Ch: 22-27
Chapter 22
"Banner, listen to me for a second," Tony quietly took two steps back, "It's not too late to put on the wristband I gave you."
Seeing Banner on the verge of berserking, Captain America and Thor also simultaneously took half a step back.
"Put it on?" Banner glanced at the inhibitor wristband on the table, his anger gradually replaced by sarcasm, "Who knows what you're up to? The one inside me absolutely despises this thing—"
Beneath his skin, dark green magma seemed to be churning.
"It's truly over now!" Wang Haoyu dropped the documents, his fingertips rapidly tapping the wristband on his left wrist.
Boom!!!
A fireball suddenly exploded outside the Helicarrier, instantly disabling one of the four anti-gravity engines.
"Where did that come from?" Hill in the command center staggered from the shock, "Investigate immediately!"
"Alert! Intruders have infiltrated!"
"The enemy is familiar with the carrier's structure, has broken through three lines of defense, and disabled two security systems!"
Hill's pupils contracted: "It's 'one of our own'! Barton did it!"
"You… also want to capture the Hulk?" Banner's voice began to mix with a Beast-like growl.
Dr. Banner had barely finished speaking when his skin rapidly covered itself with a layer of deep green!
Bang!
The enraged Hulk let out a deafening roar.
The Hulk, in his Green Giant form, didn't hesitate, swinging his massive fists at Thunder God Thor and Steve Rogers!
The Hulk's thoughts were extremely pure.
In his eyes, the line between good and evil was clear!
With savage Fury, the Hulk grabbed Captain America and Thor, fiercely slamming them to the ground!
As for Tony Stark? He had long since vanished.
Without his Iron Man Suit, Tony's combat power was almost negligible.
"Damn it! This is bad!"
Nick Fury propped himself up on the table with one hand, his face grim.
"Director, Barton might have come back, his target is to rescue Loki!"
An urgent report came through the communicator.
Fury's heart tightened.
Rescue Loki?
This must not happen!
"Natasha, Barton has appeared, now it's up to you to intercept him!"
Looking around, Captain America and Thunder God Thor were already entangled with the Hulk in the distance.
Tony had most likely gone to put on his battle armor.
And the most troublesome one, Wang Haoyu? He was nowhere to be found.
The only person available now was Natasha.
"Understood!" Natasha calmly responded, having learned that Hawkeye Barton was leading mercenaries to rescue Loki.
She still held old feelings for her former comrade.
Without hesitation, she immediately set off to carry out the interception mission.
"Coulson, someone is trying to abduct Loki, you must hold the line!"
While walking quickly towards the Helicarrier's control center, Fury urgently gave the order.
"Understood, Officer!"
Coulson nodded, then led the Agents towards Loki's cell.
"Mortal, what are you doing here?"
Inside the cell, Loki watched Wang Haoyu, who was smiling silently before him, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes.
But the previous vibrations had already made him aware—Barton was bringing people to rescue him.
"Nothing, just wanted to witness the legendary god with my own eyes."
Wang Haoyu examined Loki's laser cage, feeling a bit helpless.
This containment device was not tricky for him. After all, the Prism technology in red alert technology had a similar principle... Prisms and lasers each had their pros and cons, making it hard to say which was superior!
What bothered Wang Haoyu the most was that this laser cell actually prohibited touching!
Otherwise, the cell would instantly plummet tens of thousands of meters into the seabed!
"Hahaha, you want to meet a god? Mortal, as long as you release me, this Third Princess will bestow upon you the glory of serving a god!" The Third Princess laughed arrogantly at Wang Haoyu.
"Give you an inch, and you'll take a mile!"
Wang Haoyu ignored the shouting Third Princess in the cell, picked up the Mind Stone nearby, and began to study it.
"Taihu, initiate analysis program!"
He activated the Taihu system on his transparent glasses to conduct a comprehensive scan of the scepter.
To be honest, it was impossible for Wang Haoyu to have no thoughts about the Mind Stone.
Even though he hadn't watched much of the Marvel series in his previous life, he had heard of the legend of the Six Infinity Stones. If he remembered correctly, the Mind Stone should be embedded with the Mind Stone?
But what was strange was that he vaguely remembered the Third Princess borrowing troops from the Purple Sweet Potato Spirit—that Chitauri army. If the scepter was truly the Mind Stone, would that gem-crazed Purple Sweet Potato Spirit easily let go of it?
"Scan complete!"
"Officer, the scepter's materials are all non-Earth products, primarily composed of rare cosmic metals."
"However, the gem at the top indeed stores some kind of energy—it's just that the storage is limited."
The repeatedly upgraded Taihu system smoothly reported the analysis results. As Wang Haoyu's right-hand man, Taihu's intelligence was in no way inferior to the red queen housekeeper in the Villa.
"So that's how it is, no wonder the Purple Sweet Potato Spirit allowed the Third Princess to run rampant with the scepter." Wang Haoyu suddenly understood, and casually tossed the scepter aside.
Such a disposable item was not worth his effort. It was the true Mind Stone that was worth planning for—but now was not the time; rash action without sufficient strength would only invite disaster.
After pondering for a moment, Wang Haoyu turned and walked out the door.
At this moment, uninvited guests had infiltrated the Helicarrier; if they were not cleared out in time, the consequences would be unimaginable!
If this behemoth were to crash, it would truly be a huge joke!
"Hey, Wang Haoyu, so you're here!"
Tony, clad in armor, walked directly to Wang Haoyu's side.
"Something wrong?" Wang Haoyu looked up at Tony, showing a hint of confusion.
"Things are bad. One of the Helicarrier's four anti-gravity thrusters has been destroyed; if we lose another, we might..."
"Crash, right?"
Captain America Steve appeared from around the corner, his expression grim. He had never expected the Hulk to be so berserk; even teaming up with Thor earlier, they were still suppressed!
"That's right." Tony reluctantly nodded, despite not having much affection for this "Mr. Tight Ass."
"Fix it immediately! It's easier for you with your battle armor. Shield Brother, you go with him."
"As for these scoundrels..." Wang Haoyu noticed the mercenary squad approaching at the end of the corridor, lightly touched the device on his wrist, "Leave them to me."
In an instant, his demeanor changed dramatically—from an elegant scholar to an unruly youth.
"Alright, be careful. Let's go, Tight Ass!" Tony shrugged, always feeling that Wang Haoyu was the best partner.
"I'm Stephen!" Captain America corrected, then, after saluting Wang Haoyu, quickly followed Tony.
Tat-tat-tat—!
The mercenaries spotted Wang Haoyu in the corridor and immediately opened fire!
Bullet casings rained down, brass projectiles flying straight towards Wang Haoyu's face—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bullets actually froze in mid-air! An invisible barrier completely blocked the storm of attacks.
"Squad One, turn around! Continue advancing!"
371
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Over ten elite mercenaries witnessed this scene and, without hesitation, split up, attempting to rescue Loki as quickly as possible.
"Hey! I'm still standing here!" Wang Haoyu blocked their path with a gun, a cold sneer crossing his lips, "You motley crew, do you really think you can ignore me?"
An icy blue magic array swirled at the tips of his twin guns. "Ice Wall!"
—Boom!
The corridor corner instantly solidified into a thick layer of ice, completely blocking the squad's route.
A hail of bullets arrived!
The mercenaries' gun muzzles spat fire, and a metallic storm enveloped him.
"It should have been like this long ago!" Wang Haoyu's twin guns erupted with magical flames, the iris of his eyes reflecting the sky full of fire. The bulkhead groaned under the energy clash.
///
Deep in the cell, Loki lightly tapped the chest of a dying man with his scepter.
"What a pity, Coulson." The Trickster God leaned in to whisper, "You had a chance to witness a new World."
The scepter's blue light faded, and footsteps disappeared at the end of the corridor.
The steel cage shattered with a crash! The Hulk, wrapped in electrical arcs, was slammed into the cell, and the entire cell, along with the inhibitor device, instantly plummeted towards the sea of clouds.
"Loki—!!!"
Thor's roar shook the cabin, and Mjolnir, carrying its Master, transformed into a golden meteor, chasing out onto the deck.
