---
In the infinite space between universes—where reality flickered like fragile glass—three massive, radiant eyes opened.
The Living Tribunal had awoken.
> "The balance is shifting. A mortal anomaly now rivals the total power of cosmic law."
The Tribunal's three faces—Equity, Vengeance, and Necessity—spoke in unified thought.
> "His growth is unnatural. Limitless. Unbound. A threat not by action… but by potential."
A fourth presence entered—golden and glowing, its body formed of stardust and flame.
A Celestial. Arishem the Judge.
> "We watched Earth's chaos long enough. But this… Ron… he is not born of this timeline. Not even of this universe."
> "Shall we destroy him now?" the Tribunal asked.
Arishem paused.
> "No. We observe. For now."
---
Back on Earth…
Ron stared at the skyline from his tower's apex, arms crossed as the wind rippled his coat. His mind buzzed—not from fear—but from calculation.
> [System Update: Celestial Awareness Detected.]
[System Self-Preservation Protocol: Active.]
[Doubling Effect: Continues Uninterrupted.]
> [Stat Sync: Power – Unknown | Speed – Undefined | Presence – Absolute.]
[New Passive: Dimensional Resistance Acquired.]
"I'm being watched," Ron muttered. "By entities far beyond the gods of this world."
Beside him, Aria, the first summon, knelt. "Shall we prepare for war, Supreme One?"
"No," Ron said calmly. "If they fear me, they'll make mistakes. Let them watch. I'll give them something worth fearing."
He turned to Aria. "What about the army?"
"Over 4.2 million loyal summons now populate your shadow realm. Each double in strength and loyalty every second."
Ron's eyes glowed with soft white flame. "Then it's time I start shaping the Earth to my vision."
---
Elsewhere – Avengers Tower
Tony Stark's holograms glitched as he tried to track Ron's data signature.
"JARVIS. What the hell is this feedback loop?"
> "Sir, Ron's presence is generating more energy than the arc reactor could in ten thousand lifetimes. He's evolving faster than any supercomputer can process."
Bruce Banner leaned forward. "He's not a mutation. He's… becoming something we don't have a word for yet."
Steve Rogers stood silently. "Do we stop him?"
"No," said Tony. "We talk to him. Before someone else decides to push him."
---
In the Sanctum Sanctorum
Doctor Strange stood before an ancient mirror—the Time Veil—watching Ron's every action.
"He's not unhinged," Strange murmured, more to himself. "He's calculating. Controlled. Dangerous… but not evil."
Wong appeared. "Then why are the Celestials stirring?"
"Because they fear what comes next."
---
Night – Ron's Tower
Natasha approached silently, her steps light, but Ron already knew she was there.
"You feel it too, don't you?" he asked.
Natasha nodded. "Something's watching."
"They all are."
She reached out, touching his back gently. "You're not alone, Ron. If they come… I'll fight with you."
He looked over his shoulder, eyes softening for just a moment. "Then let them come."
The stars above flickered.
Because far beyond them… the gods were afraid.
---