The Final Rally, the Heroes' Resolve!

Wakanda, Golden City, Royal Command Center.

The atmosphere was as oppressive as the sea before a storm.

Earth's greatest minds and mightiest warriors had gathered here, yet every face bore humiliation, grim concern, and a trace of fear forcibly held in check.

Captain America Steve Rogers, the inspirational icon of an era, watched the civilians and troops streaming toward Wakanda's borders on the holographic screen. His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white, his nails digging deep into his palms. They were heroes, protectors, yet now they could only watch as a dictator wielded the power of a god to toy with everything they had sworn to protect.

"He's turned the entire Earth into his hostage." Steve's voice was low and hoarse.

"That's what he's always done." An equally low voice came from behind him.

Steve turned to see a man in pitch-black armor, with only his resolute chin exposed. His presence was brooding and sharp, like a scalpel hidden in the darkness, the polar opposite of Steve's open, upright bearing. Yet the resolve in their eyes to protect the world was strikingly similar.

"Bruce Wayne." The man extended his hand and introduced himself.

"Steve Rogers." Captain America shook his hand.

This was the first formal meeting between the dark knight and the knight of light from two different universes. There were no pleasantries, no polite small talk. A single weighty exchange of glances was enough for them to understand the equally heavy responsibility on each other's shoulders.

Soon, more heroes arrived, one after another.

Wonder Woman Diana's divine radiance seemed to have dimmed. The humiliation of being overpowered by Link with Zeus's divine power remained branded deep within her soul.

Iron Man Tony Stark had taken off his armor and was drinking coffee, his face pale. He tried to