Ebony Maw immediately produced a pitch-black bead. He slammed it to the ground. The moment it shattered, it erupted into massive black flames. These flames soared into the sky, transforming into the form of a phoenix. It was the Dark Phoenix, wielding the Authority of Destruction!
While this was only a fraction of the Dark Phoenix's power, its Authority of Destruction was undeniable. When the Dark Phoenix's full power unleashed, not even Sebastian could stop it.
The Dark Phoenix's power quickly broke through Sebastian's magical seal, creating a rift in the barrier. Simultaneously, the moment the barrier was breached, Victor von Doom's pre-prepared magic erupted. He teleported away, carrying Ebony Maw, Black Dwarf, and Elektra Natchios with him.
As Sebastian attempted to stop them, the newly broken Dark Phoenix power split into four portions. It poured into the bodies of the four strongest Hand ninjas, significantly increasing their strength. The four ninjas coordinated their attack perfectly, assaulting Sebastian together.
Impeded by these four enhanced warriors, Sebastian lost his best opportunity to intercept Doctor Doom and his allies. Furious, he held his wand high and slashed downward with tremendous force. Immediately, a multitude of irregular black ice spikes erupted from Sebastian's feet. They rapidly expanded outward.
Although the four ninjas continuously used various ninjutsu techniques and the Authority of the Dark Phoenix to resist, Sebastian's magic was the Curse of Flesh and Thorns. It was the highest level of dark magic recorded in the Darkhold. Its power was self-evident. When the magic ceased, the four Hand ninjas had transformed into bloody figures, impaled on those pitch-black ice crystal thorns.
With a flick of his wand, Sebastian walked out of the chamber. He observed the super criminals outside who had either escaped or been captured. He then went directly to Namor and Black Bolt.
Glancing at the Inhuman criminals from the splinter group who had been fitted with ability-binding devices by Black Bolt and his team, Sebastian immediately asked Black Bolt, "Have all the Inhumans here been captured?"
Shaking his head, Black Bolt remained silent. The voice synthesizer installed in his body spoke to Sebastian in an electronic voice, "Raina has the ability to predict the future. That is why, the moment the seal was lifted, before anyone could react, she had already escaped with the four Inhumans protecting her. Therefore, we only captured Jiaying, the leader of this splinter Inhuman faction."
Following Black Bolt's guidance, Sebastian saw Daisy watching her mother being taken away. Medusa and Carol were comforting her.
Sebastian said nothing more. He gestured to Namor and Black Bolt, then approached the utterly exhausted Steve. With a slight wave of his wand, white healing light spread out. It instantly healed Steve's body and the injuries of the nearby wounded heroes.
"Thank you, Sebastian."
"It is nothing.
Although we destroyed most of the Shadow Council this time, some people, including Victor von Doom and Elektra Natchios, escaped when the seal was broken just now. If there are any targets that need attention, we in the Illuminati will keep an eye on them in the future."
After hearing Sebastian's words, Steve immediately said, "There are indeed such people. There are three individuals in total who need extra attention.
The first is the Green Goblin. He is very cunning and has obviously been prepared for a long time. Although we all know that he is most likely Norman Osborn, we have no evidence. We cannot really arrest him outside the crime scene.
The second is Raina from the Inhumans. You should have heard what Black Bolt said about that woman, right? Her ability is difficult to deal with, and it may not be easy for us to catch her.
As for the third one, he is a new threat. He is a symbiote, but not an ordinary symbiote. He was created from the Life Foundation symbiotes a few years ago. The symbiotes Venom and Scream are now members of the Ultimate Avengers, but the other three—Riot, Phage, and Lasher—were stolen during the events of Civil War.
This time, they reappear merged into one entity called Hybrid. This merged symbiote is now inhabiting an Inhuman criminal host. Their power rivals even Thor's, so I think our next priority is finding this newly merged Hybrid symbiote!"
Sebastian nodded in understanding. "Okay, I understand. We in the Illuminati will also be keeping an eye on these three targets. If we discover them and can apprehend them, we will act. However, if that is not feasible, we will notify you and request assistance."
Steve extended his hand and shook Sebastian's firmly. "Thank you very much," he said. "I hope the cooperation between the Avengers and the Illuminati will be a pleasant one, even though Tony and Thor have become members of the Illuminati alongside you."
Even Sebastian felt a little embarrassed by Steve's words.
When the Avengers were first formed, Sebastian, Tony, Thor, and Steve could be considered the Big Four. They were the true veterans of the veterans. Natasha, Hawkeye, and the Hulk were also veterans, but they were not as close-knit as these four. Now, even counting Natasha and the other veterans, only four of them remained active. Three of the Big Four had formed and joined the Illuminati, while one had gone into seclusion, withdrawing from worldly affairs.
Naturally, Sebastian could imagine the regret and awkwardness Steve felt at that moment.
"Steve, some things happened, and they are gone. We cannot reverse time and change those things. We can only accept who we are now.
Besides, even if we are no longer teammates in the same organization, we are still friends. As long as the Avengers and the Illuminati have a good relationship, we can continue to work together, right?"
"Yes, Sebastian, you are right. Let us continue our cooperation in a new way."
"That is natural!"
If I were still alive at that time!
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