Or rather, to be precise—the one who arrived was not exactly Wanda.
It was Wanda's body, but completely possessed by the Dark Scarlet Witch of another universe through dream-walking.
Yet even so, the Wanda shown on the surveillance feed looked utterly cold, murderous, her expression devoid of anything but killing intent.
Fresh blood splattered across her clothing, glowing red mist swirling around her.
Even through the screen, she made hearts freeze.
"Slaughter Goddess" wasn't an exaggeration—if anything, it understated the horror.
This… was Wanda?
Black Bolt's stoic eyes narrowed as he stared at the screen.
Her killing intent was nearly tangible—this matter was unlikely to end peacefully.
"She's here.
She really came!"
"I warned you this would happen!"
"Now it's all too late!"
The alternate-universe Doctor Strange turned ashen.
He stared at the screen with despair.
To protect America Chavez, he had been hunted across countless worlds—chased relentlessly by Wanda, who even annihilated Kamar-Taj alone.
He and America had fled across the multiverse, hopping from universe to universe—
And still failed to shake Wanda off.
She weaponized monstrous creatures to hunt them.
She possessed versions of herself through dream-walking.
She drove him into a dead end, again and again.
He truly didn't know who in the multiverse could stand against her.
"Listen to me!
You have to take America and run!"
"I don't know if you can escape her—but you must try!"
"You absolutely cannot let Wanda get her hands on America!
If she does, the multiverse is finished!"
The alternate Strange shouted urgently.
"You're seriously frightened?
You're supposed to be another me?"
The main-universe Strange scoffed, visibly irritated.
Even Black Bolt, Reed Richards, and the others shared similar reactions.
They took Wanda seriously—of course—but simply hearing the alternate Strange's description wasn't enough for them to feel true fear.
"Stephen, there's no need to panic."
Reed Richards spoke calmly.
"Even if none of us can defeat Wanda… we have Alex."
"With him here, Wanda can't stir up any waves."
The rest of the Illuminati nodded one after another—fully agreeing.
Clearly, they had absolute faith in Alex.
"Alex…?"
The alternate Strange blinked in confusion.
Who?
Why did these beings at the pinnacle of the universe speak of him with such reverence?
His eyes drifted—instinctively—to the figure seated alone in the observer's seat.
Alex.
He had noticed him earlier, but since Alex hadn't spoken and sat off to the side, he subconsciously overlooked him.
Now, realizing everyone's attitude toward Alex, Strange frowned deeply.
Just who is this man?
He tried to gauge Alex's power—but he felt nothing.
Nothing at all.
And that made him even more uneasy.
He simply couldn't believe what Reed said.
These people had no idea how terrifying Wanda truly was.
---
"Everyone, I'll deal with this Wanda."
Tony Stark's voice rang out as he stood abruptly.
He slapped the triangular chest piece.
CLACK!
CLACK!
Countless nanobots surged out, assembling rapidly around him.
Within seconds—
The Iron Man nano suit had fully formed.
WHOOSH!
He blasted off like a streak of light.
"Stark… always so arrogant. So reckless.
He's not Wanda's opponent!"
Alternate Strange shook his head helplessly.
"Charles, stay here.
We're stopping Wanda."
Reed Richards gave a firm nod toward Professor X.
Charles' power was purely mental—he had no business engaging physically.
He was the perfect coordinator to stay behind.
Charles agreed silently.
The Illuminati members moved out.
Alex followed.
---
When they arrived—
Negotiations had already collapsed.
Tony Stark stood with both arms raised, repulsor cannons glowing, aimed straight at Wanda.
"Lady, you're really asking for this!"
"Stark, you're always irritating."
Wanda's voice was icy, contemptuous.
"You think that little suit of yours… can stop me?"
She raised her hand—
A surge of scarlet magic lashed out.
It crawled across Stark's nanotech suit like living veins, wrapping him in crimson energy.
Tony's eyes widened.
His armor—
Was no longer responding.
CRACK!
CRACK!
Fissures spread across the nano-armor like shattering glass.
Then—
BOOM!
The entire Iron Man suit exploded into fragments, collapsing into scattered metallic dust.
"Tony!"
"Tony!"
Cries erupted behind him.
Wanda flicked her wrist—
And Tony Stark's body flew like a ragdoll, head-first toward a stone pillar.
If he hit—
His skull would burst like a smashed melon.
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