Chapter 78: Time Stone? Give it here!
The smoke of war over New York had not yet dissipated.
The wind at the top of Stark Tower carried a burnt smell.
Arthur hovered in mid-air, playing with the Space Stone he had pried out of the Tesseract.
The blue light danced at his fingertips, reflecting off his face, which was written with boredom.
"Thanos ran away."
"The resistance is gone too."
"Is there any fun left on this Earth?"
Arthur sighed and casually pressed the Space Stone onto his bracer.
Click.
The fifth stone was in place.
Now, his bracer was embedded with four Infinity Stones: Space, Mind, Reality, and Power.
Plus that special red Kryptonite.
This left hand already possessed the power to easily wipe out half the civilizations in the Universe.
"Two more to go."
Arthur rubbed his chin, casting his gaze toward the Himalayas.
There, a green stone was hanging around the neck of a Bald Magician.
"The Time Stone..."
"He who controls time controls everything."
"And..."
A playful smile curled at the corner of Arthur's mouth:
"Didn't that old Bald Magician say she wanted to teach me magic?"
"Perfect, I'll go collect some tuition."
BOOM!!!
The air exploded.
A golden stream of light instantly vanished above New York.
...
Himalayas, Kamar-Taj.
It was still snowing heavily here, quiet as if isolated from the World.
Sorcerer Ancient One was sitting in the tea room, holding a steaming cup of tea.
In front of her lay the antique-looking eye of agamotto.
A green glow flickered within it.
"You have come."
Ancient One set down her teacup and said without turning her head.
Whoosh—
A gust of wind blew open the wooden door of the tea room.
Arthur strode in, his cape still carrying the chill of the stratosphere.
He didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly across from Ancient One.
"Sorcerer, long time no see."
Arthur looked at the eye of agamotto, his gaze naked, making no effort to hide his greed:
"It seems you already know why I've come."
"Since that's the case, let's skip the small talk."
"Hand it over."
Ancient One looked at the man before her.
That deep blue combat suit, that arrogant aura.
And that bracer embedded with four Infinity Stones.
She sighed.
"John."
"Your power has spiraled out of control."
"You are pushing this World into the abyss."
"The abyss?"
Arthur sneered, leaning forward, his presence full of oppression:
"I am the abyss."
"Besides, I actually think this World has become orderly under my rule."
"No war, no crime, only cheers and worship."
"Isn't this the peace you wanted?"
Ancient One shook her head.
"That is not peace; that is fear."
"However..."
She reached out and picked up the eye of agamotto.
Her fingers gently stroked the cold metal casing.
"I also know that I cannot stop you."
"I have seen the same ending in countless futures."
"No matter what I do, this stone will eventually end up in your hands."
"So."
Ancient One held the eye of agamotto with both hands and offered it to Arthur:
"Take it."
"But you must remember."
"Time is fair."
"If you toy with time, time will eventually toy with you."
Arthur snatched the eye of agamotto.
His movements were as rough as a robbery.
"Fair?"
He scoffed, crushing the casing directly, and took out the Time Stone inside, which was emitting a faint green light.
"In the face of absolute power, there is no fairness."
"Only submission."
Click.
The Time Stone was embedded into the bracer.
HUM—!!!
A strange ripple instantly enveloped Arthur's entire body.
It was as if a long river appeared before his eyes.
Countless scenes flickered in the river water.
Past, present, future.
Everything was under his control.
"Awesome!"
Arthur took a deep breath, feeling the pleasure of seemingly being able to move the hands of time at will.
This is the power a god should have!
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Time Stone!]
[Silver Superman Template proficiency increased!]
[New ability acquired: Time Reversal (Beginner)!]
Listening to the system's prompts, Arthur was in a great mood.
He stood up and glanced at Ancient One, who was still calmly drinking tea.
"Thanks, Sorcerer."
"Since you were so sensible, I won't tear down your temple."
"However..."
Arthur pointed to the sorcerer apprentices practicing outside the door:
"From now on, Kamar-Taj belongs to me."
"I don't want to see anyone using magic to oppose me."
"Understand?"
Ancient One nodded slightly without speaking.
Arthur didn't care.
He turned and walked out of the tea room.
Watching the heavy snow flying across the sky, his gaze turned toward the more distant starry sky.
"The last one."
"The Soul Stone."
"Vormir..."
BOOM!!!
The golden figure shot into the sky, breaking directly through the atmosphere and disappearing into the vast Universe.
...
Vormir.
This was a desolate, dead, and despair-filled Planet.
This was the center of the Universe and the final resting place for souls.
A black mountain peak towering into the clouds stood on the Planet's surface.
That was the altar of the Soul Stone.
A red skeleton figure draped in a tattered cloak was floating in mid-air, like a lonely ghost.
Red Skull.
The former leader of HYDRA, now the Guardian of the Soul Stone.
"Welcome, John Arthur."
"The all-powerful Homelander."
Red Skull's voice was hoarse and hollow, as if coming from hell:
"I know your origins, and I know your purpose."
"You have come for the Soul Stone."
Arthur slowly descended onto the altar.
He glanced at this neither-human-nor-ghost guy with a look of disgust.
"Red Skull?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, you're doing pretty miserably."
"You used to be a big villain boss, but now you've actually been reduced to a doorman?"
Red Skull was not angry.
Or rather, he no longer possessed the emotion of anger.
"This is my curse, and it is my mission."
He pointed to the cliff below:
"The Soul Stone is down there."
"But to obtain it, a price must be paid."
"A soul for a soul."
"You must sacrifice the one you love most, or something."
"Only by losing your beloved can you understand the weight of a soul."
Arthur walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down.
Bottomless.
Only endless darkness and mist.
"The one I love most?"
Arthur rubbed his chin.
Names flashed through his mind.
Susan? Felicia?
Or...
"Sorry."
Arthur shrugged, a highly punchable smile appearing on his face:
"I'm a rather loving person."
"If you insist on asking who I love most..."
"Then I can only say that I love myself the most."
"Does that count?"
Red Skull was stunned.
He had guarded this place for seventy years and had seen countless people come seeking the stone.
There was Thanos, who sacrificed his daughter for power (though he hadn't come yet).
There was Hawkeye, who sacrificed his teammate for a mission (also hadn't come).
But he had never seen such a narcissistic guy.
"It must be... your beloved."
Red Skull repeated mechanically:
"If it is yourself, then even if you jump down, you won't get the stone."
"This is a paradox."
"A paradox?"
Arthur laughed.
Laughing incomparably wildly.
"That's for mortals."
"For me."
"Rules? They are meant to be broken!"
He raised his left hand.
On the bracer, five Infinity Stones lit up with dazzling light simultaneously!
Purple, blue, red, yellow, green.
Five powers of the Universe's origin converged, forming a World-destroying storm!
"I don't need to sacrifice."
"I only need to—"
"Steal!"
BOOM!!!
Arthur slammed a punch toward the cliff below!
This punch.
Was not just the power of Silver Superman.
It was the might of five Infinity Stones!
Space shattered! Time reversed! Reality twisted! Power exploded! Mind struck!
The entire Planet Vormir was trembling violently!
That ancient altar instantly collapsed in the face of this terrifying power!
"No! This is impossible!"
Red Skull screamed in terror:
"This is the rule! This is the law of the Universe!"
"Screw your laws!"
Arthur roared, his whole body turning into a golden light, charging directly into the energy vortex that had been blasted open!
He was wrestling with the will of the Universe!
He was forcibly plundering the Soul Stone!
"Sizzle, sizzle..."
The surrounding space was collapsing crazily, and countless vengeful spirits were screaming.
But the Bio-electric Field on Arthur's body was like an iron wall, blocking everything out.
His hand reached into the core of that light.
There.
There was an orange stone, trembling.
Yes.
It was trembling.
It sensed the dominance of this man, the arrogance that would trample even the rules underfoot!
"Come... here!"
Arthur clenched his five fingers!
HUM—!!!
A crisp ringing sound.
The entire sky of Vormir instantly turned orange.
The Soul Stone was forcibly dragged out by him!
No sacrifice.
No loss.
This is pure power!
This is Homelander!
Arthur hovered in mid-air, holding the orange stone in his hand.
He looked at Red Skull, who had been shaken to pieces, and revealed a look of contempt:
"See that?"
"This is my rule."
"The things I want never need to be exchanged."
"I just need to take them."
Click.
The last stone was in place.
BOOM—!!!
Six Infinity Stones gathered!
An unprecedented, terrifying energy that transcended dimensions instantly pierced through Arthur's body!
His combat suit snapped in the wind, and golden light shot from his eyes.
At this moment.
He felt that he was no longer a living being.
But a Universe!
A complete Universe containing time, space, power, soul, reality, and mind!
"Ah..."
Arthur couldn't help but let out a groan of pleasure.
