Chapter 131: Punishing the Hell Demon; Night Voyage on an Ice Boat
Although his body recovered quickly with the blessing of the Hell dimension, this sense of humiliation could not be erased.
Mephisto's face was distorted to the extreme.
This was a blatant warning.
It was even more of a condescending deterrent.
This was the fury that must be endured for stepping into the Ice Demon's territory.
"The taste of death is truly fascinating."
Mephisto bared his fangs and forced a hideous smile to hide his fear.
If it hadn't been for the fact that he was in his home dimension just now, that move would have finished him off.
That terrifying power had not only pierced through his throne but almost shattered his Hell dimension.
He had to use his authority as the Lord of the Dimension to desperately repair his World, which was on the verge of breaking.
Mephisto deeply remembered this human's name.
A top-tier expert who bore the name of a demon but ran rampant in the human World.
The unfathomable depth of that power made Mephistofeel a deep sense of wariness.
"This is only our first encounter, human. It will definitely not be the last."
"Ethan, no matter how much time passes, your Soul will eventually be mine."
He gazed greedily at the large hole that had split open in the sky of Hell.
Countless hellish spirits were taking the opportunity to flee frantically from the opening.
But Mephisto couldn't be bothered to care.
He urgently needed to heal his wounds now.
He needed to devour a massive amount of Souls to nourish his damaged Origin.
On the highway, the sports car's engine let out a Beast-like roar.
Ethan floored the gas pedal, leaving the police cars so far behind that even their taillights were invisible.
Gwen let out a wild scream from the passenger seat.
This feeling of high-speed racing made her feel for a moment as if she were swinging on spider silk over New York.
However, when she was a superhero, she didn't have a boyfriend by her side.
She found that she absolutely loved this sense of speed and passion.
This was much more domineering than the steady lincoln navigator she usually drove.
The manor still stood by the sea, luxurious and quiet.
The security team from the Osborn Group had already withdrawn.
Before Ethan arrived, they had already swept the manor inside and out.
Ensuring there were no safety hazards.
"Hao, did someone make you unhappy just now?"
After the car came to a steady stop, Gwen finally couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked.
"It's nothing, just some filthy thing from Hell came to spy on my territory. I gave him a little lesson in passing."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, looking completely unruffled.
"Hell? Does that place really exist?"
Gwen's eyes widened.
"If the gods from myths exist, then demons naturally exist as well."
Ethan shrugged.
He wrapped his arm around Gwen's sexy waist, feeling the warmth of her skin, and led her into the manor.
"We haven't been to this Villa in a long time; it's a bit of a waste to leave it empty."
Looking at the luxurious interior, Gwen couldn't help but sigh.
Her recent schoolwork had been incredibly heavy.
So she couldn't squeeze out much time to accompany Ethan.
She had heard some rumors about her billionaire boyfriend.
But Gwen never took them to heart.
She had watched with her own eyes as Ethan grew step by step into the top-tier powerhouse he was today.
Moreover, the boyfriend beside her was one of the top ten billionaires in the World.
He was writing his own legend.
No, he was already a living legend himself.
Although a year had passed since the Battle of New York.
Gwen still clearly remembered how that tsunami, which almost submerged New York, had turned into endless icy frost dragons under Ethan's control and charged at the alien invaders.
That invincible posture had instantly crushed the alien warships into pieces.
Since then, her boyfriend had become a global figure.
Although Ethan usually kept a low profile.
The media's spotlight had never let him go.
Recently, some media outlets even broke the news, saying that the demon who froze the Vatican was the chairman of the Osborn Group.
They said he wasn't a hero at all, but a complete demon.
Countless believers had held protest marches because of this.
But to Ethan, this was just like an itch; it had no impact.
Even the Vatican had specially held a press conference to clarify the matter for him.
Did the Vatican really not know the truth?
They knew it as clearly as a mirror.
Everything that happened that night in Rome had long been reconstructed by them.
One could only say that someone had courted death by targeting Ethan, and as a result, the arrogance of the Judgement Legion had killed them.
This also put the Vatican in an extremely awkward position.
Now, although the Vatican had lifted the lockdown.
And order was slowly beginning to recover.
The entire Holy See was inevitably left with a pile of messes.
The evil entities that the Holy See had suppressed for thousands of years originally had a powerful Seal system.
But this was itself a ticking time bomb.
With the events of that frozen night in Rome, countless evil demons had taken advantage of the chaos to escape from the Holy See's hands.
This had plunged the Holy See directly into a dark age.
With their own backyard on fire, they were walking on thin ice.
Where would they have any extra energy to look for trouble with Ethan?
Therefore, without Ethan having to say anything, the Holy See was eager to stay as far away from this bringer of calamity as possible.
In the adult World, interests always come first.
The Holy See was no exception.
With the fall of an Archangel.
Their losses had reached an extreme level of tragedy.
When the news of Ethan slaying Apocalypse spread, the Holy See instantly fell silent collectively.
The Holy See naturally knew of Apocalypse's existence.
One could even say that Apocalypse was the Incarnationof a god walking among men.
He was the God on earth in the truest sense.
However, the Holy See ultimately chose to sacrifice their own God.
Right after something happened to Apocalypse.
This made the high-level officials of the Holy See realize that that man was not to be provoked.
"A waste?"
Ethan suddenly picked Gwen up in a princess carry.
"This place holds many of our beautiful memories. It seems Miss Stacy has forgotten; I think it's very necessary to help you deepen your memory."
Ethan smiled as bright as a flower, but there was mischief in his eyes.
"Ah!"
Gwen let out a cry like a startled rabbit.
"Not today! It's the last day of my period!"
Gwen resisted, her face flushing red.
"Then we'll take an unusual path."
Ethan's smile became even more wicked and unrestrained.
"No, no way, you bastard..."
Night fell.
A boat made of ice braved the wind and waves, sailing into the depths of the sea.
Gwen glared at Ethan huffily, secretly complaining in her heart.
After working hard for a long time, she had only managed to let this guy release a little bit of pressure.
The gap in their Physiques made Gwen feel a huge amount of pressure.
But to tie down her boyfriend's heart.
She had to satisfy his little special hobbies.
Chapter 132: Submarine Accidentally Enters the AtlantisBattlefield
"By the way, I heard Warner Bros. is preparing to turn your novel into a movie?"
Having thought things through, Gwen took the initiative to change the subject.
"Warner Bros. consulted me for my opinion. I only had one requirement: the male lead must be drop-dead handsome, and the female lead must be a great beauty."
Ethan shrugged.
He had almost forgotten that back then, in order to get his first pot of gold and complete a System task, he had done something quite ridiculous.
He had acted as a plagiarist once.
He had directly written fifty shades of grey!!!
Now, this novel was finally going to be brought to the big screen.
"I'm getting more and more curious about how the movie adaptation of your novel will turn out."
Gwen looked at Ethan with eyes full of admiration.
That was a novel he wrote during high school.
Back then, she was still a naive high school girl who knew nothing.
Even Ethan had only just arrived in the USA not long before.
And yet, he had actually written a global bestseller.
Regardless of whether the content was decent or not, the status of being a bestselling author alone made Gwen feel like she had a lot of Face.
"The scale will definitely be toned down a lot. Knowing Hollywood's usual style, they'll absolutely add a bunch of ethical conflict scenes and call it 'adding depth.'"
Ethan looked displeased.
Gwen gave him a white eye. "You shouldn't have given this novel to Warner Bros. to film. If you had sold the rights to those companies in the San Fernando Valley, it would definitely be authentic."
"You sure know a lot."
Ethan spread his hands helplessly.
"I wish someone in the San Fernando Valley could have filmed it, but as you know, with their small budgets, they couldn't afford my copyright at all."
Ethan knew very well that he was really strapped for cash back then.
If it weren't for that copyright fee, he wouldn't be able to take over the Osborn Group now.
That money had increased several hundredfold in his hands.
So, this was definitely the most profitable business deal Ethan had ever made in his life.
"What a pity, I wanted to collect that version of the movie."
Gwen stared boldly at Ethan.
Ethan gave a brilliant smile. "Actually, I have a suggestion. Why don't we act it out according to the script? I'll play the male lead, and you'll play the female lead."
