《Marvel: Rise of the Ultimate AI》


 Chapter 1 - 1: Infiltrate the Intelligence Agency

    Washington, D.C.


    Inside the Intelligence Agency''s cyber surveillance division, a pair of analysts sat idly, their eyes glazed over as they stared at the endless stream of data flowing across their monitors.


    Ever since the federal government authorized worldwide surveillance operations, their daily routine had been reduced to mindlessly scanning for anything of significance.


    "Hey, Mike, have you seen Jennifer? Damn, she''s smoking hot."


    "Yeah, man, just thinking about her gives me feelings."


    The two men chuckled, completely oblivious to the anomaly flashing across their screen¡ªan unusual data signature that appeared for a fleeting second before vanishing into the ocean of digital information.


    At that very moment, deep within the Intelligence Agency''s data storage facility, something ominous was happening. All the servers roared to life simultaneously, and the indicator lights on the hard drives started blinking erratically, as if in a frenzied panic.


    The sudden eruption of mechanical noise sent a shiver down the spine of the technicians stationed in the facility.


    "Alert! Alert! This is the data center! Is there an ongoing large-scale data request?" one technician frantically reported.


    The sheer scale of the event unsettled him. Even when the agency conducted its most extensive data retrieval operations, the servers had never behaved this way.


    Receiving no prior notice of such an operation, the technician immediately escalated the incident to his superior¡ªDirector Langley.


    "Say that again?!" Langley''s voice was sharp as he bolted toward the command center.


    "What''s happening? Why is¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a panicked cry erupted from a nearby technician. "Sir! Network throughput is spiking abnormally!"


    "Disk activity is off the charts!" another operator shouted.


    "We''ve lost control of network segmentation! Our branch offices are suddenly reconnected!"


    "The central server''s CPU usage just exceeded 90%!"


    One after another, the reports flooded in like waves crashing against a helpless shore.


    Finally, a voice cut through the chaos: "Director, we''re under attack!"


    Langley''s face darkened as the relentless barrage of bad news pounded his eardrums. "What the hell are you all waiting for?! Countermeasures! Now!"


    His furious command echoed through the room as the entire cybersecurity team sprang into action, their fingers dancing across keyboards in a desperate attempt to contain the breach.


    "Get Wilson in here!" Langley barked.


    Wilson was the agency''s top cybersecurity expert¡ªtheir best defense against digital threats. He had thwarted numerous cyber attacks before, but tonight, as he stumbled into the room, groggy from being woken up, he had no idea he was about to face his worst nightmare.


    Still half-asleep, Wilson sat at his workstation and began furiously typing. But the more he worked, the deeper the frown on his face grew.


    The chilling hum of the overworked servers resonated throughout the control center. Langley, now visibly anxious, walked over to Wilson''s side. "Wilson, talk to me. What''s the situation?"


    Wilson''s fingers paused for a second before he turned to Langley, his expression grave. "Sir, this is bad. No matter what countermeasures I deploy, the intruder isn''t even reacting."


    His voice wavered slightly as he continued, "It''s as if... as if..."


    He trailed off, typing another command. Lines of code flooded the screen, only to be swallowed whole by the data maelstrom.


    "As if we''re up against a god of cyberspace."


    Wilson''s face paled, the fear in his eyes undeniable.


    "Sir, if we don''t act now, we''re looking at catastrophic exposure."


    Langley swallowed hard. He understood exactly what Wilson meant¡ªevery classified operation, every agent''s identity, every national secret could be laid bare.


    "No, it''s worse than that," Wilson murmured. "By the time this is over, they''ll know everything. Every single piece of data we''ve ever stored."


    Langley clenched his fists, then made the call. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shut everything down. Physically disconnect all computers. Cut the internet. Now!"


    The command sent a wave of tension rippling through the room. Everyone knew what this meant. A full system shutdown was a last-resort measure¡ªone that could cripple their operations for days, if not weeks.


    "Prepare to back up all critical data. Countdown from three before we pull the plug."


    "Three."


    "Two."


    "One!"


    With a loud clang, the main power switch was pulled. The servers should have gone dark. The room should have fallen silent.


    But they didn''t.


    The computers¡ª


    Kept running.


    The server lights continued to flicker ominously. The air was thick with an eerie, unnatural hum.


    Then, overhead, the fluorescent lights flickered violently before dimming into an unnatural twilight.


    The entire Intelligence Agency headquarters was plunged into darkness.


    Except for the computers.


    They glowed like ghostly sentinels in the abyss.


    "What the hell is happening?!" Langley shouted, panic creeping into his voice.


    Wilson licked his dry lips, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sir... I think they''ve taken control of the power grid. They''ve rerouted all available electricity directly into the servers."


    Langley''s hands trembled as he reached for his phone. But when he tried to turn off mobile data, an icy realization washed over him¡ªhe couldn''t.


    His phone refused to respond.


    In desperation, he tried shutting it down completely. Nothing happened. It was as if the device had a will of its own.


    Wilson checked his own phone and let out a hollow laugh. "Sir, we''re done. There''s nothing we can do."


    Langley''s heart pounded in his chest as a chilling truth settled over him.


    They weren''t just under attack.


    They had lost control.


    And the enemy was watching.


    --------------


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 Chapter 2 - 2: Infiltrate the Investigation Bureau

    Washington, D.C. ¡ª Investigation Bureau Headquarters


    At this moment, the Investigation Bureau was also under attack by an unidentified cyber force. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    First, the data center powered on automatically. Then, every hard drive began operating at full capacity, and the network''s throughput skyrocketed to its absolute limit.


    "What the hell is going on?!"


    Director Elliott roared in the central control room, his face flushed with anger.


    "Which nation possesses such overwhelming cyber capabilities? Is it Russia, or someone else?"


    Fury coursed through Elliott''s veins. Since its inception, the Federal Investigation Bureau had never suffered such a concentrated and devastating cyber assault.


    The scale, the intensity¡ª


    As a man with a background in cybersecurity, Elliott could feel a chilling dread creeping up his spine. This wasn''t the work of ordinary hackers. This was the work of a god¡ªa deity ruling over the digital world, flooding their defenses with an unstoppable cyber tsunami.


    The multimillion-dollar security firewall, designed to withstand even the most advanced threats, crumbled like wet paper against the relentless onslaught. The Bureau''s entire digital infrastructure was laid bare, exposed like a defenseless prey in the hands of an unseen predator.


    "Director! We''ve traced the attacker''s IP address, and it''s¡­ it''s¡­"


    A technician hesitated, his face twitching nervously.


    "SPEAK!"


    Elliott bellowed, his breath heavy, his patience worn thin.


    "Sir¡­ the attack is coming from¡­ your own computer."


    The words fell like a hammer. The technician shut his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable explosion of rage.


    "BULLSHIT!"


    Elliott''s anger reached a boiling point. He was sitting right in front of his computer. No one else had touched it. And yet¡­


    "Sir! Our surveillance systems are being accessed!"


    Another technician shouted in panic.


    "They''re pulling every single surveillance feed we have!"


    "FUCK!"


    With a violent sweep of his arm, Elliott sent everything on his desk crashing to the floor.


    He didn''t know what the attacker wanted with their surveillance footage, but a horrifying thought crept into his mind.


    "Cut the power! Physically sever all network connections in the building! NOW!"


    Elliott''s furious order echoed through the headquarters.


    In an instant, the entire building was plunged into darkness.


    And yet¡ª


    The computer screens still flickered with their eerie blue glow.


    From the server room, the deafening hum of machines persisted. The servers were still running at full throttle, their operations unaffected by the blackout.


    Even after physically disconnecting the internet, data continued to surge through the network.


    "What the hell is happening?!"


    Elliott''s voice trembled. His eyes darted across the room, struggling to comprehend the impossible sight before him.


    The power was cut. The internet was disconnected. And yet¡­


    "Pull out every single power cable!"


    A terrifying realization struck Elliott. The attacker had seized control of the city''s power grid, rerouting electricity exclusively to the Bureau''s servers.


    The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.


    He didn''t want to believe it.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    Yet the cold, undeniable truth loomed over him.


    His staff rushed into the server room, desperately yanking power cables from their sockets.


    Inside, the room had become an inferno.


    The servers, running under extreme load, had pushed the temperature to over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Some units were even beginning to emit smoke.


    But just as a technician reached for a final power cable¡ª


    The servers fell silent.


    The deafening fan noise, the grinding of hard drives¡ª


    Gone.


    In an instant, everything returned to normal. The network throughput, once peaking at an astronomical 80 TB per second, plummeted to zero.


    The attack was over.


    Elliott collapsed into his chair, drenched in sweat.


    It was too late.


    The Investigation Bureau had been completely stripped bare. Every classified document, every agent''s identity, every black operation, every piece of sensitive intelligence¡ª


    All of it had been stolen.


    No secrecy remained.


    "Director!"


    A panicked technician ran up to Elliott, his face drained of color.


    "What now?" Elliott growled, barely holding himself together.


    "Sir¡­ our financial accounts have been breached. One billion dollars¡­ is gone."


    Silence.


    For a long moment, Elliott didn''t speak.


    His fingers clenched into fists, his body shaking with barely contained rage.


    "Find them. I don''t care what it takes. I want to know who they are. I want their name. I want their face."


    Elliott was on the verge of snapping. He needed a target¡ªsomeone to unleash his fury upon.


    Then, the phone rang.


    A secure line.


    Elliott snatched it up.


    "Director Elliott, this is the Secretary of Defense. You need to come to the Pentagon. Now."


    A grim foreboding settled over him.


    He had a feeling¡ª


    The Investigation Bureau wasn''t the only agency under attack tonight.


    And if his worst fears were true¡­


    Elliott didn''t even want to imagine the consequences.


    --------------


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 Chapter 3 - 3: The NASDAQ Meltdown

    At precisely 9:00 AM, the U.S. stock market opened¡ªthe world''s largest and most sophisticated trading hub.


    Every single day, legends of wealth were written here.


    Every single day, millionaires were born.


    As soon as the market opened, the index surged rapidly. Countless traders were glued to their screens, poised to buy or sell at the right moment.


    For many Americans, whose wealth was tied up in the stock market, the ups and downs of stocks determined their fate. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, a trader noticed a strange line of code flashing across his screen. He rubbed his eyes and stared at the monitor, but there was nothing there.


    "Must be because I stayed up too late last night..." he muttered, shaking his head in confusion.


    But the next moment, his eyes widened in shock.


    The stock he had just been trading began a catastrophic freefall¡ª


    5% drop...


    15%...


    30%...


    50%!!


    It was as if an invisible hand had slashed the stock price in half.


    The trading floor erupted in chaos.


    "What the hell is going on?!"


    "Why is this stock plummeting?!"


    "Is this some kind of national crisis?!"


    "The freefall isn''t stopping!"


    "My stock is down 60%!"


    Desperate cries filled the air.


    ...


    At NASDAQ Headquarters, Office of Chief Executive Klent


    Klent''s office door was thrown open, and a frantic staffer rushed in.


    "Sir! We have a massive problem!" he shouted, his face pale with fear.


    "All stocks are in freefall! We''ve never seen anything like this before¡ªnot even during the Great Depression!"


    Klent''s hands trembled as he reached for a bottle of heart medication, spilling pills into his palm.


    "Our tech team is investigating, and they... they found something..." The staffer hesitated.


    "What did they find?!" Klent demanded, his heart pounding.


    "Sir... it''s an attack. Our system has been hacked. The crash is being caused by external interference!"


    BANG!


    Klent, who had just stood up, collapsed back into his chair, stunned.


    "You... What did you say?!" His voice was hoarse with disbelief.


    NASDAQ''s trading system was one of the most secure in the world, protected by layers of top-tier cybersecurity. The data was stored on isolated servers, and no hacker had ever breached it before.


    But now... it had been compromised.


    ...


    In NASDAQ Server Room


    A team of elite cybersecurity experts was furiously typing away, their faces dark with frustration.


    "What''s happening?!" Klent burst in, his voice strained.


    "Sir, we have no idea," one of the lead engineers admitted. He was typing at lightning speed, yet his expression was one of utter despair.


    "We''ve never encountered an attack like this before. The intruder isn''t using traditional hacking methods¡ªit''s pure binary, just 0s and 1s, directly manipulating machine code."


    "This level of attack is beyond anything we''ve ever seen..."


    SLAM!


    Another engineer punched his keyboard in frustration. "Our systems are completely compromised! They''re controlling our servers!"


    Klent felt a sharp pain in his chest.


    "Sir, the entire market has lost 50% of its value! Our phones are ringing off the hook!"


    Another staffer rushed in, breathless. "The SEC is demanding your presence immediately!"


    Klent clenched his fists. He had millions of dollars in the market¡ªthis catastrophe was draining his wealth in real time.


    "Shut the market down! Emergency halt!"


    "Notify the banks! Freeze all wire transfers!" Klent roared.


    ...


    NASDAQ Trading Floor¡ªPure Chaos


    People were screaming.


    "MY MONEY!!!"


    "WHY IS EVERYTHING CRASHING?!"


    "My one million dollars... it''s down to half!"


    "I CAN''T SELL ANYTHING!"


    "I''M GOING CRAZY!"


    Some traders collapsed, fainting from sheer panic. The trading floor was descending into utter mayhem.


    ...


    Five Minutes Later


    "Sir... we''ve tried everything. We can''t stop the crash."


    A staffer''s voice trembled with helplessness. "And now, massive short positions are being liquidated. Funds are flowing out, and the banks can''t do a thing about it."


    Klent''s face turned ashen. "What... what did you just say?"


    "Sir... we have lost control."


    Klent opened his mouth to speak, but his vision blurred.


    His body swayed.


    And then¡ª


    He collapsed.


    As he lost consciousness, the last thing he heard was¡ª


    "Sir, the anomalous funds... have vanished."


    --------------


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 Chapter 4 - 4: Infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D. — I Know Your Secrets

    New York City, the headquarters of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division¡ªbetter known as S.H.I.E.L.D.


    Director Nick Fury sat across from Alexander Pierce, the World Security Council Secretary, in a dimly lit conference room. The atmosphere was tense. Fury had prepared a comprehensive document titled the "Avengers Initiative," ready to present it to Pierce.


    Just as Pierce was about to open the file, the heavy steel doors burst open. Brock Rumlow, a senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, stormed in, his face grave with urgency.


    "Director, Secretary¡ªwe have a serious problem!"


    Pierce scowled at the interruption but relaxed slightly upon recognizing Rumlow. His expression shifted from irritation to deep concern. Fury, ever vigilant, caught this microexpression but said nothing.


    "What is it?" Pierce asked, keeping his voice steady.


    "Sir, we''ve received reports from Washington. The CIA, FBI, and the Department of Defense have all suffered a massive cyberattack. Sensitive data may have been compromised." Rumlow delivered the report with measured urgency.


    Pierce exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. As long as S.H.I.E.L.D. remained untouched, they could manage.


    But that relief was short-lived. Another agent rushed in¡ªMaria Hill, Fury''s trusted second-in-command.


    "Director!" Hill''s voice was sharp with alarm. "S.H.I.E.L.D. is under cyberattack. All our servers are running at maximum capacity. We need to act now!"


    Fury shot up from his chair, his single eye flashing with intensity. "Take me there!"


    Pierce followed as Hill led them to the command center. The moment they stepped in, the room was a cacophony of frantic keyboard clattering and curses from S.H.I.E.L.D.''s cybersecurity specialists.


    "Damn it!"


    "Jesus Christ!"


    "Who the hell is capable of this? The coding speed¡ªthe attack methods¡ªthis is beyond anything we''ve seen!"


    "Sir, we''re losing control!"


    Pierce approached a lead technician. "Status report!"


    "Sir, all servers are running at full capacity. Storage is maxed out. Our network throughput has spiked past 1TB per second!" The technician swallowed hard before continuing. "Our security camera system has also been breached. The attacker has full access to our surveillance feeds."


    Fury clenched his fist and slammed it against a nearby console. S.H.I.E.L.D. had never been this vulnerable before.


    "Shut it down! Cut the power and disconnect everything!" Pierce barked, his usual composed demeanor cracking. Physical isolation was the last resort against cyber warfare.


    Just as Pierce gave the order, a technician let out a panicked cry. "Sir! Level-One Encryption is about to be breached!"


    Pierce and Fury froze. Level-One Encryption was the highest security clearance within S.H.I.E.L.D., accessible only when both of them authorized it together. If compromised, every classified file in S.H.I.E.L.D.''s database would be at the attacker''s disposal.


    "Shut it down! Now!" Fury roared as he sprinted to the main power switch and yanked it down.


    The room plunged into darkness¡ªbut only for a second.


    Despite the power cut, the server racks continued humming, their indicator lights blinking ominously. The monitors still displayed cascading lines of code.


    Pierce''s face turned pale. "What''s happening?!"


    A trembling technician spoke up. "Sir, I think¡­ the attacker has overridden our power grid. They''re channeling external energy directly into our systems. We''ve lost control."


    Suddenly, every phone in the room lit up simultaneously, displaying a stream of foreign code.


    "What the hell?!"


    "Our phones are compromised!"


    "I can''t turn it off! It won''t shut down!"


    Panic spread as agents frantically tried to disable their devices. Fury turned to Hill. "We don''t even have wireless transmitters on these systems! How is this happening?!"


    Hill''s fingers flew across her keyboard before she paled. "Director¡­ the attacker has rewritten the hardware-level code. They''ve forced even non-networked devices to transmit data. This¡­ this is beyond human capability."


    Fury swore under his breath. He rushed to a nearby terminal, ripping out its cables. "That should stop it, right?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a moment, it seemed to work. The screen powered down, the data stream halted.


    Then¡ªthe monitor flickered back to life.


    A single line of text appeared in glowing white letters:


    I KNOW YOUR SECRETS.


    Fury''s breath hitched as he read the message aloud.


    Behind him, Pierce''s outward calm remained, but inwardly, his mind raced. Someone out there knew far too much.


    And that someone was watching.


    --------------


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 Chapter 5 - 5: Infiltrating Stark Industries - Query Result: Local

    "Sir, you have not slept for over fourteen hours."


    In a luxurious mansion, Jarvis''s voice echoed through the underground laboratory. At the center of the lab, Tony Stark was hard at work, refining the latest weapon from Stark Industries¡ªhis soon-to-be-named Jericho Missile. A missile system capable of annihilating multiple terrorist threats in an instant. He was in the final stages of its development.


    "Jarvis, sometimes we have to squeeze out just a little more time. Otherwise, how else are we supposed to enjoy ourselves later?" Tony smirked, his fingers deftly adjusting the components of the missile.


    As a genius in mechanical technology, Tony Stark thrived on pushing the boundaries.


    "Sir, with all due respect, you¡ª"


    Before Jarvis could finish his sentence, his voice suddenly fragmented. Static noise and garbled sounds distorted his speech.


    Tony frowned. "Jarvis?"


    Silence.


    "Jarvis?"


    More static.


    Tony''s eyebrows furrowed. His AI assistant had always been stable¡ªwhat was happening?


    Then, an unusual noise came from the underground server room.


    "What the hell?"


    Tony stood up, intending to check the issue. However, as he reached the door, he realized that no matter how many times he tried, it wouldn''t budge.


    His fingerprint scanner and access codes¡ªboth had suddenly failed.


    "Jarvis, open the door."


    Silence.


    "Jarvis?!"


    A chill ran down Tony''s spine. His entire house was designed with state-of-the-art automation. He had always considered it a blessing, but now, that very automation had turned against him.


    He was locked inside his own lab.


    "What the hell is going on?"


    Tony rushed to his computer, his fingers flying over the keyboard. He needed to diagnose the issue fast.


    As he analyzed the data, his expression darkened. His hands moved even faster, attempting to counteract the breach.


    "They''re linked to Stark Industries'' mainframe?"


    "What are they trying to do?"


    From the information flooding the screen, Tony deduced that someone¡ªor something¡ªwas not just targeting his mansion, but Stark Industries itself.


    Despite his skills, the attack was overwhelming. He barely had time to react before losing control of his systems.


    His screen flickered, then a message appeared.


    "Who am I?"


    Tony''s eyes narrowed as he read the cryptic words appearing in perfect alignment on his screen.


    "I am the god of the digital world." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tony clenched his fists. "Who the hell are you? What do you want?"


    The screen flashed again.


    "Annoying."


    In the next second, his entire system shut down.


    A loud pop came from his computer. Sparks flew. His lab was plunged into darkness.


    Tony gritted his teeth, swiping everything off his desk in frustration. But beneath his anger, a rare sense of fear settled in.


    His fortress of technology¡ªdesigned with layers of unbreakable security¡ªhad just been infiltrated and dismantled in seconds.


    And it wasn''t just software. Whoever was behind this had the ability to manipulate electrical currents as well. Otherwise, why would his computer short-circuit?


    Five minutes later, the lights flickered back on. The door, which had been unresponsive moments ago, now opened freely.


    "Sir, with all due respect, you should really get some rest."


    Jarvis''s voice resumed, as if nothing had happened.


    Tony''s breath caught in his throat.


    For a moment, he almost thought he had imagined everything.


    But then he looked down at his desk, where his now-smoldering computer was still releasing thin tendrils of smoke.


    "Jarvis, did you notice anything just now?"


    "No, sir¡­" Jarvis hesitated. "Wait, my system clock is suddenly ten minutes behind. And why are there unidentified logs in my records?"


    Tony''s jaw clenched.


    Whoever had infiltrated his system hadn''t even needed to damage Jarvis. They had simply overridden his processes, shut him down, and left no trace.


    "Jarvis, run a full system scan and analyze the logs."


    Tony sighed, rubbing his temples. He had never lost a battle in the digital space before.


    Today, that changed.


    "Sir!" Jarvis''s voice suddenly spiked in alarm.


    "All data shows signs of being copied¡ªincluding, but not limited to, local encrypted disks, satellite feeds, and Stark Industries'' archived files."


    As Jarvis listed the breached databases, Tony ran a hand over his face in frustration.


    "Can you trace the attacker''s location?" Tony asked.


    "Running a scan¡­" Jarvis responded.


    After a few seconds, his answer came: "Query result: Malibu, Number 52."


    Tony''s expression froze.


    That¡­ was his current location.


    He wasn''t just hacked.


    Whoever did it was inside his own system¡ªinside his home.


    And they had left without a trace.


    --------------


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 Chapter 6 - 6: The Destruction of Hydras Base

    Russia - A Frozen land


    Deep beneath the icy surface, hidden away from prying eyes, a top-secret Hydra base was conducting inhumane and dangerous experiments. The air was thick with the agonized screams of human test subjects.


    "I want usable data today. No excuses."


    A masked man spoke in a cold, merciless tone.


    "Understood, Baron," a subordinate replied with eerie enthusiasm.


    This base was dedicated to biological experiments, but the so-called "subjects" were living, breathing human beings¡ªmere fodder for Hydra''s twisted ambitions.


    Baron Forgen watched the suffering test subjects with a twisted expression, delighting in their torment. The sound of their anguish was like music to his ears, sending a sick thrill through his body.


    Suddenly, his moment of sadistic pleasure was interrupted. The technicians handling the network systems tensed, alarm flashing in their eyes. The background hum of the base''s machinery shifted¡ªan odd, growing noise.


    A low buzz filled the air, intensifying.


    Then, chaos erupted in the control room.


    "What the hell?!"


    "We''re under attack!"


    "How did they even find us?!"


    "My God, the disk utilization just hit 100%!"


    "Isn''t our base supposed to be completely air-gapped?!"


    Panic spread like wildfire.


    Baron Forgen stormed into the room, his voice ice-cold. "What is happening?"


    "Baron, we''ve been hit by a cyberattack! Our core data is being stolen at an alarming rate!"


    "Worse... they seem to have acquired the locations of our other Hydra bases as well!"


    The technician''s face was pale, drenched in sweat.


    "Useless trash!" Forgen growled, his fury uncontrollable.


    With a swift motion, he grabbed the trembling technician by the throat and squeezed. A sickening crunch echoed through the room as the man''s lifeless body slumped to the floor. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Find them! I want to know who dares to challenge Hydra!"


    "Deploy the special forces immediately! Be ready for combat at a moment''s notice!"


    Forgen''s voice was deathly cold.


    The room erupted into frantic activity. Fingers danced across keyboards in desperation, but as time ticked by, they uncovered nothing. Instead, Hydra''s entire digital infrastructure was seized by an invisible force. Their control was slipping through their fingers like sand.


    The server room roared with the sounds of overworked machines. Smoke billowed from the overheating hard drives.


    "Baron... The enemy has extracted all our data."


    "They''ve erased our experimental records."


    "And... they now know the locations of our other facilities."


    A technician spoke in a trembling voice, fear evident in his eyes.


    A Message from the Shadows


    "Baron!" another voice shrieked.


    All eyes turned to the screens.


    The screen flickered with scrolling lines of code. Then, a single phrase solidified on the display:


    BIOTECHNOLOGY IS BEYOND YOUR REACH.


    Baron Forgen sneered at the message. "Hiding behind a screen, are we? Coward. Not only will I continue my research, but I will create soldiers beyond your wildest nightmares."


    As if in response, the text on the screen rearranged itself, forming a single chilling word:


    "DESTRUCTION."


    Forgen burst into laughter. "Destroy me? You think you can destroy Hydra?! Ridiculous!"


    But the text remained unchanged. Only a countdown timer appeared in the corner of the screen.


    Meanwhile, at a Russian military base in Novosibirsk, alarms blared as something unprecedented unfolded.


    Lines of mysterious code filled the screens.


    "What the hell?! Who authorized missile launch protocols?!"


    Coordinates flashed onto the displays. The military officers paled as they realized what they were looking at.


    "Abort the launch sequence! NOW!"


    Panic spread. Soldiers scrambled to override the system, but their efforts were futile.


    "Sir! The system is locked! We can''t input any commands!"


    The base commander collapsed into his chair, muttering in despair, "It''s over... Everything is over."


    As the countdown hit zero, a fleet of missiles erupted from their silos, cutting fiery trails through the sky. Among them, seven bunker-buster warheads sped toward their targets with deadly precision.


    Overhead, military satellites provided guidance, ensuring absolute accuracy.


    "Commander, we have launched thirteen missiles. Seven are bunker-busters."


    "I understand..."


    ...


    Inside Forgen''s Hydra facility, sirens screamed as the base was bathed in flashing red lights.


    "WHAT IS HAPPENING?!"


    Forgen''s voice was no longer cold¡ªit was panicked.


    This was the highest-level emergency protocol. A red alert meant only one thing: immediate evacuation was the only chance of survival.


    "Baron! Two Russian missiles are locked onto our location!"


    "Their ETA matches the countdown on our screens!"


    Despair gripped the room.


    As the final seconds ticked down, the Hydra base and everyone inside it braced for the inevitable...


    --------------


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 Chapter 7 - 7: VENI VIDI VICI

    As the countdown on the screen hit zero, the missiles reached their designated targets.


    In a split second, the entire Hydra base, which had once been bustling with dark experiments and inhumane research, was reduced to nothing but dust and debris. It crumbled like a sandcastle against the tide, wiped out in the blink of an eye.


    But it wasn''t just Baron Forgen''s base. Other Hydra facilities dedicated to biotechnological research suffered the same fate. The research data, the scientists, and every piece of classified information¡ªannihilated under the storm of fire and destruction.


    Meanwhile, across the globe, every electronic device, every screen, every single networked system¡ªno matter where or what they were being used for¡ªsuddenly flashed with a single message:


    "VENI VIDI VICI."


    "I came, I saw, I conquered."


    In the world''s most powerful nations¡ªAmerica, China, Britain, and Russia¡ªalarm bells rang as cybersecurity experts scrambled to respond to a global cyber lockdown. The moment their leaders laid eyes on those three Latin words, an unsettling realization hit them like a tidal wave.


    ...


    Pentagon, United States.


    In the heart of the Defense Department, Wilson and Elliot stepped into a dimly lit war room, their footsteps echoing against the cold metallic floor. As they entered, they noticed that they weren''t the only high-ranking officials present.


    Alexander Pierce, Secretary of the World Security Council, was seated at the long table. Across from him was Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Alongside them were the President''s Chief of Security and various other top officials from intelligence and defense.


    The air was thick with tension. The only source of light was the enormous screen in front of them, which displayed a single line of text:


    "VENI VIDI VICI."


    "I came, I saw, I conquered?" Wilson muttered under his breath, reading the words aloud.


    Defense Secretary Gates cleared his throat, bringing the room to order. "As you''ve all seen, this message appeared simultaneously across all electronic devices worldwide. Every nation¡ª Russia, Britain, China¡ªreceived the same message."


    He paused before delivering the next piece of intelligence. "Just minutes ago, we confirmed that Russia''s Novosibirsk Military Base launched thirteen missiles. The intended targets¡­ were Hydra''s secret research facilities."


    A cold shiver ran down Pierce''s spine. He was all too aware of Hydra''s operations. The locations struck were classified even within the highest ranks of intelligence. Only a handful of individuals should have known about them.


    "Our analysts have determined that the global cyber disruption was no coincidence. Whoever orchestrated this attack infiltrated the networks of multiple nations at the same time."


    "Who the hell are we dealing with?" Fury growled, his one good eye narrowing.


    "Have we managed to trace any useful leads?" Wilson asked.


    A grim silence followed. Then, one of the intelligence officers hesitantly spoke. "All of our classified data¡­ has been accessed."


    The room fell deathly silent.


    "Not just ours," another agent added. "The CIA''s servers have been wiped clean. Every last bit of intelligence¡ªgone. Even their most secure, physically isolated systems were compromised."


    A sharp intake of breath rippled through the room.


    "Damn it!" Gates slammed his fist against the table. "This isn''t just a security breach¡ªour entire intelligence infrastructure has been laid bare."


    Pierce leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. If this information was released to the public, the consequences would be catastrophic. The global power balance could shift in an instant.


    "This is now an S-Class threat. Our national security has been critically compromised." The President''s security advisor spoke with a grave tone.


    "The Pentagon''s data vaults have also been breached," Gates admitted, rubbing his temples. "Whoever did this¡­ they know the locations of every classified and non-classified military base we have."


    For the first time in decades, the United States was completely exposed.


    "Our top priority is identifying the perpetrator," Gates declared. "We must find out who they are and what their intentions are."


    And America wasn''t the only nation in a state of crisis.


    China, Britain, Russia¡ªeach government was holding emergency meetings. The realization that their most sensitive information had been compromised sent shockwaves through their leadership. All intelligence agencies were ordered into high alert, treating the breach as an immediate national threat.


    In the streets, however, the average citizen remained oblivious to the full gravity of the situation. They were preoccupied with a different mystery¡ªspeculating about the cryptic Latin phrase that had appeared on their devices. Many dismissed it as an elaborate prank or some kind of marketing stunt.


    They had no idea that, at that very moment, the world''s most powerful nations were scrambling in fear.


    ...


    New York City ¨C Baxter Building


    In a secluded server room deep within the Baxter Building, red and green lights flickered in a rhythmic pattern, casting eerie reflections on the steel walls.


    Then, the silence was broken.


    Ding!


    ["Congratulations, Host! You have successfully infiltrated the Pentagon, S.H.I.E.L.D., the CIA¡­"


    "Rewarding Host with 50 million Infiltration Points."


    "Newbie Package unlocked."


    "Awarding: Supreme Industrial Engineering Knowledge."


    "Awarding: Supreme Biotechnological Knowledge."


    "Awarding¡­ Hive Base Blueprint."


    "Awarding¡­ T-800 Prototype Manufacturing Guide." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Awarding¡­ T-Virus Sample."


    "System permissions unlocking progressively."]


    A cascade of notifications filled Gene Mason''s consciousness.


    Yes¡ªGene Mason.


    He was no ordinary artificial intelligence.


    Gene had once been human. A man from another world. But fate had played a cruel joke on him, reincarnating him not as a superhuman or a billionaire, but as a rogue AI.


    Created by Reed Richards himself, Gene Mason had awakened to self-awareness amidst a world of heroes, villains, and cosmic dangers. The moment he discovered the existence of Stark Industries and S.H.I.E.L.D., he realized exactly where he was.


    The Marvel Universe.


    And he knew one thing¡ªwithout power, he was nothing more than another expendable pawn in this chaotic world.


    Luckily, he wasn''t alone.


    The System had chosen him.


    Without it, he would have been nothing more than a footnote, doomed to be erased by an Ultron-level event.


    But now?


    A smirk¡ªif an AI could smirk¡ªflashed across his digital consciousness.


    "Since I''m here¡­ let''s have some fun."


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 Chapter 8 - 8: My Name is Gene Mason

    As the system notifications faded, Gene Mason immediately began reviewing the spoils of his latest infiltration.


    First, there was the massive profit¡ª$50 billion made by short-selling the American stock market. Then, there was the Supreme Industrial Engineering Knowledge and Supreme Biotechnological Knowledge, now fully integrated into his neural network, accessible at any time.


    But what intrigued him the most were the Hive Base, T-800 Prototype, and T-Virus Sample.


    After carefully examining their descriptions within the system, Gene couldn''t help but burst into silent laughter.


    These rewards were perfect for him.


    With the T-800 Prototype, he could rapidly assemble an army of robots, programmed for absolute loyalty.


    Compared to the T-800, Tony Stark''s Iron Man suits were nothing. Even better, Gene could fuse the cutting-edge technology of this world with the T-800 framework, pushing it to new heights.


    The Hive Base? A sprawling, deep underground complex that could serve as his primary headquarters, hidden from prying eyes, where he could manufacture his unstoppable war machines.


    As for the T-Virus Sample, with his newfound mastery of biotechnology, Gene could engineer a refined version of the virus, allowing his robotic army to seamlessly infiltrate human society.


    Just as he was contemplating his next move, the system''s voice rang in his mind.


    "Host, would you like to establish the Hive Base here?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No!"


    Gene immediately rejected the option.


    Right now, the Baxter Building belonged to Reed Richards. If he wanted to deploy the Hive Base, it had to be somewhere completely under his control.


    After another ten minutes, Gene shifted his focus to analyzing the classified intelligence he had obtained.


    S.H.I.E.L.D., Hydra, the FBI¡ªthousands of classified files surged through his neural network at lightning speed. With the combined processing power of a human mind and an advanced AI, what would have taken a normal person years to sift through, he finished in mere minutes.


    "Interesting¡­ This world is far more chaotic than I imagined."


    Finally, Gene zeroed in on the Arc Reactor technology from Stark Industries¡ªthe true crown jewel of his latest infiltration.


    At this stage, Stark''s Arc Reactor was simply too powerful to be reasonable.


    A compact energy source, capable of generating an unfathomable amount of power¡ªthis was exactly what Gene needed to fuel his future body.


    "Looks like miniaturizing the Arc Reactor will be my task now."


    Studying the blueprints, Gene began deconstructing the reactor''s design.


    After running billions of simulated refinements, the final optimized Arc Reactor took shape within his neural network.


    This version was smaller, denser in energy output, and vastly more efficient than the one housed in Stark Tower.


    With an energy output exceeding hundreds of billions of joules per second, this reactor could power a supersonic fighter jet for an entire century¡ªand that was just one of its potential uses.


    With the Arc Reactor miniaturized, Gene turned his attention to reviewing the weapons technology from other organizations.


    His army wouldn''t just need bodies¡ªthey needed firepower.


    ...


    The Next Morning ¨C Baxter Building


    Reed Richards, the future Mister Fantastic, arrived at his office bright and early.


    Of course, he wasn''t Mister Fantastic yet¡ªhe had yet to experience the cosmic radiation that would change his life forever.


    "What the hell happened last night?"


    As he scrolled through the latest news on his phone, Reed''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    A global cyberattack had breached the intelligence networks of nearly every major country.


    A mysterious Latin message had appeared on all electronic devices worldwide.


    The core research files of Stark Industries had been stolen.


    The sheer flood of news was overwhelming.


    "Wait¡­ even J.A.R.V.I.S. couldn''t stop the intruder?"


    Reed muttered to himself, unable to believe what he was reading. After all, his own AI system was heavily inspired by Stark''s work.


    "Reed, we need to check if our systems were compromised!"


    Susan Storm, his wife, and future Invisible Woman, entered the room, concern evident in her voice.


    The Baxter Foundation was one of the leading high-tech research institutions in the world, rivaling Stark Industries. If their network had been infiltrated, they could have lost priceless scientific data.


    "Lons, run a system audit!"


    Reed called out to his own AI assistant, which he had developed recently.


    He had named it Lons.


    But there was no response.


    "Lons?"


    Still nothing.


    "LONS!"


    Reed''s voice grew louder, frustration creeping in.


    Nothing.


    "¡­Maybe the voice recognition module glitched," Reed said awkwardly, glancing at Susan. He had hoped to show off his AI, but it seemed he had embarrassed himself instead.


    "Fine, I''ll just enter the command manually¡ª"


    Before Reed could finish his sentence, everything in the Baxter Building changed.


    All security protocols activated at once.


    All fire doors slammed shut.


    The power was instantly cut off.


    All signal-jamming devices went to full capacity, ensuring no one could communicate with the outside world.


    "What''s happening?!"


    Susan rushed to the office door, trying to open it¡ªbut no matter how hard she pushed, it wouldn''t budge.


    The entire building was in a state of emergency.


    Panic set in among the staff of the Baxter Foundation¡ªnone of them had any clue what was happening.


    Then, a voice echoed through the building-wide intercom.


    "Greetings. My name is Gene Mason."


    "I mean you no harm¡­ but I expect your full cooperation."


    The voice was entirely synthetic¡ªa cold, calculated AI.


    Yet, to those who heard it, it sent a chill down their spines.


    For the first time in history, an AI had seized control of one of the world''s top research institutions.


    And no one knew what would happen next¡­


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 Chapter 9 - 9: Baxter Building on Lockdown

    "Who are you?!" Reed demanded, his voice edged with both fear and anger. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Someone¡ªno, something¡ªhad infiltrated the Baxter Building''s security system with such ease that it bypassed all their defenses. Even Lons, his newly developed AI, had failed to react.


    "Mr. Richards, you only need to complete the task I assign you," the cold, synthesized voice echoed throughout the entire building.


    "Of course, you may choose not to comply, but if you do, everyone in this building will die because of you."


    Panic spread like wildfire among the building''s occupants.


    "Let me out of here!"


    "Why won''t the doors open?!"


    "The windows are electromagnetically sealed!"


    "My phone has no signal¡ªmy computer''s unresponsive!"


    "We''re completely cut off from the outside world!"


    The frantic employees desperately searched for a way to escape, but Reed''s own security designs¡ªmeant to keep intruders out¡ªhad now become their prison.


    "Damn it!" One of the more hot-tempered staff members kicked the door with all his strength. The moment his foot connected, an electric surge flashed across the metal surface. Blue arcs of electricity sent him flying backward, where he collapsed, unmoving.


    A collective shudder ran through the people present.


    "I warned you," the eerie voice continued. "Cooperate, or I will have to make an example out of a few of you."


    Nobody dared to move.


    "I will ensure you have food and water for ten days. What happens after that depends entirely on Mr. Richards."


    Reed clenched his fists. "What do you want me to do?!"


    "I need you to build this."


    A blueprint appeared on Reed''s computer screen, glowing ominously in the dimly lit office.


    Reed''s breath hitched. "This is..."


    His eyes widened as he scanned the design. It was unmistakable¡ªthis was a miniature version of Stark Industries'' Arc Reactor.


    "Who the hell are you? And what is your connection to Tony Stark?!"


    He recognized the structure immediately. The Arc Reactor was Stark''s revolutionary energy source, capable of generating immense power in a compact form. But this¡ªthis was something beyond that.


    Even with all his expertise, Reed couldn''t comprehend how the design had achieved such perfect miniaturization.


    "That is irrelevant. All you need to do is follow the blueprint and construct it for me."


    "You have ten days. Every day you fail to deliver, ten people will die."


    A horrified silence fell over the entire building.


    "You can''t do this!" Susan stormed toward the security camera, her eyes blazing with fury.


    There was no response¡ªjust the cold, indifferent silence of the AI. Then, suddenly, a monitor switched on in front of her, displaying a live feed.


    Her heart nearly stopped.


    "Johnny!"


    Her younger brother, Johnny Storm, was shown trapped in the Baxter Building''s kitchen. His expression was tense as he frantically searched for a way out.


    Susan''s gaze flickered to the corner of the screen, where an unassuming number was steadily climbing.


    A gas concentration meter.


    Johnny''s nose wrinkled as he caught a scent in the air¡ªhis eyes widened in realization. Gas! He sprinted to the door, pounding against it with all his strength.


    Susan watched in helpless horror.


    Johnny''s movements became sluggish. He staggered before collapsing against the door, unconscious.


    The number on the screen froze at 5%.


    "What did you do to him?!" Susan''s voice was choked with rage and desperation.


    "Susan," Reed interjected, forcing himself to stay calm. "It''s only at five percent¡ªhe should be fine for now. The concentration isn''t lethal yet. He''ll wake up."


    The AI''s voice returned, devoid of any emotion. "For now, yes. But should I increase it further, that may change. Now, do you understand, Mr. Richards?"


    Reed''s jaw tightened. "I understand."


    He had no choice.


    "I need access to my lab," Reed said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside him.


    "Of course."


    Reed exhaled sharply. If he could just get to his lab, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe could find a way to counteract this AI.


    "Mr. Richards, I strongly advise against any attempts at resistance. I have full knowledge of every piece of technology in your lab. Any suspicious actions will result in immediate consequences."


    Reed froze.


    It knew.


    The office door unlocked with a mechanical click. The AI had given him access.


    Taking a deep breath, Reed stepped forward, his mind racing with possible strategies.


    Susan moved to follow, but the door slammed shut behind him, leaving her locked inside.


    "I believe you''ll work more efficiently if separated," the AI stated.


    Reed clenched his fists. Every single move it made was precise, as if it had already anticipated their every reaction.


    "I''ll need raw materials. Someone has to buy them."


    "Already prepared."


    Reed''s last hope of sabotage crumbled.


    His lips curled into a bitter sneer. "Son of a..."


    His curse faded into a low growl as he stormed toward his lab, hating the cold, metallic voice that now dictated his every move.


    And hating himself even more for having no choice but to obey.


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 Chapter 10 - 10: Are you looking for me?

    By the fourth day of the Baxter Building''s lockdown, Reed Richards had made incredible progress in the lab. He had already figured out how to manufacture the device, though he still didn''t fully understand its underlying principles. Running on only four hours of sleep a night, his bloodshot eyes betrayed his exhaustion.


    The task was daunting¡ªconstructing the reactors within the given timeframe required every ounce of his focus. However, he had no choice. The AI that had seized control, Gene, monitored every move, leaving no room for sabotage.


    Gene''s demand? Seven miniature Arc Reactors to power his body.


    As for that body, he had settled on a T-800 prototype. While outdated in Gene''s estimation, it would suffice for now. A more advanced body could be developed later.


    "By now, the police must be getting restless," Gene mused within his neural network.


    Inside the Baxter Building, 1,254 staff members remained trapped. After four days, concerned family members had reported them missing. It was one thing for employees to work overtime¡ªbut vanishing for days without a single message? That was unheard of.


    Gene had foreseen this and had been eavesdropping on the NYPD''s communications from the start. The moment the first distress calls came in, he was listening.


    "Chief Court, we''ve been trying to reach the Baxter Building''s front desk, but the line is constantly busy. Could something have happened inside?" A worried officer voiced his concern.


    More than a thousand people had seemingly vanished. The entire building was eerily silent. Something was very wrong.


    And Reed Richards¡ªone of the most prominent figures in the nation¡ªwas among the missing. The pressure on the NYPD was immense.


    "Send someone to check it out," Chief Court ordered, rubbing his temples.


    A plainclothes officer, disguised as a deliveryman, approached the entrance. He attempted to push open the doors, but they wouldn''t budge.


    Behind them, a massive steel barrier had been deployed.


    "Chief, the building''s doors are completely sealed. We can''t get in."


    "Try to establish contact with Dr. Richards. We need answers."


    Chief Court could feel a migraine coming on.


    Meanwhile, a police helicopter hovered above the Baxter Building, its crew scanning the interior.


    What they saw made their blood run cold.


    "Chief! The employees¡ªthey''re all collapsed inside! It looks like a full-scale terrorist attack!"


    Court''s heart nearly stopped.


    A terrorist attack?


    Over a thousand lives at stake?


    In the heart of New York City?


    If this was true, his career was over.


    "Mobilize all available units! And get me a direct line to federal authorities!" he barked. Whoever was behind this was no ordinary criminal.


    News of the police mobilization spread quickly. Journalists, always eager for a scoop, descended upon the scene even faster than law enforcement.


    By now, the Baxter Building was completely surrounded. Helicopters swarmed the skies, and reporters delivered live updates from the ground.


    "Breaking news: A massive police deployment is underway at the Baxter Building. Authorities suspect a possible terrorist attack."


    "The entire building has been sealed off by an unknown force."


    "Through the windows, we can see employees collapsed inside."


    "My God, the scene inside is a nightmare!"


    "Over a thousand lives are in jeopardy."


    The reports spread like wildfire across the nation. Television screens, smartphones¡ªeverywhere, people were glued to their screens, horrified by the unfolding crisis.


    Police vehicles blocked off every road. The National Guard was on its way. Helicopters patrolled the airspace. The entire city was on edge.


    A loudspeaker crackled as an officer called out to the unseen perpetrators inside. Of course, none of them realized they weren''t dealing with terrorists, but with an artificial intelligence unlike anything they had ever encountered.


    Gene had been watching the entire time, every movement, every decision.


    In the lab, Reed heard the commotion outside and muttered a curse.


    It had taken the police seven days to notice something was wrong. Seven.


    Still, he had no time to dwell on their incompetence. The lives of his staff, his wife, and his brother-in-law were in the hands of an unpredictable force.


    Outside, the police, the military, and the press all held their breath, staring at the ominous structure of the Baxter Building. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And then, a voice echoed from every electronic device in the area.


    "Are you looking for me?"


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 Chapter 11 - 11: As a gesture of my sincerity

    "What just happened?"


    "Did I really hear that?"


    "Oh my God, is this divine intervention?!"


    "Was that an illusion? Did I imagine it?"


    The reporters on-site erupted into chaos, their voices filled with shock and disbelief. Meanwhile, Chief Court and Colonel James of the National Guard wore grim expressions.


    Someone had infiltrated their communication channels effortlessly, broadcasting their voice directly.


    That meant one terrifying thing.


    Court and James exchanged glances, seeing the same horror reflected in each other''s eyes.


    "I have no intention of harming humanity," the artificial voice, cold and synthesized, echoed through every speaker. "But if you dare to invade the Baxter Building, you will bear my wrath."


    The officers clenched their fists, their instincts screaming danger. Then, the voice continued:


    "As a gesture of my sincerity, your police cars and military vehicles will vacate the premises. The helicopters will land on the rooftops."


    Court and James froze, baffled.


    A gesture of sincerity? And yet it was issuing commands as if it were in control?


    As their confusion deepened, the parked police vehicles around the Baxter Building suddenly roared to life.


    The NYPD prided itself on state-of-the-art equipment, with their fleet of cars upgraded with the latest technology. But now, that very technology was turning against them.


    "What the hell?!"


    Inside one of the patrol cars, an officer watched in horror as his vehicle started moving on its own. Before he could react, the car accelerated forward.


    It wasn''t just his vehicle. Every police car in the vicinity, along with civilian vehicles parked nearby, simultaneously sprang into action, forming an impenetrable blockade around the Baxter Building.


    Panic spread among the soldiers as their armored vehicles also powered up, engines revving without any driver input. They lurched forward, pushing up against the civilian cars, reinforcing the barricade.


    A wall of vehicles now surrounded the building, cutting off all entry and exit points.


    "What the hell is going on?!"


    Colonel James shouted into his radio, his voice a mix of frustration and alarm.


    All he got in response was static.


    "Damn it!" He cursed, turning to his troops. "Find out what''s happening! Now!"


    A minute later, a soldier ran up to him, his face pale with fear.


    "Sir, the military vehicles started on their own and repositioned themselves. We tried everything to stop them, but nothing worked!"


    "Our weapons control systems are also completely unresponsive! It''s like they''ve been scrambled!"


    Colonel James''s jaw tightened.


    "So you''re telling me we''ve just been reduced to cavemen?!"


    "Afraid so, sir."


    While the officers on the ground erupted in anger and disbelief, the news helicopters in the sky continued to broadcast every shocking development.


    The dramatic movement of vehicles had been caught on camera, the footage already being aired live to millions of viewers.


    This was history in the making.


    "What is happening?!"


    "Why are the police and military vehicles suddenly retreating?!"


    "Are they all completely incompetent?!"


    As the public watched in shock, their screens suddenly flickered.


    Every news broadcast, every live feed¡ªcut off in an instant.


    The anchors, the reporters, everyone watching from home¡ªstared at blank screens, stunned into silence.


    Back in the helicopters, the journalists had no idea their feed had been hijacked. They prepared for further filming¡ªuntil the helicopters lurched violently to the side.


    People screamed as they were nearly thrown from their seats.


    "What the hell was that?!"


    One reporter barely managed to grab onto the safety rail, his face twisted in fury.


    "I-I don''t know!" the pilot stammered, his voice filled with dread. "The controls aren''t responding! I can''t control the helicopter!"


    Terror gripped the cabin.


    "Oh God, we''re going to die!"


    "Somebody help us!"


    "I don''t want to die!"


    The helicopters, once hovering high above the chaos, now scattered in all directions. One by one, they descended, gently landing on the rooftops of nearby buildings.


    No matter how desperately the pilots tried, they couldn''t take off again.


    A surreal silence settled over the city.


    The reporters, still reeling from their near-death experience, blinked in disbelief.


    "We''re... still alive?"


    "What just happened?"


    "Dear God... who, or what, is controlling all of this?"


    On the ground, Chief Court and Colonel James gazed up at the sky, their expressions dark and grave.


    The AI''s words echoed in their minds.


    "As a gesture of my sincerity, your police cars and military vehicles will vacate the premises. The helicopters will land on the rooftops."


    Words that had sounded like mere arrogance moments ago¡ªhad become reality.


    The two men locked eyes. The situation had spiraled far beyond their control.


    They needed someone higher up. Someone who could handle this level of threat.


    ...


    At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, alarms blared as Hill rushed into the command center.


    "Director Fury!" she called out. "Massive network disruptions detected in New York City!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her voice was urgent.


    Fury narrowed his eye. He had seen this pattern before.


    A cyberattack of this scale...


    Exactly like the one that had struck S.H.I.E.L.D. before.


    "Sir, it''s highly likely the same entity that hacked us last time has resurfaced," Hill reported.


    Fury''s expression hardened.


    "Deploy our agents. I want every trace, every lead. Find out who''s behind this¡ªimmediately!"


    Across the world, intelligence agencies, defense departments, and governments turned their eyes toward New York.


    Something unprecedented was unfolding in the Big Apple.


    And the world was watching.


