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Wanda Maximoff reached out her hand, and a scarlet energy enveloped Bucky Barnes, rendering him immobile no matter how he struggled.
With a wave of her hand, a long and pitiful scream pierced the air as Bucky Barnes was launched into the sky, disappearing into the distance.
After dealing with Bucky Barnes, Wanda Maximoff scanned her surroundings and spotted a figure in the distance.
Bruce Banner!
It wasn't that Bruce Banner was slow to get on the plane, but he was at the door, trying to open it. After all, how could the Quinjet take off without opening the door?
As soon as he opened the door, a flash of red appeared before him. Wanda Maximoff had flown in and grabbed his arm, attempting to bite.
Startled, Bruce Banner's bitten arm turned green in an instant. No matter how hard Wanda Maximoff tried, she couldn't pierce his skin.
Bruce Banner casually swung his green arm, sending Wanda Maximoff flying. She soared for dozens of meters before crashing to the ground.
"Nice save! Big guy!" Bruce Banner couldn't help but praise.
"Indeed, as Bruce said, when danger is imminent, the Hulk won't stand idly by," Thor commented.
"This partially 'Hulked-out' state is truly a win-win situation," Steve Rogers added, "Maintaining the Hulk's formidable combat abilities while retaining Bruce's calm and intelligent mind."
"Bruce, can you replicate this partial Hulk transformation now?" Nick Fury inquired.
"I can't," Bruce Banner shook his head, "I never even thought of trying this before watching that video."
"If you can really achieve this, Bruce, you won't need the clear-minded wristband anymore," Tony Stark chimed in.
"Given this new insight, I'll definitely explore this avenue," Bruce Banner affirmed.
"I have to say, this world is truly bizarre. Even Wanda has turned into a zombie," Pietro Maximoff spoke up, "How is that even possible?"
"It is bizarre, but since it's already happened, dwelling on it won't change anything," Nick Fury said, "According to the plot development, the next step will likely involve a battle between Hulk and Wanda. While Wanda becoming a zombie isn't something to celebrate, I must admit, I'm looking forward to this fight."
"Although Wanda is formidable, she doesn't seem to have a highly destructive finishing move, making it unlikely to kill Hulk," Stephen Strange remarked.
"But Hulk is far less agile than Wanda. She can fly, and if she can't defeat him, she can at least escape. Conversely, Hulk's chances of killing Wanda are quite slim," Steve Rogers added.
"It's really hard to predict the outcome of this battle. However, Vision's 'exit' gives us a very reasonable explanation," Stephen Strange pondered.
"Who would have thought Vision would die like this?" Natasha Romanoff sighed, "He was the one most likely to survive in this zombie world, yet he willingly sacrificed himself for love."
"Are you moved by this?" Clint Barton shook his head, remaining noncommittal about the matter, "Firstly, Vision betrayed his former allies by poisoning them for Wanda. Secondly, when he finally realized the error of his ways, his choice to commit suicide wasn't very wise. Since he discovered that the Mind Stone was crucial to saving the world, he should've left with Peter and the others."
"I'm not moved, I just feel..." Natasha Romanoff searched for the right word, "touched. Vision may not be human, but a machine. Yet a machine could still go to such lengths for the woman he loves. Is the power of love truly that formidable?"
The video continued to play. Inside the Quinjet, T'Challa sat in the pilot's seat, pressing various buttons.
"Can you fly this thing?" Peter Parker asked.
"As long as I can get it started," T'Challa replied.
"Everyone, 6 o'clock direction!" Scott Lang floated over, "We're getting closer to our destination!"
"I think I can buy you guys some time," Bruce Banner, who had just boarded the aircraft, said.
"Doctor Banner, we can't leave you behind," Peter Parker quickly responded, "I can't lose another friend."
"Then..." Bruce Banner handed over Vision's Mind Stone, "Avenge us."
After Peter Parker safely tucked away the Mind Stone, Bruce Banner turned around and walked away.
Behind him, there was already a densely packed horde of zombies.
And there was only one Bruce Banner.
