Chapter 94: Avengers

**

In truth, the Infinity Gauntlet is simply a well-crafted vessel capable of holding the power of six Infinity Stones. However, if the energy becomes too overwhelming, like when the stones are used to destroy themselves, even the gauntlet won't be able to withstand it.

Thanos's body suffered severe damage after using the gauntlet, and Link estimated that while he could handle using an Infinity Stone to make a wish, destroying the stones themselves was another matter entirely.

"Alfred, are there any gamma rays?" Link asked.

"No, sir, there's no energy emission at all," Alfred replied.

"Then scan the ring," Link instructed.

"Scanning…" After a moment, Alfred responded, "Apologies, I can't scan it."

A satisfied smirk appeared on Link's face. As he suspected, the shells of the Infinity Stones were primarily meant to help people harness their power. Normally, in their original state, most individuals wouldn't be able to use them at all.

Those shells acted more like energy extraction devices, pulling energy from the Infinity Stones for use by their bearers. However, when wielding the stones directly, one had to endure the energy coursing through them. At the moment, Link could use the Space Stone, but he saw no need to.

With a smile, he said, "Disengage the lockdown."

"Yes, sir!" Alfred opened the workshop.

Link stood and made his way upstairs, where Jessica had already prepared a drink and a cigar for him. After giving his girlfriend a quick kiss, he lounged back on the sofa, enjoying the moment.

…

"Director, it seems the Tesseract has indeed shattered," Coulson reported, having just exited the Iron Monger suit. Although the suit was quite large, it was far more convenient to wear than Tony Stark's Iron Man armor.

Before them, technicians had pieced together fragments into a transparent cube. The blue glow that had once surrounded it was the energy from the Space Stone.

Nick Fury studied the fragments carefully before asking, "The energy involved was significant, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Director," a technician confirmed. "We didn't make any mistakes. It must have shattered when it lost balance and released its energy."

Nick Fury furrowed his brow, his instincts telling him there was more to this than met the eye. The cube's strength was formidable, capable of holding immense energy, so how could it have shattered so easily?

And besides, wasn't the final energy release not that intense?

Fury glanced around, noting the varying degrees of damage to the surrounding buildings. While the windows were all shattered, the extent of destruction didn't seem proportionate to the Tesseract's power.

Though Fury wasn't a technician, he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't adding up. "Keep investigating," he ordered.

He then turned and walked away, aware that there were many matters still demanding his attention.

Meanwhile, news of the incident quickly spread across major media outlets. Although the battle itself wasn't long, the sight of such a colossal creature like the Leviathan had been witnessed by the entire world.

A rift had torn open the sky, allowing waves of alien invaders to pour through. At the end, an odd conduit had emerged, linking the alien fleet to the cosmos.

The response from global governments was swift. The confirmation of alien life—and an alien military invasion, no less—was more than many could handle.

…

The next evening, Stark flew in to exchange technology with Link before quickly returning.

For Tony, nanotechnology was of utmost importance, while Link found the energy technology offered by Stark to be somewhat redundant, as he already possessed it. However, directly using it might not have been ideal. Still, they were friends, and the exchange was a friendly gesture.

A few days later, Nick Fury invited Link to a meeting, where the Avengers had finally gathered together. Link discreetly concealed the Space Stone in his pocket, avoiding flaunting it, especially in front of Thor, who hadn't yet returned to Asgard.

With the Bifrost still under repair and the Tesseract seemingly shattered, Thor was stuck waiting. And Link wasn't sure how much Thor knew about the Infinity Stones, so it was best to keep the Space Stone out of sight for now.

"Everyone," Nick Fury began, "I've brought you all here to discuss the Avengers Initiative." He then proceeded to explain the plan for assembling the Avengers.

After listening, Steve Rogers asked, "What about the energy weapons from before?"

Steve wasn't about to let the issue slide. Fury raised an eyebrow, surprised that the matter hadn't been dropped yet.

Link, after some thought, added, "Director Fury, I think it's time for some honesty."

"It's not just Thor that pushed you to develop those weapons. Keeping things hidden will only breed distrust."

"And if you want this Avengers thing to work, you'll need to show some real transparency."

Fury nodded slightly, assessing the situation. Link had a point.

"Alright, there are some things you deserve to know." Fury continued, "In 1995, an alien fleet visited Earth. They were known as the Kree."

He didn't mention the Skrulls' ability to shapeshift, likely because there were still many Skrulls hidden on Earth, and Link knew that Fury's wife was one of them. Of course, Link had no intention of spilling that secret. Fury could do as he pleased.

Fury then told them about Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers. This revelation shocked Thor the most.

"Wait," Thor interrupted, "did you say she can destroy Kree warships with her bare hands?"

"That's right," Fury nodded. "She destroyed one, and the others quickly retreated. During that crisis, I didn't see Asgard offering any help."

"You keep claiming Earth is under your protection, but I don't know if we can rely on you."

"Especially considering your brother, Loki, tried to conquer Earth."

"As Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., it's my responsibility to ensure Earth's safety. We didn't start developing weapons for fun. As a global defense agency, isn't it normal for us to develop weapons?"

"If we don't, how are we supposed to protect Earth?"

"With the Helicarrier?"

"I used to be proud of that thing, but now it seems almost useless, not even as effective as a few jets."

"It's great for rapid deployment, but if an alien army attacks from space, we're still helpless."

"That's why I want to form the Avengers. Even if Earth is ultimately defeated, you can still deal a heavy blow to our enemies."

At this, everyone finally understood Fury's true thoughts and intentions. He had faced alien warships—an entire fleet.

After exchanging glances, Link was the first to speak up. "I'm willing to join, but there are some issues we'll need to discuss."

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