"Hmph, I don't want to."
Although Gwen refused verbally, her tone didn't sound very firm.
"That's a real shame then."
The two chatted happily.
Without realizing it, a gale blew across the pitch-black sea, and the wind and waves became increasingly terrifying.
But the two in the eye of the storm didn't care at all.
Facing such natural disasters, especially in the deep sea, Gwen was indeed powerless.
But she knew Ethan inside out.
This bit of danger in the ocean couldn't threaten Ethanin the slightest.
On the sea, Ethan was simply the Dominator, a new generation's God of the Sea.
So, even though Gwen sensed danger, as long as her boyfriend was by her side, this was the safest place in the World.
Ethan's brow twitched slightly.
"It seems someone doesn't want us to spend this pleasant holiday quietly."
Gwen, however, became excited. "You know, I've stayed in New York for too long. I'm almost bored to death helping old ladies cross the street every day. If something could happen on the sea, this holiday would be simply wonderful for me."
"Is that so?"
Ethan immediately beamed with joy.
The white Water-type magic power on his body activated instantly.
Light covered the entire ice boat.
The ice boat slowly sank, diving into the deep sea.
The hull structure underwent a massive change.
In the blink of an eye, it turned into a submarine named the 'the nautilus'.
"Did you just replicate the the nautilus from the novel?"
Gwen leaned against the window excitedly to observe the surroundings.
Ethan nodded.
"Wow, you're really amazing!"
Gwen was so happy she almost jumped up.
Through the transparent ice windows, everything on the seabed could be clearly seen.
The entire the nautilus emitted a soft glow, illuminating the pitch-black seabed around it.
"Miss Stacy, do I have the honor of inviting you on a journey of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea?"
"Of course, Mr. Hao."
Gwen let out a silvery laugh.
A massive vibration came from the seawater.
The seabed was not as peaceful as imagined.
After venturing deep into the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, they saw a brilliant and colorful marine World.
It was as if they had passed through some sort of space-time tunnel.
They saw a civilization from another dimension.
The Atlantis Empire.
The Atlantis Empire, sunken on the seabed, was currently erupting into a fierce war.
All sorts of strangely shaped marine mutant creatures appeared before Ethan and Gwen.
"Unbelievable, Atlantis actually exists!!!"
Gwen was shocked by the scenes of the brilliant undersea war before her.
Ethan was no exception.
This was also his first time seeing the existence of a marine Empire with his own eyes.
After penetrating a mysterious power protecting the ocean, he saw the truest side of the deep sea.
The entire seabed was in a state of chaos.
This Sea Race war, which surpassed human technology, presented an alternative and violent beauty.
"Warning! Warning!!!"
A piercing sound wave transmitted over.
It was warning Ethan's the nautilus.
Gwen also snapped back to her senses.
"It seems we've accidentally entered a battlefield?"
Gwen's eyes widened as she watched the the nautilusunwittingly drift into the center of the battlefield.
Surrounding the ice the nautilus, which was enveloped in mysterious white light, were densely packed Sea Race soldiers.
Some were human-shaped, while others were half-fish, half-human.
Those low-level Sea Race soldiers looked more like seafood, retaining too many primitive features.
One could tell at a glance what species they were before they evolved.
But that wasn't the point.
The point was that their ice the nautilus had become a sitting duck.
Countless attacks landed on the hull.
But they were all blocked by the mysterious white light; Gwen couldn't even feel a single bump inside the submarine.
"Yes, our appearance seems to have forced them into a ceasefire."
Ethan spread his hands helplessly.
"Haha, Mr. Hao, you could say you've done a good deed. At least they don't know you're the most ferocious demon on land."
Gwen teased.
"It seems my fame hasn't reached the ears of the fish yet."
Ethan sat in the pilot's seat, clearly seeing through the transparent ice window that this group of Sea Race was staring at him with hostile, even shocked gazes.
In the boundless deep sea, amidst the war torrent of millions of Sea Race, they appeared so tiny.
But precisely because of his intrusion, both sides had stopped.
After the shock, through the transparent window, these Sea Race members also discovered the two of them.
Just after the warning sound ended.
A Sea Race king wearing golden armor and riding a huge white seahorse charged over.
He seemed to show great anger toward these two humans who had rashly entered the battlefield.
"Capture this human man and woman for me!"
King King Mona of Atlantis coldly brandished the Trident in his hand.
The Sea God's Trident emitted terrifying energy fluctuations, easily churning the undercurrents of the sea.
A group of soldiers riding strange sea beasts immediately lunged at the ice the nautilus.
"Look, I just finished speaking and they're already moving against me. Gwen, I didn't start this; it's mainly that these seafood pieces have no self-awareness and are very impolite."
Ethan showed a helpless smile.
Gwen retorted weakly, "Is there a possibility that our appearance violated their airspace... oh no, territorial waters?"
"Is that so? I feel like this is definitely not my problem, so it can only be their problem."
Chapter 133: Ambushed in the Deep Sea, Escaping via Teleportation
No sooner had Ethan finished speaking.
A group of Atlantis soldiers raised their specialized trident weapons and unleashed high-voltage arcs toward the ice-formed the nautilus.
Hundreds of energy beams streaked through the seawater.
They struck the ice-formed the nautilus with ferocity.
Gwen was startled.
But Ethan remained as steady as a mountain.
He merely watched the small fry who had disturbed his leisure with a cold gaze.
"Are we really not going to run?"
Gwen asked suddenly.
There was still a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"Run? That isn't my style."
With a thought, Ethan used Water Control Magic to manipulate the seawater into a shield, blocking all of the attacks.
To him, attacks of this magnitude weren't even enough to tickle.
"Stop!!!"
King Mona of the Sea Race saw that the situation was turning against them.
He immediately ordered his subordinates to cease their attack.
"Human, why have you intruded into the territory of Atlantis?"
King Mona demanded.
Meanwhile, the villain Attuma, who was battling King Mona, quietly issued an order to retreat.
"The territory of Atlantis?"
Ethan stood up.
Looking at this group of bizarre sea creatures.
He revealed a faint smile.
"My apologies, we are just passing through for a vacation. Since we have disturbed you, we will leave now."
Gentle Water magic protected the ice-formed the nautilus.
However, the goodwill Ethan extended was not received by the Atlantis people.
They continued to stare at this human with eyes full of hostility.
King Mona forcibly suppressed his restless tribesmen.
His primary task now was to eliminate the traitor Attuma, not to get entangled with this mysterious human.
But King Mona had been to the human World.
He knew that once humans discovered the existence of Atlantis, they would spare no cost to explore the seabed.
"Regardless of whether you stumbled in or broke in, human, surrender immediately. I will guarantee your safety. Otherwise, being an enemy of Atlantis means death."
Countless cannons were aimed at the ice-formed the nautilus.
Ethan, however, shook his head.
He couldn't be bothered to pay any more attention to King Mona.
Gwen's curiosity had faded, and reason had regained the high ground: "Hao, we had better leave quickly."
"Fine, I'll listen to you."
It wasn't that Ethan was afraid; he was just out for a vacation, and there was no need to ruin his mood over a few fish.
After all, he and Gwen had only come to the deep sea for the novelty of it.
Now that he discovered they were in the middle of a war.
Naturally, he didn't want to stay and be a third wheel.
But clearly, Ethan's indifference toward King Mona.
Completely enraged these arrogant Atlantis people.
"Lock their ship down!!!"
Thick iron chains, dragged by massive sea beasts, coiled toward the ice-formed the nautilus.
Gwen said worriedly: "It seems we can't get away."
Ethan laughed: "If I want to leave, no one can stop me."
A massive spatial passage appeared out of thin air in front of the ice-formed the nautilus, instantly swallowing the ship. The next second, they teleported directly out of the deep sea.
King Mona's hand trembled slightly.
But the anger in his eyes was burning fiercely.
He had once fought against the Nazis and fought side-by-side with human soldiers.
But in recent years, the endless exploitation and pollution of the ocean by humans made it difficult for King Mona to approve of human actions.
Because the ocean was the home of their Atlantis.
The pollution humans created every year had killed countless Sea Race kin.