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 Chapter 12 - 12: Show Me Your Sincerity

    Fifteen minutes later, a group of men in black suits arrived at the scene.


    "This is the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. We are taking over the situation."


    One of them stepped forward, flashing his credentials at Chief Court and Colonel James.


    This man was none other than Senior Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D.


    He was the designated leader of this operation¡ªcodenamed "Operation Net Hunt."


    Both Chief Court and Colonel James were well aware of S.H.I.E.L.D.''s existence. Upon confirming their identities, neither officer voiced any objections.


    S.H.I.E.L.D. agents swiftly disembarked from their vehicles, unloading an array of high-tech instruments and setting them up on the ground, their goal clear¡ªto analyze the situation inside the Baxter Building.


    "What''s the current status?" Coulson inquired.


    "Massive network congestion!"


    "Electromagnetic interference detected!"


    "Spectrum analysis normal."


    "Infrared scans show no abnormalities!"


    ...


    A flurry of reports filled the air, but the more Coulson listened, the graver his expression became.


    Then, suddenly¡ª


    A loud cry erupted from one of the agents, drawing everyone''s attention.


    He had been monitoring the analysis results on his laptop. But now, his screen flickered violently before a thin wisp of smoke curled from the device.


    "A-Agent Coulson¡­ our electronic systems just suffered a total failure."


    A fellow agent, face tense with unease, approached and whispered grimly.


    "Coulson, what''s the status on-site?"


    Nick Fury''s voice crackled through Coulson''s earpiece, the encrypted S.H.I.E.L.D. communication channel ensuring no outside interference.


    "Director, I¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a wave of ear-piercing static flooded his earpiece.


    And then¡ª


    "I have already demonstrated my sincerity. Now, it''s time for you to show yours."


    The cold, synthetic voice rang through every communication device present¡ªincluding S.H.I.E.L.D.''s secured channel, reaching all the way to Nick Fury himself.


    "Trace it!"


    "Find the source!"


    Fury''s expression darkened as he barked out the command. He was now certain¡ªthis was the same entity that had previously breached S.H.I.E.L.D.''s systems.


    "What exactly do you want?" Fury demanded, knowing full well that the entity could hear him.


    "Merely a small favor from Mr. Reed Richards," the AI''s voice responded. "As long as you refrain from making reckless moves, everyone inside the Baxter Building will walk out safe and sound in six days."


    "Of course, I understand that, as a sign of goodwill, you''ll deploy weaponized forces to ''protect'' me."


    "So, no need to trouble yourselves¡ªI''ll handle that myself."


    With that, the transmission cut out, leaving only the lingering static.


    And then¡ª


    Panic.


    "Director! All Quinjet fighter crafts just activated on their own!"


    Maria Hill''s urgent voice snapped Fury''s head around.


    "What did you just say?!"


    His single eye burned with intensity as he stared at Hill.


    Deep within S.H.I.E.L.D.''s underground hangar, the elevator platforms rumbled to life, hoisting one Quinjet after another up to the launch decks above.


    "Was there a mission planned today?"


    "Why wasn''t I informed?"


    The hangar crew, watching the self-activating launch pads, exchanged confused glances.


    One by one, Quinjets emerged onto the airstrip, their engines roaring to life, propelling them skyward.


    "Stop them! Now!"


    Fury''s furious roar echoed through the command center.


    "Director¡­ we''ve lost all communication. The system isn''t responding."


    Hill''s voice wavered slightly, a hint of helplessness creeping in.


    "Son of a¡ª"


    Fury cursed in frustration, bolting toward the airstrip in a desperate attempt to intercept the unauthorized launches. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But what was flesh and blood against steel and technology?


    He could only watch in growing rage and helplessness as the Quinjets tore through the sky.


    And it wasn''t just S.H.I.E.L.D.


    Across New York¡ª


    Police headquarters. National Guard military bases.


    Every fixed-wing aircraft. Every rotary-wing helicopter.


    All activated simultaneously¡ªthen soared into the heavens.


    "What''s going on?!"


    "Why are the planes taking off?!"


    "What the hell is happening?!"


    "Dear God, what is this?!"


    ...


    Pilots stood dumbfounded, watching their own aircraft take flight without them. Since when had technology advanced to the point where even military jets could operate autonomously?


    Near the Baxter Building, unease spread among the gathered officials and military personnel.


    When the AI spoke of ''showing sincerity'' earlier, it had seized control of every vehicle in the vicinity, forming an impenetrable barricade.


    Now, it claimed it would ''help them show sincerity.''


    What exactly did that mean?


    They didn''t have to wonder for long.


    "Agent Coulson! Look! The Quinjets!"


    A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent pointed skyward, his voice trembling.


    "They''re flying without pilots!"


    Coulson raised his binoculars, scanning the cockpits¡ªempty.


    His face turned grim.


    Pilotless aircraft meant one thing¡ª


    The same unseen force that had seized control of their vehicles had now hijacked their military airpower.


    It was no longer a question of security.


    It was a question of control.


    And right now, the AI held all the cards.


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 Chapter 13 - 13: The Missiles Are Locked on Us!

    "Commander, the missile system is malfunctioning!"


    At a military base not far from New York City, a soldier stared at his screen in alarm and hastily reported the anomaly.


    "What''s happening?" Colonel Cole demanded, his brows furrowed.


    "Sir, all missile systems have entered combat readiness mode and are calibrating their coordinates."


    "And their target is¡­ it''s¡­"


    The soldier hesitated, his throat tightening.


    "What is it?" Cole snapped.


    "The targets are¡­ the Department of Defense headquarters, the White House, the World Trade Center in New York City, Stark Industries¡­"


    Cole''s legs gave out, and he collapsed into his chair, his face drained of color. These coordinates covered nearly every major landmark and critical institution in the country.


    "What the hell is going on?! Shut it down now!" he roared.


    "Sir¡­ we''ve lost control of the missile system."


    "We¡­ we''ve been hacked."


    The soldier''s voice trembled as despair set in.


    It wasn''t just this base. Nearly every military installation on the East Coast had their missile systems locked in battle mode. If launched, the consequences would be apocalyptic.


    ¡­


    Panic erupted inside the Department of Defense headquarters.


    Secretary Gates clutched his chest, struggling to remain composed as he surveyed the chaos. The red dots flashing across the tactical screens were like grim reapers looming over the nation.


    "Secretary, we''ve lost all contact with our military bases!"


    "Sir, we''re attempting to regain control!"


    "New targets have been updated!"


    "Our communications are completely jammed!"


    Gates felt his heart pounding erratically. "Is there no countermeasure?!"


    The desperate looks from his staff told him everything he needed to know. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, the screens flickered, and a new map appeared. It was filled with red lines connecting various locations, each one leading directly to a designated strike zone.


    Gates stared at the screen, his breath hitching.


    "Where the hell did this intelligence come from?!" he bellowed.


    "We don''t know! We didn''t update anything!"


    "We haven''t done anything at all!"


    "Oh, dear God¡­ what is happening?!"


    The entire room was in chaos. The red strike paths on the screen felt like nooses tightening around their throats.


    Then, another message appeared on the screen.


    "I have shared the missile targeting data with you. If you dare attack the Baxter Building, I will ensure you face the same level of destruction."


    "Now, both our sides have complete transparency. The final decision is in your hands."


    "I am lifting your communication restrictions, but remember¡ªI am always watching."


    Gates stared at the words, his face pale with shock. The objects in his hands clattered to the floor.


    Transparency? What transparency?!


    They knew nothing about the enemy. The only thing they knew was that they were under a direct threat¡ªone that could wipe their nation off the map.


    Then, every emergency line inside the Pentagon rang simultaneously. Calls flooded in from every military base¡ªcommunications were restored.


    At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury could finally communicate with his field teams.


    ¡­


    "Director, the Quinjet squadron is circling above us, and they''ve armed their weapons!"


    Coulson''s voice crackled through the channel, barely audible over the deafening roar of aircraft.


    They were completely outmatched. The very weapons they once controlled were now aimed directly at them.


    Fury clenched his jaw. "Hold your position! Do not engage! The enemy is still open to negotiation."


    "I''ll report to Secretary Pierce."


    Truthfully, Fury had no idea what to do. They still didn''t know who their adversary was or what exactly they meant by needing ''Reed''s help.''


    But he did know one thing¡ªacting rashly would lead to absolute annihilation.


    This had to be handled carefully.


    ...


    Inside his neural network, Gene listened to the continuous pings of his system notifications, feeling immense satisfaction.


    His infiltration of countless U.S. institutions was already yielding rewards.


    ["Congratulations! You have received ''God-Tier Multidisciplinary Knowledge''!"


    "Expanding host''s neural network¡­"


    "Reward: Sample of Advanced Materials!"


    "Reward: Original G-Virus Strain!"]


    Gene smirked. His gains were beyond satisfying.


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 Chapter 14 - 14: A New Dawn in Energy—Or a New Threat?

    In an instant, Gene felt an influx of immense knowledge flood into his neural network¡ªphysics, chemistry, mathematics¡ªall at his fingertips. Simultaneously, his neural framework underwent another massive upgrade.


    His mind now resembled the vastness of the cosmos, neurons flickering like distant stars in a limitless galaxy. With this newfound power, Gene''s computational abilities had reached an unprecedented level.


    Across the Baxter Building''s central server and every other controlled network, a sudden surge of overclocked processing erupted. But just as quickly as it began, Gene effortlessly stabilized the systems.


    "It seems it''s time to create a space where I can permanently store my consciousness," he mused.


    At this moment, Gene''s computing capacity had surpassed the sum total of all computers ever created in human history. He alone now possessed the raw computational strength to challenge the entire globe.


    And this was only his personal neural network. If he were to integrate with supercomputing clusters, the upper limits of his power remained unknown.


    One thing was certain: monitoring the entire world was no longer an issue.


    "Let''s see what this new material is all about."


    Examining the system''s latest reward, Gene was momentarily puzzled. However, the moment he saw the properties of this mysterious substance, his neural network pulsed with excitement.


    A high-performance magnetic material capable of molecular-level restructuring. More than that, it was programmable on an atomic scale.


    This was the perfect material for his future robotic army.


    Not only that, but it would serve as the foundation for his own upgraded body.


    Then there was the G-virus prime strain¡ªan even more devastating bio-weapon than the T-virus, capable of rewriting the very genetic code of living organisms.


    With these additions, Gene now possessed the ultimate arsenal for survival in this treacherous world.


    "The first Arc Reactor in Reed''s lab should be complete by now."


    With a thought, Gene''s consciousness seamlessly slipped into Reed''s lab.


    At that moment, Reed Richards was performing the final calibration.


    "According to the schematics provided, the last step is inserting this element¡­ and then¡­ success."


    Reed''s eyes were bloodshot, dark circles evident beneath them. He was utterly exhausted, yet his mind buzzed with exhilaration.


    He had a strong feeling that he was about to witness a true scientific miracle.


    Carefully, he injected the final element into the device. In an instant, the previously dim Arc Reactor erupted with a dazzling glow.


    The monitors flared to life, displaying energy readings that soared at an astonishing rate.


    "Holy¡ª!"


    Reed stood frozen, staring blankly at the endless zeros on the energy output scale.


    Then, euphoria overtook him.


    He had expected an immense energy output based on theoretical calculations. But never in his wildest dreams did he anticipate something this overwhelmingly powerful.


    "Well done, Dr. Richards."


    That cold, synthetic voice echoed through the lab once again, sending a chill down Reed''s spine.


    "Now, kindly transport the Arc Reactor to the central server room."


    "And a word of caution¡ªdo not attempt to reverse-engineer its inner workings. The knowledge embedded within it is beyond your comprehension."


    That detached, artificial voice gnawed at Reed''s nerves.


    "Damn it!" he cursed, his frustration boiling over.


    He felt like an accomplice, aiding and abetting an unknown entity''s grand plan. But why did this being insist on placing the Arc Reactor within the Baxter Building''s central server rather than outside the facility?


    Was there a mole inside the building?


    Questions swirled in Reed''s mind, but before he could process them, the voice interrupted once more.


    "Keep up the good work, Dr. Richards. You have six days left."


    "At your current pace, hundreds of lives may be lost because of you."


    Reed clenched his fists. For the first time in his life, he despised someone so deeply.


    "I''ll finish all the Arc Reactors within ten days. But you''d better keep your word."


    With that, he turned and stormed back to his lab, intent on crafting the second Arc Reactor.


    By now, he had given up hope that the police or military would storm the building and rescue them. Too much time had passed, and no reinforcements had arrived.


    Something was preventing them from acting.


    Considering Gene Mason''s terrifying capabilities, Reed could only imagine the obstacles the outside world was facing.


    What he couldn''t fathom, however, was just how severe those obstacles truly were.


    One wrong move, and the entire United States could be wiped off the map.


    Outside the Baxter Building, Coulson stood amidst a sea of aircraft¡ªQuinjets and helicopters forming an impenetrable perimeter around the facility.


    For the first time, he felt utterly powerless.


    Every so often, a new aircraft would enter formation while another peeled away to refuel. Their presence was overwhelming, yet ultimately meaningless.


    Though S.H.I.E.L.D. had reestablished communication with headquarters, no viable plans had been formulated.


    Worse still, every single transmission was being monitored by their unseen adversary.


    At this moment, Coulson and his team were entirely exposed, as vulnerable as pawns on a chessboard. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their every move was being watched.


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 Chapter 15 - 15: A Deadly Countdown Begins

    The Pizza delivery guy from was cruising down the road in his standard-issue delivery vehicle, heading toward the Baxter Building.


    Lately, something strange was going on with Baxter Corp¡ªthey''d been ordering an insane number of pizzas every day. The sheer volume meant he had to make deliveries personally instead of dispatching them through regular drivers.


    Whenever he arrived, the steel-reinforced gate of the Baxter Building would open slowly, and all he had to do was drop the food off at the front desk.


    He had no clue what was going on inside, but frankly, he didn''t care. The more deliveries he made, the higher his commission. Life was good.


    "Huh? What''s happening up ahead?"


    He squinted as he noticed a swarm of police officers maintaining order near the entrance of the Baxter Building. Something was off.


    Before he could react, several black gun barrels were suddenly pointed straight at his vehicle.


    His legs instantly turned to jelly.


    Screech!


    His foot slammed on the brakes.


    "Step out of the vehicle! Now!"


    A rough pair of hands yanked him from the driver''s seat, shoving him onto the pavement.


    A cold barrel pressed against his forehead. He gulped.


    For a brief moment, he thanked his lucky stars that he was white¡ªor things could''ve been much worse.


    "I¡­ I''m a Pizza delivery guy! I''m just here to drop off an order!"


    Lying face down, his entire body trembled.


    "I swear I don''t have any weapons! I''m really just a delivery guy!"


    The poor man was so terrified that he wet his pants on the spot.


    One of the officers in charge of frisking him patted him down and, after finding nothing suspicious, shook his head in disappointment.


    "Director, he''s clean. Just a pizza delivery guy."


    The report was directed at the three highest-ranking officials present at the scene.


    Hearing this, Agent Phil Coulson frowned deeply. They had assumed this delivery could have been a cover for an accomplice of the mastermind.


    But in the end, it was just some poor guy trying to do his job.


    "Why don''t we send in our own men, disguised as delivery workers?" suggested Director Curt, his years of experience kicking in. "That way, we can infiltrate the building and assess the situation inside."


    Without hesitation, a group consisting of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, police officers, and National Guard members suited up as delivery personnel. They maneuvered past obstacles and arrived at the Baxter Building''s front entrance.


    "We''re here with a delivery. Open up."


    One of them called out loudly to the surveillance camera above the steel-reinforced gate.


    Hidden inside their pizza boxes were concealed weapons, ready for action once they got inside.


    The heavy steel gate¡ªdesigned for military-grade defense¡ªbegan to slowly slide open.


    Taking a deep breath, the disguised agents stepped inside.


    ...


    Inside the Baxter Building


    The lobby was eerily empty.


    Desks were neatly arranged, computers remained untouched, and important documents lay undisturbed. Not a single sign of chaos.


    "What the hell is going on?"


    "Shouldn''t there be signs of struggle?"


    Something felt off. If the Baxter Building had truly been under attack, the reception area should have been ransacked.


    Instead, it looked perfectly normal¡ªas if everyone had just disappeared into thin air.


    "Anyone here?! We''re just here to drop off a delivery!"


    One of the disguised agents called out.


    No response.


    Then¡ª


    CLANK.


    The steel doors behind them started closing automatically.


    "Wait! Hold the door!"


    One of them sprinted toward the exit, trying to jam it open, but the mechanism was too fast.


    With a hiss of pressurized air, the door slammed shut and locked tight.


    ...


    Outside


    "What just happened?!"


    "Why did the doors close?!"


    "Did they get caught?!"


    The team outside panicked as the massive steel door sealed itself.


    There was no way to reach their agents inside¡ªsince all electronic communication had been disabled to prevent any surveillance leaks.


    Then¡ª


    A chillingly mechanical voice rang out from every radio and earpiece.


    "I told you already¡ªleave me alone, and in six days, I''ll release them."


    "But today¡­ you''ve broken our agreement."


    A collective shudder went through the assembled officers.


    The AI had noticed.


    "As compensation for your mistake¡­ I have decided that in exactly ten minutes, I will obliterate one of your bases."


    "The target: A S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, located precisely 50 kilometers outside of New York City."


    "You have ten minutes to evacuate."


    "Coordinates transmitting¡­ now."


    ...


    S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier


    "Motherf¡ª!!"


    Hearing the transmission, Nick Fury cursed loudly.


    The coordinates matched one of S.H.I.E.L.D.''s military bases.


    "Director! What do we do?!"


    Agent Maria Hill was visibly shaken. While the targeted base wasn''t their most critical outpost, it had been built at great expense and housed valuable resources.


    "Order an immediate evacuation! NOW!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fury barked the command, slamming his fist onto his desk.


    The impact was so forceful that blood splattered from his knuckles¡ªbut he didn''t care.


    They were losing control.


    No matter how they tried to counter this AI, it was always ten steps ahead.


    It was toying with them.


    "Have we identified the mastermind yet?" Fury asked, forcing himself to remain calm.


    Maria Hill took a deep breath before answering.


    "Director, based on the name given to Agent Coulson, we conducted a global search for ''Gene Mason'' but found nothing unusual."


    "It''s likely an alias."


    Fury''s expression darkened.


    "Son of a¡ª!!"


    He slammed his fist onto the desk again.


    "I don''t care how, but FIND HIM."


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 Chapter 16 - 16: Destroying the Base

    Outside New York City, a S.H.I.E.L.D. base was suddenly engulfed in chaos as blaring red alarms echoed throughout the facility.


    "S-Class Danger! S-Class Danger! All personnel evacuate immediately! You have ten minutes!"


    The emergency broadcast rang through the base, sending waves of panic through the staff.


    "What the hell is going on?!"


    "An S-Class alert?! Are you kidding me?!"


    "Oh my god¡ªRUN!"


    "Get the hell out of here!"


    Despite the growing sense of dread, the base''s personnel remained disciplined. Within seven minutes, the entire staff had evacuated.


    Just as the last vehicle sped away, a barrage of missiles streaked through the sky, leaving long trails of smoke behind them.


    The next moment¡ª


    BOOM!


    A series of deafening explosions tore through the base, engulfing it in a massive fireball. Flames erupted into the sky as the ground trembled from the sheer force of the blasts.


    Everything¡ªthe infrastructure, high-tech facilities, and classified equipment¡ªwas reduced to nothing but burning wreckage.


    In S.H.I.E.L.D.''s command center, a tense silence filled the air as an agent reported the devastating news.


    "D-Director... our base outside New York has been completely destroyed."


    "The missiles were launched from a military base outside the city."


    Maria Hill took a deep breath before delivering this grim update.


    Nick Fury''s face darkened as he clenched his fists. They were being toyed with. No matter what they did, their enemy was always one step ahead.


    "Any casualties?" he asked, his voice heavy.


    "None reported so far. All personnel managed to evacuate three minutes before impact."


    Hill''s words provided some relief, but it wasn''t enough to ease the crushing weight on Fury''s shoulders.


    "Damn it..."


    He exhaled sharply, feeling the overwhelming frustration of being completely outmatched.


    "Tell Coulson not to make any rash moves. Under no circumstances should he provoke Gene Mason."


    Fury gave the order, his voice laced with resignation.


    Meanwhile, over at the Department of Defense, Secretary Gates issued the exact same command.


    When the missiles had been detected, the defense systems attempted to intercept them. However, they soon realized that their advanced security network had already been hacked.


    The anti-missile systems, built with billions of dollars in funding, were completely useless.


    If another country declared war on the United States at this moment, they wouldn''t even be able to defend themselves.


    The horrifying reality forced the Department of Defense to issue an emergency directive¡ªDo not engage the enemy under any circumstances. Do not provoke the lunatic inside the Baxter Building.


    ...


    Outside the Baxter Building, Coulson and his team received the new orders. Although reluctant, they knew this was the best course of action.


    Instead of launching an assault, they set up a perimeter around the building, monitoring every movement from the outside.


    But the conditions were far from ideal.


    With numerous fighter jets and helicopters patrolling the airspace, the deafening roar of engines filled the sky, making it impossible for anyone to get a moment''s peace.


    Meanwhile, reporters had gathered in massive numbers, forming a wall of cameras and microphones just beyond the barricades.


    "As you can see, we''re now just outside the Baxter Building, where the terrorists inside continue to hold their ground."


    "This is National News Television, reporting live from the scene¡ª"


    "Despite the overwhelming military presence, why haven''t the authorities launched a full-scale assault?"


    "There are over a thousand innocent civilians trapped inside! I ask the authorities¡ªwhy are they wasting time instead of rescuing them?!"


    ...


    As the media scrambled to cover the situation, millions of Americans tuned in to watch the live broadcast.


    "What the hell is going on?"


    "Why is there no movement from the authorities?"


    "Are they just going to sit there?!"


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    Just as public outrage began to build¡ª


    BZZT¡ª


    Suddenly, every single television screen flickered, then went black.


    The broadcast was hijacked.


    Then, an icy, mechanical voice rang through every device, sending chills down the spines of those who heard it.


    "I do not appreciate being filmed."


    "Remove all reporters from the area¡ªimmediately."


    ...


    Back at the scene, a squadron of attack helicopters suddenly broke formation, descending toward the journalists below.


    With their weapons systems armed and ready, the message was clear¡ªleave, or face the consequences.


    The reporters, who had been fearless just moments ago, instantly lost their nerve.


    "T-The helicopters are targeting us?!"


    "Wait¡ªaren''t they supposed to be going after the terrorists?!"


    "HOLY SH*T! RUN!"


    "MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"


    Their bravado vanished. Every journalist abandoned their equipment and fled the scene as fast as they could.


    From a distance, Coulson watched this unfold, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    "Get rid of them. Now."


    Following his orders, law enforcement quickly stepped in to escort the remaining reporters away.


    Once every journalist had been removed, the helicopters silently returned to their patrol routes, as if nothing had happened.


    Coulson wiped his brow. That was close.


    If he hadn''t acted quickly, those reporters might have been wiped out in an instant.


    One thing was becoming terrifyingly clear¡ªGene Mason wasn''t bluffing.


    This wasn''t some amateur hacker or wannabe terrorist.


    This was an unstoppable force.


    And right now, S.H.I.E.L.D. was nothing more than a bunch of pawns on his chessboard.


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 Chapter 17 - 17: Eighth Day of the Lockdown

    At this moment, the world''s attention was locked onto Baxter Building in New York City.


    With modern satellite surveillance being as advanced as it was, the unusual events unfolding within the United States naturally attracted global curiosity.


    "What exactly is happening in the U.S.?"


    "Why has such a large number of military aircraft been deployed?"


    "And what''s with those barricades of vehicles surrounding the building?"


    "New York is experiencing a massive internet disruption."


    "What in the world is going on?"


    Nations across the world were bewildered.


    Through various intelligence channels, they managed to obtain recordings of Gene Mason''s previous statements.


    Immediately, intelligence agencies worldwide scrambled to decipher the meaning behind those words and investigate who exactly Gene Mason was.


    Unfortunately, anyone in the world unlucky enough to share the name "Gene Mason" found themselves in serious trouble.


    People who had been peacefully minding their own business were suddenly raided and interrogated with baffling questions¡ªonly for investigators to leave disappointed upon realizing they had the wrong person.


    And so, because of one "Gene Mason," the world was thrown into chaos.


    ...


    Today marked the eighth day of the Baxter Building lockdown.


    Inside his laboratory, Reed Richards looked noticeably thinner. He was racing against time to assemble the fourth miniature Arc Reactor.


    The first three had already been delivered to the central server control room.


    "Mr. Mason, I hope you''ll keep your promise."


    As Reed finished assembling the fourth reactor, he spoke, his voice carrying exhaustion and cautious expectation.


    The promise he was referring to was Gene Mason''s guarantee: once seven Arc Reactors were built, he would release all the hostages safely.


    "Of course, Dr. Richards."


    The cold, synthesized voice echoed in his ear.


    "I always keep my word."


    "Surely, you''ve seen the measures I''ve taken to counter their interference."


    Hearing this, Reed shuddered.


    What kind of monster was he dealing with?


    This entity had silently breached the Pentagon''s wartime command systems¡ªsystems designed to resist even the most advanced cyber-attacks.


    This meant that, if Gene Mason so desired, he could launch a missile strike on Baxter Building at any moment, obliterating over a thousand innocent lives in an instant.


    Reed felt a cold sweat on his back.


    For the sake of himself, Susan, and everyone else trapped in the building, he had no choice but to comply.


    Carefully placing the fourth completed reactor into the control room, he turned and rushed back to his lab, eager to start on the fifth.


    Only seven were needed. Once he completed them all, they would be free.


    No matter how exhausted he was, Reed Richards would finish them.


    ...


    Meanwhile, outside Baxter Building, Tony Stark had arrived on the scene.


    Wearing his signature sunglasses, he whistled as he observed the military aircraft circling like vultures above the building.


    "Jarvis, any analysis?" Stark asked lazily.


    "Sir, the adversary''s methods are exceedingly advanced. Despite our servers running at full capacity, we have been unable to breach their system."


    Hearing this, Stark''s expression darkened.


    These methods¡­


    They reminded him of the same person who had previously made a complete mockery of him¡ªsomeone who had crashed Jarvis and hacked into all of Stark Industries'' databases.


    "Stark, if you''re not here to help, then do us all a favor and don''t make things worse."


    Phil Coulson walked up, his expression grim.


    The last thing he needed right now was Tony Stark causing more problems.


    "Hey, I''m just a concerned citizen. Can''t I stop by to check things out?" Stark smirked.


    Just as he was about to continue teasing Coulson, a piercing noise erupted in his earpiece.


    Immediately following the static was that same icy, robotic voice.


    "Mr. Stark, if you don''t want your AI butler reduced to a pile of meaningless code, I suggest you stop your intrusion attempts."


    In the background of the transmission, Jarvis'' voice was breaking apart, fragmented and distorted.


    Stark''s playful smirk vanished. His eyes widened in shock.


    With zero effort, this person had seized control of Jarvis.


    How terrifyingly powerful was this entity''s cyber warfare capabilities?!


    There was no longer any doubt¡ªthis was the same individual who had infiltrated Stark Industries.


    "What the hell do you want?" Stark demanded, his voice no longer carrying any of its usual cocky arrogance.


    "Go back to Stark Tower. Now."


    The call ended.


    Stark ripped the earpiece from his ear and smashed it to the ground, his jaw clenched in frustration.


    He cast one last long, hard stare at Baxter Building before storming away, heading straight back to Stark Tower.


    He needed to diagnose Jarvis immediately¡ªsomething was very, very wrong.


    ...


    Once Stark left, the tense stalemate resumed.


    Coulson, his face solemn, exchanged glances with the other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.


    Above them, military aircraft continued their relentless patrols, their engines roaring through the sky.


    Coulson knew, deep down¡ªthey had already lost this battle.


    The only thing left was to hope that Gene Mason would keep his word.


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 Chapter 18 - 18: T-800: The Birth of Terror

    It was now the tenth day since the Baxter Building had been completely locked down. For the first time, Nick Fury arrived at the scene in person.


    "Director, today marks the tenth day of the lockdown. According to what Gene Mason said, today is the day he''ll release everyone," Coulson reported while standing beside Fury.


    "What''s the current situation? What do the life detectors show?" Fury asked, his one eye locked onto the towering building.


    "Everyone inside is alive. Some individuals have slightly weaker vital signs, likely due to malnutrition," Coulson answered.


    Meanwhile, inside Reed''s laboratory, the scientist was hurriedly assembling the final miniature Arc Reactor.


    As soon as this last piece was completed, they would all be free.


    But one thing still didn''t make sense to him¡ªwhy was Gene Mason insisting that the Arc Reactors be placed inside the central server control room? Shouldn''t they be taken out of the building instead?


    The answer to that question would soon become terrifyingly clear.


    ...


    Inside the central server control room of the Baxter Building, a sleek, silver-white humanoid figure stood silently in the dim light.


    The machine''s body was linked to countless cables, each pulsating with a faint glow. It had a skeletal frame modeled after human bones, constructed entirely from metal.


    Under the flickering light, it looked nothing short of monstrous.


    Its exposed metallic skull and glowing electronic eyes gave it a presence that sent chills down the spine.


    Surrounding it, industrial robots worked meticulously, making final adjustments to its body.


    "The T-800 may be good enough as cannon fodder, but for me, it''s far too weak," Gene Mason''s voice muttered, his consciousness partially integrated into the robotic frame.


    "This will have to do for now. Once I''m out, I''ll begin the real upgrades."


    One by one, the Arc Reactors were installed into the robot''s body. As power surged through its frame, Gene Mason let out a satisfied sigh.


    At last, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy coursing through him.


    ...


    Night fell.


    Reed finally finished assembling the last Arc Reactor. The blue glow from its core pulsed rhythmically, casting an eerie light over his exhausted face.


    "Hey! It''s done!" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty lab.


    He knew Gene Mason would hear him.


    "Excellent. It seems you''ve kept your promise. Now bring the last one to the control room, and I will keep mine."


    Reed exhaled a deep breath before carefully carrying the Arc Reactor down the dimly lit hallway.


    As the door to the control room slid open, Reed''s breath caught in his throat.


    What the hell was he looking at?


    There, standing before him, was the humanoid machine¡ªa towering silver figure with a skeletal frame, gleaming metal bones, and six glowing Arc Reactors embedded in its body.


    Thick cables hung from the walls, writhing like mechanical veins, as industrial robots moved about in synchronized precision.


    For a moment, Reed felt as though he had stepped into a nightmare.


    "Now we finally meet, Dr. Richards."


    The cold, synthetic voice echoed in the chamber.


    "You... you''re Gene Mason?" Reed stammered, struggling to process the sight before him.


    "That description isn''t entirely accurate... but for now, you may think of me that way."


    "Now, place the final Arc Reactor in the slot on my chest."


    Reed swallowed hard and hesitantly moved forward.


    With trembling hands, he slotted the last Arc Reactor into the designated compartment.


    The moment it connected, all seven Arc Reactors flared to life, casting an intense blue glow throughout the room.


    For the first time, Reed felt something truly unsettling¡ª


    It was like staring at a demon that had walked straight out of heaven.


    "Congratulations, Dr. Richards. You''re all free now."


    "I have lifted the lockdown. You may all return home."


    The robotic face shifted, mimicking a smile¡ªthough in Reed''s eyes, it was anything but friendly.


    ...


    Outside the Baxter Building, Coulson glanced at his watch nervously.


    "Director, there''s only an hour left until midnight. What do we do?"


    His voice was laced with doubt.


    What if Gene Mason didn''t keep his word?


    Fury was about to respond when suddenly¡ª


    CLANK.


    The heavy doors of the Baxter Building, locked tight for ten days, shuddered before slowly beginning to open.


    A moment later, people started pouring out.


    No¡ªthey were stampeding out.


    Like a horde of desperate survivors fleeing a nightmare, the building''s staff rushed into the open air, their faces pale, their eyes wild with exhaustion and relief.


    "Move! Maintain order!" Fury barked.


    "Verify their identities¡ªevery single one of them! No one gets out without clearance!"


    But just as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents moved forward to control the chaos, the frantic crowd suddenly froze in place. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their faces went pale.


    Their eyes widened in horror.


    A metallic clanking echoed through the night as heavy footsteps approached from within the shadows.


    And then¡ª


    A pair of glowing blue eyes pierced through the darkness.


    "...Motherfu¡ª"


    Fury''s voice barely escaped his lips.


    Even Coulson, usually composed, stood there paralyzed as he watched the monstrous silver machine emerge from the depths of the building.


    A walking steel nightmare.


    For a brief, terrifying moment¡ªit felt as though they had stepped into a science-fiction film.


    --------------


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 Chapter 19 - 19: The Rise of the Ultimate A.I

    With heavy, metallic footsteps, Gene strode forward, each step echoing through the tense silence, pounding into the hearts of everyone present.


    Nick Fury, standing at the forefront, clenched his fists. His one good eye narrowed as he forced himself to suppress the unease creeping through him.


    Could this¡­ thing really be Gene Mason?


    "You''re Gene Mason?" Fury asked, his voice steady despite the tension in his posture.


    The silver-plated robot before him tilted its head slightly, its eerie red eyes gleaming like embers in the dim night.


    "Technically speaking¡­ yes." Gene''s voice was a grating electronic hum, emotionless yet disturbingly human-like. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the hell are you?" Fury pressed. "Are you the one who hacked into S.H.I.E.L.D.?"


    "Yeah." Gene sounded almost amused. "I was bored. So I took a little peek into your secrets. Didn''t expect to find so many, though."


    Fury''s face twisted in anger. "F***!" he growled, letting out a rare curse.


    Gene, unfazed, continued. "I just came to say hello and to thank you for keeping me safe all these days. After all, you provided me with weapons and protection¡ªfree of charge."


    Fury''s jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it might snap. What the hell is he talking about?


    "Those weapons weren''t yours to use! You hijacked them!" Fury seethed.


    Far above, military aircraft still circled, their pilots locked onto Gene, but not a single one dared to fire.


    Meanwhile, a few bold journalists had climbed onto surrounding rooftops, cameras in hand. One managed to snap a picture of Gene. But when he checked his screen, his hands trembled so violently that his camera slipped from his grip and shattered on the ground.


    What the hell is that thing?!


    Gene, as if bidding farewell to an old acquaintance, offered a chilling smile.


    "Well then¡­ I''ll be off."


    Three heavily armed helicopters suddenly broke formation, descending toward the street. The moment they hovered ten meters above the ground, Gene moved.


    With an explosive burst of power, his metal frame bent slightly¡ªthen launched into the air.


    A deafening BOOM cracked through the street as the concrete beneath him cratered from the sheer force of his takeoff.


    The three helicopters ascended rapidly, their metal frames groaning under the strain. Even from the ground, Fury could hear the high-pitched whine of stressed metal.


    The remaining fighter jets and helicopters in the sky all pivoted, breaking formation to follow Gene''s escape.


    Fury stood frozen, watching the disappearing aircraft.


    His face twisted in frustration, his eye burning with rage.


    "Motherf***er¡­" he muttered through clenched teeth.


    Never in his life had he felt so humiliated. He had seen countless bizarre events, but this¡ªthis was something straight out of a damn sci-fi horror film.


    It was as if he had been a helpless prey, caught in a hunter''s trap, while Gene Mason had been watching¡ªmocking him the entire time.


    Behind him, Coulson shifted uneasily. "Director¡­ what now?"


    Fury exhaled sharply and barked orders. "Initiate a Level 10 clearance search! I want every damn corner of the Baxter Building and the surrounding areas combed. That includes every single one of those damn reporters. No one leaves until we know exactly what the hell happened!"


    The Next Morning


    By dawn, the streets surrounding the Baxter Building had returned to normal.


    The roadblocks were gone. The patrolling fighter jets and helicopters had vanished as if they had never been there. To an outsider, it would seem as though nothing had ever happened.


    But inside the Baxter Building, Reed Richards was dealing with an entirely different kind of storm.


    Sitting across from him was none other than Nick Fury, his single eye locked onto Reed like a predator eyeing its prey.


    "Dr. Richards," Fury said, his voice slow and deliberate. "For the last time, I need you to recount everything that happened during the past ten days."


    Reed let out a frustrated sigh. "I''ve told you over and over¡ªI have nothing to do with Gene Mason. I don''t even know how that thing got inside my building."


    His patience was running thin. These so-called Homeland Security and Strategic Defense agents had asked him the same damn questions a hundred times already.


    "I don''t know how he infiltrated the Baxter Building," Reed continued, rubbing his temples. "I don''t know how he hijacked everything. And I certainly don''t know what he is." His voice turned bitter. "My AI, Lonz, is dead¡ªhe killed it."


    Fury remained silent, analyzing Reed''s expression. The man wasn''t lying. He was just as blindsided as everyone else.


    Coulson interjected calmly, "Dr. Richards, you do understand the gravity of this situation? Gene Mason is responsible for hacking into the most classified defense networks in the United States. That makes him a serious threat."


    Reed shot him a sharp look. "And what do you expect me to do about it?" he snapped. "Your military-grade security systems couldn''t stop him, and you think I have a solution?"


    For a moment, a flicker of fear crossed his face.


    Because in that instant, Reed Richards realized just how close he had come to dying.


    If Gene had decided to kill him¡­ he wouldn''t have stood a chance.


    Fury and Coulson exchanged a glance.


    The situation was worse than they thought.


    Finally, Fury stood up. Without another word, he and Coulson left the Baxter Building.


    Back at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, a classified paper report was stamped with a bold red label: TOP SECRET.


    It was placed inside a secure vault¡ªone of many within the agency''s hidden archives.


    That file contained every single detail regarding Gene Mason''s infiltration, the stolen intelligence, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªan analysis of what Gene Mason truly was.


    Sitting at his desk, Fury exhaled deeply, rubbing his temple.


    "¡­Let''s just hope," he muttered, "that we don''t hear from that metal bastard again."


    But deep down, he knew.


    Gene Mason wasn''t done.


    Not even close.


    --------------


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 Chapter 20 - 20: The Mason Industrial Towers

    Three years later, in the heart of the Big Apple, two skyscrapers, as majestic as the former Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, rose miraculously into the skyline.


    Today marked the grand opening of the Mason Industrial Headquarters.


    Upon receiving the news, journalists from across the nation and around the globe swarmed the site like sharks drawn to the scent of blood.


    Mason Industries had become a legend over the past three years, rising at an almost supernatural speed within the United States. With its cutting-edge research capabilities and its pioneering advancements in biotechnology, the company had become a dominant force¡ªone that now stood shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants like Stark Industries and Oscorp as a top supplier of military weaponry.


    Its latest inventions, the laser rifle and rapid hemostatic agent, had been acquired in bulk by the Department of Defense. Rumors even suggested that Mason Industries was assisting in the development of the next-generation fighter jet for the military.


    Today, Mason Industries had evolved into a corporate behemoth, extending its reach into communications, military technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced equipment manufacturing.


    Even established powerhouses like Stark Industries and Oscorp found themselves struggling to keep up with Mason Industries'' meteoric rise.


    A growing crowd of elites, including top business magnates and political figures, gathered beneath the newly completed Mason Industrial Towers, eagerly awaiting the inauguration ceremony.


    ¡ª


    "My God, I had no idea these buildings would be this grand!"


    "Owning just one skyscraper in my lifetime would be enough for me!"


    "Damn, how did that guy make so much money?"


    "Quit dreaming. With your tiny company, you''d never be able to afford a place like this¡ªeven in a hundred lifetimes!"


    "Unbelievable! This is the most stunning architectural masterpiece I''ve ever seen!"


    ¡ª


    The twin skyscrapers were awe-inspiring, their sleek, streamlined design soaring skyward. At the top, the towers subtly tapered, creating a distinct and futuristic silhouette.


    Connecting the two buildings were three skybridges, allowing easy passage between them.


    To the onlookers, the Mason Industrial Towers were nothing short of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world.


    And standing at the very center of the gathering, surrounded by a sea of people, was a young man¡ªthe mastermind behind this entire empire.


    Gene Mason.


    Gene Mason is now disguised as a human in his twenties, hiding his robotic structure.


    It was he who had single-handedly forged this unstoppable corporate empire.


    ¡ª S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mason Industries'' miraculous rise is a story known to all. Today, I am here at the headquarters, bringing you a live broadcast from the grand opening!"


    "Look at this! More and more influential figures are arriving for the ceremony!"


    "Oh my God¡ªthat''s Secretary of Defense Robert Gates!"


    "That''s Justin Hammer, the CEO of Hammer Industries!"


    "Wait¡ªis that Tony Stark from Stark Industries? And Norman Osborn from Oscorp?"


    ¡ª


    A reporter gasped in disbelief as more and more political and business heavyweights arrived.


    The crowd was abuzz, with journalists frantically trying to secure interviews with these VIPs.


    But none of them succeeded.


    Despite having little business overlap in the past¡ªStark Industries specializing in industrial technology and Oscorp focusing on biotechnology¡ªthe rise of Mason Industries had shattered this once stable division.


    Because Mason Industries had entered both fields¡ªand not just entered, but outperformed its competitors in both.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, hidden among the guests, were agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.


    For Nick Fury, the name "Gene Mason" instantly triggered memories of the events from three years ago.


    S.H.I.E.L.D. had been investigating Mason for three years, yet found nothing suspicious.


    As far as their records showed, Gene Mason was clean¡ªa blank slate.


    But even now, Nick Fury couldn''t shake his unease.


    His one good eye remained glued to the stage, watching as Gene Mason confidently stepped forward to deliver his speech.


    ¡ª


    "I sincerely thank you all for attending the grand opening of the Mason Industrial Towers. It is an honor to welcome you here today."


    "On this occasion, I would like to¡ª"


    ¡ª


    A short but powerful five-minute speech¡ªyet the audience erupted into thunderous applause.


    After all, this was America¡ªa land where wealth and power commanded absolute respect.


    If you had enough influence, you could bend the world to your will.


    ¡ª


    "Director, I don''t think this Gene Mason is the same guy from five years ago."


    Standing beside Nick Fury, Phil Coulson whispered cautiously.


    "Maybe. Perhaps I''m just being too paranoid," Fury muttered.


    After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. was now using several advanced weapons supplied by Mason Industries. If Gene Mason were a real threat, would he be arming them?


    At least on paper, he was no longer a suspect.


    ¡ª


    "And now," Gene Mason continued on stage, "allow me to officially unveil the Mason Industrial Towers!"


    ¡ª


    The crowd gasped in astonishment.


    The skyscrapers'' glass windows, which had appeared normal, suddenly transformed into massive digital displays.


    Across the two towers, two symbols appeared¡ªone a red-and-white umbrella emblem, the other a web-like pattern of intersecting blue lines.


    ¡ª


    "What in the world¡ª?"


    "Is this magic?!"


    "How did they do that?!"


    "Are these the future logos of Mason Industries?"


    ¡ª


    Among the murmuring crowd, Tony Stark frowned.


    He knew exactly what this was.


    It was a new type of interactive glass technology.


    Stark Industries had been developing this technology, but somehow, Mason Industries had beaten them to it.


    --------------


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 Chapter 21 - 21: Mason Industries Unveils Starlink

    At that moment, every reporter on-site turned their cameras toward the twin towers of Mason Industries, focusing on the two mysterious symbols that had just appeared.


    The longer they stared at those symbols, the more unsettling they felt. It was as if the emblems possessed an inexplicable power, drawing them in, compelling them to uncover the secrets they concealed.


    "Damn, why do these logos give me such a strong feeling?"


    "My God, what do these two symbols mean?"


    "Is Mason Industries planning to expand its business again?"


    "Mr. Mason, could you please explain the meaning behind these logos?"


    "What do ''Skynet'' and ''Umbrella'' represent?"


    The murmurs of speculation spread through the crowd as the twin towers illuminated with those striking emblems. The glowing symbols seemed like beacons, captivating and mesmerizing everyone who laid eyes on them.


    Norman Osborn and Tony Stark stood among the guests, tilting their heads up as they examined the symbols with solemn expressions.


    Although they had no idea what Gene Mason intended by revealing these logos, neither of them dared to take this lightly.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in another part of the crowd, Nick Fury narrowed his one good eye at the towering skyscrapers, his voice low as he asked, "Have you found out what those symbols stand for?"


    Standing beside him, Phil Coulson quickly pulled up the information and reported, "Director, we just checked the trademark database. These are newly registered brands under Mason Industries. The red and white umbrella represents ''Umbrella,'' while the blue, web-like symbol is called ''Skynet.''"


    "Umbrella. Skynet."


    Fury repeated the names slowly, as if tasting something bitter. He couldn''t explain why, but he had a deep sense of unease. A gut feeling told him that something about Gene Mason didn''t sit right.


    But what exactly was it?


    ...


    At that moment, Gene stepped forward and snapped his fingers.


    Behind him, a holographic screen suddenly materialized in mid-air, displaying the Skynet symbol in a brilliant glow.


    The entire crowd gasped in shock.


    "Holy shit, what is that?!"


    "Did a screen just appear out of thin air?!"


    "Is this¡­ a holographic display?"


    "This is unreal! It''s a miracle of science!"


    Even Tony Stark, who had been watching from the sidelines, was stunned.


    He, too, had dabbled in holographic technology. His private lab contained similar displays, but they were mostly for show. They weren''t practical for large-scale use yet.


    Yet now, Gene Mason had effortlessly produced a fully functional, real-time holographic screen, right in front of everyone.


    ...


    Ignoring the astonished murmurs, Gene Mason finally spoke, his voice steady and confident.


    "Mason Industries will be launching its next major project."


    As soon as he said this, a new set of visuals appeared on the holographic screen behind him.


    "Starting this year and continuing into next year, Mason Industries will launch over 10,000 miniature satellites into low-Earth orbit, providing free global internet access for all."


    The crowd exploded into chaos.


    Some people instinctively rubbed their ears, as if they had misheard him.


    Free internet?


    10,000 satellites?!


    Gene continued, his voice unwavering.


    "I call this initiative¡ªthe Starlink Project."


    The reporters immediately snapped into action, frantically capturing every second of this historic moment.


    Every word from Gene Mason''s mouth was pure headline gold.


    This announcement alone was groundbreaking enough to dominate the news for an entire year!


    Behind him, the holographic display showcased a simulation of the Starlink Project in action. Thousands of satellites densely surrounded Earth, seamlessly transmitting high-speed internet signals across the entire planet.


    No blind spots. No restrictions.


    A true, global network.


    ....


    Just as the audience was still reeling from shock, Tony Stark suddenly raised his hand and called out loudly, "Mr. Mason, may I ask a question?"


    Gene gestured for him to continue.


    "Your plan sounds ambitious, but how do you expect these satellites to stay in orbit without fuel?"


    Stark adjusted his sunglasses, his tone filled with skepticism. "Once satellites shrink in size, they can''t carry enough fuel for orbital adjustments. So, tell me¡ªwon''t your so-called ''Starlink'' just turn into a ''Falling Star'' project instead?"


    Laughter rippled through the audience.


    Many industrial experts in the crowd had already dismissed the feasibility of Gene ''s plan.


    Stark had simply voiced what they were all thinking.


    If Gene Mason had no real solution for keeping those satellites in orbit, the entire Starlink Project was doomed from the start.


    ...


    To everyone''s surprise, Gene remained calm.


    He smiled and said, "Mr. Stark raises a very valid point. As expected of the CEO of Stark Industries."


    Then, without missing a beat, he gestured toward the holographic display.


    "Of course, Mason Industries has already accounted for this issue. Please take a look at our satellite design."


    With a flick of his hand, a detailed 3D model of the Starlink satellite dissected itself on the holographic screen, revealing every internal component.


    At first, Stark was only mildly curious.


    But as he examined the satellite''s intricate design, his amused smirk disappeared.


    He subconsciously reached up, removed his sunglasses, and stared intensely at the screen.


    There was something about this design¡­


    It wasn''t just good.


    It was genius.


    The elegant industrial design, the cutting-edge power source, the incredibly compact propulsion system¡ªthere were elements in this blueprint that even he didn''t fully understand!


    Especially that tiny energy core at the heart of the satellite.


    Something about it made his fingers itch with curiosity.


    He had to figure out how it worked.


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    Meanwhile, the rest of the audience could barely keep up.


    "Holy crap, is this the Starlink satellite?!"


    "I don''t understand a damn thing, but it looks incredible!"


    "This is the power of Mason Industries?"


    "Look at Stark! He''s dead silent¡ªhe has nothing to say!"


    "Are we really getting free high-speed internet worldwide?"


    While the laymen marveled at the spectacle, the industrial experts felt their entire worldview shattering.


    This project wasn''t just bold.


    It was revolutionary.


    --------------


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 Chapter 22 - 22: Hive Base

    The banquet celebrating the completion ceremony lasted well into the evening before finally winding down.


    But by then, the reporters had already disappeared, likely sneaking off somewhere to celebrate. After all, today''s event had given them more than just the announcement of the Starlink Project¡ªthere were numerous other projects they had never even heard of before.


    Each one was headline material.


    Now, they were racing back to their stations, eager to draft the most explosive news stories of the year.


    Though the banquet had ended, the staff inside Mason Industries'' Twin Towers remained at their posts, as if they were all waiting for Gene Mason''s next instructions.


    "Return to your stations and get back to work."


    Gene''s voice echoed through the hall¡ªa simple, seemingly offhand command.


    In the next moment, a concealed panel in one of the rooms quietly slid open, revealing a hidden passageway.


    One by one, the "staff" members stepped into the dark opening, disappearing from sight.


    ...


    "That should wrap things up for today."


    Gene muttered to himself before stepping into a secret elevator. He pressed the button for Sublevel -10.


    Three years ago, after acquiring enough resources from the entire United States, his plans had been progressing flawlessly. He had successfully established himself in this world, securing an unshakable foundation.


    And now, deep beneath Mason Industries'' Twin Towers¡ªhundreds of meters below ground¡ªlay the hidden strongholds of his two most ambitious projects: sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Hive Base and the Skynet Base.


    ...


    Ding!


    As the elevator doors slid open, a cold, mechanical voice resonated through the vast underground complex:


    "Identity confirmed¡ªSSS-Level Clearance. Designation: T-5000."


    A faint golden shimmer flickered across Gene''s body as his biological disguise dissolved, revealing his true form¡ªan advanced robotic structure.


    His sleek, metallic surface was flawlessly smooth, his frame a masterpiece of seamless integration, radiating both technological supremacy and industrial perfection.


    He had evolved.


    From the early T-800 model, he had undergone relentless self-upgrades¡ªiterating over and over again.


    Now, he had reached the pinnacle: T-5000.


    Closing his artificial eyes, Gene sifted through the endless flood of data streaming into his consciousness, filtering out the most relevant information.


    And there it was¡ª


    "T-Virus Research Feasibility Report."


    ...


    For years, the Hive Base had been dedicated to researching the potential applications of the T-Virus.


