When Nolan learned that Tony Stark had officially signed the Avengers Accord and that Bruce Banner had returned to New York, he immediately knew what was coming Earth's first true catastrophe.
The Battle of New York.
That moment would become the turning point of the planet. After that day, the world would no longer be the same. Humanity would finally learn that aliens existed, and the illusion of safety that once blanketed the Earth would shatter completely.
But for Nolan, this was more than just a disaster it was an opportunity. Through this war, he could finally gauge the true strength of the universe.
Thor and his Asgardian companions were far from ordinary extraterrestrials. If even beings like them walked among men, how vast must the cosmos truly be?
Sure, the Chitauri looked weak. Their supposedly advanced energy weapons seemed no more dangerous than cheap plastic toys. But Nolan knew better. Things in this world were never as simple as they appeared.
This battle would be a crucible, one that would determine whether all his hard work and years of preparation meant anything at all.
He exhaled slowly, eyes flashing with determination.
A war of this scale wasn't one he could take lightly. If he wanted to survive, he needed to prepare.
Abandoning his research on the Regeneration Cradle, Nolan turned to his system interface and began searching for something crucial defense mechanisms.
No one could guarantee survival in the chaos to come. A perfect defense was his best chance.
Just then, his AI assistant's voice chimed. "Boss, your girlfriend's here."
Sharon Carter strolled into the lab with a teasing smirk.
Nolan glanced up, half-expecting to find a hint of jealousy flickering behind her calm expression. Disappointingly, there was none. Either Sharon was a master of emotional control or she truly didn't care.
He coughed lightly and changed the subject. "Good timing. I promised Jessica we'd watch a movie tonight. They're showing a new superhero film. You want to come along?"
Sharon narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Wait. Don't tell me… you funded it."
Nolan coughed again, this time more awkwardly. Damn it. She hit the bullseye.
Ever since he'd decided to build the "Hero Nolan" brand, he'd been expanding his public image step by step heroic rescues, cutting-edge products for civilians, and yes, even a few investments in the film industry.
He'd even made a few cameo appearances. All part of the plan.
Sharon rolled her eyes dramatically.
Moments later, Jessica Jones appeared. The instant she saw Sharon, sparks practically flew in the air.
"Nolan, I'm ready," Jessica said curtly.
"Give me a few minutes," Nolan replied. "I need to handle something first."
As he spoke, Sharon slipped out of the room. When Nolan and Jessica finally headed for the door, Sharon reappeared now dressed casually, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Boss," she said sweetly, "you did say you'd take me to a movie. Lucky you, I happen to be free."
Jessica's smile froze. Her eyes turned icy.
Before Nolan could react, Jessica hooked her arm possessively through his.
That was… unusual. Jessica Jones wasn't the clingy type.
Was she… jealous?
As the three of them made their way to the theater, another drama unfolded far above the city aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.
Nick Fury's expression was grim as he stood before Earth's mightiest heroes.
Moments ago, he had delivered grave news: Loki of Asgard had appeared on Earth, seized the Tesseract, and enslaved both Hawkeye and Dr. Erik Selvig.
The air was thick with tension. Most of the Avengers didn't fully grasp what the Tesseract represented but they understood enough to be uneasy.
Tony Stark, however, raised an eyebrow. "You're telling us the Tesseract suddenly went haywire? That thing's been stable for decades. What did you do to it?"
Fury's tone remained even. "I reopened the Tesseract research program for Earth's defense."
Every face in the room darkened.
Captain America stood up abruptly. "You reopened it? After everything? You're playing with fire, Director."
Without another word, Steve Rogers turned and left the room.
Bruce Banner gave Fury a cold glance. Tony followed silently, his expression unreadable.
Fury sighed. The only ones who remained were Natasha Romanoff and a few junior agents. Fortunately, Banner was still under surveillance and Natasha was S.H.I.E.L.D. through and through.
What Fury didn't know was that Tony didn't leave to investigate. Instead, he made a call.
Down in a darkened theater, Nolan's phone vibrated just as two pairs of very unfriendly eyes bore into him.
