DRUIG, the current Prime Eternal, determined that Earth's mutants represent excess deviation--and therefore, he has set out to destroy them all. Druig unleashed the HEX, giant Eternals, to attack the mutant nation of KRAKOA, triggering war.

A faction of the ETERNALS opposed to Druig's plan are working together with the AVENGERS and kidnapped mutant geneticist, MR. SINISTER. Together, they used the Avengers' headquarters, the deceased body of a Celestial, to create a new, living god--the PROGENITOR. However, once awakened, the Progenitor announced to everyone on Earth that within 24 hours they will all be judged. And if found lacking...all will die!