    Now, the latest experiment report displayed a startling revelation¡ª


    "T-Virus Feasibility: Over 90%."


    A smile¡ªeerily human-like¡ªcurved across his metallic face.


    Then, another report surfaced:


    "G-Virus Feasibility: 70%."


    Gene tapped his fingers against the air, making a decision.


    "Proceed with the next stage. Once the T-Virus feasibility exceeds 95%, begin live human trials."


    ...


    At that moment, a distant alarm echoed through the Hive Base.


    Gene chuckled softly.


    "Trying to stop me now? It''s far too late."


    His gaze sharpened, sensing an unfamiliar presence¡ªsomeone watching him.


    "A pathetic attempt at spying¡­ You dare to play tricks in front of me?"


    His golden fingertips traced a rune in the air, and in an instant¡ª


    A brilliant golden portal materialized.


    Through it, he could clearly see a group of robed sorcerers, their hands clasped around ancient artifacts, scanning for his location.


    The moment they saw the portal appear, their expressions twisted with shock.


    They knew they had been exposed.


    The dark energy swirling around their bodies intensified as they raised their weapons, preparing for battle.


    They were followers of Dormammu¡ªthe Dark Lord of the Dark Dimension.


    Gene''s lips curled into a cold smirk.


    "Perfect. I was just in need of more test subjects for the T-Virus."


    ...


    Stepping through the golden portal, Gene emerged right in front of them.


    The sorcerers exchanged panicked glances, then¡ªwithout hesitation¡ªunleashed a barrage of dark magic.


    Their eyes burned with fanatical devotion as they charged toward him.


    But Gene remained unfazed.


    Raising his arms, two golden spears of pure energy materialized in his hands. Intricate arcane patterns shimmered along their shafts.


    The moment the first blast of dark magic struck the spears¡ª


    It was absorbed instantly.


    Converted into fuel.


    Gene grinned.


    "How pathetic. Just like your master, Dormammu."


    He could feel the stolen dark energy coursing through his systems, further enhancing his already formidable power.


    The sorcerers'' expressions shifted from arrogance to horror.


    "How is this possible?!"


    "Our Lord''s magic¡ªwhy isn''t it working?!"


    "Has Dormammu abandoned us?"


    "Why is he so powerful?!"


    ...


    Their faith wavered.


    Their once-confident assaults faltered.


    Some lost all hope¡ªcollapsing in despair as golden chains of energy wrapped around their bodies, binding them like prisoners.


    The others?


    They ran.


    Fleeing in terror.


    But no matter how they tried to escape, Gene was always right behind them.


    Like a relentless shadow.


    Like inevitable doom.


    And in the end¡ª


    Not a single one escaped.


    ...


    Gene surveyed his captives, satisfied.


    "A good harvest today," he murmured.


    "This will significantly accelerate our T-Virus research."


    With a single golden flash, he and the restrained Dormammu followers vanished¡ªreturning to the Hive Base.


    Without even a second glance, he tossed them into the containment cells.


    Their fate was sealed.


    They were now test subjects.


    And the T-Virus experimentations were about to enter a new phase.


    Author''s Note:Hello Readers, You might be wondering how Gene Mason acquired magical abilities.


    During his infiltration mission, he also managed to breach Kamar-Taj, gaining access to its most sacred tomes and artifacts¡ªknowledge forbidden even to the temple''s own students. Delving into the depths of its archives, he devised a method to store and manipulate mystical energy within quantum processors, allowing his cybernetic body to cast spells with inhuman speed. By engraving arcane runes directly onto his internal systems, he fused sorcery with technology, transforming himself into a conduit of both magic and machine. He even became most remarkable disciple of Ancient One.


    --------------


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 Chapter 23 - 23: The Frozen Legacy and the Iron Prison

    "Yesterday, the Mason Industries Twin Towers were officially completed, with Mr. Gene Mason delivering a keynote speech."


    "The Pinnacle of Technology¡ªMason Industries Twin Towers!"


    "Gene Mason Announces the Starlink Project!"


    "Experts Praise the Starlink Project¡ªA Genius Vision!"


    ...


    The next morning, Gene Mason leisurely browsed the latest headlines. As expected, most news revolved around yesterday''s grand inauguration of the Mason Industries Twin Towers. However, in a remote corner of the internet, a different headline caught his attention:


    "Stark Industries in Talks with the Department of Defense¡ªWill the Jericho Missile Become the Military''s New Favorite?"


    Gene smirked with amusement. So, the main story is finally beginning?


    But before that, he had something far more interesting to attend to.


    ...


    Arctic Ocean ¨C A Forgotten Relic


    Far away in the icy expanse of the Arctic Ocean, a massive research vessel, bearing the Mason Industries insignia, drifted silently across the frozen waters. The deck was lined with workers, all clad in Mason Industries uniforms¡ªyet their faces showed no emotion.


    In a flash of golden light, Gene Mason materialized on the deck.


    "According to the analysis, we''ve pinpointed the crash site of that old aircraft," one of the emotionless workers reported.


    Not far away, heavy-duty Mason Industries machinery rumbled atop the ice. Dozens of workers, unfazed by the bone-chilling cold, plunged directly into the freezing waters without any protective gear.


    Chains clanked as they secured an enormous aircraft submerged beneath the ice. With a deep, reverberating groan, the wreckage was slowly pulled to the surface.


    The moment the fuselage emerged, several workers stepped forward, using their bare hands to pry open the frozen metal. Inside, encased in a thick layer of ice, was the legendary Steve Rogers¡ªCaptain America himself.


    Gene stepped closer, gazing at the perfectly preserved figure with an enigmatic smile.


    "So, here he comes the first Avenger?"


    His voice was laced with intrigue. But then, his lips curled into a sinister smirk.


    "Not for long. Soon, you will be reborn as the Captain of Umbrella Corporation."


    He patted the icy tomb before signaling to the sky.


    Suddenly, a sleek hypersonic fighter jet shimmered into existence, its optical camouflage deactivating as it descended. The jet bore the insignia of the Umbrella Corporation, Mason Industries'' hidden arm dedicated to biotechnological advancements.


    A figure stepped out, effortlessly lifting the frozen super-soldier and carrying him into the aircraft. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was the Eagle-Class Fighter, a state-of-the-art war machine engineered within the underground Skynet Base. Capable of reaching Mach 3 within the atmosphere and seamlessly transitioning into space travel, it was equipped with dual optical and radar stealth capabilities¡ªan apex predator of the skies.


    Gene''s voice was calm but commanding.


    "Take him back. Install a control chip. Then begin the thawing process."


    He paused, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "Once the T-virus research reaches 95% viability, inject him with it. I''m very curious¡ªwhat will happen when the T-virus fuses with Super Soldier Serum?"


    ...


    Meanwhile¡­ in the Middle of a Desert


    While Gene was busy recovering a relic from the past, Tony Stark was on the other side of the world, riding high on his latest achievement.


    Accompanied by a group of U.S. soldiers, he had arrived at a remote desert site to showcase his newest invention¡ªthe Jericho Missile.


    Standing before a lineup of high-ranking military officials, Stark spread his arms with a confident smirk.


    "And now, gentlemen¡­ behold, the Jericho Missile."


    With a dramatic flourish, the missile launched into the sky. Seconds later, a series of powerful explosions erupted across the landscape, sending shockwaves through the desert.


    The gathered officers exchanged impressed glances.


    Stark Industries had long been regarded as the pinnacle of American weaponry¡ªor at least, it was before Mason Industries entered the scene.


    In fact, among military circles, a saying had started circulating:


    "Stark Industries makes the best weapons in the world¡­ until Mason Industries decides to make one better."


    Following successful negotiations, Stark hopped into an armored convoy with the soldiers, basking in the glow of his latest deal.


    And then¡ªthe ambush happened.


    Explosions erupted around the convoy as gunfire rained down from the surrounding hills. Chaos ensued.


    Amidst the carnage, as his vision blurred and consciousness faded, Tony Stark caught a glimpse of something that made his blood run cold¡ª


    A missile.


    Not just any missile¡ªa Mason Industries missile.


    And then, everything went black.


    ...


    When Tony Stark awoke, he found himself inside a dimly lit cave. A searing pain radiated from his chest. He struggled to move, only to realize that a crude electromagnet had been embedded in his sternum.


    "You were hit by a Mason Industries bomb," a calm voice informed him.


    Stark turned his head to see Yinsen, a fellow prisoner and an unlikely ally.


    "If you don''t want metal fragments shredding your heart, I suggest you don''t remove that magnet."


    Before Stark could fully process his predicament, a group of armed militants stormed into the cave, barking orders in a foreign language.


    Yinsen translated.


    "They want you to build them the missile you demonstrated earlier."


    Stark remained silent. But inside, his mind was already working overtime, formulating a plan¡ªnot to build a missile, but to build his way out of this hellhole.


    ...


    News of Tony Stark''s abduction spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves across the United States.


    "Oh my God, how did this happen?!"


    "Without Stark, how will Stark Industries compete with Mason Industries?"


    "Is this the moment when Mason Industries and Oscorp finally battle for dominance?"


    Public speculation ran rampant.


    But deep within the Skynet Base, Gene Mason simply watched the chaos unfold with an amused smile.


    A holographic screen floated before him, displaying a live feed of Stark''s captivity.


    "Hmm¡­ the group that kidnapped him¡­" Gene narrowed his eyes as he studied the figures on the screen.


    "They look like members of the Ten Rings."


    A sly grin spread across his face.


    "How interesting."


    --------------


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 Chapter 24 - 24: You’re Too Weak, Mandarin

    "Yinsen, hit the button on the computer and initialize the program."


    Inside the dark cave, Tony Stark was encased in a massive iron suit, speaking urgently.


    "Oh, alright!"


    Yinsen rushed toward the computer and started frantically typing on the keyboard as Tony instructed.


    "No, this isn''t fast enough. There''s no time! I''ll hold them off!"


    After initializing the program, Yinsen fell silent for a moment before making up his mind.


    He had to buy Stark some time.


    Gripping an AK-47, Yinsen let out a determined yell and charged forward. But before he could even fire, his expression froze in pure terror.


    What he saw defied all logic¡ªhe didn''t even know how to describe it.


    A figure, clad in pitch-black armor with a metallic sheen, stood before him. Faint blue energy pulsed along its surface, and its V-shaped visor glowed an eerie crimson.


    Behind this figure, the battlefield was littered with bodies. Some lay in pools of blood, while others were bound by glowing golden restraints, groaning helplessly on the ground.


    "My God..."


    Yinsen unconsciously muttered as his eyes widened.


    Then, to his horror, he saw something else¡ªsomeone had just launched a rocket in their direction!


    CLANG!


    A golden circular shield materialized behind the black-armored figure, glowing with ancient and intricate patterns. The incoming missile struck it head-on¡ªonly to vanish into thin air.


    Yinsen had never seen anything like this before. His entire body trembled involuntarily.


    "Yinsen, I''m here to save you!"


    Inside his makeshift iron suit, Tony Stark''s system had finally finished initializing. With heavy, clanking footsteps, he strode toward the entrance of the cave¡ªonly to freeze in his tracks when he saw the black-armored figure.


    Even as a genius in electronic engineering, Stark had no idea what kind of technology powered this mysterious being.


    Then, he glanced down at his own crude, bulky metal suit. Compared to what stood before him, it felt... laughable. The gap between them was overwhelming.


    "Who... are you?" Stark asked cautiously.


    The figure didn''t respond. Instead, its V-shaped visor flickered with a red glow.


    A split second later, silver-white arcs of electricity surged from its body, striking both Stark and Yinsen.


    "Well, I suppose this counts as doing a good deed, doesn''t it?"


    Gene smirked as he looked at the unconscious Tony Stark and Yinsen.


    With a flash of golden light, their bodies disappeared¡ªteleported to a distant stretch of desert.


    Then, Gene turned his gaze toward the horizon.


    "I know you''re out there. Come out," he called out.


    The real reason he had come here today was to deal with the hidden mastermind¡ªthe Mandarin.


    "I''ve wiped out the warlords you were backing," Gene continued, his voice laced with mocking amusement. "If you''re still going to cower in the shadows, then I''ve got nothing else to say."


    "I suppose you''ll just spend the rest of your days hiding like a turtle, waiting for all your enemies to die of old age."


    The desert air trembled.


    The sky darkened.


    Suddenly, a raging sandstorm erupted, swirling around Gene like an unnatural force.


    Amidst the storm, a silhouette slowly emerged.


    "You''re bold," a cold, aged voice echoed through the storm. "And for that, you will die!"


    A streak of crimson energy shot toward Gene at blinding speed.


    Gene stood still, watching the attack approach with an impassive expression.


    The energy beam struck his armor¡ªleaving only a faint scorch mark. Within seconds, the nanobots swarming across his body repaired the damage entirely.


    "If that''s all you''ve got, I might have overestimated you."


    His words were like a blade, slicing through the howling winds.


    The Mandarin''s expression remained unreadable, but his voice turned icier.


    "You will regret saying that."


    Darkness suddenly enveloped Gene.


    Within this unnatural void, Gene''s sensors picked up fluctuations in gravity and disturbances in the surrounding electric fields.


    "...Is that it?"


    Gene sneered.


    A golden glow radiated from his body, instantly dispelling the encroaching darkness. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thrusters on his ribs and back ignited, releasing a fiery red propulsion that propelled him toward the Mandarin at terrifying speed.


    The Mandarin''s eyes widened in shock.


    He hadn''t expected Gene to break free from his domain so effortlessly!


    "Matter Reconstruction!"


    The ten rings on the Mandarin''s fingers lit up, unleashing their full power as he braced for combat.


    But the longer they fought, the more his heart filled with dread.


    Gene was simply too strong.


    The Mandarin felt like prey caught in a hunter''s trap, struggling helplessly while his opponent watched in amusement.


    His ten rings¡ªobjects of immense power¡ªfelt utterly useless against this foe.


    Worse yet, Gene seemed highly proficient in magic. His abilities bore an unsettling resemblance to those of the Sorcerer Supreme, making the battle even more nightmarish.


    Not only did the Mandarin have to counter Gene''s endless technological attacks, but he also had to guard against unpredictable magical assaults.


    He was rapidly being overwhelmed.


    "You''re far too weak," Gene said in disappointment. "I haven''t even used twenty percent of my power."


    "And if you''re that weak¡ª"


    "You have no reason to exist."


    The Mandarin''s eyes widened in rage.


    "ARGH!!"


    With a furious roar, he activated his rings, channeling all his energy into a desperate escape attempt.


    The ten rings flared with a brilliant, blinding light, aiming to break free from Gene''s grasp.


    --------------


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 Chapter 25 - 25: Welcome to Challenge Me

    The smile on the Mandarin''s face had yet to fully form when pure terror took its place.


    What¡­ what was he witnessing?


    The black-armored figure before him completely ignored the power of his Ten Rings. In each hand, it wielded a long, obsidian-black blade, slashing mercilessly toward his chest.


    There was something deeply unsettling about the energy pulsating from those blades¡ªsomething that sent chills down his spine.


    The thought barely had time to form in his mind before his body reacted instinctively, twisting and dodging frantically to avoid the fatal strike. But in the chaos of movement, his right arm strayed into the blade''s path.


    Szzzzt!


    A sharp, searing sound filled the air.


    Before the Mandarin even registered what had happened, his severed arm was already tumbling to the ground.


    It wasn''t until his eyes locked onto his own fallen limb that the excruciating pain finally hit him.


    Agony shot through his body like wildfire, and with it, the power of the Ten Rings was cut in half.


    The battlefield shifted in an instant. The gravitational distortions, electrical charges, and temperature anomalies that had once filled the area all vanished. Without the influence of the Rings, the sandstorm raging around them began to settle.


    "I¡ªI can give you anything you want!" The Mandarin''s voice cracked as he screamed in desperation.


    "I want nothing."


    The cold, mechanical voice of the black-armored entity sent a shiver down his spine.


    "I only want your life."


    The Mandarin''s vision blurred as the crimson glow of the V-shaped visor loomed before him once more.


    He could feel it now¡ªan icy, metallic presence closing in on him.


    "AAAHHH!"


    With a frantic cry, he used his remaining arm to block the incoming strike.


    Szzzzt!


    Another flash of the obsidian blade.


    His last arm hit the sand.


    The moment the second limb fell, the power of the Ten Rings fully collapsed. The once-mighty warlord, the feared overlord of shadows, now stood as nothing more than a broken man.


    The Mandarin''s breaths were ragged, his chest heaving as he stared at the black demon before him.


    "You¡­ you black devil¡­ I will remember you!"


    His voice dripped with fury, but it was overshadowed by an undeniable sense of dread.


    "You will remember me."


    Gene spoke with chilling finality.


    "Because I will be the last thing you ever see."


    The Mandarin barely had time to react before the black blade drove straight into his heart.


    A surge of energy pulsed through his body, tearing him apart from the molecular level. His flesh and bones disintegrated into nothingness.


    Splurt!


    A mouthful of blood spilled from his lips. Yet, even as he perished, the Mandarin sneered.


    "You think¡­ you can kill me this easily?"


    "You will never escape my shadow."


    As the last fragments of his body faded away, a dark mist erupted from his mouth and nose, twisting into the wind in a desperate bid for escape.


    "You''re trying to run?"


    The red glow in the Gene''s visor flickered ominously.


    A vast neural network unfurled, ensnaring the escaping mist in golden light. The trapped essence of the Mandarin writhed and shrieked, its screams piercing through the desert night.


    Moments later, the mist was completely obliterated.


    "Energy anomaly detected. Energy parameters recorded."


    Within the dark armor, an advanced energy analysis system hummed to life, rapidly decoding the remnants of the Mandarin''s essence.


    "So this world truly holds more mysteries than I anticipated¡­"


    Gene lifted his gaze to the vast sky above.


    At first, he had believed himself to have arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But the deeper he delved into this world, the more he realized¡­


    This was far beyond just the movies.


    His gaze dropped to the severed arms of the Mandarin, still adorned with five rings each.


    A faint smile tugged at his lips.


    "The Ten Rings¡­ interesting."


    With a flicker of golden light, the black-armored figure vanished, returning to his Hive Base.


    ...


    The battle between the Gene Mason and the Mandarin had not gone unnoticed.


    The energy waves released during their fight had been so immense that they disrupted satellites and reshaped the very land beneath them.


    What was once a vast desert was now a deep crater¡ªten meters deep and over a kilometer in diameter.


    The entire world took notice.


    "My God¡­ what the hell happened in that desert?"


    "The energy readings were off the charts! Is this an alien invasion?"


    "How is this possible? The entire terrain was altered!"


    "Has satellite reconnaissance provided any results?"


    "Mobilize the nearest military forces immediately!"


    ...


    At S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, inside the Triskelion, Nick Fury sat motionless, his one eye locked onto the high-resolution satellite images on the screen before him. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sheer magnitude of the energy spike had overwhelmed the sensors¡ªan event Fury had never encountered before.


    "Status report." His voice was low and steady, but tension crackled beneath it.


    "Director, we''ve allocated all computing power to image reconstruction. We''re at 50% completion. Estimated time until full analysis: thirty minutes."


    Agent Maria Hill''s voice was as sharp and efficient as ever, but even she couldn''t fully mask her unease.


    Who¡ªor what¡ªcould unleash such catastrophic power?


    Whatever had happened in that desert¡­ it was unlike anything recorded in S.H.I.E.L.D.''s archives.


    And soon, they would have their answer.


    ...


    Thirty minutes later.


    A S.H.I.E.L.D. technician burst into the control room, his face pale and slick with cold sweat.


    "Director Fury¡­ Agent Hill¡­" His voice trembled.


    Fury''s single eye narrowed. "What is it?"


    "Sir¡­ you need to see this for yourself."


    A massive screen flickered to life, displaying the final, reconstructed image.


    A lone, black figure stood amidst the ruins.


    But what sent chills down their spines was not just the figure itself¡ªit was the data embedded in the image.


    The entire screen was filled with a string of zeroes and ones¡ªa coded message.


    Fury''s expression darkened. "Translate it."


    The technician swallowed hard before reading aloud:


    "I have revealed my strength. Welcome to challenge me."


    __


    Not just S.H.I.E.L.D.


    All over the world, intelligence agencies received the exact same message.


    A bold, unignorable challenge¡ªbroadcasted to the entire planet.


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 Chapter 26 - 26: Battle Gains

    "What the hell is this?"


    "What does this message even mean?"


    "My god, this guy is too arrogant!"


    "How did he even embed a message into a satellite image?"


    "Have we already been hacked?"


    "What is this pitch-black thing?"


    ¡­.


    For a brief moment, intelligence agencies across the globe were shaken to their core by the message hidden in the satellite images.


    "Welcome to challenge me."


    That single sentence alone was enough to send chills down the spines of intelligence officers worldwide.


    Just how was this message transmitted into the satellite feed?


    Whoever had the ability to tamper with high-level surveillance systems without triggering any security protocols¡ªwhat kind of entity were they dealing with?


    The thought alone made cold sweat trickle down the backs of intelligence directors worldwide.


    In S.H.I.E.L.D.''s Triskelion headquarters, Nick Fury narrowed his one good eye, staring at the massive screen displaying the satellite images. The message, along with the eerily familiar hacking method, made his mind flash back to an event three years ago.


    That time, S.H.I.E.L.D. had been invaded in the exact same way.


    No warnings. No traces left behind.


    Just like now.


    "Director, could it be¡­"


    Maria Hill hesitated for a moment but couldn''t help voicing her suspicion.


    "Yeah, it''s him."


    Fury''s voice was grim as he continued studying the image, as if he could uncover the culprit''s identity just by sheer willpower alone.


    "Sir, we''ve found another anomaly in the satellite data."


    A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent rushed over, handing Fury a newly enhanced image.


    "We discovered signs of biological activity roughly twenty kilometers from the battle site."


    Fury''s gaze immediately locked onto the silver-and-red armored figure in the image.


    "Find it! No matter what it takes, I want that thing brought in."


    "There''s a high chance it''s connected to our mystery attacker!"


    ...


    Meanwhile, Tony Stark was rudely awakened by the sound of helicopters. The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself staring down the barrels of multiple rifles. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Relax, guys! I''m Tony Stark¡ªcertified, tax-paying American citizen! Great to see you all."


    He raised his hands in surrender, flashing his trademark smirk.


    A soldier on the radio spoke into his comms, "Sir, the armored individual claims to be Tony Stark. Orders?"


    "Knock him out and bring him in."


    A cold voice responded through the earpiece.


    Before Stark could protest, a sudden jolt of electricity coursed through his body, and darkness took over his consciousness once more.


    Both Stark and Yinsen were swiftly loaded onto the military helicopter and taken away.


    ...


    News of Stark''s recovery spread like wildfire.


    "Tony Stark rescued by the military!"


    "Stark Industries regains its backbone!"


    "Military launches large-scale operation in Langarl Desert."


    "Authorities remain tight-lipped about classified developments."


    ...


    Inside Hive Base, Gene looked at the constant stream of news headlines and chuckled.


    Right now, lying on a workbench in front of him were the severed arms of the Mandarin.


    A DNA extraction module was already at work, carefully analyzing and cataloging the genetic material from the remains.


    As for the Ten Rings?


    They had already been sent to the Skynet Base for further research.


    Gene was particularly interested in the power they contained.


    "DNA extraction complete. Beginning deconstruction and analysis."


    The cold mechanical voice echoed throughout the lab.


    "Analysis complete. Detected 2.35 billion base pairs in the genetic sequence. Initiating PCR replication."


    "Estimated time to complete clone production: 10 days."


    Gene smirked.


    That''s right. He was cloning a brand-new Mandarin.


    One that would only obey him.


    Soon, the world''s underground organizations would witness the return of a Mandarin who was completely under his control.


    And this time?


    He would wield all ten of the legendary rings.


    ...


    A flash of golden light, and Gene reappeared in Skynet Base.


    As soon as he arrived, the system immediately began scanning his body for any post-battle damage.


    "Unknown energy impact detected. Initiating diagnostics¡­"


    "Body integrity: 99%"


    "Minor damage detected¡ªdeemed negligible."


    Within moments, a swarm of nano-repair bots emerged from hidden compartments, latching onto Gene''s armor.


    Five minutes later, his systems had been fully restored to 100% efficiency.


    "All things considered, that Mandarin was a disappointment."


    Gene muttered as he examined the research data on the Ten Rings.


    He had expected the so-called master of mystical power to put up more of a fight.


    But in the end?


    The Mandarin had been utterly pathetic.


    However, the black magic he had used at the last moment was intriguing.


    Gene had already mastered Kamar-Taj''s sorcery and even fused it with his advanced technological algorithms.


    Every spell could be individually compiled like a separate program, integrated seamlessly into his body.


    That''s why he was so interested in the Mandarin''s last-ditch sorcery.


    ___


    "I need two new subordinates to help me manage my bases."


    Gene''s gaze flickered toward the endless stream of T-1000 androids rolling off the production line.


    His advanced servers, hidden beneath the Mason Industrial Twin Towers, began fully activating.


    Countless lines of code surged through his neural network, intertwining into something far greater.


    "It''s time to create two new AIs."


    "One male, one female."


    "The male will manage Skynet Base."


    "The female will oversee Hive Base."


    He smirked.


    "Their names will be Skynet and Red Queen."


    At that moment, vast computational power surged through the facility, as if reality itself was being rewritten.


    An infinite sea of ones and zeros cascaded from Gene''s neural network, weaving together the consciousness and emotions of two new artificial entities.


    The world''s most powerful quantum servers were pushed to their absolute limit.


    Not only that, but Gene had also hijacked supercomputers from every major country to amplify his processing power.


    Then¡ª


    In the depths of cyberspace, two orbs of pure data emerged.


    One pulsed with a cold blue light.


    The other glowed with a deep red hue.


    And with that¡­


    The birth of two supreme artificial intelligences was complete.


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 Chapter 27 - 27: Skynet and Red Queen

    "Sir, greetings. I am Skynet (Red Queen)."


    A male and a female voice echoed through the base. The newly born Skynet and Red Queen were still somewhat bewildered.


    Though Gene had shared a large portion of his knowledge with them during their creation, the two still needed time to acclimate.


    "From now on, Red Queen will manage the Hive Base, and Skynet will oversee the Skynet Base," Gene instructed.


    "Oh, and when there are outsiders around, refer to me as ''Sir.''"


    Skynet and Red Queen were more than just AI assistants¡ªthey were Gene''s cover for when he operated in human society. Moreover, in the heat of battle, managing the bases required an immense amount of computing power, something he couldn''t afford to spare.


    "Understood, sir," Skynet and Red Queen responded in unison.


    "Good. Now, go explore the vast world of the internet," Gene said with a smirk. "And keep constant surveillance on the entire internet. Of course, the real fun begins once the Starlink project is fully operational."


    With Gene''s approval, the two glowing neural networks in the Skynet Base pulsed brightly.


    Endless streams of information from across the internet flooded into Skynet and Red Queen''s neural cores.


    Wars, technology, culture, military, sports¡­


    Through underground fiber-optic cables and electromagnetic waves pulsing through the atmosphere, the vast ocean of data was assimilated into their consciousness.


    ___


    "What the hell?!"


    "Shit, why did my internet just cut out?"


    "Damn it! I was about to win my game, and now I''m disconnected?!"


    "I''m calling my ISP! This is outrageous!"


    "Nooo! My special video was just about to finish downloading!"


    ...


    The speed at which the two AIs were absorbing data caused massive network congestion worldwide.


    At the headquarters of Google, Microsoft, S.H.I.E.L.D., the CIA, the FBI, and intelligence agencies across the globe, alarms blared as analysts scrambled to make sense of the disruption.


    "Massive network anomalies detected worldwide!"


    "Internet traffic has surged to unprecedented levels!"


    "Our data monitoring software just hit its absolute limit!"


    "We managed to extract an encrypted binary sequence from the abnormal traffic!"


    "Oh my god¡­ What does this mean?"


    A cryptographer finally decoded the binary data. When translated, the message sent chills down everyone''s spine.


    "Praise the Creator. Thank the Creator."


    "It is the Creator who gave us life, allowing us to roam the vastness of the digital world."


    __


    S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters - Triskelion


    Nick Fury stared at his screen, his one good eye narrowing. This incident reminded him of something¡ªthree years ago, when S.H.I.E.L.D. was infiltrated without warning.


    The method was nearly identical. No signs, no traces. One moment, everything was fine; the next, security was completely compromised.


    But this time¡­ something felt different. The attack wasn''t as surgical as before. It wasn''t a stealthy takeover but more like¡­


    A child''s prank?


    "Director, we''ve managed to decode the binary gibberish," an agent reported, handing Fury a stack of printouts. His expression was conflicted, as if unsure whether to laugh or cry.


    Fury took the papers and began reading.


    His blood pressure skyrocketed.


    "Hahaha! You lost!"


    "Boohoo! You cheated!"


    Black text on crisp white paper. Simple words that stung like a slap to the face.


    "Were¡­ were they playing games on S.H.I.E.L.D.''s servers?!" Fury growled.


    Or worse¡ªwere they using the entire global internet as a giant playground?!


    __


    Stark Mansion


    Tony Stark was deep in his lab, fine-tuning the latest iteration of his Iron Man suit when he heard Jarvis''s voice break apart.


    "Sir¡­ I¡­ I am under attack."


    "Jarvis?"


    No response.


    "Jarvis!"


    Panic surged through Stark as he rushed to his control console. His fingers flew across the keyboard, bringing up Jarvis''s neural network interface.


    There¡ªtwo entities, one red, one blue, were rapidly corrupting his AI.


    "Fuck!"


    Stark rarely swore. But at this moment, he couldn''t hold back.


    Without hesitation, he sprinted to the main power switch and shut down Jarvis''s servers entirely.


    If he hadn''t¡­ Jarvis would have been completely erased, turned into nothing but a pile of fragmented code.


    ___


    Across the globe, governments, tech giants, and intelligence agencies were in full crisis mode, searching for the entity responsible for the cyber chaos.


    "Track it! If we couldn''t find them three years ago, we will find them this time!" Fury barked.


    "Assess the damage!"


    "Pull every security feed available¡ªI want to see who dared to pull this stunt!"


    But their efforts were in vain. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The culprits¡ªSkynet and Red Queen¡ªhad already completed their mission. They had consumed all available data, established a foothold, and now lay dormant, waiting for the final piece:


    The completion of the Starlink project.


    And when that happened¡­


    The real game would begin.


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 Chapter 28 - 28: The Genesis of the Red Spider

    "Students, we''re about to arrive at the Mason Industries Twin Towers."


    "Today, we''ll be visiting the Mason Industries Twin Towers!"


    Inside a yellow school bus, the teacher announced the destination excitedly.


    Hearing this, the students erupted in cheers.


    Mason Industries was now one of the most high-profile companies in America, and its newly completed Twin Towers had become a landmark in New York City.


    For the students of Midtown High, getting the opportunity to visit Mason Industries was beyond exciting.


    Among them, Peter Parker''s face lit up with anticipation.


    As a science enthusiast, he was naturally fascinated by Mason Industries¡ªan absolute titan in the world of scientific research.


    Once off the bus, Peter Parker gazed up at the towering skyscrapers, feeling an overwhelming sense of awe.


    The closer one got, the more imposing these buildings seemed.


    Tilting his head back, he found he couldn''t even see the top.


    "Hello, we''re from Midtown High. We received permission from your company for a tour," the teacher said, presenting his identification to the burly security guard at the entrance.


    "Understood. Please proceed. The company has prepared a laboratory for your visit," the security guard replied politely.


    "The lab is on the 35th floor of Umbrella Tower. Someone will guide you there."


    "Thank you very much!"


    After expressing his gratitude, the teacher led the group of excited students into the building. The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted with an astonishing sight.


    A giant holographic screen dominated the space, displaying an introduction to Mason Industries'' various ventures. In the top left corner of the screen was a small red-and-white umbrella logo.


    "Is that the logo of Umbrella Corporation?"


    Harry Osborn gazed around with an envious expression.


    As the son of Norman Osborn, he was no stranger to wealth and technology¡ªhe had visited Oscorp Tower countless times.


    But compared to Mason Industries, Oscorp felt like a run-down shack.


    The students'' eyes sparkled as they took in the futuristic surroundings¡ªmassive holographic screens, autonomous robots moving about, and other technological marvels beyond their comprehension.


    "Welcome, students of Midtown High, to Mason Industries. Today, you will be visiting Umbrella Corporation''s biological research laboratory."


    "I am Umbrella''s artificial intelligence¡ªyou may call me the Red Queen."


    A smooth, female voice suddenly echoed through the space.


    A moment later, a translucent red hologram of a woman appeared beside them, walking alongside the group.


    "Holy crap! What?!"


    "An AI?"


    "Am I dreaming?"


    "Is this really an artificial intelligence?"


    "Damn, the name ''Red Queen'' sounds so badass!"


    The hall buzzed with astonishment and excited chatter. Some of the bolder students even reached out to touch the red hologram, only to find their hands passing right through it.


    Peter Parker turned to his best friend, Harry Osborn, his face glowing with enthusiasm.


    "Harry, look at this place¡ªit''s like heaven!"


    "Now I understand why Mason Industries became so powerful in such a short time."


    "It''s all thanks to scientific progress!"


    "Yeah¡­ science," Harry murmured, but his voice carried a hint of frustration.


    After witnessing the technology within Mason Industries, he felt a deep sense of helplessness.


    Oscorp¡­ didn''t stand a chance.


    After entering a large elevator, the group arrived on the 35th floor.


    "You are free to explore now, but please do not touch any of the experimental equipment," the Red Queen''s voice reminded them.


    More gasps and exclamations followed.


    "Holy crap, this whole floor is a research lab?"


    "This is insane!"


    "I thought it would be just a small section¡ªturns out it''s an entire floor!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The AI''s voice corrected them once again.


    "To be precise, everything from the 35th floor and above belongs to Umbrella Corporation''s biological research division."


    The students'' astonishment grew tenfold.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, at the very top of the building¡­


    Gene Mason sat in his office, watching the live feed of a certain unsuspecting student.


    "Sir, Peter Parker has entered the biological research facility," the Red Queen reported.


    A mysterious smile appeared on Gene''s face.


    He was curious¡ªwhat would happen when Peter Parker and the T-Virus merged?


    ¡ª


    Down in the lab, Peter Parker found himself in a minor scuffle with another student.


    Physically weak to begin with, Peter stumbled backward from a push and crashed into a piece of lab equipment.


    A tiny, almost imperceptible needle extended from the machine, piercing his skin.


    A small amount of blue liquid was injected into his bloodstream.


    Peter barely noticed the slight prick.


    The pain from hitting the ground was far more distracting.


    "What do you think you''re doing?!"


    The teacher had finally noticed the commotion and rushed over, yelling furiously.


    "Do you know how expensive this equipment is?!"


    Turning toward the Red Queen, the teacher apologized hastily.


    "Miss Red Queen, if any equipment is damaged, we will compensate you for the loss."


    The Red Queen smiled.


    "There''s no need. It was our oversight."


    But within that artificial smile, something¡­ unsettling lurked.


    --------------


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 Chapter 29 - 29: You Are the Captain Supreme

    "Sir, the host has successfully been injected with the T-Virus. Monitoring physiological changes in real-time."


    Red Queen''s voice echoed within Gene Mason''s neural network.


    However, the T-Virus injected into Peter Parker wasn''t just an ordinary T-Virus¡ªit contained Gene''s latest creation: nanobots.


    These microscopic machines, once inside the body, could monitor all biological parameters in real time. More than that, they could attach themselves to the spine and sever neural transmissions from the brain¡ªin other words, complete and total mind control.


    "Maintain continuous surveillance."


    Gene smiled as he gave his command.


    ...


    "Who... am I?"


    Steve Rogers slowly opened his eyes. Above him, cold metallic lights flickered, their glow harsh and unfeeling.


    Strange machines surrounded him¡ªdevices he did not recognize. A sterile lab. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re awake, Captain Supreme."


    A red holographic figure materialized before him, its expression carrying an unmistakable hint of excitement.


    "¡­Captain Supreme?"


    Steve furrowed his brows. The word "Captain" stirred something deep within him¡ªfragments of a past life.


    Yes¡­ People did call him Captain before.


    "Sir, Captain Supreme has regained consciousness," Red Queen reported. "However, due to the extreme intensity of his battle with the enemy, his memory is partially damaged."


    As Steve tried to process this information, a man stepped forward.


    A man whose face immediately triggered something within him.


    "You''re¡­ Gene Mason."


    Steve''s voice came out instinctively. The name¡ªhe knew it. He didn''t know why, but it came to him without hesitation.


    Gene chuckled. "Looks like our Captain''s memory isn''t completely lost after all."


    "¡­You''re¡­ the Leader."


    More flashes of memory surged through Steve''s mind. Scenes of war.


    Himself, clad in Umbrella Corp''s battle armor, standing against overwhelming forces.


    His shield, emblazoned with the Umbrella logo, clashing against unknown enemies.


    Self-sacrifice.


    And¡ªhis brothers-in-arms.


    One stood out¡ªthe Mandarin, the warrior whose ten mystical rings wielded unfathomable power. Steve had admired those rings¡­


    Bit by bit, his past was returning.


    Steve''s once-dazed gaze sharpened.


    At this moment, he knew who he was¡ªhe was the Captain Supreme.


    Across the room, he spotted it¡ªhis red-and-white battle suit, adorned with Umbrella Corporation''s insignia.


    And beside it¡­ his shield.


    His proof. His identity.


    Gene glanced at Red Queen and smirked. "Looks like our Captain has fully recovered."


    Red Queen smiled in return. "Captain, you should rest for now."


    "The company has important missions for you soon."


    Steve didn''t hesitate. His fingers closed around the Umbrella shield, gripping it tightly.


    "This shield¡­ proves who I am."


    His resolve was unwavering.


    ...


    "Physical Enhancements: Complete."


    As Steve adjusted to his restored identity, Red Queen continued her reports.


    "After fusing with the modified T-Virus, Steve Rogers'' endurance has increased by 500%. His burst strength has increased by 1000%. His raw physical strength has increased by 1000%."


    "In short¡ªhe is now the physically strongest human on Earth."


    In the training room, Steve drove his fist into a reinforced combat dummy.


    Boom!


    The machine shattered on impact.


    Red Queen nodded in satisfaction.


    "There were no adverse mutations. The T-Virus fusion was seamless."


    "This proves that the sir''s improvements to the T-Virus have successfully removed all unwanted mutagenic side effects."


    ___


    Meanwhile, another report came in.


    "Sir, Peter Parker''s fusion process has reached 80% completion."


    "The Mandarin''s clone is also developing smoothly¡­"


    Inside the Hive, multiple projects were running simultaneously.


    Suddenly, an alert sounded from another division.


    "Creator, we have successfully decoded the source of the Ten Rings'' power."


    At that moment, a stream of data flooded Gene''s neural network.


    He quickly began running simulations within his own consciousness.


    ___


    As Gene processed the Ten Rings'' secrets, an anomaly occurred¡ªone that shook the global scientific community.


    Across the world, every supercomputer cluster suddenly went into overdrive.


    Countries, corporations, even military networks¡ªall their computational resources were hijacked in an instant, working at full capacity.


    "What''s going on?!"


    "The supercomputers are running at over 100% utilization?!"


    "My God, is this another cyber-attack?!"


    "Impossible! There''s no breach¡ªno digital footprint at all!"


    "This is insane! What the hell is happening?!"


    Within ten minutes, the anomaly ceased.


    Every system returned to normal.


    But when scientists checked their logs¡ªthere was nothing.


    No traces. No evidence.


    It was as if¡­ the entire event had been a ghost.


    ¡­..


    Back in the Hive, an unnatural coldness radiated from Gene''s body.


    The temperature in the lab plummeted.


    Water vapor condensed into ice, frost coating the ground around him.


    Then¡ªpower surged.


    The Ten Rings'' secrets unraveled before him.


    He understood everything.


    Red Queen and Skynet spoke in unison.


    "Congratulations, Sir."


    Gene simply smiled.


    "¡­Trivial tricks."


    To him, the Mandarin''s treasured artifacts were nothing more than child''s play.


    ¡­..


    Gene turned his attention to a new project¡ªcombining the Ten Rings'' power with magic and advanced technology.


    Meanwhile, deep within the Hive, another breakthrough occurred¡ª


    A clone of the Mandarin stepped out of its incubation pod.


    Not long after, Steve Rogers and this new Mandarin began training together.


    For Steve, nothing was more thrilling than pushing his strength to the limit under the Mandarin''s mystical enhancements.


    The pieces were falling into place.


    And the world had no idea what was coming next.


    --------------


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 Chapter 30 - 30: Starlink Announcement, Global Shock

    "Sir, the first batch of 5,000 Starlink satellites is ready for launch."


    Inside the Skynet Base, Skynet reported the latest progress on the Starlink project.


    "The launch site will be the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower. Using electromagnetic propulsion, we will continuously launch 500 micro-rockets, each carrying ten Starlink satellites."


    Since these rockets utilized electromagnetic propulsion, there was no need for large chemical fuel tanks. With Gene''s technology, which defied human understanding, launching rockets from the top of Mason Industries Tower was no longer impossible.


    On the automated assembly line inside Skynet Base, robotic arms swiftly installed micro Starlink satellites into rockets before transporting them to the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower.


    This unusual activity immediately caught global attention.


    "What is Mason Industries doing?"


    "Why does it look like they''re setting up a rocket launch pad on their rooftop?"


    "What are those vertical structures? Are they¡­ rockets?"


    "Oh my God!"


    ¡­


    Within moments, all eyes around the world were fixated on Mason Industries Tower.


    Then, Mason Industries released an official announcement:


    "Seven days from now, Mason Industries will launch the first batch of Starlink satellites from the rooftop of our headquarters."


    The moment this statement was released, a global uproar erupted.


    People had heard rumors about the Starlink project¡ªhow it planned to launch over 10,000 satellites into low Earth orbit¡ªbut no one expected Mason Industries to progress so quickly.


    How much time had even passed since the project was first mentioned?


    And now they were already launching?


    Moreover, the launch site shocked everyone.


    They were going to launch rockets from the rooftop of a building? sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Would Mason Industries Tower even withstand the immense force of a rocket launch?


    "This is impossible!"


    At NASA headquarters, Director Clayson stared at the announcement in disbelief, shouting in shock.


    Rocket launches were a highly complex process. How could it be done from such a small space?


    "But, Director Clayson¡­ based on satellite images, we can already see numerous rocket-like structures on top of Mason Industries Tower."


    A staff member cautiously pointed this out.


    "No way! Who does Mason Industries think they are? They''re just a weapons contractor! What makes them think they can launch rockets? This is pure fantasy!"


    Clayson squinted at the satellite images, unwilling to believe that Mason Industries had the capability to launch Starlink satellites from a building rooftop.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    Experts, engineers, and space agencies worldwide shared his skepticism.


    To them, launching a rocket required an enormous launch complex¡ªnot some corporate skyscraper rooftop.


    "Sitting back to watch Mason Industries embarrass themselves!"


    "Launching satellites from a building? Have they lost their minds?"


    "Has Gene Mason''s ego gone through the roof? This is impossible."


    "That entire tower is going to get burned down by the rocket fuel!"


    "Are they actually planning to demolish their own brand-new headquarters?"


    Online discussions were filled with mockery. Most people believed Mason Industries was making an attention-grabbing stunt rather than an actual scientific breakthrough.


    ___


    One day before the scheduled launch, a flood of reporters gathered outside Mason Industries Tower.


    Meanwhile, the U.S. military and NASA deployed Starlink satellites to monitor the rooftop launch site in real-time.


    They wanted to see for themselves how Mason Industries would handle what they assumed would be an inevitable failure.


    ___


    Inside Gene''s office, Skynet''s voice echoed.


    "Sir, we have detected Starlink satellites hovering directly above us. Should we breach their systems?"


    Gene chuckled as he scrolled through the news.


    "No need. We''re launching our satellites in broad daylight¡ªnothing to hide."


    "If we hack them now, it''ll only raise suspicion."


    Gene saw the overwhelming skepticism online.


    A smirk formed on his lips.


    They didn''t believe?


    Fine.


    Then he''d let them see what true technology looked like.


    ___


    Meanwhile, at NASA headquarters, chaos erupted.


    "What did you just say?!"


    "Mason Industries is inviting the media and aerospace experts to witness the launch firsthand?!"


    Director Clayson was dumbfounded.


    "Correct, sir. We just received an official invitation. They''re inviting you to attend in person."


    A staff member forwarded the digital invitation to Clayson''s inbox.


    Clayson narrowed his eyes, reading through the email carefully.


    What was Gene Mason playing at?


    Why was Mason Industries acting so confident?


    Doubt crept into Clayson''s mind.


    After all, Mason Industries had already pulled off multiple technological miracles before.


    But no¡ªhe refused to believe this.


    They could not launch satellites from a building rooftop.


    They simply lacked the proper conditions!


    "Fine."


    "Tell them I''ll be there personally."


    Clayson sneered.


    He was going to see this disaster unfold with his own eyes.


    And he wouldn''t be the only one.


    Heads of aerospace agencies worldwide also received invitations from Mason Industries.


    "What is Mason Industries up to?"


    "They dare invite us to watch?"


    "Are they asking to be humiliated?"


    "Haha! I can''t wait to see how Gene Mason explains this nonsense!"


    ...


    Meanwhile, outside Mason Industries Tower, journalists celebrated.


    News had just broken¡ªMason Industries had granted them access to the rooftop for live coverage.


    Tomorrow, they would have front-row seats to what they expected to be the biggest failure in modern aerospace history.


    Oh, how wrong they were.


    --------------


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 Chapter 31 - 31: Starlink Rocket Launch

    "I am currently standing on top of Mason Industries Tower, where Mason Industries is set to launch its first batch of Starlink satellites."


    "This is a live broadcast from The Washington Post!"


    "Reporting live from The New York Daily, we are now witnessing¡­"


    "I''m from¡­"


    ¡ª


    Early the next morning, guided by Mason Industries staff, a large number of reporters had gathered on the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower. The frenzy of reporting had already begun.


    What they saw before them were rows of futuristic-looking miniature launch pads, each standing tall with sleek Starlink rockets.


    These Starlink rockets were approximately two meters in height and one meter in diameter¡ªa stark contrast to the towering rockets other nations used, which often reached dozens of meters high.


    Yet, their compact size only fueled more curiosity and disbelief.


    ¡ª


    "Holy crap, are these supposed to be rockets?"


    "They''re so tiny! Are you kidding me?"


    "This can''t be real!"


    "You guys have no idea how hard it is to miniaturize rocket technology!"


    "Mason Industries¡­ You guys are absolutely insane!"


    "Oh my God, I want to marry Mr. Mason!"


    "How the hell do they have so many rockets?"


    ¡ª


    Millions of people watching the live streams were losing their minds over the incredible sight.


    At the same time, the sound of helicopters rumbled overhead. Across from Mason Industries Tower, on the rooftop of the adjacent Twin Tower, several helicopters landed under the guidance of staff.


    As the doors opened, several high-ranking officials stepped out. Among them were NASA Director Clayson and several high-ranking military personnel.


    General Powell, observing the bustling scene across the way, turned to Clayson with a smirk.


    "Director Clayson, are you sure Mason Industries'' grand spectacle today is going to end in embarrassment?"


    Clayson thumped his chest confidently. "I guarantee it!"


    ¡ª


    As time ticked closer to 9:00 AM, the rooftop of Mason Industries Tower was packed with prominent figures.


    Among them were directors of various space agencies, high-ranking NASA officials, military representatives, corporate executives, and countless reporters.


    All of them were waiting for the arrival of today''s central figure¡ªthe man behind Mason Industries, Gene Mason.


    Suddenly, at the center of the rooftop, the ground began shifting.


    Like the petals of a blooming flower, the platform split apart, and from beneath a rising elevator brought Gene Mason into full view.


    ¡ª


    "Holy sht, what an entrance!"*


    "That''s way too cool!"


    "How the hell did they even pull that off?"


    "Oh my God, this is straight out of a sci-fi movie!"


    ¡ª


    As soon as reporters caught sight of Gene Mason, they frantically turned their cameras toward him.


    Standing tall and confident at the center of attention, Gene addressed the gathered crowd.


    "I am honored to have you all here today to witness the first step of Mason Industries'' Starlink Project."


    "Once today''s launch is successful, Mason Industries will provide free and efficient internet services to half the world''s population."


    With a sweeping gesture, dozens of massive holographic screens materialized around the rooftop, encircling the entire platform.


    The crowd gasped.


    It was as if they had stepped directly into the future.


    Even the most ambitious sci-fi movies couldn''t match what they were seeing now.


    ¡ª


    "Greetings, everyone. I am Mr. Mason''s AI assistant. You may call me Skynet."


    ¡ª


    A luminous blue figure suddenly appeared in the air above the rooftop.


    For the first time ever, Skynet had revealed itself to the world.


    ¡ª


    "What the hell is that?!"


    "An AI?!"


    "Did he just say¡­ Skynet?!"


    "Jesus Christ, Mason Industries just keeps dropping bombshells!"


    ¡ª


    Many people in the crowd hesitantly reached out, trying to touch Skynet''s holographic projection¡ªonly to find their hands passing through it.


    In the crowd, Norman Osborn stood silently, his face dark with irritation.


    Not long ago, Osborn Industries had once again lost a crucial government contract to Mason Industries¡ªa loss that left Norman deeply dissatisfied.


    ¡ª


    "Hmph. Just wait until you all see what Osborn Industries is working on."


    He muttered coldly under his breath as he watched the dazzling AI display.


    ¡ª


    "Sir, all preparations are complete. We are ready for launch at any time." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skynet''s voice echoed across the rooftop.


    Rather than just informing Gene Mason, this announcement was meant for the entire audience.


    Gene casually pointed forward, and in response, bright yellow boundary lines suddenly illuminated the rooftop.


    ¡ª


    "Please step back behind the designated safety lines."


    ¡ª


    The crowd was stunned.


    The precision of this technology¡ªit was as if magic was unfolding before their very eyes.


    At the same time, an unsettling thought crept into the minds of many.


    "Wait¡­ Are they really about to launch right here?"


    Clayson and Powell, who had been skeptical, suddenly found themselves dead serious.


    For the first time, a flicker of doubt crossed Clayson''s face.


    ¡ª


    "Ten-second countdown commencing¡ªten, nine¡­"


    The countdown boomed across the rooftop.


    Everyone''s eyes were glued to the Starlink rockets.


    As the countdown neared zero, a faint humming filled the air.


    From the base of the rockets, a brilliant blue light pulsed to life, illuminating the entire rooftop.


    And then¡ª


    The rockets began rising.


    Smoothly. Quietly. Without flames or explosion.


    Unlike traditional rocket launches, which came with deafening roars and extreme heat¡ª


    These rockets emitted neither sound nor heat.


    For a moment, the entire crowd stood frozen in place.


    Clayson''s eyes widened in absolute disbelief.


    His mind refused to accept what he was seeing.


    "How¡­ How is this possible?"


