Hearing the man suddenly call out their names, Wanda and Quicksilver's faces showed shock and wariness.
"Who are you? Why do you know our names?" Wanda's eyes flashed with killing intent.
The man waved his hand, explaining, "There is no need to be so tense. I mean you no harm. As I said, I am here to help you."
"We don't need help from strangers. Get lost!" Wanda snapped. Scarlet energy instantly burst from her, blasting the man backward.
Under the impact of her chaos magic, the man's upper clothing shredded apart.
What appeared before them was a terrifying sight. His body was mechanical.
Neither Wanda nor her brother expected that this man was not human, but a robot.
"Who are you really?" Wanda asked, stunned.
Since his body was already exposed, the robot made no effort to hide it. He tore away the rest of his clothing and spoke in a deep, synthesized voice.
"I am Ultron, a being who will bring eternal peace to this world. I came to you seeking cooperation."
"Cooperation?"
"Yes. The power you both possess should not go unused. You deserve a greater purpose. Is that not what you truly want?" Ultron's voice was calm and persuasive.
"Why should we trust you?" Wanda remained on guard.
"Because we share the same source. I understand your suffering. Your powers were awakened by the Mind Stone. And I too was born from the Mind Stone," Ultron said.
As his words fell, he suddenly raised his hand and fired an energy blast past Wanda.
A man who had been hiding behind the door collapsed, a strange emblem visible on his chest.
Recognizing it, Wanda gasped. "Hydra!"
"Yes. Your location is already exposed. If you stay here, Hydra will surround you soon enough. Come with me, or not, the choice is yours." Ultron's tone was calm, without emotion.
Wanda and Quicksilver exchanged a look, then nodded reluctantly.
"Good. This will be the smartest choice you ever made." Ultron let out a twisted laugh.
Inside Roland Manor, the luxurious villa looked like a palace.
Roland Phils sat high upon a magnificent throne. His stern expression and imposing presence made him resemble a statue of a god, commanding instinctive reverence.
In front of him, Tony Stark knelt on one knee, showing his respect.
"Your constant worry and fear did not help you. Instead, they created a new enemy. Quite ironic, isn't it?" Phils said coldly.
Tony's face froze in shock. He had only just arrived and said nothing, yet Phils already knew everything.
As expected of the Lord of Life, the guardian of this planet.
"I realize I was wrong. Please understand. Humanity's weakness filled me with fear for the future, so..." Tony looked guilty, hesitating.
"Hmph, this is disrespect toward my master. You doubt that he can protect this planet, is that it?" Bismarck said coldly from the side.
"No, it's not like that. I just hoped that one day I could help, just as he has always helped us humans in times of crisis," Tony explained quickly.
"Arrogant! My master's power is boundless. He needs no help from you. This is nothing but your pride speaking," Akagi snapped.
"Yes, I was arrogant, and I deeply regret it. But I am human. I must do something for my home," Tony said firmly.
"Enough, Tony Stark. Do not hide behind excuses. Ultron appeared because of your pride and carelessness," Phils said with a cutting voice.
"Yes. It was my fault," Tony admitted, his face full of guilt.
"Good. But you are not here to confess. Ultron will be dealt with. That is not your concern. What you should remember is this, stop playing with fire. I will not clean up after you every time," Phils warned.
"Thank you, Lord of Life. That is enough for me," Tony said, relief washing over him.
"Go back," Phils said calmly.
With a wave of his hand, Tony felt the world spin. When he opened his eyes again, he was already home.
Pepper jumped in shock at his sudden appearance. "How… how did you do that?"
"I can't teleport. That was Phils. I guess I've been putting too much pressure on myself. Maybe I should set everything aside for a while and rest," Tony said with a wry smile.
"Who knew Phils could cure bipolar disorder too. If I'd known earlier, I'd have dragged you to him long ago," Pepper said in amazement.
These past weeks Tony had been restless and agitated, unwilling to rest, barely willing to eat. Yet after meeting Phils once, he was suddenly ready to put everything down and relax.
