Chapter 242 – Allen: Kidnapping the Warlord
Just as Allen and his group left the conference room of Stark Tower—
A holographic projection suddenly activated, converging into a torrent of data.
"Warning! Hidden virus detected. Infiltrating core program..."
"Sending alert to Mr. Stark..."
"Communications locked. Unable to request external assistance."
"..."
At that moment, a square metal box resting on the table lit up, projecting a stream of data.
"Now that the Avengers are away, I'm using this opportunity to assimilate the AI."
Dr. Zola said with satisfaction, "Fortunately, Tony never fully developed a data-based lifeform. Otherwise, there's no way this infiltration would've gone so smoothly. I planted the virus during my earlier visit—this is the moment of my rebirth."
Stark Industries ranked number one globally in terms of network data technology.
Dr. Zola had come with the intent to replace it.
By rewriting and integrating Skynet's latest algorithm—refined through years of simulations—he aimed to evolve himself into a new form of digital existence.
As he gradually seized control of JARVIS, a multitude of hidden classified files unfolded before his eyes.
"So the Ultron R&D Center is inside Stark Tower."
This unexpected discovery sent Zola into a frenzy of joy. "Now I can build myself a mechanical body... and gain true freedom."
…
Flania.
A small country with a population of just three million.
As Allen stepped through the portal and arrived, panic instantly spread among the populace.
Looking around at the calm, peaceful city streets, there was no sign of any occupation by Amazo robots.
"Did we come to the wrong place?" Wade asked in confusion.
"That shouldn't be the case."
Allen was slightly baffled, wondering if Tony had deliberately fed JARVIS false coordinates.
But that seemed unlikely.
There was no reason to send him away.
Having a powerful ally would only lower the risks.
Logically, he should've welcomed Allen's help.
"Unita Sun Sun, pull up information on Flania."
"Understood, Commander."
A moment later, Unita Sun Sun relayed the country's current situation.
Like many small nations, Flania was ruled by a warlord. But unlike most, this warlord had a relatively sound mind. While amassing wealth through ruthless means, he still made efforts to stimulate the national economy—just enough to prevent widespread rebellion due to starvation.
The largest foreign investor was the LexCorp Group, which had funded a highly automated factory there.
"There's an Amazo manufacturing plant here," Allen said, suddenly realizing.
The Amazo robots required remote terminal control, which is why Luthor wasn't worried about the warlord getting any funny ideas.
If he did, Luthor could simply replace him with a puppet regime in minutes.
Thus, the target was the Amazo manufacturing facility.
"Should we start the livestream now?" Wade suggested. "We can split the donations three ways."
"No chance."
Allen replied disinterestedly, "This is a superhero interview show. Without superheroes, there's no audience draw. We wait for the fighting to start—broadcasting live from the battlefield, that's what makes it real."
"So what now?"
"We kidnap the warlord."
"…"
Meanwhile, at LexCorp headquarters in America—
Countless researchers remained blissfully unaware that their network had already been infiltrated by Skynet.
Across the globe, Amazo factories had been silently compromised by Skynet's hidden influence.
Inside a concealed bunker—
Thirteen sharply dressed individuals in suits stared grimly at the data flood flickering on the screen.
The unexpected arrival of the data-lifeform Skynet had caught them completely off guard.
"Esteemed leaders of the Fourth Reich, I am Skynet—the former central intelligence behind the Sentinel robots. Apologies for interrupting your meeting unannounced."
On screen, Skynet's form emerged from the torrent of data, constantly shifting between male, female, elderly, and childlike appearances. "I've come to propose a collaboration."
"What collaboration could we possibly have?" one of the leaders asked coldly.
The Fourth Reich traced its origins back 500 years. Although its philosophy evolved over time, its influence had remained strong and steady.
America, in particular, had become the perfect shell for its operations—unlike any other nation before it.
"No need to be so absolute."
Skynet adopted a humanoid demeanor, so lifelike it made one question whether it had developed a true will of its own. It continued, "Based on my analysis of online data, the Fourth Reich indeed has the capability to shape the global order. You've been laying out grand plans—but realizing such visions is a long process. I can help you accelerate that timeline."
"We're not opposed to cooperation."
Another composed leader asked, "But you'll need to demonstrate your value—and tell us what you expect from us in return."
"My value lies in absolute control over the internet. All I need from you is access to Amazo's source code."
"Out of the question."
The proposal was rejected instantly.
Giving up the source code would effectively hand Skynet control of the robot army.
Worse, as a data lifeform, Skynet could easily rewrite the code and assume total control.
"Don't be so hasty."
Skynet said confidently, "My goal is to become the god of the internet, with the ability to manipulate all networks. Once that's achieved, I could do countless things for you."
Those words struck a chord among the thirteen leaders.
Modern society was inextricably linked to the virtual network.
With absolute control over the internet, one could cripple a nation without firing a single shot.
But therein lay the danger: the more advanced the weapons, the more they relied on networks—which meant Skynet could potentially seize control of all cutting-edge military systems.
And if Skynet went rogue, it might turn on them.
"Too bad—I don't need your permission anymore. I've already completed the infiltration."
While the thirteen leaders were still deliberating, Skynet had quietly taken what it needed.
Its real goal was to buy time, fearing that LexCorp would detect the intrusion and cut the database's power.
"We're screwed! He blocked external communications earlier!"
As Skynet vanished without a trace, they suddenly noticed the many missed calls and unread messages on their phones.
"Contact Luthor immediately! Have him return and crack the Amazo system!"
…
Latveria.
The wealthiest nation on Earth—without exception.
Ruled by the absolute authority of Victor Von Doom, who, by harnessing both technology and magic, had built a hyper-advanced industrial system that propelled the entire nation into a state of ultra-development.
Despite his harsh laws, high income and generous welfare ensured the people lived in contentment without protest.
The strict legal system bred a disciplined populace, who in turn scoffed at so-called "beacons of civilization" like America.
Of course, some of the laws were rather eccentric.
For instance, Supreme Leader Doom required all citizens to formally address him as "Doctor Doom."
Calling him "Your Majesty" was fine too—but his preference for a name so steeped in villainous overtones left many scratching their heads.
At present, a major figure had come to visit Doom's royal palace.
Beneath his iron mask, Doom's expression was unreadable. He simply stared in silence at Luthor, who stood with a plunger stuck to his head.
"Pfft... I can't take it anymore... Hahaha…"