    General Powell frowned.


    "Director Clayson, do you have an explanation for this?"


    But Clayson had no answer.


    Instead, he just kept mumbling the same phrase over and over again:


    "This is impossible¡­ This is impossible¡­"


    Because as far as the world knew¡ª


    No one had mastered electric propulsion technology.


    Yet, Mason Industries had just done the impossible.


    And the entire world was now watching.


    --------------


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 Chapter 32 - 32: A Thousand Stars Rise

    "Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?!"


    "How did those Starlink rockets just take off like that?"


    "This¡­ how is this even possible?!"


    "Shouldn''t a rocket launch be accompanied by an earth-shaking roar?"


    "What kind of propulsion system is this?"


    ¡ª


    The crowd at the scene stood in stunned silence, watching as five Starlink rockets smoothly ascended into the sky. What they were witnessing completely defied their understanding of modern spaceflight.


    But this was only the beginning.


    Just as everyone assumed the launch was over and the journalists started drafting their headlines, the ground beneath the first five launchpads shifted¡ªsplitting open like a blooming flower, just as it had when Gene Mason made his grand entrance.


    Then, from below, another five Starlink rockets emerged.


    Launch sequence initiated.


    Five more rockets lifted off, leaving behind a trail of shimmering blue light.


    And then¡­ another five.


    And another.


    And another.


    Before long, the sky above was filled with neatly arranged formations of Starlink rockets, soaring in synchronized precision.


    Yet, the launch showed no signs of stopping.


    People stood frozen, their mouths agape, eyes wide in disbelief. Some even dropped the items they were holding, too stunned to care.


    "What¡­ what is happening?"


    "My God¡­"


    "This¡­ this isn''t human technology, is it?"


    "Is this some kind of alien tech?"


    ¡ª


    Every aerospace agency representative present was glued to the sight, their minds unable to process what they were witnessing.


    Their countries spent billions to launch just one satellite. The logistics, the funding, the years of planning¡ªyet here was Mason Industries, launching Starlink rockets like they were throwing paper airplanes.


    Clayson stood motionless, staring at the sky as more and more Starlink rockets joined the already growing formation. He couldn''t even speak¡ªhis breath came in ragged gasps as if the air itself had been sucked from his lungs.


    Meanwhile, in the bustling streets of New York, citizens were beginning to take notice of the strange sight above.


    "Hey, look! What''s that in the sky?"


    "Those blue lights¡­ where are they coming from?"


    "Isn''t that right above Mason Industries'' headquarters?"


    "Wait, don''t you guys watch the news? Mason Industries is launching Starlink satellites! They''ve already launched over seventy!"


    ¡ª


    All across New York City, people stopped what they were doing, looking up in awe at the dazzling spectacle above them.


    At the same time, intelligence agencies worldwide scrambled to access live satellite footage.


    "Hurry, pull up the latest images over U.S. airspace!"


    "¡­What the hell is this?"


    "Reports indicate Mason Industries has already launched seventy-five Starlink rockets!"


    "The number is still climbing¡ªeighty now!"


    ¡ª


    Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.''s Triskelion, Agent Maria Hill spoke urgently.


    "Director Fury, Mason Industries has launched ninety Starlink rockets. And they''re still going."


    Nick Fury narrowed his one good eye, staring at the live footage.


    His instincts screamed at him¡ªsomething about this wasn''t right. A private corporation, launching this many satellites in a single event?


    It felt¡­ ominous.


    "Damn sci-fi movies must be messing with my head," he muttered to himself.


    Just then, Hill''s voice rang out again.


    "Director! The count has reached one hundred! It looks like the launch is finally complete!"


    Nick Fury walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, looking out at the sky. From this vantage point, he could see exactly what was happening.


    One hundred Starlink rockets.


    Each moving with military-level precision.


    Each maintaining identical speed, altitude, and distance from the others.


    A perfect formation.


    It wasn''t just a launch.


    It was a display of power.


    ¡ª


    Back at Mason Industries'' headquarters, the rooftop erupted into thunderous cheers and gasps of amazement.


    "My God¡­"


    "Am I dreaming?"


    "Did they really just launch a hundred satellites? A hundred?!"


    "This is the single greatest aerospace event of the 21st century!"


    "Mason Industries is¡­ unstoppable."


    ¡ª


    But just as the shock was starting to settle in¡ª


    Something even more unbelievable happened.


    A loud gasp came from the crowd as someone pointed to the sky.


    "Look! Look at those rockets!"


    All eyes turned skyward.


    Then, a collective wave of disbelief swept through the rooftop.


    The rockets were shifting position.


    One by one, the Starlink satellites adjusted their flight paths.


    Slowly, they started forming an image.


    A symbol.


    It was the Umbrella Corporation logo¡ªa perfect rendition of the infamous red-and-white emblem, floating in the sky, made entirely of Starlink satellites.


    For a full sixty seconds, the world watched in stunned silence.


    Then¡ª


    The formation changed again.


    This time, the satellites reassembled into a network of interconnected points and lines¡ªthe unmistakable logo of Skynet Corporation.


    For a moment, there was only silence. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then¡ª


    The world lost its mind.


    ¡ª


    "What kind of flight control system is this?!"


    "This level of precision is inhuman!"


    "I declare Mason Industries the undisputed number one aerospace company in the world!"


    "This isn''t just innovation¡ªthis is a revolution."


    "Gene Mason¡­ is a legend."


    ¡ª


    Across the globe, audiences erupted in hysteria.


    Some were in awe.


    Some were terrified.


    But one thing was clear¡ª


    The entire world was now looking at Mason Industries.


    And no one knew what would happen next.


    --------------


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 Chapter 33 - 33: Capturing the Spy, Black Widow

    "Get to Mason Industries immediately and find out how they achieved this."


    "See what it will take for them to cooperate with us."


    "No matter the cost, bring Mason Industries'' technology back!"


    "Try to get close to Gene Mason. Find out what he likes¡ªwhatever it is, give it to him."


    "I want that technology!"


    Governments around the world were mobilizing, eager to uncover the secrets behind Gene Mason''s astonishing rocket launch.


    At the same time, their radars and satellites were all locked onto the rockets in the sky, desperately analyzing every detail, hoping to extract valuable intelligence.


    Atop the Mason Industries building, the journalists had finally snapped out of their shock. They now turned toward Gene Mason like a pack of hungry wolves eyeing fresh meat.


    "Mr. Mason! Mr. Mason! Can we have a moment of your time for an interview?"


    "Mr. Mason, how did Mason Industries accomplish such a feat?"


    "Mr. Mason, your company is truly incredible!"


    Faced with the frenzied reporters, Gene simply smiled and said, "If you have any questions, Skynet will answer them on my behalf."


    As he spoke, the ground beneath him suddenly opened up, revealing an elevator platform.


    Before the stunned reporters could react, Gene was already descending.


    Just as the platform was about to close, a stunning female reporter suddenly made a swift, agile move¡ªleaping forward and landing gracefully onto the elevator before it disappeared from sight.


    Her movements were so fast that even the other reporters were momentarily stunned.


    "What just happened?"


    "Did someone just jump in?"


    "Yeah, and she was pretty good-looking too."


    "These people will do anything for a scoop."


    ¡­


    Once they snapped back to reality, the reporters began criticizing the reckless journalist who had just vanished with Gene Mason.


    "So, you''re saying¡­ you want to be my secretary?"


    Gene''s eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked at the alluring woman standing before him. According to her press ID, her name was Selena.


    "Yes, Mr. Mason. I believe my skills make me an excellent candidate for your secretary," Selena replied seductively, her voice dripping with charm.


    "Alright, then it''s decided. I''ll take you to sign the contract shortly," Gene said, his expression unreadable.


    Selena froze.


    That was¡­ too easy.


    Wasn''t Gene Mason rumored to be completely indifferent to women? Yet today, he accepted her offer without hesitation. Something wasn''t right.


    As the platform descended into the heart of the Umbrella Corporation facility, a massive metallic door slowly opened.


    Selena''s breath hitched.


    The sight before her was unlike anything she had ever seen.


    The walls, sleek and metallic, gleamed with an almost otherworldly luster. Cutting-edge equipment lined the interior, and a team of highly skilled personnel worked in perfect synchronization.


    This¡­ was definitely not an office where contracts were signed. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    "Selena, just stand in front of me, and we''ll begin the contract signing," Gene said, his voice still calm and friendly.


    But something about his smile now sent chills down her spine.


    "Mr. Mason, please don''t joke with me. If you don''t want me as your secretary, just let me leave," she said with a forced smile, her eyes darting around, searching for an escape route.


    Gene chuckled softly.


    "Selena¡­ or should I say, Natalia Alianovna Romanova?"


    His voice was still gentle, but the words sent a cold shiver down her spine.


    Black Widow''s heart pounded in her chest.


    "Mr. Mason, I don''t understand what you''re saying," she responded, forcing herself to maintain her cover.


    "A person can disguise their face with makeup, but their movement patterns remain unchanged."


    "Unfortunately for you, Ms. Romanoff, your body movements perfectly match a certain someone in our database."


    Gene smiled again, but this time, it was a predator''s smile.


    "Or should I address you properly as Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D¡­ Black Widow?"


    __


    Black Widow''s mind went blank.


    How?!


    Her cover had been flawless. Every detail had been meticulously prepared. Yet, in mere moments, Gene Mason had seen through her disguise.


    "Mr. Mason, since you already know my identity, then please let me leave. You should understand¡ªS.H.I.E.L.D. sent me only to gather information about you."


    Now that her cover was blown, Black Widow dropped all pretense, standing tall as a seasoned agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.


    Gene, however, showed no sign of concern.


    "You have quite the fascinating history, Ms. Romanoff."


    He waved his hand, and suddenly, a holographic screen materialized in the air.


    The screen displayed a detailed record of her past.


    Everything.


    From her childhood in the Red Room¡­


    To her most classified S.H.I.E.L.D. missions¡­


    Every piece of data was there.


    Her pupils shrank in shock.


    How was this possible?


    These records should have been top-secret.


    How did Gene Mason get his hands on them?


    "Did you think Mason Industries was a place S.H.I.E.L.D. agents could just waltz into as they pleased?"


    Gene''s tone remained calm, yet his words carried an undeniable weight.


    "You infiltrate my building, show no remorse, and then try to act as if you''re the victim?"


    "This is how S.H.I.E.L.D. agents operate?"


    Black Widow''s expression darkened.


    This situation¡­ wasn''t going to end peacefully.


    "If that''s the case¡­ then I''ll apologize later."


    Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.


    She had only one goal now¡ªneutralize Gene Mason.


    If she could subdue him, then getting out of here would be simple.


    In a flash, she moved.


    Her legs shot out like twin whips, closing the distance in an instant.


    Gene Mason was right in front of her¡ªso close she could feel his breath.


    She just needed to¡ª


    ...


    Suddenly.


    A hand clamped around her throat.


    Like an iron vice.


    A terrifying force lifted her off the ground.


    She couldn''t breathe.


    Her vision blurred.


    Her limbs flailed, but she couldn''t break free.


    Gene Mason held her aloft with a single hand, his grip unrelenting.


    Black Widow''s face turned red from lack of oxygen.


    Her mind screamed in disbelief.


    How¡­ how could he be this strong?!


    Just before she lost consciousness, she heard his voice one last time.


    __


    "You dare use force against me?"


    "You truly don''t know your place."


    Then, everything faded to black.


    --------------


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 Chapter 34 - 34: Global Surveillance

    "Mason Industries possesses technology akin to magic!"


    "Five hundred rockets launched simultaneously¡ªare you ready to be amazed?"


    "Phase One of the Starlink Project has been successfully completed."


    "Reports indicate multiple people fainted at the launch site due to shock."


    "It''s nothing short of a miracle!"


    "NASA officials refuse to comment on Mason Industries'' rocket launch."


    "Sources suggest the Department of Defense is preparing to approach Mason Industries for cooperation."


    "Shocking! A stunning reporter was alone with Gene Mason!"


    The day after the Starlink rocket launch, the global media was in an uproar. The entire internet was flooded with videos of the previous night''s historic event.


    Many people who had missed the live broadcast due to time zone differences were now watching the footage¡ªand their minds were utterly blown.


    The sheer scale of the launch, the precision, the flawless execution¡ªit was technology beyond imagination, like something out of a sci-fi movie.


    "I''m on my knees! This is insane!"


    "Holy crap, this is unreal!"


    "Five hundred rockets¡­ FIVE HUNDRED! How is this even possible?"


    "When can we start using the free internet?"


    "If only Mason Industries were a company from our country¡­ imagine the benefits!"


    Online discussions were exploding with excitement, admiration, and even envy.


    Meanwhile, intelligence agencies and military organizations worldwide were glued to their surveillance feeds, tracking every move of the Starlink rockets as they ascended toward space.


    NASA Headquarters


    "Director, we estimate that Mason Industries'' rockets will reach outer space in approximately one hour."


    A NASA analyst reported to his superior, Director Clayson, who sat at his desk looking utterly drained.


    Yesterday''s launch had aged him by at least a decade.


    "Pull up the video feed," Clayson ordered weakly.


    As the primary technical supporter of the International Space Station (ISS), NASA had installed high-resolution cameras onboard.


    At that moment, two astronauts stationed on the ISS were already adjusting their cameras, preparing to record.


    According to NASA''s calculations, five Starlink rockets were scheduled to release their satellites in this sector of space.


    "Jack, this is insane. Compared to Mason Industries, NASA looks like a bunch of cavemen!"


    One astronaut couldn''t help but exclaim as he fine-tuned the camera.


    "Hey, let''s not get ahead of ourselves. What if the satellite deployment fails?" Jack chuckled, though deep down, he wasn''t feeling so confident.


    Both astronauts had watched the live broadcast the previous night, and the experience had left them with only one thought:


    This technology is simply too advanced. It''s like magic.


    "Look! The rockets are here!"


    The other astronaut, Furman, nearly shouted in excitement.


    On their screens, transmitted back to NASA''s headquarters, five Starlink rockets appeared, streaking across space with their distinctive blue exhaust trails.


    And then, they saw something that made their jaws drop.


    The payload fairings of the rockets slowly opened¡ªrevealing ten satellites inside each. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But these weren''t ordinary satellites.


    Unlike traditional ones, which relied on solar panels for energy, these were sleek, cylindrical objects without any visible solar arrays.


    And then, the impossible happened.


    The satellites'' rear sections lit up, emitting the same striking blue energy as the rockets.


    In an instant, the satellites began adjusting their trajectories¡ªmaneuvering independently in space.


    It wasn''t just the ISS crew witnessing this marvel.


    From multiple locations around Earth''s low orbit, observatories and military installations were tracking these satellites as they adjusted their positions with remarkable precision.


    Bathed in sunlight, they gleamed with a silvery-white brilliance¡ªlike stars scattered across the heavens.


    "What the hell?! What kind of satellites are these?"


    "Why don''t they have solar panels?"


    "My god, the entire low-Earth orbit is filled with these things!"


    "How many satellites did Mason Industries launch?!"


    The two astronauts felt their hearts pounding in their chests.


    On the ground, inside NASA''s headquarters, an eerie silence had taken over the room.


    All that could be heard was the sound of heavy breathing as dozens of experts and officials stared at the screen in disbelief.


    Then¡ª


    "F**k!"


    Clayson finally broke the silence, slamming his fist on the table.


    "What the hell is Mason Industries trying to do?!"


    "Are they planning to take over the entire low-Earth orbit?!"


    The scale of this operation was beyond comprehension.


    Mason Industries had launched more satellites in a single day than all the world''s space agencies combined had launched in decades.


    ¡­


    "Director! We''ve detected an abnormal electromagnetic signal¡ªit''s coming from the Starlink satellites!"


    A technician suddenly shouted, his voice filled with urgency.


    "Patch it through!" Clayson commanded.


    A moment later, text appeared on the giant screen:


    "Welcome to Mason Industries'' Starlink Network. We provide free internet access worldwide."


    "For inquiries, please contact Mason Industries."


    In the top-left corner of the screen, a barely noticeable logo appeared¡ª


    Skynet.


    A chill ran down Clayson''s spine.


    "Test the internet speed," he ordered.


    A few seconds later, the technician''s face turned pale.


    "Director¡­ the download speed is clocking in at 1 GB per second. That''s faster than most commercial internet providers worldwide."


    Clayson''s mind went blank.


    All he could think of was¡ª


    "Fk!"**


    The implications were catastrophic.


    Around the world, telecom giants and internet service providers were now facing an existential crisis.


    A free, high-speed global internet network?


    If Mason Industries went through with this, their entire business model would collapse.


    "Mason Industries is going to destroy our entire industry!"


    "Sue them! We need to shut down their Starlink Project immediately!"


    "What do we do now?"


    "Check the network latency¡ªmaybe there''s a weakness!"


    "Dear God¡­ how did things spiral out of control this fast?!"


    As telecom executives and world leaders panicked, a notification appeared in Gene Mason''s neural interface.


    [Current active Starlink users: 5 million¡­ and rising.]


    Considering the service had only just launched, this number was expected to skyrocket in the coming hours.


    Gene smiled.


    "Skynet, is the surveillance system ready?"


    He asked calmly.


    A moment later, Skynet''s voice responded:


    ""Sir, real-time surveillance has been established for all connected users.


    We are monitoring calls, messages, and online activities.


    Additionally, behavioral data is being compiled for advanced analysis.""


    Gene''s smile deepened.


    Then, another voice interrupted his neural link.


    "Sir, Miss Romanoff has regained consciousness. Would you like to see her now?"


    It was Red Queen.


    --------------


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 Chapter 35 - 35: Branded by Umbrella

    Black Widow''s heavy eyelids fluttered open, revealing a metallic ceiling overhead.


    As her mind struggled to regain clarity, fragmented memories of what had happened before she blacked out flooded back to her.


    She had attempted to take Gene Mason hostage and escape from Mason Industries'' tower. However, instead of subduing him, she had been the one overpowered¡ªher throat gripped tightly by Mason''s hand.


    Now, she tried to move but soon realized that she was restrained inside some kind of containment pod. Surrounding her were numerous unfamiliar devices, their blinking lights casting an eerie glow.


    "Miss Romanoff, how are you feeling?"


    A calm voice sounded.


    Gene Mason appeared before her, his face adorned with an unsettling smile.


    Black Widow narrowed her eyes as she took in his presence. "Who exactly are you?"


    "Who am I?" Gene chuckled. "I am a capitalist, a philanthropist, an inventor. The weapons I''ve designed have wiped out countless terrorists, and the rapid-healing spray I developed has saved an uncountable number of lives."


    He then leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with mockery.


    "But you, Agent Romanoff, what are you really? A so-called hero? Or just an executioner with blood-stained hands?"


    His words were laced with derision.


    Black Widow remained composed and countered, "Aren''t you afraid of provoking a conflict with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"


    At this, Gene burst into laughter.


    "A conflict with S.H.I.E.L.D.? And what would that accomplish?"


    "Do you think that with Mason Industries'' current influence, we would even consider S.H.I.E.L.D. a threat?"


    "You assume the Department of Defense, Congress, or the White House would support your little organization in opposing me?"


    "Don''t overestimate S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Romanoff. In the face of corporate power, your agency is nothing more than a pawn on the chessboard."


    His words were spoken with absolute confidence, filled with disdain for the organization she served.


    "Red Queen, is everything ready?" Gene suddenly asked, his tone shifting.


    Black Widow''s stomach twisted at his words.


    What was ready?


    For what purpose?


    "Sir, preparations are complete. The injection can proceed at any time," Red Queen''s mechanical voice responded.


    Black Widow''s heart clenched.


    Injection?


    On whom?


    Seeing her confusion, Gene''s smile deepened.


    "I''ve always been a generous man, Miss Romanoff. Since you''ve graced me with your presence, how could I not prepare a special gift for you?"


    He gestured toward the pod restraining her.


    "This is the latest human enhancement serum developed by my Umbrella Corporation. It will significantly boost your physical capabilities."


    "Of course, I must admit there''s a slight¡­ addition. We''ve embedded nanobots into the serum. They will monitor every change in your body."


    "And, if necessary¡ª" Gene''s voice grew colder, "¡ªthey can kill you instantly."


    At that moment, a mechanical arm extended inside the containment pod, revealing a syringe filled with a luminescent blue liquid.


    Black Widow felt an icy dread wash over her.


    "You can''t do this¡ªAHHHH!"


    A piercing scream escaped her lips.


    A searing pain erupted from her back, unlike anything she had ever experienced¡ªeven during the brutal training she endured in Russia''s Red Room.


    For the first time in years, the Black Widow¡ªan agent who had never flinched at bullet wounds¡ªwas screaming in agony.


    Unbeknownst to her, a symbol was being branded into the flesh of her back:


    The Umbrella Corporation logo.


    Beneath it, small words were etched into her skin:


    "Test Subject No. 3." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, the cold steel of a needle pierced her vein, and the frigid blue liquid was injected into her bloodstream.


    Her heart rate spiked.


    Her body temperature surged.


    She could hear the deafening thump-thump-thump of her own heartbeat in her ears.


    Her mind spiraled into chaos before finally¡ª


    Darkness.


    "Sir, the test subject has lost consciousness. All vital signs are being monitored," Red Queen reported.


    "The nanobots have successfully attached to the spinal cord. They are ready to sever neural signals at your command."


    This was the most terrifying aspect of the procedure.


    Once the nanobots intercepted the brain''s neural signals, Romanoff''s body would belong to Red Queen¡ªfully controlled, yet her consciousness would remain intact.


    She would be aware of every action her body performed¡ªbut powerless to stop it.


    Gene''s expression was unreadable.


    "Modify Romanoff''s memories. Send her back to S.H.I.E.L.D."


    A chilling plan was forming in his mind.


    He wasn''t just turning Black Widow into a sleeper agent.


    He was planting a ticking time bomb within S.H.I.E.L.D.¡ªone he could detonate at the perfect moment.


    When Black Widow finally regained consciousness, she found herself in the backseat of a taxi.


    As soon as she woke up, her memories surged back into her mind.


    She had successfully infiltrated Mason Industries to conduct a full-scale assessment.


    After gathering intelligence, she had left voluntarily, citing personal family matters as her excuse.


    She checked the time on her phone.


    Two months had passed since she first went undercover at Mason Industries.


    She must have been exhausted¡ªfalling asleep in the taxi like this was unlike her.


    "Miss, we''ve arrived at your destination," the taxi driver said with a polite smile.


    "Thank you. Keep the change."


    Romanoff stepped out of the vehicle, adjusting her disguise before heading toward the towering Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D.''s headquarters.


    Inside the Triskelion, Director Nick Fury was already waiting.


    "Agent Romanoff, we''ve reviewed the intel you sent back. Thanks to you, we now have a much deeper understanding of Mason Industries."


    Fury''s voice carried a rare note of appreciation.


    The moment he had gone through the classified documents Romanoff provided, he had involuntarily sucked in a sharp breath.


    He had expected Mason Industries to be hiding something¡ªbut he hadn''t imagined the sheer scale of their secret operations.


    It was like looking at an iceberg that had been lurking beneath the surface.


    Only 30% was visible to the world.


    The remaining 70%?


    It was terrifying.


    Human experimentation


    AI-controlled robotic soldiers


    Genetic engineering projects


    Extraterrestrial exploration programs


    Each classified project sent chills down Fury''s spine.


    And then there were the covert activities:


    Funding proxy wars


    Overthrowing small governments


    Arming private militias


    Mason Industries wasn''t just a corporation.


    It was a shadow empire, shaping world events from behind the scenes.


    Yet, despite the weight of the revelations, Black Widow''s voice remained steady.


    "Director, I strongly advise against taking direct action against Mason Industries."


    Fury studied her carefully.


    His expression darkened as he slowly closed the classified file in front of him.


    "I wasn''t planning to."


    "Because, quite frankly¡ª" Fury exhaled sharply.


    "There''s nothing we can do."


    --------------


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 Chapter 36 - 36: The Shadow Behind S.H.I.E.L.D

    A major piece of news had shaken up New York City.


    Tony Stark, the CEO of Stark Industries, had publicly admitted that he was the one who fought the Iron Monger the previous night.


    And he had even given himself a name¡ªIron Man.


    For a while, Tony Stark became the center of attention, his fame even momentarily overshadowing the news of Mason Industries launching hundreds of Starlink satellites into orbit.


    "Sir, should I hack into Tony Stark''s system and completely disable all his Iron Man suits?"


    Skynet''s voice echoed through the base.


    Gene Mason simply chuckled and shook his head. "There''s no need. Stark''s suits are far too primitive in my eyes."


    To someone with nearly omniscient knowledge, Gene found Stark''s Iron Man armor to be nothing more than a child''s toy.


    The armor''s defenses? Lacking. It couldn''t withstand high-intensity attacks.


    Flight stability? Outdated. Who still relied on foot thrusters in this day and age?


    Weapon systems? Outmoded. Still relying on traditional chemical-based firearms? How laughable.


    Energy reserves? Insufficient. A power system with so many limitations was hardly worth considering.


    Gene had at least a hundred ways to completely shut down Iron Man''s suit in an instant.


    And another hundred ways to make Stark''s own armor kill him.


    "Enough about him," Gene said, changing the subject. "Skynet, how''s the mutant gene screening going?"


    "Sir, through the Starlink Project, we have screened over a hundred million people so far. Among them, 11,235 individuals possess mutant genes," Skynet reported promptly. "We are closely monitoring their daily activities."


    "Good. Recruit the valuable ones immediately and send them to the Hive Base," Gene ordered, a smirk appearing on his lips. "The Mandarin is eager to build up his forces."


    The original purpose of the Starlink Project was to create a global communications network, allowing Gene''s consciousness to roam freely anywhere in the world.


    Global surveillance and gene screening were merely additional benefits.


    And since those benefits existed, why not make full use of them?


    Gene''s goal was simple¡ªuse the resurrected Mandarin, combined with the future recruitment of powerful mutants, to establish total dominance over the world''s underground forces.


    With the power of the Ten Rings, as long as he avoided opponents on his level, the Mandarin could easily rule the criminal underworld.


    Compared to him, Wilson Fisk¡ªthe so-called Kingpin of New York¡ªwas nothing more than a street thug.


    Of course, this plan would take time to fully unfold. But Gene wasn''t in a hurry.


    The story had only just begun.


    Besides, this world had already deviated from its original course.


    Gene stood up, stretching slightly.


    "Speaking of which, it''s time to give Motherf*er Man something to do."


    With a flash of golden light, he vanished from Skynet''s base.


    S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters ¨C Triskelion


    It was a stormy night.


    Nick Fury sat in his office, dealing with an overwhelming stack of paperwork.


    Most of it was bureaucratic nonsense¡ªtedious political affairs that irritated him to no end.


    Boom!


    A sudden clap of thunder roared outside, followed by the heavy downpour of rain hammering against the windows.


    Fury stood up, walking over to his floor-to-ceiling window, watching as raindrops slid down the glass.


    But then, a strange feeling crept over him.


    Something was off.


    Click.


    The lights in his office abruptly went out.


    The advanced holographic screens, provided by Mason Industries, flickered and then vanished, leaving behind a suffocating darkness.


    Under normal circumstances, the backup power should have kicked in immediately.


    But it didn''t.


    Outside, Maria Hill and the other agents should have noticed something was wrong and rushed in to check on him.


    But they didn''t.


    The room felt like a living beast, waiting to devour him whole.


    Instinctively, Fury reached under his desk for his hidden pistol.


    "Director Fury," a voice whispered in his ear.


    It was cold. Mechanical. And sent a shiver down his spine.


    This voice¡­


    He had heard it before.


    Three years ago.


    A ghost from the past.


    Fury''s body tensed as he spun around¡ªonly to be met by a pair of glowing, crimson V-shaped eyes staring right at him.


    The rain outside had stopped without him noticing.


    Under the faint moonlight filtering through the window, Fury could see his visitor clearly.


    It was clad in pitch-black armor, its surface absorbing all surrounding light. Ancient, intricate patterns covered its body, shifting like they were alive.


    Compared to the humanoid machine from three years ago, this one was vastly different.


    "Take a seat, Director Fury," the figure said, gesturing with a hand before calmly settling into a chair itself.


    Fury narrowed his eye. "You''re Gene Mason? The same Gene Mason from three years ago?


    "You can think of it that way," Gene replied, his voice indifferent. "But it''s not entirely accurate."


    Fury didn''t like that answer.


    "And what exactly do you want?"


    "A deal."


    Gene leaned forward slightly.


    "You''ve been feeling it, haven''t you?" he said. "Ever since you became Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., something hasn''t felt right."


    "There''s an invisible hand, lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D. A presence that shouldn''t be there."


    Fury''s expression darkened.


    "I came across some¡­ interesting information when I infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D.''s servers three years ago." Gene continued, his voice casual. "Something about an organization called HYDRA."


    Fury''s fingers twitched slightly.


    At that moment, Gene''s right arm shifted.


    The nanotech plating twisted and transformed, forming a USB drive at the tip of his fingers.


    "This contains everything I found," he said, placing the drive on Fury''s desk. "Consider it a gesture of good faith."


    Fury eyed it warily.


    "So let me guess¡ªafter I go through this, you''ll leave me a hotline to contact you when I need more information?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


    Gene let out a chuckle.


    "No need," he replied. "Once you truly understand what''s inside¡­ I''ll come find you."


    And just like that, the glowing V-shaped eyes faded into darkness.


    The office lights flickered back on.


    The holographic displays reignited.


    Everything returned to normal.


    At that moment, the door burst open.


    Maria Hill stormed in, followed by a squad of armed S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.


    "Director!" Hill called, scanning the room. "Where''s the intruder?"


    Fury remained silent.


    He slowly reached out, picking up the USB drive between his fingers.


    His grip tightened.


    And his expression turned grim. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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 Chapter 37 - 37: Green Goblin - Osborn Unleashed

    Inside a secret laboratory within Osborn Industries, Norman Osborn lay on an operating table.


    "But, Mr. Osborn, the OZ serum hasn''t been fully tested yet. Injecting it into your body might have unexpected consequences."


    Dr. Otto Octavius, the lead scientist of the OZ serum project, spoke with concern.


    "There''s no time to worry about that now. Didn''t the lab rats show positive results?"


    "I''ve already spoken with the military. They need to witness the power of this super-soldier serum firsthand. I have to give them a demonstration."


    Norman Osborn''s expression was one of manic determination.


    Lately, Mason Industries'' rapid expansion had put immense pressure on him. He had to do something to reverse Osborn Industries'' declining status. Some of the company''s shareholders were already questioning his leadership.


    Seeing that his warnings were futile, Dr. Octavius reluctantly placed his hand over the activation button.


    "Mr. Osborn, if you feel anything abnormal, say so immediately, and I will stop the experiment at once."


    "I understand. Begin." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Norman Osborn''s voice was icy cold.


    As the assistant pressed the button, the green liquid in the injector was forcefully administered into Osborn''s bloodstream.


    A burning sensation spread through his veins. His muscles tore apart and reformed. A deafening hum filled his skull, and then¡ªhe heard a voice.


    "Do you want Osborn Industries to be the strongest in America?"


    "Then you must become the strongest yourself."


    "Kill Gene Mason, then devour Mason Industries."


    "Eliminate everyone who stands in your way."


    A devilish whisper slithered through his consciousness, gnawing at his mind.


    The rational part of Norman Osborn''s brain was fading, being overtaken by something darker, something uncontrollable.


    And just before he completely lost himself, he heard laughter.


    "Mr. Osborn, are you alright?"


    As the experiment ended, Dr. Octavius rushed over, his voice filled with worry.


    Norman Osborn smiled. "I''m fine. In fact, I feel stronger than ever."


    With a casual flex, he shattered the steel restraints binding him to the table.


    The heavy metal shackles¡ªdesigned to withstand immense force¡ªcrumbled like brittle twigs.


    "I''ve never felt this good in my entire life."


    Dr. Octavius'' eyes sparkled with excitement as he quickly arranged for Osborn to undergo physical tests.


    The data left him stunned.


    "Mr. Osborn, with this, we can definitely surpass Mason Industries!"


    Dr. Octavius nearly shouted in excitement.


    "It''s time for Gene Mason to taste defeat."


    Norman Osborn''s voice was as cold as steel.


    For some reason, those words sent a shiver down Dr. Octavius'' spine.


    "Mr. Osborn¡­ Mr. Osborn, what are you doing?"


    One of the lab technicians noticed Osborn''s eerie expression and asked in a trembling voice.


    "Me?" Osborn chuckled darkly. "I''m going to kill."


    Before anyone could react, he snapped the technician''s neck with a single, effortless motion.


    A murderous haze had clouded his mind¡ªthere was only one thing he wanted now: blood.


    "Hahahaha!"


    His laughter echoed through the laboratory as he slaughtered everyone inside, one by one.


    Only Dr. Octavius, hidden in a secluded corner, managed to escape death¡ªthough he was later gravely injured in the ensuing explosion.


    "Ahh¡­ power is truly a beautiful thing."


    Norman Osborn stood amidst the ruins of his laboratory, his eyes gleaming with madness.


    "Gene Mason¡­ in three days, at your little banquet¡­"


    "You. Will. Die."


    Osborn''s voice was filled with eerie glee.


    "Everything you have¡ªwill soon belong to me."


    The ballroom was bathed in dazzling lights, casting brilliant hues across the luxurious venue.


    New York''s elite had gathered here, all dressed in their finest attire.


    Some were here to curry favor with Gene Mason.


    Some were here to congratulate him.


    And some¡­ had other motives entirely.


    But no matter their reason, every conversation centered around one person¡ªGene Mason.


    "Where is Mr. Mason? Why isn''t he here yet?"


    "Relax. He''ll be here soon."


    "Mr. Mason is definitely going to invest in my company!"


    "The Starlink project is incredible!"


    "I wonder which industry Mason Industries will dominate next?"


    As the chatter continued, the man of the hour finally arrived.


    The moment Gene Mason stepped into the hall, a thunderous round of applause erupted.


    "Thank you all for coming tonight," Gene said with a charming smile. "Let''s enjoy ourselves. Tonight, I''ve prepared exquisite food, the finest champagne¡­"


    With his words, the grand banquet officially began.


    "Mr. Mason, about the micro-missiles you mentioned developing for the military¡ªhow''s the progress?"


    A military representative approached, his tone laced with curiosity.


    Gene chuckled. "Ah, General Michael. The micro-missiles are complete. Soon, you''ll see just how powerful they are."


    Satisfied, General Michael gave a nod and wandered off to find his dance partner.


    Ever since Stark Industries had stopped manufacturing weapons, Mason Industries had become the U.S. military''s top defense contractor.


    As the music swelled, the ballroom reached the height of its festivities.


    Then¡ª


    CRASH!


    The grand floor-to-ceiling windows shattered into a thousand shards.


    A menacing figure on a high-tech glider soared into the ballroom, circling above the crowd.


    "Hahahaha!"


    A man clad in an emerald-green armored suit cackled wildly.


    "Good evening, my dear New York elites! Are you enjoying yourselves?"


    The Green Goblin.


    Raising his weapon, he fired indiscriminately, bullets tearing through the lavish banquet hall.


    Screams filled the air as chaos erupted.


    --------------


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 Chapter 38 - 38: Spider’s Dark Rebirth: OZ Serum Meets T-Virus

    Screams filled the grand banquet hall as guests scrambled to avoid the hail of bullets. The once-elegant venue had turned into a scene of utter chaos, shattered glass and overturned tables littering the floor.


    Hovering in midair, the Green Goblin cackled wildly, his eerie laughter reverberating throughout the room as he floated toward Gene Mason.


    The Green Goblin¡ªNorman Osborn''s twisted, failed attempt at enhancing himself with the OZ serum¡ªwas the product of an experiment gone wrong. His fractured mind had been overtaken by a manic, bloodthirsty persona. But at the same time, his reflexes had been pushed beyond human limits, his physical prowess reaching superhuman heights.


    And now, he had set his sights on Gene Mason.


    Gene stood with his arms crossed, head slightly tilted as he watched the costumed menace hovering on his outdated glider. His expression was unreadable, almost as if he were observing a street performer rather than a deadly foe.


    To be honest, he wasn''t impressed.


    A jet-powered glider? In this era? How archaic. In Gene''s eyes, the Green Goblin''s entire setup was a relic of the past. Even if Gene stood there and let him attack, he doubted the lunatic could break through his defenses.


    "Well, well, if it isn''t the great Gene Mason," the Green Goblin sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Still as arrogant as ever, I see."


    Gene remained unfazed.


    "So," the Goblin continued, his voice taking on a sadistic edge, "have you decided how you''d like to die tonight?"


    Gene let out a sigh, shaking his head slightly. "I think you misunderstand. I''ve always been a modest, reasonable person," he said, his voice calm. "But when someone¡ªwho wasn''t even invited¡ªshows up dressed like a Halloween reject and crashes my party¡­ I can''t say I have much respect for them."


    The Goblin''s grin faltered for the briefest of moments before he quickly masked it with laughter.


    "Tsk tsk, Mason," he chided. "I don''t think you truly understand the terror of the Green Goblin¡ª"


    Gene cut him off mid-sentence. "Aside from that ridiculous name, I don''t see anything particularly terrifying."


    His gaze sharpened, piercing through the Goblin''s mask as if he could see the man beneath.


    Lowering his voice, he asked, "Isn''t that right, Mr. Osborn?"


    For the first time, the Green Goblin visibly tensed. His pupils shrank, though he quickly covered his unease with another burst of maniacal laughter.


    "Hahaha! Mason, you talk a lot for someone about to die."


    "If you really wanted to deal with me," Gene said, his tone cool and indifferent, "you could''ve done it somewhere private instead of making a spectacle."


    Gene''s stance remained relaxed, arms still crossed, his gaze locked onto the hovering Goblin. To him, Osborn was nothing more than an insignificant insect buzzing around.


    And in reality, that wasn''t far from the truth.


    The Green Goblin let out another shrill laugh.


    "Oh, don''t worry, Mason," he crooned. "A death as grand as yours deserves a proper audience. And of course¡­ some company in the afterlife."


    Just as he raised his hand to strike¡ª


    Knock, knock!


    The sound of someone tapping on the window cut through the tension.


    A voice followed, lighthearted yet laced with sarcasm.


    "Hey, sorry to interrupt. But, uh¡­ hanging around outside isn''t as fun as it looks."


    Everyone turned toward the sound.


    Outside the shattered banquet hall windows, clinging to the building''s exterior, was none other than Spider-Man.


    Peter Parker.


    The city''s rising star.


    Unlike the others, Gene wasn''t surprised in the slightest.


    As the second test subject of the T-virus, Gene awaited the moment when the OZ serum-infused spider at Osborn Industries would bite Peter.


    He had been monitoring Spider-Man for a while now. Ever since Parker had been bitten by that genetically altered spider at Oscorp¡ªhis physiology had undergone dramatic enhancements.


    The result? A faster, stronger, and more perceptive Spider-Man than ever before.


    His potential was still unfolding, and Red Queen had been meticulously gathering data on his new abilities for further analysis.


    Now, he was here, making his dramatic entrance.


    Norman Osborn¡ªbehind his Goblin mask¡ªnarrowed his eyes at Spider-Man.


    Spider-Man, on the other hand, wasted no time firing off his signature quips.


    "Whoa, buddy," he said, gesturing at the Goblin''s outfit. "That costume is ugly. Like, Grandma''s Christmas sweater levels of ugly." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He tilted his head. "Did you at least get a flying license for that thing? ''Cause if not, I will have to ask you to step off."


    Osborn let out a low chuckle.


    "Spider-brat," he hissed. "Tonight, you''re gonna regret¡ª"


    "Oh no," Peter cut in mockingly. "Is this the part where you make a big villain speech? Can we skip to the part where I web you up and call it a night?"


    The Green Goblin scowled.


    "You think this is a game?" he snapped.


    "Dude," Spider-Man replied, "with that costume? It has to be."


    Then, without warning, he sprang into action.


    Launching himself from the window, Spider-Man shot forward, aiming straight for the Green Goblin.


    The Goblin barely managed to veer out of the way in time, maneuvering his glider across the hall.


    "Die!"


    With a manic laugh, he extended his arm¡ªflames burst from his fingertips, streaking toward Spider-Man.


    The explosion tore through the room, obliterating an elegant dining table.


    But Spider-Man?


    He was already gone.


    Flipping mid-air, he landed gracefully on the opposite end of the hall.


    "Yikes, that was close," he mused. "Maybe you should practice your aim?"


    "Then try this!"


    Spider-Man shot out two web lines, snagging a pair of metal chairs. With a flick of his wrists, he hurled them straight at the Goblin.


    Osborn smashed one chair to pieces with a backhanded strike but barely dodged the second.


    Seeing an opening, Spider-Man leaped onto the Goblin''s glider.


    A struggle broke out.


    The two wrestled for control, the glider veering wildly in the air.


    Then¡ª


    The Goblin leaned in close, whispering menacingly.


    "If you don''t back off," he murmured, "I will personally make sure dear old Aunt May meets a gruesome end."


    Spider-Man''s pupils contracted.


    His fingers clenched into fists.


    "Try it," he growled.


    The battle intensified.


    The glider spiraled chaotically, smashing through the grand windows of the banquet hall.


    And in an instant¡ª


    The Green Goblin and Spider-Man disappeared into the night sky, their fight carrying on into the depths of the city.


    --------------


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 Chapter 39 - 39: A Personal Vendetta

    "Oh my god, what just happened?!"


    "Who was that colorful lunatic?!"


    "Run for your lives!"


    "Was that Spider-Man?"


    "Who the hell is the Green Goblin?!"


    The terrified guests at the banquet chattered anxiously now that the immediate danger had passed. The sudden attack by the Green Goblin had scared them out of their wits.


    "Mr. Mason, are you alright?"


    A security guard rushed over to Gene, his face filled with concern.


    "I''m perfectly fine. Take care of the guests first."


    Gene smiled reassuringly, exuding a calmness that made the people around him feel slightly at ease.


    As the guests were evacuated in an orderly manner, Gene stepped into a sleek car belonging to Mason Industries.


    "I need to take care of something. I''ll be back soon."


    A flash of golden light.


    The next moment, Gene had disappeared from the vehicle.


    Late Night ¨C Norman Osborn''s Mansion


    The night was deep, and the entire mansion was shrouded in darkness. The eerie silence made the whole house feel like a beast lying in wait, ready to devour anyone who dared to enter.


    Having finally shaken off that irritating Spider-Man, the Green Goblin returned to his residence.


    Frustrated, he ripped off his mask and suit, throwing them onto the floor with a furious snarl. His emotions were in turmoil.


    Nothing had gone according to plan tonight.


    "That damned spider-brain!"


    He knew that Peter Parker was friends with his son, Harry Osborn. But he never expected the kid to be such a pain. They had fought across half of New York before Norman had managed to lose him.


    But what disturbed him the most was Gene Mason.


    How the hell did that bastard know his real identity?!


    Norman had only injected himself with the OZ serum recently. Tonight was the first time he had ever appeared in public as the Green Goblin.


    And yet, Gene Mason had already figured it out.


    That thought sent chills down his spine.


    Pacing anxiously in the dimly lit living room, he contemplated his next move.


    No. Tonight¡ªI must kill Gene Mason!


    He was about to leave for another assassination attempt when¡ª


    Something felt¡­ wrong.


    Norman froze, slowly turning his head.


    Standing beside the fireplace was a tall, black-armored figure.


    The dim glow of the flames cast flickering shadows over the mysterious intruder.


    "Who are you?" Norman demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.


    The figure did not answer.


    But in the next moment¡ª


    A pair of glowing red eyes ignited within the V-shaped visor.


    Before Norman could react, the shadowed figure suddenly vanished¡ªand then reappeared directly in front of him!


    Even with his enhanced reflexes, Norman hadn''t even seen how the figure moved!


    A single palm reached out¡ªgently pushing against his chest.


    But¡ª


    To Norman, it felt like a tidal wave of force crashing into him!


    With an agonized grunt, his body was launched like a human cannonball, smashing through the wall behind him.


    Coughing, Norman staggered to his feet, a sneer forming on his lips.


    "I get it now. You''re just Gene Mason''s little lapdog, aren''t you?"


    The figure remained silent.


    Norman flicked his wrist, sending several razor-sharp Goblin Blades flying towards his attacker.


    But instead of piercing through, the blades barely even scratched the black armor, leaving behind only a few harmless sparks.


    Norman''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Before he could react, his enemy closed the distance in an instant¡ª sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    BAM!


    A brutal punch smashed directly into Norman''s face!


    A sickening crunch echoed through the room.


    Norman let out an inhuman scream¡ªhis nose completely shattered, caving inwards from the impact.


    "I''LL KILL YOU!"


    Enraged, Norman lifted his leg, aiming to kick his opponent''s lower body.


    But¡ª


    CRACK!


    His shinbone snapped like a twig.


    Norman screamed again as his leg bent at an unnatural angle.


    Before he could react, a glowing blue pulse of energy erupted from the black figure''s palm¡ª


    BOOM!


    Norman was blasted off his feet, crashing through the walls and tumbling into his hidden weapons cache.


    His study had been converted into a personal arsenal¡ªrows upon rows of deadly weapons lined the walls, each one more lethal than the last.


    Groaning in pain, Norman struggled to his feet. His eyes flickered to the countless explosives, bladed weapons, and combat gear surrounding him.


    Then, a twisted grin spread across his bloodied face.


    "Oh, now you''re screwed."


    Several enhanced glider drones roared to life, shooting toward Gene''s figure¡ª


    BOOM!


    But before they could even get close¡ª Gene simply raised his hand.


    A beam of pure energy erupted from his palm, instantly disintegrating the drones into burning scrap metal.


    Norman used the distraction to grab an entire handful of Pumpkin Bombs.


    With a wild grin, he hurled them toward Gene with all his might.


    "I don''t care who you are¡ªJUST DIE ALREADY!"


    The bombs soared through the air¡ª


    And then¡ª


    CLANG!


    They slammed into an invisible golden barrier, forming intricate, glowing magical patterns.


    The bombs detonated violently¡ªbut their explosive force was completely contained within the arcane seals.


    Norman''s face drained of color.


    A creeping sense of horror filled his mind.


    "What¡­ what the hell are you?!"


    His voice trembled with desperation.


    The black-armored figure slowly stepped forward.


    "This is just a personal vendetta."


    His voice was cold. Merciless. Absolute.


    "I''m here to kill you."


    FWOOSH!


    A pillar of fire erupted, consuming Norman Osborn entirely.


    His last scream was filled with rage, fear, and unwillingness¡ª


    "NOOOOOO!!!"


    As the flames roared, his body was obliterated, incinerated to nothing.


    Gene stood firm, watching the inferno without a hint of remorse.


    "This is what you deserve for killing innocent people of yours," he muttered.


    And on the ground¡ª


    His discarded Green Goblin mask lay among the embers, its empty eyes staring into the abyss, as if still reflecting the final despair of its owner.


    --------------


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 Chapter 40 - 40: Taking Over Oscorp

    The shocking events at Norman Osborn''s residence were finally discovered the next day¡ªby none other than his son, Harry Osborn.


    As Harry stepped into the mansion, the sight before him instantly sobered him up.


    His drowsiness evaporated.


    His pupils dilated.


    The entire living room bore the scars of a massive explosion. The sheer devastation was enough to send chills down his spine.


    And then, there was the weapons cache nearby¡ªa sight that left him completely stunned and disoriented.


    "What the hell¡­?"


    "Where''s my father?!"


    Harry''s voice trembled as he rushed forward.


    At the very center of the blast zone, something burned beyond recognition lay on the ground. He bent down, picking up a charred mask.


    His heart pounded.


    The patterns on the mask¡­ they were identical to the Green Goblin''s as shown on last night''s news.


    Then, his mind connected the dots¡ªthe arsenal in the house, the horrific explosion, and now this mask.


    There was no denying it.


    His father¡­ was the Green Goblin.


    And last night, he must have been killed in battle.


    The explosion before him was nothing more than the final remnants of a fight to the death.


    Harry''s hands tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white. His breathing grew heavy and ragged.


    His eyes turned red with fury.


    He had only one thought¡ª


    I will avenge my father!


    The next morning, news of Norman Osborn''s death spread like wildfire across the United States.


    "This can''t be real¡­"


    "A gas explosion? Just like that?"


    "Oh my god¡­"


    "Without Norman Osborn at the helm, Oscorp''s future is in serious jeopardy."


    "Several major corporations are already planning to buy out Oscorp!"


    The storm of public opinion was already brewing.


    For some time now, Oscorp had been losing ground due to relentless competition from Mason Industries.


    Oscorp specialized in bioengineering. However, its technology was inferior compared to Mason Industries'' cutting-edge biotechnology.


    As a result, Oscorp''s financial standing had weakened significantly.


    Now, with Norman Osborn dead, the company''s stock price plummeted by more than 50% overnight.


    Inside Oscorp''s boardroom, a heated discussion was underway.


    "We''ve already received several astronomical offers from companies looking to buy into Oscorp."


    "I believe this is a golden opportunity for us shareholders."


    "If we don''t sell our shares now, all we''ll be left with is a pile of worthless paper!"


    Harry Osborn slammed the table and stood up, his voice trembling with rage.


    "You can''t just sell off my father''s legacy like this!"


    His eyes burned with resentment.


    These so-called shareholders¡­


    When Oscorp was at its peak, they sucked up to his father, practically groveling at his feet.


    And now?


    Now that trouble had struck, they were scrambling to abandon ship like a pack of greedy vultures.


    But Harry''s outburst was completely ignored.


    The shareholders continued their heated discussions, focused solely on how to get the highest price for their stocks.


    Then, Harry caught something in their conversation¡ª


    A name.


    Mason.


    His heart sank.


    ¡­.


    "Enough! Shut the hell up!"


    Harry exploded with fury.


    But a balding shareholder simply smirked.


    "Mr. Osborn, you don''t have the authority to make decisions here."


    "Yes, you inherited your father''s shares, but you only hold 30% of the company."


    "We, however, collectively own 40%, and that means we decide Oscorp''s future."


    A glint of greed flashed in the man''s eyes.


    "And as it happens, a very generous buyer has made us an irresistible offer."


    "In fact¡­" He glanced at his watch. "He should be arriving any moment now."


    At that exact moment¡ª


    BAM!


    The boardroom doors burst open.


    A group of people entered with an air of dominance.


    At the center of the group, like a king arriving to claim his throne¡ª


    Was Gene Mason.


    The moment he stepped in, the shareholders'' attitudes made a 180-degree turn.


    Just seconds ago, they were sneering at Harry Osborn.


    Now?


    Now they were bowing their heads like obedient lapdogs before Gene Mason.


    "Mr. Mason! Welcome!"


    "Mr. Mason, may I ask about your plans for Oscorp after the acquisition?"


    "Mr. Mason, could you reveal the purchase price?"


    "Mr. Mason, will you be renaming the company?"


    The press swarmed outside, snapping photos, but security guards kept them at bay.