This feeling of omniscience and omnipotence.
It was ten thousand times more pleasant than taking a bath in the Sun!
"Is this... infinite power?"
He clenched his fist.
The surrounding space shattered and then reorganized.
He looked toward the distant Earth.
With just a thought.
He could wipe everything there out of existence.
Or...
Make it into whatever he wanted.
"Snap."
Arthur snapped his fingers.
Not to wipe out half of life.
But to...
Change his hairstyle.
His originally slightly messy blond hair instantly became meticulous, as if he had just styled it with hair gel.
"Perfect."
Arthur looked at himself in a mirror (generated by the Reality Stone) in the void.
"Now that the equipment is complete."
"It's time to go back and do something big."
"For example..."
A flash of madness shone in Arthur's eyes:
"Take the entire Earth, or even the entire solar system."
"And pack it all up to take away?"
"Or... visit other Universes?"
He thought of the system that had sent him here.
And that so-called "Exile."
"Just wait."
"I'm coming to settle the score with you guys right away."
BOOM!
The Space Stone activated.
A blue portal opened instantly.
Arthur stepped out and disappeared above the ruins of Vormir.
Leaving only Red Skull, who had turned into a pile of bone fragments, messy in the wind.
...
Earth, New York.
Top floor of the Homelander Group Building.
Wesley was sweating profusely while dealing with a mountain of documents.
Ever since the boss went "shopping," the burden of the entire company had been pressed onto him alone.
Although he had great power, this pressure was not something an average person could handle.
"HUM—"
Just then.
The space in the office suddenly twisted.
Wesley was so scared that he dropped his pen.
The next second.
Arthur's figure appeared out of thin air.
The aura on his body was even more terrifying than before he left, almost like a supernova ready to explode at any moment.
"Bo-Boss!"
Wesley stood up quickly and bowed respectfully:
"You're back!"
"Hmm."
Arthur nodded, casually picked up a glass of red wine on the table, and drank it in one gulp.
"Send out a notice."
"Gather everyone."
"The Seven, and those new recruits."
"We're going to have a meeting."
"A meeting?" Wesley was stunned for a moment. "What's the topic?"
Arthur walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the bustling night view of New York outside.
He raised his left hand.
Six Infinity Stones shimmered with an eerie light under the lamps.
"The topic is—"
Arthur turned around, the smile on his face making Wesley feel a palpitation:
"The Universe is so big."
"I want to go see it."
"By the way..."
"Conquer it."
Chapter 79: First Stop, the Kree Empire
New York, Homelander Group Building.
Top-floor conference room.
Seated around the massive round table were no longer those obsequious politicians, nor those calculating businessmen.
Instead, it was the Planet's most elite combat force.
"The Seven."
Magneto Erik was idly manipulating a Vibranium coin with his magnetic powers. The coin spun rapidly at his fingertips, emitting a low hum.
Logan had his feet propped up on the table, a cigar smoldering in his hand, using his freshly sharpened adamantium claws to pick his teeth.
Jean Grey sat quietly, her red hair cascading down, her eyelids lowered as if suppressing the restlessness within her.
Electro, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch...
Everyone was present.
And in the seat of honor.
Arthur stood with his back to the group, gazing out at the dazzlingly opulent nightscape of New York.
His left hand rested lightly on the back of his chair.
The gauntlet embedded with six Infinity Stones shimmered with an eerie, deadly light in the darkness.
Purple, blue, red, orange, green, yellow.
The six primal forces of the Universe now resembled six cheap glass beads, quietly adorning his wrist.
"Wesley."
Arthur didn't turn around, his voice calm:
"You just asked me what the main topic is?"
Wesley stood to the side, holding a tablet computer, a fine layer of sweat beading on his forehead.
Although he was accustomed to his boss's power,
every time he saw that gauntlet, he still felt a tremor from the depths of his soul.
That was the authority to erase half the Universe with a snap of the fingers!
"Y... yes, boss."
Wesley replied cautiously:
"Currently, Earth is completely under your control."
"Governments worldwide are compliant, Terrorists have vanished, and even super-powered criminals are clamoring to turn themselves in."
"Our approval rating has reached 99.9%."
"The remaining 0.1% are babies still in the womb."
"According to your business plan, we've already... hit the ceiling."
"Hit the ceiling?"
Arthur chuckled softly.
He slowly turned around.
In his azure blue eyes, a flame called ambition danced.
"Wesley, your vision is still too narrow."
"Earth?"
Arthur extended a finger and lightly tapped the table:
"It's just a speck of dust in the Universe."
"Look at this boundless starry sky."
He pointed towards the deep darkness above:
"There are countless civilizations there, countless Planets, countless... viewers."
"And in those places, there are still countless people living in dire straits."
"They are ruled by tyrants, tormented by war, blinded by ignorance."
Arthur's expression turned compassionate, like a saint about to deliver a sermon:
"They have not yet bathed in the radiance of Homelander."
"They do not yet know what true freedom and justice are."
"Tell me, as the one true god,"
"can I stand idly by and watch them suffer?"
Dead silence filled the conference room.
The cigar fell from Logan's mouth, burning a hole.
"Ahem..."
Logan coughed twice, looking at Arthur with a constipated expression:
"Boss, I may not be well-read,"
"but from what you're saying... we're going to be alien invaders?"
"Watch your wording, Logan."
The smile vanished instantly from Arthur's face, replaced by a solemn, sacred expression:
"Is that invasion?"
"That is liberation."
"That is peacekeeping."
"That is spreading the advanced ideals of America to the entire Universe!"
"We are going to establish a new subsidiary company."
Arthur snapped his fingers.
The Reality Stone flashed red.
In the center of the conference table, a massive holographic star chart materialized out of thin air.
It was marked with the Kree Empire, the Skrull Empire, Xandar, and even Thanos's Dark Quadrant.
"I've even thought of a name."
"Let's call it—'Homelander Interstellar Security and Peacekeeping Corporation.'"
"Abbreviated as: the Arthur Empire."
"Our business scope is simple."
Arthur looked around at his dumbfounded subordinates:
"Whoever doesn't listen, we go and bring them warmth."
"Whoever dares to oppose us, we help them rebuild their civilization."
"Understood?"
Magneto Erik stared at the star chart. In his aged eyes, an unprecedented fanaticism suddenly erupted.
He stood up abruptly, his purple cape billowing without wind.
"Those alien spaceships..."
Erik's voice trembled slightly with excitement:
"are they made of metal too?"
"Of course."
Arthur nodded:
"Not just metal, but rare metals far more advanced than anything on Earth."
"You can dismantle and crush them to your heart's content."
"Just don't break the cameras."
"Excellent."
A cruel smile curled at the corner of Magneto's lips:
"Boss, I would be delighted to serve you."
"This Earthly pond is too small to contain the future of Mutants."
"Only the vast sea of stars is where we belong."
For Magneto,
conquering Earth? That was child's play.
Conquering the Universe? Making those advanced civilizations tremble before the power of Mutants?
Now that was the life he wanted!
"But..."
Jean Grey hesitated. Although the Phoenix Force within her was suppressed, it still made her uneasy about such slaughter:
"Are we really going to initiate war?"
"Many people will die..."
"Jean."
Arthur walked over to her, gently stroking her long hair.
As if comforting a frightened kitten.
"Sacrifices are inevitable."
"But it's for the greater good."
"Think about it, if that Purple Potato Spirit Thanos comes knocking, will he reason with you?"
"He'll just snap his fingers and turn you, and everyone you love, to dust."
"We're striking first."
"We're saving the future."
Arthur's voice carried an irresistible allure (the Mind Stone flickered faintly):
"And besides, I need you."
"I need your power to intimidate those ungrateful space pirates."
"You'll help me, won't you?"
Jean looked into Arthur's deep eyes.
That feeling of being needed, of being relied upon, instantly overwhelmed her reason.
She nodded, her gaze regaining its firmness.
"Yes, boss."
"I will clear all obstacles for you."
"That's right."
Arthur smiled with satisfaction.
He sat back down on his throne, looking at this group of enforcers he had utterly convinced (strikethrough) summoned by justice.
He was overjoyed inside.
The Universe!
That was an uncountable population base!
Billions of people on one Planet, how many in one galaxy?
Even if only one percent worshipped him.
The popularity points provided would be an astronomical figure!
When that time comes,
forget Silver Superman,
even Golden Superman, or even Thought Superman...
would be within reach!
"Alright, meeting adjourned."
Arthur waved his hand:
"Go back and prepare."
"Three days from now."
"We depart."
"First stop—"
Arthur's finger traced across the star chart, finally stopping on a red area.
"The Kree Empire."
"I hear that fellow named Ronan has been acting up lately?"
"Daring to call himself 'the Accuser'?"
"Heh."
