Chapter 219: Freezing the Seven Seas, Slaughtering Aquaman
The price was that Thunder God Thor was poisoned and died in the arms of Odin.
"Thanos, that Purple Sweet Potato Essence, hasn't even appeared yet, and this Cul is already in such a rush to come out and die?"
"I hope your bones are hard enough to break my Ice Age."
Ethan muttered to himself.
Earlier, when he and Gwen were traveling around the World,
they passed by the Mariana Trench, and he had casually used his power to freeze it.
If Cul wanted to break the Seal and emerge, he would not only have to deal with Odin's Seal, but he would also have to ask Ethan if he agreed.
Ethan took a step forward, and his figure instantly vanished.
His X-ray Vision pierced through the deep seawater, seeing that the seabed had already descended into complete chaos.
The members of the Illuminati had all dived into the deep sea.
Wearing the diving armor developed by Tony and Reed, they were helping Aquaman Namo suppress the rebel army of Attuma.
Attuma, who had originally been at a disadvantage, saw his strength skyrocket due to the power blessing of the God of Fear, Cul.
The great hammer in his hand absorbed the leaking Originof fear.
In just an instant, this gave him the power to destroy the World.
Endless sea waves were stirred up, transforming into giant beasts that devoured everything, rushing toward the coastal cities of the Human Race.
With another teleportation, Ethan appeared directly above the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
He pressed his hand against the sea surface.
A massive beam of light piercing through the clouds instantly enveloped him.
Terrifying energy fluctuations spread wildly in all directions.
"In the name of my Dominator, disperse!"
The magic power instantly pierced through the entire ocean.
It spread to every corner of the Seven Seas at a terrifying speed exceeding that of light.
In the blink of an eye, the previously violent seawater became as docile as a lamb.
There wasn't even a single ripple left.
The two sides, who had been killing each other in the deep sea with red eyes, didn't even notice that the sea level above their heads had once been raised a hundred zhang high.
The sea surface returned to a deathly silence.
Ethan looked down at the sea creatures below.
A terrifying red light suddenly flashed in his eyes.
Professor X Charles looked up at the sea surface in terror.
From the deep sea looking up, that beam of light piercing the heavens and the earth looked like a Sun falling into the deep sea.
That dazzling brilliance seemed to be declaring to the World:
Who was the true god among men.
The civil war of the sea tribes had reached a fever pitch.
It simply could not be stopped.
The entire Atlantis Empire had split into two factions.
The brutality of the war could trigger an even greater disaster at any time, affecting the land.
"I say, you are fighting so vigorously, and wanting to destroy the Human Race—has anyone asked for my opinion?"
A plain and indifferent sentence.
Yet it pierced through ten thousand meters of deep sea like a thunderclap, exploding in the heart of every sea creature.
"Since you want to stir up giant waves to destroy the Human Race, then as a member of the Human Race, I have no reason to forgive your atrocities anymore."
Ethan said in an indifferent tone.
"Wait!!!"
Professor X Charles shouted hurriedly: "I can stop them!!!"
He did not directly invade the brains of the sea tribes to forcibly end the war.
But when Ethan heard his words, he only revealed a cold smile.
His figure, like a god descending into the World, was directly reflected into the depths of every sea creature's consciousness.
"If you do something wrong, you have to pay the price."
Omega Beams!!!
The ocean began to evaporate violently.
Endless rays of light refracted through the seawater, and one sea tribe warrior after another was mercilessly pierced by the red rays.
Namo's eyes erupted with endless fury.
"Ice Demon, go to hell!!!"
He jumped out of the water violently.
The trident in his hand stabbed toward Ethan with a murderous Aura.
And Ethan remained in the posture of releasing rays from his eyes.
He was too lazy to even dodge.
Namo's trident stabbed fiercely into his chest.
But it was like hitting an unshakable divine mountain; it didn't move an inch.
Ethan reached out his hand, his palm vibrating at a high frequency, directly piercing through Namo's chest.
Terrifying Fire instantly burned fiercely on his corpse.
"Trash."
Aquaman Namo died just like that.
Attuma stared blankly at the ruler who had once been invincible, now turned into flying ash.
That was the ruler he had always wanted to overthrow, yet he was so vulnerable.
Fear spread wildly in his heart.
Attuma wanted to run away.
But all the hairs on his body stood up; those terrifying rays had already locked onto him.
Attuma roared in despair, blocking his divine hammer in front of him.
Boom!!!
The terrifying energy exploded.
The seabed was completely turned upside down.
The Omega Beams did not weaken in the slightest; as the energy output from Ethan's eyes increased, the golden rays directly pierced through Attuma's body, melting him along with that hammer.
The terrifying Fire ignited every cell in his body.
Like the karmic Fire of judgment descending, it was impossible to avoid.
That was the Divine Might that was powerful to the extreme.
It deterred the endless living beings of the sea tribes.
Many sea tribes had already been scared out of their wits and were fleeing in all directions.
But how could their swimming speed be faster than the speed of light?
Death was just a matter of an instant.
The chaotic battlefield gradually calmed down, leaving only a few members of the Illuminati standing there alone.
The only surviving sea tribes were those civilians who posed no threat.
Ethan did not kill them all.
Engaging in genocide was too cruel in itself.
But those bellicose sea tribe warriors had to die.
Because their existence had already seriously threatened the living space of the Human Race.
After this battle, the future Atlantis Empire would probably need a long time to recover its Origin Qi.
Black Bolt of the Inhumans stared fixedly at this great enemy of the Illuminati before him.
He wanted to open his mouth to unleash that World-destroying vocal wave attack.
However, looking at Ethan's peerless Divine Might, a deep sense of powerlessness and fear rose in his heart.
The System notification sound rang frantically, and a large number of desire points were instantly credited.
The corners of Ethan's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.
He really made a fortune this time.
The desire points contributed by every sea creature exceeded four digits.
Some elites even contributed five digits.
Millions of sea tribe warriors were mercilessly slaughtered by him.
The desire points he obtained were simply an astronomical figure.
6.8 billion.
Moreover, this data was still soaring wildly.
When the sea tribe civilians learned that their king had been slaughtered.
His fierce reputation would spread forever in the underwater World.
He might even replace that sealed Cul and become the new generation of the God of Fear.
The members of the Illuminati looked at each other.
They leaped out of the sea wearing their armor, looking at Ethan with complex expressions.
Especially Dr. Reed.
His eyes were full of anger and unwillingness.
His most beloved woman, Susan, had been snatched away by this demon before him.
He firmly believed that Susan must have been bewitched by this demon's evil magic.
I must save Susan from this demon's hands!
Tony Stark's eyes flickered, and his brain was running at high speed.
He was thinking about a fatal question: Could he design an anti-armor specifically to restrain the Ice Demon?
In fact, the "Anti-Ice Demon Armor" already had a prototype.
Chapter 220: The Fall of Namo, Panic in the Illuminati
It was a pity that although the armor Tony designed could defend against freezing damage, it couldn't defend against the real Ethan at all.
Because Ethan's power was far more than just freezing.
The power of light and fire displayed just now was enough to make anyone tremble with fear.
Professor X Charles let out a long sigh.
Although Namo had a foul temper, he was also a powerful hero.
He was supposed to be one of the Illuminati's most important combatants.
But now, Namo had turned into a pile of ashes.
The elite troops of the sea race were also almost completely wiped out.
The only thing they could do now was pray that Ethanwouldn't get carried away and slaughter them along with the others.
Charles specifically glanced at Mister Fantastic Reed.
He was truly afraid that Reed would act on impulse, rush up to fight the Ice Demon, and end up losing his life there as well.
"Mr. Hao, you shouldn't have killed Namo!!!"
Charles couldn't help but be the first to speak up.
Ethan sneered, "What? Are you trying to teach me how to do things?"
"I wouldn't dare!"
"Then shut up. Remember, I gave you this life."
Ethan pointed at Charles's forehead from a distance.
"To create a perfect clone like you, the Osborn Groupinvested countless money and effort. If it weren't for Raven, your consciousness would have dissipated long ago."