Coupled with the massive fishing of marine life by humans, new grudges and old hatreds combined, and the level of hatred had long since gone off the charts.
Sometimes they triggered tsunamis just to punish those greedy humans.
"Attuma and the others have run off!!"
An Admiral of the Sea Race exclaimed.
"That human must be an accomplice of the traitor Attuma!"
King Mona said coldly: "Pursue! I know that human is still on the sea surface. They haven't gone far. We must capture them. We cannot let the secret of Atlantis be exposed to the human World!"
If Atlantis were exposed, the Sea Race would face endless harassment and attacks from humans.
For the Sea Race, who had lived peacefully on the seabed for many years, this would be an absolute catastrophe.
Back on the surface, the the nautilus quickly transformed into a luxurious ice yacht.
Everything was condensed from ice.
It should have been bone-chillingly cold.
But under Ethan's precise control, the temperature inside the boat was as comfortable as spring, and Gwencouldn't feel even a hint of chill.
"What a wonderful trip."
Gwen wore a satisfied smile.
She stuck out her tongue, her expression extremely cute: "It was just a bit too exciting. Atlantis not only exists, but is actually fighting a civil war?"
"Wherever there is intelligent life, there is conflict. That is not a human patent."
Ethan smiled.
"It's a good thing we ran fast, otherwise we would have been focused fired by them again."
Gwen pouted and said.
"I still wanted to explore the seabed more. The scenery there was truly speechless; it was the most gorgeous landscape I have ever seen."
Ethan shrugged and stood at the bow of the boat.
His gaze cast toward the deep ocean.
"It's a pity, these guys won't give up."
Sure enough, armored Atlantis warriors burst out of the sea.
They commanded massive sea beasts and began to attack Ethan's ship frantically.
Ethan just waved his hand casually.
The seawater instantly condensed into countless ice blades, sweeping across like a rainstorm.
To him, killing was as simple as breathing.
Those Atlantis people looked at Ethan with shock and even fear.
Their bodies were uncontrollably pulled toward Ethanby an invisible force.
"Go back and tell your King Mona that my name is Ice Demon. If he dares to step onto the sea surface again, or dares to come and hunt me down, I won't mind erasing Atlantis from the deep sea map completely."
The cold voice and scarlet eyes terrified the captured Atlantis warrior to the point of Soul Emergence.
He didn't even know what kind of terrifying existence he was facing.
But he knew that if he dared to say the word 'no', he would be turned into minced meat in the next second.
"Yes... yes!"
"Get lost!"
Ethan loosened his hand.
He was indeed here for a vacation and didn't want to start a massacre.
In the deep sea, a submarine was sneakily following behind Ethan's ship.
The person inside the submarine was none other than Attuma, who had just been at war with King Mona.
"Is he that strongest human known as the Ice Demon?"
Attuma, holding a weapon resembling Mjolnir, observed Ethan on the sea surface through a magic mirror.
"That's right, he is the strongest on Earth, the Ice Demon!"
A person wrapped tightly in a cloak replied.
But the unique HYDRA symbol on their body gave them away completely.
The "Sin" mentioned in their mouth.
Rarely appeared in the human World.
But was one of the most evil existences in the human Underworld.
That was Red Skull's daughter — Sin.
Chapter 134: Undercurrents in Hell's Kitchen
He was also the chosen one who had obtained a hammer identical to the one held by the Attuma.
"Are you trying to get me to take action against this man, whose very presence makes me feel fear?"
The Attuma looked coldly at this human envoy.
"No, I only wish to inform Your Excellency that if you can incite a war between the Ice Demon and King Mona, King Mona will undoubtedly die."
The mysterious envoy from HYDRA said in a sinister tone.
The Attuma shook his head. "Didn't you hear what he said just now? That was also a warning directed at me. If I dare to continue making waves on the ocean, he wouldn't mind killing me along the way."
The Attuma was a rebel of Atlantis.
He had ambition and intelligence, believing he could lead Atlantis back to the surface to create a new era of glory.
But he was not a fool.
The human before him was ridiculously strong.
He could stroll leisurely through the baptism of Atlantis's artillery fire and even seize control of the ocean's power.
Only a fool like King Mona would think his dignity had been challenged and insist on throwing his life away.
The strength of this human powerhouse before him was even above that of the gods.
The Attuma looked at the war hammer in his hand.
He felt the powerful and evil energy within the hammer.
Yet, this still could not give him enough sense of security.
He already knew the origin of this hammer.
It was a Divine Artifact from Cul, the God of Fear of Asgard.
He was also the elder brother of the current All-Father, Odin.
The man known as the "Serpent."
Holding the power of a god, yet still feeling the threat of death, meant that the other party could crush him at any moment.
Just how strong must this human be?
Moreover, the Attuma had eyes and ears in the human World.
He naturally understood the weight of the name "Ice Demon."
Ethan's feat of slaying Apocalypse had long since spread to the ears of those ancient, evil entities.
Apocalypse had once been a god on Earth.
He was the nemesis of many ancient, evil entities.
Even in their era, they had been suppressed by Apocalypseto the point where they couldn't lift their heads.
Yet, such a terrifying Mutant god had died at The Hands of a pure-blooded human.
One could see just what level of power this human had reached.
Ethan had let the people of Atlantis go.
At the same time, he had also noticed the departure of those few observers.
His divine will had even captured their inner thoughts.
Naturally, he also learned some secrets.
The Serpent?
The God of Fear suppressed in the deepest part of Earth's ocean?
Cul Borson? Or perhaps Cul Odinson?
Ethan felt that this place, Earth, hid far too many secrets.
He went out for a trip and ran into a pile of conspiracies along the way.
If he traveled around the Earth, could he dig up all of Earth's hidden truths?
But there was no denying that by slaying Apocalypseunder the name of the Ice Demon, he had become a thorn in the side of many ancient entities.
However, as long as they didn't come to provoke him.
Everyone could live in peace.
If they were truly blind enough to provoke him, thinking they were untouchable, then he was sorry, but the Goddess of Death happened to be lacking in performance metrics recently.
The ship continued to sail on the Atlantic Ocean.
The destination this time was England.
Without those annoying flies, Gwen could finally enjoy their sweet time together.
Meanwhile, when Ethan left New York.
Hell's Kitchen was shrouded in a mist.
Madam Gao of The Triads had finally set foot on this land once again.
"I only left for a year, yet it feels like a lifetime has passed."
The petite old woman revealed her signature kind smile.
In front of the shipping container that had been delivered to the port.
She opened the container door.
A strong stench of blood rushed out; everyone inside the container had been torn to pieces by an unknown monster.
Madam Gao's face turned livid instantly.
Although the human trafficking business was still ongoing, it had just been moved deeper underground.
But there was a problem with the human smuggling.
This was bound to be followed by a series of major troubles.
"Erase our Triads markings immediately, and have everyone enter silent mode."
Madam Gao realized she had been used as a pawn.
There was no need for the USA government to take action at all.
Once this matter was exposed, that Ghost-Spider in New York would definitely come knocking.
And it wasn't the Ghost-Spider that Madam Gao feared.
It was the man behind the Ghost-Spider.
"The Hand's Black Sky has already been transported to New York!!!"
She knew she had been used.
New York was now a forbidden zone for all major powers.
But it was clear that the Japanese side wanted to transport a certain humanoid weapon into New York.
Madam Gao knew the inside story and understood that this was the true leader of The Hand, the real demon known as [Beast], wanting to get its hands on New York.
This ancient and evil entity.
Had finally extended its tentacles here.
Daredevil leaped through the night like a phantom.
Police sirens wailed downstairs.
A large number of media gathered like sharks that had smelled blood.
Daredevil Matt Murdock lowered his head.
He listened carefully to the various sounds in the noisy crowd, hoping to filter out useful information.
[The Triads] reappear in Hell's Kitchen?
[Human trafficking]
[Smugglers all dead!]
[Beast-like bite marks!]
[They were killed by a monster!]
The fragments of information were increasing.
Daredevil's expression grew increasingly grave.
He felt that New York, which had been silent for nearly a year, was about to become turbulent again.
Since Kingpin died, Hell's Kitchen.