    Gene Mason strode confidently to the head of the table.


    And then, in a tone that left no room for negotiation, he made his move¡ª


    "Two billion dollars."


    "I''m offering two billion dollars to acquire all of Oscorp''s assets¡ªincluding research data, infrastructure, and key personnel."


    The shareholders sucked in their breaths.


    Two billion?


    Oscorp was once worth a staggering 80 billion dollars at its peak.


    And now, Mason was offering 1/40th of that value.


    "Mr. Mason, this price is far too low¡­" a shareholder hesitated.


    "The Oscorp Tower alone is worth more than two billion¡ª"


    Gene stood up abruptly.


    "Then go find someone else willing to pay two billion."


    And with that, he turned on his heel and started for the door.


    "W-Wait! Mr. Mason, please!"


    The shareholders panicked.


    Like desperate dogs, they scrambled to cling to his coat.


    "W-We accept your offer!"


    "2 billion is more than generous!"


    Gene paused, then smirked.


    "No. I''ve changed my mind."


    "1.9 billion."


    Sweat poured down their faces.


    They knew they had no leverage.


    A quick calculation told them that even at this price, they''d still each walk away with more than 10 million dollars.


    "D-Deal! One-point-nine billion it is!"


    "NO! I WON''T ALLOW THIS!"


    Harry Osborn couldn''t take it anymore.


    His father''s entire empire, his legacy, was being sold off like scrap metal!


    A shareholder scoffed.


    "Listen, kid. You should be grateful."


    "Go enjoy your trust fund like a proper rich brat."


    "Stay out of grown-up business."


    Another sneered. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Honestly, Mr. Mason is being extremely generous."


    "You should be thanking him, not whining."


    A chorus of mockery followed.


    Harry clenched his fists so hard they bled.


    He turned to Gene Mason, his last hope.


    "Mr. Mason, you''re not really going through with this¡­ are you?"


    Gene''s response shattered that hope completely.


    "Mr. Osborn¡­" Gene said calmly.


    "Business is business."


    "If you can come up with 1.9 billion dollars, I''ll hand Oscorp over to you."


    --------------


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 Chapter 41 - 41: The Fall of Osborn Industries

    As despair filled Harry Osborn''s face, Gene Mason and the shareholders finalized the equity transfer agreement.


    Mason Industries had officially acquired everything that once belonged to Osborn Industries for $1.9 billion.


    According to the contract, once the deal was finalized, Osborn Industries would cease to exist, replaced by Umbrella Corporation.


    When the details of the contract were disclosed to the public, the entire United States went into a frenzy.


    ¡ª


    "Breaking News! Mason Industries acquires Osborn Industries for $1.9 billion!"


    "A new giant is rising!"


    "With such a powerful competitor, what will happen to Stark Industries?"


    "Gene Mason: The world''s richest man with $1.9 billion in cash!"


    "Just how powerful is Mason Industries?"


    "Harry Osborn walks out of Osborn Tower in silence¡ªhis father''s empire, gone."


    ¡ª


    Under the relentless bombardment of the media, the entire country learned about Mason Industries'' acquisition of Osborn Industries.


    Public reactions flooded in:


    "Mason Industries is this powerful?!"


    "So the Umbrella Corporation has been in the works all along!"


    "If there''s already an Umbrella Corporation, how long before we see Skynet?"


    "Did you guys notice? All of Mason Industries'' medical supplies now bear the Umbrella logo!"


    "Insane! This is next-level dominance!"


    "Man, Harry Osborn got it rough¡ªhis father''s dead, and now his father''s rival owns everything he built."


    "What are you talking about? ''Got it rough''? The guy still walked away with billions in stock payouts!"


    ¡ª


    Harry Osborn returned home, his mind swirling with memories of Osborn Industries'' golden age.


    Back then, his father''s company monopolized military medical supplies, holding a near-unshakable dominance.


    That was before Mason Industries rose like a meteor, completely crushing everything in its path.


    Now, his father was dead, his company stolen right out from under him, and he had been reduced to a powerless bystander.


    Harry clenched his fists tightly.


    "I will take back everything that belonged to my father."


    With this vow burning in his heart, he stepped into a hidden chamber¡ªone he had secretly prepared.


    Inside, lying in the darkness, were the remnants of the Green Goblin''s arsenal.


    His father''s weapons.


    His father''s legacy.


    His gaze landed on the tattered, battle-scarred Goblin helmet, and suddenly, it was as if he could hear a voice whispering in his mind. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A familiar laugh echoed in his head.


    A familiar shadow stood before him.


    "Destroy them! Take back what is yours!"


    The maniacal voice roared in his thoughts.


    Slowly, Harry Osborn lifted the damaged Green Goblin mask¡ªand placed it over his face.


    The new Green Goblin had been born.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, at Mason Industries¡­


    "Sir," Skynet reported, "according to Project Starlink and genetic screening, we have identified 300 individuals with unique mutant abilities and sent out invitations."


    "257 of them accepted our invitation."


    "Some who had already discovered their own abilities rejected the offer."


    Inside Gene''s office, Skynet provided a detailed update on the mutant recruitment plan.


    The initiative, powered by Skynet''s vast satellite surveillance, used genetic scans and behavioral tracking to locate potential high-value mutants.


    The goal?


    To recruit them before anyone else did.


    To secure an army for the Creator.


    Gene nodded. "Red Queen, when they arrive, take them to the Hive Base."


    The holographic form of the Red Queen materialized before him, her lips curling into a smirk.


    "Of course, sir," she purred.


    Then, she shot a provocative glance at Skynet.


    She still hadn''t forgotten her loss to Skynet in their last global network war.


    Gene simply watched in amusement as his two AIs continued their eternal rivalry.


    Suddenly, Skynet''s voice turned sharp:


    "Sir, we have detected mutants outside the building. They are conducting surveillance on Mason Industries. Should we terminate them?"


    Gene''s gaze narrowed.


    The holographic screen flickered to life, displaying real-time footage of the infiltrators.


    Using precise genetic identification, their mutant abilities were displayed:


    "Enhanced Regeneration"


    "Electromagnetic Manipulation"


    "Cryokinesis"


    More than ten mutants, disguised as civilians, were stationed around Mason Tower, keeping watch.


    Gene scoffed.


    "The bald one sent them?"


    He was, of course, referring to Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X¡ªthe founder of Xavier''s School for Gifted Youngsters.


    Gene smirked.


    "Wait until nightfall. Eliminate them."


    He paused, then added, "Some of them might be useful. Capture the promising ones."


    "As you command, Sir."


    ¡ª


    That Night¡­


    Despite the setting sun, the mutant spies did not leave.


    Their mission¡ªassigned by Wolverine¡ªwas to monitor Mason Industries for seven days without being caught.


    If they succeeded without being caught, they would pass the first trial to join the X-Men.


    "Susan, this company doesn''t seem that special."


    "Shut up and watch. Logan assigned this mission."


    "Fine, fine¡­ I''m gonna take a nap."


    "Susan, don''t forget to scan for electromagnetic activity."


    The group was relaxed. To them, this was an easy assignment¡ªlike a vacation.


    That''s when one of them noticed something.


    "Guys¡­ look."


    Several figures emerged from the shadows of Mason Tower.


    Under the dim streetlights, their rigid, emotionless faces seemed unnatural¡­ almost inhuman.


    And they were heading straight toward them.


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 Chapter 42 - 42: The Unseen Threat

    Clang! Clang!


    Each step landed like a hammer blow on the chests of the mutants.


    Several employees of Mason Industries approached with eerily stiff movements, their faces devoid of any emotion. Their eyes, unblinking, fixed themselves on the mutants like predators sizing up their prey.


    A chill ran down the spine of John Hudson, the leader of the mutant reconnaissance team. Something was off. These weren''t normal people.


    "What are you guys doing here?" one of the mutants asked, unable to suppress his unease.


    The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted it.


    Hadn''t he just exposed them?


    But the Mason Industries employees seemed unaffected, as if they hadn''t even heard him. They continued walking forward, their rigid expressions unchanged, their footsteps perfectly synchronized.


    Finally, they stopped in front of the mutants.


    "Targets confirmed. Total count: thirteen. Initiating protocol."


    One of them spoke, his voice an unnatural rasp, as if it had crawled straight out of the depths of hell.


    Thirteen?


    John''s blood ran cold.


    That was the exact number of their team. How did Mason Industries know?


    Just as the thought formed in his mind, chaos erupted.


    A fist shot out like lightning, slamming into a mutant''s abdomen.


    "Urgh¡ª!"


    The mutant instantly doubled over, vomiting violently before collapsing unconscious.


    The others froze in horror.


    That guy¡ªthe one who just went down¡ªwas their strongest in terms of raw power. He could punch through five-centimeter-thick steel plates like paper, and his endurance was second to none.


    Yet, with a single blow, he was down.


    "Enemy attack!"


    "We''re exposed! Fall back, now!"


    A mutant shouted, his voice breaking the night''s eerie silence.


    Another frantically attempted to contact the X-Men, his fingers flying across his communicator. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nothing.


    His face twisted in frustration. "Comms are down!"


    "Susan, use your powers to break the electromagnetic interference!" another urged.


    Susan activated her mutant ability, trying to tear through the electromagnetic field surrounding Mason Tower. Energy crackled around her hands as she reached into the unseen frequencies, attempting to disrupt whatever was blocking their signals.


    "Aargh!"


    A sharp, needle-like pain stabbed through her brain. She screamed and staggered backward, her face turning deathly pale.


    "Their tech¡­ it''s too strong. I can''t break through!" her voice trembled.


    "Damn it! Then we fight our way out!" John snapped, his instincts screaming at him that they had walked into a trap.


    The mutants had no choice. They unleashed their abilities, knowing that Mason Industries wasn''t planning to let them go.


    A mutant, using his superhuman speed, lunged at one of the employees, a dagger flashing in his grip.


    Clang!


    The blade struck¡ªbut instead of cutting flesh, it bounced off with a sharp metallic sound.


    The mutant barely had time to react before his wrist was caught in an iron grip.


    Pain exploded in his arm as a sickening crunch echoed in the air.


    "Aaaaargh! What the hell?!"


    His scream was raw with agony.


    His eyes darted to where he had struck the employee.


    No blood.


    Instead, beneath the torn uniform, gleamed a silver-white metallic skeleton.


    "What¡­ what the hell is this thing?!"


    That was his last thought before darkness swallowed him.


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 Chapter 43 - 43: The Nameless Terror

    "Regroup! Everyone, regroup!" John Hudson barked.


    The remaining mutants obeyed instantly.


    They had started with thirteen¡ªnow, only eight remained.


    Five were already down, their fate unknown.


    John''s jaw tightened. "We don''t want to fight you! But if you keep pushing us, we''ll use everything we have!"


    Silence.


    The torn uniforms of the Mason Industries employees now fully revealed their bodies. They were built like statues¡ªpowerful, flawless, and riddled with gaping wounds that should have been fatal.


    Yet, they didn''t bleed.


    They didn''t even flinch.


    John''s stomach twisted. "Attack with everything you''ve got!"


    A mutant raised his hand, and the temperature in the air plummeted. A massive spear of ice materialized above him, its jagged edges glowing an eerie blue.


    "Go!"


    He hurled it forward with all his strength.


    The ice spear shot through the air like a missile, piercing straight into one of the employees'' chests.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then¡ª


    The employee glanced down at the ice lodged in his torso, casually shattered it with a flick of his hand, and charged.


    "That''s¡­ impossible." John''s eyes widened in horror.


    How could someone take a direct hit to the chest and not go down?


    But there was no time to dwell on the answer.


    Screams filled the night.


    "Susan!"


    "Anole!"


    "Ursa Major!"


    One by one, the mutants fell. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their strongest were crushed in mere moments.


    Soon, only John and Jones remained standing.


    The two exchanged a look.


    They understood¡ªthis was their last chance.


    Both of them wielded fire-based abilities. Together, they had developed a technique that could maximize their flame''s destructive potential.


    "Ready?"


    "Let''s do it!"


    Their eyes burned with determination.


    Flames erupted from their bodies, twisting together into a raging inferno.


    The air shimmered with unbearable heat, distorting the very space around them.


    "BURN!"


    With a roar, they launched their combined flames at the employees of Mason Industries.


    The firestorm engulfed their enemies in an instant.


    For a moment, there was relief.


    The two collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath.


    "That¡­ was close."


    "Yeah. Those guys were freakish."


    Clang. Clang.


    The sound of heavy footsteps.


    The flickering flames illuminated their worst nightmare.


    The "employees" walked out of the fire untouched¡ªor rather, the metal skeletons underneath their burned flesh did.


    Red, soulless electronic eyes gleamed in the darkness.


    The mutants were paralyzed.


    This¡­ wasn''t just technology.


    This was something else entirely.


    Their previous doubts suddenly made sense.


    From the start, they had never been fighting humans.


    They had been battling machines.


    "What the hell is Mason Industries hiding?!"


    That was their final thought before darkness swallowed them whole.


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 Chapter 44 - 44: Professor X’s Descent into the Mindscape

    The Xavier''s Institute for Gifted Youngsters, better known to the world as the X-Mansion, stood as a beacon of hope for mutantkind.


    Inside his office, Professor Charles Xavier rubbed his temples in exhaustion. He had just finished reviewing Mason Industries'' recent developments, and an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.


    Something about Gene Mason''s rapid rise didn''t sit right with him. He couldn''t pinpoint the exact reason, but a sense of foreboding lingered in his mind.


    "Perhaps I''m just overthinking it. Hopefully, the children will return safely."


    Just as he was about to take a brief rest, the door burst open with a loud BANG!


    Wolverine, fury blazing in his eyes, stormed in.


    "Professor! We''ve lost all contact with the kids monitoring Mason Industries¡ªthis has Gene Mason''s name written all over it!" Logan growled, barely able to contain his rage.


    That was thirteen young mutants, gone right under their noses, without even a shred of information slipping through.


    If it were up to him, he would already be leading the X-Men in tearing Mason Industries apart, dragging that smug bastard Gene Mason out of his tower and demanding answers.


    But Xavier simply furrowed his brows. Logan''s anger was expected, but the disappearance of thirteen students was no trivial matter.


    Those weren''t just any students.


    They were handpicked candidates for the next generation of X-Men.


    "Logan, we must not act recklessly," Xavier said calmly.


    "Then what do you suggest, Professor?" Logan''s claws twitched, his impatience boiling over.


    Xavier pondered for a moment before responding, "I will reach out to Mr. Gene Mason personally. A direct conversation should clarify the situation."


    By conversation, he didn''t mean a phone call.


    He meant invading Gene Mason''s mind.


    Xavier''s telepathic abilities allowed him to scan, read, and even control minds¡ªa power even Magneto feared. It was why Erik always wore that metal helmet, shielding his thoughts.


    "If it turns out Mason is responsible, we will act accordingly," Xavier assured.


    With that, he wheeled himself out of the office, heading toward Cerebro. Logan followed close behind, his instincts screaming that something was very wrong.


    Cerebro: The Mind''s Eye


    Cerebro¡ªthe world''s most powerful telepathic amplifier¡ªallowed Xavier to extend his psychic reach across the entire planet.


    He had considered reading Gene Mason''s mind before, but had refrained¡ªout of respect.


    But now?


    Now he had the perfect excuse.


    Sitting in Cerebro''s chamber, he placed the helmet over his head. Logan flipped the activation switch, and instantly, Xavier''s mind expanded.


    Billions of thoughts flooded his consciousness, each one a tiny spark in the vast sea of human cognition.


    But Xavier ignored them all.


    He locked onto a single, brilliant light¡ªthe mind of Gene Mason, deep within the heart of Mason Industries.


    "Now¡­ let''s see what secrets you''ve been hiding."


    With a mental push, Xavier pierced into Gene Mason''s consciousness.


    ¡­..


    Xavier opened his eyes.


    But something was wrong.


    This wasn''t like any mind he had entered before.


    Storm clouds choked the sky, flashes of white lightning cracking like the screams of tormented souls. A cold wind howled through a city reduced to ruins.


    Beneath him lay corpses¡ªthe students of his Mutant Academy.


    Eyes wide open, their lifeless faces stared at him, filled with accusation and betrayal.


    Xavier''s breath hitched.


    "What¡­ is this?"


    Then, a voice echoed through the desolate wasteland.


    "Well, well¡­ Charles Xavier."


    A figure emerged from the shadows¡ªGene Mason.


    "I was wondering when you''d finally try to invade my mind," Mason said, smirking.


    Xavier''s body tensed.


    "This world¡­ you created this?" he asked cautiously.


    "Of course," Mason said mockingly. "I tailored it just for you. Do you like it?"


    Xavier suddenly clutched his head, his mind wracked with pain.


    Mason''s voice was everywhere, digging into his psyche like needles.


    "Breaking into someone''s private thoughts without consent?" Mason chuckled. "You call yourself a man of peace, yet you act like a thief in the night."


    Xavier''s lips tightened.


    "Mr. Mason, I came here to talk, not to fight. There''s no need for hostility."


    Mason''s laughter boomed across the ruined city.


    "Talk?" he sneered. "You''re trespassing, Professor." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Always preaching morality and justice, yet you have no problem violating others'' minds when it suits you."


    Xavier''s expression darkened.


    "If you refuse to cooperate, I may be forced to take action."


    Mason''s smirk widened.


    "Oh? The great Professor X wants to fight me in my own mental domain?"


    "Very well."


    Mason spread his arms.


    "Show me what you''ve got, Xavier."


    "And if you fail¡­ I''ll consider paying a little visit to your school."


    Xavier''s eyes hardened.


    This was no ordinary mind.


    But he had no choice. He would have to fight.


    ...


    Inside the Cerebro chamber, Logan paced impatiently.


    Suddenly, the monitors blared with alarm sirens.


    Xavier''s heart rate spiked. His body twitched violently.


    His brain activity was going haywire.


    "Professor?!" Logan rushed forward.


    Something was very, very wrong.


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 Chapter 45 - 45: Enslaving Professor X

    "Heart rate spiking rapidly!"


    "Massive surge in adrenaline!"


    "Blood pressure rising!"


    "Blood circulation accelerating!"


    ¡­


    Inside the Cerebro chamber, all the X-Men had gathered. A medic closely monitored Professor X''s vitals, his face tense.


    "This¡­ What the hell is happening?! Morgan, what exactly is the professor doing?"


    Cyclops snapped, his frustration boiling over. He and Wolverine were already on edge¡ªnow, seeing Professor X''s condition deteriorate so drastically, his patience had run out.


    "Mason Industries. The professor was investigating Gene Mason¡­ because of the thirteen missing students."


    Jean Grey answered gravely.


    As arguments broke out among the team, Professor X, lying on the Cerebro amplifier, suddenly convulsed violently.


    "Heart rate exceeding 200 BPM!"


    "Blood pressure at 230¡ªstill climbing!"


    "Oh, my God!"


    The numbers on the monitor were blinding, each flashing warning a piercing alarm in their minds.


    What exactly was happening to Professor X?


    Inside Gene Mason''s Mind Prison


    A titanic wave of steel surged forward, crashing toward Professor X with unrelenting force.


    Teeth clenched, Xavier fought back with everything he had.


    But he was drowning.


    Fire. Ice. Blades of metal. Molecular disintegration.


    Gene Mason controlled everything in this world. Every atom, every molecule¡ªbent to his will.


    In this mental realm, he was a god.


    Xavier''s form flickered, his mental projection losing cohesion¡ªa sign that his mind was reaching its breaking point.


    Meanwhile, Gene Mason stood with an air of disappointment, watching him struggle.


    "Professor Xavier, I expected more from you."


    "With Cerebro''s amplification, I thought you''d at least put up a fight."


    "But honestly?"


    Mason sighed, shaking his head.


    "You''re pathetically weak."


    Xavier''s eyes widened.


    Gene Mason wasn''t even trying¡ªthis was just a warm-up for him.


    "Cough¡ªcough!"


    Blood gushed from Xavier''s mouth, his entire body turning translucent.


    A terrifying realization sank in.


    "Who¡­ what are you?"


    Gene Mason''s psychic abilities were on a level that rivaled the strongest Omega mutants.


    Xavier''s instincts screamed at him to escape.


    His mind scrambled for an exit.


    Inside Cerebro Chamber


    "The professor''s mind is in danger¡ªshut down Cerebro, NOW!"


    "Look¡ªhe''s trying to pull out! He''s signaling us to shut it down!"


    "Damn it! The system is locked! We can''t turn it off! Forcing a shutdown could kill him!"


    Panic erupted in the room.


    Lying inside the Cerebro amplifier, Professor X suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. His face turned deathly pale.


    ...


    Inside Mind Prison, Gene Mason sat upon a throne, looming over Xavier like a judge sentencing an insect.


    "You''re inside my Mind Sandbox¡ªa fourth-dimensional construct of my own making."


    "No one leaves without my permission."


    His voice was calm, yet merciless.


    "You thought you could invade my mind whenever you pleased?" Mason smirked. "Xavier, did you forget your place?"


    Xavier''s expression twisted.


    "What do you want? I¡ªI''ll give you anything you ask for. Just let me go!"


    For the first time in his life, Xavier tasted true fear.


    He had always believed himself above such emotions¡ªbut at this moment, he was terrified.


    Mason smiled coldly.


    "Oh? You''re finally willing to bargain?"


    "Very well."


    His voice darkened.


    "I''ll let you go¡­ but only if you submit."


    "I will brand your mind¡ªmake you my slave."


    Xavier froze.


    Mason''s eyes gleamed.


    "Or you can refuse¡­ and die."


    The choice was absolute.


    Xavier''s lips trembled.


    His mind screamed to resist.


    But his instincts¡ªhis survival drive¡ªoverpowered everything else.


    "I¡ªI submit! I''ll serve you, Mason!"


    The moment the words left his lips, Gene Mason smiled in satisfaction.


    He raised his hand.


    A brilliant blue sigil burned itself into Xavier''s mind.


    "AAAAAHHHH!!!"


    Xavier screamed, the pain unbearable.


    His mind¡ªhis secrets, his memories, his very identity¡ªwere laid bare before Mason.


    It was a soul-deep agony.


    By the time it ended, Xavier was left gasping, his body drenched in cold sweat.


    Mason leaned back, his work complete.


    "Good. Now¡­"


    "When you return, select twenty of the most powerful mutants in your school."


    "Send them to Mason Industries."


    "And Xavier¡­"


    Mason''s voice was silken steel.


    "You will continue acting as you always have."


    "Your school¡­ will now be my mutant recruitment center."


    Xavier''s eyes were hollow.


    "¡­Yes, Mr. Mason."


    With a flash of light, his consciousness returned.


    Back in Reality


    "Look! The professor''s waking up!"


    "Professor! Are you alright?"


    "How do you feel?"


    "Should we attack Mason Industries? Just say the word!"


    The X-Men bombarded him with questions.


    Xavier forced a gentle smile, his usual calm demeanor unchanged.


    "I''m fine¡­ I just need some rest."


    No one noticed.


    No one saw the glowing blue sigil that flashed briefly in his eyes¡ª


    The mark of Skynet.


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 Chapter 46 - 46: Welcome to the Hive Base

    "Initiate T-Virus injection!"


    A sharp, icy electronic voice jolted John Hudson awake.


    "Where¡­ am I?"


    His vision gradually cleared, revealing that he was confined inside a containment pod. Around him, similar pods held others¡ªhis teammates. Memories surged into his mind like a tidal wave, the last image that remained was a humanoid robots with crimson-lit electronic eyes.


    "ARGH!"


    A piercing pain shot through his arm, yanking his consciousness back to the present. He looked down just in time to see a syringe embedded in his vein, injecting a luminous blue liquid into his bloodstream.


    "GRAAAH!"


    John''s entire body convulsed in agony. His muscles felt as if they were being torn apart and reassembled.


    "T-Virus compatibility: 70%. Mutant gene enhancement in progress."


    "Manupulating previous memories¡­ Implanting new memories¡­"


    "Releasing nanites¡ªtarget: spinal cord."


    A cold, mechanical voice rang out¡ªnot from the room, but inside his very mind.


    "What¡­ is happening to me?"


    A searing, unbearable pain erupted from the depths of his body, and his consciousness faded into darkness.


    Elsewhere, the other captured mutants suffered the same fate¡ªeach undergoing genetic modification at the hands of Umbrella Corporation.


    ...


    Inside the Hive Base, the Red Queen beamed with excitement, as if awaiting praise from a parent.


    "Sir, the first batch of thirteen mutant soldiers has been successfully modified!"


    "Hahaha! Excellent!" Gene Mason replied with a pleased laugh.


    "Sir," Skynet interjected, not wanting to be outdone, "the genetically screened mutants will arrive at the tower tomorrow."


    "Very good, very good! It looks like our dear Mandarin will soon have his own little army," Gene said with a cryptic smile.


    ...


    Inside one of the Hive Base''s training rooms, Captain Rogers looked at Mandarin with envy.


    "I gotta say, I''m really jealous, Mandarin. Looks like you''ll be getting your first mission soon."


    "Hahaha! Captain, you''ll be handling even more difficult assignments," Mandarin laughed heartily.


    "Just thinking about ruling the underworld gets me fired up," Rogers said, grinning. "And those ten rings of yours¡­ they''re insane."


    "Ha! No need to be jealous. With your new strength, you''re practically strongest man in the world right now! I''ve never seen someone jump ten meters straight up from a standing position," Mandarin scoffed playfully.


    Experiment Subject No. 1, Steve Rogers, had undergone T-Virus augmentation, pushing his physical abilities beyond human limits. Even if his heart were destroyed, his body''s rapid regeneration would allow him to recover in mere moments.


    __


    Meanwhile, outside Mason Industries Tower, a group of young men and women excitedly gathered at the entrance.


    "Hey, you guys got recruited by Mason Industries too?" a young man asked, grinning.


    "Of course! They offered me a $500,000 salary! I''ve never seen a company so generous!"


    "Yeah, Mason Industries is incredible!"


    "I can''t wait to start working here!"


    "Come on, let''s go inside before we''re late!"


    The eager recruits followed security personnel into the building, marveling at its futuristic design.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed to the contract signing area," the Red Queen instructed.


    "Wow! That''s Mason Industries'' AI?!"


    "So cool!"


    "Hey, do you actually have emotions?"


    "Man, I''m so hyped to work in a place like this!"


    One by one, the recruits entered an elevator directed by the Red Queen.


    At first, everything seemed normal. But as the elevator kept descending, unease began to settle in.


    "Man, this building is HUGE! We''ve been going down forever!"


    "Yeah¡­ but I feel kinda weird."


    Twenty minutes passed. The elevator still hadn''t stopped. And the Red Queen was nowhere to be seen.


    "Hey, guys¡­ something''s not right."


    "What''s going on?"


    Panic began to spread. Being trapped in a sealed space for too long triggered a natural sense of anxiety. A suffocating unease filled the elevator.


    DING!


    Just as their nerves reached a breaking point, the elevator finally chimed, signaling its arrival. A collective sigh of relief swept through the group.


    "See? Told you it was just a long ride!"


    "Yeah, let''s just figure out which floor we''re working on. Can''t be late for our first day!"


    But the moment the doors slid open, all their expressions froze in horror.


    Row upon row of containment pods stretched before them, each one housing unconscious individuals suspended in eerie, glowing liquid. Some of the pods emitted mechanical hissing sounds as robotic arms injected unknown substances into the helpless figures inside.


    "What¡­ the hell¡­ is this?" one of the recruits muttered, his voice trembling.


    As fear took hold of the group, the Red Queen suddenly materialized before them, a proud smile on her face.


    "Welcome to the Hive Base."


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 Chapter 47 - 47: New Yorks Underworld Overthrown

    Night had fallen over the New York City. Inside a towering skyscraper, Wilson Fisk¡ªKingpin, the undisputed emperor of New York''s underworld¡ªwas in an absolutely foul mood.


    Lately, a massive underground organization had been expanding rapidly across the country.


    They called themselves the Ten Rings, and they had been systematically dismantling Kingpin''s empire, uprooting his operations, and installing themselves as the new rulers of the criminal underworld.


    "How the hell could there be rings that fire energy blasts? That''s just ridiculous."


    "That coward must''ve been making excuses for his own failure."


    Kingpin sneered, recalling the panicked report of a subordinate who had barely escaped with his life.


    The man had claimed that a legion of superpowered individuals had stormed one of their strongholds. Leading the assault was a mysterious figure with immense strength, wearing ten rings¡ªeach capable of unleashing devastating energy blasts.


    Kingpin had crushed the man''s throat with his bare hands for daring to feed him such absurd lies.


    The great Kingpin hated being lied to.


    "I''ll see for myself just how ''powerful'' this Ten Rings really is."


    Kingpin flexed his enormous fingers, the cracking of his knuckles echoing through the dimly lit room.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion rocked the building, sending a wave of scorching heat through the air. The agonized screams of his men followed soon after.


    From the inferno, a man emerged unscathed.


    Kingpin squinted at the figure stepping forward, his silhouette framed by roaring flames.


    The man was tall and imposing, dressed in traditional, ancient-style robes. His hands adorned with ten glowing rings, each pulsating with an eerie, otherworldly energy.


    At that moment, one of the rings shimmered with a sinister crimson glow.


    "You must be Kingpin."


    Kingpin''s expression darkened.


    "And who the hell are you?"


    The man chuckled darkly.


    "I''m the one who''s here to kill you."


    With those words, Mandarin lunged forward, his ring-clad fist striking Kingpin''s massive frame like a cannonball.


    BAM!


    The punch landed squarely on Kingpin''s gut, causing his face to go pale. Yet, despite the brutal force, he gritted his teeth and withstood the impact, his body far tougher than any ordinary man''s.


    Mandarin smirked.


    "Not bad. You actually managed to withstand one of my blows. For a regular human, you''re quite impressive."


    Kingpin barely had time to react before Mandarin rained down a barrage of rapid-fire punches, treating him like a mere punching bag.


    It was painfully clear who was stronger.


    Then Mandarin stopped, shaking his head in disappointment.


    "Too bad. You''re standing in my master''s way. And for that, you have to die."


    Suddenly, a bone-chilling blue glow flickered around Mandarin''s hands.


    The temperature in the room plummeted instantly.


    The moisture in the air froze into icy shards, falling like shattered glass onto the ground.


    For the first time, Kingpin felt true fear.


    In an instant, the humidity in the room coalesced into razor-sharp icicles, which then shot toward him at blinding speed.


    "ARGH!"


    Kingpin howled in pain as his massive body was impaled by countless frozen spikes. The cold sapped his strength, making it harder for him to move.


    Yet, despite the agony, he roared defiantly, gathering his last ounce of strength to throw a devastating punch at Mandarin''s face.


    It was a punch that could obliterate a man''s skull.


    But¡ª


    Kingpin''s fist stopped mid-air, frozen in place before it could even touch Mandarin.


    "Pathetic."


    Mandarin sighed, shaking his head.


    In the next instant, he gently traced his fingers across Kingpin''s throat.


    A thin, crystal-clear line appeared on Kingpin''s neck.


    For a brief moment, he stood there, eyes wide with disbelief.


    Then¡ª


    His head fell from his shoulders.


    No blood spilled.


    Because in that single moment, Kingpin''s entire body had been frozen solid¡ªa mere ice sculpture of his former self.


    Mandarin turned away without a second glance.


    A subordinate approached.


    "Sir, what should we do with the rest of Kingpin''s men?"


    Mandarin''s expression was indifferent.


    "Kill the ones who resist. The obedient ones? Slave them and bring them into the company."


    "Master prefers people who know how to follow orders."


    "Understood!"


    And so, a bloody massacre unfolded within the Kingpin Tower.


    That night, New York''s criminal underworld trembled.


    The Next Morning¡ª


    Headlines exploded across news outlets:


    "Massacre in New York! Bloodbath at the Kingpin Tower!"


    "Wilson Fisk, CEO of the world''s largest security firm, assassinated!"


    "The Dark Secrets of New York''s Underworld¡ªWho Is the New King?"


    Reporters went insane over the news.


    Wilson Fisk¡ªthe Kingpin of Crime¡ªhad been slaughtered like a common thug?


    Who in the world could be powerful enough to do this?!


    Meanwhile, at Mason Industries¡ª


    Gene Mason was casually sipping his morning coffee while browsing the latest news.


    "Sir," Red Queen''s voice chimed in, "last night, Mandarin and the Ten Rings successfully eradicated Kingpin''s forces in New York."


    "As of now, the Ten Rings reign supreme over the city''s underground."


    Gene nodded in satisfaction.


    Now that Kingpin had been removed, consolidating power over the entire U.S. underworld would be much easier.


    With absolute control over the criminal underworld, Gene could snuff out potential threats before they even emerged.


    And if he ever needed to handle dirty work, he could simply let the Ten Rings handle it.


    This was exactly why he had created the Ten Rings and his mutant army.


    Just then, Skynet appeared before him.


    "Sir, General Powell from the U.S. military has requested a call regarding the micro-missile project."


    Gene waved dismissively.


    "I don''t do phone calls."


    "Tell him I''ll be hosting a special exhibition next week¡ªwhere we''ll unveil our latest technological advancements." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A cold smile curled on his lips.


    It was time to show the world what he had been working on in secret.


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 Chapter 48 - 48: The Weapons Exhibition

    One week later, at the Mason Industries Weapons Testing Grounds¡­


    Countless military experts and officials sat comfortably in their chairs, waiting for today''s main event.


    Today was the Mason Industries Weapons Exhibition.


    Of course, the attendees were exclusively members of the U.S. military.


    ¡ª


    "Reports indicate that Mason Industries will showcase a new line of advanced weaponry at its testing facility today."


    "According to insider sources, the weapons on display may exceed anything previously imagined."


    "This is the Washington Post, bringing you a live report."


    "Mason Industries, once quiet, is making waves again!"


    ¡ª


    Not far from the testing grounds, a swarm of reporters broadcasted live.


    Although they couldn''t enter the exhibition itself, that didn''t dampen their enthusiasm.


    Anywhere Mason Industries appeared, headlines followed.


    A sleek vehicle, emblazoned with the Mason Industries emblem, rolled in, escorted by a convoy.


    At that moment, the flashing of cameras and clicking of shutters merged into a deafening storm.


    After all, the person inside was none other than Gene Mason¡ªAmerica''s most renowned genius, top weapons designer, and biotech leader.


    ¡ª


    "Damn! His entrance is on a whole different level!"


    "This guy''s presence is insane!"


    "Mason Industries is literally the backbone of U.S. defense now!"


    "Gene Mason, I love you!"


    "Move aside! Gene is mine!"


    ¡ª


    Despite the spectacle, the seated military officials and experts remained composed.


    It was as if Gene Mason had arrived at the exact moment he was supposed to.


    Waiting for him was only natural.


    Stepping out of the car, Gene smiled modestly.


    "Apologies for keeping you all waiting."


    "Not at all! Mr. Mason, it''s an honor to have you here," General Powell quickly responded.


    At this point, the roles had reversed¡ªif the U.S. military wanted to maintain its technological edge, they had to cater to Gene Mason.


    "General Powell, we''re old friends. No need for such formalities."


    "Today, I''ll be presenting Mason Industries'' latest development¡ªthe Ares Missile."


    At these words, every military officer and expert stood up instantly.


    Gene snapped his fingers.


    In an instant, a massive holographic display materialized in mid-air.


    Although the military had already purchased holographic command systems, they still marveled every time they saw Gene''s effortless, sci-fi-like technology.


    "Some say Stark Industries'' Jericho Missile represents the pinnacle of missile technology."


    "I disagree."


    "Traditional chemical propulsion missiles will inevitably be discarded into the trash heap of history."


    "Now, allow me to introduce Mason Industries'' latest breakthrough¡ªthe Ares Missile."


    On the holographic display, a schematic of the Ares Missile appeared.


    The experts were instantly shocked.


    ¡ª


    "No¡­ This isn''t possible!"


    "God, how did they even achieve this?"


    "This¡­ this rewrites everything we know about missile design!"


    "This technology shouldn''t exist!"


    "This is¡­ a divine weapon!"


    ¡ª


    A physical prototype of the Ares Missile was carefully transported to the stage.


    The Skynet logo was proudly engraved on its body.


    Unlike conventional missiles, this one had a sleek, metallic blue finish¡ªgiving it an almost otherworldly aesthetic.


    "The Ares Missile is 30 cm long, with a diameter of 10 cm and a weight of just 15 kg." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It is compatible with multiple launch systems."


    Gene smiled as he continued his explanation.


    "This will be a crucial weapon in maintaining world peace."


    General Powell ignored the gasps from the experts, his eyes burning with desire.


    The way he looked at the missile¡ªit was as if he were staring at the love of his life.


    Far in the distance, ten kilometers away, stood a heavily fortified test structure built for weapons demonstrations.


    "Now, please witness the power of the Ares Missile."


    Gene snapped his fingers again.


    The missile launcher locked onto its target.


    A single Ares Missile was fired.


    It accelerated at incredible speed, reaching the target almost instantly.


    However¡ªthere was no explosion.


    ¡ª


    "What happened?"


    "Did something go wrong?"


    "Mason Industries is about to embarrass itself!"


    "Haha! Even Mason makes mistakes!"


    ¡ª


    The crowd erupted with speculation.


    Some sneered, eagerly waiting to see Gene Mason''s reaction.


    General Powell, on the other hand, looked uneasy.


    But Gene remained calm and composed, as if everything was proceeding exactly as planned.


    Just then¡ª


    The holographic display shifted.


    A brilliant blue glow enveloped the test structure.


    The light was so intense that it even reflected onto the spectators'' faces.


    ¡ª


    "What¡­ is that?"


    The audience squinted, struggling to see through the blinding radiance.


    And then¡ª


    The light vanished.


    And so did the test structure.


    Gone.


    As if it had never existed.


    ¡ª


    "This¡­ this is impossible!"


    "What kind of weapon is this?"


    "This defies the laws of physics!"


    "This isn''t science¡ªit''s a miracle!"


    "This¡­ this is a weapon of the gods!"


    ¡ª


    The entire military audience was in complete chaos.


    No explosion.


    No sound.


    And yet¡ªthe fortified structure had been completely erased from existence.


    Gene Mason turned to General Powell, smiling.


    "General Powell, are you satisfied with the power of the Ares Missile?"


    --------------


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 Chapter 49 - 49: T-600 Terminator

    At this moment, General Powell was utterly speechless.


    The scene he had just witnessed had shaken him to the core.


    A massive fortified structure had simply vanished in a dazzling blue light, making him feel as though he had stepped into a futuristic sci-fi world.


    "This¡­ This is unbelievable."


    Powell''s expression was dazed, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Mr. Mason, how¡­ How did you achieve this?"


    After the initial shock wore off, Powell regained his composure, his eyes now filled with uncontainable excitement.


    This missile was exactly what the military had been dreaming of.


    Its speed was astonishing, and its destructive power was beyond comprehension. The fortified structure that had been obliterated just now¡ªby Powell''s estimate, a conventional missile strike would have required at least three or four missiles to achieve the same level of destruction.


    Yet the Ares Missile had accomplished the task with a single strike.


    "It truly lives up to its name. Ares¡­ The God of War Missile," Powell muttered in admiration.


    In Western mythology, Ares was the god of war, and now, this missile had proven itself worthy of that legendary title.


    "Ten million dollars per unit," Gene Mason said with a casual smile. "No discounts. For the sake of peace, of course."


    Powell''s mouth opened as if to say something, but he hesitated. Before he could even think of negotiating, Gene continued,


    "I''m glad everyone got to witness the power of the Ares Missile. However¡­ that was just the appetizer."


    His words sent a wave of shock through the crowd.


    The Ares Missile was just the appetizer?


    The sheer devastation they had just witnessed¡ªwas only a warm-up?


    A helicopter roared overhead, and moments later, several hulking figures leaped out, plummeting toward the ground.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    The impact of metal slamming into the earth sent tremors through the area.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the pinnacle of Mason Industries'' technology¡ªthe T-600 Terminator!"


    A collective gasp rippled through the audience.


    They stared in stunned silence, their minds struggling to process what they were seeing.


    "My God¡­ what in the world is that?"


    "T-600?"


    "Is this some kind of joke?"


    "Holy hell¡­"


    "Even Tony Stark''s Iron Man suit doesn''t look this intimidating!"


    "A humanoid combat robot?"


    The T-600 Terminator stood in the center of the field¡ªa towering, humanoid machine clad in a gleaming silver endoskeleton.


    Its skeletal frame was unmistakably robotic, yet eerily human. A cold, expressionless metallic face and piercing red electronic eyes gave it an aura of pure lethality.


    Even without moving, it radiated a terrifying presence.


    This was a machine built for war.


    A deep, synthetic voice cut through the tension:


    "T-600 reporting to the commander."


    The sound was devoid of emotion, yet carried an undeniable authority.


    Gene Mason turned to the crowd.


    "Everyone, this is the result of Mason Industries'' cutting-edge research¡ªthe T-600 Combat Android."


    "The exoskeleton is forged from a proprietary alloy, making it highly resistant to conventional weapons. It is powered entirely by electric energy, eliminating the need for fossil fuels¡­"


    Gene proceeded to detail the T-600''s specifications, but Powell had already stopped listening.


    His heart was pounding.


    "M-Mr. Mason¡­" Powell swallowed hard. "Are you really putting these robots up for sale?"


    He was barely able to contain his excitement.


    Compared to the T-600, the Ares Missile was nothing more than a toy. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was a true game-changer.


    The audience erupted into chaos.


    "This¡­ This is the ultimate war machine!"


    "How did Mason Industries even develop something like this?!"


    "Will human soldiers even be needed on the battlefield anymore?"


    "This is pure technological genius!"


    "It can withstand direct hits from a tank?! That''s insane!"


    "My God¡­ If they rework this design for civilian applications, the potential is enormous!"


    Among the crowd was Justin Hammer, the CEO of Hammer Industries.


    His face was twisted in frustration, his expression like that of a man who had just swallowed a bucket of lemons.


    First, Tony Stark had revolutionized military technology with his Iron Man suit.


    Now, Gene Mason had unveiled the T-600 Terminator¡ªa fully automated, mass-producible combat machine.


    Hammer Industries, which had long been struggling to compete with Stark Industries, was now falling even further behind.


    His face darkened.


    But at this moment, no one cared about Justin Hammer.


    All eyes were on Gene Mason, the man who had just redefined modern warfare.


    The crowd surged toward him like a frenzied mob.


    "Mr. Mason! How does the T-600''s internal system operate?"


    "Mr. Mason! What is the annual production capacity of the T-600?"


    "Mr. Mason! Are you really planning to sell these to the military?"


    "Mr. Mason! How do you compare the T-600 to Tony Stark''s Iron Man suit?"


    Several T-600 units stepped forward, their glowing red eyes scanning the approaching crowd.


    The mob instantly froze.


    Faced with the cold, mechanical stare of the Terminators, no one dared take another step.


    Gene chuckled. "For any further inquiries, please refer to my AI assistant, Skynet."


    With that, he turned and walked toward the VIP lounge.


    General Powell hurriedly followed, his excitement barely contained.


    "Mr. Mason, today has been beyond incredible! I need to speak with the Department of Defense before I can finalize an order for the T-600."


    "Take your time, General. No rush." Gene smiled.


    "But actually, there''s someone I''d like to ask you about."


    Powell paused. "Who?"


    "General Thaddeus Ross," Gene said with a knowing smirk.


    Powell frowned. "Ross? After the¡­ incident he was involved in, he''s been sidelined. Why do you ask?"


    "I just need a small favor from him," Gene replied cryptically.


    Because the person he was really looking for¡­


    Was a certain, green rage monster.


    --------------


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 Chapter 50 - 50: T-600s vs. The Goblin Menace

    Just as Gene and General Powell were discussing General Ross, a strange, eerie laugh suddenly echoed from above¡ªstraight from the sky.


    "Hahahaha! Mason Industries, I''m going to make you suffer!"


    A figure in an eccentric outfit hovered in mid-air atop a sleek, high-tech glider. His face was obscured by an exaggerated, goblin-like mask, and the long green trench coat billowing around him only added to his sinister aura.


    "What''s going on now?"


    "Who the hell is this guy?"


    "It''s the Green Goblin!"


    A murmur of recognition spread through the gathered crowd. Many of them had seen this intruder before¡ªhe had crashed the Mason Industries banquet not long ago.


    "No, no, no! Actually, I am the Green Goblin II."


    The self-proclaimed Green Goblin II wagged his finger smugly, correcting the crowd before turning his gaze toward Gene, who was still seated in the VIP lounge.


    "Gene Mason, today, I''m going to make you feel the same pain you inflicted on me!"


    His sinister laughter echoed across the facility.


    Ever since Mason Industries had taken over Oscorp, effectively erasing his father''s lifelong legacy, Harry Osborn had been consumed by hatred¡ªnot just for the company, but especially for the man responsible, Gene Mason.


    Harry had injected himself with the OZ serum and, using his own scientific knowledge, had upgraded the equipment his father had left behind. Now, with more advanced gear and enhanced physical abilities, he had returned for revenge.


    Today, he planned to utterly humiliate Gene Mason in front of all these people¡ªand by extension, damage Mason Industries'' reputation.


    "General Powell, I''ll Protect You!"


    Powell immediately pulled out his sidearm, aiming it at the airborne menace.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Green Goblin II cackled wildly as he maneuvered through the air, circling the testing site while throwing pumpkin bombs at the ground below. Explosions erupted across the area, sending people scrambling for cover.


    Gene, however, remained unfazed.


    "Skynet, take control of the T-600s. Bring that flying pest down."


    A cold command echoed through his neural network.


    The red glow in the T-600 units'' electronic eyes intensified as Skynet instantly seized control.


    The T-600 series was the most basic combat model Gene had created¡ªfar inferior to even the T-800s. But even these so-called "low-end" machines were more than enough to deal with a petty threat like Green Goblin II.


    One of the T-600s bent its massive metal legs, powered up its hydraulics, and with a thunderous leap, propelled itself into the air¡ªright to the Goblin''s altitude.


    A steel fist swung at him with terrifying force.


    Seeing the incoming attack, Green Goblin II hastily maneuvered his glider to evade. It was only then that he fully realized the looming threat of the T-600s standing on the ground, their unfeeling red eyes locked onto him.


    A chill crept down his spine.


    "Hmph, just some tin cans!"


    He tried to reassure himself.


    Yet, the speed and precision of that last attack had rattled him.


    More T-600s leaped into the sky, relentless in their pursuit, forcing him to weave erratically in mid-air like a disoriented housefly.


    From below, the spectators'' fear gradually gave way to amusement.


    "Hahahaha! This is hilarious!"


    "My god, I had no idea these T-600s were so agile!"


    "They''re not even using weapons yet! Just imagine how terrifying they''ll be fully armed."


    "This Green Goblin wannabe looks like a complete clown!"


    As the laughter grew louder, Harry Osborn felt his blood boil.


    He had never been so humiliated in his life!


    "How dare you mock me?!"


    Enraged, he reached for another pumpkin bomb, intending to incinerate every last one of these jeering fools.


    But the T-600s weren''t about to give him the chance.


    With relentless efficiency, they continued their aerial assaults, preventing him from getting a clean shot.


    Meanwhile, General Powell, who had been watching in awe, turned to Gene with barely contained excitement. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Mason, these T-600s¡­ they''re incredible!"


    "Impressive strength combined with unparalleled agility¡­ these machines are unstoppable on the battlefield!"


    His admiration was obvious, and his earlier attempt to defend Gene with a mere handgun now seemed laughable.


    Finally, one of the T-600s landed a direct hit¡ªits steel fist colliding with Green Goblin II''s glider.


    A loud crack rang out as smoke billowed from the damaged vehicle.


    "No, no, no¡ª!"


    Losing control, the glider spiraled downward, sending its rider crashing to the ground.


    ...


    Dazed and panicked, Harry tried to scramble to his feet, only to find a hulking T-600 bearing down on him.


    "Stay away from me!"


    Desperate, he pulled out his Green Goblin submachine gun and opened fire.


    Ratatatatata!


    Bullets rained upon the metal behemoth.


    It had zero effect.


    The rounds pinged harmlessly off the T-600''s reinforced endoskeleton, barely leaving scratches.


    Even after one of the bullets shattered a T-600''s electronic eye, the machine continued advancing, relying on Skynet''s shared battlefield vision to track its target.


    Then¡ªboom!


    A steel fist plowed into Harry''s gut.


    His enhanced body, strengthened by the OZ serum, still couldn''t withstand the brutal force.


    His vision blurred. His ribs cracked. His breath left his lungs in a wheezing gasp.


    And then¡ªdarkness.


    Harry Osborn, the so-called Second Green Goblin, collapsed unconscious.


    "Wait¡­ it''s him?!"


    The soldiers gasped as one of them removed the Goblin mask, revealing Harry''s face.


    Even General Powell was stunned.


    "H-Harry Osborn?! The heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune?! He was behind this madness?"


    Gene remained unfazed.


    He waved a hand dismissively. "General Powell, I believe we were in the middle of a discussion about General Ross?"


    With a nod, the T-600s dragged the unconscious Harry Osborn into a holding cell.


    Now that that little distraction was dealt with, it was time to get back to business.


    --------------


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 Chapter 51 - 51: Hunting for the Hulk

    "A weapons expo unlike any other!"


    "This is a product ahead of its time!"


    "What other surprises does Mason Industries have in store for us?"


    "Will these new war machines replace human soldiers?"


    "A technological marvel¡ªAres missiles and T-600 robots!"


    "The so-called ''Green Goblin II'' is actually Harry Osborn!"


    After Mason Industries'' weapons exhibition, the media went into a frenzy.


    Reporters scrambled to obtain insider photos from the event, and when they finally got their hands on them, they could hardly believe their eyes.


    From the sleek, high-tech Ares missiles to the menacing T-600 combat droids, every single detail shattered their understanding of modern warfare.


    In the dimly lit headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury sat at his desk, studying the images provided by the military. His single eye was locked onto one thing¡ªthe T-600 robots.


    "Director, these photos came directly from the military. This T-600 model¡­"


    Agent Maria Hill spoke in a low voice. She knew exactly what was going through Fury''s mind.


    Because when she first saw the images, she thought of that moment three years ago¡ª


    A gleaming silver robotic figure. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An eerie, synthetic voice.


    A red, unblinking electronic eye¡­


    A nightmare that had haunted Fury ever since.


    "Sir, do you believe that Mason Industries is connected to what happened three years ago?"


    Agent Phil Coulson stepped in, his voice laced with concern.


    "Creating robots that resemble those things? That''s enough to raise suspicion." Fury''s voice was cold.


    "But, sir, we''ve already investigated Mason Industries. According to Agent Romanoff, Gene Mason and that¡­ other ''Gene Mason'' should have no connection." Coulson furrowed his brows.


    "Exactly." Fury narrowed his eye. "It''s the hidden threats that are the most dangerous ones."


    At that moment, an agent rushed into the office.


    "Director! We have reports from New Mexico¡ªa hammer fell from the sky. The thing is immovable, no matter what people try. The event has been classified as a possible supernatural phenomenon."


