Chapter 237: Final preparation
The energy surrounding Earth's mystical defenses crackled in the atmosphere, a constant reminder of the impending invasion. While the sorcerers channeled their forces into fortifying the barriers, the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. worked tirelessly to prepare for the inevitable clash.
S.H.I.E.L.D's Strategic Command
In the heart of the Helicarrier, Director Nick Fury stood before a massive holographic display. Surrounding him were key operatives: Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, and Carol Danvers. The rest of the Avengers were training for the war. But Tony Stark was missing.
Fury's one good eye scanned the map, which displayed potential points of attack based on intelligence gathered by their cosmic allies. "We've got one month," he began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "And every second counts. Our goal is simple: give Earth its best chance of survival."
Maria Hill stepped forward, gesturing to a cluster of marked zones on the map. "We've identified critical infrastructure that needs immediate fortification. These zones house fusion reactors, global communication hubs, and key supply chains. If Galactus' heralds, Thanos, or Knull's forces target these areas, the damage will cripple us before the fight even begins."
Coulson added, "Our agents are mobilizing across the globe. We've initiated Operation Bastion, which prioritizes securing these zones with advanced energy shields, automated defenses, and evacuation plans."
Carol Danvers, arms crossed, spoke with a calmly. "I'll oversee the defense of space-borne assets. The satellites and orbital stations will be our first line of communication and observation. We lose them, and we'll be fighting blind."
Fury nodded. "Good. Now, let's talk firepower."
"There are only a few who can take on the threats," The Ancient One's voice came as a portal opened behind them. "But I know who can handle them."
According to the plan, Wanda will fight Knull, while Peter Parker will fight against Galactus and she will fight the Silver Surfer. Meanwhile, Strange and Carol will try to stop Thanos from getting the three stones in Kamar-Taj, while the Sorcerers will maintain the barrier. The rest will focus on keeping the enemies away from Wanda, Peter, and the others while they take on the big villains.
"You can see the future, do we even stand a chance?" Fury asked the Ancient One.
"If I tell you now, it may not be what will happen," The Ancient One replied. "You must have hope."
"It's just a feeling," Fury said as he looked at the map of Earth. "I don't have a good feeling about this one."
...
While the rest of the Avengers trained and strategized, Tony Stark worked in secret. Hidden in an off-the-grid workshop buried beneath the Rockies, Stark's mind raced at a million miles per hour. He knew what they were up against: forces so powerful that even the Avengers' combined might would barely make a dent. To Stark, that wasn't good enough. He needed solutions — radical ones.
The lab was a testament to his brilliance and paranoia. Holograms, blueprints, and simulations hovered in mid-air, depicting advanced weaponry, suits, and energy systems. Every surface buzzed with activity as robots and automated arms constructed pieces of technology far beyond anything Stark had shared with his teammates.
At the center of the lab, suspended in a cylindrical energy field, was Tony's newest creation: the Mark Infinity Armor. Unlike his previous suits, this one wasn't just an upgrade — it was a revolution. The armor was infused with vibranium, Uru metal (a favor called in from Thor), and fragments of an ancient Asgardian artifact that enhanced its resistance to cosmic energy.
The suit's defining feature, however, was its AI core. Stark had spent years refining it, blending the best of J.A.R.V.I.S., F.R.I.D.A.Y., and even a touch of alien technology he'd scavenged from previous battles. This AI, codenamed A.E.G.I.S., could predict enemy movements, coordinate with other systems, and act autonomously if Tony was incapacitated.
"Activate testing protocol," Tony muttered, sipping a nearly-forgotten cup of coffee.
The Mark Infinity Armor came to life, its panels sliding into place as energy coursed through it. A holographic display popped up beside him, showing performance stats as the suit simulated combat scenarios against Galactus, Thanos, and Knull.
"Might not stand a chance against Galactus," Tony said, tweaking the energy output. "But against Knull and Thanos… yeah, that'll do."
As Tony worked, Pepper Potts appeared on a hologram, her expression a mix of admiration and worry.
"Tony, you've been off the grid for weeks," she began. "You didn't even tell me where you were going. The team's asking questions."
"Pep, this is bigger than the team," Tony said, not looking up from his console. "If this invasion goes the way I think it will, we're going to need every ounce of firepower I can muster. I'm just—"
"You're doing the same thing you always do: taking everything on yourself."