"Alright, big guy, it's up to you," Bruce Banner walked towards the sea of zombies step by step, "The situation isn't looking good. If you can become a hero, now's the time."
"If I can turn things around and be a good guy, isn't that pretty cool?" Bruce Banner shouted as he charged into the midst of the zombie horde.
Instantly, countless zombies swarmed over him.
Just as everyone thought Bruce Banner had sacrificed himself, a furious roar echoed, and it was as if a massive bomb had detonated among the zombies, sending them flying into the air.
A massive green figure appeared before them.
The Hulk had finally emerged!
Since the Hulk was now in the picture, the ordinary zombies around held no significance. Even if the Hulk were to lie down and sleep, they wouldn't be able to harm him.
However, unfortunately, it wasn't only ordinary zombies present.
There was also an unbelievably powerful zombie.
Wanda Maximoff!
Without a doubt, in the next moment, this place would turn into a battlefield between the Hulk and Wanda Maximoff, as they engaged in a massive fight amidst the sea of zombies.
Thanks to the Hulk's decision to hold back, the Quinjet had successfully initiated takeoff and soared into the sky.
"We did it!" Scott Lang cheered happily, "We really did it!"
"Hey, don't jinx us!" Peter Parker was taken aback, "Hasn't anyone here watched a horror movie?"
As expected, Peter Parker's concern was valid. On the Quinjet, they spotted a zombie that was enormous, even taller than a building, slowly rising.
"Hope?" Scott Lang instantly recognized his friend, "Hope!"
Perhaps his friend wanted him to stay, for she directly reached out and grabbed the Quinjet.
"Ignite the thrusters," T'Challa operated calmly. The thrusters ignited, causing the Quinjet to abruptly lurch forward, finally escaping Hope's clutches and soaring once more.
"I'm sorry, she sacrificed herself so we could find the cure," Peter Parker said to Scott Lang, watching Hope stand out in the sea of zombies.
"This is the second time she's saved me," Scott Lang said, "That's... very 'Hope' of her."
Fortunately, the Quinjet encountered no more mishaps and flew through the night, ultimately reaching the dawn.
"Estimated time of arrival, 20 minutes," T'Challa's voice echoed.
"For another victory to the Avengers!" Scott Lang's mood was high, and he began rambling, "Come on, give me a high five. It's fine, I won't feel left out."
However, Peter Parker, standing nearby, seemed somewhat crestfallen, staying silent. Observing this, T'Challa asked, "Are you okay?"
"Last year, Mr. Stark wanted me to join the Avengers, but I declined. Now, they're all gone," Peter Parker sighed, "But I'm still here."
"In my culture, death is not the end," T'Challa said, "As long as we remember them, they're with us."
"Besides, not everyone is gone," Scott Lang told Peter Parker, "I'm here, and you're here."
"I'm sorry, I forgot. You're also an Avenger," Peter Parker quickly added.
"Of course, even though it might not be official, you know it in your heart," Scott Lang said.
"Yeah, the world needs some genuine heroes," T'Challa chimed in.
"Once we bring this to Wakanda, we can save the world," Peter Parker held the Mind Stone before him, brimming with hope.
However, as the scene shifted, Wakanda was also devoid of living souls. Within its impregnable barrier, there was only a dense mass of zombies.
Among these zombies, there was a figure that looked particularly familiar—a head like a purple sweet potato, left hand adorned with the Infinity Gauntlet, bearing five colorful Infinity Stones.
It was none other than Thanos!
The video ended with Thanos' menacing gaze.
This ending sent shockwaves through the audience.
"Is this for real? Even Thanos turned into a zombie?" Scott Lang couldn't help but exclaim, "Thanos, who couldn't be defeated by so many powerful superheroes, taken down by these low-level zombies?"
"Thanos had multiple Infinity Stones on his gauntlet, and yet he fell for this," Thor said, "It's truly unbelievable, beyond any realm of imagination."
"This zombie world is too despairing," Steve Rogers said, "They barely survived to reach the Raft, then barely survived leaving the Raft. They thought they were finally seeing the light of victory, but they were met with even crueler truths."