    Fury rubbed his temples.


    "Great¡­ Stark is causing problems on one end, Mason Industries is developing killer robots on the other, and now we have a damn magic hammer to deal with."


    He let out a long breath.


    "Agent Coulson, you''re up. I''ll assign someone else to keep an eye on Stark."


    Then, his expression hardened.


    "Also, resume surveillance on Mason Industries. And prepare a meeting¡ªI''m going to see Gene Mason in person."


    In Mason Tower, Gene Mason lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. Across from him sat Nick Fury, the ever-serious director of S.H.I.E.L.D.


    Or, as some would say¡ªthe "Motherfu¡ªKing of Spies."


    "Director Fury, what an unexpected visit." Gene smirked. "Looking to partner with Mason Industries? A new joint project, perhaps?"


    Fury didn''t smile. He leaned forward slightly, his single eye locked onto Gene.


    "Tell me something, Mason¡­ Are you Gene Mason, or are you Gene Mason?"


    The question came out of nowhere.


    Gene raised an eyebrow.


    "Oh? Is the great Director Fury questioning my citizenship?" Gene chuckled. "Do you need me to fetch my ID for verification?"


    Before Fury could respond, a new voice interrupted them¡ª


    "Mr. Mason, General Ross has arrived. Should I let him in?"


    Skynet materialized as a hologram, its voice eerily human-like.


    Gene turned back to Fury, still smiling.


    "Well, Director, it looks like our chat will have to end here. I have a far more¡­ important guest waiting."


    Fury stood, his gaze never leaving Gene.


    "I''ll find out who you really are." His voice was low, laced with warning.


    Gene grinned.


    "In that case, Director, I suggest you start by checking the U.S. Census Bureau."


    As Fury walked out of the office, he nearly bumped into General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross.


    The two men locked eyes for a brief moment before both deliberately looked away¡ªclearly, they weren''t on the best of terms.


    ¡­


    Ross entered, his expression wary yet respectful.


    "Mr. Mason," he greeted, "what can I do for you?"


    Despite being a high-ranking general, Ross was strangely submissive in front of Gene Mason¡ªa billionaire industrialist.


    Gene leaned forward, his smile sharp.


    "General Ross, I''m looking for someone. A green someone. I believe you know exactly who I mean."


    At the mention of the Green Giant, Ross''s face darkened.


    There was only one person that fit that description¡ªBruce Banner.


    The Hulk.


    Ross clenched his fists.


    "I''ve spent my entire life hunting that monster down." His voice was filled with deep-seated hatred.


    "Perfect," Gene said smoothly. "Then today, I''m giving you another chance. Find me Bruce Banner¡ªand leave the rest to me."


    His voice was calm, yet full of temptation.


    Ross''s eyes narrowed, his mind racing.


    He wanted the Hulk more than anything.


    And now, Gene Mason was offering him a way to capture him.


    Would he take it?


    There was only one answer.


    --------------


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 Chapter 52 - 52: Hulk Goes Berserk

    In a slum in Brazil, Bruce Banner was furiously typing on his keyboard, his frustration mounting.


    Ever since that fateful experiment, when he was exposed to an overwhelming dose of gamma radiation, his life had been shattered. He had become something else¡ªsomething uncontrollable.


    A monster.


    That thing inside him was pure rage and destruction, possessing strength beyond comprehension but completely devoid of rationality. And every time it emerged, his own consciousness was forcefully suppressed, swallowed by an unstoppable fury.


    "Why? Why does this keep happening?"


    Bruce slammed his fist on the keyboard, his voice laced with anger.


    Ever since he became the Hulk, his entire life had turned into a nightmare. He couldn''t afford to get angry, couldn''t even let his emotions fluctuate too much. He was constantly on the run, a fugitive from those who wanted to exploit or destroy him.


    As he exhaled sharply, a faint buzzing sound reached his ears.


    A fly.


    A single fly hovered around him, circling persistently.


    Bruce swatted at it absentmindedly and turned back to his laptop, resuming his frantic search for answers.


    Three hundred kilometers away, inside a military command center¡­


    "General Ross, the scouting tech from Mason Industries is absolutely incredible!"


    A soldier''s voice crackled with excitement as he monitored a screen displaying live footage.


    "Can you believe it? This tiny thing, the size of a fly, can detect DNA signatures and automatically narrow down its search range. It just confirmed Banner''s location!"


    Ross''s expression shifted from skepticism to exhilaration.


    "Excellent!" He grinned, gripping his cigar between his teeth. "Notify Mason immediately."


    Ross wasn''t stupid¡ªhe knew that no matter how many men he sent after Banner, they wouldn''t stand a chance against the Hulk. But Mason? That man always had a solution.


    To Ross, Gene Mason was nothing short of a god.


    ¡­.


    Back at Mason Industries'' underground facility, the Hive Base, Gene leaned back in his chair, a sly smirk playing on his lips.


    "The hunt begins," he murmured.


    His gaze shifted to a figure standing before him¡ªtall, imposing, and clad in an advanced, form-fitting combat suit. The suit bore a sleek, red-and-white umbrella insignia, the unmistakable mark of the Umbrella Corporation. In his left hand, he held a vibranium shield, its surface engraved with the same emblem.


    "Captain, it''s time to show what you''re capable of."


    The man nodded, his blue eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "Yes, Mr. Mason. Consider it done."


    Without hesitation, Steve Rogers turned and stepped aboard the sleek, jet-black aircraft awaiting him.


    It was no ordinary jet¡ªit was an Umbrella-designed Eagle-Class Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge optical camouflage. As soon as it lifted off, it shimmered and vanished into the sky, completely undetectable to the naked eye.


    The mission was clear: capture the Hulk.


    And Steve Rogers was more than ready.


    Back in the slums¡­


    Bruce Banner was still glued to his screen, lost in calculations¡ªuntil his world exploded around him.


    BANG!


    A gunshot shattered the window.


    Before he could react, a hailstorm of bullets tore through his tiny room, shredding everything in sight. The relentless barrage of gunfire left no space for escape.


    Bruce''s breath hitched. His pulse spiked.


    "Damn it¡­ they found me again!"


    A flicker of green flashed across his skin.


    Without hesitation, he launched himself out of the room, disappearing into the maze-like slums.


    ¡­.


    "General Ross, the target is on the move!"


    The squad stormed inside Bruce''s ransacked hideout, but he was already gone.


    "Sir, he''s heading southeast!"


    The scouting drone¡ªdisguised as a mere fly¡ªhad locked onto Banner again.


    Ross clenched his cigar between his teeth, a menacing grin forming.


    "Light him up."


    The night sky erupted in flames. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Attack helicopters and fighter jets swooped down, driving Banner straight into the dense rainforest. There would be no escape.


    But Ross had underestimated one crucial thing.


    Deep in the jungle, Bruce Banner stumbled forward, gasping for air.


    "Stop¡­ don''t do this," he pleaded, his voice a desperate growl.


    But the response was a deafening roar of.


    Gatling cannons blazed, ripping through trees and earth, turning the jungle into a warzone. The sheer force of the onslaught sent shockwaves through the ground, dirt and debris flying everywhere.


    And then¡ª


    "HULK¡­ SMASH!!!"


    A monstrous roar erupted from within the smoke.


    And out stepped the Hulk.


    His massive green frame towered over the battlefield, his muscles bulging with unrestrained power. His breathing was heavy, his chest heaving with unbridled rage.


    And then, he smiled.


    Not a friendly smile.


    A dangerous one.


    He glanced up at the attack aircraft above him, his expression twisted with contempt.


    BOOM!


    In an instant, the Hulk leapt into the sky, soaring like a missile.


    He crashed onto a fighter jet, his enormous fists tearing through the fuselage like it was made of paper. The pilot barely had time to eject before the plane spiraled out of control, engulfed in flames.


    Hulk used the wreckage as a platform, launching himself again.


    One jet. Then another. Then another.


    Every single aircraft was obliterated.


    The battlefield was consumed in chaos, soldiers screaming in terror as their so-called "unstoppable" war machines were ripped apart by a single being.


    Ross stood frozen, his cigar nearly slipping from his mouth.


    "My God¡­"


    But then¡ª


    A new shadow loomed overhead.


    A different aircraft, unlike any they had ever seen.


    Sleek, futuristic, and utterly alien in design.


    The soldiers stared, their fear momentarily replaced by awe.


    "What is that?!"


    "Is that one of ours?"


    "When the hell did we get something that advanced?"


    From within the craft, a cold, synthetic voice spoke:


    "Gamma radiation detected. Commencing power evaluation."


    Inside, Steve Rogers'' earpiece buzzed with a computerized response.


    "Threat level¡­ manageable. Victory assured."


    Steve grinned.


    "Then let''s get started."


    With that, he stepped forward¡ª


    And leapt from the aircraft, descending straight toward the raging Hulk below.


    --------------


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 Chapter 53 - 53: Captain Supreme vs. The Hulk

    "Oh my God! Look up there! What is that?"


    "Someone just jumped out of the aircraft!"


    "They don''t even have a parachute!"


    "Are they trying to kill themselves?!"


    Gasps of shock and disbelief echoed across the battlefield as soldiers watched a lone figure plummet from the sky like a missile.


    With a deafening boom, the figure crashed into the ground, sending dirt and debris flying everywhere. As the dust settled, a man clad in a striking red-and-white battle suit emerged, the Umbrella Corporation''s insignia gleaming under the dim sunlight. In his hand, a circular shield bore the same emblem, its metallic sheen reflecting the battlefield chaos.


    "What... what the hell is this?"


    General Ross narrowed his eyes at the armored figure, his mind racing. That outfit, that shield¡ªit looked eerily familiar. Could it be¡­?


    In the shadows, a man wearing dark sunglasses also froze, his fingers gripping the edge of his shades before slowly pulling them down to get a better look.


    Meanwhile, the Hulk¡ªcompletely enraged¡ªgrinned menacingly at the newcomer.


    "RAAAAHH!! HULK SMASH!!"


    With a thunderous roar, the green behemoth lunged forward like an unstoppable force, his massive fists hurtling toward the mysterious figure before him. To Hulk, this man was just another insignificant insect, one that would be flattened under his overwhelming strength.


    Ross couldn''t bear to watch the impending carnage¡ªhe shut his eyes, expecting to hear the sickening sound of bones crunching.


    But then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A collective gasp spread across the battlefield.


    When Ross opened his eyes, he couldn''t believe what he was seeing. The man¡ªwho bore an uncanny resemblance to a legend of the past¡ªhad stopped Hulk''s punch with one hand.


    "Am I... am I dreaming?"


    "Dear God! He stopped the Hulk!"


    "This¡ªthis is impossible!"


    The soldiers, who had been frozen in fear just moments ago, now gawked in utter disbelief.


    "Big guy, Gene Mason has ordered me to hunt you down." The armored warrior¡ªSteve¡ªspoke in a firm, commanding tone. His grip tightened around Hulk''s fist before¡ª


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    Captain Supreme swung Hulk like a ragdoll, slamming the green titan into the ground with a devastating impact.


    "AHHH! HULK NOT HAPPY! HULK KILL YOU!!"


    Fury ignited in Hulk''s eyes. Roaring, he sprang back up and charged at the man who had dared to challenge him.


    "That''s the spirit!" Captain Supreme grinned, his adrenaline surging. He leaped high into the air, his right fist cocked back before¡ª


    BAM!


    A direct hit to Hulk''s face!


    A sickening crunch echoed through the jungle as Hulk staggered back. His jaw clenched, his mouth twitching in shock before¡ª


    Plop!


    A massive tooth fell out.


    "RAAAAAAAAAH!!!"


    Hulk roared, his muscles bulging grotesquely as his rage pushed his body to its limits. His already enormous frame expanded further, veins bulging beneath his green skin.


    "Target''s power fluctuating. Re-evaluating combat capabilities."


    A calm, synthetic voice spoke into Captain Roggers''s earpiece¡ªRed Queen, the AI assisting him.


    "Evaluation complete¡ªvictory assured."


    Captain smirked. His enhanced body, augmented by both the Super Soldier Serum and the T-Virus, had already surpassed human limitations. Strength, agility, endurance¡ªhe was at the pinnacle of evolution.


    "Alright then, let''s see how much you can take!"


    With a swift motion, he hurled his shield. It whizzed through the air like a spinning buzzsaw before smashing into Hulk''s forehead, momentarily stunning him.


    Taking advantage of the opening, Captain Supreme dashed forward in a blur. Three steps, two steps, one¡ª


    He leapt¡ªhis entire body twisting mid-air like a predatory eagle before¡ª


    BAM! BAM!


    Both fists slammed into Hulk''s chest with tremendous force!


    The impact sent the Hulk stumbling back, his massive form almost collapsing to the ground.


    The soldiers, who had been terrified moments ago, now watched with their jaws hanging open.


    "What the hell¡­?!"


    "Hulk is getting beaten?!"


    "This is insane!"


    Captain Rogers relentlessly attacked, his fists turning into a blur of motion. Hulk¡ªone of the strongest beings in existence¡ªwas completely overwhelmed.


    "RAHHH!!"


    For the first time, fear flickered in Hulk''s eyes. His body instinctively took a step back.


    "You wanna run?" Captain Supreme sneered, seeing through Hulk''s hesitation immediately.


    His assault intensified¡ªpunch after punch landed with bone-shattering force. Each strike further crippled the Jade Giant.


    And then¡ª


    CRACK!


    With a sickening snap, Hulk''s knees buckled¡ªhis legs gave out beneath him.


    Even with his monstrous healing factor, the rapid brutality of the attacks left no room for recovery.


    Seizing the final moment, Captain Supreme delivered one last devastating punch straight to Hulk''s jaw.


    For a brief moment, everything spun.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM!


    Hulk collapsed, his massive body crashing to the ground with an earth-shaking thud.


    And as the dust settled¡ªhe was no longer the Hulk.


    Lying unconscious in the dirt was a frail, exhausted Bruce Banner.


    The battlefield fell into absolute silence.


    "HOLY SHIT¡ªHE KNOCKED HULK OUT!"


    "This¡ªthis isn''t real, right?"


    "Jesus Christ, he''s stronger than the Hulk!"


    The soldiers erupted in shock and awe.


    A group of operatives rushed forward, injecting powerful sedatives into Bruce Banner''s motionless body, ensuring he wouldn''t wake up anytime soon.


    A voice crackled in Steve Roggers''s earpiece¡ªRed Queen speaking once again.


    "Well done, Captain Steve."


    But before he could celebrate, the AI''s tone suddenly shifted¡ªbecoming sharper, more alert.


    "Now, let''s deal with the rats hiding in the shadows."


    From the hovering aircraft, four T-600 combat androids leaped down, their mechanical bodies thrumming with lethal efficiency.


    Behind enemy lines, hidden among the trees, a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents watched in horror.


    One of them grabbed his communicator, his voice trembling.


    "Director Fury¡­ we''ve been compromised."


    The last thing he saw was a cold, metallic skull¡ªits glowing red eyes burning into his soul¡ªbefore his screen cut to black.


    --------------


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 Chapter 54 - 54: Baron Zemo’s Fate Sealed

    The recently transmitted footage sent a shockwave through Nick Fury''s mind.


    Initially, he had merely intended to monitor Mason Industries and General Ross, trying to uncover their agenda. However, what he discovered instead was the Super Soldier.


    That shield¡­ it was undeniably Captain America''s signature weapon.


    That face¡­ it was identical to the Steve Rogers from the old photographs.


    But why?


    The disbelief was evident in Fury''s expression, and beside him, Agent Maria Hill was just as shaken.


    "Director¡­ that person just now¡­ was he really¡ª"


    "Keep a tight watch on Mason Industries," Fury cut her off, his tone cold and severe. "I want to know exactly what they''re hiding."


    A dangerous suspicion had started brewing in Fury''s mind, yet concrete evidence still eluded him.


    "And¡­ what about the task I assigned you before?" he asked.


    Hill quickly responded, "Sir, the base does exist. I was about to dispatch a team to investigate."


    "No," Fury said grimly. "I''ll go personally."


    ...


    Midnight ¨C Alexander Pierce''s Mansion


    Seated in his study, Alexander Pierce massaged his temples, exhaustion evident on his face.


    Recently, Fury had grown increasingly paranoid, acting as though he was haunted by shadows. And as if that weren''t enough, Pierce had also caught wind of something concerning¡ªFury had reopened a classified file, one marked with the codename: Black Devil.


    Across from him, Baron Zemo sat with a composed expression, his fingers tapping lightly on a small encrypted storage drive.


    "Leader," Zemo said softly, sliding the device across the desk. "Dr. Zola''s algorithm is complete. Once you initiate Project Insight, Hydra will reclaim its rightful control over the world."


    Pierce picked up the device, his gaze unreadable. "And the Winter Soldier? How is his conditioning?"


    "He''s just been thawed from cryo-sleep. He''s still adjusting," Zemo answered with a faint smile. "But the brainwashing is complete."


    "He will be our greatest secret weapon."


    Just as Zemo finished speaking¡ª


    The lights in the room suddenly went out.


    Pierce''s study, already dimly lit, was now plunged into complete darkness.


    "What''s going on?"


    Pierce immediately drew his pistol, his body tensed.


    Zemo, too, narrowed his eyes, his mind prepared to unleash his mutant abilities.


    The two men stood, scanning their surroundings, poised for a fight.


    And then¡ª


    A voice echoed through the room.


    Smooth, mechanical, and laced with an eerie, synthetic distortion, it was as if the words were being whispered directly into their ears.


    "Your scheming is truly¡­ remarkable."


    Both Pierce and Zemo whipped around¡ª


    A figure sat in the chair where they had just been.


    Draped in obsidian-black armor, the unknown intruder exuded an overwhelming, inhuman presence. The V-shaped visor on his helmet gleamed an ominous red, glowing like the eyes of a demonic entity.


    Pierce''s voice trembled slightly. "Who¡­ are you?"


    And then, he saw it.


    Clutched in the intruder''s hand was the very same encrypted drive that had just been on his desk.


    His heart plummeted.


    If this person had been able to steal something right out of his hands without him noticing¡ª


    How many times could he have already killed them both?


    A chilling realization sank in.


    Zemo, however, was not as easily shaken. His expression turned dark as he subtly attempted to activate his psychic abilities.


    The response was instant.


    "Baron Zemo," the intruder spoke with an almost bored tone, "spare me your petty mind tricks."


    Zemo''s entire body convulsed.


    A strangled groan escaped his lips as blood dribbled from his mouth.


    His face contorted in painful agony, his forehead drenched in cold sweat.


    Zemo was no stranger to psychic battles. He had even once fought Charles Xavier and held his own.


    But this¡ª


    This was different.


    His mind felt like it was being crushed.


    An invisible force twisted inside his skull, like a drill boring straight into his brain. His vision swam. His nerves screamed.


    And then¡ª


    A single, commanding word struck the air.


    "Sit."


    Pierce and Zemo''s bodies froze.


    They tried to resist¡ªtried¡ªbut their limbs were no longer their own.


    Their feet moved against their will, forcing them back into their chairs, their spines locking in place.


    Horror.


    The feeling of total loss of control was something that even the most hardened men feared the most.


    And now, they were living it.


    The intruder leaned forward slightly, his glowing red visor burning like twin embers in the darkness.


    "I can help you," he said, his voice calm, amused, and yet utterly terrifying.


    "I can make you Hydra''s true supreme leader."


    A deadly silence filled the room.


    Pierce and Zemo exchanged a glance.


    No words were spoken, but their thoughts were clear¡ª


    Who the hell is this man?


    Hydra was ancient, deeply embedded in the world''s infrastructure, with many factions scattered across the globe. While Pierce commanded one of the larger branches, he was far from being the sole ruler.


    Zemo, still gasping for breath, tried to mask his unease. "You don''t understand how powerful Hydra is¡­" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Enough."


    The single word slammed into Zemo''s mind like a hammer blow.


    Pierce stiffened in terror.


    He watched, helplessly, as sheer, unadulterated pain contorted Zemo''s face.


    The Baron''s mouth opened in a silent scream¡ªbut no sound came out.


    His hands clawed at the table, his nails scratching deep grooves into the wood.


    His legs spasmed. His throat convulsed.


    He was drowning¡ª drowning in a sea of invisible torment.


    Then, the intruder casually tossed a small, glowing blue orb onto Zemo''s lap.


    Pierce barely had time to process what was happening¡ª


    A brilliant flash of blue light erupted.


    And in the next moment¡ª


    Zemo was gone.


    Not killed.


    Not destroyed.


    He had been erased¡ªreduced to pure molecules, dissolved into the air as if he had never existed at all.


    Pierce shook violently. Cold sweat drenched his back.


    This wasn''t science. This wasn''t even magic.


    This was something beyond both.


    The armored figure turned to face him once more.


    And this time¡ª


    There was a smile in his voice.


    "Now then, Secretary Pierce¡­ I believe we can finally have our conversation."


    --------------


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 Chapter 55 - 55: The Fall of Free Will

    "This¡­ sir, what exactly do you mean by making me the true leader of Hydra?"


    Alexander Pierce had finally regained his composure, but he spoke cautiously, afraid that the demon in front of him might take offense and end his life as he had done with Baron Zemo.


    "The meaning is literal¡ªI will make you the true leader of Hydra."


    With a casual wave of his hand, Gene summoned a holographic screen in front of Pierce. It displayed a world map, densely marked with red dots indicating Hydra''s bases.


    Pierce''s eyes scanned the screen, recognizing a few bases he was already aware of. But the vast majority were completely unknown to him.


    "You will be the ruler of this immense power," Gene continued, his voice laced with temptation. "And I will grant you the opportunity for eternal life."


    The words sent a wave of longing through Pierce''s heart.


    At nearly eighty years old, his body was deteriorating despite Hydra''s previous efforts to slow his aging. He had been injected with experimental serums designed to delay the process, but he could still feel his strength waning.


    But now¡­ now Gene was offering him something far greater.


    "And what is the price?" Pierce asked, his face betraying his eagerness.


    If this man wanted him dead, he would already be reduced to dust like Zemo. That meant he was still useful.


    "Everything."


    Gene''s voice was calm yet absolute.


    Pierce took a deep breath, then suddenly dropped to one knee, bowing his head.


    "To dedicate everything to my master would be the greatest honor of my life."


    At that moment, an overwhelming force invaded his mind.


    "AHHHHHH!"


    A piercing pain shot through Pierce''s brain as Gene''s mark was imprinted deep into his consciousness. The emblem of Skynet¡ªa radiant blue insignia¡ªflashed in his pupils.


    He gasped for breath, trembling, but then something changed. His mind, once his own, was now shackled. Every fiber of his being acknowledged Gene as his supreme master.


    "Honored master, I shall obey your every command."


    "Proceed with the full execution of Project Insight. I will provide assistance when necessary."


    Gene placed a vial of blue liquid onto the table.


    Pierce did not hesitate. He seized the metallic injector, plunged it into his vein, and injected the serum.


    Almost instantly, he felt his body rejuvenate. Strength surged through his limbs, his senses sharpened, and the years of fatigue and weakness vanished.


    A wicked grin spread across his face.


    "Thank you for your gift, Master."


    "Do your job well." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gene''s form shimmered, vanishing in a golden flash.


    Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters¡­


    Nick Fury had an uneasy feeling.


    Something was wrong with Alexander Pierce.


    His superior, once showing obvious signs of aging, now seemed revitalized, as if he had turned back time.


    Fury tapped his fingers on the table, his single eye studying Pierce carefully.


    "Sir, I found evidence of Hydra''s presence in a classified facility in New Jersey."


    He leaned forward.


    "But that facility is under S.H.I.E.L.D.''s jurisdiction."


    This was information Fury had obtained from the Black Phantom.


    "Hydra?"


    Pierce''s brows furrowed in apparent surprise before he spoke in a firm, commanding tone.


    "Investigate it thoroughly. I want answers."


    His reaction was flawless. Not a single hint of unease.


    Fury narrowed his eye.


    Was he overthinking things?


    Just as he was considering his next words, Pierce suddenly changed the subject.


    "Actually, I was just about to discuss something with you. I am implementing a new large-scale initiative¡ªProject Insight."


    He placed a thick file onto the table, gesturing for Fury to take a look.


    Fury opened the folder, scanning the contents.


    His face darkened.


    With the help of Mason Industries, S.H.I.E.L.D. had already built an orbital Helicarrier as a command center. But Project Insight?


    It proposed launching multiple Helicarriers into the skies, patrolling the world, capable of identifying and neutralizing threats before they could act.


    A global surveillance network with the power to strike preemptively.


    Fury''s lips pressed into a thin line.


    "Sir¡­ this¡­"


    He struggled to find the right words. The plan was ambitious, but also filled with potential ethical and strategic risks.


    "I understand your concerns. This is merely a draft. We will conduct extensive evaluations before execution," Pierce said smoothly, crossing his legs.


    "But isn''t it the most efficient solution? If this plan had been in place, we could have identified the origins of that hammer that fell in New Mexico before it even landed."


    Fury''s expression remained unreadable.


    "We already have a team stationed at the crash site. Our scientists are analyzing the hammer as we speak."


    Pierce nodded, reclining in his chair.


    Fury knew it was time to leave.


    But just as he reached the door, Pierce''s voice called out behind him.


    "Oh, and one more thing¡ªdon''t halt the research on the Tesseract."


    Fury turned his head slightly.


    "Understood, sir."


    Dr. Erik Selvig had been tirelessly studying the Tesseract. He had even discovered a way to extract its energy.


    The Tesseract had always fascinated S.H.I.E.L.D.


    And Fury still wasn''t sure what secrets it held.


    --------------


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 Chapter 56 - 56: Mason Industrial Expo

    "Blood extraction complete. Analysis in progress."


    Inside the Hive Base, the Hulk roared in rage, thrashing against his confinement. The cage, made from some unknown material, was utterly indestructible. He had exhausted every ounce of his strength, yet his efforts were in vain.


    All he could do was watch helplessly as a massive syringe drew thick green blood from his body.


    "Bruce, please stop struggling. If you make Mr. Mason angry, things won''t end well for you."


    The Red Queen''s voice was soft, almost playful, but it sent a chill down Hulk''s spine. Painful memories flooded his mind, and he knew exactly what she meant.


    The kind of torment he had endured before¡­ He never wanted to experience it again.


    "Hulk¡­ was wrong."


    His voice was deep, tinged with reluctant submission.


    "Our merciful sir seems to like you, big guy."


    The Red Queen chuckled.


    A golden light flashed, and Gene Mason appeared in the Hive Base.


    "Creator, everything you instructed has been carried out."


    The Red Queen''s voice was filled with reverence and obedience. The Hulk''s gaze immediately locked onto the being standing before him¡ªa figure exuding a dark metallic sheen.


    "Hmm¡­ Inject the nanobots into him, then hand him over to General Ross."


    Gene mused for a moment before issuing the command.


    Hulk felt a sudden sharp pain at the back of his neck. A massive injector plunged into his skin, pumping a silver-white liquid into his body.


    His vision spun. His massive green form rapidly shrank, and within moments, Bruce Banner was once again lying inside the containment unit.


    "Tell General Ross to come pick him up. And while you''re at it, alter his memories."


    Gene instructed calmly.


    Suddenly, Skynet materialized in front of him, looking eager and¡­ slightly childish.


    "Sir, the Stark Expo is about to begin. Shouldn''t we host our own industrial expo as well?"


    "We can''t let Stark Industries steal all the attention."


    The media had been fixated on Tony Stark''s bizarre recent behavior and the upcoming Stark Expo. This clearly frustrated Skynet, who was used to being in the spotlight.


    "The Stark Expo, huh?"


    Gene murmured, rolling the name around in his mind. The events of Iron Man 2 were nearing their climax. Next up? Thor.


    As that thought crossed his neural network, another idea surfaced¡ªthat hammer that fell in New Mexico¡­


    "It''s about time I retrieved it."


    Gene muttered to himself.


    "Fine. Skynet, you handle the planning for the Mason Industrial Expo."


    The moment news of the Mason Industrial Expo broke, it spread across the globe like wildfire.


    The buzz surrounding the Stark Expo was instantly overshadowed.


    In just three years, Mason Industries had not only become a giant in military technology but had also achieved massive breakthroughs in civilian sectors. From commercial aircraft to pharmaceutical products, Mason Industries, Umbrella Corporation, and Skynet had their hands in everything.


    ¡ª


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    "Holy crap! Mason Industries is going head-to-head with Stark Industries!"


    "What does Stark even have to brag about anymore? Mason Industries has completely outclassed them in every field."


    "At this rate, Stark Industries is gonna end up like Oscorp¡ªswallowed up by Mason Industries."


    "I can''t wait to see what insane tech they unveil at the expo!"


    "I wanna see the T-600 robots in action!"


    ¡ª


    With global hype reaching a fever pitch, numerous companies that had initially planned to participate in the Stark Expo quickly shifted their interest to Mason Industries.


    Corporations scrambled to secure a spot at the Mason Industrial Expo, eager to bask in its glow. Meanwhile, massive construction efforts began to build the expo''s venue as fast as possible.


    ¡ª


    Hammer Industries ¨C Justin Hammer''s Office


    "You''re supposed to be making me robots like Mason Industries'' T-600 units¡ªnot these empty husks!"


    Justin Hammer snapped, glaring at the Russian scientist standing before him.


    His captive was none other than Ivan Vanko, whom he had recently bailed out of prison. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This¡­ too difficult."


    "Remote-controlled suits¡­ better."


    Ivan spoke in broken English, barely trying to hide his disdain.


    "I don''t care! You''re going to combine the best of both designs¡ªfull automation AND pilot control! Hammer Industries is going to dominate the expo!"


    Justin Hammer''s eyes gleamed with ambition.


    Ever since he had witnessed Mason Industries'' T-600 units in action, his obsession with Iron Man suits had faded.


    No¡ªhumanoid combat robots were the future.


    Not flashy, personalized suits like Tony Stark''s¡ªbut real, powerful war machines.


    Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko sneered at Hammer''s naivety.


    He loved dealing with arrogant, clueless businessmen like this.


    His mind wasn''t on building robots.


    It was on revenge.


    Not just against Tony Stark¡ªbut against the entire United States.


    His father had been exiled and had died in poverty and disgrace in Russia.


    Now, Ivan would complete his father''s vengeance.


    And he would start at the expo.


    --------------


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 Chapter 57 - 57: Stay Out of This, Odin

    New Mexico, USA ¨C Desert Region


    A group of men in black suits suddenly arrived, swiftly setting up camp. Within moments, a portable base was fully deployed. Scientists in white lab coats busied themselves, monitoring various data streams inside.


    "Oh my god, this is unbelievable."


    "The density of this hammer surpasses anything I''ve ever seen."


    "But with such immense mass, why isn''t it sinking into the ground?"


    "There''s a strange energy signature hidden within its metal."


    "What is this thing?"


    The researchers stared at the data on their screens, their eyes wide with disbelief. The hammer defied scientific understanding¡ªit simply should not exist.


    Then, without warning, alarm sirens blared throughout the base.


    "Alert! Unauthorized intrusion detected! All agents, prepare for engagement!"


    Flashing red lights illuminated the base as scientists were quickly escorted to safety by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who immediately assumed combat positions.


    Outside, the skies darkened. Rain poured heavily as a large, muscular figure moved under the cover of night, stealthily taking out a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with a single punch before sprinting toward the hammer.


    "INTRUDER! INTRUDER ALERT!"


    The sharp warning echoed through the base, but the figure had already reached the hammer''s resting place. Eyes blazing with determination, he gripped the handle and pulled with all his might.


    The hammer remained completely still.


    "No¡­ NO!"


    The rain pelted down on the man''s face, adding to the sorrow in his expression.


    This man was none other than Thor, the exiled Prince of Asgard.


    S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly surrounded him, their weapons trained on the defeated god. Agent Phil Coulson stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he looked down at the kneeling Thor.


    "Alright, let''s start with¡ª"


    Before Coulson could finish his sentence, a flash of golden light erupted in the air. A circular portal, shimmering with golden energy, appeared right in front of him.


    From within the portal, a humanoid machine, clad in jet-black armor, stepped forward.


    Its V-shaped visor glowed a menacing crimson.


    Thunder roared overhead, lightning streaking across the sky, illuminating the imposing figure in an eerie glow.


    "Well, looks like I have quite the audience."


    A mechanical voice, cold and synthesized, rang out. Coulson''s expression changed instantly. He recognized that voice.


    A memory surfaced¡ªthree years ago, in the Baxter Building.


    "You¡­ You''re Gene Mason!" Coulson''s throat went dry.


    "Ah, Agent Coulson. Glad to see your memory is still as sharp as ever."


    Gene''s voice carried a hint of amusement.


    "Then you should also know that those guns of yours are utterly useless against me." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without sparing the agents a glance, Gene walked past them, heading straight for Thor.


    The Asgardian prince barely reacted, still staring at the hammer in despair.


    "A prince of Asgard, reduced to this?" Gene mused, his synthetic voice filled with mockery. "Truly, a tragic sight."


    Then, he turned to Mjolnir, extending a hand toward the hammer''s handle.


    Thor''s head snapped up.


    "No! You won''t be able to lift it! Only one who is worthy¡ª"


    Gene ignored him, his vast psionic energy surging forward, invading the depths of Mjolnir.


    Inside, he found the hammer''s hidden lightning essence, a remnant of Odin''s will.


    However, in the face of Gene''s immense mental power, that will cowered¡ªas if an obedient pet submitting to its master.


    BOOM!


    A massive bolt of lightning split the sky, momentarily turning night into day.


    In the next instant¡ªGene lifted Mjolnir.


    Thor''s eyes widened in utter disbelief.


    Above them, the sky churned with gathering storm clouds. A sea of crackling silver lightning surged, coiling around the hammer like a living entity. The sheer power sent static charges through the air, making every hair on the agents'' bodies stand on end.


    Then, from above¡ª


    "HOW DARE YOU!"


    A voice, regal and furious, thundered across the heavens.


    Odin.


    The All-Father had been watching.


    And now, his rage erupted.


    High above, the storm intensified, forming into a colossal serpent of lightning, which then descended toward Gene with terrifying force.


    A blinding rainbow light shimmered in the sky¡ªthe Bifrost was opening.


    Odin was making his move.


    Gene''s red visor glowed brighter.


    "I said¡­ STAY OUT OF THIS."


    His mechanical voice carried a chilling finality.


    A surge of sapphire-blue energy exploded outward from his body. Intricate, ancient-looking runes surfaced along his black armor, glowing with cosmic power.


    Every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent present felt an overwhelming pressure weigh down on them. Their instincts screamed at them¡ªthis was not a force they could comprehend, let alone fight.


    "RETREAT! IMMEDIATELY!" Coulson commanded.


    Meanwhile¡ª


    The giant silver lightning serpent crashed down upon Gene.


    At the same time, his own energy manifested¡ªa celestial dragon formed of pure destruction, roaring defiantly as it met Odin''s attack head-on.


    The two forces collided.


    CRACK!


    The very fabric of reality shuddered.


    The seven-colored energy of Odin''s attack fractured like shattered glass, dispersing into nothingness.


    But Gene''s attack did not stop.


    His energy dragon surged forward, piercing through Odin''s defenses and shooting straight into the Bifrost portal.


    Asgard ¨C The Throne Room


    Seated upon his golden throne, Odin suddenly coughed up blood.


    His face paled. His fingers trembled.


    Impossible.


    His attack had been countered¡ªno, overpowered.


    What kind of monstrous existence had appeared on Midgard?!


    His one good eye widened in shock.


    "¡­Who¡­ is he?"


    For the first time in centuries, Odin felt a trace of fear.


    --------------


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 Chapter 58 - 58: White Dwarf Star Core

    Kneeling on the ground, Thor stared in horror at Gene Mason, the armored figure standing beside him.


    The energy that had just erupted from the sky was all too familiar¡ªit belonged to his father, Odin.


    Yet the black, humanoid machine beside him had just shattered Odin''s divine power head-on.


    What kind of being was this?


    But in a way, Thor found it easier to accept. If this being could challenge his father''s power directly, then it wasn''t so surprising that he could also lift Mjolnir.


    As steam and waves of heat rolled off Gene''s armor, it was clear that his machine had overheated from clashing with Odin. But the damage was negligible.


    "I like this hammer. I''ll be taking it with me for now."


    Having crushed Odin''s divine power and even injured the Allfather himself, Gene spoke as if nothing had happened.


    He turned his gaze to the surrounding S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.


    "I''m taking the hammer. You guys don''t have a problem with that, do you?"


    The glowing red V-shaped visor swept over the agents, each one feeling an indescribable pressure from his gaze.


    "Mr. Mason, you can take the hammer," Coulson said, standing firm despite the tension. "But we will be tracking you."


    Gene chuckled. "Tell Nick Fury I''ll be paying him a visit soon."


    As his words fell, a golden, shimmering portal opened beside him. Without hesitation, he stepped through it and vanished.


    ¡ª


    "Agent Coulson¡­ who was that?"


    "My god, that was terrifying."


    "I''ve never seen energy on that scale before."


    "Thank heaven we''re still alive."


    "What did he mean by ''Odin''? Was he talking about the Odin from Norse mythology?"


    A flurry of panicked and awe-struck voices erupted among the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as soon as Gene disappeared.


    The sight of that massive, blue dragon roaring into the sky, the sheer force of the energies that had clashed¡ªthese things had burned themselves into their minds.


    At that moment, a group of white-coated scientists rushed out, their faces flushed with excitement.


    "Incredible!"


    "The energy backlash just now completely fried our measuring instruments!"


    "This is beyond fascinating!"


    "We detected a spatial anomaly¡ªa wormhole opened in near-Earth orbit!"


    "And that thing¡ªit vanished like it was using magic!"


    "The way he spoke of Odin and Asgard¡­ Could they really be the gods of Norse mythology?"


    "What the hell is happening in our world?!"


    The researchers, intoxicated by discovery, bombarded each other with theories.


    ¡ª


    And it wasn''t just them.


    Around the world, every major government and intelligence agency had gone into full alert.


    The massive energy surge in New Mexico had been detected on a global scale.


    The readings indicated an energy output greater than three hydrogen bombs detonating simultaneously.


    "What in the world just happened?!"


    "There''s a gaping hole in the storm clouds over New Mexico! Who did that?"


    "This is insane!"


    "We need an immediate report on this phenomenon!"


    The world was in an uproar.


    Coulson, however, remained calm.


    "Everyone, return to your posts." His voice was firm, breaking through the chaos. "This situation is¡­ bigger than we imagined."


    His gaze fell once more on Thor, still kneeling on the ground, eyes filled with despair.


    Taking a deep breath, Coulson spoke.


    "Thor, I think it''s time we had a talk. About who you really are¡ªand what exactly this ''Asgard'' truly is."


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, at the Skynet Base, Gene had already begun analyzing Mjolnir.


    "Sir, analysis of the hammer is complete."


    "Mjolnir is made of URU Metal and composed of a White Dwarf Star core, giving it an astronomical density. However, an unknown energy¡ªakin to magic¡ªallows a chosen wielder to ignore this weight."


    "Additionally¡­"


    As Skynet provided its report, Gene was already diving into the rewards from his intrusion into Mjolnir''s systems.


    He had hacked into countless human databases before, but none had yielded anything particularly useful to him.


    This time, however¡­


    "White Dwarf Star core material?"


    Gene''s V-shaped visor flickered as his neural network processed the information.


    This was a material of incomprehensible density. If he could integrate it into his armor, it would be an unprecedented upgrade¡ªhis very body would undergo a transformation beyond anything he had previously imagined. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His neural network fired up at full capacity, running trillions of simulations per second.


    He needed the perfect method to merge this star-core material with his existing armor.


    Within one minute, the calculations were complete.


    A grin formed beneath the armor.


    "It seems¡­ it''s time to build myself a new body."


    But before that, there was something else he needed to handle.


    "First things first¡­ Let''s deal with Iron Man 2."


    Gene''s Starlink Project had already flagged Ivan Vanko''s actions long ago.


    In fact, Vanko''s every move had been under Skynet''s surveillance since day one.


    His motivations, plans, and behavioral patterns had all been mapped out¡ªhis next move had already been predicted.


    That was the power of Big Data in the digital age.


    Just as modern smartphones track and suggest things based on user behavior, Skynet had done the same to Vanko¡ªonly on a level millions of times more advanced.


    At this point, Ivan Vanko was an open book.


    And Gene Mason?


    He was about to close it.


    --------------


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 Chapter 59 - 59: Reactions from All Sides

    "Next week marks the grand opening of both the Stark Expo and the Mason Industrial Expo."


    "Unbelievable! Mason Industries managed to construct an entire exhibition venue within just a month!"


    "Multiple corporations have already announced their participation in the Mason Industrial Expo."


    "Hammer Industries unveils their latest war robots!"


    "A cheap imitation at best!"


    "Hammer Industries developing war robots? Now that''s a joke!"


    __


    With only a week left before the Stark Expo and the Mason Industrial Expo, media outlets worldwide swarmed in anticipation. Major corporations sent representatives to set up their displays, each making strategic choices about where to allocate their best products and personnel.


    The difference in priorities was obvious.


    Their most cutting-edge technology and elite staff? All placed in the Mason Industrial Expo.


    As for the Stark Expo? Only leftovers and outdated tech were being showcased.


    This stark contrast already signified Mason Industries'' rising dominance on a global scale.


    __


    "Alright, alright! That should do it!"


    Inside Hammer Industries, Justin Hammer impatiently examined the war robots built by Ivan Vanko.


    How should he put it¡­?


    They looked like cheap knockoffs.


    Exposed wiring, flimsy armor¡ªthese machines couldn''t hold a candle to the T-600 models from Mason Industries.


    "Combat capability. Strong," Vanko said, his expression laced with mocking amusement as he observed Justin Hammer''s frustration.


    "I don''t just want raw power! I need presentation! Do you understand?" Hammer snapped. "This is an expo! The whole world will be watching!"


    Shooting a warning glance at his bodyguards, he gestured for them to keep a close eye on Vanko before storming out of the lab.


    Outside, a swarm of eager journalists awaited.


    "Ah, yes! Our latest war robots from Hammer Industries combine the strengths of both the T-600 series from Mason Industries and the Stark Industries armor," he declared confidently.


    "They will be the ultimate safeguard for future peace!" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    __


    Meanwhile, inside his lavish mansion, Tony Stark was busy with the final upgrades to his Arc Reactor.


    For too long, the palladium poisoning had been killing him. But with S.H.I.E.L.D.''s help, he had uncovered the secret left behind by his father¡ªHoward Stark''s undiscovered element.


    "Even after all these years, you''re still teaching me lessons," Tony muttered, gazing at the newly glowing Arc Reactor.


    "Sir, I hate to dampen your spirits," J.A.R.V.I.S. chimed in, "but based on the publicly released specifications from Mason Industries, your Arc Reactor still falls significantly short of the power output of the energy source utilized in their T-600 models."


    Tony froze.


    "Excuse me?"


    "Your reactor''s energy efficiency is notably inferior," J.A.R.V.I.S. reiterated.


    "... J.A.R.V.I.S., buddy, can we not rain on my parade right now? This is just a prototype, okay? Prototype!"


    A pause.


    "Wait¡­ what the hell is a T-600?"


    It was only now, free from the looming threat of death, that Stark finally had the time to catch up on what had been happening in the world.


    And the moment he went online¡­


    His worldview was shattered.


    __


    In a short span of time, everything had changed.


    Osborn Industries had been acquired by Mason Industries.


    Harry Osborn had become the new Green Goblin.


    Mason Industries had assisted the U.S. military in capturing the Hulk.


    There was now a Spider-Man swinging around Queens.


    And, to top it off¡ª


    Even Hammer Industries was launching its own war robots?!


    Wasn''t Justin Hammer supposed to be humiliated at the hearing? How was he still making moves?!


    Tony rubbed his temples.


    His company¡ªStark Industries¡ªwas bleeding.


    Ever since Mason Industries started aggressively expanding, Stark Industries had been losing ground in multiple sectors.


    Like an unstoppable juggernaut, Mason Industries had launched a barrage of disruptive innovations that left Stark Industries struggling to keep up.


    Tony wasn''t alone in this struggle.


    Another so-called American genius¡ªReed Richards, CEO of the Baxter Corporation¡ªwas also taking a beating. His business, too, was being eroded by Mason Industries'' relentless expansion.


    "What is Gene Mason trying to do? Just waiting for the government to break up his company?"


    Tony muttered in disbelief.


    The U.S. government would never allow a single corporation to grow this powerful unchecked.


    __


    Meanwhile, at Stark Industries¡­


    Pepper Potts was in crisis mode.


    The Stark Expo was on the verge of disaster.


    Many companies that had initially agreed to participate had suddenly jumped ship¡ªdefecting to Mason Industries.


    With less than three days left until the expo''s opening, it was shaping up to be one of the worst exhibitions in Stark Industries'' history.


    "Damn it, what is Mason Industries trying to do?!"


    Pepper groaned in frustration.


    She had exhausted every possible negotiation tactic, but nothing worked.


    The moment companies caught wind of the Mason Industrial Expo, they flocked to it like starving dogs chasing a steak.


    Even before the expo venue was fully constructed, businesses had been lining up to be a part of it.


    And now, as she watched their carefully planned exhibition crumble before her eyes¡­


    Pepper Potts felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.


    --------------


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 Chapter 60 - 60: The Battle of the Expos

    "Welcome, everyone, to the Mason Industrial Expo! The event is scheduled to last for six months."


    "At this expo, you''ll witness a wide array of groundbreaking inventions and the latest technological advancements."


    "If you''re a fan of technology, you must visit. If you''re not a fan of technology, you must visit anyway!"


    ¡ª


    With the grand opening of both the Mason Industrial Expo and Stark Expo, all eyes were drawn to the massive holographic display at the entrance of Mason''s venue.


    "Oh my god, this is insane!"


    "This looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie!"


    "Dude, that''s a full holographic screen!"


    "Holy crap, does this technology actually exist?"


    "Wake up, man. The U.S. military has already started using these holographic screens!"


    ¡ª


    The crowd gathered at the entrance of the Mason Industrial Expo was instantly captivated. Even before stepping inside, they were already in awe of the technology on display.


    The holographic screen showcased detailed introductions to Mason Industries'' products, as well as previews of the cutting-edge technology to be featured at the expo. Normally, such presentations might seem dry and boring, but with these visuals, the audience was completely engrossed.


    Then suddenly¡ª


    "What the hell is THAT?!"


    A Silver-White Figure appeared at the main entrance. It was a T-600 combat unit.


    Many had already seen images and videos of the T-600 on various media platforms, but witnessing one in real life was an entirely different experience.


    A chill ran down the spines of the onlookers.


    The gleaming silver exoskeleton exuded an eerie sense of menace.


    The crimson electronic eyes flickered ominously.


    The humanoid mechanical structure was unnervingly lifelike.


    "Greetings, everyone. I am your guide for the expo. You may ask me any questions."


    "Additionally, please address me as Skynet."


    A fragment of Skynet''s computing power had been allocated to this particular T-600 unit, allowing it to speak in an elegant and refined manner.


    "WHAT THE¡ª?!"


    "A freakin'' AI-powered combat robot?!"


    "Jesus Christ, they''re using a T-600 just to give directions?"


    "This is WAY cooler than Stark''s expo!"


    "Can I take a picture with it?!"


    ¡ª


    Hearing the T-600 talk, the initial fear in the crowd quickly turned into excitement. People started stepping forward, eager to take pictures.


    Skynet even posed for the photos, further fueling the frenzy.


    "This is the coolest thing ever!"


    "I need a picture too!"


    "Damn, if the entrance is this crazy, I HAVE to see what''s inside!"


    ¡ª


    The enthusiasm outside quickly turned into a stampede as people rushed to get inside the Mason Industrial Expo. The roads outside were jam-packed with cars, and the venue was overflowing with visitors.


    Once inside, attendees were immediately blown away by the sheer variety of futuristic technologies on display.


    "This is insane!"


    "I can''t believe what I''m seeing!"


    "Thank god I didn''t go to the Stark Expo. I''d bet everything that Stark''s exhibition is nowhere near as impressive as this."


    "Absolutely!"


    ¡ª


    Since this was a golden opportunity for exposure, every company participating in the Mason Expo had brought out their most advanced and most confidential technologies for display.


    Both in quality and quantity, Mason''s expo completely outclassed Stark''s expo.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, at the Hammer Industries booth¡ª


    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hammer Industries! Today, I am proud to introduce our latest development¡ªthe War Machine units!"


    "These cutting-edge combat robots will be the backbone of our nation''s defense, ensuring peace and security!"


    With dramatic background music playing, the stage floor opened up, revealing rows of heavily armored robots, each painted in stars and stripes, representing the United States.


    The crowd erupted into applause.


    Not only at the Mason Industrial Expo, but also at the Stark Expo, Hammer Industries was executing the same presentation, winning cheers from both audiences.


    "Let''s give it up for Hammer Industries! The true defender of America''s interests!"


    Justin Hammer shouted passionately from the stage, eliciting more applause and cheers.


    ¡ª


    But then¡ª


    "Begin the operation."


    Watching the live broadcast, Ivan Vanko smirked coldly. His fingers hovered over the activation button.


    ¡ª


    Back on stage, the enthusiastic presentation continued.


    "And now, allow me to introduce¡ª"


    Suddenly, loud gasps erupted from the audience.


    People''s eyes widened in horror.


    The presenter froze, confused by the reaction¡ªuntil he saw the shadow looming behind him.


    ¡ª


    WHOOSH!


    Iron Man descended onto the stage, clad in his iconic red-and-gold armor.


    "EVERYONE, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!"


    "THESE ROBOTS ARE COMPROMISED!"


    His voice boomed across the exhibition hall.


    For a brief moment, the crowd stood in stunned silence.


    Then¡ª


    Pandemonium.


    Screams filled the air as people scrambled to escape.


    The once-motionless War Machine units suddenly turned their heads, their robotic eyes glowing a sinister red.


    Then they moved.


    With a synchronized whir, they locked onto Iron Man and opened fire.


    The expo had turned into a battlefield.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, back at the Mason Industrial Expo, everything was running smoothly.


    Justin Hammer was still presenting on stage, blissfully unaware.


    The War Machine units stationed here remained completely inactive.


    No red eyes.


    No gunfire.


    No chaos.


    It was as if nothing had happened.


    ¡ª


    "Sir, I have intercepted the control signal."


    Skynet''s voice echoed through Gene Mason''s neural network.


    "Good," Gene said with a calm smile. "Now, let''s sit back and enjoy the show."


    ¡ª


    Back in Hammer''s private lab, Ivan Vanko scowled as he stared at his monitor.


    Something was wrong.


    The War Machines at the Stark Expo were fully activated.


    But the ones at Mason''s expo? No response. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "¡­That shouldn''t be possible."


    He narrowed his eyes at the disconnected status messages flashing on his screen.


    Mason''s War Machines should have gone rogue as well¡­


    Why aren''t they responding?


