In a vast underground facility located in another dimension, a group of scientists bustled about with anxious expressions on their faces, their hands deftly operating an array of sophisticated instruments, each movement betraying the immense pressure of their task. At the heart of their attention stood a remarkable device cradling a fist-sized blue cubic crystal, its surface radiating a breathtaking interplay of light that shimmered like a constellation of stars trapped within a boundless ocean, captivating anyone who dared to gaze upon it for too long.
Two men approached the scene with stern, purposeful expressions, their presence commanding immediate respect in the tense atmosphere of the base. One was bald, an eye patch positioned at a slight angle across his face, dressed in a sleek black trench coat that exuded an aura of unyielding authority and sharp intellect. The other, sporting short-cropped hair and a muscular, well-proportioned physique, carried a gun holster strapped securely to his thigh, his every step radiating the readiness of a seasoned operative prepared for any challenge.
"Boss, nobody has tampered with the Cosmic Cube, and if there's an issue, it's certainly not originating from our side," the short-haired man declared with a steady, confident voice, his eyes fixed on his superior as he delivered his report.
"Our side?" the man with the eye patch responded, his brow furrowing slightly as he absorbed the implication, his sharp mind already piecing together the potential ramifications of the statement.
"Indeed, the Cosmic Cube functions as a gateway, doesn't it? Which means, in all likelihood, it can be activated from either end," the short-haired man elaborated, nodding slightly to emphasize his point, his tone carrying the weight of logical deduction.
No sooner had he spoken than a sudden vortex-like distortion materialized in the air, its swirling form instantly capturing the attention of everyone present in the bustling facility. Several guards stationed nearby reacted with lightning-fast precision, raising their assault rifles and training them on the vortex's center, their fingers poised on the triggers. Then, to the astonishment of all, a figure tumbled out from the spatial rift—a man with a long sword sheathed at his waist, clad in modern casual attire that appeared slightly soiled, bearing the marks of recent struggles.
Alex shook his head to clear the disorientation from his journey through the vortex, the very escape he had anticipated and relied upon to flee the deadly confines of Silverlight Tower, his fifth traversal across dimensions landing him in this unfamiliar yet intriguing place. As his senses sharpened, he found himself staring into the barrels of multiple rifles, their cold metal glinting under the harsh lights of the base.
Caught off guard, Alex swiftly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, his voice calm yet tinged with urgency as he addressed the armed figures before him. "Everyone, please don't shoot—let's discuss this calmly and sort things out."
Confusion swirled within Alex's mind as he took in his surroundings, his eyes quickly locking onto the glowing Cosmic Cube not far away, its iconic presence sparking a realization about the dimension he had entered.
"Hey, sir, where do you hail from?" Nick Fury inquired, his gaze scrutinizing Alex's Earth-like clothing with a blend of curiosity and wariness, his authoritative tone tempered by a willingness to engage in dialogue. Could this be an invader from beyond the stars? Regardless, the stranger's apparent readiness to negotiate prompted Fury to hold off on immediate action.
Noticing Alex's raised hands, Fury privately assessed that the newcomer's combat prowess might be limited, a thought that eased his immediate concerns, though his vigilance remained steadfast, honed by years of navigating perilous situations.
"I'm from Earth—have you heard of it?" Alex responded, his tone deliberately casual as he surveyed the room, his eyes lingering on the Cosmic Cube, its radiant glow confirming his suspicions about this world. He pressed further, his curiosity piqued. "If I may ask, where exactly am I right now?"
"You're on Earth," the short-haired man, Hawkeye, replied, his eyes narrowing as they settled on the sword at Alex's waist, a hint of amusement in his voice. "For someone from Earth, that weapon of yours is quite old-fashioned, isn't it?"
Alex suppressed a wry retort—old-fashioned? Your bow and arrow aren't exactly modern tech—but before he could voice his thoughts, the Cosmic Cube shuddered violently, its pulsations drawing every gaze in the room with an almost magnetic pull.
A dazzling blue beam erupted from the cube, tearing open a spatial rift in the void, its brilliance momentarily blinding the onlookers. As the light gradually dissipated, a figure emerged from the portal—a striking man with sharp, handsome features, clutching a blade-shaped scepter that gleamed with an eerie power, his arrival clearly facilitated by the Cosmic Cube's energy.
Alex's heart raced as recognition dawned—this was Loki, the Asgardian trickster, his presence confirming the Marvel dimension beyond any doubt. The implications of his arrival sent a thrill of both excitement and apprehension through Alex's mind.
The guards swiftly redirected their rifles toward the newcomer, and Nick Fury's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Sir, please put down your spear."
Loki glanced down at the scepter, its embedded Mind Gem glinting ominously, and a faint frown crossed his face, as if the term "spear" were an insult to the artifact's grandeur. Without warning, he launched his attack.
Boom!
As a sorcerer of Asgard, Loki raised his hand, unleashing a powerful magical shockwave that ignited the battle, its force rippling through the air with devastating intent. The guards responded instantly, their rifles roaring as a hail of bullets poured toward Loki, the sound of gunfire echoing through the cavernous base.
Yet Loki's body, forged by his Frost Giant lineage, proved impervious, the bullets striking his skin—even his face—without leaving so much as a scratch, their impacts as futile as rain against stone.
Alex watched, his eyes widening with a mixture of awe and ambition, his mind racing with possibilities. Loki's physical resilience was extraordinary, but what of Thor, the warrior capable of clashing with the Hulk in brutal hand-to-hand combat? The bloodlines of Frost Giants and Asgardians promised not only immense strength but also a vastly extended lifespan, a prospect that ignited a spark of desire in Alex's heart—could he copy such a bloodline with his abilities?
The skirmish ended swiftly, Loki dispatching the guards with effortless precision, their weapons no match for his Asgardian might, the battle lasting mere moments before silence fell. His piercing gaze then turned to Alex, who had remained motionless, deliberately avoiding the conflict to gauge the situation.
"Well, I said I'm just passing through—do you believe me?" Alex asked, meeting Loki's eyes with a wry, almost playful smile, his tone light despite the tension.
Loki's lips curled into a sly, malevolent grin, unimpressed by the human's attempt at humor, and with a casual raise of his hand, he unleashed a magical shockwave toward Alex, dismissing him as another insignificant mortal to be swept aside.
Block!
Alex's resolve hardened as he drew the Peerless Sword, swiftly positioning it across his chest, his Block skill activating with a faint shimmer of energy. Loki's shockwave struck the blade, but the attack dissipated harmlessly, leaving Alex unscathed, his stance unwavering in the face of the Asgardian's power.