Arthur sneered:
"I'd like to see."
"In the face of my Heat Vision,"
"who he can accuse."
...
Three days later.
Above New York.
A massive, oppressively designed black battleship hovered above the clouds.
This was "homelander one," built overnight by Tony Stark, combining Chitauri technology with S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier tech.
On the bow was a colossal golden statue.
It was a statue of Arthur himself, arms spread wide as if embracing the World.
Extremely flamboyant.
Inside the battleship.
Arthur sat in the command chair on the bridge, holding a glass of iced cola.
"All systems self-check complete."
"Thruster pre-heat complete."
"Space jump engine ready."
Jarvis's voice sounded over the intercom.
"Tony."
Arthur opened a communication channel to the ground.
On the screen, Tony Stark, wearing goggles, was busy in his lab, sweating profusely.
"What?"
Tony said irritably:
"I gave you my best ship, what more do you want?"
"Don't tell me you want me to come with you."
"I don't want to eat that toothpaste-like space food."
"Relax, I'm not taking you."
Arthur took a sip of cola, his face full of disdain:
"You're too fragile. Taking you would mean babysitting you."
"I just want to remind you."
"Hold down the fort."
"Don't let me come back to find Earth blown up by something baffling."
"And one more thing."
Arthur pointed at the camera:
"Remember to set up the live broadcast signal for me."
"This is the Universe's first-ever live stream."
"If it lags, I'll come back and dismantle your satellites."
"Get lost!"
Tony directly cut the communication.
Arthur wasn't angry.
He turned his head, looking at The Seven, already stationed at their posts.
Wesley wore a specially made spacesuit (unnecessary inside the ship, but he was afraid of dying), still clutching his tablet tightly.
Magneto sat with his eyes closed, seemingly sensing the vast magnetic fields in space.
Logan was polishing his adamantium claws, his gaze fierce.
Jean, Wanda, Quicksilver, Electro—everyone was ready for action.
"Excellent."
Arthur stood up.
His red cape billowed without wind.
He looked ahead into the dark, profound Universe.
A flash of extreme greed and fanaticism passed through his eyes.
"My crew!"
"Set sail!"
"Let's give this boring Universe..."
"a little taste of Homelander shock and awe!"
BOOM!!!
"homelander one" spewed blue ion flames from its rear.
The massive battleship instantly accelerated.
The Space Stone on the gauntlet flashed blue.
A huge wormhole opened in front of the ship.
The battleship plunged into it.
Vanishing from Earth's sight.
...
Several hundred million light-years away.
Hala.
Capital of the Kree Empire.
One of the most powerful military empires in the Milky Way Galaxy.
Countless battleships patrolled its orbit, magnificent structures piercing the clouds.
The Supreme Intelligence was immersed in vast data streams, calculating plans for the next conquest.
And on the Planet's periphery.
A black battleship shaped like a massive hammer—the dark aster.
Ronan the Accuser stood holding the Universal Weapon, his expression cold as he looked at the star chart before him.
"Xandar..."
"Those weak pacifists."
"Must be purged."
"Must be judged."
Ronan's voice was icy and merciless.
Just then.
"BEEP BEEP BEEP—!!!"
A piercing alarm suddenly blared across the bridge.
Red lights flashed frantically.
"What's going on?!"
Ronan roared.
"R-report, Accuser!"
The operator's voice was full of terror:
"Detecting unidentified spatial fluctuations!"
"Right above us!"
"Something... is coming out!"
"BOOM—!!!"
Before the words finished.
The previously calm space shattered like a mirror.
A black battleship emblazoned with a huge golden "H" logo emerged out of thin air with an unstoppable momentum!
The moment it appeared,
the violent energy waves directly flipped several nearby Kree patrol ships!
"What... is that?"
Ronan's eyes widened.
He had never seen a ship of this style.
Rugged, domineering, yet carrying a baffling sense of sacredness.
The next second.
A golden streak of light shot out from that ship.
Instantly hovering in front of the dark aster.
That figure.
Wore no spacesuit.
Wore no helmet.
Just his physical body suspended in the vacuum.
Dark blue combat suit, red cape, golden epaulets.
And that face...
which was showing Ronan a "nuclear-friendly" smile.
"Hey, you hammer-wielding cosplayer."
Arthur's voice, amplified by the power of the Mind Stone, exploded directly in Ronan's mind:
"I hear you like accusing people?"
"What a coincidence."
"I like that too."
"Now."
Arthur's eyes instantly turned crimson. Terrifying high temperatures made the surrounding vacuum seem to boil:
"I accuse you—"
"of being too ugly, and not paying me protection fees."
"You have the right to remain silent."
"Because..."
"you're about to die."
ZZZZ—!!!
Two thick beams of Heat Vision, like the judgment of God.
Instantly pierced through the Universe!
Their target, straight for the bridge of the dark aster.
Chapter 80: Target, the Dark Quadrant!
Deep space.
On the bridge of the dark aster, the alarm wailed like a funeral dirge.
"Sizzle—!!!"
Those two thick beams of Heat Vision, erupting like solar flares and carrying world-ending energy, instantly pierced through the energy shields that the dark aster took such pride in.
It was like a red-hot iron chopstick stabbing into a block of butter.
There was no resistance at all.
"Rumble—!!!"
A violent explosion erupted at the bow, and flames expanded silently in the vacuum, shearing off a corner of the hammer-like warship.
Inside the bridge, sparks flew everywhere as the control consoles exploded one after another.
Ronan the Accuser gripped his universal weapon tightly to keep from being blown away by the terrifying shockwave.
His face, painted with black war markings, was now filled with unbelievable shock and fury.
"Damned Earthling!"
"How did you do it?!"
"This is the Kree Empire's sturdiest warship!"
Ronan roared, the fire in his eyes nearly erupting.
He had campaigned across the Milky Way Galaxy for so many years and slaughtered countless civilizations; when had he ever been attacked like this right to his face?
And the opponent hadn't even piloted a spaceship.
He was just floating out there in the flesh, glaring at him with his eyes?
This was simply defying the laws of physics!
"How did I do it?"
Arthur's voice, through the power of the Mind Stone, rang out directly in Ronan's mind once again.
It carried that laziness and arrogance that made one want to kneel:
"Is it hard?"
"If you just use a little bit of force, doesn't this thing just break?"
Arthur hovered in front of the shattered bow.
He had his arms crossed, and the red cape behind him flapped loudly in the turbulent energy currents.
His eyes, glowing with red light, looked straight at Ronan through the broken hull.
"Ronan."
"I told you, you have the right to remain silent."
"But it seems you don't know how to cherish that right."
"In that case..."
A cruel smile curled at the corner of Arthur's mouth:
"Then let's make this trial a bit more interesting."
He tilted his head slightly and snapped his fingers toward the 'homelander one' behind him.
"Erik."
"It's time for your performance."
"This ship..."
Arthur pointed at the massive, black hammer-like dark aster:
...is yours."
"I think you'll like the feel of this alien metal."
The airlock of homelander one opened.
Magneto Erik Lehnsherr slowly floated out.
Wearing his deep purple suit, he looked at the Kree warship before him, which was so massive it was breathtaking.
In those aged eyes, a fanatical light instantly erupted, like an old lecher seeing a peerless beauty.
"Oh... my God..."
Erik's fingers were trembling slightly.
He could feel it.
This entire ship was forged from an unknown, high-strength memory metal.
The magnetic field feedback from that metal was ten thousand times more wonderful than any metal on Earth!
"So beautiful..."
"It's practically a work of art."
Erik spread his arms, his purple cape billowing even without wind.
"Boss, you are truly too generous."
"Since you've said so..."
"Then I won't be polite!"
Boom!!!
A terrifying magnetic storm instantly swept out in all directions with Erik as the center!
In space, without the interference of gravity and atmosphere...
...Magneto's power was unleashed to its absolute limit!
"For me—"
"Open!"
Erik suddenly tore his hands toward both sides!
"Screech—!!!"
The dark aster's hull, kilometers long, suddenly let out an ear-piercing sound of twisting metal.
Immediately following.
Under the horrified gaze of Ronan and all the Kree soldiers.
This flagship that had once conquered countless star systems...
...was as if it were being gripped by an invisible giant hand.
The outer armor plates began to peel off and curl piece by piece!
The thick keel began to deform and snap!
This wasn't a battle at all.
This was a dismantling!
This was a violent demolition!
"No!!!"
Ronan watched his vessel falling apart, his eyes nearly splitting with rage.
"Stop! You damned mutant mongrel!"
Ronan raised the universal weapon in his hand.
It was a massive warhammer that not only symbolized the power of the Accuser but was also a powerful artifact.
Hum!
The top of the warhammer lit up with purple energy.
A shockwave blasted toward Erik!
"Your opponent is me."
