The reporters hadn't captured the meeting's content, so the news ended with Heisenberg's silhouette entering the theater.
Whether others felt the same, Peter Parker at least found Heisenberg's figure towering and majestic.
But New York Evening News wasn't done with Heisenberg.
They brought in several prominent commentators to discuss him in the studio.
These pundits were hired by Nightshade to whitewash Heisenberg's image—and they took their paychecks seriously.
Listen to what they said on TV:
"Good evening, viewers! I'm your favorite journalist, J. Jonah Jameson, owner and chief writer of the Daily Bugle. Honored to discuss His Excellency Superman with you all!"
The horse-faced man on screen was practically vibrating with excitement.
Even mentioning Heisenberg's alias sent him into near-physical ecstasy.
"Folks, I can't believe it! The absolute protagonist of every comic, movie, and TV show I grew up with—my lifelong idol…
Superman actually exists and has settled in our great New York City!!!"
"Yes, Mr. Jameson. These past two months feel like I've aged backward thirty years and stepped into those childhood comics!"
The host played along, setting up Jameson's next line.
Jameson continued his whitewashing manifesto:
"That's too narrow-minded. After gathering countless clues, I must share this:
The Superman now in New York isn't just the comic book hero who rescues people from disasters!
I've collected NYC's crime records for the past two months.
Guess how much crime has dropped compared to before?"
"Uh… Wow. Has Superman been patrolling the streets? A 30% drop?"
"Haha, no. It's 20%. Current crime rates are 20% of what they were two months ago!"
Jameson's face flushed with excitement as he gesticulated wildly.
"How terrifying is that? Every crime represents at least one family's tragedy.
Take March's records: 432 robberies, 86 casualties—and that's just robberies.
Last month, after Superman arrived…
Only 82 similar incidents, and every suspect was caught! None escaped!
Compared to the comics' Superman, who only rescues those in trouble, I prefer ours.
He doesn't just help those in distress; he protects us from danger before it strikes!
Stopping disasters before they happen—that's our Superman. He's a true great man!
And most importantly…!!!"
Jameson flashed a mysterious smile at the audience.
"Most importantly, he doesn't wear his underwear on the outside like in the comics, haha!"
…
Heisenberg switched off the TV. He'd grown tired of the Daily Bugle's boss praising him.
Similar programs aired on NYC's major networks every three days.
Though it cost Heisenberg a fortune—and over twenty henchmen ended up in jail for threatening public figures…
It was worth it.
Occasionally, Heisenberg activated his super hearing to gauge New Yorkers' opinions of him.
Overall, they were positive.
Satisfied, Heisenberg drifted into sleep.
…
In the boundless universe, the Sanctuary II flagship.
The ring-shaped ship carried countless beasts—Thanos's proud army.
In the central command room, Thanos sat on his suspended throne, deep in thought, receiving an unexpected guest.
Beside the throne, the slender yet elegant Ebony Maw gestured lightly.
"Welcome, Prince Loki of Asgard. Audience with our Master."
"Your Master, not mine!" Loki quipped.
Ebony Maw's elegant face tightened with displeasure. He turned to Thanos, silently asking how to handle the arrogant prince.
Before Thanos could respond, Loki addressed them both:
"Though I hope to serve the great Thanos, Emperor of the Universe."
Loki bowed subtly, pledging allegiance to Thanos.
Ebony Maw finally nodded, satisfied. He spoke for Thanos:
"Prince of Asgard, joining Thanos's empire could spark war with Asgard. Are you prepared for that?"
"No, wise Ebony Maw. Though recent events have severed my ties to Asgard.
I failed to overthrow it, defeated by my foolish yet lucky brother, Thor. Now, I wander the universe.
Thanos, I seek a position befitting my former princely status. I offer the Space Stone as a token of my loyalty!"
Loki raised his right hand, and a clear image flickered in his palm.
If Heisenberg saw this, he'd recognize the video's subject immediately: Dr. Selvig, head of the Pegasus Project.
In the footage, Selvig wandered aimlessly through a base.
A black man with an eyepatch called his name, guiding him over.
The eyepatched man invited Selvig to join a project granting humanity infinite power.
He opened a box containing the source of that power.
As the box opened, Thanos finally showed interest. He knew what it was.
Inside lay a crystalline blue cube—the Tesseract, once called the Space Stone before Odin sealed it.
"The Space Stone!"
Thanos spoke, his voice weary yet laden with the weight of countless lives.
Despite knowing Thanos wouldn't harm him, Loki tensed uncontrollably.
He struggled to maintain his composure, addressing Thanos:
"Respected Thanos, I offer the Space Stone's location in exchange for rule over Midgard."
"Just the location…?" Thanos asked personally.
"Of course not. I need an army capable of crushing Asgard's Einherjar. I want to defeat my father and prove myself. In return, I'll deliver the Space Stone!"
The ship fell silent.
Moments later, Thanos's face—both majestic and terrifying—softened with reminiscence.
"Five thousand years ago, Odin became Asgard's king. Driven by ambition, he attacked me.
I lost, and the Space Stone was taken.
Odin's armies swept the universe until he held five of the six Infinity Stones.
Then, he stopped. He withdrew his forces, ceased his conquests, and abandoned the Stones.
I never understood him, nor did I need to.
Now, his son stands before me, offering to reclaim the Space Stone.
I sense destiny's hand.
I'll give you the army you need, and the Reality Stone I've recently acquired.
Go. Retrieve what's mine."
"Yes!"
Loki bowed deeply, offering Asgard's highest respect.
Yet, even as he took the Reality Scepter from Ebony Maw, he couldn't grasp Thanos's words.
Odin had defeated Thanos?
Odin had nearly collected all six Stones?
Odin had almost conquered the universe?
Why, then, had Odin become a benevolent, forgiving old man?
A man who misjudged others, untrustworthy and cruel!!!
Puzzled, Loki gripped the Reality Scepter.
Instantly, the invisible power of the Reality Stone enveloped him.
He sensed every mind around him, feeling he could control anyone he saw!
Even indirectly, the Infinity Stone multiplied his power exponentially.
With this mental might, he could've commanded Thor's suicide!
Yet, the more power he felt, the more confused he became.
If the Infinity Stones were as legendary, why had Odin abandoned them?
…
"Loki!"
As Loki pondered, Thanos commanded:
"I'll redirect the Chitauri forces meant for Xandar. They'll serve you instead.
Don't disappoint me."
"Yes!"
Loki hurriedly bowed, deciding to set aside his confusion.
No matter the secrets of the past, his path was set.
When Odin last rejected him, when Loki released Thor's hand and chose exile…
He'd already reached a point of no return!
Either defeat Odin—the father who never loved him—and prove himself to all.
Or die in the universe, an unnamed Asgardian skeleton lost to time.
Nothing more!