"This is truly rare blood. The genes inside are unlike any organism on Earth. Did you catch an alien, Artoria?"
Having been relieved of her other duties and brought before Artoria, Maya complained a little. Why couldn't she have a happy date? Even the same conditions as Susan last time would do, like going shopping. She didn't expect to be called only for this kind of thing. Maya was a bit piqued, but seeing the blood sample in Artoria's hand, her little temper was thrown to the back of her mind.
She had never seen such an interesting thing, and it was clearly not from Earth.
"I just happened to 'pick it up.' Never mind that, Maya. You should remember that project of mine, right? The Sentinel Project."
Lying without blushing, Artoria shifted the topic. The current situation was urgent; no one could be sure if the Battle of New York would break out in the next second. At that time, her plan would likely be delayed again, which would be quite troublesome. Artoria wanted the perfect Sentinel Serum, and she didn't want to push it back several more months.
"Of course I know. That thing claimed to be ten thousand times stronger than the Super Soldier Serum. I don't have high Hopes for it, Artoria. It's just a waste of money. You still haven't given up?"
Hearing Artoria mention that project, Maya rolled her eyes. Such an idea was too fantastical. To this day, a perfect Super Soldier Serum hadn't even appeared, yet she wanted something ten thousand times stronger? Wasn't that clearly trying to fly before learning to walk? It was too unscientific.
"I think this stuff can bring me quite a few surprises."
Holding a tube of blue Kree blood, Artoria spoke to Maya with some seriousness. Originally, she didn't want Maya involved in this project, but there were too few available personnel, so she had to ask Maya for help. She didn't want to involve her brother, as she would have to find excuses again, which didn't feel great.
"Fine! I'll help you, but remember to be cautious with this stuff. Also, don't forget to buy me a drink tonight. Doing so much work and having to work overtime... you black-hearted boss, don't you know how to reward your employees?"
Maya gave Artoria a flirtatious roll of her eyes, her mouth pouting slightly in displeasure. Recently, Artoria had been so close to Susan, which made her very jealous. Plus, with the'scandal' between Artoria and Gwen a while back, Maya knew that if she didn't make a move, this rich and beautiful girl before her would be snatched away by that little bitch.
"Of course, I'll definitely arrange it."
Hearing Maya's words, Artoria subconsciously touched her stomach. She was starting to feel hungry again. She had just eaten half a roasted lamb; how could she be hungry again so soon?
"Good then, you big blockhead."
"What did you say?"
"No... nothing."
She had wanted to complain about someone, but seeing that 'ferocious' (hungry) gaze, Maya instinctively backed down.
While the atmosphere on Artoria's side was mild, Nick's side was very serious. All the Avengers had arrived now, except for Artoria, who hadn't been recruited yet. Everything was ready. Loki was currently in a special 'room.' Nick breathed a sigh of relief for now; if this guy didn't behave, the 'room' would drop directly from an altitude of over ten thousand meters.
"What exactly did they steal?"
Nick asked the personnel collecting the loss reports, while closely watching the expressions of the Avengers. This was their first gathering; he hoped nothing would go wrong.
"According to the statements from the personnel who lost the items, all of the special metallic element 'Iridium' in the secret vault was stolen. Additionally, thirteen government officials are dead, and the doctor overseeing the items is also dead."
As the subordinate reported, Nick's face darkened further. Good grief, did this guy only go for the most precious things? Also, what exactly was this stuff used for? He had only heard that it was very valuable.
"Let's go see what that 'God' from Asgard has to say."
Nick had Dr. Banner and Tony study the weapon—the'Scepter'—recovered from Loki to see if they could find out what method he used to control his loyal subordinate, Special Agent Barton. If they found the source, they might be able to break the control.
"Hey! I know you. You're the big green guy, right?"
Left behind, Tony and Banner looked at each other. After a brief silence, the foul-mouthed Tony spoke up.
...(I'm not angry, I'm really not angry, I'm not angry at all)."
Dr. Banner forced a smile.
"Mr. Loki, what exactly do you intend to do by coming to Earth?"
Nick brought the Captain to the special room where Loki was held. Through the special glass, Nick could see Loki's arrogant smile amidst his calmness. For some reason, he didn't feel good about it, especially the sense that the other party's scheme had succeeded, which made him feel gloomy. Had he missed something? Was there some point he hadn't considered?
"Mortal, you are not qualified to speak to a god, but I am generous enough to forgive your transgression."
Looking at Nick with contempt, Loki spoke with utter indifference. This was also a part of his plan; everything so far had not exceeded his expectations. Soon, he would let these fellows know his dignity as a god.
"It seems you don't intend to talk, Mr. Loki. Are you here representing Asgard, or yourself?"
This was what Nick wanted to know most. If he represented Asgard, they would have to prepare for a major war. Based on the data of the Warriors Four from the Heavenly Palace last time, the people of Asgard were definitely not to be underestimated, especially that bizarre magic and that powerful 'Destroyer.' Thinking of the beam in that video that easily destroyed everything, Nick still felt a lingering fear. If he was here as an individual, it would be much easier to handle.
"I am the rightful King of Asgard, and I will prove it."
Nick's words clearly touched a nerve. Loki spoke with anger and dissatisfaction, but seeing this, Nick felt relieved. It seemed the Thor from last time had some effect; perhaps he had reclaimed his right to the throne.
"Please don't move around, Mr. Loki, or I can't guarantee anything!"
Nick didn't say anything about Loki's stubbornness. He pressed a button nearby, and the floor beneath Loki instantly opened, revealing the clouds high above. This brought a small shadow to Loki's eyes. What did he take him for?
"Boom~!"
The sound of thunder rang out, causing Loki's expression to change instantly. Noticing this, Nick was a bit pleased.
"You don't seem to like lightning very much."
"I just hate a certain guy who plays with thunder."
After a brief exchange, Nick left with the Captain. The Captain remained silent throughout; he wasn't one for such convoluted talk and preferred to listen to his Director. Natasha glanced at Loki curiously, and after receiving a twisted, dangerous smile from him, she also left. This man was not her type.
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