A golden figure instantly blocked the path in front of Erik.
Arthur didn't even raise a hand.
He simply took the energy Impact full on his chest.
Bang!
The dust cleared.
That deep blue suit was still as bright as new, without even a black speck left behind.
Arthur patted his chest, looking completely disgusted:
"That's it?"
"Did you not eat? Or did your Kree tech tree grow the wrong way?"
"This is the so-called universal weapon?"
"Looks more like a toy hammer to me."
Ronan was completely stunned.
This hammer of his was an artifact that could manipulate gravity, energy, and even create small black holes!
What was this Earthling made of?
Vibranium?!
"I don't believe it!"
Ronan roared and leaped high into the air.
Using the environment in space for leverage, he gripped the hammer with both hands and brought it down toward Arthur's head with the weight of ten thousand tons!
This strike was enough to shatter an asteroid!
"Boring."
Arthur shook his head.
He slowly reached out a hand.
Without even looking, he grabbed upward.
Clang!!!
A crisp sound of metal clashing echoed in Ronan's mind (sound doesn't travel in a vacuum, but he felt the vibration).
That menacing warhammer...
...had its head caught by Arthur with a single hand.
Steady and firm.
Motionless.
Ronan only felt as if he had struck a neutron star.
The massive recoil split the webbing between his thumb and forefinger, and purple blood instantly sprayed out.
"This... this is impossible..."
Ronan desperately tried to pull the hammer back.
But the hammer seemed as if it had grown onto Arthur's hand; no matter how much force he used, he couldn't move it an inch.
Arthur looked at Ronan's face, which was distorted from overexertion.
He revealed an extremely 'kind' smile.
"Ronan."
"Do you know?"
"On Earth, we have a saying."
"It goes—"
Arthur's fingers applied a bit of pressure.
Crack!
That Kree artifact, claimed to be indestructible...
...actually developed a crack in his hand!
"Eighty for a big hammer, forty for a small one."
"This hammer of yours, the quality isn't up to par."
"Looks like a counterfeit product."
Crack! Crack!
The cracks spread rapidly.
Under Ronan's despairing gaze.
Pop!
The universal weapon was directly crushed by Arthur's single hand!
It shattered into a sky full of metal fragments!
"No!!!"
Ronan let out a shrill scream.
It was the sound of a faith collapsing.
Without his weapon, he was just a toothless tiger.
Arthur casually tossed away the residue in his hand.
He grabbed Ronan by the neck and lifted him up in front of him.
"Now."
"Let's talk about the matter of the accusation."
Arthur turned his head and looked toward homelander one.
There, Eddie Brock was operating the specially made space camera, broadcasting this scene in real-time to Earth, and even the entire Universe (through the Kree communication channels).
"Ladies and gentlemen."
Arthur adjusted his expression, and that peerless arrogance instantly vanished, replaced by a look of deep sorrow:
"Do you see this?"
"This is the so-called Ronan the Accuser."
"A thug who starts wars and massacres innocent civilians everywhere."
"He just tried to use that hammer to attack me, an envoy who came with a mission of peace."
"Such behavior is simply a profanation of justice!"
Through the power of the Mind Stone, Arthur's voice was full of infectious power:
"I, Homelander."
"On behalf of Earth, and on behalf of all peace-loving races in the Universe."
"Sentence you as guilty!"
"The charge is—being ugly and having poor hygiene!"
(Of course, he said that last sentence in his mind)
"The moment of judgment has arrived."
The red light in Arthur's eyes lit up once more.
This time.
It was more dazzling than any time before.
And more searing.
It was the energy merged from the six Infinity Stones—
The God's Gaze!
"You can go die now."
Sizzle—!!!
Two colorful beams of light instantly pierced through Ronan's head.
There was no explosion.
Nor was there flesh and blood flying everywhere.
In the face of that power which transcended dimensional rules...
...Ronan's body, along with his armor, and even the space he occupied...
...was instantly erased!
It was like using an eraser to wipe away a smudge on a drawing.
Clean.
Total.
Leaving only a pile of ashes still drifting in space.
Instakill!
A complete and utter instakill!
[Ding! Detected host has killed Ronan the Accuser! And broadcast it to the entire Universe!]
[Ding! Detected the entire Kree Empire has fallen into panic!]
[Ding! Detected Earth's populace is in fanatical worship!]
[Ding! popularity points +5,000,000!]
[Ding! popularity points +10,000,000...]
Listening to the pleasant notification sounds in his head.
Arthur let go of his hand, letting the ashes scatter.
He turned around and looked at the dark aster, which had been stripped down to its skeleton by Magneto.
Then he looked at the camera.
He gave a standard Homelander smile.
"This is just the beginning."
"For the peace of the Universe."
"Homelander Corp, mission accomplished."
At this moment.
On Earth.
Countless people looked at the god-like man on the screen, moved to tears of excitement.
"So strong! Now that's what I call style!"
"Fighting all the way to outer space! This is our god!"
"Kree? That's it? They aren't even worth a glance from Homelander!"
And on the distant planet Hala.
The supreme ruler of the Kree Empire—the Supreme Intelligence.
It was currently watching that live broadcast, its entire data stream trembling.
"Incalculable..."
"Threat level... infinite..."
"That man..."
"What he's wearing on his hand... are those the infinity stones?!"
...
In space.
Arthur returned to the bridge of homelander one.
He sat in the command chair, holding a freshly poured cup of cola.
"Boss! That was so cool!"
Wesley was flushed with excitement as he handed over a tablet computer:
"The viewership for that live broadcast just exploded!"
"Not just Earth, even the Nova Corps sent over a congratulatory message (though it was a letter of inquiry)."
"Our popularity points are skyrocketing exponentially!"
"Hmm, standard procedure, nothing special."
Arthur calmly took a sip of cola.
He glanced at Magneto standing nearby.
Old Man Magneto was currently manipulating several pieces of rare metal he had stripped from the dark aster with a look of satisfaction, as if playing with his favorite toys.
"Erik, how is this batch of goods?"
"Top quality, Boss."
Magneto's eyes were fanatical:
"The strength and toughness of these metals are better than any alloy on Earth."
"If we use these materials to build our new headquarters..."
...it will be a fortress that never falls."
"Then take it all."
Arthur waved his hand grandly:
"Don't leave even a single piece of scrap for them."
"Since we've come, we can't leave empty-handed... cough, we must return fully loaded."
"Next target."
Arthur's finger slid across the star map.
He bypassed those small-fry entirely.
Finally.
It stopped on a coordinate filled with the aura of Death.
There was a desolate asteroid belt.
And also Thanos's lair—
The location of Sanctum One.
"Since the appetizer that was Ronan is finished."
"Then it's time for the main course to be served."
A bloodthirsty light flashed in Arthur's eyes:
"Thanos."
"Don't you want destiny?"
"I'll deliver it right to you."
"Everyone, prepare!"
Arthur stood up, his red cape rising behind him:
"Target—the Dark Quadrant!"
"We're going to..."
...raid his home!"
Chapter 81: God Bless the Universe
Deep in the vast Universe.
"homelander one" cruises through the sea of stars like a black steel beast.
On the bridge.
Arthur sits on the command chair, holding his unfinished cola.
He watches the blinking red dot on the holographic star map.
A playful smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
"Dark Quadrant..."
"The name sounds intimidating."
"Just don't know how that Purple Potato Spirit decorated his hideout."
"If it's too shabby, it won't be worth the fuel for this business trip."
Wesley is nervously checking data nearby.
"Boss, according to the star map we extracted from the dark aster."
"Ahead is the outer defense perimeter of the Dark Quadrant."
"It's filled with Thanos's mechanical Sentinels and small warships."
"The number... is probably over one hundred thousand."
"One hundred thousand?"
Arthur raises an eyebrow, looking disdainful:
"Just this?"
"I thought there would be more."
"Not even enough to fill the gaps between my teeth."
He turns to the eager thugs behind him.
"Little ones."
"Did you hear that?"
"One hundred thousand targets."
"Whoever kills the most gets a bonus when we go back."
"Remember, don't save ammunition for me (although they don't use ammunition)."
"I want to let that Purple Potato Spirit know."
"What is called —"
"Surprise."
"Roar!!!"
Logan howls excitedly, sparks flying from his steel claws:
"Boss, that's what you said!"
"My claws have been itching for a long time!"
Magneto elegantly adjusts his cape, dangerous light flickering in his eyes:
"Mechanical Sentinels?"
"Are they all made of metal?"
"That would be truly wonderful."
...
A few minutes later.
"homelander one" rushes out of the space jump point.
Before them is a dead star region.
Countless broken asteroid belts hide dense mechanical Sentinels.
They are like a sleeping pack of wolves, quietly guarding the giant palace floating in the void — Sanctum One.
"Intruders!"
"Alert! Alert!"
