Chapter 781 Source of Fear—Logan, the Last Sky Hammer Venerable
Relying on beast-like agility, the man successfully bypassed the outermost guards after observing the Giants' Camp for a while.
Perhaps because their Body Size was too large, these Giants did not pay much attention to small objects. They did not often move their Line of Sight downwards.
Therefore, the man speculated that the creatures living in the Giants' Aspect were mostly creatures of similar Body Size to them, so they were more accustomed to looking at things around them at eye level.
This indicated that they did not often deal with Humans, indirectly indicating that they were not with Humans, and the man also smelled the Blood Smell hidden in the Snowfield, which was the Blood Smell of Humans.
This Blood Smell was very strong and fresh, proving that a large number of people had died here not long ago. It seemed that the Humans guarding the Meteorite had died at the hands of these Giants.
Looking at their comfortable appearance in this Ice and Snow Land, it was conceivable that this abnormal Blizzard was also the work of these Giants.
Tall Body Size, brutal style, and the unknown Ability to change the Weather, truly a group of terrifying Creatures. Sure enough, the strategy of not choosing to confront them head-on at the beginning was correct.
The man lowered his Body and used the Forest of Shennongjia to approach the Center of the Giants' Camp bit by bit. The Purpose of his trip was the Meteor located in the Center.
There was a Sound in his Heart constantly guiding him, so even without a Map, the man could accurately move in the Direction of the Meteor's Landing.
Closer, closer, the man could feel that he was getting closer and closer to the destination.
He had to pass several lines of defense to finally arrive at the destination, a Deep Pit. Presumably, the Meteor was lying below at this time.
However, the man encountered the biggest Obstacles of this trip, a Giant who looked like an Ice Sculpture. If the Giant hadn't been wiping the Hammer in his Hand, the man might not have even noticed him.
This Giant was like a real Ice Sculpture, composed of a translucent Crystal of ice-blue color from head to toe, with only a red Box wrapped inside his Chest.
It didn't look like a Creature at all, but it was actually active. The man could only attribute it to a Creature like a Mutant.
The Ice Sculpture Creature was sitting next to the Meteor Crater. No matter what angle the man used Stealth to approach, he would definitely be seen by the Ice Sculpture. The man was now considering whether to find a Method to subdue the Ice Sculpture.
Just when the man was running his Brain at full Power, the Ice Sculpture spoke.
"Since you're here, don't hide." The Ice Sculpture put down the Hammer in his Hand and turned to face the Position where the man was hiding.
"You should have been summoned to come here, right? Then the person I'm waiting for should be you. Come out quickly and pick up the Hammer so I can complete the Mission."
That's right, the Ice Sculpture sitting next to the Meteor Crater was Laufey. He was completing the Mission given to him by the Great Serpent, handing over the Heaven Hammer to the last Sky Hammer Wielder.
Because the Great Serpent told him that the Sky Hammer Wielder would come to him, he simply sat on the Ground and waited. He didn't expect to wait so quickly.
The man was shocked. He didn't know how he was exposed. He was clearly still hiding in the Woods. He was very Confidence in his Stealth skills.
Could it be a bluff?
This Idea just appeared in the man's Heart, but it was denied, and the one who denied it was of course Laufey.
"The current Laufey is extremely sensitive to temperature. For Laufey, you are like a moving heat source. Laufey can never ignore your existence."
The man was silent for a while, and finally walked out of the Trees. Since the specific Position had been discovered, there was no need to hide anymore. This was just deceiving himself and had no effect at all.
"Name?" Laufey asked, looking at the short man.
The man was silent for a while, and said, "Logan, no Surname."
"Okay Logan, my Name is Laufey, as you can see, I am the King of these Giants." Laufey lowered his Body. Logan, who was only about 1.6 meters tall, was really too short for him.
"Presumably you should have been summoned here by something. Coincidentally, Laufey's Mission is to Help you get that Thing, so Laufey helped you clear the Obstacles."
Laufey gave way, and Logan was able to see the bottom of the Meteor Crater. There was no Meteorite there, only a Short Hammer, which looked like it was made of stone.
"Go ahead, when you get that Hammer, Laufey's Mission will be over."
At this time, Logan hesitated. Perhaps because he had been living in tragedy, he always felt that there was some Trap hidden behind other people's Good Intention.
