Chapter 419: Mad Kang's Plan
"So," Reed began slowly, trying to sort out his thoughts, "you joined the Illuminati to save the Earth.
"After all, the Illuminati is the most powerful superhero organization we know of, backed by the federal government, with countless resources and volunteers."
He glanced at Kang. When Kang didn't object, he went on: "If even the Illuminati can't stop this so-called Celestial from awakening, then I'm afraid no one can."
Then Reed abruptly changed tack. "Mind you, when it comes to strength, much as I dislike Hell's Kitchen, they really can't be underestimated.
"I'll even admit they're the only organization that can stand on equal footing with the Illuminati.
"Too bad you've already crossed them. So joining us is your only choice."
Reed looked at Kang as if waiting for his reply. But Kang just sat there quietly, expressionless.
"I'd guess you only learned all this after you got the Golden Serum," Reed said, answering his own question. "If you'd known before, maybe you wouldn't have stolen the Golden Serum and crossed Hell's Kitchen. They might even have chosen to protect you."
He paused, then continued, "Then again, who can resist the temptation of a chance to become stronger?"
Reed's words were full of confidence, as if he had completely figured out Kang's psychology. "Don't worry. The Illuminati always protects its own. As long as we're here, no one will lay a finger on you. Not even Hell's Kitchen. Next to the Illuminati, they're nothing."
The more he talked, the brighter Reed's eyes grew. He clearly believed he'd worked out Kang's true reason for joining.
Reed didn't notice the flash of killing intent in Kang's eyes when he belittled Ethan.
Hearing Reed's self-satisfied speech, Kang's calm expression grew a little odd.
He hadn't expected Reed to imagine so much plot all by himself, let alone come up with so many excuses on his behalf.
It meant Kang barely had to explain anything.
Then Reed started firing off questions again, brow furrowed, clearly full of doubt and curiosity.
"But how can you prove this so-called Celestial will awaken? And how can you prove it'll destroy the world once it does? It all sounds too far-fetched."
He paused, then went on, "And is this Celestial really that terrifying? Even you can't beat it? You're one of the most powerful people I've ever met."
Once Reed finally fell quiet, Kang slowly spoke.
His voice was calm and deep, as if he were recounting a distant, harrowing tale.
"The truth is, our whole Earth is one giant farm. Did you know that every intelligent life form on Earth was born and multiplies for one reason only: so the cosmic Celestials can harvest its life force? We're nothing but nutrients in their eyes."
A chill swept over Reed at Kang's words.
He couldn't imagine that the world he'd always lived in was just someone else's food.
"Whether it's us humans, the Eternals who just appeared, the so-called Deviants, or even the mutants who think they're the next stage of humanity, we're all just products of the Celestials. Strictly speaking, we're nothing but rations to feed the Celestials."
"And Earth is like an eggshell. Once the Celestial awakens, it will naturally break out, and the whole Earth will hang by a thread."
Every word Kang spoke hit Reed's heart like a hammer.
He felt his entire worldview collapse in that moment. His eyes went wide. He couldn't accept such a cruel truth.
Kang watched Reed's shocked expression without a flicker of emotion.
He'd understood the nature of the world long ago: the strong prey on the weak, and the strong only grow stronger.
Humans had always styled themselves the rulers of the Earth. They wrecked the environment and plundered its resources at will, as if the world were their private property.
And now someone was suddenly telling them that they were food for someone else, just like the chickens, ducks and geese they ate every day.
Who could accept a truth like that?
But whether they accepted it or not, it was the reality they had to face.
Humans were stronger than animals, so they could eat living creatures as they pleased. Celestials were stronger than humans, so treating humans as rations was nothing strange.
"If it really is like that, then how do we deal with it? What's your plan? You must know a way. How do we drive it off, or keep it from awakening?"
Reed asked immediately. Earth was the place they depended on to survive, after all.
"Why just drive it off? Why can't we kill it and take its power?"
"Celestials are beings who command the laws of reality. A Celestial is the embodiment of law itself. If we seize a Celestial's divine power, we can become beings like the Celestials." At that moment, Kang finally showed his true face. His eyes burned with fanaticism.
Madman, Reed thought of Kang.
Even someone as smart as Reed was frightened by Kang's plan. He swallowed hard without realizing it.
When he'd heard Kang's answer, his first instinct had been that a Celestial was beyond anyone's power to fight. The only option was to deal with it before it woke.
But this Kang wanted to kill a Celestial and steal the laws within it.
"With just the two of us? Why bring me into it? If you already have a plan, why not carry it out yourself?" Reed asked. It wasn't that he looked down on himself. It just sounded like the two of them were no match for this Celestial. Still, he had to admit he was tempted.
"Of course the two of us can't. But the powers behind us can." Kang gave a cold smile.
"But once we tell them, wouldn't we be cut out entirely?" Reed asked with a frown.
He didn't believe Kang hadn't thought of that. If they brought in Reeds and Kangs from other worlds, there'd be nothing left for the two of them.
"Wait. You're not thinking of..." Something suddenly occurred to Reed, and his face changed. "You want to exploit the conflict between them, make them fight each other, and then we..."
"Exactly. I could easily bring in only the Dynasty of Kangs, but I'm not sure I could get anything out of it with them around. And as far as I know, the Dynasty of Kangs and the Council of Reeds are sworn enemies."
Kang smiled a sinister smile.
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