Tony paused. Pepper was right, as always. But how could he explain the weight he felt? The need to prepare for every possible outcome, especially the worst one?
"I just want to make sure you and Morgan are safe," he said quietly.
...
At the far end of the lab, a massive cylindrical structure hummed ominously. This was Tony's ace in the hole: the Stark Singularity Cannon. Drawing on energy from the quantum realm, the cannon was designed to destabilize celestial entities. It wasn't subtle, and it certainly wasn't safe, but it might just work.
"Let's see what you've got," Tony said as he initiated a test fire.
The lab shook as a beam of condensed energy erupted from the cannon, tearing through a reinforced target zone. Alarms blared as systems struggled to contain the power.
"Note to self," He muttered. "Dial down the quantum flux. Don't want to blow up the planet while saving it."
...
Tony not only created weapons for himself but for the other heroes too... He worked with Shuri to develop some powerful weapons and suits. Thor had delivered a new batch of rare metals Tony requested: Uru from Nidavellir, Celestial shards scavenged from the ruins of Knowhere, and a mysterious alloy gifted by the dwarves, imbued with ancient runes of protection and resilience. Together, these materials were the foundation of a new generation of weapons and armor.
Thanks to Peter's Time Chamber, they were able to finish years of development and research within a few days. Well, roughly speaking, they took over 70 years in there to make things perfect.
For Black Widow, Stark and Shuri developed a lightweight Vibranium suit enhanced with cloaking technology from Wakanda. The suit rendered Natasha invisible across the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing her to infiltrate enemy lines unseen. Advanced micro-serrated daggers forged from Uru provided her with a deadly edge against cosmic threats.
Shuri designed a battle suit for T'Challa that pushed the limits of Vibranium technology. The suit was equipped with kinetic force projectors capable of creating shockwaves that rivaled small explosions. Stark added modular attachments, including plasma gauntlets and an energy absorption matrix that could temporarily replicate the powers of a foe it touched.
For Sam Wilson, they created Vibranium wings infused with Uru, granting them unparalleled durability and the ability to channel cosmic energy. The wings could deploy micro-drones capable of creating energy shields or providing covering fire.
For Bruce Banner, Tony designed an exosuit dubbed Gamma Centurion. Infused with Vibranium and Uru, the suit channeled Hulk's gamma radiation into focused bursts of energy. Shuri contributed Wakandan shielding tech to ensure the suit could withstand the most intense clashes.
For Rhodey, Tony gave the War Machine suit a colossal upgrade. The new version was equipped with Celestial plasma cannons, Vibranium armor plating, and an adaptive AI module similar to A.E.G.I.S., ensuring Rhodey could take on large-scale threats with maximum firepower.
A new shield and suit for Captain America, made of Vibranium, Uru, and Celestial alloy, to keep him protected while using his powers.
Hawkeye got a new bow. The Horizon Bow. A collapsible bow enhanced with vibranium-tipped arrows and a targeting system guided by Tony's A.E.G.I.S. AI. He also got an invisible suit with the same tech as Black Widow.
He also made many more weapons for others... [It's impossible to explain every hero's weapons.]
As for the Shield Agents... Nova Shard Blasters: Handheld cannons designed to pierce the dense armor of Knull's symbiote dragons, and Stellar Mines: Floating energy mines capable of destabilizing entire formations of Thanos's forces.
As Tony finalized his designs, A.E.G.I.S. became the central nervous system of the Avengers' arsenal. The AI could coordinate battlefield strategies, manage weapon systems, and provide real-time data analysis. Each piece of equipment was linked to A.E.G.I.S., ensuring seamless collaboration between the team.
"Alright, A.E.G.I.S.," Tony said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Run the final synchronization tests. This isn't just about tech—it's about trust. If these systems fail, people die."
A.E.G.I.S's voice, a blend of J.A.R.V.I.S's warmth and F.R.I.D.A.Y's sharpness, responded. "Synchronization at 98%. Final calibrations in progress. Rest is recommended, sir."
Tony smirked. "Rest is for the dead. And if this plan doesn't work, that'll be all of us."
....
[Meanwhile...]
Peter and Wanda decided to postpone their date and romance for the future and just gave in to their desires. They knew that there might not be a tomorrow. So, they were going to make sure that tonight was a night that they would remember forever.
They entered the Time Chamber together at Kamar-Taj...
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