Chapter 168: The Beginning of the Avengers' Assembly

Power, in itself, is neither good nor evil—it's only the hands that wield it that determine its nature. When used by someone righteous, it becomes a force for good; when used by someone corrupt, it becomes a tool for destruction.

Many dream of having power when faced with certain challenges, yet few are fortunate enough to possess it. Harvey knew that Bruce Banner was a fundamentally kind person, who didn't want to cause harm. But for that very reason, Banner should be trying to control the power within him, not suppressing his anger.

Having such immense power is something most people could only dream of, yet Banner was running from it.

Harvey could easily locate Banner at any moment, but it wasn't the right time to approach him yet. There was no rush. Once Bruce returned, it was only a matter of time before Loki showed up again, carrying the Mind Stone with him. There was no need to hurry.

Harvey pondered what Loki's next move might be. Would he still be as arrogant after witnessing the destruction of the Destroyer? Knowing Loki's nature, he might remain just as overconfident. Harvey couldn't help but be curious to see how events would unfold.

As for Captain Steve Rogers, Tony's relentless teasing had pushed him to train harder than ever. Over time, Steve's strength had grown significantly, now able to lift five tons—more than double what he could manage before.

He didn't know when he'd see Tony again, but he had a burning desire to prove himself.

The next time he faced Tony, he was determined to show him the superiority of flesh over machine.

Time flew by, and soon it was March.

In S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground secret laboratory, the Tesseract had been under their control for quite some time. But due to a lack of skilled researchers, there hadn't been much progress—until now.

They had recently brought in Dr. Erik Selvig, and with his help, there were finally some breakthroughs in understanding the Cube's properties. However, the previously stable Tesseract suddenly began acting up.

Director Nick Fury arrived at the lab to investigate the situation himself.

"Doctor, what's going on?" Fury asked immediately upon entering.

"Director, the Tesseract activated itself for reasons we can't explain. We're unable to predict its behavior at the moment," Dr. Selvig replied, clearly concerned.

"You've got to be kidding me," Fury said, his tone skeptical.

"No joke, Director," Selvig replied earnestly.

"Where's Agent Barton?" Fury inquired, changing the subject.

"Up top," Selvig said, gesturing above with his thumb.

"Something's wrong, Director. The Tesseract's energy is spiking again," a female researcher reported, interrupting their conversation.

At that moment, the Cube began to tremble, its blue energy pulsing outward.

Fury and Barton instinctively took a step back.

"Stay on alert," Fury ordered Barton.

The archer nodded, readying his bow.

The energy from the Tesseract grew more intense, and soon, the entire building shook. A blinding blue beam shot out from the Cube, forming a shimmering portal, and casting the surroundings in an ethereal blue light.

Everyone in the room held their breath as they watched the mesmerizing display.

From Dr. Selvig's research, they had determined that the Tesseract served as a gateway, connecting to some distant point in the universe. However, they hadn't yet determined exactly where that was.

They had never initiated any formal tests due to the uncertainty.

Now that the Cube had activated on its own, there was no telling what—or who—it might bring through.

As the energy calmed, a figure materialized in the lab: a tall, handsome man with long black hair, holding a scepter. His sudden appearance caused the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to tense up, weapons trained on the newcomer.

Barton immediately aimed his bow at the intruder.

Standing amid enemy forces, Loki smiled—a sly, mischievous grin that radiated arrogance.

"Sir, please lower your weapon," Fury called out, sensing that something was very wrong.

But Loki, who had pledged his life for Asgard, had little regard for mortals.

Without a word, he raised his scepter and unleashed a blast of energy.

Barton reacted in a split second, shoving Fury to the ground, narrowly dodging the blast.

Loki paid no mind to his missed shot, leaping several meters and launching into an all-out attack.

Bullets from the agents' guns bounced harmlessly off his body as he tore through the lab, creating chaos wherever he went. Within ten minutes, the entire facility was in shambles, on the verge of collapse.

As the building crumbled around them, Fury, narrowly escaping with the help of his agents, grabbed his phone and made the call.

Meanwhile, Tony Stark was spending time with Pepper when his phone rang—a call from Nick Fury.

"Suit up!" Tony barked.

Within moments, pieces of his suit flew toward him, assembling seamlessly around his body.

Answering the call, Tony didn't hold back. "You'd better have a damn good reason for interrupting me, Fury."

"You know me, Stark. We don't speak often. If I'm calling you, it's because things are serious," Fury replied, unbothered by Tony's sharp tone.

"Alright, what's going on? Make it quick," Tony said, his voice softening.

"We've been studying the Tesseract, but it seems to have drawn an enemy to us," Fury explained. "He can manipulate minds. Agent Barton is already under his control. And he's bulletproof—our weapons do not affect him."

Tony's expression hardened. "Describe him."

"The lab's been destroyed, so I can't send you a picture or sketch," Fury responded. "But I'm assembling the Avengers to handle this threat. This enemy is from beyond Earth, and you promised to help with such threats."

"Where?" Tony asked without hesitation.

"I'll send you the location. Be there in two days," Fury said, forwarding the coordinates.

Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 210 at patreon.com/MythicForge11.