"That world seems utterly hopeless," Clint Barton chimed in, "Vision, Hulk, they stayed behind at the Raft. The Quinjet only has Peter and T'Challa, and Scott with just his head. With this lineup, there's no way they'll make it out of Wakanda alive."
"Bucky's most likely in dire straits after being thrown into that zombie horde by Wanda," Sam Wilson added.
"I believe the Hulk can survive, but the Hulk can't accept the responsibility of saving the Earth," Scott Lang said, "World 5 is truly doomed."
"Not necessarily. Haven't you all forgotten about a powerful hero who's been absent from Earth for a while?" Nick Fury interjected, "So, she definitely didn't turn into a zombie."
"Captain Marvel! You're talking about Captain Marvel!" Sam Wilson exclaimed, "If it's her, there's a chance to turn the tide and save the Earth."
[Question 10 begins, please be prepared.]
[After Hela shattered Thor's hammer, where did Thor obtain his new weapon, Stormbreaker?]
[A. Xandar]
[B. Nidavellir]
[C. Morag]
[D. Earth]
[Answer correctly for a Stormbreaker. Answer incorrectly, lose one year of life.]
"I love this question!" Thor burst into laughter. While he deeply cherished his hammer, after witnessing the immense power of Stormbreaker in the video, he didn't mind having an extra weapon like that.
"If I'm rewarded with one, why would I go there?" Thor retorted, "Then there would be no need."
"You don't have to use it; you can give it to someone else. Many of us lack powerful weapons," Nick Fury suggested, "You can let someone else wield the second Stormbreaker."
"Um..." Thor hesitated upon hearing this suggestion, "You're right."
"Nidavellir?" Peter Quill's eyes lit up as soon as he saw that planet, "It's a highly advanced civilization in the cosmos, much more advanced than Earth. However, I've never heard of them making a Stormbreaker."
"They might not have forged it yet?" Phil Coulson hypothesized.
"Forging isn't their forte. They can make spaceships, cannons, but they can't forge a Stormbreaker," Peter Quill explained, "Plus, they were devastated by Ronan. If they could create a Stormbreaker, they would have done it long ago."
"Mr. Quill, do you know of any other planets?" Phil Coulson inquired.
All eyes turned to Peter Quill. After all, he was a space traveler. Though he appeared lackluster in combat, being an interstellar wanderer surely broadened his horizons.
"There's also Morag," Peter Quill continued, "It used to be a prosperous civilization, but that's in the past."
"That doesn't sound like a place that would have a Stormbreaker," Nick Fury remarked.
"At least, I've never heard of it," Peter Quill added, "As for this Nidavellir, I've never heard of it either."
"Haha, I've heard of it, and I know it very well!" Thor laughed heartily, "It's a paradise for all forge masters!"
"It sounds like a place capable of forging weapons," Peter Quill said.
"Indeed, Nidavellir is home to the most skilled race in the universe when it comes to forging—dwarves!" Thor's spirits lifted, "And they're allied with Asgard. Asgard provides them protection, and in return, they craft and supply weapons for Asgard."
"So, there seems to be no doubt," Phil Coulson said, "Earth doesn't possess the ability to forge a Stormbreaker, nor have we ever heard of such a divine artifact on Earth."
"B! I choose B!" Thor made his selection.
[Answer correct! Reward granted!]
An impressively designed polearm axe immediately appeared on the ground, identical to the Stormbreaker that appeared in the video.
"Haha! Indeed, a fine weapon!" Thor chuckled, extending his hand. The axe seemed to be summoned into his grasp, crackling with lightning, exuding an air of grandeur.
"Looks pretty fun; let me try it," Tony Stark chimed in. As a weapons genius, upon seeing such a powerful weapon, he was immediately intrigued.
"You can look, but definitely don't attempt to use it," Thor warned, not passing the axe to Tony Stark, "This weapon is powerful, but its demands on the user are outrageously high. Someone like you, a mere mortal, attempting to wield it would lead to your body collapsing."
"So mighty!" Tony Stark's interest waned upon hearing this, "Anyway, it's not a tech gadget; forget it."
