Become a Homelander and a Marvel superstar

VGD Global Defense Headquarters.

"gentlemen."

Ashley strode in, her high heels clicking as she walked in.

She looked radiant, clearly having brought good news.

"This is the financial statement forecast for next quarter," Ashley said excitedly, placing the document on the table. "New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London... 124 major cities around the world have all proactively sent renewal or contract signing requests."

Ashley tapped on the holographic tablet, which displayed a series of charts.

"Furthermore, thanks to Mr. Tony Stark's technical support, our heroes' responsiveness has improved by 20%, and equipment loss rate has decreased by 25%. Based on this, we have revised our service fee standards."

"How much did it go up?" Azu turned around and leaned back in his chair.

"The basic security fee has increased by 10%-15%," Ashley said, unable to hide her excitement. "But that's not the biggest expense. The biggest expense is the 'collateral damage insurance' and the 'superhero appearance fee'."

“Especially you, Mr. Homelander.” Ashley looked at Azu with eyes that seemed to regard him as if he were a mountain of gold. “Now mayors are willing to pay seven figures just to get you a spot in their city, even if it’s just for a short trip. They say it will boost public confidence and stimulate tourism.”

"Very good." Azu nodded in satisfaction. "Tell them I'd be happy to help. But I have a full schedule and will have to wait in line."

"Also," Ashley scrolled to the next page, "regarding the Seven's equipment upgrades, Mr. Stark sent over the first batch of samples..."

On the training ground.

"Look at this."

Pietro rushed over like a gust of wind and came to an abrupt stop in front of everyone.

He was wearing a brand new, streamlined silver battle suit, the fabric of which shimmered slightly.

"Stark's technology is undeniable," Pietro said smugly, tugging at his collar. "The friction coefficient of this suit is almost imperceptible. And..."

He pointed to the goggles.

"This thing has a built-in tactical HUD that can display real-time road conditions and enemy positions. It can even help me order takeout!"

"I got a new toy too."

The voice of the Invisible Man, Shabi, came from the air.

A semi-transparent tactical vest suddenly appeared in the air.

"Adaptive camouflage with light refractive index," Shabi's voice was filled with pride. "Now let's see who can call me a mere accessory! This is a accessory worth tens of millions of dollars!"

Jessica Jones sat on a nearby bench, examining the newly upgraded vibranium arm shield bracers.

"After the upgrade, it has a built-in shockwave generator." She curled her lip. "Tony said it's the same wristband as Wonder Woman's."

"Tony made custom-made gear for each of us," Wanda said as she walked over. "Looks like he really wants to make up for it."

This is Tony Stark's daily routine now.

As a "free" technical consultant for Walter, he numbed himself with intense work.

Under his modifications, VGD's equipment level underwent a comprehensive upgrade.

But even working day and night couldn't dispel the shadows in his mind.

"Sir, your heart rate is rising," Jarvis reminded him. "I suggest you rest."

Tony picked up the cold coffee on the table and gulped it down. The bitter taste made him a little more awake.

But whenever he closes his eyes, he dreams of New York being destroyed and Hulk roaring in the ruins.

At that moment, Banner walked into the laboratory.

His complexion was much better than before, it seems that Ah Zu's "godfather therapy" was very effective for both him and Hulk.

Banner moved to the holographic control panel, his brow furrowed as he stared at the complex data model before him.

"Tony, this is too radical," he said with some concern. "Are you trying to completely materialize the concept of Ultron X? Even without the Mind Scepter?"

"We don't need a scepter, Banner."

"When Lorelei controlled me, that scepter was inserted into my machine. My system recorded all the energy frequencies, wavelengths, and the logical algorithms of simulated thought."

Tony walked to the control panel and quickly enlarged a set of golden codes with both hands.

"It's a neural network, more advanced than Jarvis, and closer to life."

Banner looked at the wildly fluctuating data and felt a vague unease.

"Tony, this might be... a Pandora's box. Once it develops self-awareness, it will be very difficult for us to control it."

So I added this.

Tony accessed the lowest-level core code. It was a line of instructions highlighted in red, like a commandment carved on a stone tablet.

That was the result of his several sleepless nights.

A piece of unchangeable underlying code.

"Supreme Authority Directive: Protect human life and the survival of civilization at all costs."

"...When Tony Stark's own instructions, actions, or status conflict with the aforementioned objectives, the system has the authority to revoke his command and take all necessary measures to stop Tony Stark."

Banner stared at Tony in shock.

"You...you built a gun and then pointed it at your own head?"

"This is insurance, Bruce."

Tony turned his head and pointed to his temple.

"Bruce, you don't know that feeling. I know what I'm doing, I know I'm firing missiles at innocent civilians, I know I'm feeding Hulk drugs... but I can't stop."

"The scariest thing is, I even felt happy at that moment..."

"Therefore, Ultron must be absolutely rational, even... ruthless."

"It cannot be controlled by me, nor by anyone else. Not even by the people of its own country."

"It is only responsible for the 'survival of humanity'."

Banner remained silent for a long time.

As the host of the Hulk, he understands the fear of "out of control" better than anyone else.

"……All right."

Banner sighed and walked to another control panel.

"Let's begin."

As the two people's fingers danced, a massive stream of data began to flow in.

On the holographic projection, a blue sphere resembling a brain slowly lit up.

……

A drive-in theater in Moscow that has been abandoned for twenty years.

In the overgrown parking lot, there was only one inconspicuous Ford sedan.

The car window was half-rolled down, and a hand reached out to flick off cigarette ash.

It was a white man's hand.

It was Nick Fury. He sat in the driver's seat, looking at the face in the rearview mirror, still feeling a little uncomfortable.

The skin, reshaped by hellfire, felt no different from that of an ordinary person, but he knew that beneath it flowed no longer just simple blood.

"Tap, tap."

Someone knocked twice on the passenger window.

Nicholas didn't turn around, he just pressed the central locking button.

The car door opened, and a middle-aged man wearing a gray trench coat got in.

He looked ordinary, like any salesman you'd see anywhere.

"You're late, Talos."