Volume 6: Secret Invasion Chapter 34: At such a young age, he has learned how to exploit bugs, a high-end operation. He has a bright future.
Brainiac's mechanical army has spread across the Earth, and there are metal skeleton-shaped spaceships hovering over every major city to search.
As Mason had expected, this level 12 intelligent creature did not launch an extermination massacre against humans, just like a giant who did not care about the ants at his feet.
The God of Wisdom was now focusing all his energy on another thing, which was the perfect Ultron he had been dreaming of.
At this moment, this silver-gray robot was in the main control room of the Exile, being tested by instruments operated by Brainiac. Sitting on the "Throne of Wisdom", he frowned, obviously not satisfied with the current state of Perfect Ultron.
Although the latter has gathered the four Infinity Stones of this plane, giving it overwhelming power, the lack of two raw stones makes it still a little short of "perfection".
Such "flaws" are intolerable.
What Brainiac needs is not just a new body that can carry his overly large consciousness. The ultimate purpose of his painstaking invasion is to achieve his own "transcendence".
Seeing Brainiac on the throne with a dissatisfied look on his face, the evil six standing below exchanged glances, and finally the Green Goblin in armor stepped forward and reported:
"Honorable God of Wisdom..."
"Call me Brainiac."
The green cyborg looked at him and said in a low voice:
"Your so-called 'honorary title' comes from others, but my existence does not require the affirmation of others, Norman Osborn, if you want to ask for a reward, then you can go and rule the world now.
As I have stated before, I have no interest in your world."
"No, Master Brainiac, I just wanted to answer your concerns."
The Green Devil said seriously:
"Regarding the Space Stone, my last companion is carrying it to your flagship. The perfect Ultron you've been waiting for will be one step closer."
“But there’s still one missing.”
Brainiac's mechanical throne rose from its pedestal and floated to the bridge in front of the Exile's main control room, from where he could see the world in the distance.
He said expressionlessly:
"I still need the Soul Gem, which is the most difficult stone to obtain. What I need is the entire system of stones. The power of a single stone is meaningless to me.
There are countless raw stones in countless worlds, but unfortunately only the Infinity Gems from the same source can combine into a force that influences the origin of the universe in the planes where they were born.
My crafty companions always like to split them up and use them.
They claim this is for resource maximization, but the real purpose is just a gimmick to prevent future-seeking people like me from moving higher.
They are always more careful to guard against their own people than against outsiders.
But it’s not their fault.
Analyzing the current situation, the partners who are still cooperating now will become enemies who fight each other in the near future, and their strategy of internal checks and balances is correct.
But it’s too short-sighted.”
The Sinister Six had no thoughts to echo Brainiac's lament.
They knew nothing about the system and truth of the outside world, and naturally could not understand the source of the deep sorrow of this level 12 intelligent creature.
"Your last member has arrived."
Brainiac said softly.
The cabin of the main control room slid open, and Dr. Doom, wearing a green king's cloak and iron armor, walked into the mechanical-style hall. The gloomy villain didn't waste any words, raised his hand and summoned a crystal space stone suspended in his palm while running magic.
As Brainiac watched, Perfect Ultron strode forward, reached out, grasped the gem, and placed it in the fifth groove on his chest.
Designed by Brainiac himself and completed by Agent Alpha with the help of S.H.I.E.L.D., the mechanical body had energy fluctuations caused by the resonance of five raw stones. Without any spillover, the gem system was built and rebalanced within a few seconds.
This robot has become even more powerful.
But the dissatisfaction in Brainiac's eyes did not ease at all, and the five-gem Ultron in front of him still could not perfectly carry his overly huge consciousness.
"Doom!"
The God of Wisdom looked at the last member of the Sinister Six. He examined him, and after a few seconds, Brainiac spoke:
"Are you observing this spaceship to find its weaknesses? It does have weaknesses. For example, the spaceship's shield system will only be temporarily overloaded when it is subjected to an impact of more than twice the core module's maximum energy.
The intensity of this energy is enough to shatter your Earth in an instant.
I designed it this way on purpose so that the rebels will face a difficult decision.
Choose between a world that has the potential to defeat me and a world that will inevitably destroy me.
There is an 89% chance that they will surrender, and in the remaining 11% chance, even if they adopt a strategy of mutual destruction, it will be difficult for them to truly defeat me in the final battle.
Another despairing truth is that my consciousness preservation plan adopts a decentralized strategy.
The body you see before your eyes is just one of my many backup bodies. For a cyborg like me, destroying the body does not mean victory or failure.
I can always make a comeback.
So, will you choose to pass on this important news to those heroes in hiding? Or will you choose to stand with me and share my knowledge and wisdom? "
Faced with Brainiac's honesty, Dr. Doom did not answer immediately.
After a few seconds, he said in a low voice:
"I suppose I'm flattered that you thought so highly of me rather than my 'companions', but I'd still like an explanation.
In your eyes, do lives have high and low status?"