Almost the moment "homelander one" appears.
All mechanical Sentinels wake up simultaneously.
Red electronic eyes light up, and countless lasers lock onto the black warship.
"Fire!"
Boom boom boom!!!
The sky is filled with energy beams pouring down like a rainstorm.
However.
Before those beams can touch the hull of the warship.
A pale blue space barrier appears out of thin air.
All attacks hitting it are like raindrops on a lake, only stirring up ripples.
"Is this all you've got?"
Arthur's voice spreads across the entire star region via the loudspeaker.
"Since you are so enthusiastic."
"Then I'll return the favor."
He stands up and walks to the floor-to-ceiling window of the bridge.
He raises his left hand.
On the bracer, the purple Power Stone suddenly lights up.
Hum —!!!
A wave of destructive purple energy erupts instantly with the warship as the center!
It's like a supernova exploding in the Universe.
The purple light sweeps across.
Where it passes.
Those mechanical Sentinels don't even have time to explode.
They are directly shattered into powder by the terrifying energy!
One hit!
Clear the field!
The originally dense encirclement is instantly cleared into a huge vacuum zone.
"Holy crap..."
Quicksilver Pietro leans against the window, dumbfounded:
"Boss's move... is too cool!"
"Is this the power of the Power Stone?"
Jean Grey looks at the purple light, her eyes full of shock.
The Phoenix Force in her body seems to feel this power and trembles with a hint of fear.
"Alright."
Arthur claps his hands as if he had done a trivial thing:
"Roadblock cleared."
"Now."
"Let's go meet the main character."
"homelander one" accelerates again.
Passing through the star region still floating with metal powder.
Heading straight for the giant palace floating in the void.
...
Sanctum One, Throne Hall.
Thanos sits on that cold stone throne.
In front of him is a huge holographic screen.
Playing on it is the scene just now.
That tiny Earthling, just waving his hand.
His proud outer defense perimeter instantly vanished into ashes.
"This is... the power of the infinity stones."
Thanos's voice is low, emotionless.
But his large hand gripping the armrest turns white at the knuckles due to excessive force.
"Father..."
Nebula kneels under the steps, her half-mechanical head lowered, voice trembling:
"That Earthling... he is too strong."
"Are we retreating?"
"Retreat?"
Thanos slowly turns his head, his purple eyes burning with a madness called "Destiny."
"I am Thanos."
"I am the balancer of the Universe."
"I never retreat."
He stands up, his tall body casting a shadow.
Although there is no Infinity Gauntlet.
Although his generals are all dead.
But he still has himself.
And that double-edged sword that has conquered countless Planets (a spare one).
"Open the door."
Thanos picks up his battle blade and walks towards the outside of the hall:
"Since the guest is here."
"Then go greet him."
"Even if it's death."
"I will die on the charge."
...
"Boom —!!!"
"homelander one" arrogantly hovers over Sanctum One.
The hatch opens.
Arthur leads The Seven and floats down slowly.
He lands swaggeringly on the palace plaza of Thanos.
And opposite him.
Thanos stands alone, holding his battle blade, standing in the wind (although there is no wind, the momentum must be there).
Their gazes collide in the air.
As if sparks are flickering.
"Yo."
Arthur speaks first.
He puts his hands on his hips, looking at the purple giant, a face full of extremely punchable smiles:
"Isn't this who-is-it?"
"That Purple Potato Spirit who screams about family planning all day?"
"What?"
"Where are your henchmen?"
"Are they all dead?"
"Just you left as a lone commander?"
These words are extremely harmful and highly insulting.
Through the accompanying live broadcast equipment.
It spreads across the entire Universe again (wherever the signal can be received).
On Earth.
Countless people watching the live broadcast laugh out loud.
"Hahahaha! Purple Potato Spirit! This nickname is perfect!"
"Homelander is too mean!"
"But that big guy looks so scary..."
Thanos ignores Arthur's mockery.
He just quietly looks at the six stones on Arthur's wrist.
A flash of complexity in his eyes.
That is his lifelong pursuit.
That is the only way to realize his ideal.
Now.
It's all in the hands of this human who only knows how to talk.
"Human."
Thanos speaks, his voice loud:
"You don't understand what power you are using at all."
"That is the cornerstone of the Universe."
"Not a toy for you to show off."
"Give it to me."
"I can spare your life."
"Pfft —"
Arthur can't help it and laughs out loud.
He points at Thanos, laughing until tears are almost coming out:
"Spare my life?"
"Thanos, was your brain squeezed by a door?"
"Now you are surrounded by me!"
"Look around you!"
Arthur points to Magneto and the others behind him:
"My subordinates, each one can hang and beat you."
"Not to mention..."
He raises his left hand, six stones flashing:
"I still have this in my hand."
"What are you using to fight me?"
"Your iron head?"
Thanos takes a deep breath.
He knows that talking is useless.
Since they can't agree, they have to fight.
"For Destiny!"
Thanos roars.
He kicks the ground hard.
His whole body rushes over like a cannonball!
The battle blade in his hand is raised high, with the momentum of splitting a Planet, slashing down fiercely!
"Boring."
Arthur shakes his head.
He is too lazy to do it himself.
"Eric."
"Play with him."
"Remember, don't kill him immediately."
"I'm live streaming."
"As you command, Boss."
Magneto walks out elegantly.
He looks at the rushing Thanos, a cold smile at the corner of his mouth.
"This is the so-called Universe Overlord?"
"The armor on his body... hmm, high metal content."
Magneto raises his hand.
Gently clenches at Thanos.
"Kneel —"
"Down!"
Hum —!!!
A terrifying magnetic field force instantly acts on Thanos's armor and weapons.
That is the power sufficient to twist magnetic field lines!
"What?!"
Thanos only feels a huge mountain suddenly pressing on him.
That originally light battle armor now becomes as heavy as a thousand jun!
The battle blade in his hand is even more like it has a life, desperately trying to break free!
"Drink ah!!!"
Thanos roars, muscles bulging all over his body, desperately trying to resist the magnetic force.
But Magneto's power is too strong.
Especially on this Universe warship full of metal.
This is his home field!
"Creak — creak —"
Thanos's armor begins to deform and twist.
Digging into his flesh.
Purple blood flows out along the cracks.
"Bang!"
Finally.
Thanos can no longer support it.
Kneels on one knee on the ground!
The ground is smashed into a big pit.
"No!!!"
Thanos lets out a roar of humiliation.
He is Thanos!
How can he kneel to a human?!
"Kneeling already?"
Arthur looks at the kneeling Thanos, full of disgust:
"I thought you could last two more seconds."
"Really disappointing."
He walks in front of Thanos.
Looking down at this once arrogant Overlord.
"Thanos."
"Now."
"Who is Destiny?"
Arthur stretches out a foot.
Steps directly on Thanos's shoulder.
Forcing his arrogant head down!
"Crack!"
Thanos's shoulder blade makes a cracking sound.
But he still gritted his teeth, holding his head up stubbornly, his eyes full of unyielding.
"You... kill me."
"I will not beg for mercy."
"Kill you?"
Arthur laughs.
He squats down and pats Thanos's purple face:
"Want to die?"
"It's not that easy."
"My audience hasn't seen enough yet."
"Logan!"
Arthur shouts.
"Coming!"
Wolverine has been waiting for a long time.
He bites his cigar, shows his steel claws, and walks over with a grim smile.
"Boss, how to deal with him?"
"Give him a manicure."
Arthur points to Thanos's hand:
"Since he likes snapping his fingers."
"Then cut off his fingers one by one."
"I'll see how he can snap in the future."
"Okay!"
Logan chuckles.
Steps forward, grabs Thanos's left hand.
"Bear with it, big guy."
"It might hurt a little."
"Ah —!!!"
The shrill screams resound through the entire Dark Quadrant.
And on Earth.
Countless audiences watch this bloody and brutal scene.
Not only do they not feel fear.
Instead, they become more fanatical.
"So cool!"
"This is the consequence of offending Homelander!"
"This is the judgment of justice!"
...
Half an hour later.
Thanos is lying on the ground, dying.
His limbs are crippled.
The golden armor is also dismantled into scrap iron by Magneto.
But he is still not dead.
The vitality of the Titan race is indeed tenacious.
"Almost there."
Arthur looks at the popularity points in the live broadcast room.
[Current popularity points: 158,000,000!]
Another surge.
"Time to end it."
Arthur stands up.
He looks at Thanos, who is like a dead dog.
No pity in his eyes.
"Thanos."
"Your Destiny ends here."
"Next life."
"Remember not to provoke people who shouldn't be provoked."
Arthur raises his hand.
Six Infinity Stones light up at the same time.
"Goodbye."
"Snap."
A crisp snap.
Hum —!!!
An invisible fluctuation sweeps over.
