Become a Homelander and a Marvel superstar

However, what Ah Zu was really thinking inside was this:

"Go to the dark world with you? Are you kidding me?"

"It's the dead end there, pitch black, not a single audience member. What's the point of me trying to boost my popularity? Do you even have any?"

"Besides, how could I not know that you would definitely be defeated?"

"The Aether is the Infinity Stone, the embodiment of the rules of the universe. Thor, you think you can destroy the Infinity Stone with your hammer? You're dreaming."

"When Malekith absorbs the aether particles, it will coincide with the celestial convergence, with the nine realms aligned. He will definitely be able to sense the other half of the aether particles on Earth."

"All I need to do is comfortably return to Earth, drink some soda, and wait for the BOSS to come knocking."

"When Earth faces another alien invasion, under the watchful eyes of all humanity, in front of cameras worldwide... I will then strike and eliminate Malekith..."

"That's how you maximize profits!"

"They got the gems, gained popularity, and even saved the world on the side."

"That's what you call... a complete victory."

……

The operation begins.

Jane Foster, being physically weak, was held in Saul's arms.

Loki was responsible for piloting the Dark Elf's scythe-like warplane.

"Do you know how to drive this thing?" Thor asked skeptically.

"I am God, Thor." Loki's fingers flew across the control panel. "And this thing's interface is pretty intuitive... I guess."

boom--!

The spaceship took off wobbly, crashing into two stone pillars.

"Watch where you're going!!"

"Shut up! I'm getting used to the sensitivity!"

Watching their spaceship roar out of the Celestial Palace.

Azu also took off alone and arrived in front of Heimdall.

Heimdall still stood there, though he could not see the Dark Elves, he remained steadfast in his post.

"I'm going back to Earth, Gatekeeper," Azu said. "It's Odin's order... well, I guess so."

Heimdall gave him a deep look, said nothing, and inserted the Guardian Sword into the slot.

boom--!

The Rainbow Bridge is activated.

Azu disappeared in Asgard.

……

Washington, D.C., the White House.

The rain poured down and thunder rumbled, as if foreshadowing some ominous future.

The fireplace in the Oval Office was burning brightly, but President Matthew Ellis still felt cold.

His whiskey was empty, but he was still unconsciously swirling the glass, the ice cubes making a crisp sound as they hit the glass.

"You mean..." Ellis's voice was a little hoarse as he stared at the strongest superhuman on Earth before him, "...they're coming? Aliens again?"

Azu sat casually on the edge of the president's desk like an old friend. His Stars and Stripes cape was wet and dripping.

"Not just aliens, Matthew." Azu picked up a crystal bottle from the liquor cabinet, poured himself a glass, and did so with the practiced ease of someone in their own living room.

"They're a bunch of madmen who want to turn the universe into a dark forest. Dark elves... just from their name you know they definitely don't believe in the Holy Light."

"Dark elves..." Ellis loosened his tie and slumped into his chair. "Good heavens, I thought that was something from a bedtime story. What about S.H.I.E.L.D.? Why didn't they report that one-eyed Fury?"

"S.H.I.E.L.D." Azu scoffed dismissively. "By the time those bureaucrats finish filling out those forms, the Dark Elves' ships will probably be barbecuing on your South Lawn."

He leaned down, looked directly at the president, and his tone became serious.

"Listen, Matthew. Crisis can also be an opportunity."

"A turning point?"

"Have you seen 'Independence Day'?" Azu pointed to the gloomy sky outside the window.

"You mean the movie?" Ellis was taken aback.

"That's right! In that movie, before the alien invasion, the president was just a politician who was being criticized. But what happened after that?" Wu Yanzu pointed out the window, "He piloted a fighter jet into the sky and became a hero, the leader of all mankind."

"You're the president, Matthew. You're the face of this country. The Battle of New York is the stage for the Avengers, it's Nick Fury's show, and you're just a backdrop hiding in the bunker."

Ellis's expression changed; this was his sore spot.

"But this time is different. This time, the whole world knows that Earth is a piece of meat. Fear is spreading..."

"And fear, Matthew. Fear is the best glue." Azu's voice was seductive. "The people need a tough leader, a president who can give the middle finger to alien bastards and kick them back home."

"Imagine that scene, Matthew." Azu stretched out his hand, sketching a grand vision in the air. "When you stand before the ruins of Capitol Hill, announcing to a ravaged world that we have defeated the invaders. Guess how the people will react?"

"You will surpass Roosevelt, surpass Lincoln! You will be the fifth head on Mount Rushmore!"

Ellis's breathing quickened, and the fear in his eyes was gradually replaced by ambition.

"And what I need..." Azu smiled, pushing his glass towards the president, "...is simply your cooperation. Since S.H.I.E.L.D. is blind and deaf, let my Vought take over defense. Give me authorization, stand up for me, and suppress those bureaucrats who only know how to blabber."

"We share the glory."

President Ellis stared at the amber liquid in his glass and remained silent for three seconds.

Then, he drank it all in one gulp.

"Bottoms up." Ellis slammed his glass down, his eyes turning fierce. "To hell with S.H.I.E.L.D. Homelander, lead us to victory."

"As you wish, Mr. President." Azu bowed slightly, a perfect smile curving his lips.

"This is my Earth, and I will not let anyone take it away."

……

New York, Vought International Headquarters.

In front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the CEO's office, Jessica Jones was gripping the window frame so tightly that the alloy frame was deformed and twisted from her grip.

Her face was as pale as paper, her forehead was covered with fine cold sweat, and the veins in her neck occasionally shimmered with an eerie dark red light—that was the restlessness of the ether particles in her body.

"Damn it...damn it..."

She cursed under her breath, her hands trembling as she pulled a bottle of painkillers from the drawer. Without paying attention to the dosage, she poured a handful into her mouth and swallowed it without even using water.

But it was no use; the searing pain that burned the soul still came wave after wave.

"Bang!"

The office door was pushed open.

Jessica turned around abruptly, a flash of red light in her eyes. She instinctively tried to hide it, quickly turned her back, grabbed the sunglasses on the table, and put them on.

"Who let you in! Get out! I said I didn't give you any orders..."

"Is this how you welcome your boss? Your Majesty?"

That familiar voice, tinged with a hint of mockery, yet reassuring.

Jessica froze.

Three seconds later, she slowly turned around.