Many underworld forces had retracted their claws.
It wasn't that they had turned over a new leaf.
It was that these people had hidden their crimes deeper.
Even for Daredevil, it was very difficult to find clues when he wanted to investigate something.
Without any hesitation.
Daredevil headed straight for Chinatown.
He knew his old friend had returned.
Only by finding her could he explain everything that happened tonight.
In a restaurant in Chinatown.
"Yo, isn't this the devil of Hell's Kitchen?"
Madam Gao stared at the shadows in the dark and said coldly.
"What exactly is going on with the shipping container at the pier tonight?"
Daredevil Matt walked out of the shadows, his voice cold.
"You can't blame me for this. I don't do human trafficking anymore; I just do some gray-area business—that's right, smuggling. It's just that I was set up by people from The Hand."
Madam Gao spread her hands helplessly.
Daredevil Matt did not lower his guard.
"The Hand?"
"Perhaps your Master Stick knows better than I do. After all, the Chaste, where he belongs, has always been locked in a death struggle with The Hand."
Madam Gao revealed a strange smile.
"Perhaps you know something too."
Matt took a step forward.
Madam Gao shook her head. "I almost died at The Hands of the Ice Demon once. I've learned my lesson. In his territory, I dare not break his rules."
The Triads had almost been uprooted by the Ice Demon in Hell's Kitchen.
For Madam Gao to have saved her life.
It was a miracle.
There was no need for her to continue courting death in New York.
Those unscrupulous businesses could be done elsewhere.
Making money—it doesn't matter where you make it.
There was no need to throw her life away in New York.
Especially after Madam Gao returned from her distant hometown.
She had received a severe warning: she must never go against the will of the Ice Demon.
Otherwise, she would die a horrible death.
But Madam Gao still couldn't help but come out of seclusion.
As a result, she was set up, and she was very unhappy now.
"I'll believe you for now."
Daredevil Matt said coldly.
Madam Gao shook her head. "You are truly lucky to have survived that night of heroes in New York. But Mr. Daredevil, you are ultimately not a true devil. Let me give you some advice: never go against the Ice Demon."
Daredevil stopped in his tracks.
"Many things, someone has to do them."
Madam Gao looked at his retreating figure and shook her head.
This matter was not over yet.
The true devil was about to unleash the beastly nature within him, and he had chosen New York.
This was absolutely an Earth-shattering event.
The Ice Demon would never allow anyone to run wild in his territory.
Osborn Group Building.
Raven had also seen the intelligence.
She knew Ethan had always been very attentive to the movements in Hell's Kitchen.
After all, the Osborn Group was not far from there.
"Have the people from the Deep Cold Organizationinvestigate this matter."
The current person in charge of the Deep Cold Organization was Psylocke.
Not her.
In addition to Psylocke, three others—Domino, Inez, and Sandy—also held important positions within the Deep Cold Organization.
She turned and walked into the laboratory.
Her gaze fell upon the sleeping young man in the incubation tank.
Chapter 135: Professor X's Rebirth in a New Body
The faint green light of the cultivation tank reflected off the cold metal walls of the laboratory. Although several core Bottlenecks in biological cloning technology had not yet been fully overcome, thanks to the full assistance of Beast Hank, this perfect shell was finally reshaped before the final deadline.
Dr. Otto, wearing thick-lensed glasses, checked the data panel while slowly pacing to Raven's side, his expression showing the persistence unique to a fanatical scientist.
"Can a brand-new body fitted with cold mechanical prosthetics really be considered a perfect masterpiece of cloning?"
Raven looked at the scene in the Petri dish, couldn't help but roll her eyes, and felt an indescribable sense of speechlessness in her heart.
"You can't blame me for this. Who told the clones we cultivated to always have the curse of leg disability carved into their genetic chains? Something always goes wrong with the lower body."
Dr. Otto shrugged helplessly, the corners of his mouth curling into an indifferent arc. "Besides, Professor Charles Xavier himself probably won't mind this small flaw. After all, he has long been accustomed to life in a wheelchair."
In this process, Dr. Otto was not only repairing but also cleverly fusing certain precise mechanical prosthetic technologies into Charles's newborn body.
"All indicators are stable. I think we can wake Charles up now."
Dr. Otto abruptly changed the subject, his fingers dancing quickly across the control console.
At that very instant.
The hundreds of vital signs monitoring probes connected inside the incubator emitted a rapid, rhythmic beeping sound almost simultaneously.
It was the movement of life's revival. A young-looking Charles Xavier slowly opened those deep eyes, with the light of wisdom flashing in his pupils.
"Raven, to be able to return to the World of the living from the void of death, I am already content. Let's not make things difficult for Dr. Otto over these details."
Charles Xavier's familiar voice did not travel through the air but sounded gently directly in Raven's mind through powerful Telepathy.
"You probably timed it so that you only dared to wake up right after our terrifying boss left, didn't you?"
Raven crossed her arms. Although her words were sharp, she didn't actually give Charles a cold shoulder.
"Mr. Hao's power, as formidable as a god or demon, is enough to inspire awe in all things in the World. Naturally, I am no exception."
As Dr. Otto pressed the red release button, the reinforced glass of the cultivation chamber slowly rose, the nutrient solution receded, and Charles Xavier finally stepped back into this real World.
"How does it feel, Professor? Does this body fit well?"
Dr. Otto pushed his glasses up and asked with a hint of expectation.
"Exquisite. This feeling is like my decaying and weary Soulhas been reinjected into a vibrant new vessel. Every cell is cheering with joy."
Seeing the return of this old man who was both a teacher and a friend, the tight lines on Raven's face softened. "It's truly wonderful that you're back. We are all very happy."
She suddenly took a step forward, opened her arms, and gave this old friend a long-overdue hug.
Charles Xavier also smiled and hugged her back, feeling the real body temperature and touch.
"I originally thought that after experiencing so much, I was already fearless of the boundaries between life and death. But when I truly saw the dawn of life's revival and could break free from that void of darkness, my heart was still filled with joy."
Professor X looked at Raven, his eyes showing deep gratitude and relief.
Dr. Otto stood aside and inappropriately interrupted this warm moment, speaking up to remind them:
"Professor Xavier, to ensure the stability of the genetic sequence, you still need to come to the Osborn Group for three follow-up treatments. Of course, if you feel the body has no rejection reaction, it's fine if you don't come."
"Please rest assured, this is now my only body. I will cherish it more than anyone else in this World."
Charles Xavier straightened his collar and turned his gaze back to Raven.
"Logan has been waiting for you in the lobby downstairs for a long time, Professor. He's probably already smoked a whole box of cigars."
Raven reminded him softly.
Charles Xavier took a deep look at Raven and lamented, "Seeing your current state, I am also sincerely happy for you, Raven. You finally don't have to run around for survival like a street rat anymore."
"The Osborn Group is the cause I am fighting for now. Having cast off those heavy shackles and the burden of the race, I now live only to please myself."
Raven naturally understood the hidden meaning behind Charles's words.
Looking back, she was either on the run from government warrants or planning various radical acts of destruction.
Now, everything was completely different.
She had transformed into a member of the country's top high society, possessing immense wealth and power.
More importantly, because she had a great figure like Ethan standing behind her, no force dared to touch her in the slightest.
"May you be well."
Charles sighed softly, his tone carrying a hint of relief.
He knew in his heart that in the days to come, their fates might rarely cross paths.
But the Mutant community still faced severe survival challenges and needed someone to guard them.
During the time he spent drifting in a Soul state, Charleshad seen too many truths that were previously ignored.
He understood that as long as there were Mutants in this World, the struggle and fighting would never end.
Moreover, having experienced life and death, he planned to completely change his previously overly gentle approach.
"You take care too, Charles."
The gloom on Raven's face completely dissipated, revealing a smile as bright as California sunshine.
At that moment, it was as if time had flowed back to that night, the scene when they first met as children.
Back then, as a Mutant, she was seen by the World as an alien monster.
It was Charles who told her that she was not lonely and that she was definitely not alone.
They were of the same kind, connected by blood.
It was also from that moment that Raven truly realized the existence of the Mutant community.