Thanos's body instantly stiffens.
Then.
Starts to crumble and dissipate like sand.
Turning into dust in the Universe.
A generation of Overlords.
Thus fell.
Without even a chance to resist.
"Done."
Arthur claps his hands.
Turns around, showing a bright smile to the camera:
"Dear audience."
"This is the consequence of threatening Earth."
"No matter who you are."
"No matter where you are."
"As long as you are an enemy of Homelander."
"This is your destination."
"God bless America."
"God bless the Universe."
...
After the battle.
Arthur doesn't rush to leave.
He wanders around Thanos's palace.
"Although this place is a bit gloomy."
"But there are quite a lot of things."
He looks at the huge treasury.
Inside are piled up rare treasures that Thanos looted from various Planets.
"Wesley."
"Move all of this for me."
"Don't leave a single piece."
"This is our spoils."
"And this ship..."
Arthur points to Sanctum One under his feet:
"Although a bit broken, it can still be used after repairs."
"Take it back and let Tony, that tin man, study it."
"Maybe he can build more powerful spaceships."
"Yes, Boss!"
Wesley directs The Seven to start moving.
Magneto is even more excited.
This place is simply his paradise.
Everywhere is alien metal he has never seen before.
He even wants to pack up the whole palace.
Just when everyone is busy "ransacking the house."
Arthur comes to the deepest part of the palace alone.
There.
There is a huge throne.
It is the place where Thanos once sat.
Arthur walks over.
Sits down.
Although it is a bit hard, the feeling of being high above is indeed good.
"Is this the feeling of a Universe Overlord?"
Arthur leans on the throne, looking at the empty hall.
A sense of emptiness suddenly surged in his heart.
"Thanos is dead."
"Ronan is dead."
"Earth is unified too."
"Next..."
"What should I do?"
How lonely invincibility is.
He finally understands this feeling now.
"Could it be..."
"Really have to go to other Universes to visit?"
Arthur touches his chin.
"For example... DC Universe?"
"Go see what the system that sent me here is all about?"
"Or..."
"Go beat up that guy named Darkseid too?"
Just when he is letting his imagination run wild.
"Hum —"
The infinity bracer on his wrist suddenly vibrates.
Then.
A strange light gate opens slowly in front of him.
That is not a portal.
That is a kind of...
Crack leading to another dimension.
From the crack.
Three people wearing strange clothes and holding time controllers walk out.
TVA (Time Variance Authority).
The black female judge leading them looks at Arthur, her face serious:
"John Arthur."
"You have severely damaged the sacred timeline."
"You have caused the collapse of multiple time branches."
"Now."
"Please come with us."
"Accept judgment."
Arthur is stunned for a moment.
Immediately.
He laughs.
Laughs extremely happily.
"Judgment?"
"Something fun again?"
He stands up, the red light in his eyes lights up again.
"I said so."
"Life is always full of surprises."
"Since you're here."
"Then don't leave."
"Just right."
"I also want to see."
"Can the so-called 'Time-Keepers'."
"Stop my —"
"One punch!"
Chapter 82: Rebranding to Homelander Park Style
Dark Quadrant, Thanos's throne hall.
Three TVA Agents in strange uniforms were holding Time Controllers that looked like batons.
They surrounded Arthur in a triangular formation.
At their head was the black female judge—Ravonna Renslayer.
She held her head high, her eyes filled with the arrogance and indifference unique to those 'within the system.'
It was as if, in her eyes, the man in front of her who had just turned the cosmic overlord Thanos to ash...
...was nothing more than junk data that could be cleaned up at will.
"John Arthur."
Ravonna spoke again, her voice cold:
"According to TVA Ruling No. 7309."
"Your very existence is an error."
"You have not only tampered with Earth's history but even interfered with the normal trajectory of the Universe."
"Especially those stones in your hand..."
Ravonna pointed at the infinity stones on Arthur's wrist, a flash of disgust in her eyes:
"Those are the greatest hidden threats to the stability of the sacred timeline."
"Now."
"Hand over the stones and surrender."
"We will give you a... well, a relatively decent Reset."
"Reset?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
He remained seated on Thanos's throne, not even moving his buttocks.
He merely sized up these three death-seeking fools with a look as if he were watching a Joker.
"Interesting."
"Very interesting."
A playful smile curled at the corner of Arthur's mouth:
"I just sent off the strongest villain in this Universe."
"And now you bunch of 'city management' with fire pokers run out to issue a ticket?"
"And the sacred timeline?"
"Who set the rules?"
"Those three lizards hiding who-knows-where?"
Upon hearing the word "lizards."
Ravonna's expression changed instantly.
That was a great disrespect to the Time-Keepers!
"Presumptuous!"
She barked out in anger:
"Since you refuse to see reason, don't blame us for being impolite!"
"Do it! Prune him!"
Following her command.
The other two Agents immediately pressed their Time Controllers.
Vroom—!!!
An eerie temporal fluctuation erupted instantly.
It felt as if the frame rate of the entire World had suddenly been slowed down.
Everything around became sluggish.
Even the dust in the air suspended mid-flight.
This was the TVA's signature move—Time Stasis!
Before this move, even gods would turn into statues!
However.
Arthur only blinked.
"That's it?"
He shook his head with some disappointment.
He slowly raised his hand, his movements as smooth as flowing water, completely unaffected by the Time Stasis.
On his gauntlet, the green Time Stone was flickering slightly.
"Playing with time in front of me?"
"Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful to this stone?"
Arthur snapped his fingers.
Snap!
The crisp sound echoed in the deathly silent hall.
The next second.
The temporal fluctuation shrouding the surroundings instantly shattered!
"What?!"
The two Agents hadn't even reacted yet.
The Time Controllers in their hands suddenly emitted a'sizzle' of electrical current, and then—
Bang! Bang!
They exploded directly into two bursts of sparks!
"My God..."
The Agents looked at the scrap metal in their hands in horror, their faces full of disbelief.
Their equipment was black technology from the End of Time!
How could it fail?
"Nice tech."
Arthur stood up and slowly walked down from the throne.
With every step, that terrifying sense of pressure increased by a notch.
"Too bad the users are such trash."
He walked up to an Agent.
The Agent subconsciously raised his Pruning Baton, trying to jab it into Arthur.
Sizzle—!
The glowing tip of the Pruning Baton did indeed make contact.
But.
The expected scene of the body being disintegrated and transported away did not occur.
Instead, it emitted a harsh sound like a welding rod striking a steel plate.
Sparks flew everywhere!
Arthur looked down at his chest where he had been jabbed.
The deep blue suit didn't even have a black speck left on it.
He reached out and gently brushed off non-existent dust from his chest.
Then he looked up and gave the already terrified Agent an extremely 'kind' smile:
"Are you tickling me?"
"Or..."
"Do you want to give me some acupuncture?"
Agent: "..."
He felt like his bladder was losing control.
"Since you all enjoy pruning others so much."
"I'll let you experience what it feels like to be pruned as well."
Arthur's eyes suddenly lit up.
Two bursts of crimson light erupted instantly!
Sizzle—!!!
Two beams of Heat Vision, like the scythe of the God of Death, swept through in an instant.
There was no suspense.
The two Agents didn't even have time to scream.
They were sliced in half at the waist!
The cuts were smooth and flat, instantly carbonized by the high temperature.
The two corpses fell to the floor, emitting a pungent burnt smell.
Insta-kill!
Another insta-kill!
The TVA elite Agents were as fragile as two stalks of straw before this man.
"You... you..."
Ravonna Renslayer finally panicked.
Her arrogant face was now as pale as paper, and her body involuntarily backed away.
She had never seen such a terrifying existence.
Ignoring time control!
Ignoring Pruning Batons!
Is this the power of a Variant?
This is simply a BUG!
"Don't be afraid."
Arthur walked up to Ravonna.
He reached out and very flippantly lifted the female judge's chin.
That look in his eyes was like admiring a prey about to be slaughtered.
"I won't kill you."
"At least not for now."
Arthur leaned in closer, his warm breath hitting Ravonna's face:
"Tell me."
"Where is your so-called TVA headquarters?"
"I am a reasonable person."
"Since you say I am guilty."
"Then I must go to court and have a good defense with those three so-called Keepers, right?"
Ravonna trembled all over.
She wanted to refuse, wanted to uphold the dignity of the TVA.
But looking into those eyes so close at hand, which seemed to contain an endless abyss...
...her psychological defenses completely collapsed.
"In... beyond the Void..."
"At the End of Time..."
"Very good."
Arthur smiled with satisfaction.
He let go of her hand and helped Ravonna straighten her messy uniform collar.
"Lead the way."
"My dear Judge."
"I think..."
Arthur turned around and looked at 'The Seven' behind him, who were already eager to go.
