Chapter 294: If I Don't Snap My Fingers, Who Will?

In the original timeline, Black Widow sacrificed herself to save the world, a heroic and fitting end. However, with Clark's involvement, things have changed.

According to the cosmic laws of the Marvel universe, having avoided this catastrophe, Black Widow is unlikely to meet an untimely end again easily. After all, this is Marvel!

In the Marvel universe, there's no such thing as destiny or fate. Superheroes like Black Widow and Tony, favored by fate, won't die easily. And if they do die, it must be a grand, tear-jerking sacrifice that leaves people sighing and lamenting upon remembrance.

There won't be a "realistic" storyline where a character destined to face a trial ends up being killed by a random grenade in a melee. That's not Marvel; that's more like A Song of Ice and Fire.

Thus, the moment Clark returned with the Soul Stone, Black Widow's fate of death was averted.

The main mission was 50% complete, and a mysterious BGM beckoned him.

As Clark returned, the other superheroes also appeared simultaneously, a marvel of time travel. No matter how long you spend in another timeline, it's only a moment here.

Looking around, including Clark, there were 11 superheroes who went and 11 who returned, all accounted for, a cause for celebration.

And looking at what everyone brought back:

- Captain America held Loki's scepter with the Mind Stone;

- Tony held a black briefcase, emanating spatial energy fluctuations from the Space Stone inside;

- Hulk carried a special metal container, identifiable as the Eye of Agamotto, home to the Time Stone;

War Machine brought back the Orb, and Rocket had a syringe-like device containing the liquid Aether.

With the Soul Stone Clark brought back, the collection was complete. Thor held Stormbreaker in one hand and Mjolnir in the other, not even missing the side quests.

Everyone perfectly accomplished their missions, marking the first phase of the plan a complete success! With all six Infinity Stones gathered, the next step was to decide who would snap their fingers and how to execute the life-saving snap.

This was a topic the Avengers tacitly avoided, planning to first create a glove capable of wielding the six Infinity Stones before tackling this headache.

At that moment, Clark spoke up, "Hand over the Infinity Stones you've collected to me for safekeeping."

This suggestion made everyone instinctively wary, as the Avengers of this timeline had been thoroughly rattled by the Infinity Stones.

Seeing this, Clark explained, "You've seen Thanos's strength. Even with his formidable physique, snapping his fingers twice nearly killed him. Who among you believes they could survive unscathed?"

Impressions from Tony Stark...

...

The Avengers were stunned by Clark's proposal, with Tony adding, "Even you will pay a heavy price for snapping your fingers. We're grateful for your help, but why take it upon yourself..."

Clark shook his head, solemnly saying, "I once heard a wise elder say, 'With great power comes great responsibility.'"

Impressions from Tony Stark increased significantly.

Clark's words reminded him of a certain someone. Did Clark also meet that kid, or perhaps his clumsy uncle?

Ignoring the impact his words had on Tony, Clark controlled his emotions, playing the part of a compassionate hero, and continued, "Before coming here, I met a powerful being in the universe who said there's a destiny connection between different timelines."

Clark's stature seemed to grow in everyone's eyes, becoming a figure of awe and respect, a mountain of sanctity radiating warmth and kindness.

"In short, when one timeline faces cataclysm, others are bound to be affected, facing similar crises."

"We may come from different timelines, but our destinies are intertwined."

"One for all, all for one."

"By retaining a force of justice in your timeline, we can make our own a little safer." Clark's implied message was clear: his efforts were not solely for them but for the benefit of his own timeline as well.

Though it might sound selfish, the Avengers' impression of him rose further after hearing his words.

Honest, straightforward, brave, fearless, selfless—what a remarkable person. If only our timeline had someone like him!

Yet, they felt ashamed for such thoughts compared to Clark's actions and considerations.

After his speech, Clark scanned the faces around him, seeing respect in everyone's eyes.

Only Nebula reacted differently, her gaze drifting as if dazzled by Clark's brilliance, avoiding eye contact.

