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Chapter Eighty-Eight: The Three Princesses With A Charming Smile

S.H.I.E.L.D. was complacent and continued its weapon research without caution. Natasha noticed a change in the atmosphere at the Trudheim Manor but chose not to ask Thor about it, respecting his apparent wish to keep things unspoken. She was aware that Thor didn't want to cause her embarrassment, and now, within S.H.I.E.L.D., many viewed her as being on Thor's side.

…

In the dead of night, a helicopter landed at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret base.

Nick Fury and Maria Hill disembarked, observing the evacuating crowd. Nick Fury asked in a serious tone, "How bad is the situation?"

Phil Coulson responded, "The worst part is the uncertainty."

"Four hours ago, Dr. Erik detected an unusual burst of energy from the Tesseract. The Doctor wasn't using it at the time; the energy was completely spontaneous."

Nick Fury frowned. "What about the energy intensity?"

"It's still increasing. After attempting to contain it, we evacuated the personnel. We should be able to complete the evacuation in about half an hour."

Maria Hill interjected, "Director, merely evacuating personnel isn't enough. We need to determine the source of this energy."

"I understand, but we need to prioritize evacuating personnel and important materials right now."

…

"The Tesseract isn't just a minor issue; it's highly active and out of control," Dr. Erik told Nick Fury with a look of helplessness. "We tried to cut the power, but since it's an energy source, it reactivates itself. If it reaches its peak..."

"Isn't that our goal? To extract energy from the universe?"

"That's different. We're not prepared. There's a significant difference between actively drawing energy and passively receiving it."

Nick Fury had a sinking feeling. He turned to Hawkeye Barton, who was in charge, and asked, "What do you think? Have you noticed anything?"

"Nothing. Dr. Erik didn't take any action, so it's not our fault."

"Our side?" Nick Fury's heart raced.

"Yes. Since the Tesseract is a gateway to the universe, it doesn't make sense that only we can access it. The beings on the other side are likely trying to open the door too," Hawkeye speculated.

"Not yet," Dr. Erik added. "We're not prepared to engage with them."

At that moment, the Tesseract suddenly emitted a powerful blue light, illuminating the opposite platform.

Nick Fury's eyelids twitched as he realized his ominous premonition and quickly shouted, "Everyone stay away from the Tesseract! Combatants, prepare to engage!"

On the platform, the blue flame gradually coalesced into a humanoid form, revealing a demonic figure wearing a two-horned helmet. As the flames receded, a familiar face emerged.

Seeing Nick Fury and the others bracing for battle, Loki grinned wickedly, a devilish smile spreading across his face...

…