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Chapter 320: The Fourth Power of Wickedness (3)

"I'm not fear-mongering. A large-scale war between the universe demonic deities is about to begin, and the recent battlefield is within the Nine Realms. We must start preparing for it."

"Even though KarmaTaj never gets involved in anything other than protecting Earth, we need to ensure our self-preservation. The new apprentice doesn't even know how to use a spell yet, and even the experienced sorcerers have become rusty. We need to mobilize quickly..."

In the KarmaTaj Hall, Strange said to Wong with a serious expression, "KarmaTaj is running out of time."

Wong's face turned grave as he replied, "I've received information from the Sorcerer Supreme. There have been rumors in the universe lately, and it seems that many races have received this message. You are correct, protecting Earth is KarmaTaj's inherent responsibility. We need to start preparing."

Soon, in the KarmaTaj Hall, one document after another fell. Sorcerers wearing robes and hooded cloaks took their seats. The central cushion in the hall was reserved for the Sorcerer Supreme, but this time it was Strange who sat there, and no one objected.

Although this was Strange's first time summoning a meeting of all the members of KarmaTaj, his voice remained steady. He said, "I believe everyone is already aware of the current situation. As an independent sanctuary outside the reach of any power in the universe, KarmaTaj cannot afford to be complacent, even with the Sorcerer Supreme coordinating externally."

One of the female sorcerers, dressed in a navy blue robe, spoke first, "I have learned from the Ancient One that war is about to break out. Strange, the Ancient One has gone to the universe to confirm this news and has entrusted all of KarmaTaj's backup affairs to you. It shows how much she trusts you."

Another male sorcerer with a deep voice added, "Indeed, Strange, your talents and abilities are evident to all. This will be your greatest test before ascending to the position of Sorcerer Supreme. I believe you will not disappoint us."

Strange nodded and said, "Although I am still inexperienced and my abilities cannot compare to yours, we must act in times of urgency..."

"I declare that the KarmaTaj Earth defense network and major sorcerer sanctums around the world enter full combat readiness. All sorcerers remain in their positions..."

"No sorcerer is allowed to leave Earth without authorization. Magic apprentices must stay within the defense network. All treasures, weapons, and supplies need to be reported to Wong once they are prepared..."

"Everyone, the war is about to begin."

"The war is about to begin?" Stark looked puzzled at Schiller and said, "I've been in seclusion for a few days to upgrade my armor, and now we have to start fighting?"

Schiller shook his head while standing by the window of Stark Tower Laboratory, looking down at the street. His voice was slightly melancholic.

"Anything in the universe doesn't stagnate because of human weakness and backwardness."

"Just as humans don't consider the thoughts of an ant when they wage war, even though it may bring catastrophic consequences for the ant and its colony."

Stark, who had seen the bigger picture, knew better than anyone how vast the universe was and how insignificant humans were. But as part of this civilization, he wanted to protect Earth and make humanity stronger...

Stark sighed and said, "Even if the main human civilization hasn't received any warnings, the Magic side should have..."

"Do you want to rely on those sorcerers?" Schiller shook his head and said, "Through Strange, you should know that there are very few people in the entire human population who can learn magic, and even fewer who can master it and use its power to defend Earth."

Stark looked up at Schiller and said, "That's why I have always believed that the way out for human civilization lies in technology and machinery."

"Use your expertise in machinery and technology to defend our civilization. Now is the time when we need you the most, isn't it?"

Stark took a deep breath and slowly exhaled it. He didn't rush back to the laboratory like before, eager to produce results every minute.

He stood there, standing straight, as if a force was bursting from his soul. There was no pride in Stark's tone; he was just stating a fact:

"I have always wanted to use my intelligence to guide human civilization, to protect Earth."

"But the reason I haven't taken effective action so far is not because I can't do it, but because I don't know how to control the intensity so that this protection doesn't destroy everything."

Schiller continued his words, "I understand that, just like how a person must control their own strength to avoid crushing an ant."

"But now, you can unleash a portion of your intelligence to provide reliable protection for Earth in the war. It's not too much to ask, or rather, even if you use your intelligence to slightly accelerate the development of human civilization, I don't think it has any relationship."

Stark sighed and said, "So, this is your purpose? To use external universal crises to force internal unity and development on Earth?"

"No wonder you're a Stark at the multi-universe level. It seems nothing can escape your eyes. I'm starting to doubt if you really stepped down or if there's something beyond that, something eternal."

"Don't doubt it. I guessed it. If it wasn't for you causing all this, you wouldn't have come here and tried to provoke me..."

