The Reality Stone had not turned into Aether. Instead, it had reverted to its original form from before it shattered.
Under the light, gaseous energy could be seen slowly flowing within the pale-red crystal.
Who knew which lucky person had found this gem and presented it to the Shi'ar Royal Family? Unfortunately, it was ownerless now.
Director Fury signaled for Winter Soldier, the transport captain, to go up and take the gem.
Winter Soldier opened a metal case. A mechanical arm slowly rose from within, reaching for the Reality Stone.
"Stop!" A shout rang out from the distance. The warning of danger that followed made Winter Soldier hastily pull back his advancing foot. A streak of fire struck the metal case head-on, vaporizing much of the high-temperature-resistant, radiation-proof, wear-resistant case. The remainder melted into a puddle like butter.
Winter Soldier reacted with astonishing speed—retreating, turning, drawing his gun, and firing back in one fluid motion.
The others reacted much the same way. None of them found it surprising. Taking things in someone else's royal palace meant running into a few guards; that was perfectly normal.
But when they saw the burly figure entering from the other end, they all sensed that something was wrong.
The newcomer also noticed how completely different they looked from the Shi'ar.
"Hmm? Earthlings? To run into you here... now this is—haha... interesting!" The man wore golden full-body armor in a distinctly Shi'ar style. Bird wings, symbolizing the Shi'ar's ancient ancestors, were engraved upon his breastplate. He carried his helmet under one arm and wore a bright red cape. Standing a full six-foot-three, he was immensely imposing, every gesture making him seem like an emperor returning triumphant from battle.
Vulcan, who had only just escaped Galactus's four heralds, had not expected to find a group of