Three days is neither long nor short, yet more than enough to stir storms across the cosmos.
Thanos was marching on Earth.
Across the galaxy, only a handful truly understood what this meant…
The Council, the Grandmaster, the few beings who dared monitor Thanos' Sanctuary and the Collector, who had reluctantly aligned himself with Soren.
The moment new intelligence reached him.
"Three days?" He muttered, mind racing. "No… Soren must know immediately!"
He initiated a secure channel without hesitation.
The projector flickered to life, revealing Soren seated calmly.
"Is there news?" Soren asked.
"Yes," the Collector replied quickly. "Directly from the Sanctuary. In three days, Thanos will deploy the Black Order as his vanguard."
"Their mission is to sweep across Earth and eliminate all resistance except you."
He swallowed hard. "And Thanos intends to face you personally."
"The Black Order?" Soren searched his memory, but found no impression.
The Collector was unsurprised. "Your rise has been too fast, Soren."
"You haven't had time to study the major powers of the universe." He transmitted the compiled dossiers.
Holographic windows opened around Soren… profiles of Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, Black Dwarf, and Supergiant.
Soren skimmed the data almost bored.
"To think they impressed so many civilizations," He murmured. "Their strongest is Corvus Glaive, and even he relies too much on that artifact blade."
The Collector hesitated then forced himself to speak.
"Soren, Thanos is truly powerful. As a member of the Elders, I cannot openly fight him, but… if necessary, I can lend you artifacts."
"Battleships. Whatever resources I can risk." His voice betrayed the fear he was trying to hide.
"Thank you, Collector." Soren's gaze softened.
Their alliance was built on delicate mutual benefit, especially the fantasy medicine Soren supplied.
The Collector's offer meant he was willing to jeopardize that stability.
"If I need your help, I will call." Soren ended the transmission.
When the screen went dark, the façade of calm faded slightly.
Confidence was his armor… yet the truth was clear, when Thanos' army arrived, sheer numbers alone would stretch him thin.
Even he could not be everywhere at once.
A sharp knock jolted him from his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, opening the door with a gesture.
Professor X entered first, followed by the X-Men and several other mutants.
"Dr Macaluso," Professor X said, stepping forward, "We have heard everything."
His voice held no hesitation. "When we faced a crisis, you saved us. Now Earth faces a crisis far greater. Do you believe we lack the strength or the right to stand with you?"
Soren's eyes widened slightly, he had expected questions…
Professor X continued before he could speak. "This is not merely a conflict between you and Thanos. This is a war for our home."
Behind him, every mutant present raised their head with the same determination.
They were not asking.
They were declaring that they would stand with him.
Whether he liked it or not.
"Professor…" For once, Soren didn't know what to say.
Before he could form a response, the air behind him rippled.
Rings of golden sparks spun outward as a portal opened, and through it stepped the Ancient One, her bright yellow robes billowing like sunlight.
Behind her came Mordo and several disciples of Kamar-Taj, with Jean standing among them, looking far too innocent for someone who had clearly summoned reinforcements.
Soren understood immediately… so this was her doing.
The Ancient One smiled gently. "The Sanctum exists to defend this world from threats, whether they come from this dimension or beyond."
"Earth now faces a danger of unprecedented scale. Do you think we would simply watch?"
She floated forward, her presence undeniable. "Soren, Thanos commands legions. His generals are ageless. Even I cannot match the full army behind him."
"But if his armies intend to invade Earth, rest assured, we will not let them step foot here without a fight." Her eyes glowed softly.
Her words left no room for argument.
And Soren found none.
Before he could respond, a booming laugh echoed from the doorway. "Well, this is lively!"
Thor strode in confidently, a hammer resting on his shoulder, the Avengers at his back… Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, and others filled the room with familiar warmth.
Soren couldn't hide a small smile.
These were allies forged in battle… friends.
It meant more than he let on that they came immediately.
"Alright," Soren began, "Since everyone is here, we should discuss how to~"
.
A surge of powerful presences approached the medical hall… many of them.
The x-gene ability within him activated instinctively.
Mutants.
Dozens.
Everyone fell silent at once, sensing Soren's shift. Their eyes followed his gaze toward the entrance.
"Erik!" Professor X exclaimed in surprise.
A crowd of mutants filled the street outside, parting like a tide as Magneto stepped forward, cape fluttering behind him. His Brotherhood stood at his back, uncharacteristically unified.
Soren glanced subtly at Jean.
She shook her head, she hadn't summoned them.
Magneto inclined his head. The gesture was small, but for him, monumental.
"Soren," He said evenly, "We have not always seen eye to eye. But today, we face a common enemy."
He raised a hand, and metal around the street trembled in response. "Thanos threatens our world. Our people. All of us."
"So the Brotherhood stands with you. I hope… we can fight together." His expression hardened with resolve.
Mutants and sorcerers.
Avengers and X-Men.
Friends and former enemies.
All gathered under one roof for a single purpose… to defend Earth.