Looking at the hesitant Logan, Laufey curled his lips in displeasure, then stood up, picked up the Hammer and walked towards the other Giants.
"Where are you going?" Logan couldn't help asking when he saw this.
"To do the next Mission." Laufey said without looking back.
"Laufey doesn't have Time to wait for you to make a Choice here. Anyway, you've already come, so Laufey's Mission is considered complete. It's up to you whether you want to pick up the Hammer or not."
Laufey left without looking back, and the Giants who followed him also left. No one paid attention to Logan. For them, this suddenly appearing dwarf was not worth much attention.
In the end, only Logan was left alone in the Forest. After a long ideological struggle, Logan, who was eager to get the Answer, finally couldn't resist the temptation and slid to the bottom of the Meteor Crater.
Letting out a long breath, Logan reached out and grasped the Hammer Handle. The next second, purple Thunderbolts burst out from the Hammer Handle.
A terrifying Power swept through his Body, and then he lost Consciousness, but he soon woke up again.
After waking up again, Logan's view of this World changed. Why should he hide in this Deep Mountains and Old Forest? Why should he endure so much suffering?
It all seemed as if there was an invisible big Hand, smashing the most Torture Thing in the World on him, the Purpose was to Torture him.
Although the Envoys thought so, Logan did not know who the True Culprit behind all this was, so he decided to inflict the suffering he had suffered a hundred times on others.
Since he didn't know who did it, it would be good to take Revenge on everyone.
If it was before, Logan might not be able to do this, but now he definitely could, because the great King Serpent gave him new Power.
Logan raised the Hammer in his Right Hand, and the Adamantium Claws in his Left Hand Knuckle brushed out, also entwined with a purple Thunderbolts. Logan grinned, and at this time he looked like a real Beast.
Looking at the Giants who were walking into the Portal in an orderly manner, Logan felt that he could hitch a ride.
…
Zheng Xian looked at the Frost Giants fighting in the City Area with a headache, and immediately decided to send out all the Subordinate Superhuman Squad. At this time, the Subordinate responsible for collecting Intelligence handed over the latest News.
At this time, not only China, but also Creatures that did not look like they were from Earth appeared Worldwide.
(End of chapter)
Chapter 782 Mechanical Celestial—Howard Stark
Not only Frost Giants, but also Fire Monsters, Undead, Elves, and even Angels.
It's simply a melting pot of Fantasy Creatures. Those Fantasy Creatures from mythology and fairy tales all popped up at once and started attacking Humans.
With the Divine Spear Bureau's reminder, the reactions of various Nations were very rapid, but facing enemies randomly appearing in the Downtown Area, even the fastest reaction would still be a bit slow.
Moreover, ordinary Soldiers are completely not a match for these Fantasy Armies. Not to mention those Undead and Elves using Cold Weapons, why are Angels driving Robots?
This Combat Power crushing led to the Human side being completely suppressed. They could only fight and retreat, and it was only when they retreated to hastily established positions that things got slightly better. Relying on Heavy Firepower, they barely managed to block the enemy's attack.
But everyone knew this was only temporary. These Fantasy Creatures didn't seem to intend to kill them all. It felt like they were acting according to a Plan, eliminating only a small batch at a time, and no one knew what Thoughts they had.
But this kind of treatment, like slaughtering pigs and cows, made the surviving Humans even more Fearful. If this continues, someone might suffer a Mental Breakdown.
The Governments of various Nations were also suffering. Because it was in the Downtown Area, they couldn't use Weapons of Mass Destruction. These Monsters were very clever, always maintaining a Safety Distance from the Crowd while chasing.
Once Weapons of Mass Destruction were used on a large scale, such as Nuclear Bombs, it was unknown whether these Monsters would die, but Humans would definitely die first.
Moreover, the Governments of some Nations were attacked first. The entire Nation system was directly paralyzed, and they couldn't even organize a decent counterattack.
Coupled with the Worthy of the Serpent who were still causing destruction, the entire Earth fell into deeper Fear, like America now.
"America is now completely fallen." Zheng Xian found Ji Shuangshuang and A-Cheng, but did not call Lin Lie. After all, the latter's Fuxi Sword was broken, and he could not constitute Combat Power now.
