"You're... not joking?"
On the video call, Fury's eye widened as if it might pop out.
He felt like he was hallucinating. Had Noah really just made such a ridiculous suggestion?
Issuing missions was normal. Contacting Asgard was normal. Combining both was unusual, but not impossible.
Noah, however, thrived on dropping bombshells.
While Fury was still processing, Noah added, "Go find some MMO programmers, specifically those who specialize in quest systems."
Fury froze.
Once he understood, his face darkened.
"Are you kidding me? This is a real battle-a fight for the survival of Earth-and you want a bunch of game developers to design the mission system?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Noah rolled his eyes. "Do your people have more experience than designers of massive open-world games?"
"Damn it! This is about the safety of the world!" Fury shouted, stunned.
"Are you stupid? Just have your people manage them. The developers design the mechanics, your people handle the data. Simple."
Noah tilted his head.
"Don't get so worked up. That's not rational. Or are you losing it from stress?"
"I am... a little," Fury admitted, nodding.
He sighed. "Do you know? A few hours ago, Steve called me. I thought those lunatics were just looking at spaceships. Instead, I hear Earth is about to be attacked. A world-ending threat. How can I be in a good mood?"
Venting helped. Fury was under immense pressure-inevitable as the director of S.W.O.R.D. and the de facto manager of S.H.I.E.L.D. Facing interstellar threats was new territory. Previously, crises allowed him to stand back, marveling at sorcerers' power.
This time was different. He would be on the front lines and responsible for much more.
The Fury from the original timeline had handled the Chitauri, HYDRA, and countless disasters. This version had it easy. Without such trials, he was naturally more anxious and less hardened.
Still, he recovered quickly. Venting done, he pivoted to work mode. He wouldn't be the weak link.
"Understood. I'll get on it. But you should talk to Tony," Fury said. "He's a genius in this field. If he can help build the system, perfect."
"No problem. I'll talk to Tony," Noah nodded.
"By the way, are you recruiting soldiers? Only the military?"
"Yes, but not entirely." Fury shook his head. "Many with unique abilities don't serve in the military. I'm targeting them: bodyguards, assassins... very capable people."
"Bodyguards? Assassins? No limits?" Noah's eyes lit up.
This intrigued him. He never knew how many strange things had crossed into this universe. Discovering them now could be fun.
Although not ideal timing, Noah knew the most important factor was one's own mindset.
Fury had no idea what Noah was thinking. He grew suspicious.
"What kind of bad idea are you cooking up now?"
"Nothing," Noah smiled, then asked mysteriously, "I wonder... will you be recruiting Darius Kincaid?"
"..."
"Or..."
"Shut up! No! Boring old man."
...
Far away, aboard a ship in deep space, Thanos stared silently at the instruments before him.
He waited for a long-anticipated result. If successful, he could fulfill his lifelong wish, his dream, his mission.
Frustration had always followed him. An invisible hand seemed to block him at every turn. Not superstition-just probability and worthy opponents.
So far, he had only obtained the Soul Stone. Its price was unexpectedly low-just a soul. Even the guardian hadn't expected it.
The previous rules had been harsh, nearly impossible to beat. This time, the Stone clearly allowed it. Red Skull had relayed the method, and Thanos claimed it with ease.
After that, the other Stones remained elusive. Mind and Space Stones were on Earth. Time Stone and Reality Stone were being sought by the Dark Elves. That accounted for four on Earth. Power Stone was missing-likely in Earth or Asgardian hands.
Ronan had searched for it before being killed by Thor and an Earth sorcerer. Thanos remembered the sorcerer-a black dragon named Neltharion.
Thanos found it amusing: a dragon living in Earth-Asgard territory, training under the Ancient One. Asgardians weren't known to welcome dragons, especially black ones. Ages ago, a young Odin had expanded his empire, subjugating dragons across the galaxy. Survivors fled.
This dragon disciple was likely a descendant, yet had not been hunted.
Thanos shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Earth had at least four Infinity Stones-Thanos' path was clear. While the Ancient One and Odin were powerful, both had stepped down. Intervention was possible, but this was the perfect opportunity.
Crucially, he had made preparations. He needed time to finalize his theories and experiments.
The Kree? Irrelevant. Unless needed to distract Asgard or Earth, they were unnecessary.
"I hope this succeeds," Thanos murmured, eyes fixed on the data.
Strange readings flickered across the massive display.
His expression froze briefly, then a small smile appeared, slowly widening.
"It seems... that's it..."