"So, according to your evaluation, this really is a major crisis? A threat significant enough to endanger the entire planet?" Tony Stark frowned deeply, his expression serious as he asked Robert for confirmation.
The Avengers had already retired, with Tony preparing to settle down with Pepper and start a family. But now, with another Earth-threatening crisis looming, Tony found himself once again pulled back into action.
Even though he had firmly resolved—both in his heart and aloud—that it was time to retire or at least take a long break, neither he nor any of the other Avengers could turn a blind eye when Earth was in danger.
Unlike the Black Cape Squad, who were forced into their roles as superheroes, the Avengers had chosen to take on this responsibility themselves. Even now, without the understanding or support of the public, they refused to abandon their duty.
"It's definitely a massive crisis, but there's no need to rush. Let's observe for now. Strangely, ever since we disappeared, Earth has become... much more interesting," Robert said with a nod before shaking his head lightly.
"What do you mean? Are you saying the official agencies have more than just Kryptonians and Doomsdays? If they had such power, why didn't they use it against us before?" Tony asked, puzzled. Although J.A.R.V.I.S. had never stopped collecting external data and, with Martian Manhunter's help, had even infiltrated official agencies' remote meetings, Tony was still unaware of the subtle developments happening on Earth.
"I'm not entirely sure, but a new powerhouse seems to have emerged. And he's quite strong. Judging by his aura, he might even rival Odin!" Robert's gaze turned toward a distant location. There, he could sense an aura that was swelling and stabilizing—a presence surpassing nearly all the Avengers, reaching the pinnacle of Earth's power scale.
Why "nearly"? Because Hulk was a special case. With his ability to grow stronger through sheer rage, given enough time, Hulk might be able to challenge even a being as powerful as Odin.
"Odin? So, we're talking about a Skyfather-level powerhouse?" The Avengers' eyes widened in shock. "If the official agencies have mastered this level of power, wouldn't it be terrifying if they could replicate it?"
"Perhaps it's just an exception," Robert said slowly, shaking his head. He could only sense the aura but had no visibility of the details. Meanwhile, Kara and Martian Manhunter, using their abilities, quickly pinpointed what Robert was referring to.
The source of the aura was none other than the Sentry, who had just undergone injections of numerous genetic serums and energy enhancers. After enduring intense physical torment, the Sentry felt as though something within him had been unlocked. Vast streams of energy surged into his body, causing his power to skyrocket.
"I feel incredible right now!" the Sentry exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as he stared at his hands.
"It actually worked?" The research lead's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice trembling. He wasn't just excited—there was also an overwhelming sense of fear.
It was the kind of primal fear a lower being experiences in the presence of a higher lifeform, akin to a sense of innate suppression. The research lead could barely speak.
Initially, the agreement had been clear: if the experiment failed, the Sentry's body would be used for further study. Even if it succeeded, the lead had planned to research the Sentry's transformed physiology. However, the overwhelming presence emanating from the Sentry now made that plan feel impossible.
Even with numerous Kryptonian mechanical soldiers and Doomsday clones nearby, none of them could provide the research lead with any sense of security.
"Yes, it worked. It seems my dream was right. I can feel countless suns within me..." the Sentry murmured, nodding as he gazed at his glowing hands.
"Countless suns?" The research lead briefly wondered if this was somehow linked to the Kryptonian genes, given their power source was the sun. However, he couldn't voice his thoughts—his trembling lips refused to form words.
"With this power, how could Earth possibly be destroyed?" The Sentry smiled with newfound confidence. "Since the Avengers are gone, it falls on me to protect Earth now. No matter who dares to invade, they will not be my match. I can face any crisis!"
Despite his newfound power and inflated confidence, the Sentry remained composed. His personality, already transformed during his last major genetic enhancement, had become more steadfast and enlightened.
Though he felt a strong urge to unleash his power and prove his strength, he restrained himself. He even actively suppressed his aura, allowing the trembling research lead to catch his breath.
"You..." The research lead exhaled in relief but hesitated before cautiously asking, "Since you've succeeded, shouldn't we investigate how to replicate your success? After all, we don't know what kind of crisis Earth is facing. If we could create more powerhouses like you, wouldn't that better protect our planet?"
"That won't be necessary," the Sentry interrupted firmly. While his power hadn't corrupted him or made him arrogant, his strength had indeed freed him from past constraints.
Why would he willingly remain a lab rat? Sparing Vought International his wrath was already generous; the idea of submitting to further research was out of the question.
More importantly, the Sentry understood that this newfound power wasn't simply the result of the serums and genetic enhancements—they were merely catalysts. This power had always been his, lying dormant within him.
And when it came to something inherently his, the natural instinct was to protect it. Sharing or allowing anyone else to replicate it? Absolutely not.
"Can I at least report this?" the research lead asked nervously. He had refrained from contacting the higher-ups earlier out of fear the Sentry might kill him on the spot. Seeing no immediate threat from the Sentry, he decided to ask for permission.
"That's fine. There are things that should be made clear anyway," the Sentry replied seriously. "From now on, I am no longer Vought's experiment, nor am I a member of the Black Cape Squad. I am Earth's defender, a true superhero—not one of those pretenders playing a role!"
"Ah... alright!" The research lead forced a smile, nodding quickly. He dared not argue or provoke the Sentry any further and rushed to report the matter to Vought's higher-ups.
"What?! The Sentry conducted a deeper experiment? He's now even stronger, with an energy signature surpassing that metallic man in Wakanda?" The news from the research lead sent shockwaves through Vought's leadership.
"Can this be replicated? What resources or funding are needed? If we can replicate this, we'll halt Doomsday and Kryptonian production immediately!"
"What?! He refused further experiments and declared he's no longer Vought's subject? Has he become delusional with power?"
"If I were delusional, you'd all be dead by now." A calm voice interrupted the meeting as the Sentry pushed open the door and entered. His gaze swept over the executives. "Good. You're all here. That saves me the trouble of repeating myself."
The Sentry's former lab wasn't far from the secret meeting room, and with his speed, reaching it was effortless.
"You dare barge in here?! Who let him in?!" one executive demanded, glaring at the Sentry.
"I allowed your researcher to contact you. Consider this your notice," the Sentry said indifferently. "You were still on the call, weren't you? And trust me, with my speed, he wouldn't have even noticed me leaving."
"Your speed has increased by several magnitudes..." another executive murmured, his eyes gleaming with greed. "You should focus on testing your abilities and offering your body for deeper research. You're practically a divine miracle—"
"Enough!" The Sentry sighed, his aura exploding outward. The oppressive force instantly pinned every executive in their chairs, rendering them motionless.
Now, they finally understood the terror the research lead had experienced. Unable to move or even speak, their bodies trembled uncontrollably.
"Your dreams of a divine kingdom should find another subject. Be grateful I'm sparing you, considering what you've done to me. But don't mistake my mercy for weakness," the Sentry warned coldly. "From now on, Earth is under my protection. If you scheme against me again, I won't retire quietly like the Avengers. I'm alone—I have no strings to pull."
With that, the Sentry vanished, leaving the room silent but for the lingering weight of his words.
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