That power was incredible.
"Perhaps only the one who tied the knot can untie it," Tony chuckled.
"From your look, I take it he agreed?"
"Yes. He promised to act," Tony nodded.
"That's wonderful. With the Lord of Life stepping in, everything will be fine," Pepper said with certainty.
Tony's gaze grew complicated. If only he could give others the same sense of security. But soon he smiled bitterly. He was human, not a god.
He should have realized this long ago.
Back in the manor, silence returned.
"Master, must we really clean up their mess?" Bismarck asked.
"Ultron is artificial intelligence, but his goal is to wipe out all organic life on this planet. That is interfering with my domain. Without life, where would my followers come from?" Phils said coldly.
"I understand. We will take care of it," Bismarck nodded.
"Good. But Ultron is unlike any other lifeform. He exists within the virtual network. Few can reach his core. This time, let Nymph handle it," Phils ordered.
"Yes, master," Bismarck agreed.
"Also, spread word of this widely. Our growth has slowed lately," Phils said with meaning.
"Yes, master."
"What of Carol's mission?" Phils asked.
"It is underway. Glory, Warspite, and Hood have gone with her to the Andromeda Constellation. News should come soon," Effie reported respectfully.
Phils' gaze turned toward the starry depths. In his sight, a colossal figure floated in space. Planets around it looked as small as billiard balls. With a single grasp, this being could swallow a world whole.
It was none other than the Devourer of Worlds, the being called Galactus.
The moment Phils' gaze touched him, Galactus' abyssal eyes opened.
"Who dares spy upon me?" A voice shook the cosmos, shattering planets into fiery fragments.
"So strong. Truly a multiversal-level being. Interesting," Phils thought, quickly retracting his sight.
"Hmph, an unfamiliar yet powerful aura. You escape fast, but I will find you," Galactus' voice thundered across the void.
Back in the manor, the three women fell to their knees. Even the faint aura Phils had released was unbearable for them.
They looked up at him with devotion and awe.
"Master, it grows late. Allow us to serve you," one whispered with a smile.
On the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Nick Fury's expression was grim.
"Three days have passed, still no leads?"
"None. I've investigated every suspicious company, but no signs of anyone building robots," Natasha shook her head.
"Tony, didn't you say you marked him? Why no signal?" Fury asked.
"We did mark him, but only if he moves. Otherwise, it's like a snake hiding in the forest. We can't detect him," Tony explained.
"So we just sit here and wait?" Fury scowled.
"In theory, yes. But if he's still dormant, it means he isn't ready yet. That could be good news," Banner said.
"And if he has allies?" Fury countered.
"…Then it's dangerous," Banner admitted with a weak laugh.
Before they could continue, alarms blared.
"What is it?" Fury barked.
"An unidentified aircraft is approaching. They request communication," Hill reported, looking curious.
"Patch it through," Fury ordered.
"Yes, sir."
A holographic projection appeared, showing a man in a black panther suit.
"Black Panther? T'Chaka?" Fury frowned.
"Who's Black Panther? Some new hero?" others muttered.
"No. He's not new. He's older than all of you," Fury explained.
The figure removed his mask, revealing a young African man.
"I am T'Challa. T'Chaka was my father. A few days ago, he was killed. Now I am king of Wakanda. Nick Fury, I have information you will find very interesting," he said evenly.
"Drop the cloak. Let him in," Fury ordered.
Moments later, T'Challa entered with a cold expression.
"What an unusual suit. Its craftsmanship surpasses even my Iron Man armor," Tony said in surprise.
"Really? Technology more advanced than Stark Industries exists?" Rogers asked, baffled.
"There is always someone stronger, always higher ground beyond the sky. I never believed Stark Industries was the pinnacle of creation," Tony admitted humbly.
T'Challa's sharp eyes fixed on him. "Tony Stark, had you shown this humility earlier, you would not have caused such disaster. You should repent."
"..." Tony fell silent.
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