She found the meaning of her existence in this World.
And she understood the heavy weight of the word 'companion'.
After watching Charles leave the lab, Dr. Otto turned to Raven, frowning slightly: "Actually, during the cultivation stage of the clone's body, you shouldn't have insisted on adding Lizard Serum. The Feral Factors within it might subtly influence Charles's personality."
Raven shook her head firmly, an inexplicable light flashing in her eyes: "Trust me, the improved Lizard Serum has already had most of its defects removed. Moreover, Charles's mind is as solid as a rock; it's not something a few mutated cells can sway. He will become the most perfect inheritor of the Lizard Serum."
Chapter 136: Professor Rebirth, The Illuminati Emerges
Dr. Otto knew better than anyone just how terrifying the limb regeneration and self-healing capabilities of the Lizard Serum were.
"If that's the case, then why go to such great lengths to modify Charles's legs and replace them with prosthetics? In fact, the regenerative power of the Lizard Serum alone could compensate for his physical disability."
Dr. Otto scratched his messy hair, looking completely confused.
"Dr. Otto, having sat in this position for so long, you should understand that any experimental subject created by the company must ultimately be approved by the Chairman personally. Do you really think all of this was just my idea?"
Raven shrugged, her tone tinged with a hint of helplessness.
Ever since Ethan left New York, the city seemed to have instantly lost its stabilizer and immediately became restless.
Charles's return, at least from Raven's current perspective, was definitely a good thing that outweighed the downsides.
With Charles's compassionate nature, once real trouble broke out, he would definitely lead the X-Men to handle it to the end.
This would invisibly relieve much of the pressure on Raven's shoulders.
The death of the Mutant progenitor, Apocalypse, felt far too calm to Raven—unnaturally calm.
It didn't even stir up a single ripple on the sea.
Furthermore, even after Raven mobilized all her intelligence networks, she couldn't receive any relevant follow-up news within the Mutant World.
The current situation was like the calm before a Storm; Apocalypse's death seemed to be stimulating more superpowered individuals, brewing an even more terrifying Storm.
"Professor?"
In the lobby downstairs, Logan had a thick cigar in his mouth, surrounded by swirling smoke.
He was closely followed by several fully armed Osbornsecurity guards, who were staring intently at his hands, which could sprout claws at any moment.
When he saw the Professor walk out—looking years younger and with fully functional legs—Logan's eyes widened, and he couldn't even believe his own senses.
"It is me. Long time no see, Logan."
Professor X's face was filled with the joy of reunion as he walked with steady strides toward Wolverine Logan.
Besides Wolverine, the blue-furred Beast Hank also appeared in the lobby of the Osborn Group.
Beast looked around vigilantly and whispered a reminder: "Professor, this is no place to stay for long. We should leave this Oscorp Tower as soon as possible. It's filled with the feeling of being watched everywhere; it makes my skin crawl."
Charles Xavier nodded in understanding without saying anything more.
"Activate artificial intelligence navigation System."
Charles said softly to the communicator beside his wheelchair.
Under the vigilant gaze of the security guards, the three of them quickly left the Oscorp Tower, a symbol of power and technology.
Logan acted as the driver, speeding all the way to bring the reborn Professor back to the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters.
All the teachers and students in the school gathered on the lawn to witness this moment, which could be called a miracle.
"Children, I have returned."
Charles Xavier waved with a smile, greeting every familiar or unfamiliar face.
A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd, and many children were moved to tears of excitement.
It was evident that the Professor's prestige in everyone's hearts remained unshakable.
"Ororo, you have really suffered during this time."
After the excitement died down, Charles called Stormalone to the floor-to-ceiling window in his office.
During the dark times of his absence, Storm had exhausted herself, doing her utmost to maintain the school's operations.
"Unfortunately, Robert still sacrificed himself in the end."
Storm Ororo Munroe lowered her eyes and sighed heavily.
This was always an insurmountable obstacle in her heart, and it ached whenever she thought of it.
"Shadowcat is heartbroken; she has packed her bags and left the school, destination unknown."
"I know all of this, Munroe. Robert's matter is not your fault; it can only be said that the monster Apocalypse was even more cunning than we imagined—simply devious."
Charles Xavier recalled the scene where he and the man known as the "Ice Demon" fought side by side within Robert's Mental Energy World. Facing Apocalypse's overwhelming mental power, they were forcibly expelled, and Robert's mental defenses were completely sealed.
The dimension of Apocalypse's power was indeed far more powerful than expected.
"Actually, compared to Apocalypse, I am more curious about that Ice Demon. What kind of great power could allow him to completely kill the arrogant Apocalypse?"
The extent of Apocalypse's power had completely exceeded the Professor's cognitive scope.
After plundering Robert's energy, Apocalypse had even evolved to the point of being able to ignore the Ice Demon's ice power.
"That was absolute freezing, a terrifying power capable of completely freezing space and time. Even someone as strong as Apocalypse had no power to fight back in front of him."
"And then there were the two crimson rays shot from his eyes. Although they looked like Cyclops's ability, in the face of that destructive energy, Scott's ability was like the light of a firefly. I have never seen any power that could make me feel such a sense of desperate oppression."
Storm Ororo Munroe looked grave; recalling the scene at that time still left her with lingering fear.
She had always been thinking about how to break through the Bottleneck and improve her own power.
Although she had gained some insights recently.
But when truly facing existences close to gods like Apocalypse and Ethan, she knew deep down that she was not a match for them at all.
"Although this matter has been turned over, I'm afraid we need to raise our danger assessment of the Ice Demon by several Ranks. Up until now, we have simply pinned our hopes on the Ice Demon's personal moral standards to restrain his World-destroying power. But if one day he truly develops evil intentions, with our current meager X-Men strength, we wouldn't be able to stop him at all."
A grand idea of forming a global super organization sprouted in Charles Xavier's mind.
This organization would be Earth's final absolute line of defense.
Only when Earth truly reached a moment of life-or-death crisis would it step out from behind the scenes to intervene.
Storm seemed to keenly perceive the shift in Charles Xavier's thoughts.
But she knew well that the Professor was a leader with a very strong independent will.
Every one of his decisions must have been carefully deduced before finally being finalized.
"But we are also facing more unknown dangers. Threats come not only from within Earth but also from the prying eyes deep in the Universe, including Jean. You know well the source of the power within her. Once it goes out of control, the threat she poses is no less than that of the Ice Demon."
Storm Ororo did not shy away at all, bluntly pointing out the hidden danger.
"I understand. Jean is a trump card for us to fight against many unknown but extremely dangerous existences, but sometimes even I feel deeply powerless when facing the power within Jean."
This was precisely the key reason that prompted Professor X to think about the necessity of forming a global organization.
It was necessary to gather the top and most powerful superheroes on Earth to form a brand-new secret council.
It would be distinct from S.H.I.E.L.D., which was constrained by the government.
It would also be distinct from the X-Men, who were limited by racial stances.
It would spread the light of wisdom and power across all of humanity.
This mysterious organization, aimed at guarding Earth's final safety.
Its name would be—The Illuminati!
Chapter 137: The Aether Particle in the Old LondonShipyard
In his heart, he had already tentatively drafted several core candidates.
For instance, that arrogant Genius Tony Stark, the Stormbeside him, and that Mr. Fantastic who possessed supreme wisdom.
Bringing these leader-level figures together to jointly confront the unknown catastrophe.
This was also the only way to break the deadlock that Charles could think of right now.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Earth.
"Is that... London?"
Through the thin morning clouds and faint mist, Gwencould vaguely see the outline of the massive city below.
"That's right, that's the Foggy City, London."
With a smile on his lips, Ethan wrapped an arm around Gwen's slender waist and picked her up steadily.
"I think you'll definitely like London's unique, gloomy scenery."
Ethan controlled his bio-force field, carrying Gwen as they streaked through the clouds at high speed.
The biting wind whistled past their ears.
But this did not affect the intimate conversation between the two.
And the massive ice ship behind them had already begun to melt silently, turning back into seawater and returning to the ocean.
It left no trace behind in this World.
"Back then, I almost applied to study abroad in London."