Ethan said this mercilessly.
Charles fell silent instantly.
Because everything Ethan said was the truth.
However, as the leader of the Illuminati, he still wanted to try one more time.
"Now that Namo is dead, Atlantis is no longer a threat."
Charles said helplessly.
"Do you know that because of this stupid battle of yours, half of the global population was almost drowned by the tsunami?"
Ethan retorted, his voice cold and bone-chilling.
"The civilization built by humanity was almost completely finished because of this tsunami."
"If I didn't happen to be proficient in water magic, even I would find it difficult to suppress this disaster."
"So, do you think I would keep this group of ticking time bombs that could destroy humanity at any moment?"
Ethan's few questions left the members of the Illuminatispeechless.
They could all see that Ethan was truly enraged.
However, so many sea people had died, and they were sentient beings after all. For a moment, the members of the Illuminati, who took it upon themselves to protect Earth, were plunged into confusion.
"I don't care what you Illuminati want to do, whether it's saving the Earth or dealing with me, but since you messed up this time, someone has to take responsibility."
"I didn't have any intention of killing that so-called King Namo, but since he didn't know how to repent and dared to brandish weapons at me, he had to die."
Ethan said proudly, his tone filled with unquestionable domineering aura.
Namo was dead.
The elite sea force was completely destroyed.
"I am running out of patience with you all. If there is a next time, I won't mind wiping you all out."
Ethan turned around and strolled leisurely on the sea surface.
The next second, he walked on the waves and accelerated instantly.
The terrifying speed tore through the air, and he disappeared from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.
Charles shook his head helplessly.
Who could have expected that the sea race rebel army could actually pull off a major move like a massive tsunami?
Especially that strange hammer, which possessed such astonishing Divine Power.
Combined with the power of the God of Fear, it could instantly raise a hundred-foot tidal wave, intending to submerge human civilization.
Most human cities are concentrated along the coastline. If this tsunami really crashed down, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Charles, our original intention in establishing the Illuminati was to protect the Earth, but it is clear that this Ice Demon has already threatened the safety of all living beings on the planet. I even suspect that he is an extreme human supremacist who holds strong prejudices against all non-human life."
The Inhumans' king, who only dared to move his fingers and not his mouth, Black Bolt, was pressing his fingers tightly against the special voice-transmission device on his throat.
A dull, electronically synthesized voice replaced his destructive voice, echoing in the empty conference room.
Even marginalized Inhumans like us have the right to live; our lives should not be treated as worthless weeds.
If that man named Ethan truly held that kind of deep-rooted racial prejudice against non-human species.
Black Bolt's eyelids twitched wildly, and he had only one thought in his mind: he must stay away from this vortex of trouble like avoiding a plague.
The Inhumans were originally a small, sparsely populated group and could not withstand such turmoil.
If they were truly targeted by that jinx Ethan and received a 'racial cleansing package', the entire race would likely have to go meet God, which would be truly terrible luck.
"This is my fault. When that guy Attuma was making small moves, my brain short-circuited and I didn't notice it immediately, almost causing a catastrophe."
"That unlucky guy King Mona died, and we feel quite bad about it."
Although Ethan didn't kill them and mercifully spared their lives.
The big shots present didn't show any joy of surviving a disaster; instead, they looked so gloomy that water could drip from their Faces.
"I understand your concerns, but everyone needs to be aware that this beast named Ethan must be leashed by someone, otherwise our Illuminati will close down sooner or later."
Black Bolt once again used that cold voice-transmission device to express his anxiety.
"I understand your concern for your people's safety. Set your heart at ease; I will personally meet Ethan and convey your goodwill to him."
Professor X Charles spoke nicely, but in reality, he was drumming in his heart and had no confidence at all.
Once that god of slaughter Ethan got truly angry, no one present would be able to escape unscathed.
Tony Stark, who had been silent for a long time, finally finished playing with the pen in his hand and looked up.
"Black Bolt's words might be rough, but the logic is sound. We really need to ponder carefully whether there are any tricks to restrain that monster."
Tony Stark was now regretting it so much that his guts turned green, feeling that he must have had water in his brain when he joined this so-called Illuminati.
Whether it was the regulated Avengers or this secretive Illuminati, facing Ethan felt like facing a Wall of Sighs.
The current situation was even more precarious than before.
After all, this group of people gathering to form a small clique had no name or status and belonged to an illegal gathering.
S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers had the backing of a big tree; they were legitimate official organizations.
With that cover, the Avengers could at least stand in the spotlight and enjoy flowers and applause.
"Trying to find a way to deal with that Ice Demon on this patch of Earth is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We need to open up our perspective and look to the sky, look to the Universe."
Mister Fantastic Reed had a flash of inspiration in his mind, recalling the experience when the four of them unluckily strayed into space and were mutated after being blasted by cosmic rays.
Chapter 221 The Tsunami Recedes, Thanos Searches for the Gems
Having merely brushed against a tiny fraction of that cosmic energy, the four of them had become so transcendent.
If that violent cosmic energy could be harnessed, the power would be unimaginable, absolutely World-destroying.
"Reed, that idea sounds exciting. How about we team up, build a massive spaceship, and head straight into deep space to see for ourselves?"
A glimmer finally appeared in Tony Stark's tired eyes; it was a yearning for unknown technology.
"Collaborating with you is exactly what I wanted."
Mister Fantastic Reed smiled and reached out, firmly gripping Iron Man's calloused hand.
He knew clearly that Tony Stark's brain combined with the financial resources of Stark Industries made them the perfect partners.
Only by combining their strengths would there be a glimmer of hope to find that Sword of Damocles capable of slaying the Ice Demon.
Although Ethan had not yet shown any extreme inclination to destroy all of humanity.
But in the eyes of these self-proclaimed elites, an existence like Ethan, who ignored rules and broke the balance, was an original sin in itself, making people envious, jealous, and grinding their teeth in hatred.
"Huh? Why did that giant wave on the horizon disappear?"
"Am I seeing things? Did the tsunami really recede?"
"I was so scared I wet my pants, and it's just over like that?"
"Could that have been a mass hallucination?"
Although the sirens in major coastal cities around the World were still wailing, people were dumbfounded.
The wall of water that seemed to connect to the heavens just moments ago had rushed toward them with an Aura of devouring everything, and the Earth-shaking sensation was suffocatingly real.
That oppressive sense of impending death was just like the countdown to the end of the World hitting zero.
Who would have thought that while they were despairing and waiting for death a second ago, the next second that monstrous wave would retreat obediently into the sea like a tamed puppy.
The ocean returned to its former calm, as if its outburst just now was merely a cruel joke played on humanity.
At this moment, in that luxurious manor on Long Island, Ethan landed lightly on the lawn.
Phoenix Jean Grey, wearing a fiery red dress, stood there waiting for him, looking like a rose blooming in flames.
Her beautiful eyes darted as she looked at the man descending from the sky, her gaze filled with undisguisable tenderness.
"Ethan, you've played the savior this time; all of humanity should bow down to you."
With the Awakening of the Phoenix Force, Jean Grey's current strength was skyrocketing like it was on a Rocket.
Her Telepathy had been infinitely amplified by the Phoenix Force cheat, as if she had turned on a full-map hack.
The moment the tsunami showed signs of something wrong, she sensed it in her mind and rushed toward New York in a hurry.
It turned out to be for nothing; Ethan wasn't in New Yorkat all.
But the heaven-shaking energy fluctuation he released just now made even Jean, who possessed the Phoenix Force, feel a palpitation.
At this moment, she had truly touched the tip of the iceberg of this man's strength; it was unfathomable.
"No need to be so polite, it was just a casual effort. I couldn't just watch everyone go feed the fish."
Ethan wore that casual smile on the corner of his mouth, as if he had just gone out for a stroll.
"I had rushed over in a panic to discuss how to deal with that Loki, but it seems I was worrying for nothing."
Phoenix Jean Grey shook her head self-deprecatingly, feeling like a bit of a clown.