"All beings are equal? So, what you want to talk to me about is the first problem, which is the illusory will that all flesh and blood beings use to paralyze themselves? Do you think true equality exists?
Do you think a giant would treat an ant equally if it can't even understand its existence?
If you think so, you are absolutely crazy.
As for my regard for you... Among my outstanding companions, there is one who makes me feel threatened and pressured. He calls himself "God Lord."
Brainiac stared at Doom. He said:
"You are his alter ego in time and space, but you are inferior to the other you in every aspect, but you have the same starting point and the same potential.
I long to have that kind of power at my disposal to accomplish great things.
Now you are just a seed, I can help you germinate, absorb nutrients and grow quickly. As for your companions... they are inferior.
It would be a waste to invest too much resources in them..."
"Hey! We're listening!"
Ares, the god of war beside the Green Goblin, couldn't help it anymore. The hot-tempered old man yelled:
"There has to be a limit to how much you can look down on others!"
"I'm sorry, but the truth always hurts."
Brainiac replied without any sincerity.
He did not seem to regard excessive frankness as a mistake, but instead seriously reminded:
“Each of you has a terrible weakness that is visible to the naked eye, but you are either unaware of it or don’t care about it, which means you are doomed to fail in achieving great things.
King of the world is the best ending you can get.
Given your qualifications, it is too difficult to make further progress.
Give up your frivolous ambitions.
It will be a relief to let go of your unattainable ambitions.”
Ares, the God of War, was undoubtedly provoked again, but when he wanted to speak, he was stopped by the Green Goblin. The five of them left the Exile spaceship and headed for New York City. On the way, Ares couldn't help but complain:
"Look at him sitting on the throne with such arrogance, it makes me want to chop him with two axes!"
"It's not like he doesn't want to stand up and greet you to show his humility."
The Green Devil shook his head grimly and said:
“He just couldn’t stand up!
The overwhelming pressure of his consciousness made him a disabled person who could only sit in a chair and command others. He clearly longed for a new body but he had to pretend to be calm and in control of everything...
It's a terrible self-esteem for a crippled god of wisdom to have.
Poor guy. "
"What should we do?"
The White Queen asked softly:
"Obey? Or..."
"wait!"
The Green Goblin closed his mask with a click and said in a muffled voice:
"Wait until the situation becomes clearer. Remember, everyone, we only stand on the side of the victor."
"Doom will betray us!"
Ares said:
"He will accept Brainiac's invitation. It's a mutual attraction between two arrogant guys!"
"No, he won't."
The Green Goblin continued to receive various information quietly sent back by Doom in his armor.
Including the parameters of Brainiac's mechanical throne and the internal structure and weapon module information of the Exile spacecraft that the guy collected by unknown means.
He blinked and said:
"Doom will never be inferior to anyone.
You have to believe that guy's pride would not allow him to call another man 'Master'. I guess Brainiac's praise and invitation would not be spared for Doom to be the most terrible humiliation.
Don't worry, he is the most determined one among us.
Now we have to find a way to contact our compatriots in hiding. We have to learn to prepare for both situations."
…
“Beep, beep”
On a rather unfamiliar land, the communicator in Nick Fury's hand kept buzzing, and various data were transmitted and summarized into general information about the Exile spacecraft.
Agent Hill and Captain Carter beside him were a little worried about the authenticity of this information. After all, the Green Goblin who sent the message had just betrayed them.
"This may be a trap."
Captain Carter said:
"We should notify Mason."
"When he returns, the information will naturally be submitted to him. There is nothing interesting at the moment."
Lu Dan shook his head and said:
"The shield system of the Exile alone is enough to give us a headache. It would be a waste of effort if we don't break it no matter how determined we are. But Norman Osborn at least expressed an attitude.
That guy wasn't tied up to Brainiac.
A typical opportunist will not use loyalty as a bargaining chip. He is using us to achieve certain goals, and we can also use him to fight back.
It's just a matter of seeing who has better means.
Not done yet?"
Fury raised his head and looked at the black mountain standing in the gray land in front of him with some annoyance. That was where the Soul Gem was currently hidden.
These people had just been teleported here by Hei Qiyi.
The good news is that there are no Brainiac minions to interfere, the bad news is that they have to get the gem on their own.
"They are discussing who to sacrifice."
Agent Hill rubbed his forehead and said in a painful tone:
"It's almost impossible to come to an agreement. No one wants to sacrifice the person they love the most. Even if they really want to sacrifice themselves fearlessly, they need someone to accompany them.
But look at us here, there are almost a lot of unlucky people... But think about it, who with a happy family and no regrets would choose to be a superhero?"
"I'm not afraid of dying here."
Captain Carter sighed and said:
"But Steve is dead. My heart is empty and I don't know who I'm going to fall in love with next. I can't force myself to suddenly like someone, right?"
The current situation among the crowd over there was indeed as Agent Hill had complained. The heroes who were teleported here were all gloomy.
