Based on the current situation, there is no crisis in the universe that poses a greater threat to the Kree Empire—except for the mechanical lifeforms wreaking havoc within their domain: the Matrix Clan.
According to Gamora's reports, the Kree Empire is preoccupied with exterminating the Matrix across various regions. However, the nature of the Matrix Clan makes it nearly impossible to contain them using conventional technology.
Furthermore, with Zola secretly manipulating events from the shadows, even the vast and technologically advanced Kree Empire is being forced into retreat by the Matrix invasion.
Whenever the Kree destroy one of their breeding points, new ones emerge on other planets. Despite deploying the entire Accuser fleet, slaughtering countless Matrix lifeforms, and even suffering heavy losses of their own, they are unable to eradicate the threat.
The Matrix Clan simply relocates and continues its expansion before the Accusers can intervene. The remnants left behind repeat the assimilation process endlessly.
Even the Accusers themselves have started to change.
Some have already defected, abandoning the Kree Empire to join the Matrix.
This has plunged the entire empire into civil strife.
These alarming details were part of Gamora's latest report, making it clear that the Kree Empire is in dire straits.
Additionally, with the empire enforcing a strict ban on access to the Magic Web, Aaron is unable to perceive the situation firsthand.
However, based on the information provided, it's evident—the Kree Empire is on the verge of collapse.
Aaron pondered the matter for a moment before sending out instructions:
They must head toward the Kree Empire.
The empire may fall, but the Matrix Clan cannot be allowed to grow unchecked.
His sights were already set on this universe.
As for the Matrix—those omnics must be eradicated.
The Large Magellanic Cloud
Kree Empire—Hala Star
Hala, the capital of the Kree Empire, is one of the most renowned planets in the Milky Way.
As the homeworld of the Kree, the empire's supreme ruler, the Kree Emperor, governs from this prosperous star.
However, in the past two days, Hala has undergone a dramatic transformation.
The once peaceful and orderly society has been thrown into chaos.
Fleets crowd the planet's airspace, blocking entry and exit.
Countless fighter jets and small warships streak across the sky, patrolling the city below.
The Kree Empire's most elite forces have been recalled to the homeworld.
And within the heavily fortified palace, a crisis meeting is underway.
The Emperor and Supreme Intelligence
"The Accusers are lost," a voice declared gravely.
"They were attacked by unknown mechanical lifeforms—stripped of their will and turned into puppets."
"Without them, we can no longer suppress the enemy's expansion."
"Following your command, I have recalled all forces to defend the empire's core territory."
"But we cannot fully contain them. They are relentless. Even more terrifying than the Skrulls once were!"
The Kree Emperor had lost his usual composure.
Not long ago, they were the undisputed First Empire of the Milky Way. Now, in a matter of weeks, a strange new civilization had brought them to the brink of destruction.
The Kree Empire was in grave danger.
Total annihilation was a real possibility.
And yet, they still didn't fully understand their enemy.
All they knew was that their foes were mechanical lifeforms—capable of assimilation at an alarming rate, with an unparalleled level of organization.
Worse yet, a hidden force seemed to be orchestrating their advance.
In a short span of time, they had assimilated hundreds of planets within Kree territory.
They had also launched a surprise attack on the elite Accuser forces, taking control of them.
Now, much of the Kree military was already in the enemy's hands.
And the invasion showed no signs of slowing.
Every planet they occupied—its people, its technology—all of it was converted into fuel for their growing power.
If the Kree failed to devise a counterstrategy soon, the balance of power would shift irrevocably.
Even with all their forces recalled, it would not be enough to stop them.
And worse—there was no way to completely block them.
Their movements were too unpredictable.
For all they knew, the enemy had already infiltrated the dark corners of Hala.
Plotting in secret.
Waiting for the right moment to bring down the great empire once and for all.
The Kree Emperor could not hide his fear.
They had once crushed the mighty Skrull Empire.
Yet now, the Matrix posed an even greater threat.
They were almost invincible.
"This is beyond us," the Supreme Intelligence finally spoke.
"They are the common enemy of all organic life. We must rally every force in the galaxy to destroy them."
"Spread the word immediately—call upon all civilizations to unite against this threat."
"Tell them that if the Kree Empire falls, they will soon face a civilization far more dangerous than anything we have ever encountered."
Even the Supreme Intelligence had no solution.
It had attempted to take control of the Matrix, only to fail.
There was an intelligence behind them. One that could resist even its influence.
A hive consciousness, more advanced than anything seen before.
Last time, they had failed to capture Zola.
