Within Hawk's cosmos, the flames of the Phoenix subsided.
In their place bloomed a radiance so brilliant it illuminated the entire inner universe.
Amidst the shifting constellations, a golden armor took form—shaped like the eternal bird of rebirth itself.
The Phoenix Cloth.
Its brilliance rivaled that of the Gold Saints, though it was not one. Its luster came from the vibranium used in its forging—the metal's natural golden hue making it shine like the legends of myth.
In truth, it was still a Bronze Cloth.
But in this universe, it was no mere decoration.
For Hawk, its power would be unparalleled.
On the plains outside Wakanda, the Demon Hulk, towering like a mountain, sneered up at the airborne Hawk.
And then came Mephisto's voice, drifting like poisoned whispers from the depths of hell.
"The game begins. Win against my toy, and your sister lives in peace. Fail… and join me in my hell."
Hawk's gaze sharpened. "I'll see you in Hell, Mephisto. And when I do, it will be on my terms."
His cosmos surged.
The stars within him aligned, projecting through the Phoenix constellation, then into reality.
"Burn—my cosmos!!"
BOOM!
Golden-red fire erupted from his body, wrapping him in the pure, blazing essence of the Phoenix.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s monitors screamed with readings.
"Energy spike—off the charts!"
"Commander, this matches the readings when Thor appeared!"
"My God…"
Maria Hill silenced them, her eyes locked on the firebird spreading its wings across the sky.
Below, even the Demon Hulk lost his smirk, wary at last.
The transformation began.
First, golden vambraces and greaves flared into existence, sharp-edged and unyielding.
Then, with the clash of metal, massive pauldrons resembling burning wings locked into place, every feather gleaming like a blade.
The chestplate followed—at its heart, a blazing Phoenix sigil pulsed like a living flame, synchronizing with Hawk's heartbeat.
A skirt of armored plates hung from his waist like a waterfall of fire, swaying with lethal grace.
Finally—the helm.
Forged from pure flame, it descended upon his head. When his eyes snapped open, the heavens themselves seemed to ignite.
Behind him, a colossal Phoenix of fire soared upward, shrieking across the sky.
The Phoenix Cloth was born.
"Holy shit…"
"Jesus above…"
"This makes Stark's armor look like scrap metal."
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were speechless.
The Demon Hulk roared. Enraged, he ripped up a massive slab of earth, roots and soil tearing free, and hurled it skyward.
Hawk didn't flinch.
His flames surged higher, incinerating the massive chunk midair before he rocketed forward, golden fist striking.
BOOM!
The Demon Hulk's head snapped sideways, teeth shattering as his hulking form was blasted across the plains.
"Huulk… hurt!"
But Hawk was already there again.
"Lightning—Sonic Fist!!"
Countless blazing punches hammered the beast, each blow a thunderclap, each strike carving deeper into the ground.
The plains quaked.
A colossal crater formed, wider and deeper than any before, swallowing earth and river alike.
Hawk hovered above the pit, his waist-plates swaying, golden feathers gleaming.
At the bottom lay silence.
The Demon Hulk was still. Dead.
Hawk exhaled softly, then lifted his gaze.
He could feel it—a lingering consciousness watching him.
"Speak, Mephisto."
His voice cut through the air, his own mind reaching out. "What's wrong? Lost your tongue?"
From the shadows of hell, Mephisto chuckled.
"No wonder you were so confident. But remember—your power doesn't belong to this universe. You are strong… but not enough to take what is mine."
"It will be enough," Hawk replied calmly. "When I come to Hell, you'll see."
Mephisto's presence faded with the wind.
Hawk stood alone, staring into the void where the demon's essence vanished.
He knew the truth—his cosmos had not yet been recognized by this universe.
But he had a solution.
The Reality Stone.
With it, the Phoenix Cosmos would manifest fully in reality.
And when that happened—he would ascend beyond Bronze. Beyond limitations.
He would stand as a true Gold Saint.
…
(End of Chapter)
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