The nuclear explosion cast a heavy shadow over the Avengers.
Nick Fury, who knew the truth, was grinding his teeth so hard they were about to break.
His fingers clenched unconsciously.
His knuckles cracked from the excessive force.
His face was so grim it seemed ready to drip water.
An icy chill shot from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
It was not fear of the explosion or its power, but a bone-deep chill at the evil of human nature and the loss of control over power.
He had thought he was paying the price, yet he had personally sent Su Ming into a death trap.
And countless innocent lives had been dragged into it!
"Fury?"
Captain America's voice carried gravity and concern.
Fury did not answer. He suddenly turned and slammed a fist into the solid wall.
His chest heaved violently, and cold fury burned in his single eye.
Several hoarse words squeezed through his clenched teeth:
"...They're... playing with fire."
Meanwhile, at the center of the devastated crater in the Alps.
A tiny, nearly imperceptible speck of golden light flickered in the void.
Su Ming did not appear.
Yet that speck of golden light seemed to gaze mockingly at the human tragedy below and the fools in the distance still celebrating their "success."
The Ancient One's golden magic array flickered amid the violent energy currents.
Her eyes held deep helplessness and compassion—human strength, even that of the Sorcerer Supreme.
Before the storm of destruction unleashed by such a close-range nuclear blast, it seemed so insignificant.
The World Security Council's secret channel was filled with cold phrases like "target confirmed eliminated," "cost manageable," and "cover-up."
Just as the mushroom cloud had yet to fully bloom.
A figure silently appeared at the very center