The current Nebula was indeed different from before.

But Clark simply smiled at Nebula's scheming, choosing to ignore it and continued, "As I've said, my strength is comparable to Thanos's. He survived two snaps; I am confident I can do the same."

After taking a deep breath, Clark radiated positive energy, "If I don't snap my fingers, who will?"

"This is different!" Thor finally spoke up, "Thanos's gauntlet was from Nidavellir, not just for holding the Stones, but also a divine artifact capable of controlling and cushioning the Stones' impact. We don't have such an artifact."

In other words, the backlash Clark would face using Tony's mechanical glove could differ from Thanos's experience.

Even with a gauntlet, Thanos survived two snaps; it was uncertain if Clark could achieve the same with Tony's creation.

Clark simply smiled lightly, "Remember, I only need to snap once."

Seeing no further objections, Clark shifted the conversation to his real intention, "For safety, and so I can live well after snapping, I need some time to familiarize myself with the Stones' abilities, about a month."

"Tony, during this time, make the glove as sturdy as possible, especially focusing on shock absorption for safety."

Of course, familiarizing himself with the Stones was just an excuse. Clark's real goal was to comprehend the cosmic laws within the Infinity Stones, having previously sought knowledge about three other Stones by immersing the Eye of the Grandmaster in the Well of Mimir.

Now, understanding how to interpret the Stones, he seized the opportunity to delve deeper into their secrets, hoping to enhance his power further.

The reason Clark insisted on being the one to snap wasn't for the noble reasons he had given but because he was confident in his immortality.

With the six Stones secured in a special container and a meditation room prepared, Clark began his retreat to ponder the cosmic laws contained within the remaining four Stones.

...

A month later, Clark had a deeper understanding of the six Infinity Stones, though it only translated to knowledge, not a significant increase in power. However, this knowledge strengthened his foundation, promising future benefits.

As the agreed time approached, with all Stones securely in Clark's possession and no mischief from Nebula, Tony crafted the mechanical "Infinity Gauntlet" to the best of his ability. When all Stones were installed, everyone's attention turned to Clark.

It was time to show his real skills.

Before snapping his fingers, Clark removed his regenerative cloak. The power of six Infinity Stones was daunting enough; experimenting with eight was not advisable, even for the immortal.

Grasping the Stone-laden mechanical glove, Clark slowly put it on his left hand. As the glove fit snugly, he felt a surge of powerful cosmic energy coursing through him, but he managed to bear it.

Like Thanos, Clark quickly adjusted to this new, high-pressure state.

"Clark," Tony reminded, "Remember, we're not looking to reverse history and create a new timeline but to bring back those who disappeared five years ago to this moment."

Nodding, Clark reassured everyone with a confident look, then inhaled deeply, raised his right hand, and prepared to snap his fingers, solemnly declaring, "I am Clark, the protector of Midgard, Asgard, and the Nine Realms, the Prince of Asgard, CEO of Nirvana Corp, leader of the Avengers, tactical advisor to S.H.I.E.L.D., shareholder of Stark Industries, chairman of the Superhero Council, Dark Knight, hunter of the Universal Elders, traveler of time streams, the quantum-born—Clark!"

Impressions from Tony Stark skyrocketed.

Ignoring the long list of titles, Clark, watched by all, gently rubbed his thumb and index finger together.

"Snap!"

With a crisp sound, Clark felt an overwhelming cosmic energy engulf him, as if hammered on his left hand. The force spread from his fingertips throughout his body, assaulting every cell.

Despite his near-Skyfather level physique, Clark couldn't withstand the torrential cosmic energy. His entire being was severely damaged, especially his gloved left hand, which lost all sensation.

To maintain his cool, Clark endured without screaming, quickly removing the glove and setting it aside, waiting for his immortal body to heal.

He anticipated the future onlookers would be amazed once more, generously awarding him with a significant amount of impression points.

Heh, heh, heh!

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