Let us turn our gaze to Earth-811 to see what the local Resistance has planned. After receiving intelligence regarding Apocalypse from the Spider-Man of Earth-616, Illyana led the Resistance members to the Egyptian region, seeking the location where Apocalypse was sealed.
Both Peter Parker and Logan were certain of one thing: Apocalypse had never appeared in their timeline. Now, the existence of an Omega-level mutant—one quite likely more powerful than even Magneto or the Professor—might truly be the key to drastically improving their situation.
At the very least, Peter was unwilling to let the Spider-Men of other worlds sacrifice themselves for his own. Nimrod was far more powerful than them; if they were to gather for a head-on battle, the death toll would likely be staggering.
Thus, the Professor and Peter arrived in Egypt via teleportation.
"I've listed everything that might still be useful from the old Avengers base and the Sanctum Sanctorum." Peter looked at Illyana after the teleportation was complete. "Don't use the portals too frequently. Remember to coordinate with Kitty; as long as Nimrod doesn't capture her, we still have hope."
If Shadowcat's abilities were also absorbed by Nimrod, Earth-811 would truly be devoid of any hope.
"Alright, alright, I get it."
Illyana waved her hand. "I'm off then. If anything happens, have the Professor call me, and I'll take you home."
Peter nodded, then turned to face the vast expanse of desert. They hadn't been able to pry the exact location of Apocalypse from Sinister's mouth, so everything had to be done the hard way.
The Professor was the executor of that "hard way." He placed a simplified Cerebro unit on his head. "If Apocalypse is truly still alive, I will definitely be able to detect a faint brainwave from him. This is the key to breaking our deadlock, child."
"Do you really believe that with Apocalypse, we'll have the power to go toe-to-toe with Nimrod, Professor?"
Peter asked quietly. He felt it was somewhat surreal; everything seemed to be going too smoothly, so smoothly it was hard to believe. The Professor remained silent for a moment, but not because of Peter's question. He simply spoke slowly.
"You have led everyone to survive in this apocalyptic world for ten years, child. You helped countless people continue to live. Now that we have a chance to end this nightmare once and for all, you are hesitating."
"I'm just... I'm just afraid of losing even the little we have now."
"Don't be afraid, child. We have nothing left to lose." The Professor patted Peter on the shoulder, then his face lit up with joy. "Ah, I believe we've found it."
It was an ordinary-looking mountain in the Egyptian desert, indistinguishable from any other. Peter and the Professor searched the area twice before finally locating the spot where the brainwaves were clearest. They discovered the passage opened by Sinister years ago and, after testing the oxygen levels inside, ventured in together.
It was a cavernous space, but heavily damaged. Several corpses wearing clothing from the late 19th and early 20th centuries lay scattered here. According to Sinister, these were the descendants of the original Four Horsemen, the guardians of Apocalypse's sealing site. Sinister had killed them to prevent Apocalypse's advent.
The question now was: how were they to wake him?
After carefully examining the surrounding murals, the Professor chose the most direct and dangerous method. He used his telepathy to link directly with Apocalypse's dormant mind. In an instant, the Professor dropped to his knees in agony, unable to suppress a wail. Peter rushed to support him, only to find the altar before them abruptly opening.
A tall, robust man with grey skin floated upward. In his thousands of years of slumber, his muscles had not suffered even a hint of atrophy; he still possessed the physique of a warrior. Still clad in the vestments of an Egyptian Pharaoh, he descended slowly to the ground and opened his eyes.
"Everything you say is true?"
"Yes, it is true."
Having used telepathy to relay the events of the recent decade, Nimrod's capabilities, and the reasons for liberating Apocalypse, the Professor was helped up by Peter. Apocalypse waved a hand, causing the entire valley to shift and deform. A path opened, and a set of stairs manifested beneath Apocalypse's feet, constructing itself slowly as he stepped forward.
Apocalypse was waiting.
He was waiting for Nimrod.
One Nimrod Sentinel after another descended from the sky, fixing their sights on Apocalypse and issuing a cold, synchronized voice: "Omega-level threat detected. Execute purge immediately."
"Purge?!"
Sensing that the Nimrod Sentinels were still composed of matter, Apocalypse smiled. "You mechanical creations dare speak of purging me? You may have lacked the concept of fear until now, but at this moment, you shall feel it. Machines!"
Before the numerous Nimrods could even land, they began to undergo molecular transformation in mid-air. Aside from the Promethium metal within their bodies—which could not be perceived—all other materials were instantaneously converted into different elements. Every atomic nucleus was torn apart and reorganized. Ultimately, brand-new heavy elements were born within these Nimrods. Apocalypse tore into the terrestrial matter within the Nimrod Sentinels, manipulating their atomic nuclei to collide with one another. Once fissionable material was formed, he detonated them.
What followed was a world-shattering nuclear explosion. The sky was blanketed in white-hot flames as atomic fire scorched the already lifeless land. Apocalypse used his telekinesis to expand a shield, ensuring the explosion did not harm them. However, his expression was not one of ease, but rather grew solemn. In the aftermath of the blast, the liquid metal began to reorganize rapidly. They seemed capable of self-propagation and growth, gradually restoring their forms in an extremely short amount of time.
Self-healing—every Nimrod Sentinel possessed self-healing capabilities.
"Contact your teleporter. Let us leave. Fighting here serves no purpose; I can overcome them, but I cannot defeat them permanently yet." Apocalypse looked at the Professor. "Do not worry, I shall bestow upon you even greater power. Your numbers are sufficient to form a brand-new Four Horsemen. When that time comes, at least you won't be a drag on me."
Having said this, Apocalypse looked up at the Nimrod Sentinels in the sky that had not yet fully reformed, and a triumphant smile finally crossed his face.
"The Days of Future Past are over," he said. "The Age of Apocalypse is nigh."
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