Even as the Doomsday clones and Kryptonian mechanical soldiers struggled valiantly, following their programming and the commands of Earth's leaders, their efforts were futile. They unleashed heat vision beams from their eyes, aiming directly at Galactus, but the energy vanished as if it had been swallowed into a void, causing no visible effect.
Realizing that the area near Galactus's mouth might be some kind of strange energy field or domain, Earth's leaders quickly issued new orders. The Doomsday clones and Kryptonian soldiers were commanded to attack each other, hoping that the force of their mutual assaults might push some of them out of Galactus's influence. After all, the physical strength of these creations was immense; even in combat with each other, they were unlikely to sustain significant damage. If they could escape Galactus's reach, perhaps there was still a chance.
However, these efforts were in vain. The sheer power gap between Galactus and Earth's creations was insurmountable. Their attempts to break free accomplished nothing. The Doomsday and Kryptonian soldiers remained trapped, and the results were as inevitable as they were horrifying.
It seemed almost laughable. Galactus, with his immense size and power, wasn't even remotely affected by swallowing these supposedly formidable creations. From his perspective, consuming the Doomsday army and Kryptonian mechanical soldiers was no more significant than a person eating a few sesame seeds.
"Can we still contact the Doomsday and Kryptonian soldier control signals?" one of the Earth leaders asked hesitantly, their voice trembling with desperation. They already knew the answer but clung to a faint sliver of hope.
"We've completely lost contact," a technician reported grimly. The room fell silent as despair began to grip every person present.
And it wasn't just the leaders who felt this despair. All across Earth, panic and hopelessness were spreading like wildfire. Though humanity had faced existential crises before—such as the global darkness event—there was something uniquely terrifying about this moment. This time, the enemy was visible: a godlike figure so massive and incomprehensible that it dwarfed the planet itself.
"With the Earth being as solid as it is now, do you think there's a chance it could withstand his bite?" someone asked with a bitter laugh, clinging to desperate optimism.
"Even if the Earth itself could withstand it, do you think humanity would survive? If he bites down, the atmosphere will be gone. Without air, we're all dead," another leader retorted, shattering any lingering delusions.
"Chaos is spreading down below. Should we intervene?" someone else asked. They had noticed that, amidst the panic, many people were abandoning all sense of morality and law. Faced with the certainty of death, some individuals chose to indulge their darkest impulses, turning Earth into a scene of widespread chaos.
Unlike during the global darkness event, where visibility was zero and movement was restricted, this crisis was unfolding in full view of everyone. Galactus's gargantuan form loomed over the planet like a harbinger of doom, driving humanity into a frenzy.
"How are we supposed to intervene?" another leader replied helplessly. "Order is already breaking down. Even if we issue commands, who's going to enforce them? We've dismantled everything we had—our resources, our armies, even our mechs—to fuel the creation of the Doomsday and Kryptonian soldier armies. And look where that got us."
The failure of the Doomsday and Kryptonian forces had left humanity's leadership utterly spent. They had gambled everything on these creations, and now there was nothing left.
Meanwhile, at the Avengers' base, the atmosphere was tense. Tony Stark turned to Robert, his anxiety visible. "When are we going to step in?" he asked, his voice sharp with urgency.
"No rush," Robert replied calmly, shaking his head. His composure was infuriating to Tony, who was already on edge. But Robert's reasoning was clear: this was the perfect opportunity to observe and test the Earth's dimensional consciousness.
"How can you say that?" Tony demanded. "Humanity's resources are spent. If Galactus takes even a light breath, the entire atmosphere will vanish. Every living thing on Earth will die! And you've already called the people from Kamar-Taj here. Earth has no defenses left!"
Tony's concern was understandable. The current crisis was the most visually overwhelming and existentially threatening event Earth had ever faced. Even the most hardened heroes were shaken.
"Imagine a fly landing on a water buffalo," Robert began, his voice steady and measured. "The buffalo wouldn't care much, maybe swat it away with its tail. But if a tiger showed up, the buffalo would either fight back or flee."
"What does that have to do with this?" Tony snapped.
