"I must commend you, Stephen. Your understanding of dimensions is truly profound," Malrick said, beginning with sincere praise.
Among countless variants of Doctor Strange, Black Strange was undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable.
"As for your method," Malrick continued, deliberately slowing his tone.
Black Strange's heart skipped a beat.
"Your plan is excellent," Malrick said calmly, "and highly feasible."
Black Strange released a long breath he had been unconsciously holding, his shoulders finally relaxing. A relieved smile surfaced as he prepared to suggest that they begin immediately.
Then Malrick spoke again.
"However, there is still a problem."
"To devour a Universe, we will not only face the greed of Dimensional Demon Gods," Malrick said evenly. "We will also face resistance from the beings within that Universe, as well as interference from the four great Abstract Entities who protect it, and Galactus."
The words struck Black Strange like a high speed impact.
His expression turned grave in an instant.
He had only considered the threat posed by Demon Gods. Since entering Kamar Taj under the Ancient One, nearly every enemy he had faced belonged to that category.
He had underestimated the scale.
When a Universe faced annihilation, entities such as Eternity and Death would never remain idle.
The hope that had just ignited within him dimmed rapidly.
The light in Black Strange's eyes faded.
Then Malrick changed his tone.
"But none of that is an issue."
He casually hooked an arm around Black Strange's shoulder, clearly enjoying the emotional whiplash.
"As for resistance from the beings within a Universe, we explain the situation clearly," Malrick said. "Die in a collision, or relocate and survive. The choice is obvious."
"As for Eternity and the others, you do not need to worry. They know me well, and I know them even better."
"They have already given up," Malrick continued with a faint smile. "They spend their days watching from their own Dimensions. If anything, they would welcome a change of scenery."
He gave Black Strange's shoulder a reassuring pat.
The light returned to Black Strange's eyes, though he looked momentarily dazed.
The rapid rise and fall of his emotions left his breathing uneven.
He was not the only one affected. The Spider Men and sorcerers nearby were equally stunned.
"Your Majesty," Black Strange asked slowly, still processing it all, "are you saying my plan has no real flaws?"
Malrick hummed thoughtfully.
"There is one last issue," he said, smiling at the tension that immediately returned to Black Strange's face. "The first Earth to be devoured cannot be yours."
"Even if the God Realm Dimension closely resembles a true Universe, it is still an extra Dimension. We test this process on another Earth first."
… … … …
In the cosmic void beyond the Solar System, Malrick stepped out from the distant TVA.
He hovered silently in space, facing Earth.
This was the Mutant Earth that had once invaded the S Universe during a collision crisis.
That battle had ended in utter defeat.
Apocalypse, Magneto, Professor X, Wolverine, all of them had fallen at the hands of the Avengers.
After Jean Grey's death, even fragments of the Phoenix Force she carried had ended up in Malrick's possession.
Weeks had passed since that catastrophe, yet the shadow of defeat still clung to the planet.
Defeat itself was not unfamiliar.
This Earth had endured five world collisions. It had lost before, even to a Thanos wielding all four Infinity Gems.
In the past, they had always found a way to rise again.
This time was different.
Their primary combat forces were completely annihilated.
Their strongest pillars were gone.
With only a handful of weakened Mutants remaining, how could they defeat any other Earth?
Inside the Earth United Base command room, William Stryker stood at the head of the table.
"If another world collision occurs and we encounter an early stage Avengers team," he said coldly, "the Sentinel Robots may still give us a chance."
"But if we face Thanos, or unknown higher level threats, then we are finished."
"So we must create stronger Mutants," Stryker continued. "Stronger than Apocalypse. Stronger than Jean Grey."
After repeated collisions, Stryker, the man who understood Mutants better than any military commander, had risen from colonel to general.
External threats had forced him to temporarily slow his persecution.
Instead, he focused on deep genetic research, aiming to create superior Mutants rather than relying solely on Sentinel Robots.
His gaze shifted to Mystique, seated closest to the table.
"As long as the Mutant faction agrees to let Mystique participate in my experiments," Stryker said, "I am confident I can create the strongest Mutant ever."
"When the next collision arrives, she will be our sharpest weapon."
The room fell into a suffocating silence.
Mystique attended the meeting in her true form, blue skin covered in fine scales, amber eyes clouded and cold.
Beside her sat several Delta level Mutants with limited power.
With Professor X and Magneto gone, they could only glare in helpless fury at Stryker's demand.
Mystique met his gaze.
Stryker's smile slowly turned cold, his eyes sharp with calculation.
Tension filled the room as both humans and Mutants rose from their seats.
Then Mystique laughed softly, shaking her head in bitter self mockery.
"Fine," she said. "I agree."
"To survive, we personally slaughtered tens of billions of humans. Why would we fear becoming test subjects?"
She leaned forward slightly, her expression twisting.
"But Stryker," she said quietly, "are you pleased that Apocalypse and Magneto are dead? Are you thrilled that Mutants are finally at your mercy?"
"If I enter your laboratory and still cannot prevent the next world collision," she continued, her voice turning icy, "then I will kill you first."
"I will tear every bone in your body apart and dedicate your death to the Mutants."
She slammed her hand against the table, stood up, and led the remaining Mutants out of the room.
The sharp sound echoed, making hearts jolt.
Stryker merely smiled.
Everyone present had blood on their hands. Tens of billions of lives weighed on all of them.
Compared to survival, threats meant nothing.
With Mystique in his grasp, Stryker felt the future was secure.
Earth after Earth would fall.
Their world would be the final survivor.
"Meeting adjourned," he said calmly. "Have Mystique report to my experimental base by tomorrow."
He gathered his documents, anticipation evident in his movements.
Then a majestic voice echoed directly within every mind present.
Deep, ancient, and overwhelming, like a primordial bell.
"This completely fallen Earth is perfectly suited to become the first world to be devoured."