Nick Fury stood alone in a pool of blood.
The Agent's uniform was soaked dark red, and the cold light of the monitoring screen condensed into an ice blade in his single eye.
This was
Nick Fury had never viewed Coulson as an ordinary subordinate; in his eyes, this loyal colleague was the future hope of S.H.I.E.L.D., and his most important friend in this life.
"Can you save him?"
Hill stood before Wang Haoyu, noticing the rare look of grief on the one-eyed Director's face. As the only witness on site, even she couldn't be sure if Coulson still had vital signs.
"Under what capacity are you asking?"
Wang Haoyu didn't answer immediately, but rigorously confirmed the nature of the assistance.
"As a friend."
Hill pressed her lips together and gave the answer.
"I'll do my best. But life and death are fated."
Under the bright lights of the medical room, Wang Haoyu examined Coulson's condition, while speaking frankly to Nick Fury: "With all due respect, you're a very unqualified Director. Hand over the injured person to me first, but don't hold too much hope."
As the Agents moved Coulson into the emergency pod, a flicker of gratitude crossed Nick Fury's reddened single eye: "Thank you."
"Survival rate is less than 10%," Wang Haoyu added while putting on gloves, "I just feel that such an excellent Agent shouldn't sacrifice himself in vain."
The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy. Hawkeye's head was bowed, Black Widow was barely keeping her spirits up, Iron Man was distressed over his damaged armor, and Captain America's face was filled with disapproval.
When Nick Fury walked in with Hill, everyone noticed the complete set of vintage hero cards clutched in his hand.
"Loki's mercenaries attacked Coulson." The Director's voice trembled uncharacteristically, "Professor Wang is currently trying to save him, but... these are his cherished souvenirs."
The yellowed cards shimmered under the light. "He always wanted to join the Avengers, especially admiring a certain legendary warrior." Nick Fury's gaze fell on Captain America, his thumb gently stroking the familiar star-spangled uniform on the card.
"No one move! He collected all your cherished cards!"
"His only wish was to get your autograph!"
"But that wish will probably never come true!"
Nick Fury said as he placed the stack of blood-stained cards on the table.
Everyone's hearts felt heavy—their closest comrade, Coulson, was facing a life-or-death crisis.
Everyone knew Wang Haoyu's capabilities—
As long as he didn't mention the death rate, it meant he was fully confident.
But this time, he uncharacteristically spoke of a ninety percent chance of death.
So low that even Wang Haoyu himself had lost confidence.
The room fell into a dead silence.
Hill scanned the silent crowd, then looked towards the direction Nick Fury had left, her brows slightly furrowed.
Although Wang Haoyu said it was a near-death situation, his nonchalant attitude made it seem like he was discussing a routine outpatient surgery.
"The team needs a spiritual pillar now, a force to unite everyone."
"So you're using Coulson as a sacrifice?"
Hearing this explanation, Hill couldn't help but roll her eyes—if Coulson knew, he'd definitely come looking for a reckoning.
Chapter 23 Chapter 23
"No choice." Nick Fury shrugged. He actually had quite a bit of confidence in Wang Haoyu's surgery. But confidence was one thing; keeping these superheroes stable was another.
"Alright, it's time to discuss how to deal with Loki."
Tony, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly clapped his hands, breaking the silence. At this moment, Captain America Steve was looking down, his fingertips gently caressing the blood-stained cards, each one carrying too many memories.
"You have the most ideas, tell us what you think." Captain America, who usually loved to contradict Tony, uncharacteristically didn't argue.
"Given Loki's show-off personality, no matter what big move he's planning—"
"He'll definitely show off his 'masterpiece' to the whole World!"
"Plus the stolen rare elements and the Tesseract... Damn it, if Dr. Wang Haoyu and Dr. Banner were here, we could immediately ** his plan!"
"You mean... he needs a stage where everyone is watching?"
Stephen looked up directly at Tony and asked straightforwardly:
"This guy needs a World-class stage to display his abilities?"
Tony nodded without surprise, confirming: "Precisely."
"Is there even a need to consider? Forum City is the best choice." Wang Haoyu pushed the door open, casually pulling off his mask. "Your Stark Tower is the landmark; my Umbrella Tower isn't qualified to be a stage."
Seeing Wang Haoyu, who had just taken off his surgical gown, everyone immediately gathered around him.
"How is Coulson?"
Wang Haoyu shook his head: "Not optimistic. Half of his chest cavity is ruined. I could only do my best to stitch him up. His life or death is entirely up to fate."
Upon hearing this, Captain America Stephen clenched his fists, his eyes burning with rage: "Loki, that..."
Wang Haoyu wasn't interested in listening to these after-the-fact comments. He started calculating: It's time for my Legion to make its debut. This World, prepare to welcome my power!
Natasha paced back and forth, gritting her teeth. Barton silently loaded arrows, muttering darkly: "I'm going to twist Loki's head off."
"If you want to ** go to Forum City!" Wang Haoyu slammed his rubber gloves on the table. "If my Umbrella headquarters suffers even the slightest damage, I'll skin Loki alive! Get on the plane now!"
Natasha quickly led everyone to the Quinjet. This small transport plane could easily carry four or five people.
Loki, standing on the top floor of Stark Tower, spread his arms, his face filled with madness: "Hahahaha! What a perfect World! Lambs, are you ready to welcome your god?"
The frenzied Third Prince's heart was filled with the desire for conquest: Father King, just watch, I am more suited to the throne than Thor!
"Is the equipment debugged?" Loki turned to ask the Dr. who was operating the instruments.
"All set!" the Dr. confirmed. Only Stark Tower in New York could provide sufficient space and ample energy supply.
"Activate!"
At Loki's command, a dazzling beam of energy shot straight into the sky. Thousands of meters high, a dark spatial passage was slowly unfolding... The sudden anomaly plunged New York citizens into panic. At this moment, the Moroboshi monitoring system in the Umbrella Tower suddenly blared an ear-piercing alarm: "Spatial anomaly detected! Supernatural energy fluctuations found!"
Wang Yuyan and the members of the Secretarial Office, who were working, were startled by this sudden alarm.
"What's happening?"
"I don't know!"
"Everyone, quiet down!" Wang Yuyan stabilized the situation and immediately contacted Security Minister Xu Mu. The former Minister, Alice, had been transferred to Red Alert Planet to command the Tyrant Legion.
Xu Mu looked at the black hole gradually expanding outside the window, his expression solemn: "I recommend immediately evacuating all employees, and the security department entering combat readiness." The dangerous aura made him feel intensely uneasy.
After all, Umbrella Tower and Stark Industries Building are so close!
"Thank you for your hard work!"
Wang Yuyan said, then issued a notice for employees to go home.
In the several buildings that had previously received special deployment from Wang Haoyu, the modified soldiers of the Sentinel Special Operations Department began to act collectively!
The entire building was cleared, and all entrances and exits were armed and sealed!
"Something's not right..."
Looking down at the gradually shrinking city outline outside the porthole, Wang Haoyu unconsciously rubbed the edge of his Electronic Tactical Board.
This feeling of losing control, as if the chessboard had fallen into someone else's hands, was truly terrible.
"Must make an emergency landing! Open the hatch!" The moment Tony "clicked" his Nano-Helmet into place, the battle armor's leg thrusters were already spewing a ghostly blue flame.
Wang Haoyu understood and pressed his earphone: "Execute freefall." Before he finished speaking, he followed Iron Man and leaped into the sea of clouds.
"Dr. Wang Haoyu!" Black Widow suddenly grabbed the hatch railing and shouted, the night wind blowing through her wine-red long hair. Looking at Wang Haoyu suspended in mid-air, she rarely showed a genuine expression: "About Coulson... thank you."
"Just doing my duty." Wang Haoyu waved his hand, and a stream of green data flashed across his tactical goggles. He maintained his posture in mid-air, with three magnetic belts on his wrists and waist simultaneously extending, allowing him to stabilize his figure as if stepping on invisible stairs. 500
"Stark, I suggest you go change into the MK-85 armor first." Wang Haoyu said, while bringing up a holographic projection, his fingertips tracing over a dozen floating magic circle icons. "I need to return to headquarters to load new combat modules."
