America Chavez couldn't help being shocked.
Even more shocked than the alternate Doctor Strange.
Because she knew better than anyone just how terrifying Wanda truly was.
Wanda had hunted her across more than ten different universes.
If her unstable portal-opening power hadn't miraculously activated at critical moments, letting her escape by sheer luck…
She would've died ages ago.
Calling Wanda the Number One Demon King of the Multiverse was no exaggeration.
In any universe, no one had been able to stop her.
But now—
This young man in front of her had defeated that monster?
America simply couldn't wrap her head around it.
"Let me add something."
The alternate Strange spoke again while America was still stunned.
"He didn't just defeat her.
He did it in… ten seconds."
Ten seconds to defeat Wanda?
America almost burst out laughing.
That was way too outrageous.
Emotionally, she couldn't accept it.
But logically, she knew Strange wouldn't lie to her.
No matter how unbelievable it sounded—
the reality was that Wanda had been defeated by this young man.
"Is that… true? That's great! She's finally been beaten!"
After a few seconds, America couldn't help cheering.
"But… why help us? What do you want in return?"
She stared straight at Alex.
In her interdimensional escape journey, some people helped her because they wanted to stop Wanda…
But others had ulterior motives.
And she didn't yet know which group Alex belonged to.
"I do have a condition," Alex said calmly, confidently.
"But my condition brings you only benefits, no drawbacks."
"I want you to work for Krakoa."
America hesitated immediately.
Her ability was too dangerous.
If someone malicious gained control of her power, it would be a catastrophe for the multiverse.
"I know what you're thinking," Alex said with a small smile.
"But I'm not that kind of person."
He thought for a moment, then made a suggestion.
"I'll give you one day.
Use the time however you want—
including investigating who I am."
With that, Alex didn't push further.
He nodded to Charles and left the Illuminati base.
And soon after, the alternate Strange and America were released by the Illuminati and regained their freedom.
Walking down a bustling street, both still felt unreal.
The Illuminati went to all that trouble to capture them…
Then after shielding them from Wanda, they just let them go?
---
"Strange… what do we do now?"
America asked quietly.
"I think… we should seriously consider Alex's offer," Strange replied immediately.
After a moment's thought, America nodded.
Alex was her only real chance to escape Wanda's pursuit.
She wasn't about to waste it.
So—
For the rest of the day, the two of them began investigating Alex.
What they found…
completely erased their worries.
Alex wasn't the type of person they feared.
He was a true hero, someone who had saved this world multiple times.
With their doubts gone, the two of them went straight to Krakoa.
The staff took them to Alex right away.
---
"So—you've made your decision, America?"
Alex asked with a mild smile.
"I have."
America nodded firmly.
"To be honest, I don't have many choices left."
"Believe me," Raven said warmly beside Alex, "You won't regret joining Krakoa."
Since America was soon to be one of their own, Raven was noticeably friendly.
"So, Alex… what's your plan next?"
The alternate Strange asked.
"You and I both know Wanda won't stop. She'll attack again."
"I know," Alex answered, standing.
"That's why I intend to end this once and for all."
He lifted a hand—
SHWIP!
America and Strange felt something shift—
A golden gauntlet appeared in Alex's hand.
Both of them froze.
Especially Strange.
"Th—the Infinity Gauntlet!
A complete Infinity Gauntlet!"
He nearly popped his eyes out.
So in this universe… Alex had gathered all the Infinity Stones!?
And not only was he not hunted or opposed—
he was trusted, even revered?
Strange's head was spinning.
He had a hundred questions, but Alex gave him no time to ask.
Alex slid the Gauntlet onto his hand—
KA-CHAK!
A shimmering dimensional gateway tore open before them.
"You can travel the multiverse too?"
America's jaw dropped.
She instantly felt embarrassed.
So she'd been worried Alex wanted her powers for ulterior motives…
But this man could already travel between universes on his own.
What use was her ability to him?
A wave of relief washed over her.
"Wait here," Alex said casually.
He stepped toward the portal—
"Wait!"
America gritted her teeth and rushed after him.
"I'm definitely going to regret this,"
Strange muttered—
but he followed too.
Alex didn't stop them.
Once they stepped through, he flicked his thoughts—
and the portal snapped closed behind them.
FLASH!
In the blink of an eye, the three appeared in the corrupted Scarlet Witch's universe.
"Let's go," Alex said lightly.
"We'll have a nice, long talk with Wanda."
He waved for them to follow him—
as if he were visiting an old friend.
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