Apocalypse had not expected S.W.O.R.D. could be interpreted that way. He could only say, "I'm not that narcissistic. I just came up with the name casually."
In truth, the name came from memories of Apocalypse's previous life.
S.W.O.R.D. had originally been an organization in the Marvel Universe comics.
Its members consisted of aliens and humans from Earth, and its purpose was to resolve interstellar disputes. Its nature was somewhat similar to S.H.I.E.L.D.
But the Earth-616 where Apocalypse lived had no such organization.
Apocalypse had a sudden flash of inspiration, thought of the name, and used it casually.
But hearing Nick Fury put it that way, it did seem to carry a hint of the Sword of the Heavens.
Nick Fury smiled. "This has nothing to do with narcissism. It's the truth!"
Apocalypse said, "Gather Vision, Wanda, Ava, Natasha, Stephen, and Hill. Set down the rules and regulations. Then bring those kind-hearted believers to see me."
"Alright."
Before long, more than a dozen so-called "cult leaders" arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D.
Vision, Wanda, Ava, Natasha, Stephen, Hill, Nick Fury, and the other seven founding members of S.W.O.R.D. were all present.
Apocalypse did not sit high upon a throne as Nick Fury had jokingly suggested. Instead, he sat calmly before the negotiating table.
When the group of "cult leaders" saw Apocalypse, they each performed strange rituals of greeting, their attitudes exceedingly respectful.
Those rituals had been passed down by powerful figures from Parallel Universes and were meant to express respect.
Apocalypse lightly probed with his psychic power and confirmed that none of them had been corrupted.
For powerful beings capable of crossing Parallel Universes, it was easy for people at their level to inspire ordinary humans.
Simply revealing a portion of their strength and cultivation realm was enough to make ordinary people regard