But the real ** was actually the Quantum Jump Gate hidden on the seventh underground floor of the Umbrella Tower—it was time to let the mechanical Legions, who had been training for a long time on simulated battlefields, come out for practical testing.
"Received." Tony glanced at the damaged right shoulder armor of his battle armor; the thrusters left scorched marks in the air. As a perfectionist, he certainly couldn't tolerate going into battle with damaged equipment.
Wang Haoyu said no more. Ion Thrusters unfolded hexagonal light wings behind him, and he swooped down towards the spire of the Umbrella Tower. In less than three minutes, he landed precisely on the top-floor helipad like a homing hawk.
"Moroboshi, initiate Tactical Calculation Protocol." Wang Haoyu took off his silver-framed glasses, which smelled of gunpowder, and pulled out his gold-framed combat goggles from his suit's inner pocket. This system, equipped with the 'Moroboshi Group' military AI, had miniature particle cannon emitters hidden in its temples.
"Command confirmed, Commander!" Unlike the sweet voice of the system name AI, the electronic sound in the tactical room had the sharpness of a small leopard. A Holographic Sandbox unfolded before Wang Haoyu, and hundreds of light points began battlefield simulations.
Wang Haoyu quickly walked to the safe, unlocked it with his fingerprint, and took out three Tactical Cards glowing with a dangerous red light. As he inserted the seventh Highly Concentrated Energy Battery into the Quantum Storage Device at his waist, the entire room was suddenly filled with a ghostly blue holographic projection.
"Looks like the engineering team will have to work overtime to upgrade the equipment..." Wang Haoyusquinted, and the projection showed a 3D model of a new type of Power Armor being assembled.
Looking at these ** that were no different from ordinary people's equipment, Wang Haoyu couldn't help but sigh softly.
In the knowledge vault of Scientific Magic, many cutting-edge Technology Magic devices were displayed.
Each one carried hundreds or thousands of magic data, and the energy was inexhaustible.
That was the top-tier equipment Wang Haoyu truly longed for!
Unfortunately, the shortage of materials completely cut off his hope.
"Next, my warriors, are you ready for battle?"
Finally, he glanced at Tony Stark, who was still wearing his damaged battle armor and rushing towards the wormhole above, and shook his head slightly.
Tony's move was merely to collect combat data using his almost scrapped battle armor!
He wanted to accumulate enough practical combat data for Stark through this battle!
"Come on! Alien scum!" The sharp-eyed Tony roared!
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—!
Countless miniature ** rained down on the Chitauri soldiers riding hovercrafts!
"My Legion! Are you ready?"
Returning to the largest military gathering point of the Red Alert Legion, Wang Haoyu used amplification Scientific Magic to let out a thunderous roar to all the soldiers!
"Preparation complete, Leader!"
"Ready, Officer!"
"Roar—!!!"
"We are ready, Officer!"
"Standby, Commander!"
Seeing that battle was about to begin, Tanya's blood boiled!
War, we are ready!
"Now I announce!"
"Transformers Legion subordinates: Invader Legion, Armed Helicopter Legion join the combat sequence!"
"Co-Brilliance Legion subordinates: Elite Cavalry Legion join the combat sequence!"
"Biochemical Legion subordinates: Tyrant Legion join the combat sequence!"
"Hyperspace Teleportation Device initiating charge! Activating in three minutes!"
"Upon teleportation arrival, annihilate all alien creatures. Slaughter the Chitauri army completely!"
"On Earth, fully display Umbrella's military might!"
"This battle! Is our battle of prestige!"
"This battle! Concerns the foundation of our future!"
"So, fight! My soldiers!"
Wang Haoyu, standing on the giant barracks command platform, let out an Earth-shattering roar!
With his roar and command, the Legion members below responded in unison, their fighting spirit soaring!
The selected Legions were in high spirits, all eager to show off their skills!
The unselected Legions, however, could not hide their disappointment, their faces filled with reluctance.
"We swear to achieve an unprecedented victory for the Commander!" Tanya stood upright before Wang Haoyu, saluting solemnly and reporting.
"All units enter combat status!" At Wang Haoyu's command, the entire Red Alert Star instantly boiled over!
Witnessing the situation, Wang Haoyu decisively passed through the anywhere door and evacuated from Red Alert Planet. This door only allowed single-person passage; if one wanted to transport troops, the efficiency was even lower than airport security checks.
"Xu Mu!"
"Here!"
"You must hold the array diagram's foundation and core!"
"Understood!"
Before leaving the Umbrella Tower, Wang Haoyu gave Xu Mu the ultimate order. Technology Magicultimately could not escape the essence of magic, and Scientific Magic could not escape the core of technology; the energy lines had to be absolutely foolproof.
"Elite Cavalry Legion takes the lead!"
"Armed Helicopter Legion carries Tyrant Legion for joint operations."
"Invader Legion is responsible for flank cover."
"This battle must be won, not lost!"
Tanya finished deploying, and the various Legion Commanders immediately reorganized their troops.
"Things are not looking good..."
Looking at the continuously surging Chitauri army, Tony's expression was grave. He hurried back to the top floor of the tower, and when he saw Loki looking smug on the balcony, his heart immediately sank.
"Looks like you've run into ** trouble?" Loki raised his signature cunning smile.
Tony sighed as he removed his battle armor: "Indeed, the enemy numbers far exceed expectations." He walked to the bar, put on his induction bracelet, and poured himself a drink: "Care for one?"
"Still have leisure to drink at a time like this? Truly typical Earthling behavior." Loki shook his head disdainfully.
(Loki showed a playful smile on his face, looking rather interested:
"Honestly, I can't bring myself to dislike you. It's just a shame you've offended someone you shouldn't have."
Tony, equally arrogant, didn't really dislike Loki.
Both shared the personality traits of being show-offs and attention-seekers.
At least better than that guy with the perky butt!
As he thought of this, Tony couldn't help but picture a perky butt in his mind.
"Who?"
Loki slowly approached, gradually raising the Mind Stone in his hand.
"Coulson, our best Agent."
Chapter 24 Chapter 24
Looking at the cold, gleaming scepter, Tony's heart pounded.
He really wanted to turn around and run.
But as a man, he absolutely couldn't back down!
Otherwise, he would definitely be mocked by that guy Wang Haoyu.
"That is truly regrettable."
Loki, with a strange smile, pressed the scepter against Tony's chest.
Clang!
Seeing Tony show no reaction, Loki was stunned.
What's going on?
Unwilling to give up, he poked him again.
Clang!
Still nothing happened.
"What is the situation?"
Loki, shocked and enraged, suddenly swung the scepter,
and violently smacked Tony away!
Tony was struck in the abdomen and fell off the Stark Tower balcony.
Beep beep beep!
Just as Tony was falling,
Jarvis, who had been silent, immediately activated.
The Sensor Bracelet emitted a signal,
and a brand new battle armor rapidly flew out from inside the building.
Just before Tony hit the ground,
it perfectly encased his body.
"Sir..."
"Are you trying to ask why I wasn't controlled?"
The still shaken Tony's heart was pounding like thunder.
"Yes, Sir."
Jarvis replied after a brief pause.
Tony fiddled with the pendant Wang Haoyu had given him, which had several types of Scientific Magicapplied to it; even Wang Haoyu hadn't clearly explained its specific effects.
"I feel like I owe him another favor."
Tony shook his head and walked toward where his teammates were gathering.
—
"Let's talk about the plan."
Looking at his dusty and disheveled teammates, Tony realized they had just been through a tough fight.
Just then, Wang Haoyu descended from the sky, dual-wielding Technology Magic Daggers, their blades glowing with a faint blue light.
"The number of enemies in the air is beyond expectation..." The injured Thor rarely lowered his head, blood seeping through his battle suit from his wounds. His eyes reflected the complexity of meeting Loki again.
"You're not wearing battle armor?" Tony raised an eyebrow. This usually cautious friend was lightly equipped. "Want to borrow a set?"
"I brought plenty of Scientific Magic equipment." Wang Haoyu shook the device on his wrist that displayed flowing data streams. He knew Tony's battle armor was always reserved for Pepper, and even Colonel Rhodes never had the chance to use it.
