The two wrestled once more, but with the addition of the symbiotes, the style of combat shifted dramatically.
The most significant change was in Captain America. Unlike Loki, who possessed inherently divine physical attributes, Steve Rogers ,even with the Super Soldier Serum—was merely at the peak of human potential. He previously lacked the means to confront a superhuman monster like Loki head-on. Now, bonded with Anti-Venom, his physical status finally transcended the human category.
The symbiote on his body morphed into tendrils, pulling his shield back to him while the white viscous fluid spread over the metal, turning it white as well. Captain America was a master of almost every fighting style; his close-quarters combat skills far surpassed Loki's. Previously, the gap couldn't be closed by skill alone, but now, reinforced by the symbiote, he could at least hold his own and stall for time.
However, Loki was also empowered. Because symbiotes replicate their hosts' traits, the Riot symbiote on Loki quickly copied his Asgardian abilities, vastly enhancing both his physical strength and his sorcery. Captain America was soon pushed to the brink of defeat.
BOOM!
A black silhouette smashed through a distant wall and lunged at Loki! Unlike the others where the host remained in control, this figure was entirely dominated by the symbiote, encased in a thick layer of black slime. This was Eddie Brock, who had been at death's door after Loki pierced his chest. In this parallel universe, he still bonded with Venom.
Having nearly been killed, Eddie (through Venom) roared at Loki: "You son of a bitch, I'm going to kill you!"
The three clashed. The symbiote bonds turned them into three "Mini-Hulks," systematically destroying the surroundings. The ground shattered, and buildings were torn like paper. Just as the tide seemed to turn in favor of SHIELD, a figure descended from the sky.
Captain America looked curiously at Black Widow, who was now encased in a reddish-gold symbiote. "How did you end up like this?"
"Same as you!" Black Widow replied, charging toward Loki.
Under the combined assault of three symbiote hosts, Loki finally buckled. He was beaten to the ground, and Riot was forcibly stripped from him. Looking at the three standing over him, Loki raised his hands. "Alright, alright... I surrender!"
Cap and Black Widow stopped, but Venom wanted to keep attacking until the other two held him back. Just as they prepared to bind both the symbiote and the god, the sound of leisurely, unhurried footsteps echoed behind them.
A white-haired man with blue eyes approached slowly. Looking at the three symbiote-clad figures, a brilliant, predatory grin split his face. "Gentlemen, could you give that scepter to me?"
The scene fell into a deafening silence. Everyone recognized the newcomer: the strongest Level 5 mutant—the White Demon! Why was he here?!
Every person present grew solemn. They understood the terror of the White Demon. Even in their symbiote suits, they didn't believe they could defeat him. Captain America and Black Widow frantically searched for a way out, but they realized with despair that against such absolute power, there was no counterplay.
They could fight Loki, but they had no desire to fight the White Demon. They weren't even in the same dimension of power!
Suddenly, Venom let out a massive roar and lunged at Aurelius Viremont. "Eddie, this man's brain smells delicious! I want to eat him!"
As Venom leaped, Eddie Brock's voice echoed from within—a helpless scream filled with despair and terror: "No, no, no! Stop! That's the White Demon!"
But the newly bonded Venom didn't know who the White Demon was, nor did he understand what that name meant on Earth. He charged bravely!
Watching the "big guy" rushing toward him, Aurelius Viremont's smile widened. He pointed his index finger toward the oncoming Venom. At his fingertip, a black-red singularity formed instantly.
Cursed Technique Reversal: Red!
Just as Venom reached him, the horrific singularity erupted like a fallen star. Because of his Six Eyes upgrade, Aurelius Viremont could focus the entirety of the repulsive force onto Venom's body. The impact sent Venom flying, grinding his bones and flesh into powder in mid-air. He smashed through wall after wall until he vanished over the horizon.
Having casually dealt with Venom, Aurelius Viremont walked toward the Mind Scepter lying quietly on the ground. The first Infinity Stone was within his grasp. He picked it up, gripped the top of the scepter, and exerted force.
Flickers of black-red lightning appeared in his palm. Despite the massive repulsive pressure, the scepter remained intact. Aurelius Viremont frowned slightly, then manifested a pea-sized "Purple" singularity in his hand.
The scepter could no longer resist an attack capable of cutting through space. It was annihilated into nothingness, leaving only a brilliant yellow gem resting in Aurelius Viremont's palm.
[Mind Stone]
Upon direct contact, a massive amount of pure energy flooded Aurelius Viremont's body. Countless hallucinations tried to manifest in his mind, but the moment they attempted to influence him, they were blocked by the system. Not even a Primordial Stone could affect Aurelius Viremont's soul!
Aurelius Viremont nodded with satisfaction. Just as he thought, the Mind Stone couldn't touch his spirit, rendering its psychic properties useless against him. This made the Mind Stone the easiest of the six for him to absorb as a pure energy source.
The system chimes began to ring incessantly, his panel screen-buffering with notifications:
Energy Points +1
Energy Points +1...
In moments, Aurelius Viremont gained a sea of energy points. He poured them all into his template.
Template Integration: 79%!
....
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