Apocalypse Returns

Black Widow, Iron Man, and Captain America quickly returned to the Helicarrier.

They immediately reported the details of the battle to Nick Fury, along with their speculation that Loki might have helpers.

Nick Fury gathered everyone for a meeting.

"Hill, immediately compile a list of all the places Loki has robbed these past few days. See whether they have anything in common."

"Yes."

Detailed reports of each case appeared on the screen, while computer programs automatically analyzed them, continuously searching for connections between the locations, people involved, casualties, and more.

Doctor Banner suddenly said, "This... is a little strange. The places Loki robbed were all precious metal banks, and the metal stolen was iridium."

"Hm..." Iron Man frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Iridium has many uses. As far as I know, at least dozens of industrial applications require it. But none of those should be what Loki wants. He can't have come to Earth to open a factory, can he?"

"Then there's only one more plausible possibility."

"In particle physics, iridium is used in the production of antiprotons. High-intensity proton beams are fired at a 'conversion target' that must have an extremely high density. It can more steadily withstand the shockwaves caused when radiation particle beams raise the temperature."

Banner's eyes lit up. "If there's enough energy to open an Einstein-Rosen bridge, then iridium would be an indispensable element. It can be used as a stabilizing buffer..."

"Ahem..." Nick Fury gestured. "Speak plainly."

Doctor Banner and Iron Man exchanged a look. Iron Man said, "You're the expert in this area. You explain it."

Doctor Banner did not stand on ceremony. "An Einstein-Rosen bridge is what ordinary people call a wormhole. Opening one requires an astronomical amount of energy. Moreover, antiprotons are produced during the opening process. If those