Ethan took a few steps forward, wrapped his arm around her slender waist, and pulled her into his embrace: "I don't know how happy I am that you could come; how could you call it unrequited affection?"
Just then, Ethan's perception network captured a disturbance; Polaris Lorna Dane had already been fished out by people from the Deep Cold Organization.
Colonel Stryker, that old fox, chickened out at the critical moment and forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart.
He didn't dare escalate the situation and directly turned his focus toward the Osborn Group.
After all, he knew perfectly well whose territory Osbornwas.
He had seen the Ice Demon's terrifying methods with his own eyes; if he didn't want to die, he had to endure it.
Therefore, he could only grit his teeth and swallow his pride.
"Supreme Overlord Thanos, this time I and the Chitauri Army really hit a snag; that guy is simply a monster."
Loki's voice was laced with undisguisable trembling; his knees went weak, and he almost collapsed onto the cold metal floor.
"He not only snatched away the Mind Stone and forcibly stripped off the Space Ring, but he even wore that red gem capable of modifying reality on his finger like an ornament."
On the throne, Thanos slowly turned around, his massive shadow instantly enveloping Loki.
"Because of your incompetence, I have lost a crucial treasure. How do you think I should vent this rage on you?"
The suffocating feeling of death rushed toward him, and Loki hurriedly threw out his final bargaining chip.
"We can talk about cooperation, really. Whether it's that group of arrogant Asgardian God Race or this blue Earth, I know them like the back of my hand."
The Earth-shattering secrets that Ethan had revealed to him flashed rapidly through Loki's mind.
"Moreover, I know the information you desire most—the whereabouts of those Infinity Stones on Earth."
Besides these, he also possessed the exact location of the Soul Stone, which that guy Ethan had tossed to him like junk information.
Thanos's emotionless eyes narrowed, staring fixedly at Loki: "If you really know where the Soul Stone is hidden, I can consider sparing your wretched life."
"Thank you for your mercy, great Titan."
Loki tremblingly climbed up from the floor and straightened his messy collar.
"According to secret records I found in ancient Asgardian texts, that mysterious Soul Stone has always been sleeping in the realm of the dead on the edge of the Universe—Vormir."
Speaking of this, the corner of Loki's mouth curled into his signature evil smirk, as if he had grasped the truth of the entire Universe.
"Back when Asgard was conquering everywhere, that old guy Odin snatched quite a few good things from the Elders of the Universe, and that included the Infinity Stones."
"But Odin knew very well that once these stones were gathered together, that terrifying energy would be enough to tear apart the entire Universe, so he banished the Soul Stone back to Vormir."
"The most critical thing is that Odin knows the only way to obtain it."
The smile on Loki's face became even brighter, even carrying a hint of malicious pleasure.
"But, Thanos, that price is something even you cannot afford."
Standing beside Thanos, Ebony Maw snorted coldly, his withered fingers elegantly tracing an arc in the air.
An invisible telekinetic force erupted instantly, and Lokiwas smashed hard against the hard bulkhead of the spaceship like a rag doll.
"Watch your words, you lowly Joker."
Thanos waved his hand nonchalantly, signaling his subordinate to stop.
Chapter 222: Thanos, Tears Fall, Sacrificing the Beloved
Ebony Maw bowed slightly, retreating into the shadows like an elegant gentleman.
Loki coughed twice in embarrassment, staggering to find his footing.
Flames of humiliation erupted in his eyes as he glared fixedly at the sorcerer who looked like a desiccated corpse.
This guy was also an expert in magic.
And that level of telekinetic strength was simply terrifying.
But as the Nine Realms' recognized premier sorcerer, Lokihad his own pride.
"Enough. Dump everything you've got in your gut, and then get out of my sight."
Thanos's voice was as low as thunder, radiating an unquestionable majesty.
Loki, however, shook his head, his tone becoming playful. "Currently, that human on Earth named Ethan is already clutching three Stones."
"And the fourth, the Time Stone, is hanging around the neck of the Sorcerer Supreme, Ancient One."
"Thanos, even if you truly steel your heart and pay a painful price to obtain the Soul Stone, you still won't win this collection game."
"That is a problem to be solved by my own methods."
Thanos seemed somewhat impatient, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his throne.
"The Soul Stone is the most special and spiritual of all the Stones; it even possesses its own intelligence."
Loki lowered his voice, creating a mysterious and unfathomable atmosphere.
Thanos did not speak, only listening quietly, like the calm before a storm.
"Obtaining it is actually not difficult; theoretically, any living being can do it."
"The only ticket is—to exchange it for the Soul of the one you love most."
"This is the eternal and cruel Law of Vormir."
"A Soul for a Soul; what a fair trade."
"If you want that supreme power, you must personally push the one you love most into the abyss."
Loki let out a harsh sneer, his eyes full of mockery. "As a cold-blooded overlord like you, is there anyone in this World you truly love?"
At this moment, Loki no longer worried that Thanos would kill him.
For Thanos, who had been searching bitterly for many years, the intelligence obtained today was simply priceless.
However, Loki's heart-piercing words plunged the Universe overlord into a deathly silence.
"No, Loki, you are the pathetic wretch who understands nothing."
A single turbid tear actually slid slowly down Thanos's rough purple cheek.
"You may get out."
Thanos waved his hand wearily, as if he had aged thousands of years in an instant.
Loki bowed elegantly, a flash of astonishment crossing his eyes.
He quickly cast an illusion to open a space portal and fled from the oppressive spacecraft as if escaping.
"Master, this Asgardian is full of lies; not even his punctuation marks can be trusted."
Ebony Maw leaned in and whispered his counsel.
"No, everything he said is true."
Thanos gazed at the pitch-black starry sky, his tone heavy.
"There is not much time left for us. If that Earthling has truly gathered four Stones, just as Loki said, my success rate of snatching them by force is zero."
"And that greedy human will definitely follow the trail to find me."
As the Universe overlord, Thanos knew too many ancient secrets.
The Asgardians had indeed come into contact with most of the Stones back then, but they had avoided the Soul Stoneat all costs.
Clearly, that old fox Odin had long since discerned the price involved.
With Odin's prideful temper, it was absolutely impossible for him to sacrifice his beloved for power.
Because the power of the Stones was too great, Odin even had to separate and Seal them.
"Odin was once the god closest to infinite power, and also my biggest obstacle."
"Now that the old guy is finally dead, although Hela is a big problem—she is almost invincible within the territory of Asgard."
"But that woman is arrogant and conceited; she wouldn't care about the lives of the ants on Earth at all."
Thanos's analysis of the situation was sharp and on point.
"She will never step one foot out of Asgard."
As long as Hela did not leave her lair, Thanos had full confidence.
"Master, shall we set off for Vormir immediately?"
Ebony Maw prepared to order the fleet to change course.
"No, bring Gamora back to me first."
Thanos's voice turned cold and ruthless, as if the tears from just a moment ago had never existed.
"Put all troops on high alert; the endgame has begun."
"We need more cannon fodder and allies."
"Go and find all those who owe us favors."
Thanos knew very well what the existence of someone capable of wielding three Stones meant.
That was definitely a super powerhouse at the top of the Universe pyramid.
The opponent clearly, like him, possessed a terrifying physique capable of bearing the power of the Law.
The only thing to be thankful for was that the enemy did not have the Infinity Gauntlet.
That was the key Divine Artifact for connecting all the power of the Stones and performing precise control.
Odin had once tried to forge this thing.
That old guy had once tried to covet the throne of the Universe Emperor and become truly omniscient and omnipotent.
Unfortunately, he was warned by an entity from a higher dimension and scared out of his wits.
Far away on the other side of the Milky Way Galaxy, Gamora soon received her father's summons.
At this moment, she had actually already guessed Thanos's crazy plan.
Ever since the Power Stone was stolen, she knew the nightmare had begun.
To save the lives of those idiots in the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gamora decided to go back and Face it alone.
If she didn't leave, these heartless teammates would all be crushed into powder by Thanos.
That message was an ultimatum.
Gamora left without saying goodbye, returning to Thanos's side with a heavy heart.
