The enlarged blue face of the Kree Empire commander was projected over New York, and his voice spread across the entire Earth through some kind of technology.
"Tel-Rol, in light of your murder of my vanguard officer, this commander demands you surrender immediately! Do not resist!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the blue figure added another sentence, a sentence that made leaders around the world unable to sit still.
"At the same time, we inform the Earth government to hand over Carol Danvers as well!"
"Her crime is treason against the Kree Empire!"
"Whether she is currently on Earth or not, you must hand her over!"
"We give you one day! If that time is exceeded, the Kree Empire will launch an all-out war against Earth!"
The projection vanished, leaving only the gigantic kree warship above New York, like a floating mountain of steel silently proclaiming its threat.
Kent Farm.
Over the phone, Nick Fury's voice carried an unprecedented urgency.
"You all heard the situation."
"Tel, Clark, Kara, come to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters immediately!"
"Hurry!"
The call ended.
Clark turned and walked toward Lois, who was standing by the door.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something comforting, but a thousand words ultimately condensed into one heartfelt embrace.
Lois hugged him back, whispering in his ear, "Go. Come back soon. I'll wait for you."
Clark nodded heavily, released her, and after glancing at Martha, hugged her once as well.
Martha simply smiled at him calmly, a smile that contained all her trust and encouragement.
On the other side, Tel-Rol stood with his hands in his pockets, already floating in the air.
He whistled and raised his chin toward Kara.
"Shall we go?"
Kara flew up and lightly pinched him, but the corner of her mouth involuntarily curved upward.
The next second.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Three massive sonic booms sounded consecutively, and the dust and grass clippings on the ground were swept up by the airflow, forming three small whirlwinds.
The figures of Clark, Kara, and Tel-Rol had vanished into the sky, leaving behind only three gradually fading white contrails in the air.
S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident Headquarters.
In the enormous circular conference room, the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt like water could be wrung out of it.
Any person plucked from this room was a major figure capable of shaking the world.
The members of the Justice League were almost all present.
The Dark Knight of Gotham, Bruce Wayne, wearing his eternally unchanging Batman suit, pressed his hands against his chin, his expression hidden.
Cyborg, the half-man, half-machine Victor Stone, had his electronic eyes flashing.
The sovereign of Atlantis, Arthur Curry, looked somewhat impatient, tapping his fingers on the table.
Green Lantern Hal Jordan stood with his arms crossed, frowning deeply; he had tried to contact the Green Lantern Corps, but they couldn't arrive in time.
Flash Barry Allen was uncharacteristically silent, fidgeting restlessly.
The Princess of Themyscira, Wonder Woman Diana, was in full battle attire, radiating heroism, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward the doorway.
On the other side were the core members of the Avengers.
Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy, was currently without his usual flamboyant smile.
The symbol of America, Steve Rogers, sat upright with a serious expression.
Black Widow Natasha and Hawkeye Clint were also seated nearby.
Dr. Banner pushed up his glasses, trying hard to remain calm.
And there was Vision, the being composed of artificial intelligence and a vibranium body, floating quietly in the corner.
When the conference room doors slid open and Tel-Rol, Clark, and Kara walked in, all eyes focused on them.
Diana watched the intimate proximity of Tel-Rol and Kara walking side-by-side, and an imperceptible flicker of dimness crossed her beautiful eyes, but she quickly regained her warrior's composure.
"Everyone is here."
Nick Fury stood at the head of the table, his single eye scanning the room.
He pulled something from his pocket and gently placed it on the table.
It was something that looked like a relic from the last century—a pager.
Everyone present was highly knowledgeable, but seeing this gadget still left them slightly bewildered.
"Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, has been traveling in deep space for years and is not on Earth."
Fury pointed to the antique device.
"This is the emergency communicator she left me. I have already notified her."
He paused, then added.
"But space is vast. Whether she can make it back within twenty-four hours... that remains to be seen."
"So, you're going to hand me and that 'Captain' over?" Tel-Rol asked lazily.
He found an empty seat, sat down, and casually propped his feet up on the expensive conference table.
Bruce Wayne spoke, his voice hoarse and deep.
"We don't want to do this. But we are facing two alien civilizations whose technology and power far surpass Earth's: Krypton and the Kree Empire."
"If we fight simultaneously, Earth..."
"Your worries are unnecessary, Bruce."
Tony Stark interrupted him.
"The moment Fury notified Captain Marvel, this fight was guaranteed. We cannot hand over our heroes; that is the bottom line."
He looked at the crowd.
"I also contacted the X-Men. Professor Charles agreed to send support, but... the numbers probably won't be high."
Just then, a screen in the conference room lit up, and the icy face of Amanda Waller from the A.R.G.U.S. appeared.
"Fury, I have activated the highest emergency protocol. The Justice Society and all other registered superheroes will respond to the upcoming battle."
Her gaze moved across the screen, finally settling on Tel-Rol and Clark.
"However... if we can avoid fighting, it is best to avoid fighting. After all, the battlefield is in New York, and that would be an incalculable loss for the entire nation."
The implication was self-evident.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"
A cheap, obnoxious voice suddenly rang out in the conference room, breaking the heavy atmosphere.
Everyone was startled and looked warily toward the source of the sound.
They saw the ventilation duct cover clang onto the floor, and a guy wearing a red and black spandex suit jumped down.
He had two katanas strapped to his back, various firearms tucked into his waist, and wore his classic mask.
"Hello, all you superhero big shots!"
He waved enthusiastically and walked familiarly to the conference table.
"Time is so tight, and you're still holding a meeting? The efficiency is too low, hey!"
He sat down on the table, right next to Tel-Rol's feet.
"Oh, right, let me introduce myself first."
He pulled a crumpled business card from his pocket and handed it to Barry Allen, who was closest to him.
"My name is Deadpool, a mercenary of love and justice!"
"I can sign up for this fight."
At this moment, General Zod was looking at the kree fleet across the window. The fierce and tsundere Fiona walked in. "General, what are your orders?"
General Zod withdrew his gaze, looking at his capable warrior before him. "Fiona, tomorrow... you find the right opportunity..."
A coldness spread across Fiona's proud, cold face.