Final judgment.
As those two words were branded into reality like a law of the universe, all of Earth seemed to fall silent.
Surrender the Infinity Gauntlet and submit to Eternity's cleansing of the soul.
It was no different from a death sentence.
On the Watchtower, Wonder Woman Diana clenched her fists, torn by conflicting feelings. She wanted Link, that "tyrant," brought to justice. Yet she could not shake the thought that if even he could not resist, who in this universe could stand against this supreme, merciless "tribunal"?
But faced with judgment from the pinnacle of the universe, Link slowly rose from his Throne in Wakanda.
There was no fear or anger on his face, only the faint trace of a cold, almost mocking smile.
Hand over the gauntlet? And get what, a soul spa treatment? Did a singularity crush the brains of you bureaucratic cosmic cops?
Balance? Order? Free will? Easy words to throw around.
A thousand thoughts flashed through his mind, finally taking shape as a calm but forceful question.
"Living Tribunal," Link said. His voice was quiet, but the Infinity Stones carried it clearly to that supreme being. "Before you pass judgment on me, may I ask you a question?"
The Living Tribunal gave no answer, but its indifferent gaze was permission enough.
"Good."
Link raised his left hand, clad in the Infinity Gauntlet. The scarlet Reality Stone erupted with blinding light.
The next instant, above Earth and before the Living Tribunal, vivid scenes from across the universe unfurled, so real they seemed to draw every witness inside them!
The first showed Thanos's Flagship, Sanctuary II, bringing "balance" to a planet called Zehoberei. Half its people were slaughtered at random. Cries, screams, and the crash of collapsing buildings echoed across the star system, while the survivors