Chapter 20: The Global Search

Months had passed since Ethan, now known universally as "The Spot," had disappeared with Captain Marvel. The heroes of Earth had never been more unified, yet the weight of their combined efforts was heavy. Every nation, every faction with influence, had contributed to the hunt. Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Wakanda, and governments from all corners of the globe were working together to track down The Spot before his plans could reach an even more catastrophic level.

The world was no longer as it had been before Ethan's rise to power. The governments of the world were deeply involved, spurred by the destruction he had caused and the disappearance of Captain Marvel. The United Nations had declared The Spot an international threat, and global resources were diverted toward tracking and stopping him. However, despite their combined efforts, Ethan always managed to stay just beyond their reach, moving from one hidden location to another with the help of his proficiency over the spotted dimension.

....

In the advanced technology labs of Wakanda, Shuri was in deep conversation with Tony Stark and Reed Richards. The sleek, high-tech lab was filled with holographic blueprints and data streaming across various displays.

"We've tracked him to at least five locations in the past two months," Shuri said, pacing back and forth, her eyes sharp with frustration. "But every time we get close, he vanishes again. It's like he's playing with us."

Tony, his brow furrowed, was leaning over a complex holographic interface, tapping rapidly to bring up the most recent energy readings. "He's perfecting something. We've seen the pattern in his movements; he's not just running—he's gathering data, testing Captain Marvel's energy for something bigger."

Reed nodded in agreement. "If he's looking for materials or energy to stabilize his device, he could be working on something that would make his current power look like child's play."

"That's exactly what worries me," Tony added, rubbing his chin. "We've got nations on high alert, all scanning for quantum disturbances. We've got satellites in low orbit trying to track even the slightest anomaly. And yet, he's always one step ahead."

Shuri crossed her arms, the vibrant designs of Wakandan tech flickering behind her. "He's using his knowledge of space-time to exploit gaps in our understanding. I've been working with vibranium to develop new methods to detect those distortions. It's the only material with a chance of catching up to the complexity of his dimensional shifts."

....

Meanwhile, in New York, the X-Men worked tirelessly with S.H.I.E.L.D. and other global agencies. Charles Xavier had linked minds across the globe in an attempt to predict The Spot's next move, while Cyclops and Storm led tactical teams that patrolled areas where Ethan had been sighted.

Cyclops, speaking to Nick Fury during a meeting at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, shared his concerns. "The longer he stays hidden, the more dangerous he becomes. He's toying with us, and it's only a matter of time before he comes back with something that could end everything."

Nick Fury, his one eye focused and intense, nodded. "We've got resources in place. Wakanda, SHIELD, governments around the world, everyone's pulling in the same direction. But it still feels like he's ten steps ahead."

The room fell silent for a moment. Everyone knew the stakes were high. Every day that passed was another day Ethan could be working on something world-ending.

....

Back in Wakanda, Tony was working on something far more personal. Deep inside the research labs, he had been collaborating with Shuri and Reed Richards on something that might finally give them the edge they needed. He examined the glowing vibranium samples that Shuri had provided, their deep-blue hue shimmering with energy.

"Vibranium is remarkable," Tony muttered as he analyzed its properties. "But it's still not enough on its own. We need something more. Something... new."

Shuri looked up from her own research and tilted her head. "You're talking about creating a new element?"

"Exactly," Tony replied. "We're going to need vibranium as the base, but there's another element I've been developing, something that could handle the energy output of what I'm planning."

Reed leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "This new element, does it have the properties to absorb and redirect cosmic energy?"

Tony nodded. "If we can stabilize the molecular structure, it should be able to. With this, I can finally upgrade my armor. It'll be nano-tech, able to adapt in real-time. But more than that, it'll give me a fighting chance against Ethan's portals. I'm calling it... Starkium."

....

Elsewhere in the Avengers Compound, Bruce Banner sat alone in a quiet room, meditating. His internal battle with the Hulk had long been a struggle, but now, more than ever, he needed the Hulk's strength. He had been trying to speak with him for days, and today, he felt something different, Hulk was listening.

"Look, big guy," Bruce said quietly, eyes closed, his voice calm and deliberate. "We can't keep fighting like this. We need each other. You've felt it too, The Spot, he's getting stronger. And we're going to need everything we've got to stop him."

There was silence in Bruce's mind for a moment, then the deep, familiar rumble of the Hulk's voice echoed.

"Hulk... listen. Hulk... think."

Bruce smiled slightly, his eyes still closed. "Yeah, we've both been thinking. And we both know we're stronger together. Let's put this fight aside and work as one."

Slowly, Bruce felt the tension ease inside him. For the first time in months, he sensed a shift in his relationship with the Hulk. They weren't just coexisting anymore. They were becoming one.

....

Meanwhile, in a dark, hidden lab somewhere deep underground, Ethan stood before the restrained form of Captain Marvel. His eyes were cold, calculating. She had fought fiercely, but in the end, his technological device had overpowered her.

The machine, built to extract and contain cosmic energy, hummed as it slowly siphoned off her power. Ethan stood by the controls, carefully monitoring every surge of energy that flowed from her into his containment unit.

With each pulse, he felt his own connection to the spotted dimension grow stronger. But more than that, memories, fragments of a life he had long forgotten, began to resurface. The cosmic energy unlocked something within him, something buried deep.

"Carol Danvers..." Ethan whispered as he stood over her now-lifeless body. The process had drained her entirely, and she lay motionless. Ethan, unaffected by the gravity of what he had done, discarded her body without a second thought.

His focus now was clear. The cosmic energy had given him what he needed, a way to track even higher, purer forms of energy. The next step was to leave Earth. He had set his sights on Xandar, the capital of the Nova Corps, where he would gather the final materials to build his cosmic tracker.

But before, he needs to build a lab.

With a flick of his hand, a portal opened, and Ethan stepped through, leaving Earth behind.