"Do you remember how Earth's dimensional consciousness has always worked to prevent Hell Lords and other powerful beings from crossing over?" Robert asked. "Even now, despite Earth's increased resilience, those restrictions remain. That tells me something very important: the Earth's consciousness is terrified of the planet being destroyed."
Robert leaned back, his tone thoughtful. "You have to understand—if the Earth itself is destroyed, the consciousness tied to it will cease to exist as well. The dimensional consciousness has as much at stake as we do. If it wants to survive, it'll act."
At that moment, Peter Parker, watching the events unfold, suddenly shouted, "He's making a move!"
The energy shields in the Avengers' base activated immediately as Galactus extended his colossal hand toward Earth, his fingers curling as if to crush it. The sight was enough to make every Avenger's heart pound.
Buzz!
Just as Galactus's hand approached, an invisible barrier materialized around the Earth, halting his advance. Galactus's fingers met resistance, unable to grip the planet.
"He's done it!" Robert exclaimed, letting out a breath of relief. "The consciousness has intervened!"
The Avengers watched in awe, though their relief was short-lived. In space, the Silver Surfer stared at the unfolding scene with astonishment. What shocked him wasn't that Galactus had been momentarily stopped, but rather the nature of the force that had intervened.
"This… this is dimensional energy?" the Surfer muttered. He recognized it instantly. "Earth… has a dimensional consciousness? A fully formed one? Could that be why Galactus targeted this planet?"
As he processed this revelation, the Surfer's thoughts were interrupted by faint, indistinct murmurs. He strained to make out the words but couldn't fully understand them.
"If you can display sufficient strength, I might consider seeking sustenance elsewhere," Galactus's voice rumbled. "But this level of resistance… is insufficient."
The Surfer's heart sank. He knew what was happening: the Earth's dimensional consciousness was attempting to negotiate with Galactus, offering to divert him from Earth. But Galactus had rejected the offer, deeming the consciousness's strength inadequate. There was even a trace of mockery in his tone, as if amused that such a meager force dared to challenge him.
Crack!
With a single motion, Galactus shattered the invisible barrier around Earth. His massive hand continued toward the planet, only to be met by another barrier and a counterattack from the dimensional consciousness. Energy struck Galactus, causing ripples across his immense form, but the impact was negligible.
The gap in power was undeniable. Within its own dimension, the Earth's consciousness might have wielded overwhelming strength. But in open space, it was woefully outmatched.
Back at the Avengers' base, the team watched the confrontation unfold. The sight of the dimensional consciousness struggling against Galactus was sobering.
"If you don't act soon, Earth will be lost," a deep, commanding voice suddenly echoed through the base.
The Avengers froze. Though they had never heard this voice before, its tone carried an undeniable weight of authority. They immediately realized it was the voice of the Earth's dimensional consciousness.
"Such a foe is beyond us," Robert replied calmly. "If even you can't stop him, what chance do we have?"
"If you refuse to fight, Earth will be destroyed—and so will you," the consciousness pressed, its tone unyielding. The Avengers felt an oppressive pressure settle over them.
"We've already retired," Robert countered with a shrug. "And we've established a home on another planet. Even if Earth is destroyed, we'll survive. But if you try to coerce us, you'll only weaken your position further."
The consciousness fell silent, its presence radiating tension. The Avengers, feeling the weight of its gaze, understood why Robert had been so cautious about dealing with it. This was no benevolent protector—it was a self-interested entity, willing to use any means necessary to ensure its survival.
"Will you act or not?" Robert asked, his aura beginning to rise. "I'm curious to see if you're all bark and no bite."
"...We may not need to fight each other," the consciousness finally relented, its tone shifting. "Earth's destruction is not in our mutual interest."
"Good," Robert said with a smirk. "Then let's make a deal. Release the Ancient One and the Time Stone. With her help, we might stand a chance against him."
The consciousness hesitated, its silence stretching uncomfortably long. The Avengers exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether Robert's bold demand would be accepted.
Buzz!
Finally, a beam of light appeared in the Avengers' base. When it dissipated, the Ancient One stood before them, her familiar calm demeanor unchanged. Around her neck was the Eye of Agamotto, the Time Stone glowing faintly within it.
It seemed untouched, as if it had never been used.
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