Without the Fuxi Sword, Lin Lie was not even comparable to an ordinary Divine Spear Bureau Agent. After all, what the former Agent knew, the latter Agent also knew, but what the Agent knew, Lin Lie might not necessarily know.
"How could it be like this?" A-Cheng widened his Eyes. You know, that's America, a superpower. How could it fall silently like this?
"Because now ruling there is a new Worthy of the Serpent." Zheng Xian pressed a Button, and a Visual immediately appeared on the Screen behind him.
I saw a person wearing black and gold Armor holding a Hammer that completely didn't match his High-tech Battle Armor. Behind him were dense Robots, and the Camera in the Eyes of each Robot revealed a scarlet Light.
One or two would be fine, but this dense group like locusts, when put together, was indeed very oppressive.
"Those are... Sentinel Robots?" Ji Shuangshuang recognized those dense Robots. "So, is this person wearing a Battle Suit..."
"Howard Stark." Zheng Xian said in a serious tone. "Previously, Hyperion of the Squadron Supreme in America started the trend of Superhuman Registration. Those Sentinel Robots responsible for identifying and capturing Superhumans were all manufactured by Stark Industries."
"As the head of Stark Industries and someone who personally participated in the Design of Sentinel Robots, Howard naturally possessed the Ability to tamper with all Sentinel Robots. After he was Controlled by the Serpent, the entire Sentinel Robot legion naturally became his Soldiers."
A-Cheng couldn't help but shudder. Just thinking about an army of Robots that was fearless and only knew how to execute Orders was terrifying.
"If these Sentinel Robots were all equipped with the shoddy Goods from Hammer Industries, that would be great."
A-Cheng's wishful thinking was supported by everyone present. Everyone knew that the Weapons produced by Hammer Industries were not good. Their best Products were all imitations of Stark Industries' products.
But wishful thinking is just wishful thinking. In the end, one has to face Reality.
"It's not just these Sentinel Robots." Zheng Xian sighed. "Stark Industries has many subsidiaries, and some of them also make Technology Products. As long as it's something connected to the internet, it will be Controlled by Howard."
"Howard Stark, he relied on the Power of Technology to Control an entire Nation, and some surrounding Nations that use Stark Industries' Products were also affected. Fortunately, our Nation has been developing its own Power, otherwise it might have become one of them."
Everyone present was extremely grateful at this time. Putting aside what Common People used for the moment, for things like national security, they had always insisted on using their own if possible. If not, they would increase Research and replace it with their own.
This kind of strategy allowed them to avoid a huge Crisis at this time.
"The thing the higher-ups Fear most now is whether Howard will launch Nuclear Weapons Worldwide under the Control of the Serpent." Zheng Xian said in a deep voice.
"At that time, all Creatures on the entire Earth will die. For this reason, the higher-ups decided to send a Squad to resolve this Crisis."
At this point, Ji Shuangshuang and A-Cheng understood. Now that other Superhumans had been sent out, the Squad that could take on this important Mission was only them.
Facing this Mission that could almost be described as nine deaths and one life, Ji Shuangshuang and A-Cheng only hesitated for a moment before agreeing. They had already made mental Preparation after joining the Divine Spear Bureau with the Three Emperors' Divine Artifacts.
The reason for hesitation was that these Missions lacked the Fuxi Sword, making them unsure whether they could successfully complete the Mission. After all, Mission failure would Alert the Enemy.
If they sacrificed themselves, it would be fine, but if it provoked Howard's killing intent, leading him to launch Nuclear Bombs, it would be bad.
"Don't worry, there will be a Divine Spear Bureau Agent Squad to assist you." Zheng Xian saw the two's worries. "Also, I have contacted Franklin and the others. They will also send Superhumans to Help you."
"This is the Connection Method of the leader on the other side." Zheng Xian handed a small Communication Device to Ji Shuangshuang. "The other party's Name is Reed Richards."
"That famous Scholar?" Ji Shuangshuang looked at Zheng Xian in Surprise. "I remember he didn't die in the New York Event not long ago? Big News reported on this matter."
"Obviously not." Zheng Xian's expression was strange. "We have all been deceived by Western journalism."
After all, the New York Ruins now are impossible to enter, so even the Divine Spear Bureau doesn't know what it's like inside. Who would have thought that there would still be a Superhuman Squad inside?