"Oh, my proudest daughter, come, accompany your father to a place."
Thanos extended that giant palm and, just like when she was a child, dotingly stroked Gamora's hair.
Gamora had no idea where the destination was.
Not until her feet touched the desolate land of Vormir did she realize that something was terribly wrong.
"You are not the only one in this World who knows the secret of the Soul Stone, my good daughter."
Back then, for this secret, Thanos had even slaughtered Gamora's entire race.
Leaving only her alive.
Now Thanos was finally certain that Gamora had always known the truth but had hidden it.
Now, this daughter's value as a tool had reached its end.
The two walked one after another up the cliff that towered into the clouds.
A figure draped in a tattered black robe, with skin as bright red as a vengeful ghost, floated slowly before them.
"Welcome, great Thanos, and Young Miss Gamora."
Red Skull's voice was like a cold wind from Hell. "Since you could find this place, it means you understand the rules, so I will not waste words."
He led the two to the edge of the cliff.
"Thanos, if you want to take the Stone, you must pay the price; sacrifice the Soul of the one you love most to this abyss—a Soul for a Soul."
Red Skull's hollow eyes swept across Thanos with deep meaning.
Chapter 223: Sacrificing Beloved Daughter to Obtain the Soul Stone
Thanos nodded slightly and sat silently on a giant rock.
Gamora stood dejectedly opposite him, her eyes filled with despair and sorrow.
"So you had everything planned out long ago. You kept me alive for all these years just for this moment?"
Thanos slowly took off his helmet, revealing a weary face.
Two lines of hot tears flowed down uncontrollably once again.
"Gamora, you are wrong. I have always loved you deeply; you are the daughter I cherish most in this life."
"Shut up! In your eyes, there is only that twisted balance plan!"
Gamora roared hysterically, attempting to resist.
Thanos stood up abruptly, his large hand gripping Gamora's wrist tightly, dragging her step by step toward the abyss.
"Forgive me, Gamora."
He pushed her ruthlessly, and the green figure fell into the endless mist.
Boom!
A blinding beam of energy seemed to pierce through the entire dimension of the Universe.
When Thanos opened his eyes again, he found himself lying in a shallow puddle.
He opened his palm, and a gem emitting a warm orange glow was lying there quietly.
However, Thanos's heart felt as if it had fallen into an ice cellar. Just now, in the Soul illusion, he had seen Gamoraas a young child.
That innocent gaze caused him heart-wrenching pain.
But this excruciating pain also made his will as hard as iron.
He had already sacrificed everything; there was no turning back now.
For the sake of that grand ambition, he must succeed.
The Universe's resources are limited, while greedy life forms are expanding infinitely.
If this continues, all civilizations will head toward destruction.
For the longevity of the Universe, half of all life must make a sacrifice.
"This is the mission I bear."
"And it is also the destiny I cannot escape!"
Thanos returned to the flagship with a cold aura.
Upon this return, the lithe figure that used to be by his side had vanished forever.
"Congratulations, Master. The army has finished assembling."
Ebony Maw greeted him respectfully, his gaze fixed fanatically on the gauntlet on Thanos's left hand.
There was one more shining gem there.
This greatly boosted the morale of the entire legion.
Although the opponent has three in their hands, and there is even a fourth on Earth.
Anyone capable of collecting so many gems is definitely a tough nut to crack.
But Ebony Maw firmly believed that the Master, possessing the Infinity Gauntlet, was invincible.
That Divine Artifact could convert the violent energy of the gems into controllable output.
An ordinary person would be killed by the backlash just by touching a raw stone.
The Infinity Stones have wandered the Universe for hundreds of millions of years; very few strong individuals have truly dared to control them.
This in itself is a litmus test for the strong.
Only a born overlord like Thanos is worthy of this power.
"Send a vanguard unit to infiltrate Earth and find an opportunity to steal the Time Stone. That thing can reverse Karma; it must be in our hands."
Thanos's tone was as cold and hard as iron, allowing no room for doubt.
Without the Time Stone, all their efforts could be reset at any moment.
"I have already studied the weaknesses of that Sorcerer Ancient One; perhaps we can find collaborators on Earth."
Ebony Maw said with confidence.
"This time, the enemy is unprecedentedly powerful. Everyone, keep your guard up."
Being able to wear the Infinity Stones as rings—this physical strength alone is enough to chill one's bones.
The Mind Stone was once in Thanos's hands; he knows too well how terrifying its erosion of the mind is.
The opponent being able to ignore the side effects indicates that their willpower is also ridiculously strong.
"Master, if the battle turns unfavorable, we are prepared to destroy Earth directly."
A cruel, cold light flickered in Ebony Maw's eyes.
"Even if the Planet is destroyed, the gems will still float among the debris."
This insane proposal made Thanos frown, but he immediately relaxed his expression.
"Then list it as a backup plan."
Thanos's heart had long since hardened like stone.
Facing Ethan this time, he did not have absolute certainty of victory.
This did not fit his usual style of steady and solid progress.
Past wars usually ended the moment he made a move.
But the more detailed the information about Earth became, the trickier he felt it was.
Fortunately, the Power Stone, which has the strongest destructive power, is now embedded in his gauntlet.
It is the pinnacle of pure destructive power among the six gems.
Once the power goes out of control, the consequences would be unimaginable.
For that noble ideal, what do the billions of people on Earth matter?
"Additionally, monitoring shows that Earth has been in chaos recently. That sealed God of Fear, Cul, from Asgardseems to be about to break free. This is also a piece we can utilize."
Ebony Maw smiled insidiously.
Asgard has always been like a great mountain pressing down on them.
Now that Odin is dead, it is simply a divine assist.
Thanos nodded: "No matter who it is, no one will stop me."
"Four gems gathered on Earth—this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. Once missed, trying to find them again in the vast Universe would be like looking for a needle in a haystack."
Only Thanos knows that the crisis of population explosion is imminent.
For the greater good, someone must play the devil.
"That waste Loki is still somewhat useful; let him go ahead and scout the path."
"That cunning villain—I despise him, but even waste has its uses."
A dignified Prince of Asgard reduced to this state is truly a joke.
Originally, he counted on Loki to trigger Ragnarok, but Hela's appearance disrupted all deployments.
Meanwhile, in a mansion somewhere on Earth.
Ethan looked at the phantom of Loki appearing out of thin air, calmly swirling the red wine glass in his hand.
"Looking at that expression on your face, as if you've eaten a fly, you must have delivered my message."
Loki stared greedily at the ring on Ethan's hand: "The sling ring you gave is indeed useful, but I still miss the feel of the Tesseract."
"Rest assured, I am a man of my word. Once I butcher Thanos, the Space Stone will be yours."
Ethan nonchalantly stroked that azure gem.
To be honest, for someone like him who possesses the Speed Force, the Space Stone is just a toy that adds a little extra flair.
"Then the sling ring you are wearing now..."
"Borrow it for now. After the matter is settled, bring it back to trade for the gem."
Ethan waved his hand generously.
"Don't you want to ask for more information about Thanos?"
"There is no need."
Ethan didn't even lift an eyelid.
Loki looked at the human before him, and a deep sense of powerlessness welled up in his heart.
This sense of oppression was even more terrifying than Thanos.
"You are too arrogant. Thanos is not a lone commander; the fleet behind him is enough to flatten any civilization. The Chitauri are just a bunch of kindergarteners in front of them."
Loki put away his playful grin, his expression grave.
If Thanos launches a full-scale attack, the current Asgardmight really not be able to hold out.
"It doesn't matter. I will take action."
Ethan's tone was flat, as if he were discussing what to have for dinner.
"When soldiers come, use generals to block; when water comes, use Earth to cover. For me, more people just means throwing a few more punches."
The only thing that really made him pay a little attention was that Purple Sweet Potato Essence holding the Power Stone.
