"Reed installed a sensor on the bomb that will automatically detonate once it detects a massive surge of cosmic energy," Banner said, frowning.
"This plan is too crude," Shin replied, speechless. Galactus's spaceship is the size of a solar system, who knows where the bomb might actually detonate?
After all, Galactus's ship also has an energy siphon system, and he's not the only source of massive energy readings. While the explosion might cause injury, killing him is another matter entirely.
"There's no better alternative right now…" Bruce Banner muttered, clearly frustrated.
Shin didn't mention his own plan to escape into a parallel world. Wanda and Pietro had no ties left, no parents, and no attachments, so they could simply walk away. But Bruce Banner still had reasons to stay. At the very least, he had Betty. Naturally, he couldn't just abandon everything.
Shin had no intention of persuading him otherwise. He himself wouldn't leave until the last possible moment.
Karasuki had been fully charged for a while now. Compared to his use of 'world-travel energy', it required less time to initiate a jump to a parallel universe. Even in the most dangerous scenario, Shin was confident he could get everyone out.
"Let's go. Maybe I can contribute something to this plan… and hopefully not make it worse."
With that, Shin contacted Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. In a flash of red light, Scarlet Witch appeared with Quicksilver and Jessica Jones.
Since Shin had suggested using her powers for teleportation, Wanda had quickly mastered the technique and could even bring others along.
"Banner, picture our destination in your mind. Wanda, read the image from Banner's thoughts and teleport us there."
Shin gave a brief rundown of the situation. Wanda and Pietro were visibly excited. Despite their earlier willingness to escape, both had the potential to become superheroes. Naturally, neither wanted to flee if they had a chance to stand and fight.
They were just realistic. Their powers weren't much help against someone like Galactus.
But now, with another opportunity at hand, both were eager to do what they could, if nothing else, to feel like they were part of the effort to save the world.
Jessica Jones, on the other hand, looked completely lost... 'Who am I? Where am I? What is going on?' The end of the world, cosmic threats, magic, everything overwhelmed the poor woman.
She'd never been a hero. Her knowledge of the world's darker, more supernatural layers was limited. After one adventure sparked her aspirations to be a superhero, she quickly became the Purple Man's pawn… Given her background and mental state, expecting much more was unrealistic.
A flash of red light later, and Banner, having just pictured the experimental base, found himself inside it.
Turning his head, he saw that Shin and the others had followed right behind him. His face showed astonishment.
He'd merely pictured the place in his mind and instantly, they were all here. That ability was terrifying.
As he processed what had just happened, Banner instinctively stepped away from Scarlet Witch. Psychics were already mistrusted, and ones with added powers were feared even more.
Especially for someone like Banner. A small trigger could awaken the Hulk, though paradoxically, the child-like Hulk was far less susceptible to psychic control due to his unfiltered rage.
Shin scanned the massive experimental base, quickly spotting the silver surfboard floating at its center.
"Silver Surfer's surfboard… Where is the Silver Surfer himself?"
Looking around at the group analyzing the board, Shin was surprised to see not only Reed Richards but also several other scientists, Tony Stark, and even Doctor Doom.
"Wait a second. Didn't Doom have a massive fallout with the Fantastic Four? What's he doing here?"
"At this point, who cares about that?" Banner replied with a bitter smile.
"Even the military isn't trying to arrest me right now."
"Good point," Shin nodded. Villains with brains and some sense of order often teamed up with heroes when the world was at stake.
After all, those types wanted to rule the world not see it destroyed.
Of course, cooperation was still filled with tension. While Reed was presenting their plan, Doctor Doom kept interjecting with sarcastic remarks.
Meanwhile, Tony Stark was nearly at blows with a white-haired old man.
"Who's that guy? Looks like Stark's about to punch him," Shin asked in surprise.
"That's Dr. Hank Pym," Banner sighed. "He's had a grudge against Stark's father for years."
"Even that old guy's here? I thought he had a major fallout with the government over the Pym Particles," Shin remarked.
The name Hank Pym wasn't widely known, but his invention, the Pym Particles, was infamous across the Marvel Universe. It was arguably more high-tech than even Stark's nano-suit or arc reactor.
Shin even doubted whether the Pym Particles would work in other universes.
Their ability to alter size and mass so drastically touched on quantum space and pocket dimensions. That kind of thing was unique to the Marvel setting. It was hard to imagine it functioning anywhere else.
"No matter how bad things are, he's still an Earthling," Banner said. "And no matter how bad his relationships are, he's not going to let the planet get wiped out."
As they spoke, a stern-faced soldier approached. Shin was startled to realize it was none other than the Red Hulk, Ross.
"Hello, Mr. Kevin. I'm Ross, the officer temporarily leading Earth's defense strategy."
Shin shook hands with him. Ross clearly eyed him with suspicion. Bruce Banner didn't have many close allies, and Shin's sudden appearance strongly suggested he was the mysterious shadow who'd rescued Banner earlier.
Of course, Ross couldn't possibly guess the full truth. That the giant potion had been developed by Shin himself and that the "scientist" who'd supposedly died in the lab had been him all along.
But those questions could wait. The bigger threat now was the cosmic one on its way from space.
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