It's truly ironic. A fallen Nation is now going to be saved by a group of people abandoned by the masses. If this were placed in Mythology, it would definitely be a famous epic biography.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 783 Fantastic Team
"Unexpectedly, it's really as that child said."
Susan looked at the Sentinel Robots patrolling outside the window in the air with lingering fear, then she pulled down the blinds and turned to look at the others behind her.
"Now America has truly fallen, Howard is ruling the entire America with his Robot Legion."
"According to the current progress, as long as Stark's Factory doesn't stop, controlling the entire world is only a matter of time."
Reed stretched his body into a canvas shape at this time, using his wide body to pull out several 'arms', and he was manipulating a pile of equipment with these arms.
"Now all of America's resources are in his hands, and he can make as many robots as he wants, but this is not the most terrifying thing, the most terrifying thing is that he has already grasped things like nuclear weapons in his hands."
Reed took time to stretch out an eye to look at Susan, and said, "The current Stark can be said to have grasped the power of life and death of the entire Earth, as long as he wants, he can even make Earth return to the ancient times."
"In other words, even if only for ourselves, we have to stop Stark." Johnny curled his lips. "That's what I said, but I still feel very uncomfortable, to actually go and save those humans who abandoned us."
"Don't think about those bad people, Johnny." Ben sat on the ground. "You have to think about those good people, there are not only bad people in this world, think about those children who are still in their infancy."
"Okay, you are right." Johnny sighed, as if he was persuaded by Ben.
"Then what are we going to do next, Mr. Reed?" Dagger asked.
"You know Stark has a Robot Legion, if we attack rashly, we will be attacked by a crowd."
"I know this business better than you, child." Reed's eyes turned to Dagger. "So I am now making some useful gadgets, with their help we can also relax a bit."
"I think you'd better take a good rest now, because we will experience a big battle in a while."
Ben persuaded Dagger, and also looked at Cloak and Quentin sitting aside.
"Actually, you could have not come, after all, you are just children, there is no need to join this battle."
"Just like you said before." Quentin held Cola in one hand. "This business is related to the life of all creatures worldwide, I can't stay out of it."
"One more human, one more power." Cloak also had the same idea, but he said it more euphemistically.
"Ding!" A sound like a microwave oven suddenly sounded, interrupting all people's conversation, Reed also stopped and adjusted his monocle.
"Oh! It should be the battle suit I made is ready, you can take a look, try it on, if it doesn't fit, I can modify it."
"Battle Suit? When?" Dagger asked curiously.
"Just when I stretched my body like a canvas." Reed returned to human form, before he had been bare-chested.
"It seems that the child who brought us here did not brag, this place does have a lot of technology equipment leading the world."
At this time, Reed and others were not staying in New York Ruins, they were all gathered in a garage, which was the small garage that originally belonged to Gwenpool, but was later remodeled into everyone's base.
It was Franklin who brought Reed and others here, in fact, as early as Yang Le handed over the mission of guarding Reed and others to Franklin, the latter had contacted his parents in this universe.
Of course, Franklin did not directly tell his identity to several people, that would not only not shorten the distance, but may also have the opposite effect.
After all, suddenly a human pops up and says, I am your future son, everyone will feel terrified, right? Even Reed has not experienced too many adventures yet, even he may not be able to accept such incredible things.
Therefore, Franklin contacted several people with the identity of an ordinary superhuman, and occasionally brought some supplies to several people, and after a while, everyone became familiar with each other.
Until today, Franklin brought several people out, and the reason given was that the world was in chaos, and now no one cares about New York anymore.
Then he casually mentioned a few words about saving the world, and left on his own.
Based on Franklin's understanding of his elder, you don't need to do too much, as long as you mention Reed's interest, then he will fall in by himself.
Sure enough, Reed couldn't resist curiosity and consciously checked all the information prepared by Franklin, and understood the terrible business happening in the current world.
Then he found Franklin's message, hoping they could help solve Howard Stark, because he was dealing with some other enemy at this time, and he really couldn't spare a hand.
Reed did not disappoint him either, after weighing the pros and cons, he immediately came to the answer that defeating Howard was good for everyone, so he immediately began to prepare the related plan, and also persuaded others to help him.
