Became a Substitute?

Inside a research lab that looked like an ordinary warehouse from the outside, the world's most advanced scientific instruments had been assembled.

There were also numerous fully armed security personnel.

Hawkeye stood at the highest point, bow in hand, surveying the entire scene.

In the central area, a group of researchers were studying the blue cube floating in midair in front of a device resembling a giant MRI machine.

"Dr. Erik, this thing has been showing abnormal fluctuations repeatedly lately. Do you know what's going on?"

One of the researchers asked worriedly.

"This marvelous cube has nearly unlimited energy, so fluctuations are normal. But we can't afford to let our guard down..."

Dr. Erik looked over the latest data reports, searching for patterns.

Then he rubbed his sore eyes and sighed wearily.

"It's a bit much for us to handle on our own. We could really invite Mr. Stark over. He doesn't specialize in this field, but he's still a genius with a broad range of expertise."

The other researchers nearby clearly felt the same way.

"Exactly. This thing touches on too many fields. What we're really missing is someone who can bring all the information together."

While they chattered away and went about their research, Tao Yu wandered around nearby. It was as if none of them could see him—as though he didn't exist.

"Why hasn't he come yet..."

Using the illusion technique he had learned from Loki, Tao Yu had been staking out the place for several days.

He watched Dr. Erik, Hawkeye, the other researchers, and the security personnel repeatedly patrol the area.

Earlier, through the Eye of Agamotto and the Orb of Agamotto, he had vaguely grasped that a threat from beyond the stars might descend upon Earth.

Given the timeline, it should be the Chitauri.