Nolan frowned.
Things had become far more troublesome than he had expected.
Thanos was already an overwhelming opponent, and now the Dimension Lords had launched their invasion as well. With both threats striking Earth at the same time, the situation had become unimaginably dangerous.
Originally, Nolan had expected the Dimension Lords to receive the news only after the battle here was nearly over.
Instead, they reacted almost immediately.
The moment the war began, they launched their assault.
It was obvious now that this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Those bastards had been preparing for this all along.
Nolan's expression darkened.
Once this battle was over, he would thoroughly purge every spy the Dimension Lords had planted on Earth.
The Ghost Rider serving Mephisto was one example.
Although Ghost Rider himself still held some loyalty toward Earth, his position was fundamentally at odds with its interests.
Even if he had no desire to obey Mephisto, he was still bound by Mephisto's control.
That alone was enough to leak countless pieces of intelligence.
Nolan was certain Mephisto had learned about today's battle through Ghost Rider, allowing the ruler of the Hell Dimension to lead his demonic army against Earth.
As for Dormammu...
Most of his intelligence likely came from Kamar-Taj.
Of course, he could have other sources as well.
That would require further investigation.
But after this war ended, Nolan intended to root out every traitor connected to both factions.
He would never allow his enemies such an opportunity again.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the problem in front of him now.
The real issue was figuring out how to fight two overwhelming enemies at once.
His eyes turned toward Stephen Strange.
"You'll have to handle things here for now. Hold off Thanos. I have to head to the dimensional battlefield, drive back the invading Dimension Lords, and then return to support you."
Stephen hesitated before replying.
"Perhaps I should go instead. At the dimensional rift, Earth's protective enchantments suppress demons more effectively. I can draw out more of my power there."
What Strange said was true.
Even so, Nolan shook his head.
Strange would indeed be stronger at the dimensional rift.
But even with that advantage, he had no chance of standing against two Dimension Lords.
When they had fought Dormammu before, Strange had only succeeded because Nolan had been there.
On his own, Strange could only rely on luck and negotiation to make Dormammu abandon his invasion.
His strength alone had never been enough to defeat him.
Although Strange had grown much stronger since then, he still couldn't match Dormammu in a direct confrontation.
And now Mephisto had joined the battle as well.
Facing the two greatest Dimension Lords at the same time would push Strange into an impossible situation.
Rather than risk that, Nolan would personally confront the invaders at the dimensional rift.
Meanwhile, Strange, Carol Danvers, and the gathered heroes still had a chance to hold Thanos back for a while.
It wasn't a perfect solution.
But it was the best one Nolan could come up with.
Stephen remained silent for a moment before nodding.
He hadn't truly believed he could fight both Dimension Lords alone.
It had only been a suggestion.
"In that case, be careful. Even if you can't defeat them, that's alright. As long as we win here, we'll immediately reinforce the dimensional rift."
Strange sighed.
He wanted to use the Time Stone to look into the future one more time.
But every glimpse of the future came at a cost.
Even if he saw what lay ahead, it didn't guarantee a favorable outcome.
Worse, exhausting his magic now could rob them of their last chance to win.
This battle was already difficult enough.
Weakening himself would only make defeat inevitable.
Instead, he chose to stay on the path they had already committed to.
Only by preserving his strength could he continue fighting.
At this point...
The only person he could truly rely on was Nolan.
Without another word, Nolan glanced at Leba before opening a portal.
He stepped through.
The portal closed behind him.
Across the battlefield, Thanos, who was fighting Carol Danvers and the Avengers, noticed Nolan's departure.
His eyes gleamed.
"Nolan... has left."
A faint smile spread across his face.
The Tyrant Slayer in his hand shimmered with a terrifying brilliance.
"I don't know where he went..."
"But without Nolan, do you really think you can stop me?"
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