While Loki was stunned, Ethan glanced at his Systempanel:
[wealth points]: 654.3 billion (simply wealthier than a nation)
[desire points]: 43.197 billion (more than enough for a Breakthrough in Realm)
[Bloodline]: Kryptonian Bloodline (Third-Order genetic lock · True God State), Human Race Bloodline (Third-Order genetic lock)
Chapter 224: Divine Rank Omega Beams Manifest
[Core Talent]: Kryptonian True God Power, Max-level Speed Force
[Ability List]: Chilly, Flame-Flame, and Glint-Glint Fruits (all at Origin Peak+), Divine Dominator, Water Control Magic, Steel Divine Body, Heat Vision, etc. (all at Divine Rank+)
[Skills]: Transcendent Bajiquan, Fifteen layers of Dragon-Elephant Prajna Skill, Omega Beams (Divine Rank)...
[Current Quest]: Collect Infinity Stones (Progress 3/6), Reward: Golden Blind Box and Ultimate Black Blind Box.
During this time, his strength has skyrocketed like a Rocket.
Even a slow-grind martial art like the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Skill has been trained by him to the fifteenth layer.
And this was only because he deliberately suppressed it; otherwise, he would have shattered the void long ago.
This is the benefit of starting from a commanding height; a max-level account returning to the novice village to train skills is simply a dimensional reduction strike.
"I've saved up enough resources."
"I can breakthrough to the fourth or even fifth stage of power levels at any time."
What surprised him the most was that the Omega Beamshad finally evolved to the Divine Rank.
This is Darkseid's signature skill, and its lethality is terrifyingly immense.
Meanwhile, his Maha Titma has also been trained to the Dominator rank, and going any higher would be the fourth stage, which touches upon rules.
No matter how strong Thanos is, at most he is only at the Peak of the third stage.
According to Ethan's combat power classification, only the Phoenix Force in its prime, Chaos Magic, or gathering all six Infinity Stones would count as touching the threshold of the fourth stage.
This is also the source of his confidence to leisurely drink red wine here.
Even if Thanos gathered his full god-tier gear, at worst, Ethan could unleash his potential on the spot and upgrade his Steel Body to the fifth stage to face him head-on.
"Anyway, I've made the stakes clear. Once things go out of control and Earth is finished, I can only run away."
Loki shrugged, ready to slip away at any moment.
"Do you think he can snatch things from my hands?"
Ethan sneered disdainfully.
"If I were Thanos, I would definitely go for the easy targets first, like snatching the Time Stone from the Ancient One."
"As long as he has the Time Stone, Thanos can exploit glitches like Doctor Strange and reload his saves infinitely."
"Calculating the time, that fool Dormammu is probably about to descend. Doctor Strange is still leveling up in the novice village, so this wave still relies on the Ancient Oneto hold the line."
The current Ancient One is in her prime, and whoever crosses her will be out of luck.
As long as the Ancient One doesn't get careless, she can remain completely invincible with the Time Stone.
Seeing that Ethan was impervious to persuasion, Loki's phantom instantly dissipated.
This guy's real body must be hiding in some corner of Earth, spying.
But in Ethan's perception, Loki was as conspicuous as a firefly in the dark night.
As a key target of surveillance, if this guy dared to cause trouble, Ethan would teach him a lesson in minutes.
Just as Loki left, a sparking portal opened in the living room.
The Sorcerer Ancient One, dressed in yellow robes, walked out with a grave expression: "I feel a violent fluctuation in the threads of fate."
As the Guardian of the Time Stone, her intuition was more accurate than radar.
"Thanos is coming."
"You know about him too?"
"Just a crazy stone collector."
Ethan said nonchalantly.
Ancient One touched the Eye of Agamotto on her chest: "This kind of Universe-destroying power indeed shouldn't exist in this world."
She had even entertained the thought of throwing the Stone to Ethan for safekeeping.
"Don't worry about that Purple Sweet Potato Essence, this time I'll make sure he never returns."
Ethan was full of confidence.
"I'm more worried that Dormammu will take advantage of the chaos, and also, Asgard's sealed God of Fear is about to wake up."
Ancient One sighed; Earth truly has many disasters and tribulations.
"Dormammu is yours, the other small fry are mine. I'm not very familiar with that energy entity of the Dark Dimension, so killing it is a bit troublesome."
"In the Dark Dimension, Dormammu is indeed immortal."
Mentioning her old rival, Ancient One also felt a headache.
"Don't worry, as long as it's a living thing, there's nothing that can't be killed."
The corner of Ethan's mouth curled into a cruel smile.
"Alright then, I'll return to Kamar-Taj to guard our home, and that old god of Asgard will be left for you to handle."
Ancient One was swift and decisive. After speaking, she drew a circle and left.
As for that Serpent Cul who was about to break the Seal, Ethan didn't take him to heart at all.
"My Lord, times have changed!"
"Now, Earth is under my protection."
"Originally, I wanted to deal with this guy after finishing off Thanos, but if he dares to jump out ahead of time, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
After sending off Ancient One, Ethan turned around and plunged into the laboratory.
Tony Stark was still waiting for his life-saving medicine.
Many of the Osborn Group's black technologies were actually developed by Ethan based on Dr. Connors' research.
"If I had known this old fellow was so useful, I wouldn't have killed him back then."
Now he had to run all the tedious data himself.
"Finally done."
A Genetic Serum emitting a faint blue light and faintly crackling with electric arcs was placed on the test bench.
The violent energy fluctuations made even Ethan frown slightly.
"Tony's small frame definitely can't withstand the impact of the Thor gene, so I have to give him a shot of the super soldier serum first to strengthen his foundation."
This is like putting a racing engine into an old vintage car; the chassis must be reinforced first.
"Raven, notify Tony to come over and tell him the plan has been upgraded, to ensure..."
The moment Iron Man snapped his famous fingers, perhaps it not only announced the end of a character, but also heralded the end of Marvel's glorious era.
Complicated fragments of memory surged in Ethan's mind like a tide.
But he quickly shook his head, dispersing these stray thoughts completely.
How could a treasure like Tony Stark, who stands at the Peak of human wisdom, be easily allowed to meet God?
Ethan would never allow such a losing business to happen.
The reason why Mister Fantastic Reed is still alive and kicking today...
...is purely because the black technology in his brain still has value to be squeezed out.
As a businessman with style, Ethan has always valued talent like his own life.
Anyway, Invisible Woman Susan is already in his pocket, and that nerd Reed has long ceased to pose any threat.
Just let him continue to mess around in his laboratory; hopefully, he can drum up some new gadgets that will catch Ethan's eye.
He'd better not disappoint this expectation.
Sunlight spilled in front of the grand building of the Osborn Group, as Tony slowly walked over with Pepper Potts on his arm.
Ethan had long been standing at the entrance, a professional smile on his face, welcoming these two super VIP clients.
"Tony, seeing your calm and composed appearance, you must have made up your mind."
"By the way, congratulations."
Ethan elegantly extended his right hand.
The corner of Tony's mouth curled up, and he shook that hand: "I must congratulate you too. Once this deal is done, the revenue figure is something even I would be envious of."
"Haha, everyone makes a living on their own abilities. Monetizing technology is only natural and reasonable."
Ethan did not hide his identity as the boss behind the scenes at all.
Chapter 225: Iron Man Injects the super soldier serum
Tony's eyes flickered slightly, a trace of complex emotion flashing through his pupils.
In fact, he had long suspected that the core driver behind the Osborn Group's shocking genetic products was the man standing right in front of him.
Now it seemed that those World-changing Genetic Serums really did come from his hands.
If his speculation was true, Ethan's achievements in the field of biological genetics had practically reached a Realmclose to that of the gods.
"Miss Potts, seeing you again truly brings light to this entire building."
Ethan bowed slightly, performing a standard gentleman's salute, and took Pepper Potts's hand to plant a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"You are still as charming as when we first met, so much so that one can't look away."
"Giggle, Mr. Hao is truly a sweet talker, and you are as elegant as ever."
Pepper Potts giggled heartily, clearly quite pleased with the compliment.
Truth be told, her impression of Ethan was quite good.
If Ethan hadn't stepped in to play matchmaker and persuade them back then, she and Tony, that bickering couple, wouldn't have tied the knot so quickly.
