章 315: Chapter 315: Ancient One's Conditions
After the inauguration of the first orphanage funded by the Heart to Heart Charity Foundation, the New York media once again showered praises on Charles.
Influenced by an unseen force, Charles Doyle's image as a benevolent figure, dedicated to saving people in the face of disasters, was reintroduced in major newspapers and magazines.
This led some uninformed individuals to believe that Charles was a selfless and devoted person, prompting them to visit the agency seeking help. But after learning about the high mission fees, they left cursing.
However, there were also people with good financial means who, after paying the required amount, posted task commissions and achieved the desired results.
Some people online criticized Charles as a profiteer and a scammer who offered no genuine help. On the other hand, those who had commissioned tasks praised the strength of Charles's agency and the assistance they received.
However, the criticism failed to make a ripple under the enormous wave of publicity.
Time passed swiftly, and seven days went by. During this period, Charles immersed himself in the practice of ninjutsu and tested the power of the three-piece Merlin set.
The terrifying power enhanced by these magical items required him to venture into the magical world to assess its effectiveness.
During this time, Charles contemplated for a long time and ultimately decided to recall the Neji's team, which had been executing missions outside for over a month.
To defend against the onslaught from Hell, he needed to unite all available forces. As for Hidan in Africa, after some consideration, Charles decided to let him develop independently, as he had other arrangements for rebel ninjas.
…
On the other side-
In the realm of Asgard-
Odin, the god-King, spoke in judgment to Thor:
"Thor Odinsson, you have betrayed my command. Due to your arrogance and foolishness, you opened the peaceful kingdoms to the horrors of war, subjecting innocent civilians to torment."
"You are unworthy to govern these realms. You are unworthy of titles."
Speaking thus, Odin removed Thor's armor and cape, shouting, "You are unworthy of the love of family because you have betrayed them."
"I now strip you of your powers, in the name of my father, in the name of my grandfather."
"I, Odin, father of gods, expel you from the realm of gods."
Odin picked up Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, and enchanted it with runes.
"Whoever holds this hammer will possess the power of Thor."
Then, he threw the hammer into the Rainbow Bridge, and alongside it, Thor was cast into the Rainbow Bridge.
Loki witnessed all of this.
The destination to which the Rainbow Bridge sent Thor was none other than one of the Nine Realms, Midgard, also known as Earth. The landing spot was in New Mexico.
Having completed all this, Odin left the Rainbow Bridge, handing it back to Heimdall for safekeeping. Instead of returning to his own palace, Odin's figure appeared in Kamar-Taj on Midgard.
"Sorcerer Supreme!"
Turning around, Ancient One looked at Odin and said, "Sending your son was not enough. Why are you interfering as well?"
Odin looked at Ancient One, and with a serious expression, said, "Midgard belongs to one of the Nine Realms, and the Asgardians rule over the Nine Realms."
Ancient One looked at Odin, who was serious, and slowly said, "So, are you ready to take on the invasion from all other dimensions for me?"
Listening to Ancient One's words, Odin coughed twice, easing his embarrassment, and then said, "I plan to let Thor experience a bit here, to understand what compassion and tolerance mean."
"For this, I have sealed his divine powers, turning him into an ordinary person."
Ancient One glanced at Odin, her eyes carrying a hint of mockery, as if saying, is the cruel king also preparing to lead his descendants into the path of a benevolent monarch?
But I wonder what Hela, who is treated differently, would think when she sees your actions.
"What can Earth gain?"
"Friendship with the future god-King of Asgard, and even an alliance."
"Not enough!"
"What do you want?"
"In a few days, the magical world will reclaim the responsibilities that originally belonged to them."
"During the changeover in the magical array, hordes of demons from Hell will enter the magical realm, and Mephisto may even perceive and invade. What I need you to do is to be the last line of defense."
"If the magical realm is in a situation it can't handle, you must step in and drive Mephisto back."
Upon hearing Ancient One's words, Odin hesitated for a moment before asking, "Has Merlin found a successor?"
"Yes, an excellent child."
At this moment, Odin's eyes lit up, as if he had surveyed the entire Earth and the affiliated magical world, and then slowly withdrew his divine light.
"He is not of Merlin's bloodline."
"But he is the current Supreme Merlin, chosen by the Ring of the Dragon, and recognized by Merlin."
Upon hearing this answer, Odin fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "I promise you, if the magical realm falls, I will help."
"But if they can handle it themselves. I won't intervene."
"No problem!"
After pondering for a moment, Odin asked, "Can I meet the current Supreme Merlin?"
Ancient One scrutinized Odin, speculating on what this old fox might be thinking, then spoke, "Now is not the time. Wait until he completely repels the invasion from the Hell dimension, and I can bring him to visit you."
"Alright, it's settled then."
A burst of colorful light flashed, and Odin's figure disappeared from Kamar-Taj.
As Odin left, Ancient One sat cross-legged, and the Eye of Agamotto in her hand radiated a dazzling light. Ancient One intended to see what changes would occur if Charles entered Asgard.
…
On the other side-
Inside Charles's Agency-
Watching another family seeking a free loan and leaving angrily without assistance, Charles held a newspaper in his hand, reading the latest news while asking Selene at the service desk, "How many waves of people have come in today seeking help?"
"BOSS, this is the eighth wave today. However, it's nearing evening, and based on the recent days, there shouldn't be any more such crowds coming in tonight."
Charles put down the newspaper, opened the nearby ledger, and asked, "How much funds do we have left for charitable purposes?"
