When Alex Ray touched the Soul Stone, there was no system sound as he had expected.
This puzzled him—every time he came into contact with an Infinity Stone, the system should have reacted.
Why was there no response this time?
Alex opened the system panel and clicked on the task tab.
[Collect Infinity Stones 4/6]
Currently held: Reality Stone, Space Stone, Mind Stone, Time Stone.
The Soul Stone was clearly in his hand—so why wasn't it registering?
Alex frowned, thinking, Could it be that Infinity Stones from alternate universes can't be absorbed?
His original plan to come to this future world and absorb all six Infinity Stones for an upgrade was suddenly thrown into disarray.
He hadn't expected the system to be this picky—or perhaps this universe had something uniquely incompatible about it.
In his own world, the Power Stone was easy enough to locate. But the Soul Stone? That required sacrificing someone you loved. He wasn't Thanos. He couldn't give up someone dear to him just to claim a damned rock.
Alex was deep in thought when Dr. Bruce Banner's voice suddenly broke the silence.
Banner looked at him with hopeful eyes and asked, "Well? What's the situation now? Can Natasha be saved?"
Snapping out of his daze, Alex realized he'd been too focused on the system and had completely neglected Natasha's condition.
Others may not have fully trusted Alex Ray, but Bruce knew the extent of the mystical arts practiced by Strange and Alex. After all, his own soul had once been knocked out of his body by the Ancient One.
He knew just how powerful these magicians could be.
It was only thanks to Banner's reminder that Alex returned to the task at hand.
He hadn't actually checked for Natasha's soul yet. Frankly, her fate didn't really concern him—his real goal was to use the opportunity to let the system absorb the Soul Stone's energy.
Still, he knew how to put on a convincing performance. He slowly raised his head, looked around at the tense faces of the gathered Avengers, and said in a low, calm voice, "It'll take a little time."
As his words fell, a thick black aura surged out from Alex's body like a shadow spreading across a moonless night. The darkness quickly filled the room.
This aura was oppressive—ominous and filled with danger. The Avengers instinctively tensed, stepping back with wary eyes. Several of them looked ready to intervene.
But Stephen Strange stepped forward quickly, positioning himself in front of Alex. At the same time, Banner also moved slightly ahead, using his bulk to shield Alex.
Strange might joke about fearing death, but when it came to his allies, he wasn't the type to back down.
Seeing the two of them standing guard, the others could only hold their positions and watch.
If Alex had been acting alone, they might have stepped in—even knowing they'd likely lose. They didn't know him well. For all they knew, he could do something reckless or even dangerous. The Soul Stone was precious. It had cost them Natasha. And it held the key to possibly bringing others back.
But Strange and Banner were different. These were trusted allies—especially Strange, who in this world had sacrificed himself for Tony Stark. Even if this wasn't their Strange, Tony could never bring himself to strike him down.
And as for Banner, he'd been a comrade through countless battles. There was no way they'd attack him.
So, the Avengers stood and watched.
As Alex's black aura grew thicker, unease spread.
"What's he trying to do?" Clint muttered.
Even Banner, who had trusted Alex without question, couldn't help but grow concerned. He turned to Strange. "What is Alex doing?"
Banner had no choice but to rely on Strange—he was the only one here familiar with Alex.
Strange stared at the swirling black magic and frowned. "He's probably analyzing the Soul Stone—or trying to locate Natasha's soul within it."
Strange recognized the magic immediately: dark magic, specifically designed for soul detection. In soul research, black magic had its advantages.
But something felt off. This process was taking too long. Alex clearly had other motives.
Still, Strange played along.
In this universe, the Avengers didn't exist in his world. He wasn't familiar with anyone here besides Tony. And as for Natasha? Her soul didn't concern him. If he had acquired the Soul Stone, he would've studied it first too—looking for a soul would've been a secondary concern at best.
Banner began to explain to the others how his soul had once been forcibly separated from his body.
"Soul research... huh. Maybe I can build a machine to see souls too," Tony said, intrigued.
"Bruce, your time-traveling adventure sounds crazier every time I hear it," Ant-Man added, shaking his head.
To the rest of the Avengers, Bruce's story sounded fantastical. But they also knew Banner had no reason to lie—not even to defend someone like Alex Ray.
Just then, a sudden shout cut through the room.
Thor pointed toward Alex, wide-eyed. "Oh my God! Look! I saw Natasha's soul!"
The shock on Thor's face would've been comical if not for the tension—his round belly jiggled as he pointed, but no one was laughing.
No one noticed the ridiculousness of it. All eyes turned to Alex.
But… they saw nothing.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Steve demanded. "Are you really joking around right now? There's nothing near Alex!"
"Sorry, sorry," Thor said, holding up his hands. "I forgot—you're all just ordinary humans. Naturally, you can't see souls. But Alex found Natasha. I swear."
"Are you sure?" Tony asked sharply.
"Could it really be Natasha?" Clint whispered.
A ripple of astonished hope spread through the group.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the Avengers dared to believe.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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