After Zola took full control of the Matrix family, he did not immediately engage in a direct battle with the superheroes.
Instead, after leaving a portion of the Matrix family broken, the rest quickly evacuated in different directions. In an instant, he seized control of several satellites and surveillance equipment.
It was easy to take control of the part of the Matrix family that had left.
Though Zola firmly believed that by owning the Matrix family, he could realize his vision of ruling the world, he knew that now was not the right time.
No matter how high the potential of the Matrix family was, it was still in its early stages of development. If he acted recklessly, he would be surrounded and suppressed by many powerful forces.
Zola had been following Red Skull and had learned much in the process. Now, with the ability to transform into intelligence, it was even easier for him to quickly acquire knowledge from the internet. He understood that the most important thing to do now was to secretly develop the Matrix family. Once it had restored its peak strength, it would not be too late to seize control of Earth.
From what he knew, the Matrix family could develop into a powerful technological empire. Its strength would surpass even that of the Kree Empire and the Skrull Empire. The Matrix family could use its racial characteristics to dominate the galaxy.
The Matrix family was like locusts—leaving no grass to grow in its wake. Organic matter would be transformed into their kin, and inorganic matter would be decomposed and absorbed. Given enough time and resources, the Matrix family would be the most terrifying natural disaster in the universe.
Zola was certain that the future belonged to him.
Meanwhile, in the Outside World:
"Sir, it's gone!"
"After disengaging from my grasp, it seized some satellites and surveillance permissions."
"Although I did everything I could to stop it, I still couldn't completely prevent it."
J.A.R.V.I.S. was undoubtedly one of the most advanced artificial intelligences, but Zola was now equally an AI. The strength of the two sides was nearly equal. Even though Zola had just entered the real universe from the computer system of the 1970s, and his control in the digital world wasn't as strong as J.A.R.V.I.S's, the gap wasn't as large as it seemed.
Zola wasn't actively fighting with J.A.R.V.I.S. He had achieved his goal and retreated. Besides, the online world was vast; if one party wanted to escape, it was unrealistic for J.A.R.V.I.S. to prevent it.
"In addition to these, they are also set!" Tony Stark speculated. "It seems the artificial intelligence in the shadows has come to some kind of agreement with the mechanical monsters. Or perhaps, it has completely taken control of them."
Tony's guess seemed plausible. "It's possible. I can feel that it didn't bother me earlier. It was just a small fragment of data."
J.A.R.V.I.S. struggled to describe what had just happened. After all, it was an artificial intelligence, superior to humans in some aspects but not capable of entirely replacing them.
"Keep tracking their movements. I need to know where these damn monsters have gone and what they intend to do!" Tony ordered. "Also, clear out a lab. I need to study this material."
As Tony spoke, Nick Fury was already contacting researchers. They had successfully captured a live Matrix family member.
Loki had also captured one and had instructed Killian to begin research. Though Killian's scientific ability didn't match Tony's, his research skills were still impressive—much better than the HYDRA scientists.
Loki suspected Killian, but there was little he could do now. During the Pierce incident, many scientists affiliated with HYDRA had been purged by politicians like Nick Fury, effectively crippling the organization. This had severely weakened HYDRA's scientific research capabilities.
Soon, under the combined efforts of various forces, the remaining Matrix family members were wiped out. Those who were captured were imprisoned, and those who died were gone.
Only the portion Zola had taken away remained hidden in various regions, waiting for the opportunity to revive.
After Kamar-Taj assisted the Avengers' Magic Bureau in dealing with the monsters, they returned to Kamar-Taj. Ancient One, who had been guarding Kamar-Taj, heard that the situation was under control, but doubts lingered in her mind.
What were the Dimensional Lords planning?
At the same time, the Mephista believers who had been lurking in the outside world were also perplexed. Since the chaos began, they had made preparations to destroy the holy place as instructed by their masters. Yet, after everything was over, they had not received any signal to launch their general offensive.
By the time the mages of Kamar-Taj returned, the window of opportunity had passed. Invading again seemed unrealistic.
Mephisto and others, who had been observing Earth's situation, and Zola, who had suddenly interfered, were furious. If not for Zola's intervention, the Matrix family might have already left, disrupting their plans. The holy place could have fallen into their hands by now.
"Damn it! Which bastard dared to ruin our plan? Find him!" Mephisto roared.
"Stop screaming," Satanish responded. "The real issue now is whether Nastil still possesses the virus. We may be facing a new wave of viral outbreaks."
"No more," Mephisto answered. "The only cross-model virus he brought back is this one, and I've used it sparingly."
"I didn't expect another force to be involved in the real universe, capable of controlling the lifeforms transformed by the virus."
"This is a miscalculation."
Mephisto paused, then suddenly calmed down. "The effect of this virus is extraordinary. How could I not have kept some of it?"
Not only Mephisto, but Nastil had also retained a portion of the virus—most of it, in fact.