Susan and others are not idiots either, after Reed broke down the whole business and told everyone, even if there was a little bit of resentment in their hearts, everyone knew that this was the best method, just like what was said before, even if not for others, but for themselves, they had to do it.
"What is this color scheme?" Johnny looked at the battle suit composed of blue and black on his body with dissatisfaction. "Obviously red is more suitable for me."
"That's too high-profile." Susan patted her younger brother's head.
"But once I use my ability, it is definitely more high-profile than wearing any clothes." Johnny rubbed his head. "The word low-profile does not belong to me."
"If you have the ability to fly all the way to Stark's presence, then do it." Susan mocked.
"Don't forget, you can only last for an hour and a half even if you only rely on flight now, let alone battle, we must sneak in."
"But is it really useful for us to face robots like this?" Johnny asked with puzzlement. "I'm sure those things must have things that can detect creatures, such as thermal induction or something."
"That's why I have been working here." Reed interjected at this time, even if his face was torn apart at this time, everyone could still understand the expression of excitement on his face.
"I will make some gadgets that can help us deceive the heavens and cross the sea, to be honest, this laboratory is really great, there are not only some things I have only envisioned, but even some things I have never thought of."
"The most amazing thing is the ingredients for making these battle suits." Reed pulled at the battle suit on his body. "It can perfectly adapt to our abilities. I can't wait to meet the master of this laboratory."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 784: Blow Up the Sky
The master of the laboratory Reed was eager to meet was naturally Valeria, but she was currently too busy and had no time to meet Reed.
Without Franklin's help, Hulk and She-Hulk, wielding the Sky Hammer, were still quite formidable. It was almost impossible for Valeria and the others to take down these two in a short time.
However, Hulk and She-Hulk definitely couldn't defeat Valeria and her team of three. It was only a matter of time before the Gamma couple was taken down.
When Franklin brought Reed and the others over, he also told them about the trouble he was dealing with. The latter understood why this matter was entrusted to them.
As people who had experienced the New York event, they naturally understood the terror of Gamma Monsters. Now, these two were even enhanced by supernatural power. At least on the surface, Franklin indeed had a reason for not being able to spare time.
Franklin also said that he knew this matter was very difficult, so he had arranged manpower for them, which were Ji Shuangshuang and A Cheng, who had just joined their team.
After learning that the two were elite agents from a special bureau, Reed immediately agreed to their joining. After all, facing Howard, who possessed a robot army, they indeed needed a lot of manpower.
However, if only two unknown ordinary superhumans had come, Reed would probably have refused. After all, no matter how many wacky and inferior people there were, they would be useless.
Although his squad had few members, they didn't dare to call themselves elite, but at least they knew each other well. Reed knew what position everyone should be assigned to. They might not be the strongest, but at least they were a qualified team.
After witnessing the unity of Reed's team, Ji Shuangshuang also handed over the command to Reed. Now was not the time to compete for who was the boss. The most taboo thing in a team was two voices.
In order to complete the mission, Ji Shuangshuang didn't mind following Reed's command. Similarly, if Reed didn't have that qualification, she wouldn't mind seizing command, or simply leaving the team with A Cheng to act on their own.
Fortunately, the first impression of both sides was good. Both were people who recognized serious business. As long as they could succeed, they didn't mind taking a step back. This personality facilitated the formation of the temporary team.
Reed asked if he needed to prepare equipment for Ji Shuangshuang and the other, but received a refusal from both. Not to mention that the S.H.I.E.L.D.'s special equipment was better than what Reed could make in a hurry, just the Three Emperors' Divine Artifacts were stronger than most weapons in the world.
However, after Lin Lie's foresight, both decided to be careful when using Divine Weapon in the future, at least not to be as reckless as before.
After the squad became familiar with each other, the next thing to do was naturally to formulate a plan. Of course, the plan had already been formulated from the beginning. He was just too lazy to say it a second time, so he waited for Ji Shuangshuang and the others to arrive before notifying everyone together.
Saying it's a plan, it's actually very simple, just "sneak into the village quietly, don't fire a gun," which is a standard stealth plan.
There was no method, there were just too many Sentinel robots. Reed boldly estimated that Howard had at least five or six thousand Sentinel robots under his command, but Ji Shuangshuang told him that this number could be boldly guessed even higher.
According to the professional personnel of S.H.I.E.L.D., based on the data sent back by the agent, it was possible that there were more than ten thousand.
