With MUSIC to break into Marvel

Watching Clark disappear with a "whoosh" after killing Dormammu without intending to confront her, Phoenix was left with a raging anger that she desperately wanted to vent by incinerating the X-Men universe to ashes. However, she restrained herself and soon calmed down.

The realization that cooled her rage was an oppressive sense of impending doom that had lingered on her mind since she and Dormammu teamed up against Clark. This sense of crisis had begun to manifest when Clark had spoken those nonsensical words about not being beneath him. At that time, they were overwhelmingly victorious, and her anger had diluted this sense of crisis, so she hadn't paid much attention to it.

But now, with Dormammu dead and Clark having left after achieving his goal, only Phoenix was left in the echoing emptiness of the hyperdimensional space. The looming catastrophe became all too clear, chilling even a veteran multiversal entity like her to the bone.

Thinking back to the extraordinary methods Clark had used, the tragic way Dormammu died under their combined assault, their past conspiracy against that cunning youngster, and how they had nearly killed him together...

Phoenix shivered.

With Clark's extraordinary methods, going after him alone in the universe would be suicidal. So, without even considering hunting him down, she quietly shifted her form and stealthily flew towards the depths of the hyperdimensional universe.

To avoid Clark's potential revenge, the almighty Phoenix decided to hide for a while in a remote corner of the universe.

What? Phoenix running scared?

Impossible! How can actions of a multiversal powerhouse be considered cowardly?

That's wisdom!

She was honoring the name of the youngster who had easily escaped her clutches with her actions!

Hoping he could forgive her, Phoenix prayed silently as she flew.

...

Returning from the hyperdimensional space, Clark didn't rush to the Himalayas since the situation there was already settled. Instead, upon returning to the X-Men universe, he first went to the Dark Quadrant, where Tony's team and the Spider-Men had just finished routing the mysterious creatures. Only a slender blonde woman, exuding Phoenix power and struggling against Ava and Gwen, who were also empowered by Phoenix and vengeful forces, remained.

Despite being at a disadvantage, Ava and Gwen couldn't quite defeat her. Seeing Clark appear, the two women sighed in relief and stepped back to give him space.

Almost simultaneously as Ava and Gwen noticed Clark, the slender blonde woman also realized the ragged, handsome man had appeared behind her. Yet, despite her Phoenix power, she had failed to detect him.

Who exactly was this man!?

Impression points from Lilandra +999!

"Lilandra?" Clark frowned, observing her closely, then said doubtfully, "In our universe, Lilandra is the name of the Shi'ar Empress. It's surprising to meet someone with the same name here, especially one in such dire straits."

Impression points from Lilandra +999!

Hearing Clark's words, Lilandra's eyes widened, "You really are from another parallel universe! So, in your universe, is the Shi'ar Empire well-known?"

"Of course!" Clark didn't mind revealing some truth: "In our universe, there are three major empires: the Shi'ar, the Kree, and the Skrull."

Standing with his hands behind his back, Clark exuded an awe-inspiring aura, not diminished by his tattered clothes. On the contrary, his rugged attire added a touch of ruggedness and mystery.

His calm gaze swept over everyone, appearing to look at each person and yet no one in particular. Clark continued, "However, the Skrull Empire has been thoroughly dispersed, with the few survivors becoming space refugees, constantly hunted by the Kree, barely surviving."

"The Kree Empire is also losing ground in their battles with the Shi'ar Empire, able to maintain only a foothold. Basically, in our universe, the Shi'ar Empire dominates alone."

Hearing Clark's description, Lilandra's eyes brightened.

But as Clark finished speaking, her expression shifted from surprise to disappointment, then from disappointment to relief. After a long sigh, she said, "I never thought the Shi'ar Empire in a parallel universe would become the strongest empire. Under my reign, not only did our home planet fall to the Phoenix power, but all our remaining people died in today's battle... However, hearing this news from you is somewhat comforting."

It was clear her words were heartfelt, not merely seeking sympathy.