She kept this favor in mind.
"In addition, congratulations are in order. It seems my previous prediction will soon become a reality."
Ethan smiled meaningfully.
Pepper Potts understood immediately, a blush rising on her cheeks.
She remembered very clearly that this man had once confidently declared that she and Tony would have a lovely daughter in the future.
Tony Stark raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between the two, his curiosity itching like a cat's scratch.
What whisperings had this guy actually shared with Pepper?
However, seeing their open expressions, there was clearly no crossing of boundaries or ambiguous relationship between them.
Although he had reservations about Ethan's character, he was absolutely confident in his fiancée's loyalty.
As for that unlucky fellow Reed, he had brought it upon himself by breaking up with Invisible Woman Susan.
Susan only chose to throw herself into Ethan's embrace after she became single.
Strictly speaking, this couldn't even be considered home-wrecking.
At most, it was just stealing someone's girl.
At this thought, a sudden wave of jealousy washed over Tony, and he quickly cut off his train of thought.
"Raven has already made the arrangements inside. You two, please follow me. The laboratory is underground."
Ethan stepped aside and personally led the way.
The big boss was personally acting as a doorman, and the guest was none other than the famous Iron Man.
This scene immediately caused quite a stir in the lobby, with countless pairs of eyes turning to look all at once.
But no one dared to take out their phones to take photos or post randomly on social media.
Because all the employees knew that the Osborn Grouphad an extremely high-Rank AI surveillance system internally.
Their every word and deed, even every tiny movement, was under the strict surveillance of big data.
"Can't we really do it all in one step? Does it have to be split into two stages?"
Walking into the elevator, Tony Stark still couldn't help but ask.
Ethan shook his head and explained patiently, "If we force it in one step, the success rate is a measly thirty-three percent."
"You have relied on your armor for years, so your physical foundation is actually not good. The palladium poisoning in your early years caused irreversible, hidden damage to your internal organs."
"Although the toxins have been cleared, your body's structure, which is like a dilapidated building, remains."
"How risky is the super soldier serum injection?"
Pepper Potts tightly gripped the strap of her handbag, chiming in with a solemn expression.
"If it's simply injecting our modified version of the super soldier serum, the success rate is ninety-nine point nine percent, infinitely close to absolute safety."
"Unless God is in a bad mood today and wants to play a joke, but on the Osborn Group's turf, under my watch, accidents are not allowed to happen."
Hearing Ethan's domineering assurance, Pepper Potts's tense shoulders finally relaxed.
She didn't care how strong Tony became; she only cared if this man could walk out of the laboratory alive.
"After the first stage of the injection is completed, it will only take about three days for your body to complete its remodeling and adapt to that brand-new power."
"Once your bodily functions stabilize, we will inject the Thor Serum, and the success rate can stabilize at over ninety-five percent."
Ethan's brain worked as fast as a supercomputer, instantly calculating the most precise data model.
Hearing this extremely high success rate, Tony completely let go of the burden in his heart.
He took a deep breath, took off his coat, and stepped into a round glass chamber filled with a sci-fi feel.
Ethan turned and nodded to Raven, who was wearing a white lab coat.
Raven understood immediately and began directing the top scientists in the laboratory to start the operational procedures.
"Miss Potts, put your heart at ease. Even if I have to risk my life, I will return him to you safe and sound. This is a businessman's promise."
Looking at the anxious woman outside the window, Ethan comforted her in a warm voice.
Pepper Potts managed to squeeze out a slight smile and nodded.
"By the way, I wonder if Miss Potts is interested in trying a customized version of the Genetic Serum specially provided by Osborn?"
"Women's genetic sequences are different from men's. After all, you have an extra X chromosome, and we have a specialized optimization plan."
"Injecting that... what benefits can it bring me?"
"The most direct benefit is a leap in your life level. Your lifespan will be greatly extended, at least not shorter than Tony's."
"Furthermore, you will possess enough power to protect yourself, so Tony won't have to be distracted worrying about your safety during battles in the future."
Like a dutiful salesman, Ethan began pitching his company's top-tier product.
"Are there really absolutely no side effects?"
"If it were for someone else, I wouldn't dare to be so certain, but this is something I personally formulated for you, so there is absolutely zero risk."
"Even if something does go wrong, I can use technological means to revert your physical state to how it was before the injection."
This was Ethan's absolute confidence as a technological monopolist.
"Then what specific type of Genetic Serum is it?"
"Speaking of which, it has some connection to myths and legends. The raw Materials are extracted from Asgard's Valkyrie gene."
That proud Valkyrie had long since fallen into his hands.
For Ethan, wanting to extract some genetic samples from her was simpler than drinking water.
As for whether that Valkyrie would fly into a rage because of this?
Ethan didn't care at all.
The anger of a prisoner is the most powerless thing.
"If Tony succeeds this time, his intention is actually very clear—he wants me to accompany him through this long life that seems to have no end."
Pepper Potts subconsciously stroked her flat lower abdomen, her gaze softening.
"Haha, when the wedding comes, the invitation must be delivered to my hands."
"As for the strengthening serum, there's no rush. We can talk more about it after your child is born safely and your body has recovered."
Ethan laughed heartily.
This was also a potential major client for the future.
Chapter 226: Serum Modification, Regenerative Power Awakening
Making money, as long as it is legal and compliant, is nothing to be ashamed of.
"Alright, it seems the first phase is complete, but his appearance might undergo some changes, so you need to prepare yourself mentally."
Ethan suddenly pointed forward.
Pepper Potts hurriedly turned her head, her gaze fixed intently on the glass tank shrouded in white smoke.
With a soft "hiss," the hatch slowly slid open.
As the smoke cleared, Tony Stark's originally somewhat slender physique had become as robust as a Greek sculpture.
Every muscle was well-defined, containing explosive power.
The scar on his chest that had once caused him such agony had completely vanished, and his skin was as smooth as new.
"I not only injected the super soldier serum, but I also added some special genetic fragments into it."
Ethan said as he walked towards Tony.
He suddenly raised his hand and slashed his fingers through the void.
An invisible wind blade instantly sliced open Tony's arm, and blood immediately gushed out.
"Are you crazy? What are you doing!"
Pepper Potts screamed and rushed over like a mother hen protecting her chicks, trembling with anger.
Ethan, however, just smiled calmly.
Tony Stark was also stunned by this sudden action.
But he subconsciously looked down at his arm.
A shocking scene occurred—the wound, which was deep enough to see the bone, actually stopped bleeding visibly, and the flesh rolled and healed rapidly.
"The Lizard Doctor's regenerative genes are indeed useful, but they carry the flaws of cold-blooded animals after all."
"So I fused Wolverine Logan's X-cells to create this truly perfect serum."
"As you are now, as long as your head isn't chopped off, you basically don't need to worry about getting injured."
Ethan admired his masterpiece, a satisfied look on his face.
"This effect... is simply incredible!"
"I am very satisfied. I will transfer the remaining fifty percent of the payment to you now, and the other half will be transferred immediately after the Thor serum is completed."
Tony Stark suppressed his inner ecstasy, feeling the surging vitality within his body.
"You're welcome. I am a businessman; taking money to do a job is only natural."
Ethan waved his hand casually.
"When the wedding date is set, remember to send an invitation to Raven. I will come to have a drink at the wedding, Pepper."
After saying this, Ethan turned around, ready to leave.
Tony Stark was stunned for a moment, but he quickly returned to calm.
In his view, marrying Young Miss Potts was already a done deal, so there was nothing to be surprised about.
However, Raven, who had been silent on the side, saw the clue with a sharp gaze.
She winked at Pepper Potts and smiled, "It's best to hold the wedding soon. If you drag it out for a few more months, it won't look good to wear a wedding dress when your belly starts to show."
Tony Stark turned his head abruptly, looking at Pepperwith a mix of surprise and joy.
"Really?"
"Mm."
Pepper nodded shyly.
Tony immediately raised his wrist, and his smartwatch emitted a blue light that scanned Pepper's body.
