In the dim light of the cathedral, the hum of machinery and the sharp scent of metal filled the air as Ultron paced in his private sanctuary. The vast chamber, once a crumbling relic of forgotten times, had been transformed under his meticulous design. Jagged steel beams and flickering lights now framed the space like a twisted, mechanical monument, the skeletal remains of long-forgotten technology integrated seamlessly with the high, arched ceilings. He stood at the center, his glowing eyes scanning the creations surrounding him.

The doors to the cathedral opened with a soft, mechanical hiss, and in walked Wanda and Pietro, returning from their mission. Pietro's footsteps echoed through the hollow space as his sharp blue eyes roamed the room, noting the contrast between the wreckage they had once witnessed and the new mechanical life Ultron had brought to the place. He whistled, clearly impressed by the sight of the robot in progress, its skeletal frame constructed from salvaged parts. The craftsmanship was crude but functional—a testament to Ultron's ingenuity.

"I hope you find my hall a bit more to your liking," Ultron's voice cut through the silence, smooth and cold. He emerged from a shadowed crevice in the wall, his form almost melding with the darkness. His metallic frame gleamed under the faint light, his towering presence commanding attention.

Wanda stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room with a calm, unblinking gaze. She gave nothing away, the familiar weight of her powers hovering just beneath the surface. "You summoned us here. We've scouted around, and the Gojo woman is still in the tower," she reported in her usual tone, no trace of concern in her words.

Ultron nodded, his mechanical head tilting slightly as he processed the information. His eyes, glowing with a cold, unnatural light, flickered with something akin to satisfaction. "Good work," he said, his voice even, measured. He seemed unbothered by the news, as if it was all part of a larger plan. "She remains a threat, but not for long. The tower will fall. And with it, her world."

Pietro folded his arms, his gaze narrowing as he took in the vast, shifting structure of machinery. "You've got something planned, huh?" His voice carried a hint of skepticism, but there was also the slightest edge of curiosity. He didn't ask questions unless he was certain of the answer.

Ultron's eyes flashed. "Yes, Pietro. I always have a plan." His voice became more insistent, a sharp edge creeping into his tone. "And soon, we will have more than just the tower. We will have everything. But first, I need you to be ready. I need both of you at your fullest potential."

Wanda and Pietro exchanged a brief look, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They had followed Ultron this far, but they knew better than anyone that his vision was far-reaching, often difficult to comprehend. But in this world of shifting allegiances and fractured power, Ultron's strength had become a force they couldn't ignore.

"Just tell us what you need," Wanda said, her voice a whisper of steel, her power already thrumming in the air, ready to surge.

Ultron let out a low, mechanical chuckle. "Patience, my dear. All in good time. You'll see."

SCENEBREAK

The sound of your footsteps echoed lightly down the hallway as you made your way toward the lower level, your mind buzzing with curiosity. You had known Dr. Strange was here, his presence so distinct it seemed to vibrate in the air. When you reached the doorway, you paused, taking a moment to compose yourself before entering.

Dr. Strange, Tony, and Bruce were gathered around a large table, an assortment of papers and glowing devices scattered before them. Their conversation was intense but paused when you entered. Tony's eyes flicked toward you with that trademark grin of his, while Bruce merely nodded in acknowledgment. But it was Dr. Strange who caught your attention, his focused gaze shifting toward you with a rare softness in his expression.

"Dr. Strange," you said warmly, your voice carrying that hint of amusement you always felt in his presence. "I didn't think you would come back."

Strange's lips quirked into a small smile as he met your gaze. He nodded, taking a step forward. "I had to return, considering the circumstances," he replied, his tone measured but with an underlying sincerity that caught your attention.

Tony raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, so now you're back for the 'big reveal,' huh?" His tone was playful, but there was an edge of curiosity there, too.

Bruce gave a soft chuckle, brushing his glasses back into place as he looked at you. "So, what's the deal, [Your Name]?" he asked, his usual calm demeanor barely concealing the intrigue. "Strange has been talking about some... unusual developments."

Dr. Strange's gaze flicked briefly toward Bruce and Tony before he turned back to you. The faint glimmer of urgency was noticeable, though he kept his cool demeanor. "I believe the time is drawing near," he said, his voice low and measured. "There are things—forces—that are starting to shift, and you may be at the center of it."

You raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of his words more deeply than you cared to admit. You had already known things weren't exactly as they seemed, but now... it felt different. More tangible.

"Is this about Loki?" you asked, a knowing edge creeping into your voice. You could feel your pulse quicken, but you kept your expression neutral.

Dr. Strange nodded slowly. "Loki is one piece of it, yes. But there's more—something much larger that's coming into play. We may not have much time."

Tony glanced at the others, then back at you, an unspoken question in his eyes. "You're not telling us everything," he pointed out, his voice soft but insistent.

You gave him a knowing look, one that communicated more than words ever could. "There are things in motion beyond even Loki's reach," you said cryptically, glancing at Strange. "And it's not just about us. It's about this entire universe."

The silence that followed was thick with tension as the weight of your words settled over the room. Dr. Strange's eyes remained fixed on you, his own expression unreadable, though you could sense the contemplation beneath. It was as if the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, but there was still more to uncover, more to protect.

"You're right," Dr. Strange finally said, breaking the stillness. "We have to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Tony's smirk softened into a more serious line. "So what now? What do we do to stop it?"

You glanced around at the assembled group, the responsibility of what lay ahead suddenly pressing down on you with greater force. "We prepare," you said quietly, a new resolve hardening your voice. "And we make sure we're ready for whatever is coming. Together."

Bruce and Tony exchanged glances, and Dr. Strange gave a sharp nod. It was clear that whatever force was on the horizon, it wouldn't be easily stopped—but at least you wouldn't be facing it alone.