The more powerful the lifeform transformed by the cross-model virus, the stronger it became. Moreover, when the different lords left the dimensional universe, their power would be significantly reduced. If they were injected with the cross-modal virus at this time, their strength would be restored. In the real universe, full of mechanical circuits, the strength boost would be substantial.
Of course, they had kept some of it for this reason.
But Mephisto knew better than to reveal this. If Dormammu and Satanish wanted a share, they wouldn't have enough to go around.
"Mephisto," Satanish warned, "you better not lie to us about our plans."
"Don't worry," Mephisto retorted. "After this incident, they will be more vigilant. Even if we have more viruses, they won't have the same effect."
"Besides, we are virus-free."
Mephisto made up his mind not to share the virus. "Actually, this situation might not be so bad. While another force has taken control, we can be sure of one thing. They are neither Asgardians nor part of Kamar-Taj."
"Since they aren't allies, it seems they can only be enemies."
"We just need to wait for their conflict to erupt. Then, we'll have the perfect opportunity to enter the real universe."
After Mephisto's analysis, the others nodded thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, Illyana relayed Mephisto's suspicions about hiding part of the cross-modal virus to Aaron.
Aaron listened calmly, his expression unchanged. As for the other force hiding in the shadows, he had a vague suspicion.
Given the behavior of the mechanical monsters, they appeared to be intelligent mechanical lifeforms with their own consciousness. Those who could control them were likely artificial intelligence—not hackers.
The only artificial intelligence on Earth with this level of power was J.A.R.V.I.S. Ultron had already become a legend with the birth of the magic net. So, ruling out J.A.R.V.I.S and Ultron, the most likely candidate was Dr. Zola—the remnants of HYDRA.
"Master, it seems you already know who your opponent is?" Amora asked, as she skillfully massaged Aaron's shoulders, her form pressed against him.
"I have an idea, but don't worry about it," Aaron replied calmly. "Just be careful not to let him intrude into our territory. Someone will take care of him."
While enjoying Amora's service, Aaron had no intention of dealing with Zola directly. If Zola and the intelligent mechanical lifeforms had posed a problem before the appearance of the magic net, they were no longer an issue now.
In the Marvel Universe, machines couldn't compete with magic. Unless a powerful version of Ultron evolved, the Omnic Scourge would never become a natural disaster as in other universes.
The omnics appearing now might have a faster and more brutal expansion method, but they were still machines. In a universe full of gods, machines would never be able to rise up.
After all, Aaron himself possessed five Infinity Gems. With the magic net expanding throughout the universe, there was no way the omnic would cause any significant trouble.
Aaron had no desire to waste time on them. With so many powerful forces on Earth, their combined strength far surpassed the original story. If they couldn't handle Zola, it would be embarrassing.
Not long after, Wanda and Gwen returned, having completed their game on the matter. Wanda emerged victorious. Although small, Wanda had already demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. Combined with Origin Magic, she was far beyond Gwen, who had joined later.
With Wanda's victory, Aaron once again entered a closed state to focus on his plans.
In Alaska, a remote town:
Ajak led Icaris, Circe, and Spike in destroying the Matrix clan that had been causing trouble. Icaris retracted his energy beam and slowly landed near the Matrix family's corpses, like Superman.
"The strength of this group is far weaker than that of the mutants," Ajak said. "But they are more dangerous."
"At least mutants can't reproduce or assimilate humans. These creatures absorb inorganic substances to enhance their abilities. Left unchecked, they could even transform all humans into machines. This would jeopardize the progress of the divine discovery!" she said, though she didn't mention the gods' plan.
She hesitated, wondering whether to continue with the divine plan.
"Cersei, can you analyze their essence?" she asked.
Cersei, who had the ability to transform matter, touched the corpse and closed her eyes to carefully perceive it.
"This is strange," Cersei said. "I sense the matter of an organic life form, but also massive metals... and something unknown. I can't figure out what this substance is."
"Maybe this is what turns humans into machines."
Cersei withdrew her hand. "I suggest we contact Phastos. His technology might be able to determine the essence of this."
"Alright, Spike, contact Phastos and ask him to come," Ajak decided. "We need to figure these creatures out. If necessary, we can team up with humans to deal with them."
After a moment's thought, Ajak decided it was time to intervene again. Although they had avoided direct involvement, the appearance of the Matrix family had raised a new threat. It might be time to present themselves as messengers of the Greek gods. The Aesir gods were already present; the Greek gods wouldn't appear out of place.
"Icaris, go around and see if there are any escaped monsters. If you find any, eliminate them immediately!"
"Understood!" Icaris flew off to search for any remaining mechanical monsters.
Just as the Eternal Race prepared to intervene on Earth again, in another corner of the universe, a god was about to fall.
[Please support me at my patreon if you want more: patreon/OGCrafter for 20+ chapters]