Meanwhile, back at ESU, Rich Rider and his roommates ( Bernie Dillon and Roger "Caps" Cooper) have just finished watching the classic movie "Citizen Kane". Rich, a film major, is disappointed and confused by the ending. Roger voices his own confusion as to why Rich rejoined the New Warriors and wears a different costume while he is with them.

Rich explains that he feels an obligation to the team he helped put together. As for the costume, Rich feels he belongs with the Avengers. However, he feels they won't give him a chance if he's with the Warriors. In order to work with the Warriors but not be identified with them, Rich decided to wear a new costume. He also wants to give the perception that "Kid Nova" of the Warriors is a sidekick or possible imitator of Nova. He feels the Avengers may notice him if he appears to have inspired others to follow in his footsteps. Rich tells his friends he must go to a New Warriors meeting and departs.

Hours later, Rich is back at his apartment taking a nap. He is awakened by Bernie and Roger. Rich tells his friends that the police aren't going to file charges in the case of Nova's attack on Ginger Jaye's husband. Roger reminds Rich about the baseball game they have to play as part of the ESU team. Rich tells Roger he is still uncomfortable with using his powers to win games. After debating the ethics of using his powers, Roger reminds Rich that Jennifer Smith will be there. They immediately leave for the game.

At the game, Rich hits another home run to win the game. After accepting the fans' congratulations, Rich is introduced to Elizabeth Rand by Bernie. Elizabeth tells Rich she is a big fan and would like to go on a date with him. Before he can answer, Jennifer Smith comes up to Rich and asks him out on a date! She tells Rich that she is no longer dating the team captain, Randy Reed and would like to have dinner with him.

As he is about to accept the invitation, an energy wave passes over the field and drains everyone's life energy. However, Rich is unaffected and changes to Nova! As he surveys the area, Nova discovers that everyone for miles around has had their energy drained. While he is digging through the debris, Nova discovers the cause of the catastrophe; the Sphinx! The two long-time enemies begin a fierce and devastating battle with the fate of Nova's friends at stake!

During the fight, the Sphinx attempts to drain Nova's Computer Prime knowledge directly and is immediately knocked back by an energy blast. As the two resume their struggle, the Sphinx continues to drain the life force of everyone around them. With each victim, the evil Egyptian grows in size and soon dwarfs Nova. The Human Rocket asks the Sphinx what he hopes to accomplish by killing everyone. The Sphinx replies "revenge". He wants revenge on Galactus and will use the energies of Nova, the Earth and Xandar in order to destroy the man who placed him in the eternal time loop.

The Sphinx continues to use his Ka Stone to increase his power and strength. In order to stop the slaughter, Nova gains tremendous momentum and knocks the Sphinx out into the remote Atlantic Ocean. Nova searches for his foe and his blasted into the water. His helmet's internal air supply prevents him from drowning. However, Nova has been stunned long enough for the Sphinx to capture him. As the Egyptian begins his attempt to drain the hero, Nova grabs the Ka Stone from the Sphinx and hurtles it into the sun!

With the destruction of the Ka Stone, the Sphinx's body turns to stone! The Human Rocket finishes the battle by using a full-power Nova punch to pulverize his foe into rubble. By destroying the Sphinx, the carnage caused by the Ka Stone is reversed. All of the Sphinx's victims and the city are returned to normal. Time itself has reverted back to the point before the Sphinx attacked the city. Rich finds himself accepting Jennifer Smith's invitation to dinner.

Meanwhile, in another area of the city, Eddie Brock is watching a television newscast. They report on Eddie's sister, Mary, who was injured in Nova's battle with the Quintronic Man. The insane Eddie Brock swears vengence on Nova and changes to his alter ego; Venom!