Trade

'Do you just want to watch us as clowns, playing at your whim to satisfy your twisted sense of humor? Why? Why?'

Tony Stark, caught in this downward spiral of thought, was subconsciously avoiding a crucial question: Despite Zane treating them like toys, it was undeniable that his actions had given the previously hopeless Earth a sliver of a chance. This conflict between reason and emotion clashed and intertwined within Tony's mind, pushing him to the brink of collapse.

The immense torment made Tony silently wish for someone to end his life, to stop him from potentially doing something rash. Zane, meanwhile, continued to gaze indifferently into Tony's eyes, patiently awaiting his decision.

In fact, Zane had heard every word of the soul conversation between the Ancient One and Tony from the very beginning. The Ancient One, not yet having ascended to a divine path, couldn't understand Zane's unparalleled sensitivity to souls as the God of Death. Zane hadn't exposed their plan, wanting to see what choice Tony would make.

Now, it was time for Tony to decide...

Tony stared at Zane with such intensity that everyone could sense his internal struggle through the screen. He breathed heavily, ignoring the wounds tearing open across his body, and locked his gaze on Zane. The Ancient One's words from before echoed in his mind:

'Calm down, calm down, calm down...'

Finally, the immense pressure pushed Tony to a breaking point. He let out a loud, agonized scream, then collapsed to his knees in the bloody water, pounding the ground with his fists. His damaged armor tore further into his skin, but he didn't care. As his strength waned, he cradled his head and wept in despair.

Seeing Tony refrain from questioning Zane, the Ancient One sighed in relief. She walked quietly to the sobbing Tony and gently touched the back of his neck. An orange magical glow flashed, and Tony fell asleep, tears still staining his face—a sight that left the viewers in a somber silence. They couldn't fathom the internal turmoil and anguish that had brought this usually resilient man to such a state.

With the barrier lifted by Zane, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly moved in to carry the critically injured superheroes to ambulances, ensuring they wouldn't succumb to their injuries. At that moment, nothing was more important than their lives because they were true heroes.

Across the globe, people had spontaneously gathered to pray for them. The fallen superheroes were respectfully covered with white sheets by agents and solemnly carried away under the watchful eyes of the global audience.

As the saying goes, "Some people are alive, but they are dead inside. Some people are dead, but they live on forever." These heroes lived on in the hearts of everyone, even though it was uncertain if they would be remembered as time passed. At this moment, at least, everyone was genuinely grateful for their sacrifices.

The Ancient One, declining the help of a few agents, looked up at Zane, who seemed lost in thought. She spoke calmly, "Mr. Zane, I would like to make a deal with you."

Upon hearing the Ancient One's proposal, Zane glanced at her but did not respond immediately. Instead, he signaled to Skynet to cut off the live broadcast. Skynet nodded in understanding, and the green data stream in its eyes vanished. Instantly, the broadcast of the battlefield across global display devices ceased, and regular programming resumed.

Viewers, still immersed in the heroic sacrifices witnessed in the arena, found the mundane television shows utterly dull. Many immediately grabbed their remote controls, turned off their TVs, and rushed to their computers, frantically searching for information about the superheroes. A wave of interest in superheroes swept across the globe.

During this surge, Zane, the orchestrator of this war, had his past thoroughly exposed by netizens, detailing his life before leaving Earth. Yet, no one could reconcile the image of the former chairman of Skynet Technologies with the man now sitting on a throne, treating all beings as pawns in his game.

What the public didn't know was that five years ago, Zane had stolen the Statue of Liberty, and the one currently on Liberty Island was just a replica. He had also assassinated the former president of the United States and had slaughtered all known superheroes. However, these events had been covered up by the government, far beyond what the public could discover.

Once the broadcast ended, Zane waved his hand, and a gray barrier enveloped him and the Ancient One, isolating them from the outside world.

"I'm curious about the trade you're proposing," Zane said. "And if I may be blunt, Ancient One, it seems there's only one thing you have that interests me. Would you really give it to me?"

Zane descended from the throne, walking through the air until he stood level with the Ancient One, teasingly looking at her.

Without a word, the Ancient One took the Eye of Agamotto from around her neck and tossed it to Zane. He was surprised by this but did not catch it. Instead, he used his divine power to suspend the Eye of Agamotto in midair, his expression becoming more serious.

"Your condition," Zane stated firmly.

Zane was a man of principles, believing in fair exchanges. He wouldn't accept something from the Ancient One without offering something of equal value. Using his divine senses, he confirmed that the Eye of Agamotto indeed contained the Time Stone.

After casting aside the Eye of Agamotto, which had accompanied her for millennia, the Ancient One seemed inexplicably relieved, as if a great burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She smiled gently, a serene and pure expression that evoked the image of a snow lotus blooming on an icy mountain.

"Mr. Zane, you need not worry. My request is something you can easily accomplish," the Ancient One said. "Please resurrect all the superheroes who died in this event."

After stating her request, she calmly looked at Zane. Upon hearing the condition, Zane used his divine power to pull the Eye of Agamotto into his hand. He gave the Ancient One a deep, thoughtful look but said nothing. Instead, he dispelled the barrier.

In the next moment, Zane activated his S-rank skill, [Death River]. Dozens of white halos emerged from his body, entering the battered corpses of the fallen superheroes. To everyone's astonishment...

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