Plans Change

"What method?"

Steve asked, somewhat concerned.

"If Earth cannot teach the Chitauri army a profound lesson,"

"then even if Loki stops the Chitauri army’s advance this time,"

"Earth will still be targeted by the Chitauri army in the future, and they could attack Earth at any time."

"Rather than guarding against the Chitauri army without knowing when they will arrive,"

"we should take this opportunity to use Loki as bait, draw them out, and wipe them out."

"There will be some casualties, but compared to an unexpected disaster with no preparations, the cost will be far lower."

Tony voiced the plan he had come up with.

He was willing to devote many years of hard work and effort to bring Earth into the interstellar age.

But he also understood that once a war began, it was impossible to guarantee the safety of every human being.

After joining the Void, both his strength and perspective had become entirely different.

But he was not a god, and his power was limited. Sometimes, sacrifices had to be made.

In a war between civilizations, there was no absolute right or wrong. There were only their respective positions.

The Chitauri army had its own goals. If Earth did not want to be utterly destroyed, it had to act.

Earth’s current technological level was limited. Although it possessed an indiscriminate superweapon like the mushroom cloud,

Earth was not yet capable of relocating to another habitable planet after its environment had completely reverted to a primitive state.

Therefore, the mushroom cloud could only be used as a final trump card. It could not be deployed unless absolutely necessary.

So, if he wanted to drive back the Chitauri army this time, Tony estimated that he would have to give it everything he had.

If they did not hurt the Chitauri army badly enough to make them understand that Earth could not be provoked, this war would likely continue until one civilization was completely wiped out.

"Loki."

Thor understood what Tony meant and turned to call Loki.

Tony also looked at Loki. Before Earth had truly become a cosmic civilization, it had encountered an invasion from another civilization in the universe.

At such a critical moment, if Loki refused to cooperate, Tony would find a way to make him cooperate.

Naturally, the methods he had in mind would not be slow ones like trying to persuade Loki with words.

"You want me to be a double agent."

"It’s not impossible for me to agree, but after you take me back, Thor, you cannot put me in confinement."

Loki’s gaze flickered. He wanted to refuse, but he could feel Tony Stark staring fixedly at him, as though Tony would not let him off easily if he dared refuse. After a pause, he spoke.

"If we successfully resolve this crisis, I will definitely help you avoid confinement. But you have to promise me that you will not wreak havoc across the Nine Realms again."

"The Nine Realms have been under Asgard’s protection for many years. As princes of Asgard, what you and I should do is protect the Nine Realms."

"So this time, protect the Nine Realms with me."

After hearing Loki’s condition, Thor considered it for a moment before trying to appeal to both his emotions and reason.

If possible, Thor naturally wanted to join forces with his brother.

Although Loki was not as strong as him, Loki was far more capable in other ways. Whenever they faced trouble, Loki could always think of some solution.

"…Only this once."

Seeing that Thor still called him a prince of Asgard even now, Loki’s heart trembled as he spoke.

"That’s great, Loki."

Seeing Loki agree, Thor immediately gave him a bear hug, squeezing the breath out of him.

Loki hurriedly slapped Thor’s arm repeatedly, telling him to let go.

Otherwise, instead of dying because he had thrown the Nine Realms into chaos, he would die in his brother’s embrace.

"Loki, only this once. Show me your sincerity."

"If I see that you are not only refusing to cooperate with us, but are also colluding with the enemy,"

"then even if Thor shields you and lets you escape into the universe, I will find you and kill you."

Tony looked at Loki and issued a warning.

"Loki’s thoughts may be a little extreme, but he is still an Asgardian. Deep down, he is good."

Thor defended his brother after hearing that.

"Deep, deep down, you mean?"

Tony said gloomily.

"…"

Thor did not dare make any absolute promises after hearing that.

"Wait, wait. Even if we can lure the Chitauri army into a trap,"

"with the methods we have now, can we really ensure that we can drive them back?"

Seeing Tony, Thor, and Loki acting as though they had already settled on the plan, Steve could not help but speak up.

Tony’s plan clearly meant dragging all of America into the vortex of war. The number of casualties would be impossible to estimate.

"Since I brought it up, I naturally have a way. You do not need to worry about it."

Tony glanced at Steve and spoke.

"We have arrived at headquarters. How about we discuss the specific battle plan in detail after we go inside?"

Black Widow Natasha knew that Tony had changed enormously from before. He had become stronger and more resolute.

Her words could not possibly shake Tony’s determination. Besides, she had no better solution for the coming war.

She could only wait until they reached headquarters to see exactly what Tony intended to do.

As soon as Natasha finished speaking, the fighter flew into the hangar of the Helicarrier.

When the fighter’s hatch opened, they were greeted by a group of heavily armed soldiers.

"Take me to Dr. Banner. I need to make him understand a few things."

Tony stepped out directly and addressed the soldiers.

"But the orders we received were to take Loki away."

The leading officer spoke after hearing that.

"The plan has changed."

Tony issued the instruction directly.

As soon as Tony spoke in that commanding tone, all the soldiers looked toward Natasha.

"Do whatever he says."

Seeing that they were asking for her opinion, Natasha nodded.

"Yes. Please come with us."

The leading officer gave a military salute and spoke.

Before long, Tony, Steve, Thor, and Loki followed the soldiers through the ship’s corridors to the Helicarrier’s main control room.

Tony’s arrival drew some attention, but when they saw Loki following behind him, everyone immediately became wary.

"Dr. Banner, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

"Your research into anti-electron collisions is truly unparalleled."

"And I think the way you lose control and transform into the rampaging Hulk is even more awesome."

Tony paid no attention to them. He walked straight up to Banner and spoke.

"Thank you…"

Banner had not expected Tony Stark to say such things to him right away. Unsure how to respond, he could only thank him for the appreciation.