Bab 231: Chapter 231: The Chitauri Army!
"You Are My Eyes"
Level: 1 (Non-upgradable) Effect: You can transform any living being within the designated target range into the host's eyes. When using this BGM, ensure the target lacks resistance to the transformation; otherwise, the transformation will fail.
Cost per use: 1 billion impression points.
A peculiar ability indeed.
Shaking his head, Clark proceeded towards the Capitol Building.
Faced with an alien invasion, Hank Pym had quickly completed communications with other senators and reached a consensus with most of them.
Now, it was Clark's turn to perform.
The specifics of the performance were not worth mentioning and could be likened to Zhuge Liang's verbal battles. Simply put, Clark faced opposition and skepticism from various senators, only to rebut them with eloquent and persuasive arguments.
Eventually, his proposal went to a vote and passed with a majority.
This might sound impressive, but remember, this assembly was held after Hank Pym had already communicated with the senators, many of whom had privately agreed to support Clark's proposal.
Their objections were merely a show of thoroughness for public interest. After being convinced by Clark's presentation of the risks and benefits (and his willingness to assume all risks), they were persuaded to vote in favor.
However, the success was not guaranteed.
If Clark had performed poorly in the "battle of wits," even those who initially agreed could have changed their stance, and vice versa.
In essence, Clark's performance was crucial, and he didn't disappoint.
Once the proposal became a decree, its implementation in the U.S., especially a decree potentially harming certain interests, often faced many obstacles.
"Doubts like 'we haven't seen the aliens,' 'where is the evidence of the invasion,' or questions about how to deal with losses incurred during the evacuation," were common.
Consequently, only a small fraction of the population chose strategic evacuation. The majority either ignored the decree or protested against it.
Three days later.
The crowd protesting outside Stark Tower, which served as a temporary Avengers base, was large and relentless. Standing before a floor-to-ceiling window, Nalan Bai couldn't help but shake her head and say, "Clark, many citizens are unwilling to evacuate. What should we do?"
Clark sighed and replied, "Do our best and leave the rest to fate."
Seeing Clark's enigmatic response, Nalan Bai pressed, "What do you mean by 'do our best' and 'leave it to fate'?"
Clark explained, "It's unrealistic to enforce a mandatory evacuation in the U.S., but S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military have prepared hundreds of temporary shelters near New York. If the Chitauri suddenly arrive, at least they can arrange for timely evacuation."
Nalan Bai frowned slightly, "Even so, it's difficult to ensure everyone's safety, right? How can you guarantee no casualties?"
After ensuring privacy, Clark turned and said, "Why should I guarantee zero casualties?"
Nalan Bai looked shocked, prompting Clark to continue, "I've done everything possible. If people choose to ignore the danger for short-term benefits, that's on them."
He added, "If they choose to stay, it's their decision. Besides, the damage and loss caused by the Chitauri are unpredictable. If the people return to find their homes destroyed, will they blame the Avengers?"
Clark drank some juice and added, "Let them witness the enemy's horror and realize the necessity of the Avengers' existence."
Nodding, Nalan Bai understood, "That's why you proposed the evacuation, knowing it might be impossible. It puts pressure on other senators and clears you of responsibility post-event. You've proposed the best solution; if it's not adopted, it's on them."
Realizing the implications, Nalan Bai sighed, "But you can only share this truth with me, right?"
Clark nodded, his expression turning cold, "If it were in the ancient East, I'd do everything to protect my people. But for these people of different races, all I can do is try my best and leave the rest to fate."
"I've given them a chance, the facts are clear, but if they choose danger over wisdom, who can they blame?"
Suddenly, Clark cursed as a huge rainbow light descended from the sky, obliterating several skyscrapers near Stark Tower.
As the light faded, the ground and sky were swarmed with fearsome alien soldiers and ships. Massive 'H' shaped motherships loomed above, with countless soldiers and ships emerging.
Clark had expected the Chitauri to use a space portal, possibly even attempting to seize the Tesseract from him. But he hadn't anticipated them using the Bifrost to descend directly through Earth's defenses into the heart of New York!
This unexpected development caught Clark off guard.
If they could use the Bifrost, had Asgard fallen?
Lacking time to dwell on Asgard, Clark drew a portal to Pym's lab in Los Angeles, "Nalan Bai, the battle has begun. You have no combat abilities; it's best you return to the lab."
After Nalan Bai left with a caution, Clark closed the portal and stepped outside Stark Tower.
He no longer needed the Tesseract or portal magic for such short-range spatial jumps.
Facing the overwhelming Chitauri army, Clark snapped his fingers, and a grand musical score started playing. He declared, "Avengers, assemble!"
The Avengers, already geared up, rushed out of Stark Tower.
Sixteen Avengers gathered, gripping their weapons as they faced the endless enemy.
Amid the resounding music, they charged at the enemy.
But Clark remained still, his gaze fixed on a red-haired, muscular man emerging from the ruins.
No wonder Odin's prophecy mentioned powerful individuals within the Chitauri. This red-haired man alone was enough to earn Clark's respect.
This man was not inferior to him!
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