Moreover, these Sentinel robots were not the initial early versions from the beginning. Those garbage goods only accounted for a small part of this number. It was said that Howard had a rift with Hyperion, and later developed many advanced versions just waiting for the day to overthrow his rule.
"Speaking of which," Reed pushed up his glasses. "What about Hyperion? What about the Supreme Squadron?"
"According to eyewitness reports, Hyperion fainted, not long after the Sky Hammer landed." Ji Shuangshuang took out the record. "The reason for his fainting is currently unknown, and as for the others in the Supreme Squadron, excuse me for speaking frankly, they are just a bunch of extras."
"Without Hyperion, the Supreme Squadron has no deterrence at all. Dozens of Sentinel robots can easily take care of them."
Ji Shuangshuang was telling the truth. Hyperion was not only the leader of the Supreme Squadron, but also the soul of the Supreme Squadron. Only with him could the Supreme Squadron be called the Supreme Squadron.
"How do I feel that this Hyperion, who is called America's strongest super hero, seems to have never done serious business?"
Johnny rubbed his chin, saying what everyone present was thinking. Hyperion had indeed not done any serious business in recent months, but had caused a lot of trouble for the world.
Not thinking about the official superheroes who couldn't help, Reed continued his arrangements.
First, they needed to approach the new Stark Industries Tower (the old one in New York had become ruins). Howard had set up his base there, and he relied on Sentinel robots to transform it into an entire factory.
A constant stream of Sentinel robots were produced there, and Howard himself was also staying there.
Then they could use the energy there and the various explosive materials stored to blow the entire factory up to the sky.
That's right, the plan was simple and crude. If things went smoothly, they wouldn't even need to fight anyone in normal action. The most difficult point of the entire plan was to stealth to the vicinity of Stark Industries Tower.
This was because attacks from the outside would be intercepted by Howard. The entire Tower had been transformed into a super fortress. The efficiency of the tireless machines was extremely terrifying.
As early as shortly after Howard was controlled, missiles were launched towards Stark Tower, but they were all intercepted by Sentinel robots. According to the photo from the satellite, the current Stark Tower definitely didn't need Sentinel robots to intercept missiles.
The entire Tower now looked like a steel giant tower. Just looking at the few turret, one could tell that this was a terrifying high-tech military fortress.
"For this, we need Susan's ability." Reed pointed to his girlfriend. "She has the ability to make herself and others invisible. At the same time, she can also raise a field. As long as I use equipment to change its nature, this field can prevent us from being detected by any electronic device."
"This can help us effectively stealth into the interior of Stark Tower. This mission doesn't require too many people. Too many people will only lead to mistakes. But it's not like the others have nothing to do."
Reed took out the map again and marked a few points on it.
"The rest of the people will all act as bait to attract Howard's attention and increase the success rate of the stealth squad."
Reed then pointed to a few people.
"Susan is the core of this mission, so she must be a member of the stealth squad. The remaining ones are Tyrone and Quentin. These three people will be the main personnel for stealth, and everyone else is a choice of person for the bait squad."
Susan was not mentioned for the time being, but Tyrone and Quentin, who were pointed out, looked at each other in dismay.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 785 Plan Begins
"Don't be surprised. Choosing you two was inevitable," Reed explained, patting both of their shoulders.
"Tyrone, you can use Space Jump by traversing the Dark Space. With you, we can not only sneak in silently, but also escape if the mission fails."
Reed then looked at Quentin Quire, also known as Omega Kid, beside him.
"And Quentin, your Telepathy allows you to perceive the location of creatures. Currently, Howard is the only living person in Stark Tower. You can sense his position at any time, letting us know the best moment to plant the Bomb."
"Sounds like you're planning to blow that billionaire sky-high," Quentin said, brushing off Reed's hand.
"There's no other Method. I don't know what Howard is going through, or if we can rescue him from Control. Killing him directly is the best Method."
Reed sighed and continued, "This is also a Reason why I assigned you to the Stealth Squad. The Human Brain is incredibly mysterious, and even I can't fully Crack its secrets."
"Are you suggesting I try to rescue him?" Quentin frowned.
"My Idea is that you shouldn't," Reed said with a wry smile. "The Mind and Spirit are realms I haven't explored. I don't know if this Mind Control is contagious."
