Starling Bar.
One of the most renowned establishments in the black market of Knowhere.
Its claim to fame? The legendary cocktail—Crazy Titan.
This drink, crafted from six exotic alien liquors, is said to fill the drinker with boundless energy. But what makes it truly special is the container it's served in—the "Infinite Goblet," a prized collectible with significant value.
Then—
BOOM!
A sudden sonic boom tore through the sky.
Ripples of air spread outward, the atmosphere momentarily distorted, and a powerful gust swept across the marketplace.
At the bar's entrance, the crowd instinctively shielded their faces against the forceful wind. Grimacing, they turned toward the source of the disturbance.
A figure descended from the sky.
Clad in a tight-fitting suit, a flowing cape billowing behind him, the man landed with an impact that shook the ground.
Swish!
Countless eyes turned toward Anton, their gazes filled with a mix of emotions—shock, awe, and unease.
It was undeniable. His presence was overwhelming.
His sheer power radiated confidence, making it clear—this was someone not to be trifled with.
"Please, come in."
A deep, gravelly voice greeted him.
At the entrance stood a towering alien with a rock-like body, humanoid in structure yet clearly otherworldly. His appearance was intimidating, yet his tone surprisingly courteous.
"Much appreciated."
Anton strode inside, his gaze sweeping across the room until he locked onto his target.
The "chance encounter" he was looking for.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"Not for now," Anton replied. "I'm looking for someone."
Across the bar, two pairs of eyes had already locked onto him.
Carol Danvers and Nick Fury.
They stared at the new arrival, then at each other—both wearing expressions of utter disbelief.
Just moments ago, they had been deep in conversation.
Carol scoffed. "I'll say it again—I've never heard of Krypton, and I've never heard of any 'destroyed planet' by that name. If this Superman is as powerful as you claim, then his homeworld shouldn't be some forgotten mystery."
Nick Fury raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying he doesn't exist?"
"I don't know," Carol admitted. "But if you're dead set on believing it, then fine—I'll help you look."
Fury leaned back slightly. "There's something I haven't told you yet."
Carol frowned.
"I just received intel from Earth." His tone turned grave. "The Skrulls—the ones with all their grand ambitions and delusions of conquest—are gone."
Carol's expression shifted instantly.
"You mean—"
"Including Carter, the one who stole your abilities and called himself the 'Super Skrull.'"
"...Carter's dead?"
Fury nodded. "The entire Super Skrull Legion—wiped out. And do you know who did it?"
Carol's eyes narrowed.
"Superman."
Fury continued, his voice unwavering. "He rushed back to Earth in time, and Carter and his legion didn't even stand a chance. He handled them alone."
He paused for a moment before adding, "I have footage."
Without another word, he handed Carol a tablet-like device.
She took it.
Silence.
As the video played, her expression remained unreadable.
She watched Carter—transformed into her exact likeness—lead an army of Skrulls, each mimicking the abilities of Earth's strongest heroes.
And she watched as Superman cut through them effortlessly.
It was undeniable.
The message was clear.
"So that's why you left Earth," she said at last.
Fury said nothing.
Carol exhaled sharply. "Because you believe in the Justice League. You knew this would happen."
A ghost of a smirk played on Fury's lips.
"The one who knows you best," he murmured, "isn't your friend."
He met her gaze.
"It's your enemy."
Nick Fury took a sip of his drink and leaned back slightly.
"Although the Justice League and I aren't exactly hostile, we do have a certain... competitive relationship," he admitted. "Of course, I know I ultimately lost that game, but that doesn't mean I lack confidence when it comes to them—especially Batman."
Carol raised an eyebrow, listening intently.
"They obviously have more information than we do," Fury continued. "And the Skrulls? They were never a mystery to them... That alone proves they've been watching all along."
He swirled the drink in his glass and sighed.
"They were just waiting for the right moment to act. Which means..." He glanced at Carol, his expression knowing.
"They have an ace up their sleeve."
After a brief pause, he shrugged and took another sip.
"And that ace... is Superman."
Carol's eyes narrowed slightly as realization struck.
"That's why you're so sure Superman exists."
Nick Fury simply smirked.
This old friend of hers... he had changed over the years.
He was no longer the reckless young officer she once knew.
Now, he was a master strategist, playing the long game—always ten steps ahead.
Through their conversation just now, Carol finally understood—Nick Fury had left Earth with complete confidence in Superman's existence.
Why?
Because if Superman was anything like the movies described, then the Skrulls' so-called "Super Skrull Army" never stood a chance against him.
Of course, Fury didn't leave without making arrangements.
Before departing, he had ordered a Skrull loyal to him to assume his identity—acting as a warning signal, ensuring that the Men in Black... or Anton, would remain on high alert regarding the Skrulls.
Meanwhile, the Justice League had already begun working on countermeasures against Skrull infiltration.
And as expected—everything was going exactly as Fury had predicted.
Even from light-years away, he had Earth's situation under control.
One move ahead. Three moves planned.
That was the Nick Fury of today.
Crrrreeeeak—
Carol's expression suddenly shifted.
Her instincts screamed a warning.
A powerful presence was rapidly approaching... from several kilometers away.
At the same time, Nick Fury noticed her reaction and followed her gaze to the bar's entrance.
Crrrreeeeak—
The door slowly swung open.
And then—
A tall figure stepped inside.
Broad shoulders. An imposing presence. A quiet confidence that instantly commanded attention.
The entire bar fell silent.
Every eye in the room turned toward the newcomer.
He was clad in a blue, form-fitting suit, a red cape flowing majestically behind him.
A red-and-gold diamond-shaped emblem—the unmistakable S-shield—was emblazoned across his chest.
Nick Fury's breath hitched.
Carol froze.
"This..."
Nick Fury's voice was barely above a whisper, his words tinged with disbelief.
"This guy looks... familiar."
Carol, however, recovered faster.
"Maybe," she said, crossing her arms, "you should shut your mouth."
Nick shot her a sharp look, but she wasn't wrong.
She took a slow breath.
"Because," she said simply, "he's exactly who we were looking for."
The man at the door glanced around the bar before turning his attention outside.
With an almost unnerving level of respect, he spoke a few quiet words to someone unseen beyond the entrance.
Then, he stepped forward.
And locked eyes with them.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of his boots echoed across the hushed bar.
He stopped in front of them, a calm smile on his face.
Then, with a slight nod—
"Carol Danvers. Nick Fury."
His voice was deep. Steady. Unshakable.
"We haven't met before, but I doubt I need an introduction."
Superman's gaze sharpened.
"After all..."
His smile widened slightly.
"You were just talking about me."
…
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