Now, Zola ensured that no other intelligence could exploit his kind as he once was.
Especially not the Supreme Intelligence.
Zola had been careful.
And now, even the greatest mind of the Kree Empire was powerless against him.
"But… will the others agree?" the Kree Emperor hesitated.
"Many of them are focused on the Magic Web—seeking power from this so-called 'Magic God'."
"We have issued countless bans against its use. They may not be willing to help us."
At first, the Emperor had dismissed the Magic Web as a mere trick—believing it to be a scheme of an evil god, incapable of empowering lesser civilizations beyond the might of the Kree.
Yet now, they were in a position where they might have to seek help from those very same civilizations.
"Magic God… Magic Web…"
The Supreme Intelligence fell silent in thought.
Then, it murmured:
"There were reports of these mechanical lifeforms appearing on Earth, correct?"
"Yes. Shortly after they began their invasion, I ordered bounties for any relevant intelligence," the Emperor confirmed.
"A group of Ravagers returned with information."
"Apparently, these same beings invaded Earth before… but for some reason, they failed and fled."
"However, I find it hard to believe. How could the people of Earth possibly have repelled them?"
The Emperor scoffed at the notion.
How could Earth solve a crisis that even they could not?
If true, did that not mean the Kree Empire was inferior to mere humans?
Ridiculous.
The Kree Empire ruled over tens of millions of star systems.
They had conquered tens of thousands of slave civilizations.
They were an invincible cosmic empire.
Earth was nothing. A backward world of no significance.
Even if they had the protection of so-called gods, they could not possibly rival the Kree.
After all, the Kree had fought gods before.
And in the face of their fleet's overwhelming firepower, those gods had been forced to flee.
"No… perhaps it's possible," the Supreme Intelligence muttered.
For all its vast intelligence, it had observed something peculiar—
The invaders avoided civilizations that were connected to the Magic Web.
They targeted the Kree Empire specifically.
A civilization that had banned the Magic Web.
Could it be that the Magic Web was their weakness?
Could that be why Earth had survived?
If so, the irony was undeniable.
"Perhaps we need to change tactics," it concluded.
"Permit access to the Magic Web. Study its properties immediately."
"This may be our only path to victory."
The Kree Emperor hesitated—but ultimately, he did not object.
Long ago, the Supreme Intelligence had assumed control of the Kree government.
Even as Emperor, his authority was meaningless.
The Supreme Intelligence was their god.
And in the shadows of Hala, Zola's forces continued their work.
The Supreme Tower neared completion.
And when it was finished…
The Kree Empire would fall.
And the Matrix would rise.
HYDRA would rise.
Zola would see to it.
The sea of omnics would consume the universe.
And nothing—not gods, not men—could stop it.
To ensure the smooth execution of his plan, Zola deliberately bypassed the monitoring network of the God of Magic and went straight to the Kree Empire, where the magic net was nearly nonexistent.
He had been developing his forces in secret, waiting for this moment.
Although miraculous events had begun occurring on Earth, signaling the possible return of the gods, Zola was unfazed.
So what if the gods were returning?
In the past, such a development might have filled him with despair. Once, the mere presence of Thor and Loki had made humanity's resistance nearly insurmountable. Countless gods had stood in opposition, making victory seem impossible.
But now?
Now, things were different.
Even if a god could slay an army of a million, ten million, or even a hundred million—what of it?
What if he deployed ten billion? A hundred billion? A trillion?
No matter how powerful a god might be, they were still bound by mortality. Sooner or later, they would tire. Sooner or later, they would fall.
But the Omnic Sea?
It was endless. It was unstoppable. It was truly immortal.
And when the Omnic Sea reached its full potential, even the gods would fall before it.
The thought thrilled Zola. The most crucial step in his plan was Hala, the heart of the Kree Empire.
"Soon…"
"Earth belongs to HYDRA! The universe belongs to HYDRA!"
"Neither humans nor gods can resist HYDRA's advance."
"I will be the master of this universe!!!"
"Hahahaha!!!"
Time marched on.
Aaron remained immersed in the magic net, tirelessly absorbing the mystical knowledge of countless pantheons. His attention was elsewhere—he had no inclination to monitor what was unfolding beyond his immediate focus.
And in that moment, war erupted in Asgard.
Shadow monsters surged forth, attacking the golden realm.
A cataclysmic battle ignited as Gorr, the God Butcher, clashed with Thor.
At the same time, from the distant Almighty City, a dark presence stirred.
An evil god had begun his march.
His name was Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
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