Earth. Robert arrived here with Silver Surfer, Galactus, Carol, and Amy. However, instead of taking everyone directly to the New Earth, Robert first intended to let Carol understand the events that had unfolded on Earth over the years.
Of course, Carol didn't really have the opportunity to live a normal life on Earth anymore. Her identity had long since been exposed alongside the Kent and Danvers families' records.
Officially, Carol was considered a missing person, even listed among the deceased. But if she were to appear publicly, with current surveillance technology, her identity could be confirmed almost instantly.
If Carol still possessed her extraordinary abilities, she wouldn't have to worry about being targeted. With her strength, she could handle anything. But now, Carol had lost her powers and was an ordinary person.
While her combat experience might allow her to deal with average people, she wouldn't necessarily be able to withstand an attack by a group of well-trained soldiers.
Let alone the fact that the number of super-soldiers had proliferated. In many official organizations, super-soldiers could only serve as squad leaders.
In other words, any random super-soldier team could easily capture Carol.
Thus, until she regained her abilities, Carol couldn't remain in human society. As a result, Robert brought her to the Avengers' base to show her the changes Earth had undergone in her absence.
"I used to think the Skrulls were invincible. I never imagined Earthlings could rival them!" Amy exclaimed after watching a series of videos and understanding the Avengers' current situation.
"Every civilization has selfish individuals. In a way, I valued the Skrulls and helped them rebuild their homeland because they lacked selfishness in their internal hierarchy and affairs," Carol said softly, shaking her head.
"Of course, they aren't selfish—they share memories. There are no secrets among them. How could they harbor resentment or selfish thoughts?" Amy retorted, immediately criticizing the Skrulls upon hearing Carol's words.
Amy acknowledged that Earth had people as noble as the Skrulls but refused to admit any virtues in the Skrulls, even when Carol pointed them out.
"I'm not defending the Skrulls; I'm simply stating facts," Carol sighed and looked at Amy helplessly. "That's precisely why the Skrulls are so eager to disrupt other civilizations and infiltrate them—to experience lives they can't have in their own society."
"By impersonating others, they can think and live in ways completely different from their Skrull identity," Carol added.
"Forget the Skrulls; thinking about them makes me sick!" Amy turned to Robert and asked, "Robert, with your power, ruling Earth would be easy. If you governed Earth, wouldn't these problems be resolved? Why don't you do it?"
In Amy's view, every advanced interstellar empire had a ruling class, like the Shi'ar Empire, where the Shi'ar people maintained dominance.
Amy couldn't understand why someone as powerful as Robert wouldn't establish control over a relatively underdeveloped civilization like Earth's.
Earth's technology wasn't backward, but the lack of global unity made true development impossible.
"If Earth were ruled, would it still be Earth?" Robert replied with a smile, answering her question with another question. Amy was left bewildered.
Despite their power, neither Robert, the Avengers, nor Clark had any desire to become rulers. They all understood that power wasn't easy to wield and that not everyone would accept being ruled.
Even when the Avengers' influence was at its peak, official institutions sought opportunities to undermine them. If the Avengers had ruled Earth, resistance from all corners of the globe would have grown even stronger.
Unless the Avengers became a purely authoritarian organization, abandoning their principles, grassroots resistance would never cease.
But if they changed their principles, would they still be the Avengers?
Thus, the idea of ruling Earth had never crossed their minds. After being publicly denounced, the Avengers simply shifted to operating in the shadows, tired of the constant scrutiny.
This approach allowed them to relax and respect others' choices and destinies more.
"It seems Earth is quite different," Amy remarked, intrigued.
"You can explore Earth with Galactus and Silver Surfer," Robert suggested, pointing at the two. "They're traveling around and can show you some excellent cuisine."
"Really? I'd love to try that!" Amy's eyes lit up as she eagerly turned to Galactus and Silver Surfer.
Amy understood why she was allowed on Earth—her connection with Carol ensured Robert and the Shi'ar Empire remained on good terms.
Naturally, Amy wanted to build a closer bond with Galactus and Silver Surfer, two powerful individuals.
"Sure, I recently found a great place to eat, much better than most Shi'ar dishes. Let's go!" Galactus readily agreed and set off without hesitation.
To Galactus, Amy's motives didn't matter. She just wanted a dining companion. While Robert was her preferred choice, he wouldn't join her culinary adventures, and Silver Surfer didn't eat. Having Amy accompany her was enjoyable.
As Galactus, Silver Surfer, and Amy vanished, Carol turned to Robert and asked, "What else do you need to tell me?"
"Ah, you figured it out?" Robert feigned surprise before smiling. "The video left out one detail. We found an artificial planet almost identical to Earth..."
"Given Earth's current environment, our families and the Avengers' loved ones can't stay here. Everyone has moved to New Earth."
"During a gathering, Mrs. Danvers mentioned you, reminding me of what happened when the Skrulls ambushed you. That's why I found you," Robert explained.
"I see," Carol said softly, a hint of longing in her eyes. "When I still had my powers, I was so busy maintaining peace among various civilizations that I didn't think much about home or family. But after losing my abilities and spending so much time with Amy, I've been constantly thinking about them."
"Maybe it's because I have nothing else to do?"
"Or maybe it's been too long. Come, I'll take you there," Robert said, placing a hand on her shoulder. The two vanished instantly.
Moments later, a fiery portal appeared at the Avengers' base. Constantine stepped out, looking around.
"Robert? I thought he came back?" Constantine muttered, then yelled impatiently, "Night Wolf! Where are you? Didn't you say Robert returned?"
"He did… Wait, he's gone again?" Night Wolf replied, confused.
Constantine had come for Doom. While he wasn't asking Robert to help capture the dimensional lords, he wanted him to oversee Doom's deal with Mephisto, knowing how treacherous Mephisto could be.
Constantine didn't want to appear too concerned, so he had planned to subtly hint at the situation, hoping Robert would stumble upon it on his own.
For all his bravado, Constantine's hidden camaraderie with Doom was undeniable. Even if he wouldn't admit it outright, his actions betrayed his intentions.
After all, Doom's recent experiences were too miserable to ignore.
Doom had ventured into the dimensions, facing life-or-death battles and relentless foes. Despite his efforts, he had captured only five dimensional lords, falling short of his goal of ten.
Dimensional lords, even the weakest, had home-field advantages, and Doom wasn't overwhelmingly stronger than them. He bore countless injuries, even to his soul, yet his mission remained incomplete.
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