"That was my fault. I shouldn't have let you stay in New York for my own selfish reasons. Actually, a place like London, so full of cultural atmosphere, is more suitable for your further studies."
Ethan rubbed his nose and said somewhat sheepishly.
"No, that was my own choice. I'm now the new hero in the mouths of New York citizens, haha. This kind of life is actually pretty good."
The two slowly descended into a hidden corner at the edge of London Bridge.
The Osborn Group's London branch had already prepared a luxury limousine for them.
Led by an elegant British butler, they drove to a grand manor on the outskirts of London.
"Young Master Hao, according to your highest instructions, the property transfer for this historic manor has been completed. It now belongs entirely to you."
Butler Glen bowed slightly, his tone impeccably respectful.
"Thank you for your hard work in handling this. By the way, arrange for a few sharp people to look after Young MissGwen."
Ethan smiled and casually straightened his sleeves.
"Please rest assured. We will dispatch the finest maids, trained in royal etiquette, to serve Young Miss Gwenpersonally. With just a word from her, everything will be perfectly arranged."
Butler Glen maintained a professional smile throughout.
Ethan waved his hand: "No need to specifically look after me. Go about your business. I have some personal matters to attend to. I'll be back on time once you've prepared dinner."
With that, Ethan got into another black sedan that had been prepared.
Surrounded by a group of elite bodyguards, the motorcade slowly drove away from the manor.
Meanwhile, Gwen excitedly began her shopping trip.
The World's top market brand designers had been urgently summoned to the manor.
She hadn't brought much luggage this time.
It was the perfect time to completely replace her wardrobe with seasonal clothing.
Gwen was adapting quickly to this kind of wealthy lifestyle and was becoming increasingly experienced.
She was working hard to learn how to play the role of Ethan's future wife well.
With Ethan's current wealth, which rivaled that of nations, these expenses were not even a drop in the bucket.
Gwen did not ask too many questions about where Ethan was going alone.
This was a good habit she had developed, and it was also a form of tacit trust.
This was one of the reasons why she always maintained a special and important position in Ethan's heart.
One of the heads of the Deep Cold Organization's Londonbranch.
He was also a former employee of the Osborn Group's security department.
Götze personally drove the car, lowering his voice to introduce their destination to the big boss in the back seat.
"Boss, as per your request, we conducted a carpet search in London and found the shipyard you described. Our scouts discovered strange gravity anomalies inside that abandoned shipyard. According to our precision instrument readings, the energy field there is becoming increasingly violent."
Götze cherished this hard-won job very much.
He also knew very well in his heart exactly who the boss beside him was.
That was the legendary, most powerful 'demon'.
A truly invincible existence walking among men.
Since the boss could accept him and personally appoint him to lead this important operation, Götze secretly vowed to seize this opportunity for a meteoric rise.
"I understand. Send the order down: completely surround the old shipyard where the anomaly was found. Designate it as a restricted zone and do not allow anyone to enter the energy anomaly radius."
Ethan didn't even open his eyes, remaining leaned back against the seat to rest.
However, the Space Stone in his palm seemed to sense something and began to emit a bright, eerie blue light.
Between Infinity Stones, there existed a wondrous quantum entanglement connection.
His sole objective for coming to London with such fanfare was to get his hands on the legendary Aether Particle.
As for those Dark Elves, if they dared to blindly appear before him, Ethan wouldn't mind conveniently sending them all to the embrace of the Goddess of Death for a reunion.
The motorcade traveled extremely fast.
Just an hour and a half later.
Götze drove to that desolate destination.
Ethan pushed the door open and stepped out, sensing the unusual vibrations in the air.
Götze quickly arranged the personnel, and the entire team entered a state of high alert.
The Deep Cold Organization now possessed enough armed personnel to engage in a small-scale local war at any time.
Moreover, London was one of the cities where the Deep Cold Organization had concentrated its greatest strength in Europe.
There were quite a few elite members who had been injected with the super soldier serum.
Their primary goal, normally, was to monitor every move of the Holy See.
As well as to monitor all underground dark forces in Europe.
As an established hub of old Empires, the foundations of the supernatural organizations hidden in the shadows of Europe definitely surpassed those of the recently founded USA.
Many of these organizations were ancient entities that had been passed down for centuries or even millennia.
"Remember, no matter what inconceivable things happen later, your only task is to maintain the outer perimeter. There is absolutely no need for you to intervene in the core area."
Ethan gave the instruction indifferently.
Götze immediately bowed his head respectfully in response.
If a battle truly broke out, a collision of this level wouldn't require Mortals like them to act.
This was also the safest way for them to work under the boss.
Because the boss alone would solve all the trouble.
Ethan walked alone through the abandoned factory, the dust beneath his feet swirled up by the airflow.
He watched as a large truck ahead actually levitated eerily in mid-air, defying the laws of physics.
Chapter 138: Ethan Claims the Reality Stone
He gave it a gentle push with his hand.
The large truck floated away like a balloon, requiring no effort at all.
It seemed the power of the Aether Particle had already begun to leak severely, eroding reality.
This was related to the astronomical phenomenon where the Nine Realms were about to align in a single straight line.
The Convergence of Nine Stars.
The gravitational pull between World dimensions would undergo violent fluctuations, causing spatial barriers to thin.
This was also one of the reasons why the sealed Aether Particle was able to emerge into the World.
Ethan walked through the dilapidated stairwell, all his senses fully open.
He keenly sensed the strength of the energy distribution and easily found the hidden spatial entrance.
There was no need to rely on any clunky scientific instruments at all.
The attraction between the Infinity Stones was truly miraculous.
Of course, with Ethan's current power, facing the pressure of an Infinity Stone was not a problem at all.
The so-called Aether Particle was actually the liquid form of the Reality Stone.
It was a complete waste for this stone to fall into the hands of the Dark Elves; it had been changed into a strange form, even stripping away some of its Heaven-Defying functions.
But in Ethan's eyes, this was like a pearl cast into darkness.
The Reality Stone is a gem with the powerful ability to rewrite the rules of reality.
Its potential efficacy is even above that of the Space Stone.
He stepped into that distorted spatial rift.
Looking at the Earth before him hollowed out by mysterious forces, the entire interior of the dark space was shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere.
He saw a massive stone tablet firmly suppressing a restless power beneath it.
A dark red, blood-like liquid substance was writhing frantically.
Seemingly sensing the presence of the Space Stone, it became even more manic and uneasy.
Ethan casually used his Matter Restructuring ability to create a second ring setting to hold the stone.
He approached the Aether Particle step by step.
"What a waste. Such a powerful Infinity Stone, reduced to being sealed underground like trash,"
Ethan murmured in a low voice.
Actually, he didn't have much ambition to collect all the Infinity Stones.
But if the Infinity Stones eventually fell into the hands of that Finger-snapping Maniac Thanos, it wouldn't be a good sign.
With all six Infinity Stones gathered together, that overwhelming cosmic-level power might not be something the current Ethan could easily withstand.
Through the sealing stone, facing the churning Aether Particle below, Ethan released a massive surge of telekinesis, instantly enveloping the Aether Particle in his palm.
Boom!
The Aether Particle resisted violently by instinct, its red energy tentacles lashing out in all directions.
But Ethan's Steel Divine Body was as firm as a rock, forcibly withstanding the violent energy impact.
Under the compression of his powerful will, the liquid form of the Aether Particle began to change, gradually solidifying and finally turning into a brilliant dark red gemstone.
It was precisely embedded into the ring by Ethan.
He gently slid it onto his middle finger.
In the next second, Ethan felt an extremely violent force attempting to run rampant inside his body.
However, it was easily suppressed by the overbearing power within him.
Now, the middle fingers of both his left and right hands each wore a gemstone ring emitting terrifying fluctuations.
Moreover, Ethan had used his abilities to compress them into a small decorative form.
The surrounding space began to collapse as it lost its support.
Ethan gave a casual wave of his hand.
The power of the Reality Stone activated, directly altering the material structure.
The powerful reality-altering force instantly suppressed the collapsing space around him, and he easily pierced through the spatial barrier, returning to the interior of the building.
At the same time, the powerful Bio-electric Field unique to Kryptonians was fully activated, firmly suppressing the leaking energy fluctuations.
