Chapter 191

[1000 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1500PS!]

Syd suspected that even the Time Stone might not be able to observe him.

After thinking this through, he glanced at the glowing blue Tesseract in his hand and the Mind Scepter, pondering whether to break their shells and extract the Infinity Stones within.

After a moment, he shook his head.

The Tesseract and the Mind Scepter, much like the Eye of Agamotto, function as artifacts or tools that help users harness the power of the Infinity Stones. The raw stones themselves weren't something just anyone could handle. For example, the Power Stone could cause severe injury or even death just from physical contact.

"It's better to use them as they are for now. When I get my hands on the Infinity Gauntlet, I can destroy the shells."

As for where to find the Infinity Gauntlet, Syd instantly thought of Asgard. In Thor: Ragnarok, the Gauntlet made an appearance among Odin's treasures, though Hela dismissed it as a fake and knocked it over.

However, Syd believed that Hela likely meant the stones embedded in the Gauntlet were fake, not the Gauntlet itself.

After all, keeping a fake Gauntlet in Odin's vault seemed unlikely.

So, that Gauntlet was probably the real deal.

"I just wonder when I'll have a chance to visit Asgard…"

Syd thought.

Even with the Gauntlet, several Infinity Stones were still missing. Moreover, even using the Gauntlet with his current fourth-level divine body would be taxing. Although he wouldn't instantly die like Tony Stark did, using it once might still cost him half his life.

Tony had armor to protect him, and beings like Thanos and Hulk had formidable physiques, yet they were still injured when using the Gauntlet. Syd didn't think he'd be an exception.

"It seems that I'll need to upgrade my divine body to the fifth level if I get the chance. I wonder what kind of changes that would bring."

With that thought, Syd glanced at his internal panel, noticing that he had accumulated a significant amount of energy points over time, enough to unlock further progress.

Perhaps a new ability from Balder would emerge?

Additionally, although he hadn't intentionally focused on it, his third-level light power was nearing its limit, suggesting an impending upgrade.

"What will the fourth level of light power bring?" Syd wondered, anticipation growing.

As time passed, the world's nations began reacting to the Battle of New York.

News outlets, both on TV and online, reported the event across the globe.

On an American news channel, a white male anchor delivered the report.

"While this confirmed alien invasion has caused tremendous damage, the group of superheroes known as the Avengers has provided a sense of reassurance to many, even becoming a cause for celebration for some…"

The broadcast then cut to interviews with random citizens.

"It's good to have them."

"You know, it's comforting to know there are people who can protect us. We're lucky."

"I love you, Thor…"

Some citizens were supportive, while others were not.

"Superheroes in New York? How is that even possible…"

"These so-called heroes should be held responsible for the destruction in this city!"

"They caused this! Where are they now?"

"There's been so much news about superheroes, but it's like they've vanished into thin air…"

While opinions about the heroes varied, the news that followed left people around the world in shock.

The White-Clad Stranger, also known as the Omega mutant, had appeared during the invasion.

"Oh my god…"

"The White-Clad Stranger actually showed up…"

Everyone who saw footage of the Omega mutant was filled with fear.

Though the battle between the Avengers and the White-Clad Stranger wasn't shown in full detail, people could imagine that it was likely a one-sided fight.

Many felt a deep sense of dread, as if they couldn't breathe.

What was the White-Clad Stranger doing on the battlefield in New York? Was he somehow involved in all of this?

Even television hosts began reporting on the White-Clad Stranger.

"This is Irina, and I'm looking into why the White-Clad Stranger appeared during the Battle of New York. We'll have answers for you soon."

"What are his motives, and how is he connected to the battle? We'll reveal everything shortly…"

Popular news host Irina naturally didn't miss the chance to stir things up, once again making grand promises to her viewers.

As the media buzzed about the Avengers and the White-Clad Stranger, Nick Fury was in a video call with several American senators.

One of the senior senators spoke first.

"Where are the Avengers?"

"I haven't tracked their whereabouts. I think they've earned the right to take a break," Fury replied.

A female senator interjected, "And the Tesseract?"

Fury sighed, "The White-Clad Stranger took it. You should know that the team had no power to stop him."

"You could say the will of the gods has taken that item from us…"

But the senators weren't convinced. "You don't have the authority to make that decision. We must retrieve the Tesseract!"

Fury responded calmly, "You're welcome to ask the White-Clad Stranger for it."

The senators were speechless, unsure how to respond to that.

Of course, plans to deal with the Omega mutants—Messiah and the White-Clad Stranger—were already in the works. It wouldn't be long before specific actions were taken against them. But for now…

While they discussed, in a specially designed prison cell, the Chitauri commander sat alone.

The room was stark white with minimal furnishings. No windows, no decor.

Although security was tight, Nick Fury hadn't been overly harsh on this particular prisoner, even granting a few small requests.

For instance, at the moment, the commander was holding a laptop, albeit one that wasn't connected to the internet.

On the screen were various images and information.

It was all about the Omega mutants—Messiah and the White-Clad Stranger.

Having witnessed the sheer power of the Omega mutants firsthand, the Chitauri commander had been curious and wanted to learn more about them.

Despite being in captivity, that hadn't stopped him from making requests to the humans.

After some negotiation, S.H.I.E.L.D. had provided him with a laptop containing data on Messiah and the White-Clad Stranger.

"Let's see what these Omega mutants are all about…"

The commander scrolled through the laptop.

(End of Chapter)