CHAPTER 52

Hela was able to shed all her identities and enjoy the happiness that a girl should experience, which left Rhodes secretly amazed; perhaps it was due to a change in her surroundings.

However, Rhodes and Hela hadn't been playing for long when Rhodes sensed an unusual force approaching.

It was the power of space.

Rhodes appeared serious and held Hela close.

Hela, too, seemed vigilant, clutching a long black sword in her right hand.

Suddenly, the environment around Rhodes and Hela distorted, and they found themselves on a vast, circular platform.

It resembled the scene from when Doctor Strange was being taught, surrounded by twisted, upside-down skyscrapers.

Evidently, Rhodes and Hela had been transported to a different dimension.

Across from Rhodes stood a bald woman wearing a yellow monk's robe, none other than the Ancient One, as the mage introduced herself.

"Two honored guests from Asgard, I am the Ancient One, the Guardian of Earth."

Rhodes was momentarily taken aback; it was his first interaction with characters from Earth since his time travel.

This ancient mage possessed immense power, with a profound understanding of space.

It must be acknowledged that the Guardian of Earth, Yao, played a crucial role in repelling Dormammu's invasion and protecting Earth. The power of the temple and Yao were indispensable.

It was no exaggeration to say that Yao was the most potent magician in the temple, the guardian of the Time Stone.

Yao's expertise in soul and magic was nearly unparalleled. If Yao hadn't chosen to end his life, it might not have been so easy for Thanos to obtain the Time Stone.

In fact, if Thanos hadn't threatened Doctor Strange with Iron Man's life, obtaining the Time Stone would have been even more challenging.

Nonetheless, despite the Ancient One's strength, Rhodes believed that in a battle of magic and soul power, he still had a good chance of besting her.

Rhodes inquired of the Ancient One Mage, "Hello, Master Ancient One. May I ask what brings you to us?"

The ancient mage glanced at Rhodes, her brows furrowing deeply for a moment before returning to an expressionless state.

"Please, do not bring the struggles for power and dominion to Earth. As the Guardian of Earth, I have no desire for conflict with the gods of Asgard."

"However, if there is no other option, then I... have no choice."

"Your affairs in Asgard do not concern Earth, but I wish to avoid troubles here."

Yao's concerns evidently revolved around Hela's ambitions. As the new God King of Asgard, Hela's dominion over the Nine Realms had not escaped Yao's notice.

Yao's words reflected her fear that Hela might have designs on Earth.

Rhodes assured her, saying, "Rest assured, Ancient One Mage. We've come to Earth merely for leisure and a honeymoon. We harbor no intentions towards Earth, and we won't cause any disturbances."

The ancient mage regarded Rhodes and Hela, who appeared affectionate, thought for a moment, and chose to trust Rhodes' words.

"Very well, I wish you both a pleasant time on Earth."

"Thank you, Master Ancient One."

Rhodes showed respect to Mage Yao. While Rhodes held no strong biases against her, he did hold respect for this mage who cared deeply for Earth.

The Ancient One mage nodded and waved her hand, causing the alternate dimension to instantly vanish. Rhodes and Hela found themselves back amid the ongoing party with the bustling crowd.

Rhodes checked the time and realized that not a single second had passed on Earth's time during their conversation with Master Yao. The Time Stone was indeed a powerful artifact.

Rhodes couldn't help but sigh internally.

Hela, on the other hand, displayed a hint of fear. "This ancient mage is quite formidable."

Rhodes replied with a smile, "Don't worry; she means no harm. Let's continue enjoying ourselves."

Hela agreed, smiling. "Yes, let's make the most of our time here. Earth has become quite interesting lately; it's more exciting than Asgard."

Rhodes chuckled. "You're right."

As an Earth native, Rhodes still longed for life on his home planet.

...

Loki now possessed the power of the Rubik's Cube. Following the mysterious man's instructions, Loki needed to create a massive portal to transport the Chitauri's army, led by this enigmatic individual.

Once the Chitauri's Legion arrived, they would aid Loki in attacking Earth. The mysterious man had requested Loki's help in stealing the Rubik's Cube with the condition that Loki assist in fulfilling his ambition to rule Earth.

Dr. Eric had activated the large-scale teleportation array located in Stark Tower. Even if Iron Man were to arrive now and fire his lasers at the array, it would be in vain, for the Rubik's Cube had already been placed within it.

At this moment, a massive blue beam connected to the sky above Earth.

Loki's Chitauri Legion had been waiting in outer space for this precise moment.

Now, as they saw the portal open in the sky, the soldiers of the Chitauri Legion swarmed in.

They descended upon Earth, their aerial vehicles and troops launching a frenzied attack on the city's inhabitants.

The first wave of Chitauri Legion ships unleashed a barrage of laser fire. Cars on the city streets were obliterated, and terrified citizens fled in all directions. Vehicles were sent soaring into the air only to crash back down, leaving nothing but wreckage.

Several passersby, fleeing for their lives, were struck down by plummeting vehicles, leaving no survivors.

Meanwhile, the assault on the city persisted.

Chitauri Legion aircraft relentlessly targeted high-rise buildings, shattering their bulletproof glass exteriors.

The city was consumed by smoke and burning structures. Iconic landmarks crumbled one after another, while the screams of terrified civilians filled the air.

Iron Man summoned his Mark VII armor, and other superheroes soon joined the battle.

Hawkeye, once under Loki's mind control, had been awakened by Black Widow. He now fought alongside the heroes.

The Hulk, driven into a rage, wreaked havoc upon the Chitauri Legion warriors before him.

Thor, too, had sided with Earth's original Avengers, aiming to capture Loki.

Iron Man soared through the streets, missiles from his armor launcher reducing numerous Chitauri Legion aircraft to debris.

Explosions rocked the city as over a dozen Chitauri's Legion aircraft fell to Iron Man's miniature missiles.

Captain America, who couldn't fly, fought on the ground. He faced off against waves of fallen Chitauri's Legion warriors.

These Chitauri's warriors were a fusion of organic and mechanical components, wearing armored suits and armed with guns that fired lasers continuously.

Captain America, shield in hand, deflected laser shots from multiple Chitauri warriors before hurling his shield into a group of foes.

Several Chitauri warriors fell as Captain America's shield struck them. However, the sheer number of Chitauri fighters, along with the continuous arrival of more troops through the massive portal above, posed a significant challenge.

Within moments, hundreds of massive mechanical leviathans had filled the sky.

They unleashed a relentless assault on the entire urban area, targeting buildings and streets with their powerful laser cannons and cannonballs.