But the energy that erupted in that instant still inevitably transmitted into the depths of the Universe.
[Congratulations to the Host for successfully obtaining the Reality Stone. Reward obtained: one Golden Box.]
[2. Infinity Stones Collection Mission: For every Infinity Stone collected, one Golden Blind Box is awarded. Missions do not stack. Once all six Infinity Stones are collected, in addition to the individual Golden Blind Boxrewards, the Host can obtain an extra Supreme Black Blind Box. Current mission progress: (2/6)]
This was an independent systemic mission chain.
Now, Ethan had successfully collected two Infinity Stones.
And as far as he knew, there were currently two more stones right on Earth.
The Mind Stone and the Time Stone.
Among them, the Mind Stone on the Scepter was already in the hands of HYDRA.
Now that the Insight Project had ended,
it meant the plot was about to enter its second phase, the events of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron.'
Meanwhile, the Time Stone was currently hanging securely around the neck of Sorcerer Ancient One.
Doctor Strange should be starting his magic learning journey soon.
But none of this had much to do with Ethan.
He didn't have a compulsive need to collect all the stones.
One could only say that these three stones on Earth had to be in his own hands to be safe.
As for the Power Stone and the Soul Stone deep in the Universe, he'd just leave those for that model worker Thanos to collect.
"One-third of the task is complete. This is a happy occasion worth opening champagne for."
Ethan walked out of the dim factory building, sunlight spilling over him.
Götze looked at his boss with some confusion; why had he come out so soon after going in?
But he didn't dare to be slow, trotting over to meet him.
"BOSS, any orders?"
"It's fine now. Tell the brothers to disperse. The mission has been completed to Perfection. Remember to go back and report to Psylocke; tell her to give this group of you double bonuses."
Ethan was in a good mood and replied with a smile.
"Thank you, BOSS!!!"
Götze was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly thanked him.
Who would have a problem with money?
Even if they were super soldiers, they still needed to support their families.
Moreover, they already had high salaries; a double bonus personally granted by the boss was definitely a huge sum of money.
"Remember to keep this strictly confidential."
Ethan added indifferently.
"Don't worry, BOSS. No one will be able to get a single word about you out of our mouths."
Götze thumped his chest and guaranteed.
Ethan waved his hand and said, "No, if there really are people with irresistible force who pressure you in the future, just tell them the truth—that the treasure inside has been taken by me. If they want it, then let them come find me."
Götze looked at Ethan in surprise, not reacting for a moment.
Ethan laughed loudly. "What? Are you worried I'll be unhappy if people come looking for trouble? Götze, you are an excellent warrior, but you know I am an even more excellent warrior. So I'm not worried about anyone looking for trouble with me, because since they dare to come and pressure you, it means they are already prepared to lose their lives."
"Then why don't you just spread the news directly?"
"Wouldn't that make me seem too intentional, as if I'm begging them to come and die?"
Ethan made a rare joke.
A flash of admiration appeared in Götze's eyes. He didn't speak again, but he completely understood his boss's meaning.
The boss standing before him was absolutely the most powerful being in this World.
Bar none.
This was also why they followed Ethan with such unwavering loyalty.
Because in the Deep Cold Organization, they only needed to do their jobs well; they didn't need to go on suicide missions.
Because of the boss's existence as a Stabilizing Force, he had invisibly solved many lethal troubles for them.
They could even act without any scruples.
There were too many people who wanted to find trouble with the boss, as numerous as the hairs on an ox.
But once trouble truly found its way to the boss's head, it meant the start of the opponent's death countdown.
They had an almost blind confidence in their boss's strength.
A black sedan drove over slowly.
Chapter 139: The Ice Demon Descends on London, Drawing Fear from All Sides
A motorcade wove through the complex streets of London, eventually returning to the castle manor under Ethan's name.
However, shortly after the Deep Cold Organizationwithdrew, a group of mysterious individuals arrived at the abandoned shipyard.
"The Ice Demon actually came to London in person, and the Deep Cold Organization even blockaded this dilapidated shipyard."
Celine, a member of the British Round Table Knights, looked at the empty factory building with a face as cold as frost.
"Celine, calm down. Even if we know the Ice Demon has come to London, you must understand that the Elders have repeatedly warned us that we must stay far away from the Ice Demon and his party, and must absolutely not engage in any form of conflict with the Ice Demon."
Another Round Table Knight, Leilun, advised in a deep voice, his eyes filled with wariness.
"I am simply curious. For an existence at the level of the Ice Demon, what kind of world-shaking item could be worth him descending on London in person to acquire?"
Celine looked around curiously.
The accompanying Agent took out an instrument and began to detect the residual energy field fluctuations in the vicinity.
The needle on the instrument jumped wildly, detecting the lingering traces of a terrifyingly powerful force.
They could even simulate through algorithms that the intensity of this residual energy was not inferior to the gamma-ray fluctuations that erupted during that great battle in New York a year ago.
As for what exactly the item was.
None of them dared to jump to conclusions.
Only one thing was certain: since this treasure had already fallen into Ethan's hands, trying to snatch it back from that demon had become an impossible delusion.
"Regardless of what the item is, for us in Britain, it is full of uncontrollable danger. Since Ethan has already taken this hot potato, London will not be plunged into the flames of war because of this item."
Leilun comforted her in turn.
Unlike Celine, this young and vigorous newly promoted Round Table Knight.
Leilun had a steady and mature personality.
He was already over forty years old and had experienced too many battles and life-or-death situations.
He understood the terror of the Ice Demon better than anyone.
He also understood that with the current strength of the Round Table Knights, they were simply not qualified to guard this treasure.
If they truly offended the Ice Demon, even throwing in all the Round Table Knights would likely not be enough for the Ice Demon to kill single-handedly.
The only good news was that the former Captain Britain, Psylocke, had now become the boss of the Deep Cold Organization.
Although she had already left the Round Table Knights.
But after all, the old ties remained; she was someone who had come out of the Round Table Knights.
Moreover, she was well-acquainted with them, the older generation of Round Table Knights.
Many thorny issues could be buffered and resolved through this relationship with Psylocke.
On the perimeter of the castle manor.
MI6 Agents had already densely deployed eyes and ears in every corner.
They were not trying to monitor Ethan's every move.
Rather, they were worried that some foolish person without eyes would accidentally enter the castle manor, offend the Master inside, and bring unimaginable diplomatic or even military disaster to their country.
None of them wanted to get trapped in that kind of endless trouble.
The high-level officials of the British government thought the same way.
Therefore, from the moment Ethan landed in Britain and moved into the castle manor.
Every blade of grass and tree around the manor was strictly protected.
It was not that they had malicious intentions towards him.
But rather, like worshipping an ancestor, they were worried that he might encounter even the slightest issue on British soil.
The Deep Cold Organization naturally had long since noticed these little maneuvers by the British government.
But this was London after all, and their boss was once the beloved Captain Britain, who had deep feelings for Britain.
Therefore, they could only turn a blind eye to these peripheral Agents.
When Ethan returned to the manor hall.
Gwen had already returned, laden with the spoils of a wild shopping spree.
Watching his little girlfriend's face brimming with an excited smile, Ethan felt that this trip out was indeed a good choice for relaxation.
The two enjoyed a pleasant dinner by candlelight.
Afterwards, they began their sweet mode of touring London.
Since they were here for a vacation, they naturally couldn't stay cooped up in the manor all day.
For the next three days in a row, the two of them toured various major attractions in London in a high-profile manner.
However, this caused the nerves of all Agents in the entire London intelligence community to be stretched to the limit.
Although many low-level Agents did not know which big shot this was.
They only knew he was that young chairman of the Osborn Group.
But the tense atmosphere conveyed from above had already exceeded their imagination.
Three days later, Ethan finally had his fill of fun, took Gwen, left London, and flew back to New York.
Gwen also contentedly ended this dream-like trip.
"Charles has fully recovered; you should be happier, Raven."
Returning to the luxury mansion in New York, Ethangently stroked the hair of Mystique Raven, who was pressed into his arms.