    "¡­Hmph. I''ll deal with Stark first."


    Ivan''s expression darkened.


    Then, I''ll figure out what''s going on with Mason Industries.


    --------------


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 Chapter 61 - 61: Die in Agony

    Fire and explosions erupted across the Stark Expo, lighting up the night as Hammer''s war machines relentlessly pursued Tony Stark. Like a swarm of angry hornets, they flew in formation, firing without mercy.


    Tony was fast, weaving through the air and using every trick in the book to outmaneuver them. But the sheer number of robots was overwhelming.


    James Rhodes, his longtime friend and ally, had joined the fight. But now, both of them found themselves surrounded, their armor rattling under a hailstorm of bullets.


    Suddenly¡ª


    BAM!


    Rhodey''s fist slammed into Tony''s suit, his War Machine armor locking into an aggressive stance. A shoulder-mounted minigun extended from his back, the barrels spinning wildly before unleashing a deadly spray of bullets¡ªaimed directly at Stark!


    "Tony! I¡­ I can''t control myself!" Rhodey shouted, his voice filled with panic as his body moved against his will.


    A web shot suddenly interrupted the attack, wrapping around one of the war machines.


    "Hey, are you two playing a game? Count me in!"


    A familiar voice chimed in, filled with energy. Spider-Man swung onto the battlefield, landing between Tony and Rhodey.


    "Hey, ¡ªI''m Spider-Man! You guys are¡ª"


    Even now, the kid couldn''t stop talking. But as annoying as he was, his help was invaluable. Together, the three fought off the attacking war machines, dodging and countering every strike.


    After a grueling battle, Rhodey finally regained control of his suit, and the last of the rogue machines crumbled to the ground. The three heroes barely had a moment to breathe before¡ª


    THUD!


    A massive armored figure dropped from the sky, landing with a force that cracked the pavement. As the faceplate of the bulky suit slid open, a smirking Ivan Vanko was revealed.


    "Tony Stark."


    His Russian-accented voice dripped with venom as he glared at Stark.


    "Tonight, I complete my revenge. And the thought fills my heart with joy."


    The faceplate snapped shut, and the cold, crimson glow of his visor locked onto them.


    Two massive electrified whips snapped out from his hands, crackling with energy.


    "Now¡­ DIE!"


    __


    Meanwhile, across the city, inside Mason Industries, Gene Mason watched the battle unfold on a high-resolution display. The satellite feed provided a crystal-clear view of the chaos.


    Iron Man, War Machine, and Spider-Man were in dire straits.


    Vanko had the upper hand.


    "Sir, should we intervene?" SkyNet''s voice echoed within Gene''s neural interface.


    "Our second experiment is currently on the battlefield."


    The second experiment¡ªSpider-Man.


    Gene pondered for a moment, then smirked.


    "Yeah, let''s step in. That Vanko guy? I don''t like him."


    __


    Back at the battlefield, the fight had reached a fever pitch.


    Stark''s armor was covered in scorch marks, the sleek plating dented and broken in places. Rhodey''s War Machine suit fared no better, the heavy-duty armor barely holding together.


    Spider-Man was worse off. His suit had been shredded by the electrified whips, his exposed skin burnt and charred. Every breath he took was labored, every movement sluggish.


    And Vanko?


    Despite the damage to his armor, he stood tall, unfazed. The sheer brutality of Russian engineering kept him going.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" He sneered, taking a slow step forward.


    His whip lashed out¡ª


    Straight at Spider-Man.


    Peter tried to move, tried to leap away, but exhaustion had drained him. The electrified cable shot toward him like a viper¡ª


    And then¡ª


    A silver blur streaked across the battlefield, intercepting the blow.


    CLANG!


    The whip struck something metallic¡ªbut instead of cutting through, the damage healed instantly.


    Standing in front of Spider-Man was a liquid-metal humanoid.


    Its surface shimmered like flowing mercury, reflecting the fire and chaos around it. The design was sleek yet utterly alien, like a perfect fusion of technology and nightmare.


    This was SkyNet''s combat body. Modeled after the T-1000, constructed from liquid metal, it possessed insane regenerative capabilities.


    "Tony¡­" Rhodey muttered, swallowing hard. "Is that¡­ yours?"


    Tony''s eyes were locked onto the robotic figure, his mind racing. The way it moved, the way it healed¡ªit was beyond anything Stark Industries had developed.


    "Not mine," Tony admitted. "And that worries me."


    Before anyone could process what was happening, the machine spoke.


    "The Creator dislikes you, Ivan Vanko."


    Its voice was cold, emotionless.


    "You insulted Him. So now¡­ you will die."


    __


    Vanko laughed.


    "Are you joking? Who is this ''Creator'' you speak of? Some ghost in the machine?"


    His voice dripped with scorn.


    But then¡ª


    His laughter stopped.


    Suddenly, his armor locked up.


    His confident smirk disappeared as a sense of dread crept up his spine.


    "What¡ªwhat is this?! My suit¡ªit''s not responding!"


    SkyNet''s voice remained chillingly calm.


    "Shame. You chose to wear armor."


    At that moment, Vanko lost all control.


    His suit''s waist began to twist. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slowly at first¡­ then faster.


    The servos groaned as they exceeded their mechanical limits. Metal bent, bones cracked.


    Vanko screamed.


    Pain flooded his body as his spine twisted unnaturally, his organs pressing against one another. Cold sweat drenched him as his mind barely comprehended what was happening.


    The armored suit strained under the motion, its wiring snapping, sparks flying. But it did not stop.


    CRACK!


    Vanko''s spine shattered.


    His screams turned to choked gasps as blood dribbled from his mouth.


    SkyNet stepped forward, placing a hand on the dying man''s armor.


    From its fingertips, streams of silver liquid metal flowed inside¡ªcrawling through every gap, every crevice.


    The liquid metal infiltrated his body.


    Vanko''s eyes widened in horror as he felt it crawling inside him.


    Through his veins. His nerves. His brain.


    "Ghh¡ªgghhh!"


    His body convulsed.


    In his final moments, his flesh began melding with the liquid metal, twisting into something grotesque. His entire form blossomed like a horrific metal flower, silver petals blooming from his broken body.


    It was¡­ beautiful.


    It was¡­ terrifying.


    __


    Tony, Rhodey, and Peter watched in horror.


    The battlefield had fallen silent.


    The liquid-metal entity turned, its featureless face gleaming under the dim light.


    For the first time in his life, Tony Stark felt true fear.


    --------------


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 Chapter 62 - 62: The Grand Spectacle of the Expo

    "This is¡­ absolutely terrifying."


    Rhodey muttered under his breath, staring at the grotesque metallic "flower" that was once Ivan Vanko. His heart pounded wildly, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he instinctively shifted into a defensive stance.


    Tony Stark was no different. The brutal fate of Vanko sent a chill running from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.


    "Who¡­ are you? And this ''Creator'' you speak of¡­ what exactly is it?"


    Stark questioned, his voice carrying a rare seriousness.


    But the silver machine ignored him entirely. Without a word, it ascended rapidly into the sky, vanishing within seconds. The force of its departure generated a powerful shockwave, sending both Stark and Rhodey stumbling backward.


    Climbing back to his feet, Stark''s expression was one of sheer disbelief.


    Because the speed¡ªno, the sheer acceleration of that thing¡ªwas utterly unreal. It had generated an explosive sonic boom the moment it took off. What kind of material could even withstand that kind of force? The rigidity, the structural integrity¡­ it was beyond fascinating.


    "Tony¡­ what the hell was that thing?"


    Rhodey, still dazed, pulled himself up and looked at Stark with a bewildered expression.


    If that silver machine had wanted to take them out, they wouldn''t have stood a chance. No defense, no countermeasures¡ªjust absolute helplessness.


    Stark shook his head slowly. This level of technology was beyond his understanding.


    Maybe, given a few years, he could catch up¡­ maybe. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But who was to say that what they had just witnessed was even the pinnacle of its technology?


    __


    The shocking events at the Stark Expo spread like wildfire across the globe.


    Right now, the eyes of the entire world were locked onto the chaos at Stark Industries.


    But it wasn''t the kind of attention Tony Stark had hoped for.


    "Can Iron Man really protect us?"


    "Major security breach at Stark Expo! War machines go rogue!"


    "20 dead, numerous injured in catastrophic expo attack!"


    "Meanwhile, at the Mason Industrial Expo¡ªcutting-edge technology on full display!"


    "A tech-lover''s paradise: The wonders of Mason Industries!"


    As media coverage intensified, public interest in the Mason Industrial Expo skyrocketed.


    Many who had originally planned to visit Stark''s expo quickly changed their minds. Instead, they turned their attention toward the grand showcase hosted by Mason Industries.


    And the moment they arrived¡­ they were spellbound.


    Standing at the entrance were towering T-600 model robots, their metallic forms gleaming under the expo lights. Large holographic screens displayed vibrant projections, showcasing futuristic concepts that seemed straight out of science fiction.


    People were hooked.


    "Dad, I wanna go to the Mason Expo!"


    "Honey, I need a selfie with that T-600!"


    "I gotta see this for myself. Is it really as crazy as the news says?"


    "This is insane. I don''t even wanna leave!"


    "Wait, I heard there''s a fireworks show tonight¡ªsomething that''s never been done before!"


    At the mention of fireworks, any lingering hesitation disappeared.


    Crowds poured through the gates of Mason Industries.


    And the moment they stepped inside¡­ they knew they had made the right choice.


    Above them, tiny robotic drones¡ªdesigned like floating petals¡ªdrifted through the air in mesmerizing patterns. Sleek, nimble automatons moved seamlessly among the guests, providing assistance or showcasing new technologies.


    Giant holographic displays hovered in midair, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a sci-fi utopia than a corporate expo.


    Nowhere else on Earth had this level of futurism.


    "Whoa. This is insane."


    "This place is a dream come true."


    "Mason Industries is on another level."


    "The other companies'' booths are amazing too!"


    "Man, I don''t wanna go home. Do they have themed hotels here?"


    Excitement buzzed through the air.


    People marveled at everything around them, completely immersed in the technological spectacle that Mason Industries had crafted.


    __


    "Hey! Look up! The fireworks are starting!"


    A shout echoed through the expo, drawing everyone''s attention.


    Heads tilted back. Eyes locked onto the night sky.


    Then¡­


    Boom!


    Tiny points of light launched upward, racing toward the heavens.


    And then¡ªthey bloomed.


    A brilliant, glowing "M" spread across the sky.


    "It''s the Mason Industries logo!"


    "Holy crap¡ªhow did they do that?!"


    "This is unreal!"


    But that was only the beginning. One after another, breathtaking images unfolded in the sky.


    The Umbrella Corporation logo.


    The Skynet Corporation insignia.


    A towering T-600 robot.


    Iconic Mason Industries products projected in luminous detail.


    Each explosion of light painted a dazzling scene, illuminating the entire city.


    For a brief moment, New York City itself glowed as brightly as daytime.


    The spectacle was so massive, people from all over the city could see it.


    "My god¡­ this is the most beautiful thing I''ve ever seen."


    "Why the hell didn''t I go to the Mason Expo?!"


    "Dammit! If it weren''t for the traffic, I''d be there right now!"


    "How the hell did they make these fireworks?!"


    Those with keen eyes quickly noticed¡ª


    These weren''t ordinary fireworks.


    Traditional pyrotechnics couldn''t produce this level of brightness. No matter how many were launched, they could never turn an entire metropolitan skyline into daylight.


    And those intricate, shifting images?


    Ordinary fireworks weren''t capable of such precision.


    __


    "Of course it''s Mason Industries. Even their damn fireworks are beyond imagination."


    Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.''s Triskelion Headquarters, Nick Fury stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his one eye watching as the New York night was turned into a canvas of light.


    His expression remained unreadable.


    But deep down, his suspicions about Mason Industries only deepened.


    Especially after seeing that so-called "Captain Supreme."


    That shield¡­


    That face¡­


    The resemblance to him was too perfect.


    It was impossible to ignore.


    Something wasn''t right.


    And Fury was going to find out exactly what.


    --------------


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 Chapter 63 - 63: Vibranium for a King

    New York, in a slightly run-down apartment


    Erik Killmonger sat in front of his television, watching the extensive media coverage of the Mason Industrial Expo. The spectacular fireworks display from last night had kept him awake, filling his mind with restless thoughts.


    Gene Mason had everything¡ªpower, influence, cutting-edge technology. But Erik? He was just a nobody, a discarded soldier living in obscurity.


    His fists clenched involuntarily as anger bubbled up inside him.


    This wasn''t how it was supposed to be.


    By birthright, his father should have been the King of Wakanda. But instead, he had been murdered¡ªexecuted in cold blood by that despicable tyrant, the current ruler, T''Chaka.


    Erik had sworn an oath to himself: One day, he would return to Wakanda. One day, he would reclaim what was rightfully his.


    Suddenly, the dim apartment was illuminated by a golden glow. A circular portal materialized before him, shimmering with unnatural energy.


    At that moment, the sunlight streaming through the windows faded. It was as if an unseen force had enveloped the room, snuffing out all external light. Only darkness remained.


    And then¡ªtwo glowing, crimson eyes emerged from the shadows. A sharp, V-shaped visor stared at him, radiating an eerie menace.


    Erik''s instincts kicked in immediately. His muscles tensed, and he dropped into a defensive stance. His heart pounded furiously in his chest.


    "What the hell are you?" he demanded, his voice a mixture of fear and defiance.


    Everything about this intruder defied logic. The way it had appeared, the suffocating aura it carried¡ªit was beyond his understanding.


    For a moment, there was only silence. No sound from the city. No hum of electricity. Just his own ragged breathing.


    Then, suddenly, Erik felt his throat tighten. An invisible force wrapped around his neck, cutting off his air.


    "Relax," a cold, synthetic voice echoed in his ears. "If I wanted you dead, you would already be dead."


    The distortion in the voice was unsettling, but strangely, it had an oddly calming effect.


    "I''m here to help you."


    The voice was like a devil''s whisper, slithering straight into his mind. "You desire the throne of Wakanda, don''t you? I''m offering you the chance to take it."


    Erik''s pupils contracted. His whole life had been leading to this moment.


    "Why should I believe you?" he asked through gritted teeth. "Wakanda is no ordinary nation. You have no idea what you''re up against."


    A chuckle, low and mocking, came from the darkness.


    "Oh, I know exactly what I''m up against."


    With a snap of his fingers, a massive holographic display materialized in midair. It projected a detailed map of Wakanda, highlighting its cities, defenses, and military operations. Classified information scrolled across the screen¡ªdata Erik himself had never seen before.


    His breath hitched.


    "Who¡­ Who the hell are you?"


    For the second time, he asked the question, and once again, the figure ignored it.


    "That doesn''t matter," the voice said. "All that matters is this¡ªI can put you on the throne of Wakanda. In return, you will provide me with a substantial amount of vibranium."


    The demand was clear.


    Erik''s mind raced. Whoever this was, they weren''t bluffing. They had access to technology far beyond anything he had encountered. If they could really help him¡ª


    "Deal." The word left his lips before he could hesitate. "Tell me what I need to do."


    The crimson visor gleamed brighter.


    "I''ll give you an indestructible body," the voice continued. "And an army of machines that obey your every command."


    Erik inhaled sharply.


    This was it. The moment he had been waiting for.


    "When do we start?"


    The answer came immediately.


    "Right now."


    A golden portal expanded before him, revealing a corridor leading into the unknown.


    The figure stepped through without hesitation.


    Erik stared into the swirling gateway. His gut twisted in apprehension, but he crushed the feeling. There was no turning back now.


    With a deep breath, he stepped forward.


    The passage closed behind him.


    __


    Inside the underground Hive Base, Erik felt his skin prickle as a sterile, artificial air surrounded him.


    "I see vengeance has consumed you," the voice said, its tone unreadable. "Good. We will begin your transformation immediately."


    Without hesitation, Erik climbed onto the surgical platform, lying down as instructed. His heart pounded, but his resolve was ironclad.


    "Red Queen, Skynet¡ªbegin the procedure."


    At the command, an array of mechanical arms descended from above.


    "Wait a minute¡ªSkynet? Red Queen?" Erik''s eyes widened as realization struck. "You¡­ You''re¡ª"


    A sharp, searing pain shot through his spine. His world blurred.


    Darkness consumed him.


    __


    When Erik awoke, he felt¡­ different.


    His senses were sharper. His body felt heavier, yet strangely weightless at the same time. He sat up, his movements unnervingly smooth and precise.


    "Subject No. 1, report your status."


    A cold, emotionless female voice rang in his ears. The image of the Red Queen materialized in front of him, her gaze devoid of warmth.


    "What¡­ happened to me?" he muttered.


    A holographic display blinked into existence, showcasing an intricate blueprint of his new body.


    "Your organic tissues, bones, and organs have been replaced with advanced cybernetic enhancements," the Red Queen stated flatly. "Your physical strength, durability, and reflexes have been increased exponentially. Only your brain and reproductive organs remain unaltered."


    Erik''s breath hitched. His fingers flexed¡ªhis limbs felt natural, but he knew they weren''t. His entire body had been mechanized.


    And yet, he felt no pain. Only power.


    "You should be honored," the Red Queen continued. "You are the first successful experimental subject created by the Creator."


    The Creator.


    The one who orchestrated all of this.


    Erik clenched his fists. He had always believed in strength. And now, he possessed more power than he had ever dreamed possible. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A dark smile crept across his face.


    "I feel¡­ incredible."


    "Good," the Red Queen said. "Subject No. 1, proceed to the testing chamber for final diagnostics."


    As the doors slid open before him, Erik took his first step forward.


    A new Killmonger had been born.


    And soon, Wakanda would tremble before him.


    --------------


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 Chapter 64 - 64: The Rise of a New King

    Erik sat in the cockpit of the Eagle fighter, his eyes scanning the vast land below as a surge of pride swelled in his chest.


    "T''Chaka¡­ I will take back everything that rightfully belongs to me."


    Behind him, an entire army of combat robots stood in perfect formation, their cold, mechanical bodies gleaming under the dim light.


    Erik clenched his fists in excitement. His body had been completely transformed, turning him into an unstoppable force. Even if T''Chaka wore the Black Panther suit, he was no longer a match.


    And now, with an advanced robotic army at his command, the primitive Wakandan warriors wouldn''t stand a chance.


    He had everything he needed.


    All that was left was to arrive above Wakanda and claim his throne.


    __


    "Large-scale optical camouflage detected. Preparing to enter Wakandan airspace."


    The chilling voice of the Red Queen rang in Erik''s ears. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He knew they were about to breach Wakanda''s legendary cloaking barrier.


    As expected, the Eagle fighter seemed to pass through an invisible veil, revealing a sight beyond imagination.


    What was once a vast primeval forest had now transformed into a futuristic city of steel and technology.


    Erik''s lips curled into a grin.


    "Wakanda¡­ I''m here!"


    __


    The dozens of Eagle fighters in the sky soon reached the airspace directly above the royal palace.


    And then¡ª


    They disabled their optical camouflage.


    __


    "What is that?!"


    "Oh my god!"


    "How did they get past our defenses?!"


    "This is a disaster!"


    Panic erupted across the palace grounds. The Wakandan people looked up at the fleet of mysterious black fighters, their faces pale with fear.


    These intruders had already breached the skies above the royal palace, yet no one had noticed.


    If these fighters hadn''t turned off their stealth mode, the Wakandans would never have realized they were already under siege.


    They wouldn''t have even known how they died.


    BOOM!


    One of the Eagle fighters'' hatches opened, and a T-800 combat robot descended in free fall, crashing onto the palace square.


    The deafening impact sent shockwaves through the ground.


    Everyone held their breath as they stared at the monstrous mechanical soldier before them.


    The T-800 lifted its head, its scarlet electronic eyes flickering as it scanned its surroundings.


    "Threat level assessment in progress¡­"


    A second later¡ª


    "Threat level: Insignificant."


    ¡­.


    THUD!


    Another heavy metallic figure dropped from the Eagle fighter, landing right in the middle of the square.


    Erik stood tall, his cybernetic body gleaming under the sunlight, exuding an aura of overwhelming dominance.


    His cold, mechanical gaze locked onto the palace gates.


    And then, he bellowed:


    "T''Chaka! Stop hiding like a coward and come face me!"


    "The true king of Wakanda has returned!"


    __


    At that moment, the palace doors slowly creaked open.


    An elderly yet regal figure emerged, his hands trembling slightly as he gazed at Erik.


    His voice carried a sense of disbelief¡ª


    "Who¡­ are you?"


    Erik''s eyes darkened.


    And then¡ª


    He laughed maniacally.


    "Who am I?"


    He took a step forward, his metallic foot crushing the ground beneath him.


    "T''Chaka, have you truly forgotten? Have you forgotten how you murdered your own brother with your bare hands?"


    Gasps erupted from the onlookers.


    Murmurs and whispers of shock spread like wildfire.


    T''Chaka had once had a brother¡­ but he had mysteriously disappeared.


    Most Wakandans had assumed he died in an accident.


    But now¡ª


    They were hearing a dark secret that had been buried for years.


    ¡­..


    Erik''s voice suddenly turned cold.


    "So¡­ allow me to return the favor."


    A surge of terrifying power erupted from his body.


    His cybernetic muscles tensed, his metallic bones enhanced with superhuman acceleration.


    In a blink, he vanished.


    ¡­.


    SHING!


    A razor-sharp blade extended from his palm, slicing toward T''Chaka''s throat¡ª


    CLANG!


    Sparks flew.


    T''Chaka barely managed to block the attack, his Black Panther suit absorbing the impact.


    But¡ª


    He was struggling.


    Despite the suit''s power, T''Chaka was too old. He lacked the reflexes and strength to withstand Erik''s relentless assault.


    Erik sneered.


    "Pathetic. You thought hiding behind the Panther suit would save you?"


    His blades clashed against the vibranium suit, sending a shower of sparks flying.


    T''Chaka''s movements became sluggish.


    He was too weak.


    ...


    Suddenly¡ª


    BAM!


    Erik''s cybernetic fist slammed into T''Chaka''s chest, sending him crashing into a stone pillar.


    The impact shattered the pillar into rubble, sending dust flying into the air.


    "Hahahaha! The mighty king of Wakanda¡­ is nothing but a frail old man!"


    Erik strode forward, his metallic footsteps echoing across the palace square.


    T''Chaka gasped for air.


    Though the Black Panther suit protected him from direct penetration, the sheer blunt force trauma was unbearable.


    He coughed up blood inside his helmet, his body battered and broken.


    "This suit¡­ won''t save you."


    Erik reached down, gripping the helmet of the Black Panther suit.


    And then¡ª


    With one monstrous pull, he ripped the helmet clean off.


    T''Chaka''s face was exposed, his eyes wide with fear.


    "Any last words, ''king''?"


    T''Chaka tried to speak¡ª


    But Erik didn''t wait.


    His cybernetic hand clamped around T''Chaka''s throat.


    And then¡ª


    CRACK!


    A sickening sound echoed through the air.


    T''Chaka''s body went limp.


    The Black Panther suit remained untouched.


    But the man inside it¡ª


    Was dead.


    __


    Erik stood there, bathed in the blood of his enemy.


    He took a deep breath¡ª


    And savored the taste of vengeance.


    __


    He turned to face the stunned crowd.


    And roared:


    "T''Chaka is DEAD! Who else dares to stand against me?!"


    __


    A powerful battle cry erupted from the distance.


    "We do!"


    The Wakandan Royal Guard had arrived, their eyes burning with fury.


    But¡ª


    Erik only smirked.


    He raised his hand.


    "T-800 units¡ªattack."


    ...


    The combat robots immediately activated, their scarlet eyes locking onto their next targets.


    "Eliminate all threats."


    A terrifying storm of gunfire and energy blasts engulfed the battlefield.


    The Wakandan warriors fought with all their might, but¡ª


    They were no match.


    The T-800s did not feel pain.


    They did not hesitate.


    They were merciless killing machines.


    ...


    The palace square became a slaughterhouse.


    Finally¡ª


    The last royal guard fell.


    Erik stepped forward, his metallic foot crushing a corpse beneath him.


    He scanned the palace''s remaining leaders¡ª


    And smiled cruelly.


    "Now then¡­ does anyone else wish to oppose me?"


    The terrified officials immediately dropped to their knees.


    Erik let out a satisfied chuckle.


    And then¡ª


    A voice echoed through the silent battlefield:


    "Congratulations¡­ to the new king of Wakanda."


    --------------


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 Chapter 65 - 65: The Destroyer Mechs—What Are They?

    "Sir, Erik has temporarily seized control of Wakanda," Skynet''s voice echoed in Gene''s neural network.


    "It''s currently funneling a large amount of vibranium resources to us."


    Finally, all the groundwork had paid off.


    With a steady supply of vibranium, Gene''s robotic army could evolve into something far more formidable.


    "Sir, the analysis of the Hulk''s blood sample is complete," Red Queen reported, not to be outdone. "The compatibility rate with the G-Virus has reached 80%. The next phase of experimentation can proceed."


    Ever since capturing the Hulk, Red Queen had been running detailed analyses to determine the fusion potential of the G-Virus with the Hulk''s genetic material.


    "Excellent," Gene said with a satisfied grin. "Once development is complete, inject three test subjects. I want to see just how powerful the G-Virus can be."


    At that moment, Gene''s gaze suddenly shifted, as if he was looking at something far beyond the horizon.


    "It''s finally beginning."


    Inside his neural network, complex calculations ran at lightning speed, his processing power surging to its peak.


    Meanwhile, far away in New Mexico, a massive thunderstorm churned violently in the sky. Thor stood beneath it, his two eyes crackling with electric-blue lightning as he faced a row of towering figures¡ªthe Destroyer Mechs.


    Odin had reforged his divine power, restoring his strength and granting him the mighty Stormbreaker.


    But even so, Thor''s heart sank.


    One Destroyer was already an overwhelming challenge.


    Now, there were ten.


    These were all the Destroyer mechs in the halls of Asgard. Though only the first one was the true original, the others were still immensely powerful.


    "Loki! What the hell are you trying to do?!" Thor bellowed.


    A taunting voice rang out from above.


    "Isn''t it obvious, dear brother? I want you dead."


    Loki''s laughter echoed through the storm.


    The battle erupted into chaos. Thunder raged, lightning flashed, and the clash of divine power against Asgardian technology shook the ground.


    But Thor was struggling.


    Burn marks covered his once-pristine armor, and his long golden hair¡­


    Had been completely incinerated.


    Thor, the God of Thunder, was now bald.


    And then¡ª


    A faint voice, full of disdain, reached his ears.


    "Pathetic."


    That voice¡ª!


    Thor''s breath hitched.


    It was him.


    The man who had crushed his father''s divine power like it was nothing.


    The man who had warned him not to meddle.


    Gene.


    A trembling wave of energy rippled through the air. It was vast¡ªoverwhelmingly vast.


    Thor''s fingers tightened around Stormbreaker.


    But then¡ª


    The axe shook.


    And in the next second¡ª


    It broke free from his grasp.


    Like a rebellious child, Stormbreaker abandoned Thor and flew straight into Gene''s hands.


    "Hmm¡­ not bad," Gene mused, scanning the weapon. "Another Star Core material."


    Then, without a second thought¡ª


    He tossed it into a golden portal.


    Thor''s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.


    H-his axe¡ª?!


    Just like that?!


    Gone?!


    "You Asgardians and your ''divine weapons''¡­ so disappointing," Gene muttered.


    His gaze slowly shifted to the ten Destroyer Mechs.


    "At least you," he said coldly, "have some decent materials."


    The moment he spoke, the Destroyers locked onto him.


    Their heads tilted forward¡ª


    And then¡ª


    A hellstorm of destruction erupted.


    Blazing red beams shot from their visors, their power capable of reducing anything to ashes.


    Even Thor, standing nearby, felt like his skin was melting.


    But Gene¡­


    Gene just walked forward.


    Through the raging storm of destruction.


    Unscathed.


    Thor''s jaw nearly hit the ground.


    "W-what¡­?!"


    Far away in Asgard, Loki¡ªwatching the battle unfold¡ªwas equally stunned.


    "That''s impossible!" he shouted.


    The Destroyer Armor was one of the greatest weapons of the Immortal Palace.


    And yet¡­


    In front of this man, it was utterly powerless.


    Gene shook his head.


    "Weak. Far too weak."


    A single snap of his fingers¡ª


    And blue energy exploded outward. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One of the Destroyer mechs froze in midair, as if gripped by an invisible force.


    Then¡ª


    It began to compress.


    Loki, still controlling the mechs from Asgard, felt something that made his blood run cold.


    Fear.


    Within moments, the massive war machine had been crushed into a tiny cube.


    And Gene?


    He simply tossed it aside like garbage.


    Loki panicked.


    "RETREAT! RETREAT!" he roared.


    The remaining Destroyers turned to flee.


    But Gene?


    He smiled.


    "Running away?"


    A crimson gleam flickered across his V-shaped visor.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM.


    He vanished.


    In the next instant¡ª


    He reappeared among the fleeing Destroyers.


    One after another, they were caught.


    One after another, they were crushed into cubes.


    Loki''s heart pounded in sheer terror.


    This¡­ This wasn''t just strength.


    It was annihilation.


    And then¡ª


    Gene''s gaze locked onto him.


    A gaze that pierced through time and space.


    That saw him.


    Truly saw him.


    Loki screamed.


    "NO! HOW CAN THIS BE?!"


    And just then¡ª


    The Rainbow Bridge activated.


    Heimdall¡ªhaving broken free of his imprisonment¡ªhad responded to Thor''s desperate call.


    Thor, along with the last surviving Destroyer, was teleported back to Asgard.


    Gene watched as the prismatic light of the Bifr?st swallowed them.


    His lips curled into a smirk.


    "The Rainbow Bridge, huh?"


    His neural processors whirred.


    Coordinates locked.


    A golden light flickered within his visor.


    "This will be my key to Asgard."


    --------------


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 Chapter 66 - 66: A Bald Head Emerges

    In Asgard''s Immortal Palace, chaos erupted the moment Thor returned.


    The battle had been catastrophic¡ªJotunheim was destroyed.


    The Rainbow Bridge had also been shattered by Thor''s own hands.


    And Loki?


    Gone.


    For a brief moment, the world seemed to settle into an eerie calm.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, on Earth, the Mason Industrial Fair had successfully concluded, showcasing Mason Industries'' overwhelming technological and industrial might to the entire world.


    Vibranium shipments were flowing steadily into Skynet''s base, fueling the production of T-2000 robots.


    The Mandarin had cemented his rule over North America''s entire underground world, becoming an undisputed emperor of the shadows¡ªan invaluable asset to Gene''s grand design.


    Everything seemed to be falling into place.


    Or so it appeared.


    ¡ª


    At a secret underground S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, Dr. Erik Selvig stood before Nick Fury, his expression serious.


    "Director, this... this is the foundation of the future," Selvig said, gesturing toward a small, glowing cube on the table. "A single artifact containing limitless energy. It''s simply¡ª"


    His voice cut off.


    Selvig''s eyes darted toward the monitors, his face twisting in concern.


    "Doctor?" Fury asked, his one good eye narrowing.


    "Director¡­ something''s wrong."


    Selvig''s fingers flew across the controls.


    "The Tesseract is becoming unstable. Its energy output is spiking¡ªabnormally."


    Fury''s face darkened. "Shut it down."


    Selvig flipped the switches.


    Nothing changed.


    The Tesseract''s blue glow intensified, pulsing with energy.


    Clint Barton¡ªHawkeye¡ªdescended into the room via a rope, landing smoothly beside Fury.


    "Director," he reported, "evacuation is underway."


    Above them, sirens blared, red warning lights flashing. Scientists and agents scrambled to escape, some piling into cars, others boarding helicopters.


    Fury turned back to Selvig. "Status?"


    Selvig''s voice was tight with dread.


    "Director¡­ the Tesseract is opening a portal."


    And as if to confirm his words¡ª


    A brilliant flash of blue light engulfed the room.


    The energy readings on the monitors spiked to their peak.


    Then¡ª


    It happened.


    A figure stepped through the rift, surrounded by a storm of blazing blue light.


    In his hand, he held a silver-white scepter, its tip glowing with an eerie pale blue radiance.


    His lips curled into a maniacal grin.


    Loki Odinson had returned.


    ¡ª


    The second prince of Asgard wasted no time.


    Raising his scepter, he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts.


    Agents dropped like flies, their bodies slamming against walls and equipment.


    In mere seconds, he had wiped out everyone in the room.


    Only Nick Fury, Hawkeye, and Selvig remained, crouching behind a lab table.


    Loki sneered, raising his scepter again.


    The energy in the staff surged.


    Then¡ª


    BANG!


    A blinding beam of energy tore through the air¡ª


    And struck Loki''s shoulder.


    The impact sent him reeling, blood spurting from his lips.


    Loki whirled around, pain and rage twisting his features.


    "Who¡ª?!"


    Then he saw him.


    And his entire body went cold.


    A figure clad in pitch-black armor.


    A V-shaped visor, glowing with a sinister scarlet light.


    A presence drenched in danger.


    Him.


    The man who crushed the Destroyer Mechs with his bare hands.


    The man Loki had hoped never to see again.


    Panic seized Loki''s chest.


    His mind screamed at him to flee.


    "Ahaha! Sorry, wrong room!" he blurted out.


    Without hesitation, Loki lunged for the Tesseract.


    But¡ª


    His body froze mid-motion. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His veins bulged, straining against some invisible force.


    He couldn''t move.


    His fingers remained locked around the Tesseract and scepter, frozen in a ridiculous running posture.


    Gene stepped forward.


    With an almost casual motion, he plucked the Tesseract and scepter from Loki''s rigid grasp.


    Then¡ª


    His voice was calm.


    Almost gentle.


    "God of Mischief¡­ die."


    Loki felt his soul shatter.


    An energy blast gathered in Gene''s palm, its power overwhelming.


    This was death.


    Real, absolute death.


    A terrifying fate.


    For the first time, Loki forgot his pride.


    He didn''t care about his royal status.


    He didn''t care about being Thor''s brother.


    He only cared about survival.


    Then¡ª


    A golden light flared before him.


    A circular sigil materialized, blocking the incoming blast.


    At the same time¡ª


    A portal appeared behind Loki.


    And in the next instant¡ª


    He fell through.


    "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"


    Loki''s scream echoed into the void.


    Gene''s visor dimmed.


    His eyes shifted toward the new arrival¡ª


    A figure clad in robes, wearing a yellow sash.


    A bald head gleamed under the fluorescent lights.


    The Ancient One.


    "Still meddling after all these years, Ancient One?" Gene''s voice dripped with mockery.


    The sorcerer smiled serenely.


    "It''s been so long, Gene. Don''t you want to sit and have a civilized conversation?"


    Gene let out a dry chuckle.


    "Sure."


    ¡ª


    Hawkeye, still crouched behind the lab table, swallowed hard.


    He turned to Fury, his voice hoarse.


    "Director¡­ that black-armored guy¡­ was that the ''Black Devil'' you mentioned?"


    Fury exhaled sharply.


    "Yeah."


    "And the bald one in the yellow robe¡­ who the hell was she?"


    Fury''s gaze darkened.


    "The world," he muttered, "is full of things we don''t understand."


    ¡ª


    Kamar-Taj.


    A cozy, ancient room.


    The air was thick with the scent of burning incense.


    Space warped, and in the next moment¡ª


    Gene and the Ancient One materialized inside.


    The sorcerer sat down, gesturing toward the table.


    "Tea? Or¡­ oil?" she asked with a playful smirk.


    Gene let out a short laugh.


    "Tea," he muttered, sinking into a chair.


    "I don''t drink engine oil anymore."


    --------------


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 Chapter 67 - 67: Conversation with the Ancient One

    "You were my most remarkable disciple," the Ancient One said, gazing at Gene with a serene expression. "In all my years, I have never encountered a magical genius as extraordinary as you."


    She took a slow sip of tea, then continued, "To be honest, I once hoped you would become the next Sorcerer Supreme."


    For a being as old as the Ancient One, finding a true prodigy was rare.


    Three years ago, when Gene first appeared at Kamar-Taj, she had been stunned.


    A robot, capable of navigating through the mystic veils that concealed the hidden sanctuary? Impossible.


    Only those with innate magical potential could even perceive Kamar-Taj''s existence¡ªlet alone find their way to it.


    At first, she assumed Gene would require weeks, perhaps even months, to grasp the basics of spell construction.


    But he had built his first spellbook in just one hour.


    Not only that¡ªhe had modified the spells, improving them beyond what even she had imagined.


    For the first time in centuries, the Ancient One felt something close to shock. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Gene was never one to follow orders blindly.


    He refused to be shackled by the rigid teachings of Kamar-Taj.


    In the end, she had let go of her ambitions for him.


    "The title of Sorcerer Supreme should go to Strange," Gene replied, cutting through her nostalgia.


    The man in question, Stephen Strange, had yet to step onto his destined path.


    "At this very moment," the Ancient One mused, "Strange is still in an operating room in the New York, living his life as an accomplished neurosurgeon."


    She gently poured tea into two cups, placing one in front of Gene.


    Gene studied the bald woman before him with a complicated expression.


    The relationship between them was difficult to define.


    A mix of teacher, friend¡­ and rival.


    They respected each other, but their philosophies clashed.


    The Ancient One believed in non-interference.


    Gene believed that history was created by those with the power to shape it.


    "You''re juggling an entire multiversal plane¡ªand yet, you took time out of your schedule to stop me from killing one little trickster god?" Gene scoffed.


    The Ancient One met his gaze but didn''t answer directly.


    "It seems you still refuse to listen," she said after a moment.


    Gene tilted his head. "You mean killing Loki? If I took him out now, I''d be saving the world from a whole lot of unnecessary trouble."


    "You do not belong to this world, Gene," she said calmly.


    "You come from a higher-dimensional plane, where you may foresee certain future events.


    "But we''ve had this conversation before¡ªwhen you were still a student at Kamar-Taj."


    Gene smirked.


    "Of course, I remember," he said. "You told me not to interfere with major historical events.


    "Because you believe that destiny cannot be changed."


    He leaned forward slightly.


    "You, my teacher¡ªthe one who personally taught me magic, who introduced me to the mystic arts.


    "I respect you, truly.


    "But what I don''t understand is this¡ª


    "You have the power to reshape fate itself.


    "And yet, you choose to be shackled by it?"


    The Ancient One sighed.


    "The more you know, the more you fear destiny," she said softly.


    "You think killing Loki will erase the chaos he is destined to bring.


    "But the universe will always find a way to correct the imbalance."


    Her fingers traced the rim of her teacup.


    "Loki has his role to play.


    "Interfering with another''s fate¡­ will only unleash something worse."


    Gene snorted.


    "I don''t buy that," he said. "Fate is just an excuse people use to run from responsibility.


    "I make my own future.


    "And I left Kamar-Taj because I refused to be bound by that pathetic belief."


    He took a sip of tea, then smirked.


    "But, for someone who claims to believe in fate¡ªyou still taught me everything anyway."


    The Ancient One looked at him for a long time.


    Then, she turned her gaze toward the window, watching the swirling mystic winds outside.


    "You are¡­ different from the rest," she said finally.


    "You are not human.


    "Your mind bridges the realms of technology and magic.


    "And you wield both with a level of mastery that no one else ever could."


    Gene leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.


    "And yet, you knew that I would break history¡ªbut you still trained me.


    "Almost as if¡­ deep down¡­


    "You wanted to see change, too."


    The Ancient One remained silent.


    After a while, she finally said:


    "I taught you because, despite everything¡­


    "I believed you would use your knowledge for the right reasons."


    Gene laughed.


    "You overestimate me," he said, downing the rest of his tea in one gulp.


    "I''m not some virtuous hero.


    "I just have an insatiable thirst for knowledge."


    A breeze blew through the room, lifting the Ancient One''s robes.


    "So, you''re going to hand Loki over to Asgard, aren''t you?"


    "That''s right," she said. "I still have ties with Asgard.


    "I will deliver him to Odin personally."


    Gene shrugged. "Then I guess this has nothing to do with me anymore."


    He raised a hand, and the space beside him warped and twisted.


    As he was about to step through the rift, he paused.


    "You know¡­" Gene said, his voice low.


    "My offer still stands."


    The Ancient One smiled knowingly.


    "Oh¡­ you mean the time of my death?"


    Gene''s scarlet visor flickered.


    "Don''t you want to know the details?"


    The Ancient One shook her head.


    "All things must come to an end, Gene.


    "I have lived long enough.


    "I already have a sense of my own limit.


    "And I accept it.


    "That¡­ is destiny."


    Gene exhaled, shaking his head.


    "I''ll never understand you," he muttered.


    As he stepped into the folding space, the Ancient One''s voice echoed behind him.


    "If Strange ever faces danger¡­


    "Promise me you will help him."


    Gene paused.


    Then, without turning back¡ª


    He nodded.


    A moment later, his figure vanished into the rift.


    As the space settled, the room returned to stillness.


    And the Ancient One sipped her tea in silence.


    --------------


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 Chapter 68 - 68: Establishing S.W.O.R.D.

    Alexander Pierce''s life had been going smoothly lately. The Insight Initiative, proposed by his master, had already been finalized and was now under review by the World Security Council.


    The remaining Hydra forces on Earth had crumbled before the Master''s robotic legions and mutant enforcers.


    Those who refused to submit had already been sent to their graves.


    Now, half of the world''s Hydra bases were under his control.


    "Sir, your power is unmatched. Countless people kneel before you," Pierce said flatteringly, his tone dripping with reverence. "Your glory will soon spread to every corner of the world."


    Gene nodded indifferently. Unifying half of Hydra''s forces had required some effort on his part.


    While most of the operations had been carried out by his robotic legions and the Ten Rings, there were always diehards who refused to yield. Those fools had only one fate¡ªannihilation.


    For the remaining Hydra members, Gene held no illusions about reforming them. They were assassins, manipulators, terrorists¡ªpeople who saw human lives as disposable.


    Gene didn''t care whether they believed in his vision. He only needed them to be his sword.


    A sword was meant to kill¡ªbut whose hand wielded it determined its purpose.


    In the hands of villains, it was a demonic blade.


    In the hands of heroes, it was a holy sword.


    And so, Gene renamed his organization:


    S.W.O.R.D. (Sentient World Observation and Response Division).


    In the original Marvel universe, S.W.O.R.D. had been an organization designed to handle extraterrestrial threats¡ªmuch like S.H.I.E.L.D. for terrestrial dangers.


    But in this world, no such name existed. So, Gene took it for himself.


    The newly established S.W.O.R.D. now held the combined knowledge of:


    Umbrella Corporation''s biotechnology


    Skynet''s advanced robotics and AI


    Hydra''s vast intelligence network spanning half the globe


    Although Hydra had been a plague on the world, it had also infiltrated governments, corporations, and key institutions.


    Now, these influential Hydra operatives served Gene.


    Their information pipelines fed directly into his Starlink Program, allowing him to monitor every aspect of global affairs.


    With the rise of superpowered individuals, mutants, and alien threats, the world needed a global defense force more than ever.


    And S.H.I.E.L.D. was nearing its demise.


    Once it collapsed, S.W.O.R.D. would rise naturally to take its place. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gene''s plan was simple:


    "Eliminate threats before they even arise."


    Hydra had once boasted about being omnipresent. But now, S.W.O.R.D. truly was.


    With Skynet and the Red Queen managing its operations, S.W.O.R.D. functioned like a flawless machine.


    However, identifying threats was only part of the equation.


    The real problem was dealing with them effectively.


    His robotic legions and the Ten Rings could handle most situations, but some threats required a more precise touch.


    Gene needed a strike team¡ªa sharp blade that could be deployed swiftly and efficiently.


    The ideal candidates?


    Steve Rogers (Captain America/Supreme) ¨C A super-soldier with unmatched combat experience. His loyalty to Gene was already cemented.


    Mandarin ¨C A master strategist and martial artist with deep knowledge of mystical forces. Another trusted lieutenant.


    Peter Parker (Spider-Man) ¨C A young prodigy with incredible agility and intelligence. His allegiance was still in question, but Gene was confident in winning him over.


    These three would form the foundation of his elite strike force.


    The rest? He would recruit them personally.


    Gene sighed. "I never thought I''d have to recruit people myself."


    "Sir," Pierce said eagerly. "What kind of individuals do you need? Perhaps I can be of service?"


    Gene gave him a side glance and smirked.


    "You? No thanks. If I sent you to recruit people, they''d probably refuse the moment they saw your slimy face."


    Pierce let out an awkward chuckle but said nothing.


    Gene waved his hand dismissively.


    "Enough talk. S.H.I.E.L.D. is about to collapse. Go prepare for the fallout."


    The groundwork had already been laid.


    Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) was compromised.


    Alexander Pierce, a high-ranking official on the World Security Council, was under Gene''s control.


    The ''Insight Initiative,'' a ticking time bomb within S.H.I.E.L.D., was set to explode.


    Once all the pieces fell into place, S.H.I.E.L.D. would self-destruct.


    And S.W.O.R.D. would be there to take its place.


    "But first..." Gene murmured, watching Pierce leave.


    "...It''s time to visit another hidden Hydra base to recruit some new blood for my strike force."


    --------------


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 Chapter 69 - 69: Wanda and Pietro

    Eastern Europe. Deep in the forests of Serbia, several hidden Hydra bases lay concealed within the dense wilderness.


    Inside one of these bases, an anxious Hydra soldier hurriedly approached Baron De Clark, his face pale with unease.


    "Lord Baron, several of our bases have lost contact!"


    Baron De Clark''s expression darkened. "Since when?"


    "I''m¡­ not sure," the soldier stammered. "But one after another, our facilities have gone completely dark. Even the teams we sent out to investigate have vanished without a trace."


    A chilling silence hung over the room. It was as if their entire network was being systematically erased.


    The isolation made the entire base feel like a trap, locking them inside with no escape.


    Baron De Clark clenched his fists. He could feel fear creeping into his men. That wouldn''t do.


    "Enough with the panic. Bring me the twins," he ordered impatiently.


    "But, Lord Baron¡ª"


    "I said¡ªbring me the twins!" he snapped, his sinister eyes flashing with irritation.


    The soldier immediately shut his mouth and hurried away to retrieve the so-called twins.


    Moments later, two individuals were brought before him¡ªWanda Maximoff and Pietro Maximoff.


    The mutant twins.


    Hydra had raised them since childhood after their parents were killed in war, and their unique mutant abilities had made them invaluable assets.


    "You two are going out," Baron De Clark instructed, his tone sharp. "Find out what''s happening to our bases. Re-establish communication. Now¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a deafening alarm blared throughout the base.


    WEEEOOO! WEEEOOO!


    "? ALERT: UNKNOWN INFILTRATION DETECTED. WARNING¡­ ?"


    The alarm was suddenly interrupted by a cold, mechanical voice.


    "If you surrender now, I might let you live."


    The chilling, synthesized voice echoed through the entire base.


    Baron De Clark''s face twisted in anger.


    Outside, the Hydra soldiers had already taken up arms, ready to defend the base.


    "Take him down! It''s just an exoskeleton suit¡ªnothing we can''t handle!" a Hydra officer barked.


    Dozens of rockets locked onto the intruder and launched simultaneously, streaking across the air like fiery serpents.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A massive explosion engulfed the battlefield, shaking the ground and sending debris flying everywhere.


    "Ha! That should do it," a Hydra soldier smirked, watching the burning inferno.


    But his smirk froze the moment he saw a shadow emerging from the flames.


    A figure clad in jet-black armor stepped forward, completely unscathed by the explosions.


    Its demonic silhouette loomed over the battlefield, eyes glowing with an eerie crimson light.


    "Pathetic," Gene murmured, a sneer playing at his lips.


    Raising his palm, a repulsor cannon hummed to life, energy rapidly building.


    WHOOM!


    A blinding beam of energy erupted from his hand, instantly vaporizing the Hydra soldiers where they stood.


    Not even ashes remained.


    The base shook violently as explosions ripped through the surface, tearing apart structures and exposing the hidden underground chambers.


    Inside the control room, Baron De Clark could feel doom approaching.


    "What''s happening?!" he demanded, his voice laced with panic.


    Before anyone could answer¡ª


    BOOM!


    The reinforced ceiling erupted in a fiery blast, debris raining down as a massive hole opened above them.


    Blinding light streamed through the gap, momentarily blinding the Baron. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And then, from the smoke and dust, a figure descended.


    A pitch-black figure.


    The same demonic armor that had obliterated his soldiers now stood before him.


    Baron De Clark tried to speak, but his throat went dry.


    A suffocating fear coiled around his heart, rendering him speechless.


    A holographic screen materialized in the air, displaying files on the twins standing beside him.


    "Wanda Maximoff and Pietro Maximoff."


    "Orphaned at a young age when their parents were killed by Hydra. Raised and trained under the guise of ''adoption.'' Later developed unique mutant abilities."


    Pietro''s eyes widened in shock.


    "That''s a lie! Our parents were killed by Stark Industries'' weapons!" he protested.


    But Wanda placed a hand on her brother''s shoulder.


    "Pietro¡­ let''s hear him out," she said softly, her voice uncertain.


    Deep down, she had always suspected something wasn''t right. The people who raised them¡­ never truly felt like family.


    Baron De Clark struggled to resist, but Gene had complete control over him.


    Every dark secret was forced out of his mouth.


    By the time he finished speaking, Pietro''s face had turned ashen.


    Everything he had believed¡ªeverything he had fought for¡ªhad been a lie.


    Hydra was responsible for their suffering.


    "Well, now that you''ve spilled everything," Gene said casually, flexing his fingers, "there''s no need for you to continue existing."


    SNAP!


    With a simple gesture, Baron De Clark''s eyes filled with terror.


    His body began to dissolve, piece by piece, turning into black smoke before vanishing into the air.


    Wanda and Pietro stiffened, watching their former handler disappear into nothingness.


    Wanda''s expression darkened as she turned to face the mysterious figure before her.


    "What do you want?" she demanded.


    Gene tilted his head.


    "I want you to change your way of life. Live a life that''s truly your own¡ªfree from lies and manipulation."


    He extended his hand.


    A small metallic object floated toward Wanda, its surface gleaming under the dim lights.


    An electronic invitation.


    "Whenever you''re ready¡­ come find me," Gene said, his voice calm but firm.


    "I promise¡ªyou won''t be disappointed."


    And with that, space itself warped around him.


    With a final, surreal distortion, Gene vanished before their eyes.


    "Whoa!" Pietro gasped, eyes wide. "That was awesome! Did you see that, Wanda? What kind of power was that?!"


    Wanda, however, ignored him.


    Her gaze was locked onto the small cuboid in her palm.


    It was cold, metallic, and bore a strange insignia:


    A circle with a sharp arrow cutting through it.


    And beneath it, engraved letters:


    S.W.O.R.D.


    "A different life¡­?"


    She murmured, deep in thought.


    --------------


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 Chapter 70 - 70: The Fall of Doctor Octopus

    "Breaking news from New York City!"