The sputtering engine sound grew closer, and Banner arrived late, riding his old, rickety motorcycle.
"Better late than never." Wang Haoyu winked at him. This act of interrupting made Steve clench his shield—the Captain's authority was being subtly undermined.
Banner scratched his head: "So... what exactly are we fighting?"
Wang Haoyu cut off the Captain's sentence and asked Tony directly: "Do you remember when I mentioned building a battle armor Legion?"
Tony looked confused: "I remember, has it already been completed?"
Captain America frowned, displeased by the two men ignoring him. The others present also silently chose their stance.
"Not only is it complete, but I also developed a Linkage System. Have Jarvis grant access; this Elite Cavalry Legion is temporarily under your command," Wang Haoyu said.
Banner curiously asked: "How many battle armors did you build?"
"Not many, just three hundred," Wang Haoyu smiled calmly.
Natasha gasped: "Three hundred suits? Are you planning to start a war?"
Tony said worriedly: "So many battle armors will definitely draw attention."
"Don't worry, I have a way to handle it," Wang Haoyu explained. "Besides this one, there are also the Tyrant, Invader, and Armed Helicopter Legions. Please be careful not to hit friendly forces."
Captain America finally erupted: "What exactly are you trying to do? We don't have time to chat! We must eliminate these aliens quickly, or the entire city will suffer!"
He looked at Wang Haoyu, who was wasting time, with angry eyes.
Massacring countless civilians in the City of the Forum!
Stephen faced the accusation: "Under what circumstances will people feel grateful? Is it preventing a crisis before it happens, or is it the life-saving grace of surviving a desperate situation?"
"The meaning of the Avengers' existence? To punish evil and resist alien threats!"
"I agree with the mission, but I oppose taking all the risk! Otherwise, while we fight, those who enjoy protection but show no gratitude will raise the Banner of freedom and accuse us—"
"Accusing this very Guardian force of threatening their safety!"
"So the question is..." Wang Haoyu scanned the group, his voice growing cold, "When these people hold weapons, do they not pose a threat? Ultimately, they hate you simply because they are weak."
"The mindset of a Free Nation, presumably, needs no elaboration."
Although Tony didn't understand Wang Haoyu's intention for delaying, this analysis was sharp enough—only when facing desperation would humans cherish protection. Otherwise, the Guardian itself would become an object of suspicion!
Banner silently rubbed his teacup; the restless Hulk inside him made him understand this absurdity more than anyone. It was this realization that defined his attitude towards joining the Avengers—he wanted to change how the world viewed "monsters."
Beneath Natasha's stern gaze lay the memory of a previous era; she held no illusions about a supposed land of freedom. But even she insisted that the Avengers stand in the light of day, rather than become watchers in the Shadow.
If they couldn't bathe in the sun, why step into the spotlight?
Every hero present saw clearly—only a continuous sense of crisis could make the world understand the value of the Guardian force.
(The furious Stephen roared at Wang Haoyu!
Bang!
In a flash of lightning, the magic circle flickering on Wang Haoyu's fingertip suddenly unleashed its power!
A brilliant Magic Light Whip tore through the air and violently struck Captain America, smashing him into a car parked by the roadside.
"You call me a coward? Then I have to ask—where is the promised military support?"
"And what about those soldiers who arrive too late?"
"Stop talking to me about great power coming with great responsibility!"
"Listen, we are all ordinary people! Tony is, Banner is, and so am I!"
"Standing here today, we are simply acting according to our conscience!"
"Not to mention we risked our lives to negotiate; it's not your place to lecture us!"
"If you want to live, scram!"
Wang Haoyu disdained acknowledging this Captain, whose mind was full of World War II ideology, and turned to scan the entire area:
"Those who are willing to fight, follow me!"
A dense rushing sound came from the distant sky; three hundred gold and red battle armors sliced through the air, leaving sonic booms and hundreds of trails of turbulent air behind them. Looking at the knocked-out Captain America, and then at Wang Haoyu, who controlled the Iron Legion, Thor and Barton immediately followed suit.
"You are fundamentally betraying the citizens!" Captain America, kneeling on the ground, still roared. Isn't a soldier's duty to protect the people? Was his World War II belief wrong? Why was everyone denying him?
Tony stared dumbfounded at the massive swarm of battle armors: "These are all your troops?"
"Three hundred xiaoqi armor suits. Their performance is much stronger than your early models." Wang Haoyu waved his hand, "Go command them to eliminate the remaining enemies!"
As he ascended, Tony couldn't help but shout: "My God! I've never led this many Iron Soldiers!"
"A first time for everything! This is awesome!" Tony laughed as he led the Elite Cavalry Legion across the sky.
"Mr. Stark, I am Moroboshi." A sharp, yet childish, girl's voice exploded in his ear, "I am about to access your data network."
"Sir..."
"Authorize immediately!" Tony interrupted Jarvis. A flood of data poured into his vision, and the real-time battlefield unfolded before him as a 3D sandbox map.
"Operational mission?" Commanding three hundred elites made his fingers itch.
"Clear out remaining enemies." The phantom image of a twin-tailed girl appeared in the data stream, "The Aerial Motorcycle Unit is handled by the Invader Legion and the Armed Helicopter Squadron; leave the big guys for the Tyrants to deal with."
As soon as the voice fell, hundreds of sonic booms tore the sky. Silver fighter jets soared from the Umbrella Tower, forming a Death Scissor Formation right before Tony's widening eyes.
"Damn it!" Tony looked at the massive fleet of aircraft, "Where did Wang Haoyu conjure five hundred modern fighter jets?"
The silver-gray torrent precisely slaughtered the Chitauri; their combat sequence size was comparable to the entire armed forces of a medium-sized nation. The Umbrella Tower was like an inexhaustible armory, continuously spitting out War Machines.
This feeling of oppression!
Fine beads of sweat broke out on Tony's forehead.
"Mr. Stark, only five hundred Invader members were dispatched this time."
"Wait, you said five hundred... are they alive?"
Tony felt a sudden chill run down his spine.
Those fighter jets were actually living beings?
"According to the boss, humans are Carbon-Based Life Forms, and these Invaders belong to Silicon-Based Life Forms."
The Fierce Loli Moroboshi brought up a data projection and gestured toward the screen.
"Dr. Banner, we need the Hulk inside you to take the Little Fellows and go tear some things down."
Wang Haoyu smiled and tossed him a communicator.
"Hulk says he is very, very angry right now."
Banner took off his glasses, put on the headset, and suddenly stretched his mouth into an exaggerated grin.
Below hundreds of armed helicopters,
the Tyrant Legion stood silently.
Banner laughed even harder—
So I'm not the only monster here.
Accompanied by the Hulk's chest-pounding roar,
three hundred Tyrants modified by Doctor Octopus simultaneously howled toward the sky.
"Moroboshi, take command of the Tyrants."
Wang Haoyu lightly touched the data stream on his eyepiece.
The Bio-Chips inside these Tyrants,
had their control terminal always held by Moroboshi.
"Command confirmed."
As the electronic voice sounded,
the Special Operations队员's Star Combat System suddenly switched interfaces,
hundreds of scarlet coordinates flashed wildly on the map.
"What should we do?"
Looking at the aircraft fleet that covered the sky,
Barton's quiver clattered onto the ground.
Natasha's clenched knuckles turned white—
These War Machines taking off from the Umbrella Tower,
were enough to rival the active military forces of a superpower.
This passage's
situation is starting to become intriguing!
The nearest airports are all for civilian airliners, completely unsuitable for fighter jet takeoffs and landings.
And fighter jets require very long runways!
The space required for three hundred fighter jets to take off and land is comparable to half the City of the Forum.
"Thor, regardless of what happened before, now go try to eliminate the enemies over a large area!"
"The enemy forces are too numerous."
"Barton, the Invader Legion is under your command."
"We must keep the Chitauri contained within the legion's operational range!"
Wang Haoyu turned and issued instructions to Barton and Thor.
"Leave it to me!"
Thor nodded, gripping his hammer and starting to spin it in preparation for takeoff.
"Can I hitch a ride?"
