The negotiations didn't last long before they hit some deadlocks—and even a few arguments.
This semi-formal meeting between the two worlds was, admittedly, a bit hastily arranged. In the end, only a few general agreements were reached.
One of the key issues was Vought International. The Multiverse Defenders made it clear that their main concern was putting a permanent stop to Vought's experimentation with Compound V. They also demanded that the local authorities properly regulate the remaining superhumans—those who committed crimes should face trial and prison time, no exceptions.
At first, the Secretary of State was far from pleased. He felt the Multiverse Defenders was overreaching, interfering in matters that didn't concern them. "Our world's problems don't need solving by outsiders," was his implied stance.
But Nick Fury, who himself was a former high-ranking official of a certain nation, had heard that tune before. He didn't waste time arguing. Instead, he laid down a simple threat: if you can't handle it yourselves, don't blame us if we keep coming back to arrest people—repeatedly.
"And we'll make sure no civilians are caught in the crossfire," he added bluntly.
Then the Ancient One stepped forward—and casually demonstrated the powers of the Mirror Dimension.
Faced with such overwhelming power, the Secretary and his team had no choice but to back down. After all, if they were to compare superhuman strength between the two worlds, the disparity was staggering.
Their world had just lost its strongest supe—Homelander. The rest, like Stormfront, A-Train, and Black Noir, had all been captured. At this point, they had no real cards left to play.
Worse yet, they had no idea that the Multiverse Defenders didn't represent just one world, but a coalition of heroes from multiple universes. In the face of Nick Fury's "borrowed authority," they could only grit their teeth and swallow their pride.
Of course, what was agreed upon were just verbal commitments. To formalize anything, more detailed negotiations would be needed. Fury stayed behind to work things out with the Secretary's advisors.
The Secretary himself, clearly unhappy, made his exit. Fury followed his team to continue behind-the-scenes talks.
As they left, Tony Stark stretched and yawned. "I thought we'd at least get a good fight out of this. Not even a decent shouting match?"
Steve gave him a sidelong glance. "And what's wrong with resolving things peacefully? Do you have to see a fight?"
Tony shrugged. "It's not that I want a fight, Cap. But do you really believe that guy is just going to roll over like that? His face was darker than Fury's. You really think someone like him's going to take this lying down?"
He continued, "The more pressure we apply, the more they'll react. Even if they agree on the surface, you can bet they'll double down in secret—continue illegal trials, try to create a stronger version of Compound V."
"So what, we should have fought them?" Steve frowned.
"No. I'm just saying… this is far from over," Tony said grimly.
Bruce Wayne finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "All we need is for them to maintain a facade of cooperation and leave us alone. They don't need to understand what we're doing. We just need them not to get in the way."
He paused, glancing between Diana, Steve, and Tony.
"And to be honest, even our own worlds have started doing the same thing—experimenting with supernatural abilities after being exposed to the Quiz game."
He continued, "Mutant labs, Compound V, secret projects… they're everywhere now. This isn't just something unique to this world."
Tony and the others fell silent. Even if they didn't know the full details, they had suspected as much.
But how far could they really go? They were superheroes—but not gods. Were they supposed to overthrow governments? Tear down the existing order and build a new one from scratch?
Sure, they could. But could they guarantee that their new world order would actually be better?
And even if they succeeded—would they still be the same people? Would they still be heroes?
Could they still place their hands over their hearts and say with confidence: "What I'm doing is right"?
Steve sighed. "We just have to try to do what's right. If someone needs help, we shouldn't turn our backs."
Diana raised an eyebrow. "Are we sure this is the best place to be having this conversation? What if this room is bugged?"
In response, both Tony and Bruce raised their hands—each holding a small device with blinking red lights.
"Ever since the talks began, we've been jamming all signals in here," Bruce said.
At that moment, the Ancient One, who had been quietly listening all along, finally spoke.
"Anyone blessed with extraordinary power and a strong moral compass dreams, at some point, of changing the world. Of building a better, more just society. But often… that noble dream becomes the first step toward corruption."
She glanced meaningfully at Bruce, then added, "The world is vast and complex. Even with all our strength, we cannot construct a perfect utopia."
Tony leaned forward slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "What if it's not us, though? What if it's the Quiz Game?"
He looked around. "Think about it. The Quiz Game gathers us, shows us visions of the future, and gives us tools to change it. What's the purpose behind all that?"
He continued, "Based on the models I've run, I doubt the mastermind behind the Quiz Game is some villain bent on destroying the multiverse. Of course, I can't prove it… but if their goal really was to build a perfect world—they probably could."
Bruce shook his head. "Then let me offer some advice, Tony. Just because we're players doesn't mean we should blindly trust the Quiz Game."
"I know," Tony said, shrugging. "But let's be real—our opinions don't matter much. We still don't even know where the Quiz Game came from, or who's behind it."
Steve suddenly looked thoughtful. Then he turned to the Ancient One.
"May I ask you something?"
"Go ahead," she nodded.
"You've heard of Eternity, haven't you?" Steve asked slowly.
"In one of the previous rounds of the Quiz Game, during Thor's future video, Eternity appeared. A being capable of granting any wish…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"And the place where we answer questions—it's also called Eternity. Even the rewards we receive often align closely with our deepest desires."
"Is it possible… that the mysterious being behind the Quiz Game is actually Eternity itself?"
At that, Tony, Bruce, and Diana all turned to look at the Ancient One, awaiting her answer.
_____
T/N:
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