Clark smiled slightly, finally focusing on the alien woman before him: "You really are remnants of the Shi'ar Empire, and you are indeed Lilandra, the empress of this universe? You seem quite different from the one I met in our universe."

Impression points from Lilandra +555!

Lilandra's eyes lit up, wondering if this young man had relations with her counterpart in the parallel universe. Perhaps she could use

 that connection to avoid death?

Despite all the Shi'ar remnants dying recently, making her feel her life had lost its meaning, Lilandra still wished to survive.

Contemplating using her Phoenix power for a counterattack was beyond her thoughts.

Ava and Gwen had already pushed her to her limits, not to mention this inscrutable young man. Even the young woman who had briefly engaged her before heading off to reinforce others was beyond her capability.

Outmatched, Lilandra could only hope to appeal to Clark's emotions.

But before she could speak, Clark continued, "I remember when I was challenging strong opponents across the universe, I defeated the so-called best warrior of the Shi'ar and wanted to see how the Shi'ar Empress Lilandra measured up. Unfortunately, she was a huge disappointment, far weaker than the warrior."

Impression points from Lilandra +999!

So, no connection then...

Lilandra murmured with a bitter smile, "As Lilandra, from my coronation, I've strived for the survival and development of the Shi'ar Empire. After our home planet was consumed by the Phoenix, I led the surviving members across the universe seeking a new home and pursued Phoenix power for our people's glory. I never stepped wrong."

"I've struggled my whole life, schemed my whole life, only to be unable to prevent the extinction of my race."

"Both of us Shi'ar queens, yet while one reigns supreme, I'm reduced to the level of a tribal chief. I might as well be called 'Model Worker Sister'." Seeing Lilandra's despondent state, Clark suddenly said, "Model Worker Sister, there's still a chance I might spare your life, but you must do something for me."

Impression points from Lilandra +999!

Life's ups and downs came too fast, and Lilandra was almost in disbelief, hurriedly asking, "What is it?"

Clark gestured to Ava to come over, and after patting her on the head, he turned back to Lilandra, "I've heard that you have the ability to drain the Phoenix power from others. I like this ability. Now, without harming Ava, help me drain the Phoenix power from her. If you can do that, I won't kill you today."

"What!?" Lilandra could hardly believe her ears, "You not only don't want to retrieve the Phoenix power I absorbed before, but you're even willing to completely give up such a tremendous power!? Oh my God, am I hearing this right?"

"Of course." Clark calmly replied, "I just had a life-and-death battle with the Phoenix entity. I don't think it's a good idea to keep its power in someone close to me."

Impression points from Lilandra +999!

This young man had fought the Phoenix entity and survived!

Lilandra finally understood why he could disregard the Phoenix power. If she had the strength to confront the Phoenix entity directly, she wouldn't care about a power that wasn't hers either.

At Clark's request, Lilandra nodded, "I can try."

Clark's face showed a hint of 'good that you understand,' and after encouraging Ava with a pat on the shoulder, she stepped forward, smiling sweetly at Lilandra, and then extended her neck for Lilandra to do as she wished.

Lilandra: ...

Taking a deep breath, the downtrodden Shi'ar Empress slowly placed her right hand on Ava's neck.

The next moment, Lilandra's ability to absorb Phoenix power abruptly maximized, attempting to drain not only the Phoenix power from Ava but also her life force!

"Seeking death!"

Clark shouted angrily, flicking a finger to cleverly use a shockwave to separate them, then his surging vengeful power grabbed Lilandra firmly in his palm.

"Hmph!" Seeing her plan revealed, Lilandra cried out desperately, "I had no choice! You asked me to remove the Phoenix power without harming her, which is simply impossible. Now, she has become the Phoenix host, her life force completely integrated with the Phoenix power. Not even the Phoenix entity could fulfill your request."

"Since I'm going to die either way, I had to give it my all!"

"In that case, you might as well die." With a cold snort, the hand formed of vengeful power tightened, and the Shi'ar Empress of the X-Men universe was utterly crushed.

Impression points from Lilandra +1000!

Model Worker Sister, defeated!

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