Most of those who can become superheroes have a tragic life story, either their parents are dead or they have lost their loved ones. To be honest, without enough pain, it is really difficult for a normal person to make up his mind to embark on the path of no return of being a superhero.
There are many people who have love in their hearts, but few have happy families.
After counting, there are only a few people who meet the Soul Stone's stringent requirement of "soul for soul", and the only ones selected are Cyclops, Jean Grey, Mr. Fantastic Reed and Miss Susan, the Invisible Woman.
Agent Natasha leaned against a rock and complained to Wolverine beside her that Agent Hawkeye was not here at the moment, otherwise she could also give it a try. Queen Medusa was sad but relieved.
Her husband Black Bolt was captured by Brainiac, so she was unable to challenge the limits of true love.
"I think that gender shouldn't be a rigid issue."
Harley, carrying a baseball bat, blew bubble gum and said to the others:
"Maybe boys and boys can also...well, I mean, besides love, isn't there family affection?"
She pointed at Star-Lord and Black Panther who were hiding in the crowd and said:
"T'Challa and his brother who just started a rebellion. Since he did something wrong and defected to the enemy, why not let Black Panther throw him down and try? Maybe it will work.
And Mr. Zhang!"
Harley looked at John Parker, who was wearing a black spider suit, and complained:
"You've always been complaining about Aunt Mei holding you back, haven't you? You've even been secretly calling her an old woman all day long. Why don't you take this opportunity?"
"Shut up!"
Mr. Zhang suddenly became excited.
He flicked the spider blade from his wrist and swung it, screaming:
"I'll stab anyone who dares to suggest that Aunt Mei jump down! No kidding!"
A group of people were arguing here but couldn't come up with a solution.
The survival of the world and personal situation clashed fiercely at this moment. In the depressing atmosphere, Mr. Fantastic began to say farewell to his wife, while Jean and Cyclops kissed each other with tears.
Perhaps a victim is about to appear.
But outside the crowd, in a place where no one was paying attention, Hope, the young girl who was sent here by Hei Qiyi , walked alone to the edge of the cliff where souls were exchanged.
Her injuries had just healed and she was still a little weak. She held two magic glass bottles in her hands, the left hand contained her father Hank Pym, and the right hand contained her mother Janet.
Both of them have now become zombie-type players, and they are still screaming and waving their claws and fangs in the bottle.
Hope's expression was extremely painful.
She has been like this since Mason rescued her from the underground base. She is still young and has no experience in incest, but this does not prevent the girl from experiencing the despair of being separated from her family.
She half-knelt on the edge of the cliff, looking at the zombie parents in her hands, took a deep breath, kissed the two bottles one by one, and placed them on her forehead as a final farewell.
"I hope you still have souls, dad and mom."
Hope whispered:
“Our family almost destroyed the world, we should make amends, maybe a rotten soul is not enough to win the favor of the Soul Stone.
It just so happens that I lost you and also lost the courage and desire to continue living.
I heard from Dark Doctor Strange that this ritual will send our souls into another dimension.
Maybe we can reunite there.
Bye now.
world……"
After saying that, the tearful girl jumped off the cliff holding two bottles containing the zombie parents. This scene happened to be seen by Harry who was arguing with Mr. Zhang.
Female Robin exclaimed.
The whole person catapulted out, and in the air he was possessed by the venom. His legs gripped the ground tightly, and he stretched his whole body and hurriedly fired the bat claw gun, which barely entangled the feet of Hope who was already falling in mid-air.
The vibration of this pull forced Hope to be pulled back, but the two jars in his hands fell to the bottom of the cliff.
"No! Dad, Mom! Don't!"
Hope screamed and waved her arms in the air, trying to retrieve the falling can, but Harley held her tightly to prevent her from making a unnecessary sacrifice.
The other heroes were also alarmed and rushed over to rescue. They worked together to pull the young Hopul up the cliff . At this moment, Zha Kang stuck his head out to take a look under the cliff.
The Pyms, who had turned into zombies, had now fallen off the cliff and were completely motionless.
"Alas, I failed."
The dark wizard blew out a smoke ring, sighed and said:
"This bug isn't that easy to fix... Eh? What the hell?"
At this moment, an orange light bloomed in the crying Hope's hands.
It was like a shining beam of light that covered everything here, enveloping the stunned heroes and then sending them away from this hidden area in the next moment.
Hei Qiyi, who witnessed all this in the dark realm, also blinked. Then, the spellcaster grabbed his notebook, turned to the page about the soul gem, and picked up the pen to change it to:
"The soul-for-soul exchange of the Soul Stone may be a symbolic ritual, which does not require a real soul but the pure love and cherishment for the beloved object.
Hmm, this explanation seems to make sense.
But there is another more terrifying possibility that the lives infected by the source zombie virus did not lose their souls, but were trapped in a rotting body.
Changes in life forms do not affect the existence of the soul.
So if we find the right method, maybe we can reawaken their consciousness?
Hmm, interesting finding.”
