Just as Loren was wondering when UFOs had appeared in the Marvel universe, Alice's voice rang out again.
"Boss, the satellite detectors have successfully captured the markings on the unidentified flying object. Its origin has been identified as a Life Foundation spacecraft."
"The Life Foundation? Hack into their network immediately and show me what's going on inside," Loren said, stroking his chin with curiosity.
"Understood. Hacking into the Life Foundation's network system…"
Ding… Successful hack. Retrieving live feeds from the enemy's space control room…
"Retrieval complete. Generating holographic projection… Projection successful!"
As soon as Alice finished speaking, a holographic image materialized in the laboratory.
The video showed a group of researchers in white coats seated anxiously in the aerospace command center, frantically operating various instruments on the control panels. Their faces were etched with fear and helplessness—except for the man at the highest point of the room, a young-looking executive roaring in anger.
"What exactly happened? The spacecraft was fine just a moment ago! How did it suddenly go out of control?"
"Mr. Carlton, according to the last transmission from the spacecraft, a glass container holding the symbiote leaked, so…"
"So everyone onboard is dead?"
"Most likely!"
"Damn it! Immediately dispatch a team to the predicted crash site and secure the symbiote!"
"That symbiote is the Life Foundation's greatest asset—the key to whether humanity can evolve into a higher life form. Do you understand?"
"Understood. Our team is already en route. We expect a report soon."
As he watched the scene unfold in the hologram, a look of keen interest appeared on Loren's face.
"Symbiotes have appeared? This world is getting more and more interesting!"
"Boss, what's a symbiote?" the three women asked, turning toward Loren with curiosity.
"A special kind of alien organism that can only survive by bonding with a host," Loren explained. "On its own, it's just a pile of inert goo. But when it merges with a compatible lifeform, it grants unparalleled combat abilities—making it a very… interesting lifeform."
"Interesting?" 2B said, her eyes gleaming. "Then, Boss, I'll retrieve it for you right now."
But before she could move, Loren shook his head calmly. "Not yet. The timing isn't right."
"Timing again?" 2B frowned. She'd been with Loren the longest and had heard him say this many times before.
To him, preserving the timeline seemed more important than anything else. Because of it, enemies who should have died were spared, and actions that should have been taken were delayed.
Honestly, she sometimes couldn't understand that kind of restraint.
Little did she know that what Loren truly cared about wasn't the timeline itself—but the system's rewards.
The system only rewards him generously when he participates in major events in the Marvel universe.
Although he can also receive rewards for creating his own events, he discovered—after extensive research—that the payouts for causing trouble are far less generous than those for directly taking part in canonical Marvel storylines.
In fact, self-made chaos often yields few, if any, system points.
And system points are the only way to unlock the next dimensional world. Without them, he'll never access the second dimension.
This outcome was unacceptable. The NieR world alone couldn't satisfy him—or allow him to fully establish himself in this reality.
He needed to unlock a more powerful dimensional realm and acquire even more advanced black technology from within.
Given all this, preserving the natural flow of the timeline became crucial—
which also explained why he often did things 2B couldn't understand.
Loren could clearly see 2B's confusion.
But instead of offering a detailed explanation, he simply gave a quiet nod.
"Yes," he said. "That's exactly it. Think of the timeline like a vine—you won't find the ripest fruit unless you follow it to the end."
So there's no need to rush. When the time comes for you to act, I'll let you know.
"Right now," he continued, "my priority is creating the perfect Hulk serum to enhance my own strength.
Whether it's the Batsuit or my new nanotech armor—they're just tools. External crutches."
"To forge iron, you must first be strong yourself. Physical power is the foundation."
Upon hearing Loren's words, the three women immediately nodded in agreement.
No sooner had he finished speaking than Loren turned back to his work, fully immersed in perfecting the serum.
But the moment they realized he was heading into seclusion again, 2B, Tifa, and A2 all wore expressions of dismay.
"Boss, you just came out of seclusion—less than a night has passed!"
"Yeah, boss! No matter how important your research is, it's not worth sacrificing your health!"
"You just expended so much energy—you should rest for a few days first! Research can wait."
"Exactly! Let us take care of you and make sure you get a proper night's sleep!"
The three women gazed at him with genuine concern—like devoted companions wrapped in worry and affection.
Seeing them like this, Loren did feel a wave of exhaustion. Maybe… just maybe… he really did need rest.
"Alright," he relented with a small smile. "I'll listen to you. I'll sleep first—and resume the research once I'm fully rested."
With that, he headed to his bedroom to shower.
But when he stepped out, towel in hand, he froze.
There, on his bed, sat three stunning women in silky pajamas—eyes bright, smiles knowing.
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