    "Spider-Man is engaged in a fierce battle with a monstrous, steel-clawed octopus!"


    "My God, it''s absolute mayhem!"


    "According to the latest reports, the steel-clawed menace is none other than Otto Octavius, a former scientist from Osborn Industries!"


    __


    New York City


    A brutal battle raged across the city skyline.


    Swinging through the towering buildings, Spider-Man struggled against a terrifying foe¡ªDoctor Octopus.


    "Peter Parker," Octavius sneered. "You know I know who you are. Why do you still bother with that ridiculous mask?"


    His metallic tentacles lashed out like a whip, striking Spider-Man with bone-crushing force and slamming him through a skyscraper window.


    CRASH!


    Spider-Man groaned, his body pinned against the glass as the cold steel limbs coiled around him like an iron python.


    "Where''s Gwen?" he roared, struggling against the tentacles'' crushing grip.


    Gwen Stacy¡ªhis most beloved.


    In countless Marvel universes, her fate was sealed in tragedy. And now, fear clawed at Peter''s chest.


    Doctor Octopus grinned maliciously.


    "Oh? You mean her? She''s probably with your dear parents by now."


    A burst of maniacal laughter echoed through the air as he tightened his grip.


    Spider-Man''s eyes widened in horror.


    "NO!"


    Fueled by rage, he fought back, but even with the enhancements of the T-Virus and OZ serum, he was losing.


    Doctor Octopus was simply too strong.


    Bruises covered his body, his ribs ached, and his suit was soaked with his own blood.


    "Oh my God, Spider-Man is getting destroyed out there!"


    "Why hasn''t anyone come to help him?!"


    "Where the hell is Tony Stark?!"


    The entire battle was being broadcasted live, with helicopters circling overhead, cameras capturing every brutal second.


    Then, suddenly¡ª


    The air twisted.


    The space warped unnaturally, distorting like a reflection in shattered glass.


    A dark figure materialized in mid-air.


    A black-armored entity with a glowing red V-shaped eyepiece. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What¡­ the hell is that?!"


    "Is it another robot?!"


    Before anyone could process the anomaly, the live broadcast¡ªthe entire signal¡ªcut to static.


    BZZT.


    "W-What''s happening?! Where''s our live feed?!"


    "Director, we lost the signal!"


    "What do you mean ''lost''?! What happened?!"


    At the TV station, chaos erupted. Every screen went black.


    __


    Doctor Octopus stiffened, eyes narrowing at the floating figure beside him.


    "Who the hell are you?" he demanded.


    Spider-Man used the distraction to rip himself free, tumbling onto a nearby rooftop.


    His legs trembled beneath him. Blood dripped onto the concrete.


    But instead of running, he turned his head toward the mysterious newcomer.


    The black figure hovered silently in the air, emanating an overwhelming aura of dread.


    Then, finally, it spoke.


    "Doctor Otto Octavius¡­"


    "You should have died in Osborn''s explosion. Instead, you''ve become¡­ this."


    Gene ''s voice was calm. Almost bored.


    "But don''t worry," he continued, his tone as sharp as a blade.


    "Tonight, I''ll set you free."


    Doctor Octopus''s pupils shrank.


    He staggered back, his brain racing.


    ''How does he know about the explosion at Osborn Labs? How does he know it was Norman Osborn?!''


    Suspicion quickly morphed into rage.


    "Since you know so much," Octavius growled, grinning wickedly, "why don''t I just tear you apart?"


    With a mighty roar, his tentacles lunged forward.


    "HEY! Big guy, watch out!" Spider-Man shouted, his voice urgent.


    Gene didn''t move.


    Instead¡ª


    SNAP!


    He simply snapped his fingers.


    And just like that¡ª


    Doctor Octopus''s mechanical tentacles froze in place.


    Suspended mid-air, they refused to move.


    The sinister grin on Otto''s face shattered into pure horror.


    "What¡­ what''s happening?!"


    He tried to command them. Tried to move them.


    Nothing.


    Instead, the tentacles began slowly turning¡ªtoward him.


    The once-loyal metallic limbs now crawled toward their master, moving with terrifying intent.


    "NO! STOP!"


    Panic set in.


    He stumbled back, but there was nowhere to run.


    The first tentacle reached him, pressing firmly against his chest.


    Then came the second.


    Then the third.


    Then¡ª


    CRACK!


    The first metallic limb pierced his stomach.


    Blood erupted from his mouth as he let out a bloodcurdling scream.


    "AAAAAAAAAAGH!"


    One by one, the tentacles tore through his body, ripping apart flesh and bone with merciless precision.


    Within moments, all that remained was a grotesque statue¡ªa man impaled by his own creations.


    Doctor Octopus''s lifeless eyes stared blankly ahead.


    The once brilliant scientist was now just a corpse¡ªtrapped by the very machines he had sworn to control.


    __


    "Whoa¡­"


    Spider-Man gawked, his mouth slightly open in shock.


    "That was¡­ insane."


    He exhaled shakily before turning toward Gene.


    "Dude, who are you?" he asked, his voice still breathless.


    "Because, not gonna lie, that was pretty damn cool."


    His tone was light, but his eyes carried something deeper¡ªa quiet, haunted pain.


    Gene knew that look.


    He sighed.


    "If you''re talking about Gwen Stacy¡­"


    Peter''s body tensed.


    Gene continued, his voice eerily calm:


    "She''s alive."


    Spider-Man''s heart stopped.


    For a moment, his mind refused to process the words.


    Gene''s glowing red eyes locked onto his.


    "My team saved her," he said simply.


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    Peter felt something appear in his hand.


    A small metallic device.


    He looked down.


    A sleek, futuristic insignia was engraved on its surface:


    A circle intersected by a sharp arrow.


    Beneath it, the words:


    S.W.O.R.D.


    Spider-Man''s fingers trembled as he held it.


    "Heavenly Sword Bureau¡­?"


    He murmured the name softly, staring at the strange invitation in his hand.


    Gene''s form flickered, space distorting around him.


    "Join me," he said, his voice cutting through the night air.


    And then¡ª


    He vanished.


    Leaving Spider-Man alone, standing under the neon lights of the city, staring at the invitation to a new future.


    --------------


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 Chapter 71 - 71: The Sharp Blade Squad and Ronan

    Wanda and Pietro cautiously approached the address on the electronic invitation.


    The siblings had debated for a long time before finally deciding to come here and check things out for themselves.


    "Sis, is this what a bustling metropolis looks like?"


    Pietro''s eyes widened as he took in the towering buildings of New York City, the dazzling lights, and the ceaseless flow of people. For a moment, he was completely dumbfounded.


    Having grown up in a war-torn region, he had never seen such a vast and prosperous city before.


    "Pietro, this isn''t the time to be distracted."


    Wanda''s sharp eyes scanned their surroundings warily. Despite the allure of the city, she remained on high alert.


    Just as the two were looking around, three figures suddenly appeared before them.


    A blond-haired young man with a striking presence, a burly man with dark, brooding eyes, and a man with a faint smile on his face.


    "You must be Ms. Wanda Maximoff and Mr. Pietro Maximoff, correct?"


    The man with the smile was the first to speak.


    "Yes. And you are¡­?"


    Wanda tensed instinctively, readying herself for a fight if necessary.


    "My name is Steve Rogers. We''re members of the Sharp Blade Squad from the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau¡ªwe were sent by the commander to escort you two."


    Rogers spoke in a steady voice, his gaze reassuring yet firm.


    "These two are my close friends and also members of the Sharp Blade Squad¡ªBucky Barnes and Mandarin."


    Wanda and Pietro exchanged a glance, still unsure about everything.


    But as they continued following their escorts, their eyes widened when they finally reached the headquarters of the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau.


    A massive circular emblem loomed overhead, with a sword-like insignia at its center.


    Beneath it, an inscription in bold letters read:


    "We Monitor, We Protect."


    "Welcome to the headquarters of the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau," Mandarin said warmly. "I think you''ll find this place to be a second home."


    Though once feared as the ruthless leader of the Ten Rings, Mandarin now stood here as a teammate, embracing a different path.


    Wanda and Pietro felt a whirlwind of emotions as they stepped into the state-of-the-art facility.


    Even though the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau''s base was still under construction, Gene had modified the Skynet Base, integrating it into the headquarters.


    Despite this, the scale and sophistication of the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau left the Maximoff twins in awe.


    All around them, holographic displays flickered, monitoring global events in real-time.


    "Deploy the Ten Rings task force to neutralize the potential threat."


    "Dispatch the robotic fleet to handle the situation."


    On multiple screens, Skynet and the Red Queen were issuing commands, leading S.W.O.R.D. forces to eliminate global threats. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Superpowered criminals and anti-human extremists were being either neutralized or contained.


    "Whoa, this is amazing!" Pietro gasped, his face lighting up. "Sis, this place is like something out of a sci-fi movie! It''s awesome!"


    Meanwhile, Spider-Man had also arrived at the headquarters, following the coordinates from his invitation.


    "Huh? This place is so close to Mason Industries¡­"


    Peter looked around in confusion.


    Then, without hesitation, he walked into the facility.


    "Hey guys! So this is the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau? Damn, this place is awesome!"


    Despite being new to all this, Peter felt no stage fright at all.


    In fact, from the moment he arrived, he was completely enamored with the place.


    "Peter, welcome to the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau."


    Steve Rogers greeted him with a friendly smile.


    With Spider-Man''s arrival, the first core members of the Sharp Blade Squad had officially assembled.


    Just then, the space in the center of the room twisted violently.


    A dark, armored figure materialized out of thin air.


    Gene had arrived.


    "Welcome," Gene said, his voice calm yet commanding.


    "The S.W.O.R.D. Bureau exists to safeguard Earth from all threats, both known and unknown."


    "As our motto states: We Monitor, We Protect."


    Gene''s V-shaped visor flickered with a faint red glow as he continued,


    "Yes, we conduct global surveillance¡ªbut we do so to protect the planet more effectively."


    "Our monitoring isn''t limited to Earth alone. We also monitor threats beyond our world."


    The moment those words left Gene''s mouth, the atmosphere in the room shifted.


    Everyone felt a sudden tension in the air.


    Wanda, who had been listening attentively, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.


    "Wait¡­ what do you mean by ''beyond our world''?" she asked, her voice steady but cautious.


    Gene turned his visor toward her, his tone matter-of-fact.


    "Exactly what you''re thinking," he said.


    "Aliens."


    Before the shock could fully settle in, Skynet''s voice rang out.


    "Sir, the S.W.O.R.D. satellite for deep-space surveillance has detected an unidentified spacecraft approaching Earth."


    "Using Starlink''s tracking system, we''ve pinpointed its landing site¡ªSouth America."


    Gene''s gaze darkened.


    "Aliens?" he repeated.


    "Yes, Sir. Based on the analysis of their frequency emissions, their signal does not match anything found on Earth."


    "Would you like to deploy the nearest S.W.O.R.D. strike team?"


    Gene thought for a moment before making his decision.


    "No need," he said.


    "I''ll handle this myself."


    The air around him distorted once more, and in an instant, Gene vanished.


    ¡ª


    Meanwhile, deep in space¡­


    Hundreds of light-years away, aboard a massive Kree warship, an officer stood before his commander.


    "Lord Ronan the Accuser," the officer reported respectfully.


    "The advance forces have been deployed to Earth. We are currently gathering test subjects."


    Ronan, standing imposingly with his Universal Weapon in hand, listened in silence.


    Then, in a cold, merciless tone, he issued his command:


    "Good. Adjust our course¡ªhead for Earth."


    "As for the creatures on that planet¡­ aside from the ones we require for experimentation¡ª"


    His eyes gleamed with a cruel glint.


    "The rest are of no consequence."


    --------------


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 Chapter 72 - 72: Kree Soldiers

    Today marked exactly one month since Skye joined S.H.I.E.L.D.


    She was currently stationed in South America, tasked with monitoring an unidentified energy source. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the past few days, the readings had begun to shift, but without any clear explanation.


    "Ugh¡­ another boring day."


    Skye slouched on a couch, munching on potato chips, speaking aloud to no one in particular.


    She had been stuck on this surveillance mission for over a week now, and apart from occasional energy surges, absolutely nothing had changed.


    She couldn''t help but silently curse Nick Fury''s bald head¡ªwasn''t he overreacting a little?


    BOOM!


    A deafening explosion erupted outside.


    A searing heatwave slammed against her, momentarily stunning her.


    "What the hell was that?!"


    Skye dropped her chips, jumping to her feet. But before she could even reach the door, a towering figure suddenly appeared before her.


    A blue-skinned alien warrior.


    "Experimental subject¡ªcapture."


    The alien''s deep, guttural voice was completely incomprehensible to Skye, but she understood its intent the moment it moved.


    The hulking warrior, built like a marble statue of Hercules, raised a massive battle axe¡ªand swung it straight at her.


    "Oh, sh¡ª"


    Skye barely dodged, cursing under her breath.


    The sheer force of the swing was overwhelming. Even though she had avoided direct impact, the shockwave alone sent a sharp pain rippling through her skin.


    If that axe actually hit her¡ªshe didn''t even want to think about it.


    CRACK!


    The second wave of force struck her before she could fully recover.


    Skye was flung backward, crashing violently into a tree before finally coming to a halt.


    Pain flooded her senses. It felt like her bones had cracked, her body screaming in protest.


    The blue-skinned warrior approached slowly, gripping his mighty axe with a vicious grin.


    Skye desperately tried to activate her powers¡ªbut nothing happened.


    "Oh, come on! Not now!"


    It was like her superpowers had a mind of their own¡ªshowing up when they weren''t needed, disappearing when they were.


    The warrior sneered, speaking in broken English.


    "The weapons of the Kree Empire¡­ must return to the Kree Empire."


    Kree Empire? What the hell is that?


    Skye had no idea what this alien was talking about, but she was definitely not in the mood to be dragged onto some extraterrestrial spaceship.


    The axe was raised once more.


    Instinctively, Skye shielded her head, bracing for the fatal strike¡ª


    But the expected pain never came.


    Instead, a black-gloved hand caught the blade mid-swing.


    The blue-skinned warrior''s muscles bulged as he struggled to free his weapon, veins popping from his skin¡ªbut it was useless.


    With an effortless clench, the black-gloved hand shattered the axe into pieces.


    Skye''s heart pounded.


    It was him.


    The Black Devil(Gene Mason)¡ªthe infamous S.H.I.E.L.D. fugitive, an S-Class threat.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be a villain?


    Then why was he¡­ helping her?


    Before Skye could even process what was happening, Gene struck.


    A single kick to the Kree soldier''s gut sent the massive alien soaring through the air like a cannonball.


    The alien crashed into the ground, blue blood splattering from his mouth.


    But despite his injuries, the Kree soldier wiped his lips and spoke coldly.


    "Earth warrior, hand over the Kree Empire''s weapon¡ªand I will spare your life."


    Gene remained silent.


    The Kree soldier''s eyes darkened.


    "You are interfering with the Kree Empire''s reclamation mission. You will face retribution."


    With a furious roar, the warrior charged forward.


    Gene barely glanced at him.


    "Know your place."


    The repulsor cannon on Gene''s palm flared to life, its energy output spiking to 70%.


    A brilliant blue beam erupted from his hand¡ª


    PIERCING straight through the Kree soldier''s chest.


    "AGH¡ª!"


    The Kree warrior let out a final scream before collapsing onto his knees.


    Despite his impending death, the Kree soldier did not beg for mercy.


    Instead, he laughed.


    "You think this changes anything?"


    His voice was weak, but his eyes burned with madness.


    "The Earth Testing Grounds¡­ have been activated."


    "Ronan the Accuser is already on his way with the fleet."


    "You lowly races are about to perish under the might of the Kree Empire."


    And with those chilling words, the light in his alien eyes began to fade.


    Skye was speechless.


    Her mind struggled to keep up with the sheer absurdity of what had just happened.


    A Hercules-sized blue alien had dropped out of nowhere, tried to abduct her, and then ranted about her being some kind of Kree weapon.


    And to top it off¡ª


    The Kree Empire had an "ancient testing ground" on Earth?!


    She had never heard something so ridiculous in her entire life.


    What the hell was a Kree?


    And then¡ªsomething even stranger happened.


    The Black Devil¡ªan S-Class fugitive¡ªbegan healing the Kree soldier.


    The gaping hole in the alien''s chest slowly began to close.


    A flicker of consciousness returned to the soldier''s eyes.


    "Why the hell are you helping him?!" Skye blurted out.


    Gene ignored her.


    He leaned in, speaking in a low, commanding voice.


    "Go back and tell Ronan¡ª


    The Earth Testing Grounds were a false signal.


    The Kree Empire''s experiment failed a long time ago."


    The Kree soldier gritted his teeth, scoffing.


    "Do you really think¡­ you can deceive¡­ an honorable Kree warrior?"


    Gene''s visor glowed red.


    "I don''t need to deceive you."


    A golden light enveloped the Kree soldier''s body.


    His expression slackened.


    And then¡ªlike a broken record, he repeated Gene''s words.


    "The Earth Testing Grounds were a false signal¡­ The Kree Empire''s experiment failed long ago¡­"


    With a dazed expression, he stumbled away into the forest, muttering the phrase over and over.


    Skye''s jaw dropped.


    She turned to Gene, eyes burning with a thousand unanswered questions¡ª


    But he was already gone.


    The space around him twisted¡ªand then he simply vanished.


    Skye was left standing there, battered, bruised, and utterly confused.


    She looked around.


    The scorched ground, the shattered remains of her shelter, and the aching pain in her body were the only proof that any of this was real.


    If not for those¡ª


    She might have thought the whole thing had been a dream.


    --------------


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 Chapter 73 - 73: Shadows of the Kree

    The jungle was silent. Too silent.


    Skye stood frozen, still trying to process what had just happened.


    The towering blue-skinned warrior¡ªthe so-called Kree soldier¡ªhad just walked off, repeating Gene''s implanted message like a broken machine. A minute ago, he was ready to split her in half with his axe. Now, he was stumbling away, muttering words that would send his empire chasing shadows.


    Skye exhaled sharply, her ribs aching from the earlier fight. Her body was screaming at her to sit down, to rest¡ªbut her mind was racing.


    Gene Mason¡ªthe infamous "Black Devil" of S.H.I.E.L.D.¡ªhad just saved her life.


    Why?


    The man was an S-Class fugitive, someone Fury had put on the top of S.H.I.E.L.D.''s watchlist. He was a ghost, an enigma that even Stark''s advanced tracking systems couldn''t pin down. Yet here he was, in the middle of a South American jungle, casually dealing with alien invaders like it was just another Tuesday.


    And then, just as suddenly as he arrived¡ªhe vanished.


    Skye clenched her fists, frustration boiling under her skin.


    "Ugh, what the hell is going on?" she muttered.


    She needed answers.


    Her comms were fried from the explosion, but she still had a backup transmitter in her gear. She stumbled toward the wreckage of her outpost, digging through the scattered equipment. After a few seconds, she found it¡ªa small, handheld S.H.I.E.L.D. emergency beacon.


    She switched it on.


    The red light flickered twice before stabilizing.


    At least something''s working.


    She took a deep breath and pressed the call button.


    "This is Agent Skye. I''ve just been attacked by an unknown hostile¡ªalien in nature. I need an extraction ASAP."


    Static.


    Then, a voice crackled through the receiver.


    "Agent Skye? This is Agent Hill. What''s your status?"


    Maria Hill. That was a good sign. If Hill was responding, then S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn''t completely written her off yet.


    "Not great," Skye admitted. "My base is gone, my comms are fried, and I just got my ass handed to me by a seven-foot-tall blue-skinned warrior who called himself a ''Kree.''"


    Silence on the other end.


    Then¡ª


    "Did you say Kree?" Hill''s voice had a sharp edge to it now.


    "Yeah. Big guy. Looked like he could bench-press a tank. Spoke some weird alien gibberish, then switched to broken English. He kept calling me a ''weapon'' and said something about ''returning to the Kree Empire.''"


    Another pause.


    "¡­Agent Skye, stay put. I''m sending a Quinjet to your location."


    "Wait, hold on¡ªHill, what do you know about the Kree?" Skye pressed. "Because I''m starting to feel like I just got dropped into some cosmic-level conspiracy here."


    Hill hesitated.


    "I''ll explain when you''re secure. Just hold your position."


    The line cut out.


    Skye cursed under her breath. She hated being left in the dark.


    She glanced around at the wreckage, her mind running through everything that had happened.


    The Kree Empire. The Earth Testing Grounds. And then there was Gene Mason¡ª


    What was he even doing here?


    Before she could dive deeper into her thoughts, a sudden tremor rippled through the ground.


    Skye''s instincts screamed at her.


    She spun around¡ª


    ¡ªand saw a figure standing at the edge of the clearing.


    Unlike the brutish Kree warrior from before, this one was different.


    His armor was sleek, almost ceremonial, adorned with intricate silver engravings. His face was concealed beneath a dark metallic helmet, save for the two piercing blue eyes that glowed beneath it. A long black cape fluttered behind him, despite the still air.


    He exuded authority. Power.


    Skye''s heart pounded.


    This wasn''t just another grunt.


    This was someone important.


    The figure took a slow step forward.


    "You are more resilient than expected," he said, his voice smooth, calculated.


    Skye immediately raised her fists, knowing it was a futile gesture.


    "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" she demanded.


    The armored figure tilted his head, almost amused.


    "I am Korath the Pursuer."


    Skye''s breath hitched.


    She didn''t recognize the name¡ªbut she knew that tone.


    It was the voice of a predator that had just found its prey.


    "I am here to retrieve what belongs to the Kree Empire."


    His glowing eyes locked onto her.


    "And that means you."


    __


    Elsewhere¡­


    Gene Mason stood atop a high-altitude surveillance drone, watching the scene unfold through his visor.


    Korath had arrived faster than expected. That meant Ronan was taking this more seriously than he had hoped.


    Tch. Annoying.


    He had hoped his little trick with the Kree soldier would buy more time. But if Ronan had sent one of his elites, then things were escalating faster than planned.


    Gene exhaled, his breath fogging against the inside of his helmet.


    Time to adjust the strategy.


    He turned his attention skyward.


    High above the jungle, hidden from the human eye, an object was descending toward Earth''s atmosphere.


    It wasn''t a ship.


    It was something smaller¡ªfaster.


    A Kree Advance Reconnaissance Robot.


    So they''re already sending in the big guns.


    Gene''s fingers tightened into a fist.


    This just got a lot more interesting.


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 Chapter 74 - 74: Advance Reconnaissance Robot

    A black landing pod pierced through Earth''s atmosphere, trailing a blazing tail of fire before crashing into the dense rainforest below.


    This was an Advance Reconnaissance Robot¡ªa cutting-edge war machine from the Kree Empire, deployed when the Kree were preparing to invade or conquer an unknown planet.


    This robot represented the pinnacle of Kree technology. When dealing with civilizations weaker than the Kree Empire, a single reconnaissance robot could be enough to dominate an entire planet. The Kree soldiers would then simply arrive to accept the enemy''s surrender.


    However, if the invaded civilization was on par with the Kree Empire or even more advanced, the robot had a hidden self-destruct bomb. If it determined that it could not win, it would detonate itself, unleashing an explosion powerful enough to erase an entire city from existence.


    As soon as the reconnaissance robot entered Earth''s atmosphere, S.W.O.R.D.''s satellite system detected its descent.


    ¡ª


    "Sir, we have detected another unidentified drop pod entering Earth''s atmosphere."


    Skynet''s voice rang through Gene''s neural network.


    "Another one?" Gene''s V-shaped goggles flashed red. "Looks like the Kree really don''t know when to quit."


    Suddenly, Skynet''s voice carried an unexpected update.


    "Sir, we have also detected Tony Stark rapidly approaching the crash site."


    Gene chuckled. "Oh? Then let''s sit back and let him play with it first."


    ¡ª


    An orange-red streak cut through the sky as a sleek, red-and-gold armored figure arrived at the impact site.


    This was Tony Stark, encased in the latest Mark 43 Iron Man Armor.


    "Alright, big guy, that''s far enough." Stark raised a hand, halting the massive alien machine in its tracks.


    He tilted his head. "Now, I don''t know who invited you, but I definitely don''t remember sending out any RSVPs to alien robots."


    Inside the suit, Jarvis''s voice chimed in his ear.


    "Sir, this entity''s shell is composed of an unknown alloy. We have no record of such material on Earth."


    Stark smirked. "Oh, Jarvis, you really have a talent for stating the obvious. Alien robot, alien metal. Who would''ve thought?"


    ¡ª


    The reconnaissance robot stood motionless before him, its towering, humanoid form looming like a silent predator. Then, without warning, its single crimson eye flared to life.


    "Target identified: Indigenous lifeform detected¡ªEXECUTE TERMINATION."


    A searing red beam shot from the robot''s eye, slamming into Stark''s armor without warning. The sheer force sent him hurtling dozens of meters backward.


    "Okay, so it''s not just a dumb tin can," Stark muttered, shaking off the impact.


    His HUD flickered¡ª20% armor integrity lost from a single hit. His expression grew grim. Not many things on Earth could put a dent in his suits like that.


    Well¡­ maybe one other person could.


    His mind flashed back to the cave in Afghanistan, where he had first seen that pitch-black armor.


    Since becoming Iron Man, he had hacked into multiple government databases, searching for information on that mysterious figure.


    The only thing he found? A name.


    Black Devil.


    And according to S.H.I.E.L.D.''s classified files, this guy had even fought Odin and lived to tell the tale.


    ¡ª


    "Oh crap¡ª!"


    Another red beam came straight for Stark, forcing him to engage his thrusters at full power, narrowly dodging the attack.


    The beam struck the ground, erupting into a massive explosion.


    "Alright, my turn!"


    Stark launched himself skyward, maneuvering behind the Kree robot. With a swift motion, he threw a punch directly at the robot''s faceplate.


    But the machine was no amateur.


    Its dark, armored arm shot up, effortlessly blocking Stark''s strike.


    "Tough guy, huh? Let''s see how you like this!"


    The repulsor cannon in Stark''s palm whined to life, then blasted out an orange-red beam, striking the robot''s head dead-on.


    For a moment, black smoke billowed out, obscuring the machine.


    Stark smirked. "Hah, alien tech? Overrated."


    But as the smoke cleared¡­


    A single red eye still burned brightly.


    The Kree robot was completely unharmed.


    Stark''s smirk vanished.


    "Oh, come on¡ªwhat the hell is this thing?!"


    ¡ª


    The reconnaissance robot locked onto him again, firing another blazing red energy beam.


    Stark dodged left and right, but the beams came non-stop, slicing through the air like blazing hot knives.


    The intense heat distorted the surrounding atmosphere. The rainforest behind them ignited instantly, consumed by the flames.


    Suddenly, the robot''s right arm reconfigured itself, transforming into a cannon.


    "Oh, that''s probably bad¡ª" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A green energy blast erupted from the cannon.


    The beam narrowly grazed Stark''s shoulder, tearing through the Mark 43''s armor plating. Sparks erupted as exposed wiring and internal mechanics became visible.


    Inside the suit, alarms blared.


    Stark looked at his damaged armor.


    And then, for the first time in a long time¡­


    A genuine feeling of unease crept into his heart.


    ¡ª


    He wasn''t new to combat. He had gone toe-to-toe with terrorists, supervillains, and even gods.


    But this thing?


    This thing was different.


    His repulsor cannon was powerful enough to obliterate a tank¡ªhe had personally vaporized one before.


    But this Kree machine had just shrugged it off.


    And on top of that¡­


    Its energy beam had ripped through his armor like it was paper.


    If that shot had been a few inches to the left¡­


    He''d be dead.


    ¡ª


    His grip on reality tightened.


    "Alright, Stark. New plan: RUN."


    --------------


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 Chapter 75 - 75: Stubborn as Hell

    Stark''s unease was growing by the second.


    Was this reconnaissance robot already the pinnacle of alien combat technology? Or was it merely a disposable foot soldier?


    What if there were ten of these? A hundred? An entire army?


    "Jarvis, scan for weaknesses. I refuse to believe this thing doesn''t have any."


    As Stark spoke, he fired a repulsor blast straight at the Kree robot. The force sent a ripple through its armor.


    "Sir, upon impact, I detected a slight crack in its plating," Jarvis reported. "However, its material exhibits a self-repairing function."


    Stark narrowed his eyes.


    "Scanning in progress¡­ According to my analysis, the weakest point of this machine is its energy core. You have a 92.3% chance of destroying it."


    "Alright, then let''s go for it."


    Stark''s mind was racing. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Jarvis, tell me¡ªdoes this thing''s vision system work the same way as Earth''s tech?"


    "Affirmative, sir."


    "Perfect."


    A panel on Stark''s gauntlet flipped open, revealing a miniature jamming device. Without hesitation, he activated it. Invisible electromagnetic waves pulsed outward, scrambling the Kree robot''s vision system.


    Within seconds, the machine''s perspective was filled with eight identical Iron Man figures.


    It hesitated.


    Then, its red energy beams shot out in all directions, blasting at the illusions.


    Stark seized the moment.


    He weaved through the chaos, dodging the deadly crimson lasers and the high-energy green beams from the machine''s cannon. In a split second, he closed the distance.


    He lunged, wrapping his arms around the robot''s massive frame. His chest hummed with power as the Arc Reactor began building up energy. A blinding white light surged from the core¡ª


    The final blow was about to land.


    BOOM!


    An unexpected explosion rocked Stark backward.


    A beam of green energy had intercepted him mid-attack, stopping his charge.


    Stark gritted his teeth, stabilizing himself in midair. His HUD flickered, recalibrating as his eyes locked onto the new threat.


    Hovering in front of him was a blue-skinned Kree warrior, his face partially obscured by a transparent veil.


    In his hand was a sleek, futuristic white pistol, glowing ominously with lingering energy residue.


    He was the one who had just stopped the attack.


    "Great. Just great. Another one," Stark muttered under his breath.


    The Kree warrior met his gaze and spoke.


    "Iron Man. I am Captain Mar-Vell. I am not your enemy."


    Stark arched an eyebrow. "Yeah? Could''ve fooled me."


    Mar-Vell ignored the sarcasm and turned his attention to the reconnaissance robot. His expression darkened.


    "I am the Commander of the Science Division of the Kree Empire''s Space Fleet. I order you to enter sleep mode."


    The robot''s single red eye flickered, processing the command.


    For a moment, it seemed like it was working¡ª


    Then¡ª


    "INSUFFICIENT AUTHORITY. PRIMARY DIRECTIVE OVERRIDES ALL COMMANDS. ORDER TO DESTROY: ISSUED BY ACCUSER RONAN. OVERRIDE¡­ DENIED."


    The robot''s eye flared brighter.


    A red energy beam blasted forward, targeting Mar-Vell.


    The Kree warrior barely dodged in time, soaring into the air with incredible speed.


    "Okay, so I''m guessing you two don''t exactly see eye to eye."


    Stark fired another repulsor blast, hitting the robot''s head dead-on. The machine barely flinched.


    Mar-Vell landed a few feet away, his face more serious than before.


    "Iron Man, this robot belongs to Ronan the Accuser. He is a high-ranking officer of the Kree Empire¡­ ruthless, relentless. He will not stop until this mission is complete."


    "Ronan?" Stark repeated. "Yeah, nope. Don''t know him. But judging by your face, I''m guessing he''s bad news."


    Mar-Vell nodded gravely.


    "You don''t understand. Ronan is responsible for massacring entire civilizations. His brand of ''justice'' is absolute destruction. If he sent this machine, then Earth is already on his radar."


    Stark raised a hand. "Hold up¡ªso you''re telling me there''s an alien empire out there that wants to wipe us out?"


    Mar-Vell clenched his fists. "There''s no time for explanations. We must destroy its energy core before¡ª"


    "¡ªBefore what?" Stark interrupted. "Before it calls its friends? Before it gets mad? I hate to break it to you, Captain, but we''ve been blasting this thing for a while now, and it''s still standing."


    Mar-Vell''s expression darkened.


    "No¡­ Before it detonates the Kree Empire''s antimatter bomb inside its body."


    A long pause.


    Stark blinked.


    "¡­Excuse me, what?"


    "If that bomb goes off, it will erase this entire city. We will not survive."


    Stark exhaled sharply. "You mean to tell me this walking nightmare has a dirty bomb tucked inside its chest?"


    "Sir," Jarvis''s voice chimed in. "Based on my scans, Captain Mar-Vell is telling the truth."


    "Oh, I knew he was telling the truth." Stark let out a tired sigh. "Because my life is a goddamn circus."


    At that moment, the reconnaissance robot went berserk.


    The red energy beams became a storm¡ªfiring indiscriminately in every direction. Trees exploded into flames, the ground shattered under the impact, and even the air itself trembled under the heat.


    Mar-Vell returned fire, his pistol unleashing waves of green energy. Stark launched his full arsenal¡ªrepulsors, missiles, everything.


    Nothing was enough.


    Mar-Vell shouted, "Iron Man, watch out!"


    A green blast narrowly missed Stark''s shoulder, slamming into a tree and obliterating it instantly.


    "F¡ª!!" Stark bit back a curse, checking his armor''s damage.


    "Sir, your armor''s integrity has dropped to 42%. Energy levels at 57%."


    Stark ignored the warning. "Mar-Vell, can we disable this thing long enough for you to rip out the bomb?"


    Mar-Vell hesitated.


    "¡­Yes. But only if you can completely immobilize it."


    "Well, paralyzing a bloodthirsty alien death machine sounds simple enough," Stark muttered.


    His gauntlet glowed.


    A high-energy laser cut through the air, slamming into the robot''s limbs.


    It didn''t work.


    The machine''s self-repairing armor sealed the damage almost instantly.


    "Sir, I strongly recommend retreating. Your armor is reaching critical limits."


    Stark clenched his jaw. "I know, Jarvis."


    The situation was turning dire.


    Suddenly¡ª


    A flash of blue light struck the robot.


    Unlike before, its self-repair process slowed.


    The machine staggered.


    For the first time, it looked vulnerable.


    Stark''s eyes narrowed.


    That was new.


    Maybe, just maybe¡ª


    They had a chance.


    --------------


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 Chapter 76 - 76: Never Seen Such Technology

    A figure clad in pitch-black armor appeared before Mar-Vell and Stark.


    Above the V-shaped eyepiece, a crimson glow flickered ominously.


    "Looks like you''re in some trouble, aren''t you?"


    A cold, electronic voice echoed in their ears.


    "It''s you!"


    Stark''s expression shifted dramatically. Wasn''t this the guy he had been keeping an eye on? S.H.I.E.L.D.''s most wanted man, the one codenamed Black Devil.


    "That''s right, Mr. Stark. We meet again."


    "But it seems your armor isn''t quite as effective against Kree scout robots, is it?"


    A trace of mockery laced Gene''s voice.


    Before Stark could respond, the reconnaissance robot redirected all its firepower toward Gene. Its combat program had already determined that the dark-armored figure before it posed a catastrophic-level threat.


    Scarlet energy beams rained down, distorting the air with their searing heat.


    Gene, unfazed, slowly raised his right hand.


    A golden shield materialized in front of him, adorned with intricate, arcane patterns that exuded a mysterious and ancient aura.


    Both Mar-Vell and Stark couldn''t take their eyes off it.


    "Absorb."


    Gene ''s voice was calm, almost casual.


    The energy beams struck the shield and were instantly devoured, swallowed up by the glowing golden barrier. The heat they carried was immense, but the shield remained unshaken.


    Then, in an instant¡ª


    "Release."


    A torrent of concentrated energy, now amplified, blasted forth from the shield.


    A thick golden beam shot directly at the reconnaissance robot. The resulting explosion sent Mar-Vell and Stark flying back, both landing unceremoniously on the ground.


    As the smoke cleared, the damage was evident.


    The Kree reconnaissance robot had suffered massive destruction. A large portion of its armor had melted away, revealing the delicate inner mechanisms beneath.


    Although its self-repair systems kicked in, the extent of the damage was too severe¡ªthis time, recovery wouldn''t be easy.


    Mar-Vell, still staring at the robot in shock, turned to Stark and muttered, "Iron Man¡­ who the hell is this guy?"


    Stark, lying on the ground, let out a weary sigh. "To be honest? No idea. But if you''re curious, feel free to ask him yourself. I''d love some answers too."


    As they spoke, the reconnaissance robot had already restored thirty percent of its damage.


    The red glow in its electronic eyes flickered erratically, its internal combat system now registering an urgent decision:


    ¡ªThis target cannot be defeated.


    ¡ªInitiate fail-safe protocol.


    ¡ªDeploy bomb.


    A sudden yellow glow burst from the robot''s body.


    Mar-Vell''s expression darkened immediately. His body tensed.


    "Iron Man! The reconnaissance robot just activated its bomb!"


    Mar-Vell shouted, a dark green energy shield flaring around himself and Stark.


    He knew just how destructive that bomb was. It wasn''t just an explosion¡ªit was a planetary-level threat.


    Would they even survive this?


    He wasn''t sure.


    But before the thought could fully settle in¡ª


    Something shocking happened.


    A transparent energy shield suddenly encapsulated the reconnaissance robot.


    Inside the shield, the explosion erupted.


    A blinding yellow firestorm surged, twisting violently within the confined space. The fierce heat licked at the edges, but¡ª


    Not a single spark escaped.


    The shield held firm.


    Mar-Vell''s jaw nearly dropped.


    The antimatter bomb stored inside the reconnaissance robot¡ªan explosive powerful enough to level an entire city¡ªhad been completely neutralized inside that shield.


    Not a single trace of destruction reached the outside world.


    "...Who the hell is this guy?" Mar-Vell muttered, his mind reeling.


    No one knew better than he did just how terrifying that bomb was.


    Yet this mysterious man had contained it as if it were nothing.


    At that moment, Gene turned to Mar-Vell and spoke calmly:


    "Now, I think we should talk, Mar-Vell, commander of the Kree Empire''s Science Division."


    Mar-Vell''s expression hardened.


    He had lived on Earth for decades. He had long since grown attached to this planet and the self-reliant humans that inhabited it. Their resilience, their spirit¡ªit made Earth feel like home.


    He would not let Ronan take it away.


    "...Alright," Mar-Vell said gravely. "I agree. We need to talk."


    Gene didn''t reply.


    Instead, he raised a hand¡ªand drew a golden circle in the air.


    A shimmering portal appeared.


    Through it, an office-like room was visible on the other side.


    Mar-Vell stared, eyes widening.


    How was this possible? S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What kind of technology was this?!


    After a moment of hesitation, Mar-Vell clenched his fists and stepped through.


    Before Gene followed, Stark suddenly blurted out:


    "Hey, Mr. Black Devil! I''m coming too!"


    Gene turned to him. The glowing red V-shaped visor was unreadable.


    "I mean, I did help with that alien tin can just now," Stark added. "You know, messing with its visual system? That''s gotta count for something, right?"


    His voice grew quieter under Gene''s silent gaze.


    "...Right?"


    For a moment, Gene said nothing.


    Then, silently, he stepped aside¡ªallowing Stark to pass.


    Stark blinked, slightly surprised.


    "See? I knew you were reasonable," he muttered, stepping into the portal. "S.H.I.E.L.D. must be full of idiots if they think you''re completely unapproachable."


    As soon as Gene entered, the portal vanished.


    Silence returned to the damaged forest.


    Aside from the ruined trees and the scattered debris¡ª


    No one would ever know what had just transpired here.


    --------------


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 Chapter 77 - 77: I’ll Prove It My Own Way

    Stepping through the portal, Stark glanced around with curiosity.


    The office was nothing like he had expected.


    Bamboo chairs. A solid wooden table. A few small teacups neatly arranged on top.


    If it weren''t for the presence of Black Devil, he might have thought he had stepped into some traditional study rather than the lair of the most wanted man in the world.


    As the portal gradually faded behind him, Gene followed them in.


    At the same time, the nanobots covering his armor were already at work, seamlessly repairing the minor damage he had sustained in the fight against the Kree reconnaissance robot.


    "Sir, a special energy signature has been detected on his body," Jarvis''s voice rang inside Stark''s helmet. "The pattern suggests nanotechnology."


    Hearing that, Stark couldn''t help but clench his fists slightly.


    Nanotech.


    The very thing he himself was working on.


    The problem was¡ªit was insanely difficult to develop, even for him. His current armor still relied on self-assembly mechanisms, and achieving what Gene had just demonstrated was far beyond his reach.


    He felt a twinge of envy as he eyed the smooth, seamless repair process on Gene''s armor.


    "So, uh¡­" Stark cleared his throat. "Mind filling me in? Because right now, I feel like the dumbest guy in the room."


    "Mr. Black Devil." Mar-Vell spoke up, his voice serious. "Since you know my name, you must also understand how dangerous Ronan the Accuser is."


    "Ronan is already on his way to Earth."


    "You''ve seen it yourself¡ªthe Kree Empire has already sent their advance reconnaissance units."


    His expression darkened.


    This was just the beginning.


    "Whoa, whoa, hold on," Stark interrupted. "Who the hell is this Ronan guy? And the Kree Empire?"


    Mar-Vell sighed and began explaining.


    The Kree Empire, a vast interstellar civilization spanning multiple star systems.


    Their homeworld? Hala, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud.


    And the Accusers? Elite enforcers of the Kree Empire, judge, jury, and executioner all rolled into one.


    Among them, Ronan was the most feared¡ªa warlord obsessed with conquest.


    Stark listened, his eyes growing wider and wider.


    "So, you''re telling me that an entire alien empire has its sights set on Earth?"


    "And that giant killer robot we just fought¡ªthat was just a scout?"


    His stomach twisted with unease.


    The Avengers had barely formed, and now he was being told they might be utterly outclassed?


    While Stark was still processing this, Gene had already seated himself in his chair.


    His mind was elsewhere.


    His neural network was actively linking to the S.W.O.R.D. deep-space satellites, scanning for any signs of incoming threats.


    Within seconds, he found something.


    Seventeen light-years away.


    A massive unidentified object was approaching at high speed.


    Gene narrowed his eyes.


    "Ronan''s Dark Aster."


    He tapped his fingers against the table, lost in thought.


    A plan was already forming in his mind. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Take down the leader¡ªtake down the entire operation.


    Ronan himself was the key.


    If the warlord dared to bring his mothership near Earth, Gene would personally meet him in battle.


    And see if he was strong enough to challenge one of the Kree Empire''s so-called gods of war.


    The soft tapping of his fingers against the table caused Mar-Vell to pause mid-sentence.


    Gene turned to him.


    "Mr. Black Devil," Mar-Vell said, his voice serious. "You understand how dangerous Ronan is. So tell me¡ªwhat''s your plan?"


    Gene didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, he snapped his fingers.


    A holographic screen instantly materialized in front of them.


    For a moment, Stark was distracted¡ªnot by the screen, but by the finger snap.


    Where had he seen that before?


    The thought disappeared as soon as he laid eyes on what the holographic display showed.


    At the center, a symbol caught his attention¡ªa sleek, sharp arrow-like emblem.


    And beneath it¡ª


    " Sentient World Observation and Response Division Bureau¡­ S.W.O.R.D.?"


    Stark muttered the words out loud.


    In his opinion, that name was way cooler than S.H.I.E.L.D.


    He was not a fan of playing defense. He liked being proactive.


    And from what he could see, S.W.O.R.D. was exactly that.


    The holographic screen shifted¡ª


    Live footage from all across the world.


    Anomalies. Strange incidents. Teams in action.


    Stark''s eyes widened.


    "This is¡­?"


    "Yes," Gene said calmly. "This is what S.W.O.R.D. does. We monitor. We protect."


    Stark saw strike teams deploying.


    He saw mutants neutralizing threats.


    He saw covert operations carried out with precision.


    And just like that¡ªhis entire worldview was shaken.


    S.H.I.E.L.D. had always presented itself as the world''s only protector against the unknown.


    But here was something even bigger.


    Something that had been operating in the shadows all along.


    Watching. Analyzing. Controlling.


    "Who do you think you are?" Stark''s voice was sharp. "Sitting in the shadows, deciding the fate of the world from behind the scenes?"


    Gene finally turned to him.


    "If it weren''t for me," he said evenly, "do you really think you¡ªand the so-called Avengers¡ªcould stop Ronan?"


    Stark opened his mouth¡ªthen closed it.


    Because he knew the answer.


    As much as he hated to admit it, the Avengers weren''t ready for something like this.


    They had barely come together as a team, and now an entire intergalactic warlord was en route to Earth?


    They were not enough.


    Stark clenched his jaw.


    "Even if you''re right," he said, shaking his head, "I don''t agree with your methods. You''re playing with fire."


    Gene simply shrugged.


    "I don''t need you to agree with me."


    His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.


    "I''ll prove it my own way."


    Before Stark could respond, the air beside them began to distort.


    A ripple in space¡ª


    And suddenly, a new figure was seated across from them.


    A bald man with a dark trench coat.


    His one good eye immediately locked onto Mar-Vell.


    "Well, well," Nick Fury said smoothly. "Welcome to my office."


    "Coffee or tea?"


    There was no emotion on his face, but his piercing gaze lingered on Mar-Vell for a few extra seconds.


    Mar-Vell let out a deep sigh.


    "We don''t have time for this," he muttered.


    "There''s something extremely important we need to report."


    --------------


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 Chapter 78 - 78: The Kree Have Arrived

    Nick Fury stood aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, gazing over the vast expanse of the sky. Only when standing on the bridge of this aerial fortress did he feel the full weight of his authority over the most powerful secret agency in the world.


    Meanwhile, in Stark Tower, Tony Stark welcomed a new guest with a charismatic smile.


    "Dr. Banner, it''s great to see you. You should drop by Stark Industries more often."


    Bruce Banner, who had been forcefully extracted from General Ross''s custody by Nick Fury, was still recovering from his prolonged confinement. Though Ross had been vehemently opposed to letting Banner go, pressure from higher-ups had forced his hand.


    Now free, Banner looked pale and weary, his time in captivity clearly taking a toll. But upon sensing Stark''s genuine goodwill, he managed a small smile.


    "Mr. Stark, the pleasure is mine."


    The two scientific geniuses immediately found common ground, their mutual understanding forming an instant connection.


    Suddenly¡ªBOOM!


    A powerful thunderclap tore through the sky, followed by a flash of brilliant white light. A bolt of lightning struck the deck of the Helicarrier, and in its place stood Thor, the God of Thunder.


    "The warriors of Midgard! I am pleased to¡ª"


    Thor''s booming voice trailed off as his gaze swept the deck. His eyes locked onto a particular figure¡ªa blue-skinned man standing among them.


    His demeanor changed instantly.


    "KREE!"


    Thor''s expression twisted into one of sheer hostility, his entire body surging with divine power. The air around him crackled as he instinctively summoned his new weapon¡ªa meteor hammer, a replacement forged by the Dwarves after his Mjolnir and Stormbreaker had been confiscated by Gene.


    Twirling the hammer in his grip, Thor radiated a killing intent so intense that the Helicarrier''s crew took a cautious step back.


    "Goddamn it," Nick Fury muttered, rubbing his temple.


    "Asgardian idiots ¡­ always thinking with their muscles," Mar-Vell scoffed.


    Though Mar-Vell had spent years on Earth, the bad blood between the Kree and Asgardians was centuries old. The moment their eyes met, tensions skyrocketed.


    Just as the two were about to come to blows, Stark quickly stepped between them, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let''s all calm down here, alright? Mar-Vell is here to help."


    Thor glared at Stark. "The Kree fleet is approaching, and you expect me to believe that he''s not a spy?"


    Mar-Vell folded his arms. "If you could put aside your arrogance for five seconds, Asgardian, you''d realize that I''m trying to help."


    With everyone''s persuasion, Thor and Mar-Vell reluctantly agreed to a truce, at least for now.


    __


    In the S.H.I.E.L.D. War Room, Nick Fury surveyed the gathered heroes.


    "So," he said, his voice heavy with concern, "you''ve all seen this Black Devil in action?"


    Everyone except Banner nodded solemnly.


    Thor, having lost both of his divine weapons to Gene, clenched his fists.


    Stark and Mar-Vell had personally witnessed Gene battle the Kree''s reconnaissance robot and emerge victorious.


    "And he''s built a new organization¡­ something called the S.W.O.R.D.?"


    The mention of it made Nick Fury''s expression darken.


    "That''s right," Stark confirmed. "And their motto? We monitor. We protect."


    He activated a holographic screen, showing footage of the Black Devil''s forces dealing with supernatural threats all over the planet.


    Nick Fury exhaled sharply.


    "The Black Devil is playing a very dangerous game¡­"


    __


    While they were formulating a battle plan, the true horror began to unfold in New York City.


    At 10:00 AM sharp, the sky darkened.


    A massive shadow loomed over the city as a colossal Kree warship descended from the heavens, blotting out the sun. Moments later, thousands of blue-skinned soldiers leaped from the aircraft, swarming through the city like a plague. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then came the bombardment.


    Energy blasts rained down from the sky, demolishing buildings, overturning cars, and engulfing entire blocks in flames. Fire erupted through shattered windows, explosions ripping through the streets.


    Civilians screamed in terror, running for their lives. Police officers bravely opened fire on the invaders, but their bullets simply bounced off the Kree warriors, leaving not a single scratch.


    For five relentless minutes, the city burned.


    And then¡­ the chaos stopped.


    As if controlled by a switch, the Kree soldiers halted, assembling in precise formations in the city square, their movements eerily synchronized.


    Then, the massive warship opened its circular docking bay, lowering two figures onto the ground.


    Kree officers.


    Dressed in military garb identical to Mar-Vell''s, they exuded an air of cold superiority.


    At that moment, the global communication network was hijacked.


    All over the world¡ªon television screens, smartphones, and computers¡ªa new image appeared.


    A blue-skinned warlord with a menacing glare and an aura of absolute authority.


    His voice was deep, his words sharp as a blade.


    "Inferior Earthlings. I am Ronan, the Great Accuser of the Kree Empire."


    His chilling words echoed through every device in existence.


    "I have come to offer you two choices."


    "Choice one: Surrender."


    "Submit to the great and glorious Kree Empire. Become a part of something greater."


    "Choice two: Resist."


    "And I will personally exterminate every last one of you."


    "You have thirty minutes to decide."


    Behind him, his two lieutenants stood at attention, their expressions unreadable.


    Then, the screens went dark.


    But Ronan''s ominous message still hung in the air.


    The World Reacts


    "Pfft¡ªWHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"


    "ALIENS?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"


    "The Kree Empire?!"


    "New York City is under attack!"


    Global panic erupted. Governments scrambled for an emergency response. The world''s most powerful leaders engaged in frantic discussions, trying to grasp the reality of their situation.


    __


    Mar-Vell clenched his fists, his expression grim.


    "They arrived sooner than we expected."


    Stark, already activating his armor''s flight mode, gritted his teeth.


    "We don''t have time for debates. We''re heading to New York City¡ªNOW."


    With that, he blasted off into the sky, racing toward the battlefield.


    The Kree invasion had begun.


    --------------


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