Magneto was controlling several metal plates dismantled from Sanctum One, his eyes full of fanaticism.
Logan was grinding his steel claws, looking impatient.
The Phoenix Force within Jean Grey was surging.
"My employees should also really want to take a trip to that so-called 'End of Time.'"
"And while we're at it..."
A cruel arc curled at the corner of Arthur's mouth:
"We'll give the place a new interior design style."
"Rebrand it to Homelander Park style."
Chapter 83: Infinity Stones? Those Are My Stationery!
Arthur released his grip on Ravonna's chin.
He looked at this once high-and-mighty TVA judge, now huddled in the corner like a frightened quail.
A satisfied smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
"That's right."
"Those who submit to circumstances are wise."
Arthur clapped his hands, the sound echoing through the empty hall:
"Now."
"Open the door."
"I can't wait to visit that so-called…"
"End of Time."
Ravonna trembled all over.
She glanced at the two Agent corpses on the ground, cut in half by Heat Vision.
Then she glanced at the man who still wore a nuclear-friendly smile.
Finally.
She tremblingly raised the Time Controller in her hand.
"Buzz—"
An orange portal slowly tore open in the air.
The eerie energy fluctuations were deeper and more mysterious than any other portal.
"This… this is the door to the TVA…"
Ravonna's voice was laced with tears.
"Very good."
Arthur straightened his cape.
He didn't walk in immediately.
Instead, he turned his head to look at the group of thugs behind him who had been waiting impatiently.
"Listen up, boys."
"Listen carefully."
"That place has many rules; magic is ineffective, and superpowers are suppressed."
"However…"
Arthur raised his left hand.
On his bracer, the six infinity stones radiated eternal light.
"With me here."
"My rules are the rules."
"Over there."
"You can still do whatever you want."
"Understand?"
"ROAR!!!"
Logan howled excitedly, his steel claws sparking:
"Boss! I've been waiting for those words!"
Magneto also looked expectant:
"The architecture of the Time Variance Authority…"
"I hope it's sturdier than Thanos's spaceship."
"Let's go!"
Arthur waved his hand.
He was the first to step into the orange portal.
...
TVA Headquarters.
This was a singularity outside of time and space.
Retro decor, busy clerks, and old computers that looked like they belonged to the last century.
Everything seemed so orderly, so… rigid.
"Tick, tock. Tick, tock."
The clock on the wall was ticking.
Just then.
"BOOM—!!!"
In the center of the hall.
An orange portal suddenly exploded open!
It wasn't a normal opening.
It was forced open by a brute force!
Violent winds howled.
Files flew everywhere.
The TVA clerks who were working scrambled under their desks in fear.
The dust settled.
Arthur appeared in the center of the hall with The Seven, like a God descending.
He stood with his hands on his hips, his red cape fluttering behind him without wind.
His deep blue eyes scanned the surrounding environment.
"Tsk."
Arthur curled his lips in disdain:
"This is the TVA?"
"This is the place that controls the fate of the Universe?"
"Why does it look like a tax office from the seventies?"
"This is too shabby."
"Alarm! Alarm!"
"Variant intrusion!"
The surrounding guards finally reacted.
They raised their pruning batons and charged toward Arthur.
"For the sacred timeline!"
"For the Time-Keepers!"
"Noisy."
Arthur didn't even look at them.
He just slightly raised his hand.
Buzz!
The Reality Stone on his bracer flashed red.
The pruning batons in the hands of the charging guards instantly turned into… rubber chickens.
The kind of rubber chicken that would "scream" when squeezed.
"QUACK—!!!"
The guards froze.
They looked at the rubber chickens in their hands, completely bewildered.
What the hell kind of sorcery is this?
Inside the TVA, shouldn't magic and stones be ineffective?!
"I said."
Arthur walked forward slowly and kicked a guard flying:
"Here."
"I am the only true God."
"My rules transcend everything."
He walked to a desk.
He pulled open the drawer.
Clatter, clatter.
A crisp sound.
It was filled with colorful stones.
Those were…
Infinity Stones!
Countless Infinity Stones!
They were just like a pile of cheap glass beads, thrown casually into the drawer, even used as paperweights.
"Heh."
Arthur grabbed a handful of stones.
That was power enough to destroy countless Universes.
But in the TVA, they were just a pile of waste stones.
"This is your so-called authority?"
Arthur casually tossed the stones into the air.
Then his eyes flashed red.
Zzz—!!!
Heat Vision swept across.
Those indestructible infinity stones (non-energy version) were instantly burned to ashes!
"In my eyes."
"Trash is trash."
"Only what I hold in my hand."
"Is the truth."
The hall was dead silent.
All the TVA employees were stunned.
Their prideful suppression force failed before this man.
The stones they regarded as treasures (or as dirt) were burned like trash by this man.
What is the point of fighting now!
"Boss."
Magneto walked over.
He looked at the retro architectural structure around him, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes:
"There… doesn't seem to be any metal here."
"It's all concrete and wood."
"It doesn't matter."
Arthur patted Magneto on the shoulder:
"If there's no metal, we'll add some metal."
"That…"
Arthur pointed at the three huge statues (Time-Keepers) at the end of the hall:
"Those three ugly things."
"They look like eyesores."
"Eric."
"Use that to decorate."
Arthur casually pulled a wreck of a Kree warship he had dismantled earlier from his system space.
That was tens of thousands of tons of memory metal!
"You got it!"
Magneto's eyes lit up.
He raised both hands abruptly.
Rumble!
The huge warship wreck appeared out of thin air.
Under his control.
It instantly turned into a metal storm!
"Go!"
BOOM!!!
Those three statues representing the highest authority of the TVA.
Under the impact of the metal storm.
Instantly collapsed! Shattered!
Turned into rubble all over the floor.
And that warship wreck, under Magneto's precise control.
Quickly reorganized and transformed.
Finally.
It turned into a huge, golden…
Statue of Arthur!
Hands on hips, cape flying, eyes looking down on the world.
Just standing there in the center of the TVA hall.
Replacing those three fake Time-Keepers.
"Perfect."
Arthur looked at his own statue, nodding with satisfaction.
"This is what you call renovation."
"This is what you call taste."
He turned around and looked at the TVA employees who were already kneeling on the ground in fear.
His face revealed that iconic, extremely nuclear-friendly smile.
"Everyone."
"I am Homelander."
"From today on."
"This place has been renamed."
"It's called—"
"Homelander Time Variance Corporation."
"Who approves? Who objects?"
No one dared to object.
Those who objected had already turned to ash.
"Very good."
Arthur snapped his fingers.
"Wesley."
"Here, Boss."
Wesley ran out from behind, still holding that tablet computer.
Although there was no signal here, he still maintained his professional standard.
"Organize all the files here for me."
"I want to see how many secrets this so-called TVA is hiding."
"Also…"
Arthur's gaze turned to the golden elevator deep in the hall.
That was the passage to where the Time-Keepers were located.
"Ravonna."
Arthur called out.
The female judge walked over tremblingly.
"Lead the way."
"Let's go see your three masters."
"Or rather…"
Arthur's mouth curled into a playful smile:
"Let's go see that one hiding behind the scenes—"
"The rat."
…
The golden elevator rose slowly.
Arthur, with Ravonna and Jean Grey (bodyguard and thug), walked into that mysterious room.
In the room.
Three huge robots were sitting on a high platform, looking down.
"Kneel!"
The robot in the middle made an electronically synthesized sound:
"Mortal!"
"How dare you profane time!"
"Profane?"
Arthur laughed.
He flew up directly.
Hovering in front of those three robots.
"Three tin toys."
"Daring to play God in front of me?"
BANG!
Arthur threw a punch.
Directly blowing up the head of the middle robot!
Zzzzt!
Sparks flew everywhere.
Revealing the circuits and mechanical structure inside.
"Ah—!!!"
Ravonna screamed.
She couldn't believe it.
The God she had worshipped for countless years.
Was actually just three robots?!
"See that?"
Arthur casually twisted off the heads of the other two robots as well.
Throwing them on the ground like trash.
"This is your God."
"A bunch of soulless scrap iron."
"This…"
Ravonna slumped to the ground, her faith collapsed.
"Don't rush to cry."
Arthur clapped his hands.
He looked to the other side of the room.
There.
There was a hidden door.
"The real meat."
"Is behind there."
"Let's go."
"Go meet that so-called—"
"He Who Remains."
Arthur pushed open that door.
Before his eyes.
Was a long corridor leading to the end of the void.
And at the end of the corridor.
A lonely castle floated above the torrent of time.
There.
It was the end of everything.
And the beginning of everything.
"Interesting."
Arthur looked at that castle.
The red light in his eyes flickered again.
"Kang."
"I'm here."
"I hope your apple."
"Is sweet enough."
Chapter 84: He Who Remains? More Like He Who Remains a dog!
