Tony stood solemnly before a button.
Killing every last one of his fellow humans in an instant took more than resolve.
The emotions beneath it were far more complicated: an extraordinary courage that words could hardly describe, an all-or-nothing gamble buried deep within, and the supreme confidence the world's cleverest genius placed in his own judgment after recognizing the only solution.
It was also a gambler's final act of madness.
At that moment, Brad took in every expression on Tony Stark's face, even the subtlest shifts of emotion-the lone spark of clarity sheltered amid the madness filling his blood-red eyes.
"I plotted from a vantage point above the Multiverse, yet you reached the only solution in six days-no, in a single night. That's talent. That's what it means to be cursed with knowledge. That's what makes someone a major player in the eyes of gods."
Brad had casually started a game of chess because he lacked patience and hated being hunted, because he never let a grudge go and hated being unable to retaliate against the Watcher.
Yet Tony had somehow forced his way onto the board without ever seeing Brad, even though Tony himself was completely unaware of it.
"No wonder you're the greatest mortal. I look forward to meeting the strongest version of you on Earth-616."
The moment Tony gently rested his finger on the World-Ending Button, the Blood Cross Virus across the entire planet went dormant at once.
Countless men and women amid their frenzied revels suddenly regained their senses, then screamed at the horrors surrounding them.
The Watcher froze, then abruptly shouted, "What did you do?!"
Brad heard the shout behind him. He did not turn to explain, but left him a taunt.
"Your head is so big, but is it filled with nothing but TV