Fury hurriedly asked, "How strong are the Chitauri?"
Hermione curled her lip.
"Compared to the universe's truly powerful empires, they're nothing special."
"But against Earth's technology..." She paused. "They're more than enough."
Everyone's heart sank.
"They mainly combine biotechnology with armor, a little like..."
Hermione pointed at Tony.
"...Iron Man Armor?"
Tony immediately bristled.
"Hey, hey, hey, little girl! Don't go making things up!"
"My Iron Man Armor is one of a kind! How can you compare it to alien grunts?"
Hermione scoffed and ignored him.
"Chitauri technology isn't actually that advanced, but they breed like crazy and can churn out troops in huge numbers. They're like locusts, swarming everywhere."
"Their most powerful frontline weapon is the Leviathan."
"What's that?"
Steve couldn't help asking.
"Uh..." Hermione scratched her head. "Think of it as an oversized, flying, thick-skinned, armored... whale?"
Understanding dawned on everyone. Today had certainly broadened their horizons.
Steve and Dr. Banner exchanged a glance, unable to hide the astonishment in their eyes. They were increasingly convinced that the little girl before them was no ordinary person.
Tony was still stewing over Hermione comparing his armor to alien foot soldiers and muttered:
"How can my armor possibly be mentioned in the same breath as ugly aliens..."
As he spoke, he patted Thor's arm.
"Of course, I don't mean you, big guy."
Thor glared at him.
Tony turned back, still looking unconvinced.
"Besides, if those Chitauri really are as powerful as you say and could wipe the floor with Earth, why hasn't anything happened all these years?"
Hermione curled her lip and said:
"If Earth depended solely on this bunch from S.H.I.E.L.D. to protect it, we'd be done for. It would've been destroyed who knows how many times by now."
"Earth's strongest force is actually magic. Anyone who's anyone in