Barton, fully ready, looked up and asked with a smile.
"No problem, as long as you're not afraid of turbulence."
As soon as Thor finished speaking, he grabbed Barton and soared into the sky.
After everyone left, Natasha seriously questioned Wang Haoyu:
"Do you know what this means?"
Three hundred fighter jets, five hundred helicopters, plus three hundred Little Green Giants.
This level of military strength?
It is enough to make major nations intensely wary of Wang Haoyu.
They might even eliminate him at all costs.
"What does it mean? Eliminate me? What have I done wrong?"
"Did I destroy peace? Overthrow a country? Or become a tyrant?"
"None of the above! Right now, my legions are saving the people."
Chapter 25 Chapter 25
"I occupy the moral high ground, possess strength, and hold unknown power."
"They are unaware of the scale of my military strength, nor do they know what other trump cards I possess."
"Precisely because they are major powers, they will weigh the pros and cons."
"I could start a World War at any moment, but there's no need!"
Wang Haoyu shook his head as he explained to Natasha.
This display of power was entirely intentional.
Every major power has the ability to overturn the table, but no one does it because the cost is too high.
That is the path of mutual destruction.
But Wang Haoyu dared to.
He possesses the Red Alert Planet!
This is enough to deter all major powers.
---
The Sorcerer Ancient One and the others are unaware, and Odin is equally in the dark!
Because of this, they can only remain wary of Wang Haoyu, watching helplessly as he expands his influence!
This is an open conspiracy, a blatant exploitation of the information gap!
No one knows how many Invader Fighters he has, nor can they guess how many Hulk Warriors are hidden away!
No one can even be certain if he has other hidden trump cards!
They have no choice but to endure in silence and watch him take control of everything!
"You truly are insane!" Natasha stared intently at Wang Haoyu, finally gritting her teeth and forcing out the words.
A lunatic—a complete and utter lunatic!
She dared not gamble. The ability to produce Invaders comparable to modern fighters means Wang Haoyu likely already controls anti-missile systems.
Cutting-edge fighters symbolize the technological peak of a nation or faction, and Wang Haoyu has achieved it.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Wang Haoyu chuckled, wiggled his fingers, and floated into the air. "Now, it's time for you to lead the WuZhi Unit to eliminate the scattered Chitauri."
"This has dragged on too long. It's time to end them completely."
---
[Operation Deployment · Battlefield Side]
As Natasha boarded the helicopter, her pupils suddenly contracted—the cockpit was empty.
"Commander, I am a member of WuZhi 213, and I am about to escort you into the combat zone," a mechanical voice rang out.
"Are you an AI?" She gripped the edge of the seat, thinking of Tony's unmanned battle armor.
"Negative. I am a Silicon-based lifeform, belonging to the WuZhi 213 sequence." The aircraft turned steadily, slicing through the clouds.
Following closely behind Natasha was the combat squad of the WuZhi 213 team!
"How much longer are you going to lie paralyzed on the ground?"
Wang Haoyu stared at Stephen of Team U.S. 507, who was sprawled on the ground, his brow furrowed into a knot. Could this guy have been so devastated by his defeat that he completely lost heart?
Although he never agreed with Captain America's World War II-era spirit of sacrifice, Wang Haoyudidn't exactly dislike him; it was just that his current fragile appearance was unbearable to watch.
"What are you doing here?"
Captain America, silent for a long time, finally pushed up on his knees and stood.
"To confirm you're still alive, and to assign you a mission."
Wang Haoyu casually tossed down a communication headset.
"Alive. What mission?"
Captain America picked up the headset and looked up at Wang Haoyu, who was slowly ascending.
"Rest time is over. It's time for you, the national hero, to inspire the public and organize rescue efforts. Natasha and her Armed Helicopter Fleet will coordinate with you."
Wang Haoyu flew toward the sky as he spoke.
Personally interacting with the public? Don't even think about it!
Leave this kind of public-facing work to others. The organization always needs a figurehead, and Wang Haoyu prefers to handle logistics and command from behind the scenes.
"Perhaps... I really was wrong. That World War II mindset is indeed outdated."
Stephen rubbed the headset, muttering to himself as he watched the retreating figure. The most prominent characteristic of people in this era is self-interest; to manage them, one must be more ruthless.
"Hello, hello, all units report your positions."
After more than a month of specialized training and observation, Captain America finally realized:
The one who was wrong was himself.
Since he was wrong, he had to admit it, and if he took a beating, he had to stand tall. Once Stephenunderstood this, his state immediately changed, the most direct shift being—he began to obey Wang Haoyu's command and dispatch.
"Captain? What is your current location?"
An unexpected response came through the headset.
Although everyone was slightly surprised, they nodded in silent approval.
No one knew what method Wang Haoyu used, but Captain America had rejoined the team, meaning Wang Haoyu had once again recognized and accepted him.
Atop a tall building, Hawkeye Barton leisurely drew and released his arrows, each one precisely detonating a Chitauri Hovercraft, as if playing a casual game.
"I'm on Fourth Street!"
Captain America reported through the comms while catching his breath and clearing out cannon fodder.
"Received!"
Hawkeye's gaze was sharp as he quickly scanned the battlefield, providing a warning via comms:
"Approximately dozens of Chitauri ahead are attempting to surround and attack civilians. Five Elite Cavalry Legion members are nearby and available for support."
"Understood!"
Captain America immediately turned toward the designated location, and the five Special Operations队员 moved simultaneously.
"Di—"
The electronic sound of the communication channel switching rang out.
"Captain, the Elite Cavalry Legion squad has been connected to you," came the voice of Data Commander Moroboshi.
"I'll handle the frontal distraction; you penetrate the underground *** from the flank to save the people!"
Upon hearing the newly joined comms voice, Steve unhesitatingly took on the most dangerous task.
"Understood! Good luck, Captain!"
Immediately after the squad responded, Captain America charged toward the main entrance with his shield raised.
Laser beams rained down on the Vibranium shield, causing sparks to fly.
At that moment, five Elite Cavalry Warriors dove in through the skylight, the micro gun barrels on their arm armor spinning and glowing blue—
"Boom!"
Beams of energy wove a net of death, and the battle quickly concluded under the astonished gaze of the civilians.
As the Special Operations队员 withdrew like a whirlwind, the rescued people looked at each other: "Who... exactly are these people?"
(
Discussion echoed in the air.
"I don't know! Maybe they're the ones who came to rescue us?"
"Did you notice the markings on those Mechanical Warriors?"
"What markings?"
"I think I saw the Umbrella logo..."
As the Silver Battle Armor Unit quickly withdrew, the stunned civilians chattered amongst themselves, but their frantic escape steps did not slow down.
"What a behemoth!"
Tony Stark couldn't help but click his tongue, looking at the Giant War Machine smashing around like an aircraft carrier in front of him.
Are all these alien civilizations this crazy?
He quickly used the communication system to rally a dozen nearby Silver Battle Armor Warriors. In the blink of an eye, over ten silver lights converged through the gaps between the tall buildings.
"Focus fire and take it down!"
Glancing at the War Behemoth currently wrecking the skyscraper, Tony decisively gave the order.
The Silver Battle Armor Warriors displayed superb combat proficiency. While dodging attacks from the Chitauri cannon fodder, dozens of miniature *** suddenly shot out from their shoulder armor. Tony's battle armor also unleashed concentrated firepower.
In an instant, hundreds of *** accurately struck the behemoth's body.
"Roar—!"
A mournful howl echoed through the sky. The heavily damaged behemoth lost its ability to float and crashed heavily to the ground. Seeing this, the Chitauri cannon fodder on the surrounding buildings roared in anger, causing temporary chaos.
"Damn it, it didn't completely finish it off?" Tony frowned, looking at the wounded but still standing War Behemoth.
"Hulk! Take your buddies and dismantle those big guys! Don't let them keep causing destruction!"
Wang Haoyu, observing the battle from the edge of the battlefield, issued instructions via the communicator to the Hulk, who had transformed into a machine of destruction.
"Roar!"
Upon receiving the instructions, the Hulk instantly erupted, smashing a dozen nearby Chitauri warriors into pulp in just a few moves!