The data was fed back instantly, detecting a clear abnormality in vital signs—that was the heartbeat of a new life.
"Let's go! We're going home!"
Tony Stark smiled like a child who had received candy, his face beaming with joy.
This was truly a double blessing.
Even the joy of him becoming a superhuman was diluted quite a bit by the news of him becoming a father soon.
"BOSS, you really went all out, using our top-tier Fusionserum on Tony."
"If you really let him fuse the Thor serum, wouldn't that be equivalent to creating a super monster with your own hands?"
Watching the two leave, Raven said with a worried, bitter smile.
"Tony Stark's nature is not bad. If he becomes stronger, it will only benefit the entire Earth civilization, not harm it."
Ethan smiled indifferently.
He didn't take such matters to heart at all.
Tony didn't realize at all that the serum he injected was worlds apart from the mass-produced stuff used by Captain America Steve.
This could even be said to be the serum with the most terrifying potential in the history of Earth.
The so-called Thor serum, in front of it, is at best just an embellishment.
"Then I must congratulate you on another Breakthrough in your genetic technology."
Raven's thoughts had clearly drifted far away; she wasn't listening to anything about genetics at all.
Her mind was filled with the happy image of Pepper Pottsstroking her belly just now.
And this, precisely, was a promise Ethan could never give her.
"I will make it up to you in the future."
Ethan was such a shrewd person that he saw through Mystique Raven's little thoughts at a glance.
He had far too many female confidantes.
In this life, expecting him to hang himself on one tree was impossible.
Even for his official girlfriend Gwen, he couldn't give that marriage certificate.
But this didn't prevent him from holding a grand wedding with other women.
This could also be considered a form of compensation to some extent.
To let those women who followed him wholeheartedly fulfill their inner regrets.
"Oh? Then how do you plan to compensate me?"
Raven's eyes lit up instantly, and her smile was as bright as a flower.
"After I finish dealing with these troublesome matters at hand, I will go to the depths of the Universe, and I'll take you along for a vacation then."
Ethan rubbed his chin and made a promise.
Raven was clever and clear-headed, and she immediately understood the hint in Ethan's words.
Three days passed in a flash.
Tony Stark, under the guidance of a fighting Great Masterhired at a high price, finally learned how to precisely control his terrifying power.
Suddenly becoming a strongman is actually a huge test for one's Heart-Nature.
Just like a person holding a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and one always wants to cause some destruction to show their presence.
But Tony Stark's mindset had completely changed now.
Ever since he found out Pepper was pregnant, his mind had been filled with thoughts of how to be a great super dad.
"Go ahead, I will take good care of myself. Don't see me as so fragile."
Pepper gently helped Tony straighten his collar.
"Since you have already made your choice, then walk firmly according to your will."
"Perhaps this era has really changed, and we must keep up with the trend, otherwise we will be eliminated sooner or later."
Pepper softly comforted her somewhat anxious lover.
"What are you talking about? In my eyes, you are always the goddess walking at the forefront of the era."
Tony gently pressed the reactor on his chest.
Nanoparticles like flowing mercury instantly surged out, covering his entire body.
This was his newly developed Mark series armor.
It completely solved the pain point of previous armors being inconvenient to carry.
Of course, it was still a far cry from the anti-demon armor that could fight against gods that he had envisioned.
Chapter 227: Iron Man Injects Thunder God Thor's Genes
Over these three days, although he had been training his muscle control.
But with the support of this Super Brain and infinite energy, his inspiration erupted like a geyser.
A mere three days of R&D progress had exceeded the workload of an entire year in the past.
"This is the dividend brought by a powerful physique; it feels like my energy is inexhaustible."
Tony Stark muttered to himself under his mask.
Previously, he was a staunch mechanist who scoffed at biological genetics.
He had always believed, how could fragile carbon-based cells compare to the cold torrent of steel?
But the moment he truly became a superhuman.
The foundation of his worldview collapsed, replaced by a sense of awe for the potential of life.
If one could fully unlock the potential of cells, it would indeed possess more possibilities than rigid machinery.
Because Tony had given advance notice, he piloted his armor and landed directly on the rooftop platform of the Osborn Group.
The members of the Deep Cold Organization responsible for security had long been on high alert, and they welcomed Tony Stark down.
As members of the organization, these security personnel knew Tony's intelligence like the back of their hand.
They also knew that this Iron Man had just undergone genetic enhancement.
However, the members of the Deep Cold Organization did not show the slightest bit of jealousy.
Within the Deep Cold Organization, as long as one had enough points, all members could complete a second genetic enhancement.
If you pulled any one of them out at random, their strength would be far greater than that Captain America.
This was not blind arrogance.
It was because they followed the right boss; as the BOSS, Ethan was truly impeccable to his own people.
Now, the members of the Deep Cold Organization were crazily completing missions all over the World, just to earn points.
To redeem for more Advanced Genetic Serum for the next stage.
Therefore, even when facing the high-spirited Iron Man, the Aura of this group of security personnel was not at all inferior.
Stepping into that familiar underground laboratory once again.
Ethan was already sitting there drinking coffee, having waited for a long time.
To him, Tony Stark was not just a big client, but also a perfect experimental specimen.
At the same time, turning Iron Man into a genetic warrior.
This was a walking, living advertisement.
In the future, the genetic modification business of the Osborn Group would probably have a line stretching all the way to France.
"Tony, I must admit that I underestimated you; in just three days, you have perfectly mastered the power and can still maintain such a calm mind."
"You must know, even the elite members of our Deep Cold Organization take at least a month to adapt to this kind of mutation."
Ethan put down his coffee cup and smiled faintly.
Tony Stark shrugged and said with a cocky expression: "Brother, get it straight, I am Iron Man, the greatest Geniuson this Planet."
His tone was filled with an insufferable confidence.
This was him now.
Tony Stark also knew clearly in his heart that Mister Fantastic Reed, who used to be on par with him, was probably already ahead of him in research capabilities now.
Clearly, after Reed's rubber body was modified, his energy had also been greatly improved, allowing him to support higher-intensity research.
"Perhaps, after this genetic enhancement, it will open a door to the New World for you."
Ethan looked at Tony meaningfully.
If this technological Genius were to master the Law of Thunder, with his knowledge and wisdom, heaven knows what kind of monstrous skills he could develop.
That brute Thor, even though he bore the title of Thor.
But the way he used lightning was simply outrageously primitive.
Aside from swinging his hammer to smash people and shooting lightning to strike people, there was no technical skill involved at all.
This was simply the greatest insult to high-level energy like lightning.
If it were Tony who mastered the power of Thor, it would be hard to imagine what kind of lightning weapons he would develop.
In the future, a one-on-one fight with that Purple Sweet Potato Essence, Thanos, might not even be a difficult task.
With a Mortal body, rivaling the gods.
If this attempt succeeded, Tony would be, in the true sense, "transforming from Mortal to god."
This was also the reason why Ethan was willing to personally perform the modification for Tony.
He couldn't wait to see just how much potential his most proud work could unleash.
Although in the future, Tony might stand on the opposite side of him.
But the stronger the opponent, the more Ethan felt that life was worth living.
"Are you ready, Tony? The success rate this time is only seventy percent; this is no longer a foolproof game."
Ethan put away his smile and solemnly informed him of the risks.
"Seventy percent? This probability is already terrifyingly high; do you lack confidence in yourself?"
Tony Stark, on the contrary, looked calm, without the slightest doubt about Ethan's technique.
"This is considered low; usually, if my experiments don't reach a ninety-nine percent certainty, I would absolutely never conduct human trials."
Ethan didn't care about Tony's attitude at all.
Since half the money had already been paid, then Tonywas his god.
This was Ethan's professional ethics as a top-tier service provider.
Tony stopped talking nonsense and walked straight toward the enhancement chamber used for injecting genes.
"Wait, take off all your clothes first. Later, when the energy erupts, it will highly likely generate a terrifying lightning field. The clothes on your body and that set of nano-armor will instantly turn to ashes."
Hearing Ethan's reminder.
