way lies within our grasp. Yet, this universe lacks even a respectable starship. Jupiter appears as distant as another world to them, and they still find ample time for internecine strife."

"Very well," Stark mused for a moment. "I shall permit a small contingent to pass. You shall handle them within Earth's orbit..."

"Near-Earth orbit is excessively distant," Strange declared, gazing downwards. "I must activate the Magic Defense Network, allow this small contingent into New York, and subsequently, have The Avengers engage them on the ground. This will enable the populace to recognize the alien invasion of Earth. Do you comprehend?"

Stark was rendered speechless. "Allowing them onto Earth? The bullet has already lodged in the heart; is it not too late to consider extraction?"

"In my estimation, New York is insufficient; it must be Manhattan, and specifically, the most opulent thoroughfares. When the police and military combined are incapable of containment, then summon The Avengers. Following hundreds of rounds of engagement, they shall finally comprehend the magnitude of the impending calamity. You have truly lived too comfortably and forgotten the nature of these individuals."

Stark found himself without further retort. Main Universe Iron Man, overhearing this precise sequence of events, felt an uncanny sense of familiarity, as if it had transpired numerous times before. Therefore, when ought they to commence acknowledging this as an invasion? Should defensive preparations not have been initiated the moment the enemy reached Jupiter?

Stark departed. Main Universe Iron Man also harbored no desire to linger in the company of this particular Strange; he was, quite frankly, exceedingly vexing. However, for the sake of the forthcoming strategy, he resolved to remain and posed his inquiry: "You intend to orchestrate an invasion of New York by the Shi’ar Empire’s forces?"

Strange glanced at him, appearing somewhat impatient to respond, yet he ultimately emitted a nasalized sound: "Hmm."

The primary universe's Iron Man pondered the situation. Forcing Earth's factions to unite, allowing a specific squad entry was indeed the optimal approach. However, the Shi'ar Empire harbored malevolent intentions, and their formidable strength posed a risk; what if New York truly faced destruction?

He hesitated to voice these concerns, as it might suggest their inadequacy. Yet, Strange seemed to perceive his thoughts, remarking, "Originally, this plan required you to play a role, to feign defeat, which would compel the ordinary governments to seek assistance from mutants, leading to a negotiation. But observing you now, you needn't even act; just be yourself."

The primary universe's Iron Man was incensed once more. These words, meant as an explanation, felt like a personal affront from Strange. "We are not that feeble!"

Without a moment's pause, Strange's Cloak unfurled, executing a fluid arc through the air, ensnaring the primary universe's Iron Man and his mecha. With a casual gesture, he tossed the bundled figure through the nearby Teleportation Portal.

"Bang!"

"Ow!" The primary universe's Iron Man yelped in pain from the impact. The Avengers, who had just returned for resupplies, were taken aback by the commotion.

"God! Tony!" Spider-Man hastily moved to assist Iron Man. Enraged, the primary universe's Iron Man fired two shots at the cloak, but it shimmered and vanished flawlessly.

The others quickly helped him up. Thor, his sandwich still half-eaten, turned towards the direction the cloak had disappeared, inquiring, "Is Steven back? Did you manage to pacify him?"

The primary universe's Iron Man waved his hand dismissively. "For now, do not utter that name in my presence. Listen, they have formulated a plan..."

"The Clarkia Nature Reserve was officially unveiled today at 8:00 a.m., coinciding with the establishment of the Clarkia Nature Conservation Foundation. At the press conference, the foundation's spokesperson, Charles Xavier, declared that Clarkia is not merely the sanctuary of mutants but also a jewel of Earth. They pledge to work alongside humanity to transform our blue planet into a haven for intelligent life..."

Nick switched off the television, glanced at the Falcon beside him, and commented, "They were successful, achieving a complete victory."

"That doesn't concern me," Falcon stated, crossing his arms as he sat. "I'm only interested in why Natasha and Clint are confined to the training grounds, refusing to emerge, and leaving all responsibilities to Bucky and me?"

"I share that curiosity," Nick admitted. "Ever since their return to the agency, their behavior has been peculiar. I'm uncertain of their objectives within the training grounds. Should I consult with Captain and the others?"

"Can't you handle it yourself?" Falcon inquired.

"An unrestricted training ground is one of the privileges afforded to S.H.I.E.L.D. employees. As Director, I cannot simply bar them from its use; that would be excessively unreasonable." Nick sighed. "So much has transpired recently – the mutant nation, the Red Orchid Factory, an entirely new Avengers team. Perhaps they are experiencing excessive pressure."

"Very well." Falcon, seemingly unenthusiastic, rose dutifully, prepared for work. Just then, Kate burst in. "A heavily armed alien force has abruptly materialized over Manhattan. They've already destroyed an entire street, Director!"

Nick jolted upright. "Alien army?! Quickly, assemble The Avengers!"

On the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, panic ensued as citizens fled for their lives. Fortunately, this area was accustomed to sudden crises, and people dispersed rapidly. By the time the colossal green figure leaped onto the battlefield, the surrounding screams had significantly subsided.

"The Hulk!!!"

"Captain, what's the plan?" Spider-Man slammed on the brakes, stopping behind Captain America. "These adversaries are clearly prepared; I've never encountered those laser armaments before."

"Maintain composure," Captain America instructed, securing his shield. "The Hulk will engage them head-on. You will infiltrate from the rear and test if your spider silk can ensnare them. If you can impede their movement, allow Natasha to strike decisively with the Widow's Sting..."

"Bucky!" Captain America called out again. "Engage them from the flank to draw their attention."

"Hawkeye, secure that elevated position. Once their formation is disrupted, commence your sniping operations."

"Thor, accompany me on this flank. Iron Man will provide aerial fire support. The rest will attack according to the unfolding situation!"

With the commands issued, The Avengers launched a full-force assault, engaging the small alien contingent from all directions. However, the heavily armed alien soldiers proved formidable. The moment they deployed several ground-based devices resembling emplacements, the Hulk's advance was instantly halted.

"Stasis Field!" Iron Man exclaimed. "Hawkeye, neutralize those emplacements!"

Hawkeye immediately switched to his high-impact explosive arrows, firing one with a thunderous momentum. Yet the stasis field was most restraining against projectiles, and the arrow fell short before reaching the base, almost exploding near the attacking Winter Soldier.

"I'll handle this!" Thor raised his hammer, a lightning strike descended, seemingly unstoppable by the force field, instantly charring a base. But at that moment a laser beam swept across, Thor dodged too late, hit in the arm, leaving a charred wound.

"Damn it! This is the Shi'ar Empire's source energy beam! Don't get hit!" Thor roared, "You damned Ferocious Feather Tribe, what are you doing on Earth?!"

"Obey the will of the Twin Gods!" the leading officer shouted, "Kill them! Conquer Earth!"

Thor, furious beyond measure, struck another lightning at a base. But the opponent clearly regarded him as the most threatening target, soon several warriors surrounded him wielding laser guns, lightsabers, and some peculiar crystal weapons. Thor dodged one threat only to be hit by another, soon accumulating several wounds.

"Thor!" Nearby Captain America and Iron Man in the air looked anxious. They rushed over only to fall into the Shi'ar trap. Two more bases landed, both immediately immobilized. Two lasers struck, one knocking down Iron Man, one sending Captain America flying. In barely two confrontations, The Avengers had fallen into dire straits.

Nick slammed the table, about to call for support, but another gold and red streak sped across New York’s skyline. Nick’s eyes lit up — it was another Avengers team!