"But there are already eight cases of madness worldwide. I can't risk it. So, I advise you not to delve into Howard's Inner Heart. Honestly, I hesitated quite a bit before choosing you for this Mission."
"But you still chose me," Quentin said, puzzled. "Why?"
"Because I believe in you," Reed stated firmly.
"Quentin, I trust your Ability, and I won't doubt you. My hesitation stemmed from concern for your Safety. Since I lack deep understanding in that area, I can't guarantee your well-being."
"I'll prove you right," Quentin said, lifting his chin, his proud expression revealing his good Mood.
…
Time flew by, and two hours passed in a blink. With Reed's preparations complete, the Team began their Action.
Under the cover of Tyrone Johnson, also known as Cloak, and Susan Storm, also known as Invisible Woman, the Stealth Squad advanced steadily towards Stark Tower. Due to Howard's situation, Reed didn't dare let them use Communicators, so their Communication relied entirely on Quentin's Telepathy.
This was another Reason Reed chose him. The Bait Squad, meant to be Bait, needed to be conspicuous. They would use various Technology Equipment that Howard would easily notice, making their presence known.
The Stealth Squad, however, needed Stealth. Quentin served as their radar and Communicator.
Reed divided them into Teams: Dagger and Tandy Bowen, Thing and Human Torch, Ji Shuangshuang and A-Cheng.
This division was deliberate. Ji Shuangshuang and A-Cheng were natural Teammates with perfect synergy; separating them would be foolish.
Thing and Johnny were highly compatible. With Thing as his Teammate, Johnny could unleash devastating Skills without restraint, making them the Bait Squad's main force.
Tandy and Reed were paired together partly because they were the remaining members, but also because they could effectively cooperate. Both possessed Abilities that seemed simple but offered surprising versatility.
Reed arranged their Positions to appear distant, but Support could arrive within fifteen to twenty minutes if needed. Johnny, the fastest, was positioned centrally for rapid Support.
If anyone was overwhelmed, they could contact Johnny for Flight Support.
Reed quickly made the best arrangements possible. He had done everything he could; now, it was up to Destiny.
Reed glanced at Tandy in Position. After Tandy nodded, he activated the installed Equipment.
It was a simple Signal Transmitter, designed to send an SOS Signal, guaranteed to attract the attention of nearby patrolling Sentinel Robots.
As expected, the Machine's activation immediately triggered the distant roar of Propellers. Reed enhanced his Eyes, barely reaching Telescope-level vision.
He could now clearly see the Sentinel Robots approaching. He counted four or five, likely dispatched in small numbers because they were assumed to be Common People.
"Get ready, Tandy," Reed said, retracting his Eyeball. "A tough fight is coming."
…
Meanwhile, as Reed's Bait Squad moved, Susan's Stealth Squad also began their Action.
Cloak led them through the Dark Space, covering some Distance, before they switched to walking as Cloak reached his Limit.
Cloak's Ability originated from the Dark Space, but he could only use its Power to a limited extent. He wasn't its Controller.
For instance, when teleporting people, he couldn't carry Things exceeding his Power Limit. Prolonged exposure to the Dark Space could also cause Death to those being transported.
Even for Cloak, excessive use of this Power was Life-threatening.
Despite these limitations, Cloak significantly shortened their journey. Following their Plan, they used Susan's Invisibility and the Force Field generated by Reed's Machine to reach the base of Stark Tower, step by step, undetected.
They encountered numerous Sentinel Robots along the way. As Reed predicted, there were many Types, but none detected them.
Their progress was surprisingly smooth, with minor scares but no real Danger.
Stark Tower now resembled a seamless Iron Tower. From the outside, it was completely sealed, with no visible entrance. Susan guessed the only entrance was the Sentinel Robot launch port at the Waist of the Tower.
However, this didn't deter them. Cloak used his Ability again, and they successfully entered the Building's interior through the Dark Space.
Although he had used his Ability extensively earlier, passing through a Wall didn't strain Cloak.
The Building's exterior was monolithic, but the interior still had walkable Space, as it was originally an office Building. Passages were likely present.
Lacking an Internal Map, they hesitated to move rashly. Fortunately, Ji Shuangshuang had brought Stark Tower's Internal Map, allowing them to navigate.
(End of this chapter)