"Just say whether you're willing to do it or not. If you're not, I can find someone else to do it. After all, there's more than just one genius in this world..."

Before Schiller finished speaking, Stark had already turned and walked back to the laboratory. Schiller smiled and shook his head, saying, "It seems promotion hasn't cured your sulking."

In the office of the director of SHIELD, Pierce extinguished the cigarette in his hand and frowned, saying, "Are you saying this is true? The universe is about to initiate a large-scale war, and Earth..."

"That's exactly what I'm saying. We must have a professional team to deal with this crisis. You and I both know that this is not something ordinary people can handle, not even the military."

Pierce frowned deeply, and even though his cultivation was excellent, his anxious emotions began to spread across his face. After all, the news brought by Nick was too astonishing. He couldn't even imagine what the war between the demonic deities in the universe would be like, let alone a large-scale battle among them.

"I know that the Security Council has been worried about this all along. I can understand you. After all, a group like the superheroes themselves is uncontrollable. When they are united, it may create an even bigger mess. I understand..."

"But now, the fact is already in front of us. Besides uniting these superheroes with special abilities, we have no other way out."

Pierce tapped lightly on the desktop with his finger. After a few minutes, he sighed and said, "Alright, I think our interests are aligned, Nick. I will resist the pressure from other representatives in the Security Council for you during the meeting. But you must ensure that the team you form will be used on the right path..."

"Pierce, you know that I need someone to do the dirty work..."

"That's your business. I have already given you the greatest authority within my jurisdiction. Don't disappoint me, Nick."

Pierce looked into Nick's eyes and said, "We have known each other for many years. I understand you very well. I know that you have had doubts about me recently. It's normal because our stances have changed, and our relationship can no longer be so innocent."

"But when it comes to the future of our races and the security of Earth, our interests are always the same. I haven't forgotten why I joined SHIELD..."

"Neither have I."

Their black and white palms clasped together, their eye contact blending, both becoming more firm in their convictions.

Following their gaze downward, through the layers of floors in SHIELD, and into the underground reception center, then turning east into Hell's Kitchen.

In Daredevil Matt's stronghold, Steve tapped his shield, attracting everyone's attention. He said, "The plan to form a superhero team by SHIELD has already begun implementation. As long as Nick obtains the support of the Security Council, he will start recruiting members."

"I came here just to persuade the two of you..." Steve looked at Spider-Man and Daredevil. He spoke in a very sincere tone, "I hope both of you can join the superhero team and become the backbone of this team to deal with the possible crisis of a universe war."

"I distrust SHIELD," Matt said straightforwardly. "I distrust all similar institutions."

Peter turned his head and glanced at Matt, then looked at Steve. He hesitated and asked, "Are you saying that there will be fighting in the universe? SHIELD is forming this team to protect Earth, right? That's how I understand it, right?"

"Correct, we can't rely on outsiders to protect us. We have to take self-preservation into our own hands."

"If that's the case, I'll join," Peter said with pursed lips. "After all, the simplest reason is that if Earth is game over, we will all be doomed."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Matt. Matt stared at Steve's face and said, "I do distrust SHIELD... but I trust you and Nick. I'll join."

In Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Charles took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and turned his wheelchair, intending to go back to his room to sleep. But at that moment, the phone suddenly rang. He picked up his mobile phone from the nearby table and heard a voice from the other end.

"Hello, may I speak to Professor Charles?"

"Correct, it's me. Do you have something to discuss with me?"

"Hello, I am Schiller Rodriguez, a psychological counselor invited by SHIELD. The purpose of my call to you is to inform you about the recent changes in the universe situation. Sadly, we have received reliable information from Asgard that a battle will soon take place in the universe, and this may affect Earth..."

"So what?" Charles frowned and asked.

"Don't be nervous, Professor Charles. Perhaps you would prefer to communicate with my other identity. I once asked a question on a forum on psychology and education..."

Before Schiller could finish, Charles asked, "Is it you? How are those children doing?"

"One of them has shown significant improvement, while the others are still under observation and treatment. Professor Charles, this time I am..."

"Alright, you don't have to say it. What do you need me to do?"

Schiller's voice paused for a moment, and he asked, "Why do you trust me like this? Aren't you worried that all of this is a conspiracy by SHIELD?"

"If you have tried to treat children with psychological problems and have achieved remarkable results, then I believe you are not a bad guy. So, I'm willing to talk to you."

"Professor Schiller, we'll see you later."

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