Morty stared at the TV, still processing what he had just seen.
"Rick… did you see that? Those Black Priests were terrifying."
Rick took a swig from his flask and smirked.
"Yeah, yeah, Morty. The heroes got obliterated, but you gotta admit—those Black Priests have some style. Kinda reminds me of the Vindicators and how they died."
He leaned back.
"But this channel's kinda lame. Should I switch to another?"
Morty shook his head. "Wait—hold on. It looks like something else is happening."
The screen shifted again.
---
Around a long, metal table, Earth-2319's Illuminati gathered.
A holographic display flickered between them, detailing their grim reality.
The Fourth Age of Apocalypse ended with the founding of the city-nation of Tian and the collapse of the Phoenix Eggs. Magneto, savior of all mutants, had gathered the survivors of the world's second holocaust and led them to his new kingdom—a sanctuary he named Heaven, where all his "angels" would be safe.
The war council spoke in hushed tones, strategizing for the next incursion.
Reed Richards traced a glowing path on the hologram. "The incursion point should be somewhere in Tian's twin cities. We have a full clock, but… it's possible the mutants will complicate things."
Iron Man looked up, sensors flaring.
"Complications are here. Look—incoming from the sky."
Descending from the heavens were silver-hued androids—eerie, precise, and unwavering. These were Bridge-Building Automatons, designed to mark, assess, and endure long enough to call their unseen masters.
The defenders braced themselves.
"Incursion point analysis?" one android inquired.
Another scanned the battlefield. "Threat level assessing... Posthuman density elevated."
Then the fighting began.
Magneto extended his hand, twisting the iron within the invaders. One of the androids crumpled instantly, sparks flying from its shattered body.
It twitched, then spoke.
"Cataloging…"
A smaller device extended from its core, scanning Magneto.
"Threat level: Omega."
A brief pause. Then—
"Adapting. Genetic markers defined."
Before the mutants could react, the androids responded.
A silver automaton raised its arm. A weapon unfolded.
"Launching gene-specific neutralizer."
A flash of energy.
Several heroes collapsed instantly.
"Initial threat contained. Incursion point destabilizing. World mapped. Anchor planet no longer necessary. Terminating world. Prepare to harvest. No remaining threats detected. Leave. We permit your exodus."
Black Panther gritted his teeth.
"You permit us? We are not beaten yet!"
Yellowjacket, watching the fallen heroes, shouted, "You saw what they're capable of—don't hold back!"
The battle reignited.
Lasers tore through the air. Heroes fell one by one.
Captain Britain grappled with an android, its mechanical limbs restraining him.
One of the machines tilted its head, analyzing.
"Interesting… analyzing quantum signature. You possess the ability to traverse to other worlds. Why haven't you fled?"
Captain Britain grunted, struggling. "I don't run."
The android didn't hesitate.
Sharp, metallic tendrils pierced his chest.
Captain Britain gasped, then went limp.
Elsewhere, Iron Man soared above the carnage, firing desperate repulsor blasts.
But his armor was damaged. A direct hit sent him crashing to the ground.
Reed shouted, "Victor—we've lost everyone except Anthony, and I think he's out too! We need to pull back and call for reinforcements!"
Doctor Doom barely glanced at him.
"There is no retreat in the center of battle, Reed. We dare not show these machines our backs."
He clenched his fists.
"Besides… why flee from that which can be conquered?"
Despite his arrogance, Doom was not entirely wrong. Many androids had already been destroyed.
Summoning his full power, Doom tore the arms off an approaching automaton and unleashed a blast of pure energy, obliterating it.
The remaining androids, silent as ever, processed the situation.
"That unit had achieved consciousness one hundred cycles ago. It mapped many Earths. It was irreplaceable."
Another android spoke.
"Priority override."
Every surviving automaton turned to Doom.
"Victor, look out!" Reed stretched his body, intercepting the first attack.
The blast tore through him.
His form collapsed, lifeless.
Doctor Doom roared in fury, launching a desperate counterattack. But three androids overwhelmed him.
He fought like a force of nature… until, at last, even Doom fell.
What remained of him was little more than shattered armor and flesh.
---
Back in Earth-616's viewing chamber, the Illuminati sat frozen.
They had witnessed the absolute annihilation of their counterparts.
Reed Richards exhaled.
"Those machines… they wiped them out effortlessly."
Tony Stark, for once, was at a loss for words.