This roar acted as a signal, and the Tyrant Unit, already deployed around the Hulk, immediately sprung into action.
The Tyrants, modified by Doctor Octopus, were equipped with Mechanical Tentacles, making them faster and more agile. Four metallic tentacles supported them as they climbed the skyscrapers.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Tyrants leaped down from the rooftops, landing precisely on the backs of the Giant War Beasts. Although hundreds of Chitauri soldiers were stationed there, they were no match for these berserk killing machines.
The Tyrants either smashed their enemies with heavy fists or cut them in half using ten-meter-long Mechanical Tentacles.
"Roar!!!"
A dozen Tyrants completely transformed into demolition experts, their Mechanical Tentacles frantically tearing at the Exotic Armor covering the War Beast's body. Under the influence of terrifying strength, the reinforced metal was ripped to shreds.
Zzzt! Crack! Pfft!
As the Tyrants violently disassembled it, the giant beast finally crashed to the ground.
"Seeking death." Alice, strolling down the ruined street, caught sight of the approaching Chitauri squad, and a cold light flashed in her eyes.
Invisible Psychic Waves erupted, instantly twisting the necks of the alien warriors. Only her red cloak remained fluttering in the wind, the Umbrella Emblem on her cuff shining brightly.
On the other side, the charging Hulk, accompanied by the Tyrant squad, smashed through an office building. With a thunderous roar, they forcibly dragged another War Beast down to the ground. The stunned office workers only managed to catch a glimpse of the conspicuous Umbrella Marking on the Tyrants' backs.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Vibrating light patterns flickered intensely throughout the air.
Hundreds of Assault Team Members gathered in the narrow combat zone of Yitan City, and the Carrier-Based Aircraft Fleet roared into the sky!
Three hundred Air Combat Elites firmly controlled the airspace, and the Chitauri army was completely wiped out in the Crossfire Net. Even the Giant War Machines disintegrated under saturation bombing.
In the low-altitude area, five hundred Armed Helicopters commanded by Natasha were like a cleansing storm. Amidst the rotor's roar, machine guns and portable *** eliminated the alien soldiers on the streets one by one. The surviving civilians would forever remember the shining Red Umbrella Emblem—it was the armed forces of the Umbrella Group that protected the city before official reinforcements arrived.
"I'm genuinely surprised you decided to show up." Looking at the Third Prince Loki slowly stepping off the Alien Hovercraft, Wang Haoyu stroked his chin and smiled playfully. It was truly pleasant to see the arrogant prince's disgruntled expression.
—? "Being temporarily disadvantaged means failure? Your understanding of war is rather shallow." Lokismoothed out the wrinkles in his cloak, and an unyielding fire still flickered in his Emerald Pupils.
This is unbelievable! I went through so much trouble to trick an army out of the Purple Sweet Potato Spirit, and you just ruined it for me like that? Are you kidding me?
Loki was utterly exasperated at this moment!
"Why wouldn't it be possible?"
Wang Haoyu's mouth curved slightly. He casually took a packet of premium tea leaves from Tony's office and leisurely brewed himself a cup.
He heard that Tony had spent a fortune on these tea leaves and hadn't even brought himself to drink them yet, but now Wang Haoyu got to try them first.
"Hmph!"
Faced with Wang Haoyu's counter-question, Loki was uncharacteristically silent.
The battlefield situation was obvious—even without the help of the Avengers, Wang Haoyu alone was enough to block the Chitauri attack.
Once the Earthlings reacted, these invaders would definitely face the most ferocious counterattack!
"Close the wormhole."
Wang Haoyu's tone was as if he were discussing the weather; the lives of Yitan City's citizens were irrelevant to him.
What if they live? What if they die?
What does it matter to him!
He displayed the armed forces of the Umbrella Group merely to show off his strength.
Now that his goal was achieved, there was naturally no need to continue wasting resources—after all, his troops were starting to take casualties.
Where in the World is there a perfect battle with zero casualties? Unless it's a complete annihilation scenario.
"Close it? Why should I listen to you? I refuse!"
Chapter 26 – Chapter 26
Loki heard this and was so angry he laughed on the spot.
The Third Princess, in the throes of tsundere pride, flatly refused: You tell me to shut it and I shut it? Dream on!
Hmph!
The instant he lifted his chin, Wang Haoyu had already snatched up a magic staff and launched an attack!
Dozens of crystal-like mana spikes whistled through the air, reducing Tony's office to rubble in seconds.
"You want to duel me in magic?"
Loki was practically laughing himself silly.
As one of Asgard's most gifted mages, he had never lost a duel in his life—after all, his teacher was Queen Frigga herself!
Armed with that confidence, he swung the Mind Stone and counter-attacked. Their spells collided in a blaze of light that filled the room… with unexpectedly comedic results.
Every sigil Wang Haoyu now etched carried the strongest combat spell he could currently cast!
Watching Loki fight from Stark Tower's office clear out onto the terrace, Wang Haoyu's lips curved in amusement.
"Give up, Third Princess!"
He flicked out a cold-gleaming syringe; Loki's pupils shrank to pinpricks.
"Shut up! What Third Princess? I am Loki, Third Prince of Asgard!"
"That thing… what are you planning to do with it?!"
The glint of the needle stabbed at Loki's eyes. He feared nothing—except sharp hypodermics, a terror etched into his bones.
"Just taking a blood sample." Wang Haoyu rolled the syringe between his fingers, eyes alight with fanaticism, tongue flicking across dry lips. "Your brother's genes are already being decoded in the red alert lab, but the All-Father's seal blocked the Engineers' probes…"
"But you'll do nicely—"
"Frost Giant royal blood should be potent enough, right?"
Amid a shrill scream the needle plunged into Loki's skin.
With a sharp pull, the barrel filled with Loki's scarlet blood tinged with faint blue light.
"Ugh—"
Loki groaned, tottered, and toppled off the balcony. A Chitauri skiff swooped low under the Elite Cavalry's fire and caught the falling god just in time.
"Pity—only this much." Wang Haoyu hefted the scant hundred-millilitre vial and shook his head regretfully. Sealing the tube, he looked to the sky: "Thanos, I've been looking forward to tasting the blood of you Titans for a long time."
The wormhole still poured out endless troops. Spotting the fallen Mind Stone, Wang Haoyu paused. "How did the original story shut this thing off again?" He scooped up the staff and strode toward the spatial device.
Inside the carrier's war-room, Nick Fury's single eye blazed. He roared at the hologram of councillors, "You're going to wipe out the whole city?!"
"A necessary sacrifice, Director," the councillors replied in cold, mechanical tones. "The alien threat must be eradicated."
Fury slammed a fist on the console. "Who gave you the authority to override me?!"
"Mind your position," the projected faces answered loftily. "Don't forget who put you there."
Popular vote? You bastards ever cared about what the people actually want?
Fury's eye twitched as he watched these hypocrites. So-called public approval was just a fig-leaf for their filthy schemes!
"I order you to execute the mission at once, Director Nick Fury!" A bald councillor pounded the table.
The one-eyed Director curled a cold smile. "I answer to the Security Council, not to you jumping-jacks!" He flung open his black coat. "My Avengers are bleeding on the frontline while you stab them in the back? Burn in hell!"
"The people will support us! As for those so-called heroes…" The councillors exchanged glances, viper smiles spreading. Bypassing the President's secret session, they aimed for the two Council-authorised warheads aboard the carrier—planning to dye their medals in alien blood!
"Director! Two Ghost fighters are spooling up their engines!" Hill's voice exploded from the comm.
Fury's eye narrowed. Damn—those bastards had turned the pilots! As he sprinted for the deck, an RPG scope already locked onto the far end of the runway.
"In view of Nick Fury's ***, I now assume direct command," the bald councillor broadcast over encrypted channels. "Detonate the *** over Parliament Plaza and vaporise every alien scumbag!"
"Roger!" The pilot shoved the throttle; the Rocket's tail-flame shattered the runway lights.
BOOM!
One nuke-laden fighter's wing was blown apart!
The second jet roared into the sky!
"Damn it! Notify Captain and the others—NOW!"
Nick Fury was livid.
