Chapter Thirty-Eight: Marvel’s Version of Raising Bandits to Maintain One’s Prestige

“Of course, you don’t think Loki’s tricks end here, do you? If that were all, how could he deserve the title of God of Mischief?” Yang Xin curled his lips, inwardly feeling exhilarated. Though it wasn’t his own intelligence at work—merely his knowledge of the plot allowing him to outwit the king of spies—Yang Xin found the sensation thoroughly satisfying.

“The God of Mischief Loki would never be so simple. Since he could devise a scheme to weaken us, he must also have plans to empower himself. However, according to what this Asgardian Thunder God has revealed, Loki has already been disowned by Asgard, so he can’t rely on their strength. Moreover, the enemies of the Nine Realms have all been dealt with by Odin, the All-Father. So how is Loki meant to make himself stronger?” Nick Fury’s brows drew tight in concern.

“Look beyond the Nine Realms. Don’t measure Asgardian technology by Earth’s standards. Perhaps Loki has managed to contact some force outside the Nine Realms,” Yang Xin hinted.

“Is Eastern wisdom always so formidable?” Nick Fury stared intently into Yang Xin’s eyes as he asked.

“Eastern wisdom is indeed powerful, for they have a mature system of their own. You can find a copy of ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ to see for yourself.”

“Do you know something?” Nick Fury suddenly pressed.

“Loki is going to bring a Chitauri army to invade Earth. He wants to become the king of Midgard.” Yang Xin thought for a moment and decided to reveal the plot.

“Will Loki succeed?” Nick Fury seemed to ask both Yang Xin and himself.

“Absolutely not!” Yang Xin answered decisively.

“You mean the hidden forces guarding Earth will intervene?” Nick Fury’s eyes lit up.

“There’s no need for them. S.H.I.E.L.D. alone can handle the Chitauri army Loki is bringing,” Yang Xin replied nonchalantly.

“Are the Chitauri weak?”

“A race capable of interstellar warfare, weak? Well, the Chitauri have strong individual combat abilities, but interstellar war isn’t about single combat. In fact, any war—unless an individual can dominate the world single-handedly—never hinges on single combat. You, Director, participated in World War II; you should know what I mean.”

“How shall I put it? In terms of combat power, the Chitauri are noteworthy among interstellar races. But their tactics, strategy, and military doctrine are hopelessly outdated. Their methods of warfare are inferior even to those employed by Japan during World War II.”

“Japan, for all its rigidity, still had a strategy: artillery bombardment, infantry assault, repeat. But the Chitauri commanders are utterly inept, their heads stuffed with muscle and nonsense.” Yang Xin’s words were not without reason.

Modern warfare is all about information. The first target is always the enemy’s communications and command system—destroy that, then divide the battlefield, use superior forces or advanced equipment to gradually erode the opponent.

That’s just the style of warfare for civilizations that haven’t reached the interstellar stage. The Chitauri, on the other hand, after arriving on Earth, neither secure the space-time gateway nor seize the high ground, nor do they disrupt the enemy’s communications. Forget about proper artillery-infantry coordination—they simply swarm forward like mindless mobs. With such abysmal tactics and military organization, how did they conquer planet after planet?

Anyone who knows it’s an interstellar war shakes their head; those who don’t might think it’s just a gang fight on the streets.

Yang Xin was truly baffled. It seemed the Marvel universe placed too much emphasis on individual heroism.

Then there was the battle of Wakanda in Avengers 3—Wakanda, with its advanced sci-fi weaponry made of vibranium, fought a medieval-style war with it, utterly wasting those weapons.

“So, this Chitauri army doesn’t even have the power to occupy Earth?” Nick Fury asked gravely.

“Of course not. Hit them with a couple bullets—they die. A shell—they’re gone. Do they really think they’re invulnerable?” Yang Xin answered matter-of-factly.

“Oh,” Nick Fury murmured, his eyes flickering, lost in thought.

“What are you planning?” Yang Xin suddenly asked.

“It’s time for the Avengers to step proudly into the public eye,” Nick Fury replied.

“You mean…” A knowing light flashed in Yang Xin’s eyes.

“My plan is to let the Chitauri attack Earth first, then have the Avengers save the world. If the idiots on the Security Council don’t see extraterrestrial enemies leering at Earth, who knows what lunacy they’ll cook up next.”

“Worthy of the king of spies—a true mastermind, willing to do anything to gain greater power.” Yang Xin praised.

Yang Xin understood Nick Fury fairly well. Recently, he’d either been squabbling with the Security Council or purging Hydra. Just when Fury reached the critical point of purging Hydra, the Security Council always tripped him up. Not only them, but also the government and military, who did everything they could to hinder him, perfectly embodying the concept of ‘useless allies.’

Yang Xin sympathized. Using external conflict to solve internal issues is a tried and true method for nations. With a powerful interstellar enemy, Earth might even be brought together in unprecedented unity.

So, even knowing Loki’s plan, Nick Fury didn’t try to prevent the Chitauri invasion ahead of time. He simply began defensive preparations. Yang Xin had no such plans either—he merely worked tirelessly to enhance the abilities of the superheroes, thus minimizing Earth’s losses and stealing a hefty portion of luck for himself.

“What are you going to do?” Yang Xin asked.

“Let things take their course,” Nick Fury answered without hesitation.

“In fact, we could put on a performance—make Loki think his plot is working, then at the crucial moment strike back. That way, our losses are minimized and our gains maximized, provided one condition is met.” Yang Xin said mysteriously.

“What condition?” Nick Fury asked quickly.

“That your Sharingan can absorb the energy leaking from the Mind Stone.”

“I’ll give it a try.” Without asking Yang Xin for reasons, Nick Fury immediately pulled up his eyepatch and revealed the Sharingan.

“I can absorb it,” Nick Fury said excitedly, preparing to unleash the full power of the Sharingan to absorb the Mind Stone’s energy. He could sense the Mangekyo Sharingan’s hunger for what the stone emitted.

“Wait, the time isn’t right yet.”

“Not yet? When will it be?” Nick Fury asked.

“When they’re arguing heatedly—when Bruce Banner can’t help but transform into the Hulk.”

“Just an argument can make Dr. Banner turn into the Hulk? According to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s investigation, Banner’s self-control is impeccable.”

“That was before. Now, add the Mind Stone,” Yang Xin countered.