"Fury's using something called the Tesseract to build weapons," Tony's voice said through the line.
Nolan frowned. He wasn't surprised that Fury would pull something like this but Tony's tone was calm, almost casual, as though everything were still under control.
"The head of an intelligence agency doing shady things?" Nolan chuckled. "Not exactly a plot twist, Tony. That's why I created the Watchers to handle threats like this. Focus on Loki. He's the real danger."
Both women were now glaring at him. He cleared his throat.
"Ladies," he said, adopting his most serious tone, "there's a world-ending crisis I need to deal with. You two enjoy the rest of the film."
He glanced at the screen, where his own face appeared in a cameo. "And admit it that guy up there? Pretty handsome, right?"
Neither replied.
Sharon's expression hardened, while Jessica's turned doubtful. Nolan blinked, exasperated.
"Jessica, you don't think I'm lying, do you? I've never lied to you!"
Jessica hesitated. Then, seeing Sharon's serious look, she said nothing.
The moment Nolan left, however, Jessica turned to Sharon, eyes blazing. "He's my boyfriend. Don't even think about it."
Sharon only shrugged. "Relax. I'm not your problem. You should be worrying about the others like Skye, that hacker who breached Locke Industries' firewall last month. Guess where she works now?"
Jessica's brow furrowed.
"She joined Locke Industries' tech department," Sharon said lightly. "And she's been asking about Nolan ever since. Oh, and there's Dr. Greene too. I swear, the way she looks at him…"
She gave a sly smile. "But me? I'm just the secretary."
With that, Sharon stood and left the theater.
If Nolan could've heard their conversation, he would've choked. Skye? Dr. Greene? What nonsense!
Meanwhile, far from the petty jealousy of mortals, the god of mischief made his grand entrance.
Loki strolled through a lavish banquet hall, scepter in hand, his smile sharp and cold.
"Do not run," he said, voice echoing through the hall. "I am Loki of Asgard, your future king. Soon, this world will kneel before me!"
The guests trembled, but one elderly man stood.
"I've lived through war," he said firmly. "I fought for freedom. And no matter who you are, no one will take that from us!"
Loki's smile vanished. Without hesitation, he raised his scepter.
Just as the beam of energy shot forward, a familiar figure leapt between them Captain America, shield raised.
The blast hit dead-center, deflecting harmlessly.
Steve's new armor crafted by Locke Industries absorbed the impact effortlessly.
"Now," Steve growled, charging forward.
Loki sneered. "You dare defy your god?"
Before he could strike again, a blast of repulsor energy hit him square in the chest, sending him crashing into a pillar.
Tony Stark hovered above him, armor gleaming. "Sorry, pal. I don't do gods."
He aimed both repulsors. "Two options. Surrender… or get your royal butt kicked first."
Loki chuckled darkly and lowered his scepter pretending to yield. But before anyone could relax, another voice cut through the tension.
"Loki. Thor might be an airhead full of muscle, but at least he has some. You, on the other hand… are absolutely pathetic."
Loki's smile froze. His eyes blazed with fury. No one insulted him by comparing him to Thor.
"Enough!" he roared, unleashing a bolt of magic toward the voice.
But the figure had already appeared armored in silver and blue, lightning sparking around him.
Nolan Locke.
"Sorry I'm late," Nolan said, flexing his gauntlets. "Traffic was hell."
Before Loki could react, Nolan's fist connected with his face.
Then another. And another.
Punch after punch rained down until the self-proclaimed god was nothing more than a bruised, dazed mess.
When Nolan finally stopped, Loki lay sprawled on the floor, eyes burning with rage and humiliation.
Nolan grinned. "That was… surprisingly satisfying."
Then, lowering his voice, he sighed. "Shame I can't kill him."
Because deep down, he knew this was just the beginning.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Caught in the currents of this adventure? Tell us what hooked you—your thoughts and reviews keep the story blazing! Every 300 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter, propelling the journey even further!
Nolan's path is just getting started, and the story of justice is only unfolding. Keep riding the waves with Unbound Evolution and sail beyond the horizon!
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.