These meddling *** only know how to sabotage real work!
Just you wait!
"Sir! S.H.I.E.L.D. reports a warhead-carrying fighter heading this way!"
"Congressmen bypassed the chain of command and ordered pilots to launch their so-called 'peace operation'!"
Just after Wang Haoyu knocked out the Dr. and was studying how to close the wormhole, Moroboshi's urgent report arrived.
"'Peace operation'? Have those idiots lost their minds?"
"'Peace operation'? Have those idiots lost their minds?"
Wang Haoyu immediately stopped what he was doing and turned his gaze toward the aerospace carrier.
That bunch of good-for-nothing screw-ups is truly revolting!
"This is so damn annoying!"
"Tony, bad news."
Wang Haoyu gripped the Mind Stone and opened a channel to Tony.
"What is it? Can you close the wormhole on your end? The Chitauri keep coming!"
Tony was directing the Elite Cavalry Legion to wipe out infiltrators; the battle was fierce.
"I've got a lead—know how to shut it."
"But the bigger problem is—those idiots in Congress bypassed Nick's order and launched the ** on their own!"
Wang Haoyu's voice seethed with rage.
Those ** bastards!
"Got it! Leave the ** to me—you focus on closing the wormhole!"
Tony instantly grasped Wang Haoyu's intent.
Right now, only he could intercept the **.
"Count on you, Tony!"
"These clowns will pay for this—sooner or later!"
A bitter, powerless smile flashed across Wang Haoyu's face.
The worst kind—good-for-nothing meddlers who only mess things up!
(10０1⒍7105５
"Rewrite Edition"
Tony quietly summoned his AI steward: "Jarvis!"
His eyes sharpened as he ordered the armor to sprint at full speed toward the incoming mushroom-headed weapon, determined to twist its trajectory. A sonic boom split the air—
"Target coordinates locked! Request final launch authorization!" Sweat soaked the fighter pilot's palm; the lives of millions rested on the button beneath his finger—one press would brand him with eternal infamy.
Inside the Capitol, senators pronounced the verdict with solemn tones: "This is a glorious mission, soldier! Fire immediately!"
The moment the ** ripped through the sky, Tony's thrusters erupted in blinding light. Ignoring Jarvis's shrill warnings—"Energy reserves critical! Chitauri density ahead exceeds projections; deviation rate at critical!"—he plunged ahead.
Worse, a metallic tide of enemies surged around the wormhole, forming a near-hopeless barrier. Tonysuddenly turned to the silver-haired girl streaming through the air: "Moroboshi! I need backup!"
"Order received." The girl's pupils glowed with data streams, and Umbrella's War Machines rumbled to life.
The Tyrant Legion answered first; four octopus tentacles shredded alien soldiers, gore spraying between skyscrapers. Meanwhile, Elite Cavalry fighters punched through the fire-net in ** formation, their battered fuselages forming a moving shield wall for Tony.
That saved Tony from a sudden Chitauri strike!
Helicopter squadrons that had been sweeping the streets now climbed fast, intercepting swarms of Chitauri flyers!
Even more surprising, the Invader Legion abandoned its encirclement tactics!
They condensed into a spearhead!
And drove straight ahead of Tony!
Every foe in front—Chitauri soldiers or towering war machines—was crushed under the Invader Legion's withering fire!
"Mr. Tony, let me lend a hand!"
As Tony carried the ** toward the wormhole, a voice rang out!
Two steel cables shot overhead!
They snagged the ** and wrenched its flight path!
The ** pivoted, aiming squarely above the wormhole!
Tony glanced up and grinned.
"Thanks!"
Above him hovered an Invader fighter emblazoned with the Umbrella logo.
At its controls sat the Invader Legion's Commander.
"No need for thanks, Mr. Tony!"
Though the voice was cool, it warmed Tony's heart.
Having comrades watch your back felt damn good.
"There's still time!"
Seeing his legion escort the ** warhead, Wang Haoyu narrowed his eyes.
Time to deploy those pre-positioned **.
Whoosh!
The Invader Commander punched the throttle as altitude climbed!
The sudden burst of speed tore Tony—who had matched the **'s pace—out of its slipstream!
"All units—concentrate fire! Blast a breach!"
The Commander beneath the wormhole issued the order!
At once, every fighter emptied its micro-** pods!
Swoosh-swoosh-swoosh—
Countless ** blossomed ahead, clearing the wormhole of enemies in seconds!
"Go, baby!"
With a roar, the Commander slung the cable-towed ** straight into the wormhole's heart!
At the critical instant, Wang Haoyu channeled cosmic-gem energy within the Mind Stone.
BOOM!!!
A cataclysmic ** erupted beyond the wormhole,
a brilliant mushroom cloud blooming in the starry void.
Wang Haoyu seized the moment to shut down the Tesseract,
and the spatial rift snapped shut,
sealing the lethal radiation outside.
As the wormhole vanished and the Chitauri motherships detonated in a chain **,
the remaining invaders on the ground collapsed like puppets with cut strings.
"It's finally over."
Wang Haoyu traced the cracks on his staff and whispered.
"Indeed, it's finished."
"So, what's next?"
He asked over his shoulder to Loki on the rooftop,
tossing the glowing Tesseract in his hand.
Loki watched the Avengers closing in,
saw the Elite Cavalry flanking from the perimeter,
and gave a wry smile: "Do I have a choice?"
Thor Odinson stepped forward to seize his brother: "Father will judge your crimes!"
Chapter 27 Chapter 27
Wang Haoyu leaned back in his seat and spoke leisurely:
"Before taking him away—
How does Asgard plan to compensate for this loss?"
The Tesseract flipped and danced between his fingers,
his playful gaze sweeping over the two visitors from the Divine Realm.
Iron Man and Black Widow remained silent,
This alien invasion indeed cost Yitan City a heavy price.
"Compensation?"
Hearing Wang Haoyu's words, Thor frowned deeply!
How should they compensate for this?
"Does the Prince of Asgard lack even this much responsibility?"
"Your brother killed so many people here and destroyed so many things!"
"My legion also lost quite a few members!"
"Do you just plan to walk away like this?"
"Even gods should be reasonable, right? Otherwise, someone will naturally teach you to be reasonable!"
Wang Haoyu spoke meaningfully, hinting that there was a major figure holding the fort on Earth!
"But you were the one who said we had to wait for the entire force to mobilize!"
Thor immediately retorted.
"If your brother hadn't invaded first, would I need to wait for the entire force to mobilize?"
Wang Haoyu squinted, staring at the naive Prince.
What a simple-minded fellow. He definitely needed to find another chance to properly "guide" him someday.
"You must provide an explanation; the public needs answers."
Tony removed his faceplate and poured a glass of wine for everyone.
For Stark Industries, the loss wasn't too great, but why not benefit from a god?
"I can't give anything! I don't have many assets in Asgard."
Thor played the rogue.
"Then leave him behind! Crimes committed on Earth must face Earth's judgment!"
Wang Haoyu pointed his magic staff at the bound Loki.
"I agree!"
Before Loki could speak, Thor put a muzzle on him.
"No! Loki must be judged by my father; you are not qualified!"
Thor gripped Mjolnir, ready to fight at any moment.
But seeing the Elite Cavalry Legion slowly closing in, the circling Invader Fighter Jets, and the armed helicopter fleet... cold sweat still seeped into his palms.
How should he respond to this situation?
What was even more troublesome was that the enemy standing before him, though merely a mortal, possessed magical attainments no less than those of his Mother!
This was truly a headache!
"Fine, I agree! My Father just messaged me, saying that mistakes must be punished. Since Lokicommitted an error, we are willing to offer compensation for it!"
"But as a condition of exchange, you must hand over the object in your possession."
The troubled Thor suddenly looked up and solemnly declared this to Wang Haoyu.
What was surprising was that his Father, whom he hadn't contacted in a long time, could transmit a decree across the Nine Realms.
"I refuse!"
"This thing belongs to Earth in the first place, why should I hand it over to you?"
Glancing at the other party contemptuously, Wang Haoyu stared coldly at the Thunder God.
Did he really think he was some noble deity? And dared to scheme to seize the Tesseract?