Tony Stark froze for a moment, his footsteps stopping.
The nano-armor was his core secret.
How did this guy Ethan see through it at a glance?
He clearly hadn't revealed this technology to anyone.
Pepper was wearing that headband capable of defending against Telepathy.
He himself was wearing the same device.
"Tony, don't be too narcissistic. You are not the only one researching nanotechnology; bio-nanotechnology is also a trump card project of the Osborn Group."
Ethan looked at him with a half-smile.
And that so-called headband for defending against psychic intrusion.
In his eyes, it was simply a joke.
However, the appearance of this thing did indeed put significant restrictions on the abilities of Professor X Charles.
But what did that have to do with Ethan?
He needed to be fully focused now to complete this great experiment.
The genes of Thor were like a volcano containing infinite energy.
If there was anyone in this World most suitable for this power, it must be Tony Stark.
The perfect combination of technology and Divine Power, that was the ultimate work of art.
Tony Stark quickly stripped down to nothing and stepped naked into the experimental chamber.
The playful grin on his face disappeared.
This experiment was truly dangerous.
He understood Ethan; this was an extremely proud person.
If even he said there wasn't a hundred percent certainty, it meant there was a real possibility of death.
But since he had already reached this point, given Tony's personality, there was absolutely no possibility of turning back.
"Start injecting the Thunder God Thor Genetic Serum."
Ethan's cold voice echoed through the laboratory via the broadcast.
The entire laboratory instantly became busy, and the beeping sounds from various instruments merged into one.
This time it was not just as simple as injecting a serum.
It also required the assistance of various cutting-edge equipment, monitoring data at all times, dynamically adjusting parameters, and forcibly fusing the berserk Thorgenes with Tony's body.
Fortunately, Tony had previously enhanced himself with the perfect super soldier serum.
His body was like a sturdy container, filled with infinite carrying capacity.
Chapter 228: Tony Gains Thor's Power, Becomes a Controller
Otherwise, relying solely on a Mortal body to directly contact Thor's genes, the terrifying energy would instantly blast Tony Stark into a puddle of flesh.
"Experiment progress at thirty percent!"
"... Forty percent!"
"Warning! Eighty percent, the subject is experiencing severe physiological fluctuations, continue?"
"Continue!!!"
Ethan stared at the screen, his expression as solemn as still water.
"Ninety percent, energy fluctuations are about to exceed the critical threshold!"
"Ninety-five percent, abnormal energy overflow, the experiment chamber shell is damaged, nearing its limit!"
A cold glint flashed in Ethan's eyes. With a slight movement of his mind, a terrifying power of ice instantly swept out, forcibly freezing the entire experiment chamber that was about to explode.
"Continue for me!!!"
"Ninety-nine percent!"
"One hundred percent Fusion complete! Congratulations BOSS, your experiment was a success!"
"No, we should congratulate Iron Man; he is now a god who controls thunder."
Tony Stark had finally become a true master of lightning.
The other scientists in the laboratory had not yet reacted.
Because the instruments showed that Thor's genes did not exhibit those iconic thunder characteristics.
But since Ethan said Tony had succeeded.
Then it absolutely could not be wrong.
Because BOSS's power was in a dimension they could not comprehend.
This group of crazy scientists actually had an ultimate dream in their hearts: to slice up their boss for research.
Only by unraveling the secret of their boss's power would they dare to say they stood at the Peak of genetics.
As long as they could not see through their boss for one day, the Peak of genetics would always be a false proposition.
In their eyes, Ethan was the Incarnation of truth.
They had once been fortunate enough to observe their boss's gene map, which was as complex as the vast starry sky; just one look made them feel dizzy.
Unfortunately, that woman Raven watched it too closely and simply didn't give them a chance to touch the core secrets.
Ethan's gene map was top-secret within the Osborn Group.
Compared to it, any commercial secret was nothing more than a piece of waste paper.
The frozen experiment chamber slowly opened, and white cold air overflowed.
Tony, with muscle lines like granite all over his body, walked out from inside.
This visual impact was just as shocking as when the skinny Captain walked out of the experiment chamber back then.
It was simply overflowing with hormones.
But Tony looked down at his body, and his brows furrowed into a "river" shape: "What the hell, how did I turn into that look like the Captain?"
Tony shuddered, goosebumps rising all over his body.
"And this damn... the Captain's perky butt?!"
This meme, it seems, won't go away.
Ethan rolled his eyes dramatically: "Don't act like you've been wronged when you've gained an advantage. To train you into the new generation of Thor, I've put in a tremendous amount of effort."
"Besides, your physical strength now is not inferior to Thor's at all. Unless that big oaf is holding his hammer, he won't be able to beat you at all."
"However, I've just laid the foundation for you. How many tricks you can actually develop depends on yourself."
Ethan looked up and down at his work, nodding in satisfaction.
Tony clenched his fists, and crackling blue electric arcs instantly jumped at his fingertips.
He could clearly feel surging power like a great river flowing within his body.
This sense of power was more than a notch stronger than just injecting the super soldier serum.
Moreover, Asgard's divine genes were perfectly integrated into the serum.
Allowing him to possess supernatural strength while also mastering the Law of lightning.
Coupled with that terrifying self-healing ability.
It is conceivable that if he can integrate these abilities, he will definitely become a hexagonal warrior with no blind spots.
In terms of potential, it is even higher than the original Thor.
"You're right, this deal was worth it!"
Tony Stark finally revealed a look of wild joy.
"But I really want to know now, how big is the gap between you and me."
Tony Stark's body blazed with thunder, his whole person like a humanoid generator.
The surrounding precision instruments were disturbed by the magnetic field and began to spark one after another.
"Hey, hey, Tony, this is my hard work. If you dare to tear down the laboratory, I will be truly angry."
Ethan helplessly spread his hands.
Tony Stark could only reluctantly restrain his aura.
"How about we go out and practice? Have a fight?"
"No need to fight. You are still not my opponent, and it wouldn't be good if I beat you to death."
Ethan mercilessly poured a bucket of cold water on him.
"You might be able to pin Thor to the ground and rub him now, but compared to me, the gap is still a bit large."
Ethan said this extremely bluntly.
Tony Stark hesitated for a moment.
Actually, he was still a little afraid of death.
And his intuition told him that Ethan was telling the truth.
If they really fought, he would be beaten to death by Ethan.
The self-confidence that had just expanded was instantly riddled with holes.
"Don't be depressed; your strength is already ranked among the top-tier powerhouses in the entire Universe."
Ethan patted his shoulder to comfort him.
"By that logic, aren't you invincible in the entire Universe?"
"That's not exactly it. There are plenty of old monsters in the Universe who have lived for hundreds of millions of years, and there are also a few top-tier villains who still pose a bit of a threat to me."
"But as long as they don't come to provoke me, I can't be bothered to go looking for trouble with them. If they really piss me off, even if I have to pay a price, it's not impossible to kill them."
Ethan's tone carried an absolute confidence.
He could keenly feel that the gazes cast toward Earth had been increasing recently, and many of them were malicious.
The Marvel Universe is too deep; those ancient existences are indeed difficult to deal with.
They might not be able to kill Ethan.
But if they wanted to destroy Earth, it would be as simple as pinching an ant to death.
What he feared most were these kinds of underhanded players who would blow up Earth and run, leaving him to face the mess of his destroyed home.
There are just too many insidious villains in this World.
Tony Stark didn't want to pay attention to this pretentious man in front of him anymore.
"I will transfer the money to your account immediately. Also, when the child of Pepper and me is born, I want to reserve a spot for gene modification."
Mentioning his fiancée's pregnancy, Tony Stark proudly lifted his chin again.
This was probably the only area where he could firmly hold an advantage over Ethan.
This guy was surrounded by beautiful women, yet he had never seen any woman get pregnant with his child.
How could Ethan not know Tony's little thoughts.
Actually, he was also quite depressed in his heart.
Perhaps because his life level had evolved too high, reproductive isolation had already developed between him and ordinary human females.
Of course, Ethan couldn't be bothered to dwell on such matters.