"Can mortals not use it?" Nick Fury asked.
"Hulk's fine, zombified Captain might give it a try. Other Earthlings, forget it," Thor swept his gaze over the group, assessing.
"Seems like the second Stormbreaker is reserved for me then," Loki grinned mischievously.
"It is indeed for you, Loki," Thor nodded, "After we return, we'll make a trip to Nidavellir and forge another Stormbreaker."
At that moment, a beam of light appeared in space, and the video resumed.
"We're almost there. The Nidavellir people are adept at using neutron star energy for forging weapons," Thor said, holding his arm, "My hammer was forged there. It's an amazing place."
"Okay, I'm the Heartfelt Captain," Rocket Raccoon approached Thor, feigning casual conversation, "Heard your brother died? Must be tough for you."
"This was his second death," Thor sat there and stated, "I feel like this time is his last."
"You mentioned your sister and father—"
"Both dead," Thor cut off Rocket Raccoon before he could finish.
"And your mother, she's still around, right?" Rocket Raccoon asked.
"Killed by the Dark Elves," Thor replied.
"Others?"
"All dead," Thor confirmed.
"..." Rocket Raccoon was left speechless. Seriously, was this guy cursed in a previous life? How could things go this badly in this one?
"Are you sure you want to join this revenge mission?" Rocket Raccoon paused and asked again.
"Of course, the fury burns within me, and the desire for revenge is strong," Thor said, "In the midst of confusion, it feels like a sense of duty is urging me to act quickly, so I must go."
"Well, we're up against Thanos this time," Rocket Raccoon reminded, "I doubt anyone can beat him."
"He's never fought me," Thor retorted.
"He has fought you," Rocket Raccoon argued.
"That time doesn't count," Thor dismissed, "Once I have my new weapon, he's done for!"
"It seems like your weapon is mightier than you," Rocket Raccoon said.
"I've lived for 1500 years, slain thousands of enemies," Thor chuckled, "Many have wanted to kill me, but none have succeeded so far. I've survived this long due to fate's protection. Thanos is just another fool seeking death, and I'll show him my might. It's destiny's design."
"What if you're wrong?" Rocket Raccoon asked.
"If I'm wrong..." Thor said, "I have nothing left to lose."
"Alright, listen. If fate really has you defeating Thanos, it won't let you turn a blind eye," Rocket Raccoon handed over an eyeball.
"What's this?" Thor asked.
"What do you think it looks like?" Rocket Raccoon replied, "A high-stakes gamble, won at the card table."
"You can win eyeballs at the card table?" Thor questioned.
"Not exactly. He lost $100 to me in a game and later that night, I snuck into his room and swiped his eyeball," Rocket Raccoon explained.
"Thank you, little fox," Thor removed his eyepatch and popped the eyeball in.
The eyeball didn't look very reliable, but once Thor put it in, he could miraculously see.
"Something's not right," Thor could barely make out the details when he noticed something off about Nidavellir, "The center should be bright, and the star ring frozen."
"Hope their forging skills are better than their cleaning skills," the ship landed, and as they exited the cabin, Rocket Raccoon quipped, "They must've couldn't stand the mess here, so they moved."
"Never heard they moved," Thor said while surveying the desolate, dilapidated surroundings. It was eerily quiet and unsettling.
"You mentioned Thanos has a glove, right?" Rocket Raccoon asked.
"Yes, what about it?" Thor inquired.
"Is that the thing?" Rocket Raccoon pointed, and Thor looked over. Indeed, there it was, the Infinity Gauntlet, placed conspicuously.
"Get back inside the ship," Thor stared at the Infinity Gauntlet for a moment before suddenly saying.
However, just as he turned around, a massive figure suddenly appeared behind him, raising its hand and sending him flying. Then, it followed up with a powerful kick, sending Rocket Raccoon and Groot flying as well.
"Eitri! Stop!" Thor shouted.
"Thor?" Eitri recognized Thor.
"What's happened here?" Thor asked.
"You should have come to protect us sooner," Eitri angrily exclaimed, "Asgard should have been responsible for our protection!"
*Vote Stones Plz*
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