Simply delusional!
"Your behavior is like breaking into someone's home to plunder, being subdued by the owner, and then demanding to take both the stolen goods and the criminal?"
"Isn't that utterly shameless?"
This stinging sarcasm caused everyone present to look strange, subtly distancing themselves from Thor.
"But you don't even have the ability to guard it!"
Thor was still arguing in vain.
"If we don't, do you? Who gave Asgard that confidence? I dare say, if Earth is unable to guard this object, you are even less worthy of possessing it!"
"If you don't believe me, go back and ask your Father!"
Wang Haoyu's eyes were sharp as blades, his attitude resolute.
The Tesseract would absolutely not be handed over.
If such a precious treasure wasn't studied, wouldn't that be a waste of heavenly resources?
"Young man, I see the makings of a King in you. If you have the chance, you are welcome to visit Asgard."
A deep, ancient voice suddenly sounded in Wang Haoyu's ear, sending a chill down his spine and making him break out in a cold sweat.
This was—Odin's voice!
(
Wang Haoyu suddenly tensed up, realizing with a shock that he had been targeted by Odin!
His pupils contracted abruptly, and his mind raced for a countermeasure—should he flip the table and turn hostile, or just run away?
Thor suddenly spoke, 'Father has agreed to your terms, and also invited you to be a guest in Asgard.'
'Don't be nervous, he means no harm.' A familiar voice sounded in his ear, 'You're holding the Space Stone to research energy, right? But don't take it off Earth, or I can't guarantee its safety.'
The person who arrived was none other than the frequently appearing Sorcerer Supreme Gu Yi.
"Alright."
Wang Haoyu suddenly understood many things. It seemed the Ancient One had at least heard about his activities on the Red Alert Star. Thinking of the Purple Sweet Potato Spirit's coveting of the Stone, he nodded in agreement.
Seeing Wang Haoyu agree, Thor visibly breathed a sigh of relief. This outcome was satisfactory for everyone present—the arrogant Asgard had actually conceded.
'I think we should throw a party to celebrate!' Tony immediately suggested.
'I'll join,' Wang Haoyu replied, 'but don't bring those magazine girls.'
Just then, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s special operations unit began clearing the area. The bald Agent walked up to Wang Haoyu:'Sir, the Director ordered us to take this.'
'I refuse.' Wang Haoyu flatly rejected him.
The bald Agent chuckled dryly: 'You must be joking, right? You're a member of the Avengers.'
I'm not joking! Go back and notify your superiors! I'm taking this object!
S.H.I.E.L.D.? Also, don't use my status as an Avenger member to pressure me! I never agreed to join this superhero make-believe club!
...Wang Haoyu glanced sideways and casually stuffed the storage box from the Agent's hand inside!
Along with the slightly damaged Mind Stone, he pocketed both!
He tossed the two boxes to Alice, who soared into the air behind him!
"Immediately return the items!"
Seeing their equipment seized, dozens of combat Agents simultaneously drew their guns and aimed at Wang Haoyu!
The Elite Cavalry Legion waiting nearby instantly turned their muzzles, and a dense ring of targeting sights surrounded the Agents!
"Wang Haoyu, are you crazy?"
"Stop it now!"
"That thing belongs to S.H.I.E.L.D. property in the first place!"
Hawkeye Barton, Black Widow Natasha, and Captain America Steve hurriedly spoke up to dissuade them—
If a real firefight broke out, should they help their S.H.I.E.L.D. colleagues, or side with Wang Haoyu?
A tricky choice!
"Are you... threatening me?"
Squinting as he swept his gaze over the dozen or so individuals led by the bald Agent, Wang Haoyucracked his knuckles.
A strange, flowing light suddenly appeared in Alice's eyes!
"Tsk, something big is about to happen."
Tony's faceplate quickly sealed shut, and the Hulk clenched his fists, tensing his muscles.
The brothers, Thor and Loki, instead adopted a spectator posture, a subtle light flashing in their eyes.
"Last time I ask: are you handing it over or not?"
The bald Agent gripped his gun tightly, aiming at Wang Haoyu, and forced out the words, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"I should be the one asking—"
"Who gave you the courage to provoke me repeatedly?"
"And who allowed you to point a gun at my head?!"
Boom!
A violent blast of air erupted, sending all the Agents flying like rag dolls!
The Agents lay sprawled haphazardly on the ground!
"Wang Haoyu!"
"Damn it, we're finished now!"
"The situation is completely out of control!"
Captain America, Hawkeye Barton, and Natasha's faces instantly turned pale!
Fortunately, the three of them maintained their last shred of rationality!
Facing the Elite Cavalry Legion pouring into the hall, no one dared to act rashly!
The power surrounding Wang Haoyu was enough to subdue everyone present!
"Who gave you the guts? HYDRA? Or Alexander Pierce?"
Wang Haoyu slowly approached, uttering those two names coldly.
"HYDRA?"
Steve Rogers' pupils suddenly contracted!
He was all too familiar with this nemesis from World War II!
It was this organization that had taken away his closest comrade, Bucky!
Thinking of this, fury ignited in the Captain's eyes!
"Former Director? HYDRA?"
Natasha whispered, and Barton's premonition confirmed the severity of the situation.
Wang Haoyu walked up to the bald Agent who was spitting blood.
He slowly crouched down, pressing the magic firearm in his hand against the man's forehead.
"Did you really think it was seamless?"
"Did you really think you could deceive everyone?"
"The moment you sent people to attack me, I started investigating!"
"The result was a colossal joke—"
"World War II remnants were actually lurking inside S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
The cold gun barrel pressed heavily against the bald man's temple.
"Hk... Hail HYDRA!"
The Agent roared the slogan, trying to detonate a device.
But Alice's telekinesis had already ruptured his internal organs!
The device rolled weakly onto the ground...
"Go back and tell Nick Fury that a thorough investigation of S.H.I.E.L.D. is urgent!"
Wang Haoyu looked indifferently at the dead bald Agent and said coldly to Natasha, Barton, and Steve.
"HYDRA must pay for its blood debt."
"Repeated assassinations, truly courting death."
He strode off the rooftop with a grim expression.
"Tony, I'll be on time for the dinner party; wait for me to finish handling my affairs."
After leaving this message, Wang Haoyu's figure vanished from the top-floor office of Stark Tower.
"They really were HYDRA remnants."
After the Elite Cavalry Legion escorted Wang Haoyu away, Natasha quickly checked the Agents' bodies.
When she tore open their uniforms, a matching tattoo was revealed on everyone's nape—
The hideous HYDRA insignia.
This discovery made Natasha's face instantly change.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has been infiltrated this badly?"
Steve's clenched fists trembled slightly. This organization, co-founded by Peggy Carter, had now become a snake pit.
"The former Director probably..."
Barton's single eye flashed with cold light.
Actions speak louder than words. If they previously had doubts about Wang Haoyu seizing the Tesseract, the three of them were now convinced—rather than leaving the Tesseract in the riddled S.H.I.E.L.D., it was better entrusted to an ally they had fought alongside.
"Are you still coming to the cocktail party tonight?"
Tony swirled his wine glass, breaking the silence, his glasses reflecting the three solemn faces.
After all, the specter of World War II reappearing was no joke.
"Of course."
Natasha pulled up the corner of her lips, forcing a smile.
As for Thor and Loki, they could only stay with Tony for the time being; returning sooner or later made no difference. And the Hulk, feeling that there was nothing left to do, returned control of the body to Dr. Banner.
As soon as Wang Haoyu returned to the Umbrella Tower, he immediately called for his Security Minister, Xu Mu: 'Xu Mu!'
Xu Mu immediately stood at attention upon seeing Wang Haoyu: 'Officer!'
'Pass down the order: destroy all HYDRA Bases at all costs! I want to wipe them out completely!' Wang Haoyu commanded coldly.
Xu Mu didn't say a word, turning to execute the order.
After Xu Mu left, Wang Haoyu knew that the Superpowered Soldiers of the Umbrella Group were ready to launch a full-scale purge against HYDRA.
He then looked at Alice: 'Alice, from now on, you are reassigned as my personal bodyguard.'