"Inverness's energy field readings are rising rapidly!"
High above, piercing alarms echoed through the command center of the cloaked Helicarrier.
Dr. Banner stared at the data before him, his expression grave. "In just a few minutes, the energy readings have increased fivefold, and the rate of growth is still accelerating!"
"The range affected by the energy field is expanding as well!" Hank McCoy worked at another terminal. "In two minutes, all of England is expected to fall within its range! In twenty minutes... it will expand across the entire world."
"You're saying the anomaly in Inverness will spread worldwide?"
Nick Fury's single eye abruptly narrowed. The moment he muttered those words, an irresistible wave of dizziness surged into his mind.
In that instant, he was overcome by intense drowsiness and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep where he stood!
"Hm?"
Dr. Banner clutched his head as well, swaying slightly, but he was not affected too severely.
But when he regained his senses, a horrifying scene unfolded before him.
Bang.
Thud.
Throughout the command center, the S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel who had been busy at their stations began collapsing one after another. They were not dead; they had simply lost consciousness. With blank expressions on their faces, they slumped over their consoles and fell asleep.
"The effects of Mulpus are spreading!" Hank forced himself to stay alert as he muttered with difficulty, "But why now, at this exact moment... Wait!"
Hank's expression froze as he instantly connected all the pieces!
"This was all planned by the Shadow King!" he roared. "He waited until Miles and the others investigated deep enough, trapped them at the center of the energy field, and only then fully activated Mulpus! It's a trap!"
"Banner, Hank..." Fury shook his head and asked with difficulty, "Can you still contact