The command ship pierced through the portal like a spear tip through fabric.
Massive and angular, it drifted forward with unnatural grace, its surface forged of alien alloy that shimmered with an ominous violet hue. Dozens of panels shifted in concert, opening and closing like gills, expelling bursts of energy vapor into the upper atmosphere. Its form eclipsed the sun, casting the heart of Manhattan in a sickly twilight. Beneath it, anti-gravity engines churned to life, their low, vibrating growl resonating through buildings like the first tremor of an earthquake.
Alexander stood amid the smoldering wreckage of the leviathan he'd just slain, his breath shallow, muscles burning. Smoke curled around him, the scent of scorched metal and ozone clinging to the air. The shadows clung to his armor like reluctant flames, flickering with each unsteady breath he took. But his eyes were locked above, watching the ship descend.
This wasn't just a transport.
This was declaration.
"This is war," Alexander murmured.
As if to confirm his words, the ship's underbelly began to shift. Claw-like extensions unfolded like the legs of an insect, hissing hydraulics accompanying the movement. A hatch at the center of the hull slowly opened, revealing a hangar glowing with arcane runes and lined with ranks of dormant weapons.
Above him, Tony Stark zipped across the skyline, his armor scorched and sputtering. "That's not a carrier," he muttered. "That's a throne."
Down below, Captain America stood behind an overturned bus, shield raised. His uniform was streaked with dirt and ash, but his stance remained resolute. "If it lands, we lose New York," he said into the comms. "We lose everything."
Natasha's voice came in sharp. "They're already forming a perimeter around Stark Tower. The Chitauri are regrouping."
"They're protecting the anchor points," Clint added. He fired an explosive arrow into a swarm of Chitauri drones streaking across the sky. "It's setting up to lock this city down."
Alexander took a step forward, then another. His armor re-formed over his scorched arm, the shadows responding to his will. Two spears of void energy formed in his hands, humming with unstable power.
He sprinted, then launched himself into the air.
The sky bent around him as he vanished into shadow mid-leap, reappearing in a blur just beneath the flagship. He landed with a crunch against a glowing node beneath the vessel's spine—a massive anchor port already crackling with tether energy.
Blasters ignited around him.
Chitauri turrets, mounted on automated gyros, swiveled to lock onto his presence. He launched one of his spears, piercing through the nearest turret with deadly precision. The second followed, exploding against the node with a shower of sparks.
Below, the Chitauri screamed and converged like ants swarming from a hive.
Tony flew lower, his HUD flickering. "JARVIS, tell me that wasn't decorative."
"Negative, sir. That was one of five anchor points. But I must warn you—the ship is drawing power directly from the portal."
Alexander clung to the hull, panting. He could feel it—something dark pulsing through the ship. Not just alien power. Ancient.
And then, it spoke.
"You challenge the arrival. You delay the inevitable."
The voice wasn't heard through sound, but through thought. It slammed into Alexander's mind with such force he nearly slipped. The same pressure as before—like standing beneath a collapsing sky.
Another anchor dropped from the ship's belly, streaking toward Grand Central Station.
On the street, Steve raised his shield. "All SHIELD units—move! Intercept that anchor! Now!"
Natasha revved a commandeered motorcycle and tore down the avenue. Behind her, SHIELD agents poured out of armored trucks, setting up perimeter defenses with makeshift barricades.
The city roared to life. Helicopters circled. Police redirected civilians. Explosions echoed.
In the sky, the ship's central structure began to shift again.
A massive circular platform extended outward from the open hangar. Its surface glowed with ritualistic carvings and power conduits. The Chitauri ceased their attack for a moment, forming ranks around the perimeter.
And then a figure stepped forward.
It was tall. Armored in silver and violet. Its helmet bore a vertical crest, and its presence silenced the battlefield. The entity held a staff, its tip glowing with crackling energy.
Alexander, still hanging beneath the ship, stared up.
The figure pointed its staff directly at him.
And fired.
End of Chapter 78
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️