"You don't know, in the few days you were away, some terrible things happened in New York. Inside a container ship that had traveled across the ocean from China, all the illegal immigrants were brutally murdered. Their states of death were extremely miserable, as if they had been crazily gnawed on by some kind of Beast; the scene was simply a living Hell."
Raven lay on his chest, telling him in a low voice about the recent tragedy in New York.
Upon hearing this, Ethan's originally relaxed expression instantly turned serious, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
In fact, he had always preferred not to meddle in other people's business.
But since this matter involved his compatriots, the nature of it had completely changed.
Ethan would naturally never let it go unmanaged.
However, he was not in the habit of using Telepathy to casually invade other people's private thoughts.
"Just leave this matter for me to handle personally. I feel that an 'old friend' of mine seems to have returned to New York, and it is time to pay her a visit."
A cold curve appeared at the corner of Ethan's mouth, but his tone remained steady.
Raven nodded obediently.
"I can feel that the situation has been turbulent during this period, but I don't know why, all negative signs have been forcibly suppressed by a mysterious force; it seems someone is deliberately shielding our information sources."
Ethan was slightly taken aback.
During this time, for the sake of the Osborn Group's development, Raven had been working very hard to adapt to the hypocritical rules of high society.
She had also befriended many so-called celebrities and powerful figures.
After all, she was managing such a massive group.
And it was an important energy group that controlled the economic lifeline of the USA.
Dealing with high-level government officials was an unavoidable part of the process.
But since Raven could say these words, it meant that the high-level officials of the USA government were implementing a tacit blockade against them.
Namely, an all-encompassing information embargo.
"This is very likely because our brief honeymoon period with the USA high-level officials has ended. Very clearly, the government seems to have found some source of self-confidence, feeling that its wings have hardened, and it has started to dare to ignore our demands."
Ethan smiled disdainfully.
Chapter 140: Ethan Protects the Group with Haki and Investigates the Smuggling Case in Anger
His identity and strength destined him to be a natural enemy to all vested interest groups in the USA.
Not to mention, he had once dealt a devastating blow to the USA Military.
The destruction of that Carrier Battle Group.
As well as the Military port completely submerged by a terrifying tsunami.
Given the USA's intelligence capabilities, they should have long since uncovered the truth of the matter.
Although in the past, forced by the absolute force Ethandisplayed, they could only turn a blind eye to the wild growth of the Osborn Group.
They didn't even dare to make any overt attempts at suppression.
However, with Ethan recently using genetic serums on a large scale to strengthen a high-level organization of super Agents,
The sensitive nerve of the USA was touched once again, and they felt the increasingly aggressive edge coming from the Osborn Group.
"I intend to temporarily recall all personnel stationed abroad by the Deep Sea organization back to the USAheadquarters just in case."
After careful consideration, Raven put forward her suggestion.
"There is absolutely no need. As long as I am still sitting in New York, no one will dare to actually make a move against the Osborn Group."
Ethan said with Haki, his tone filled with absolute confidence.
The confidence behind any words ultimately comes from strength.
And Ethan clearly possessed the strength to flip the chessboard.
He did not fear any attacks from secret USA organizations at all.
He even wished that the USA would take the initiative to trouble him again.
That way, he would have an excuse to legitimately strike at the USA again.
Currently, the national strength of China has reached a critical period of takeoff.
If it continues to advance steadily, within the next decade, it could even overtake the USA and become the most powerful country on Earth.
Although Ethan had physically immigrated to the USA, his sense of belonging to this country was zero.
Naturally, he hoped he could act like a lightning rod, attracting all the firepower of the USA.
So that China, on the other side of the ocean, could have a stable environment to continue developing and growing.
Therefore, he was not worried about having more intense conflicts with the USA.
But if he were to take the initiative to slaughter the USAwithout reason,
That would not fit Ethan's current status and style.
The only thing he worried about was the USA leadership going crazy and trying to drag him down with them.
Not hesitating to pay the price of destroying everything just to kill him.
If it really came to that step,
The final result would most likely be the USA being completely wiped off the map.
And China ascending to become the hegemon of Earthahead of schedule.
"I'm just worried that their methods are too dirty, killing without shedding blood."
As the actual helmsman, Raven controlled all operations of the Osborn Group.
She knew better than anyone how terrifying the business warfare scenarios this massive commercial Empire was about to face would be.
One careless move, and it would be swallowed by those capital crocodiles without a scrap left.
"Set your mind at ease. With me here, no one can take the Osborn Group from my hands unless they want to die."
Ethan's expression remained calm.
Because he knew that his future could not be threatened by these Mortals.
He never had an overflowing heart of a saint.
When someone really thinks they can use the gentleness he displays to deal with him, that is when their disaster will arrive.
In the face of absolute power, any conspiracy or trick is an extremely stupid choice.
Raven seemed to have thought of something.
She could even feel, through his chest, the heart beating hotly in this man's arms, as if it were made of molten lava from the depths of the Earth.
Once it erupted, it would be an apocalyptic scene that would destroy the heavens and the Earth.
"I do not hope to reach that day."
Raven suddenly said softly, her eyes somewhat complex.
"I also do not hope to reach that day, but if someone wants to forcibly deprive me of everything, then let them understand one principle: they have been able to live until now, not because of God's mercy, but because of my mercy."
Ethan spoke very plainly, but it carried a scent of blood.
"You can very well take this sentence as my declaration and spread it out."
"Some clowns seem to want to deal with me. I can feel a force in the darkness manipulating everything, but these are not worth worrying about; it's just that I don't like the feeling of being schemed against."
Raven nodded silently.
Hells Kitchen, deep in Chinatown.
In a private room of a restaurant with simple, archaic decorations, Madam Gao, who usually held sway over the area, was currently respectfully prostrate on the ground.
She didn't even dare to stand up, her forehead covered in cold sweat, looking with fear and trepidation at the handsome man in front of her who was gorging himself on food.
The surrounding The Triads members, who were usually fierce and malicious,
were also hanging their heads like quails at this moment, not daring to even breathe loudly.
All other customers had already been forcibly driven out of this restaurant.
"I heard that you were responsible for smuggling some people into New York, but it seems there was a big problem on the way?"
Ethan skillfully rinsed the bowls and chopsticks with tea, his movements elegant and composed.
He began to taste the authentic Chinese Sichuan dishes on the table in front of him.
The stimulating taste brought by the bright red chili oil made Ethan feel indescribably satisfied.
The chopsticks in his hand almost never stopped.
The several chefs in the kitchen were sweating profusely as they constantly brought out and replaced dishes.
And the speed at which Ethan polished off a plate of food was a mere ten seconds or so.
He was like a glutton that could never be full, constantly eating to replenish energy.
Madam Gao remained kneeling on the cold floor, her body trembling slightly, stammering as she explained: "Mr. Hao, this... this really cannot be blamed on me. I have long stopped doing that wicked business of human trafficking. I was just purely helping fellow countrymen smuggle into the USA; they were just poor people who wanted to go out and work to earn money."
"Yes, they just wanted to go out to work to support their families, yet they suffered such a catastrophic disaster on the way. It is hard to imagine what kind of monster attacked them in that enclosed, dark shipping container, and what kind of desperate and painful scenes they faced before they died."
Ethan paused for a moment, picked up a piece of pork rib, and continued to eat.
The hard bone made a cracking sound under his teeth, instantly becoming a soft dish that was swallowed into his stomach.
"It was the Black Sky, the Black Sky of The Hand did it! I didn't know that those damned little Japanese actually hid such a dangerous contraband item in the shipping container, and that Black Sky suddenly lost control during the maritime transport, slaughtering all the compatriots."
Madam Gao said, gritting her teeth, her eyes full of fear and hatred.
"After the incident, I mobilized all The Triads members to thoroughly investigate the matter, even sparing no cost to launch retaliatory actions against The Hand. But the power of The Hand is too eerie and strong, and they are proficient in various ninjutsu and black magic, coming and going freely in this complex area of Hells Kitchen. Even I find it very difficult to catch their exact trail."
Madam Gao said tremblingly, fearing that the man in front of her would vent his anger on her.
"Actually, you shouldn't have come back, Madam Gao. These muddy waters are too deep."
Ethan shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of regret.