339. The Coming of Galactus!!!

Sector Zero of the Universe, Planet Oa.

This is the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps and the home of the Guardians of the Universe.

For millennia, this place has been the fortress of peacekeeping in the cosmos.

These great beings use Oa as their center, dividing the observable universe into 3,600 sectors and recruiting suitable sentient beings with the power of the Green Lanterns, turning them into intergalactic patrollers.

Chosen by the green power rings, these sentient beings leave their original lives behind and become "Green Lanterns," assigned to patrol specific sectors of the universe, defending the peace among the stars.

Like judges against planetary evil, these Lanterns protect fledgling civilizations from extreme dark forces or cosmic threats. This has earned the Green Lantern Corps immense respect across most of the universe.

However, when true terror arrives, when the unstoppable forces of the New Gods shatter the cities of Oa, to whom can these defenders of the universe turn for help?

After Darkseid crushed Earth's Justice League, his gaze shifted to the entire universe. With his countless legions of Doomsday-like Parademons, Apokolips conquered some of the mightiest civilizations.

Even the united Seven Lantern Corps could not stand against him.

In less than two years, under Batman's command, the once-great Seven Lantern Corps was reduced to dust, becoming part of Darkseid's dark dominion. Now, what remains of the Green Lantern Corps has retreated to Oa, using their last reserves of willpower to strike one final blow at an invincible foe.

The Omega Beams tore through the sky like crimson lightning.

Darkseid didn't turn his head, but the beams bent on their own, instantly hitting a Green Lantern in the head, reducing him to ashes.

The entire planet of Oa was engulfed in war, and the central hall—the high council building—was now a burning ruin.

Dozens of Doomsday-like monsters charged into the Green Lantern Memorial Hall, rampaging and destroying everything in sight. Although a few Green Lanterns tried to halt their advance, they lasted less than ten seconds before being gutted, dying on the spot.

"I know you won't surrender. You are true warriors."

In the Central Power Battery room, Darkseid casually snapped a Green Lantern's neck, floating with a satisfied smile as he looked down at the carnage below.

"That's why I respect you."

A flash of crimson light, and two more Green Lanterns fell, their shields shattered, plummeting from the sky.

On the ground, the severely injured John Stewart coughed up blood, staring at Darkseid's terrifying figure with utter despair.

One by one, his close comrades had perished before his eyes. John had no way to win—perhaps the outcome was sealed the moment he could no longer draw power from the Green Light.

As Darkseid leisurely reaped the lives of the Lanterns, Batman's holographic image suddenly appeared beside him.

"Lord Darkseid, my apologies for interrupting your pleasure." Batman's voice was low as he bowed his head respectfully.

"I've told you many times not to disturb me, Batman." Darkseid didn't even glance at the hologram, his smile fading with annoyance. "You'd better have something important to report."

"Yes, my esteemed master," Batman replied in a solemn tone.

"LexCorp recently opened an unauthorized Boom Tube, with Earth as the origin and Apokolips as the destination. I strongly suspect that this clown is not loyal to you."

"Hmph, so Luthor has confirmed your suspicions through his actions," Darkseid said coldly. "You know what to do, Batman—send the Female Furies to eradicate them."

Pausing, Darkseid turned, his blood-red eyes fixed on Batman's face. "I assume you have an even more 'important' reason for disturbing me during this wonderful moment?"

"Yes, Master, and that's what I am about to report." Batman looked up to meet Darkseid's gaze, but under the oppressive force of Darkseid's stare, he quickly looked away.

"I've been monitoring Earth as per your orders, with no lapses over the past two years, but…"

"Something happened on Earth?" Darkseid folded his hands behind his back.

"To be precise, three of our Apokolips harvest engines have suffered severe damage. A powerful rebel force has emerged on Earth, destroying engines in the North Sea and the borders of Indonasia. We are currently defending the Congo Plains, but it's unlikely we can hold out for long."

Batman reported the events honestly.

"What did you say?" Darkseid's face registered shock for the first time. "What happened to the army I entrusted to you? They crushed some of the strongest civilizations in the universe—how can they fail to defend even a few harvesters on Earth?"

"The Kryptonian genes have some serious flaws. Somehow, the rebels managed to harness powerful energies, converting yellow sunlight into red, crippling our army's combat capabilities and inflicting heavy losses," Batman replied, lowering his gaze.

"So, you're saying that I entrusted half of Apokolips' army to you, only for you to send them blindly into an enemy trap on the charred remains of Earth?"

"Forgive my oversight, mighty Master." Batman sighed. "I indeed made a misjudgment. But this situation is complicated—Earth should not possess such strength, especially not under my surveillance."

Noting Darkseid's lingering anger, Batman continued.

"Earth now has only scattered forces left; they shouldn't pose any threat. Yet, these extraordinary individuals appeared out of nowhere, calling themselves the 'Avengers' and the 'X-Men.' Their powers are also unlike anything we have here. I suspect this might have something to do with the multiverse."

"The multiverse…" Darkseid's demeanor calmed as he seemed to consider the implications.

"Yes, Master. I used the Mobius Chair to search through much knowledge and Apokolips' records. The multiverse does exist, and with the right method, it's possible to open a passage to another universe," Batman explained seriously.

"Enough. Give me the conclusion."

Darkseid's eyes flashed red, and a blood-colored bolt of lightning claimed John Stewart's life a hundred meters away.

Batman lifted his head once more and spoke firmly, "The conclusion is that Earth's remaining forces may have discovered a way to open the multiverse. To resist you, they've summoned organizations from another world into ours."

