The deaths of Susan and her two companions seemed to be only the beginning. Those still alive found themselves in increasingly perilous straits.
Under the relentless assault of the Shadowkhan, T'Challa barely held on, his entire body grievously wounded.
Though Quicksilver was incredibly fast, he had to protect Wanda and could not make full use of his speed. Under the Shadowkhan's assault, he was hardly faring any better.
Only Captain and Banner could still hold their own.
One wielded his shield, relying on his powerful physique to withstand the Shadowkhan's relentless attacks. The other drew on his anger, his strength climbing steadily as he even pushed the Shadowkhan back. He was the only bright spot on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, even Banner could not turn the tide. After Susan and her two companions died, most of the Shadowkhan swarmed him, pinning him down and leaving him unable to help anyone else.
Watching the battlefield from his hiding place, Nick could not keep a trace of sorrow from his face.
He knew he could wait no longer. If he kept waiting, everyone would fall here. Even if they somehow managed to defeat Tony afterward, they would no longer have the strength to bring the situation in the United States under control.
At that thought, Nick slowly exhaled, a glint of resolve flashing through his eyes.
Although Doctor Doom's involvement had been what convinced him to take on Tony, that did not mean he had placed all his hopes in Doctor Doom.
He had prepared a fallback of his own, but it carried enormous risks. He would rather avoid using it if at all possible.
But now everything was falling apart. If he did not use it, they might all die here today, leaving him no chance to use it at all.
So,