Chapter 165: Thanos Strikes
When Stark arrived, he was met with the sight of Vision's headless corpse. The once-vibrant hue of the Vibranium had turned black due to death.
While Thanos might have struggled with the green metal, he had no trouble removing the Vibranium head.
Stark, seething with anger, cursed loudly, "Bastard, who the hell did this!"
Vision, a creation of his own hands and integrated with J.A.R.V.I.S's consciousness, was like family to Stark.
A familiar voice came from behind. "It's Thanos."
Doctor Strange stepped out of a golden portal.
Stark spun around in shock. "Who? Thanos? Damn, he's here!"
The name had been on his mind since the battle in New York, and especially after learning more about Thanos from Thor, Stark had been extremely cautious.
His armor research had progressed rapidly over the years, with updates almost monthly. Many saw Stark as merely wealthy and extravagant, but he was dedicated to preparing himself to confront Thanos.
"Originally, I planned to find another gem, but I didn't expect you to deliver it yourself," Thanos's voice was cold and indifferent.
Stark was taken aback but resolved, "Hand over the gem if you want to live."
Thanos turned his gaze to Strange and spoke in a low tone, though flat, it carried a palpable weight of menace.
"Friday, call Thor."
Realizing he was not equipped to handle Thanos alone, Stark immediately tried to reach Thor, the strongest Avenger.
"Yes, sir."
"Beep...beep...Sorry, the user you called is not available at the moment. Please try again later."
"Shit!" Stark swore in frustration.
Thanos smirked, seemingly reading Stark's thoughts. "There's no need to call for help. Asgard is struggling to defend itself. After today, it's uncertain if Asgard will still exist."
Thor was engaged in battle with Surtur...
Stark clenched his teeth and activated the reactor on his chest.
"Then I'll handle it myself!"
With the reactor as the core, his red armor expanded outward, enveloping him completely.
Mark 50, the latest armor developed just last week, was the first fully operational nanotech suit. Thanks to nanotechnology, the armor represented a leap forward, with the ability to morph into various weapons and tools.
As Thanos threw a powerful punch, Stark crouched, raised his hands, and a shield materialized from thin air.
"Boom..."
The shield absorbed Thanos's blow. Jets activated around the shield, propelling Thanos upward with force.
Thanos stumbled from the unexpected impact.
Stark then directed four half-moon drones from behind him, which launched blue lasers in unison at Thanos.
"Boom..."
The lasers struck with force, sending Thanos reeling backward several meters.
Before Thanos could recover, Stark formed a triangular dagger from nanomaterials and charged toward Thanos's forehead.
A golden halo appeared before Stark's eyes. He stepped into it and instantly reappeared in the air behind Thanos, stabbing him hard on the back of the head.
Thanos retaliated, but Stark had already evaded through another portal, thanks to Doctor Strange's magic.
While Thanos focused on the attacking magician, Stark took the opportunity to strike Thanos's back repeatedly.
Yet, Thanos's superior speed and combat skills prevailed. He turned, grabbed Stark, and headbutted him.
"Boom—"
Stark was sent flying for hundreds of meters. Despite the armor's protection, he was disoriented. Before hitting the ground, he fired a missile in reflex.
"Heh, interesting!"
Thanos chuckled faintly, catching the missile and tossing it back.
Stark, just recovering, hurriedly moved aside.
"Boom—"
A nearby building exploded, collapsing onto Stark and burying him instantly.