"…"

After a moment of silence, Darkseid turned his head and looked towards the supreme command headquarters on Oa. That place had originally been his next target of amusement. The Paradooms had already invaded the entire planet of Oa. Although it was far away, faint screams could still be heard from all directions.

Personally conquering the Green Lantern Corps' planet was something Darkseid greatly enjoyed. But now, after listening to Batman's report, he felt a bit uninterested.

"Open the Boom Tube to Earth. I want to join the fun myself," Darkseid sneered coldly.

"And the command of Oa will be left to you. This time, don't disappoint me."

Upon hearing this, Batman nodded solemnly.

"As you wish, my great master..."

-------------------

The Wasteland Universe

In the Solar System, on Titan, one of Saturn's moons.

Thanos, descendant of the Eternals, was diligently tending to his crops. This was his chosen new homeland, part of his retirement plan. Since the Infinity Stones shattered and disappeared among the stars, Thanos had lost his purpose.

Forty years ago, Galactus led the Universal Church of Truth to conquer Thanos's Dark Empire. That battle shook the entire universe. In prophecy, the mighty Titan who would bring doom to the universe tasted defeat for the first time.

Thanos and his forces fell back step by step under the church's assault. Their war even destroyed an entire star system. Ultimately, under Galactus's unparalleled might, Thanos paid a heavy price.

He lost his army, his command, and even his floating throne, which was reduced to space junk by the Church of Truth's particle beams.

As his Dark Empire crumbled, Thanos used his last bit of strength to open a passage to the Solar System, escaping to the universe's edge alone, hoping this remote place could protect him from the Church's gaze.

Upon arriving in the Solar System, he made no attempt to seek help from the Avengers or the Fantastic Four on Earth. Though he had faced defeat, his regal pride wouldn't let him beg his old enemies.

After forty years of solitude, Thanos was now a reclusive farmer, abandoning all his past to focus on a peaceful life.

Wearing a straw hat and armor, Thanos was weeding his vegetable patch. Suddenly, he sensed something, making him raise his head and look up at the sky.

"Hah..."

Outside Titan, the enormous fleet of the Universal Church of Truth passed overhead, and the intimidating presence of Galactus brought Thanos back to that epic battle. Although it had been forty years, Thanos had never once removed his armor, knowing how terrifying Galactus's power was and how there was no escape from the Church's relentless pursuit.

He only hoped that when that day came, he could die a warrior's death.

"So, the day has finally arrived…" he murmured, standing up, his fists clenched as he watched the fleet, darkening the sky, moving swiftly across the heavens.

But what Thanos hadn't anticipated was that the Church of Truth seemed unaware of his presence.

The fleet appeared to simply pass by, without slowing down, like a meteor shower streaking through the sky, advancing quickly into the distance. Soon, the lead ship vanished from Thanos's sight.

Thanos froze for a moment, then looked in the direction where the Church fleet had disappeared. His mind cleared, and he understood.

"Heh, look at that—"

With a complex expression, he sighed.

Thanos bent down once more, returning to weeding his garden.

"—Earth is truly finished this time!"

--------------------

On Wasteland Earth

In the meeting room within the Blood Hive, the elder leaders of the Wasteland city-states had gathered.

Kate Bishop pulled up the latest intelligence and projected it onto a large screen, giving everyone a clearer view.

"It appears Star-Lord's concerns have become reality. Satellite surveillance from Hydra shows an unfamiliar interstellar fleet entering the Solar System and heading straight for Earth. This should be the infamous Universal Church of Truth."

"Tch... the Universal Church of Truth?" Old Barton squinted at the blurry footage, his brow furrowing. "Don't we have a clearer image? We can't even assess their numbers."

"Getting a warning is lucky enough," Kate Bishop replied with resignation. "We have Barbara to thank for infiltrating Hydra's network; otherwise, we might not even know about the Church until it was at our doorstep."

"Hydra's tech is nowhere advance compare to theirs. As soon as those surveillance satellites encountered cosmic energy, they went offline instantly. I suspect Galactus is with the fleet, and the overwhelming energy we're detecting is coming from him."

At the mention of Galactus, the meeting room fell silent.

Everyone here had heard of Galactus's name, and some had even fought in the battle against him years ago. To be honest, the crushing hopelessness of that fight still haunted them.

Galactus loomed over their minds like a nightmare, and at that moment, they couldn't think of a single way to resist.

"What about Alex? Still no word from him?" The Punisher spoke up.

"No, and from what I hear, things aren't much better in his universe. Alex can't spare any attention right now," Baron Blood John replied, his voice full of frustration.

"I guess our only hope lies with Star-Lord and the old wolf. If they manage to bring back the Ultimate Nullifier, we might stand a chance."

"But we don't know when they'll return," Old Barton interjected. "According to Star-Lord's last message, Logan has opened a time tunnel to the past to find the Ultimate Nullifier. But there's no guarantee he won't end up like Mr. Fantastic, lost forever."

"Then, until he returns, we'll do everything we can to delay the Church's advance," Kate Bishop said, sitting back down.

Upon hearing her words, everyone in the room looked up at her.

"What?" Kate Bishop gave a wry smile and asked.

"Besides us… who else is left to stand against the Church?"

.....

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340. Doctor Doom vs. Galactus!

341. I Am Doom!!

342. Doctor Doom's Final Act!

343. Infiltrating Apokolips.

344. Cyber-Metal Justice League.