The End of Time.
There is no past here, nor is there any future.
There is only a purple river of void, flowing slowly through the endless darkness.
And in the center of that river.
A solitary Gothic castle floats atop a massive meteorite.
The castle's spires pierce the sky (though there are no clouds here), exuding an ancient and eerie aura.
"So this is... the End of Time?"
Arthur floats in mid-air, his red cape fluttering behind him in the void without a breeze.
He looks at the castle, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.
"Tsk."
"I thought it would be some magnificent temple."
"Turns out it's just a dilapidated haunted house?"
"This interior design style is even more outdated than those Vampire movies."
Ravonna Renslayer follows behind, head bowed, saying nothing.
Her faith has collapsed.
Now, she is merely a tool used to lead the way.
"Let's go."
Arthur waves his hand.
Bringing The Seven with him, he lands directly in front of the castle's main gate.
"Boom!"
He kicks the heavy wooden door open.
Dust flies.
There are no traps, nor any ambushes.
Only a long corridor leading to the depths of the castle.
The sides of the corridor are filled with all sorts of strange statues and clocks.
"Tick, tock."
That is the sound of time passing.
It is also the only sound here.
Arthur walks inside.
His footsteps echo in the empty corridor, sounding exceptionally harsh.
Walking to the end.
There is another ancient wooden door.
Arthur does not hesitate and pushes the door open once again.
The view before him suddenly opens up.
This is a massive office.
Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, one can see the colorful flow of time outside.
And in the center of the office.
Behind a retro desk.
Sits a Black man wearing purple robes.
He is holding a green apple, slowly munching on it.
Seeing Arthur enter.
He does not stand up, nor is he surprised.
He simply raises his head and reveals a meaningful smile.
"You're late."
The man takes a bite of the apple, making a crisp "crunch" sound:
"John Arthur."
"Or rather... Homelander."
"I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Arthur raises an eyebrow.
He looks at this guy pretending to be profound, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Waiting for me?"
Arthur walks slowly to the desk, rests his hands on the surface, and looks down at him:
"You knew I was coming?"
"Of course."
The man shrugs, casually tossing the document labeled with the sacred timeline script onto the table:
"I knew you were coming, I knew what you would say, and I even knew what you would do."
"Because..."
He points to his own head:
"All of this is a script I wrote."
"Including you gaining superpowers, including you ruling Earth, including you coming here."
"Even including you wanting to... kill me now."
"Oh?"
The red light in Arthur's eyes flashes slightly.
"A script?"
"You're saying I'm a character in your story?"
"Heh."
Arthur laughs.
He laughs with boundless arrogance.
"Kang."
"Or He Who Remains."
"Do you think you're being humorous?"
"In this life, the thing I hate most is others arranging a script for me."
"Especially..."
Arthur's fingers tap lightly on the desk, each tap making the table groan under the weight:
"A shitty script."
"No, no, no."
He Who Remains waves his hand, looking relaxed:
"This is not a shitty script."
"This is the most perfect script."
"Look."
He points to the infinity stones on Arthur's wrist:
"If not for the timeline I arranged, how could you have gathered these six stones so easily?"
"If not for me clearing away those variants that might have interfered with you, how could you have made it to today so smoothly?"
"I am helping you, John."
"I am helping you become... a god."
Hearing this.
Jean Grey beside him frowns slightly.
The Phoenix Force within her is restless, seemingly sensing something.
"Boss."
Jean steps forward and whispers in Arthur's ear:
"He is lying."
"His mind... is filled with chaotic timelines."
"He is afraid."
"Although he is trying hard to hide it, I can feel it... he is afraid of you."
"Oh?"
The smile on Arthur's face deepens.
He looks at He Who Remains again.
His eyes hold a hint of mockery.
"Did you hear that?"
"My employee says you are afraid."
"Since you know everything, you should also know..."
Arthur raises his left hand.
On his wrist guard, the green Time Stone suddenly lights up.
"Hum—!!!"
A strange temporal fluctuation instantly engulfs the entire room.
"In the face of absolute power."
"Something like a script."
"Can be torn to shreds at any time."
The expression of He Who Remains finally changes.
The apple in his hand drops to the floor, rolling to Arthur's feet.
"You... what do you want to do?"
He looks at the glowing Time Stone, a flash of panic in his eyes:
"Here, the Time Stone is ineffective!"
"The TVA is outside of time!"
"Is that so?"
Arthur sneers.
He does not explain.
He simply follows his thoughts.
The Reality Stone on his wrist guard flashes red.
"Give me—"
"Change!"
"Boom!!!"
The entire office scene instantly changes.
The original ancient castle disappears.
Replacing it.
Is a desolate Gobi desert.
Overhead is the scorching Sun, and underfoot is yellow sand.
This is the ability of the Reality Stone to modify reality!
In the face of the power of the infinity stones, the so-called "End of Time" rules are like a piece of waste paper.
"What?!"
He Who Remains stands up in terror.
He discovers that his purple robe has turned into a ridiculous Joker costume.
The time controller he was holding (though he hadn't taken it out, it was his trump card) has also turned into a banana.
"This... this is impossible!"
"This is my domain! This is my World!"
"How could it be modified by you?!"
"Because I am Homelander."
Arthur floats in mid-air.
With his back to the Sun (created by the Reality Stone).
That divine radiance once again washes over the land.
"My rules."
"Are the only rules."
Arthur slowly descends, walking up to He Who Remains, who has turned into a Joker-like figure.
"Now."
"Tell me."
"Who is the screenwriter?"
He Who Remains collapses to the ground.
His pride, his composure, are completely shattered at this moment.
He had always thought he controlled everything.
Controlling time, controlling the fates of countless people.
But in the face of true power.
He realizes.
He is nothing more than a slightly larger ant.
"You... you are the screenwriter..."
He Who Remains says with a trembling voice:
"You call the shots..."
"Very good."
Arthur nods with satisfaction.
He casually undoes the reality modification.
The surrounding scene changes back to that castle office.
Only.
That high-and-mighty He Who Remains.
Is currently kneeling on the ground, shivering.
"Get up."
Arthur sits behind that desk (now it is his).
"Since you understand time so well."
"Then from now on."
"This place is yours to manage."
"However..."
Arthur points to that massive floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the flowing river of time outside:
"The name has to be changed."
"From now on, this place is not called the TVA."
"It's called—"
"Homelander Time Management Center."
"Your task is very simple."
"Help me keep an eye on those restless variants."
"Also..."
A glint of light flashes in Arthur's eyes:
"Help me find other Universes."
"Other... parallel Worlds."
"I want to go take a look."
"See if there is anything fun."
"Or..."
"A stronger popularity points ATM."
He Who Remains is stunned for a moment.
Then he nods repeatedly:
"No problem! Absolutely no problem!"
"As long as you don't kill me, I'll do anything!"
He is a smart man.
He knows when to bow his head.
Besides.
Working for Homelander...
Doesn't seem any worse than guarding that boring sacred timeline?
At least.
This boss is strong enough.
Tough enough.
"Then it's settled."
Arthur stands up and stretches.
This trip to the TVA.
Although there wasn't any hard fighting.
The harvest was plentiful.
Not only did he recruit a time management master.
He also grasped the key to traversing the Multiverse.
"Let's go."
Arthur waves his hand, preparing to leave with The Seven.
Just then.
"Beep, beep, beep—!!!"
A sharp alarm suddenly sounds on the desk of He Who Remains.
"What's going on?"
Arthur stops and frowns slightly.
He Who Remains climbs up in a panic and glances at the screen.
His face instantly turns pale.
"It's bad! Boss!"
"The timeline... the timeline has exploded!"
"Exploded?"
Arthur leans over to take a look.
He sees on the screen.
The original single, golden sacred timeline.
Is currently branching and spreading wildly.
Just like a tree growing crazily.
Countless red, black, and purple time branches are spreading in all directions.
"This is..."
Arthur narrows his eyes.
"The Multiverse has erupted?"
"Yes!"
He Who Remains wipes cold sweat:
"Because you just used the power of the Infinity Stones."
"You broke the energy balance here."
"Plus the suppressor I set up earlier failed..."
"Now."
"The gate to the Multiverse is completely open!"
"And..."
He Who Remains points to one of the thickest red timelines:
"There is a very powerful energy reaction approaching from that Universe!"
"That is..."
"Kang the Conqueror?!"
"Kang?"
Arthur is stunned for a moment.
Then.
He laughs.
He laughs with extreme joy.
"I was wondering who it was."
"So it's a variant of you, this guy."
"Perfect."
Arthur clenches his fists, making a cracking sound:
"I was just worrying about where to farm popularity points."
"And it's delivered right to my door?"
"Let's go."
"Go and meet this so-called Conqueror."
"See if his bones."
"Are a bit harder than yours."