Selene quickly checked and replied, "BOSS, our charitable funds are running low. If we continue to provide free loans, we may face difficulties in sustaining the current level of assistance."
Charles put down the newspaper, turned on the TV hanging on the wall, and then said, "A group of delusional fools."
"What I'm providing is security for the children in the orphanage, not a universal policy."
Top of Form
At this moment, the TV was showing the situation at the Stark Expo, with a gorgeous female reporter appearing on the screen, standing in front of the entrance gate.
"Since the start of the Stark Expo, it has attracted numerous top talents and top tech companies from all over the country."
"Today, the main venue of the expo is once again open, welcoming an important guest, Hammer Industries."
"Since taking over the military orders from the Defense Department, Hammer Industries has consistently produced high-quality products. This time, they have brought their new product - the Iron Soldiers."
"Yes, just like Iron Man - Iron Soldiers!"
"As for whether Hammer Industries' claims are as perfect as they say, please stay tuned for the upcoming product launch."
Watching the news on TV, Charles smiled and thought, "It seems that poor Hammer is about to be tricked by Ivan. Unfortunately, the stock market is already closed. I should have shorted Hammer Industries in advance."
"Ah, my focus has been on improving my strength during this time, and I missed this great opportunity."
…
On the other side-
Ivan Vanko had just dealt with Hammer's security. Due to Charles's presence, he was worried about potential attacks from him. So, he had Hammer invest additional funds to build more Iron suits.
This cost over a hundred billion dollars, completely draining Hammer's cash flow. However, it gave Ivan a certain level of confidence.
Thinking about Charles and Tony's relationship, Ivan planned to send a portion of the Iron suits to block Charles at the agency, while the rest would directly deal with Tony.
A flawless plan.
Thinking about this, Ivan directly dialed Tony's phone.
In the lab, where Tony was upgrading the armor's weapons, he suddenly heard J.A.R.V.I.S's reminder, "An incoming call from an unidentified number."
"Let's see who it is."
"Tony, how are you?"
"Haha, I suddenly realized that the energy after doubling the reactor speed is even more powerful."
Hearing this familiar voice, Tony thought for a moment before speaking, "You, the dead guy, sound pretty lively!"
"You too!"
After muting the call, Tony instructed, "J.A.R.V.I.S, trace the call."
"The call location is not displayed."
"The Stark family history will be rewritten. What your dad did to my family forty years ago, I will do to you in the next 40 minutes."
"I hope you're ready!"
After saying these words, Ivan directly hung up.
"J.A.R.V.I.S, check the tracing results."
"Tracking failed!"
Tony glanced at the latest news about Justin Hammer on the computer and instantly understood Ivan Vanko's intentions. He wouldn't sit idly by.
"J.A.R.V.I.S, assemble the armor immediately!"
"Sir, the weapon system has not been tested yet."
"A live test opportunity has just arrived!"
...
In the Stark Expo-
At this moment, the main exhibition hall was filled with numerous guests. Happy, driving with Natasha and Pepper Potts, arrived at the scene.
The announcer's voice echoed in the hall, "Justin Hammer's showcase is about to take place in the main hall."
Pepper Potts and Natasha took their seats in the front row, eagerly awaiting Hammer Industries' presentation. Pepper, in particular, held a keen interest in Hammer's products.
Suddenly, music started playing, and Justin Hammer made a flashy entrance, dancing to the rhythm.
Watching this similar yet different entrance, Pepper Potts thought, "Is this guy really not a fan of Tony's? Why does he have to learn everything from that guy?"
After reaching the center of the stage, with the music stopping, Justin Hammer began his speech.
After a mocking remark about Tony's reluctance to share technology, he got to the point, "Ladies and gentlemen, today I will introduce to you the new face of the U.S. military."
"Hammer Iron Soldiers!"
As Justin spoke, soldiers from land, sea, and air appeared on the background screen.
"Land Iron Soldier!"
"Sea Iron Soldier!"
"Air Iron Soldier!"
"Combined Land and Sea Iron Soldier!"
With each introduction, 25 Iron Soldiers marched onto the stage, and the applause from the audience never ceased. Councilman Stern in the front row wore a satisfied smile, and the military procurement officer nodded in approval.
While Justin continued his speech on stage, Ivan Vanko was covertly activating the soldiers on the platform in the factory.
"Finally, please welcome the first prototype, the all-purpose threat response combat armor, and its pilot - Air Force Colonel James Rhodes!"
As Justin's words fell, the modified Mark II also appeared on the platform.
Seeing Rhodes, who ran out to support Hammer, Pepper Potts in the audience exclaimed in surprise.
This was Tony's creation, and Tony had even stopped Charles to save Rhodes. This was an outright betrayal.
In that instant, Pepper Potts' gaze towards Rhodes turned unfriendly.
Just as Hammer was about to continue the introduction, a sonic boom resounded from the sky, and the next moment, Tony announced his presence on site with the latest Iron suit.
Facing the multitude of Iron Soldiers in front of him, Tony couldn't help but exclaim, "This is getting complicated."
Rhodes quickly explained, "Tony, there are civilians here. I'm just following orders; don't start a fight here."
Tony walked over to Rhodes and said, "Wave to them!"
"Everyone is in danger now, we need to find a way to get them out. You must trust me now."
Rhodes waved, then said, "I tried, but it didn't end well in your house."
"Well, I think hammer working with Ivan Vanko."
Hearing this name, Rhodes asked in surprise, "Vanko is still alive?"
"Yes!"
Tony walked up to Justin and asked, "Where is he? Where is Ivan Vanko?"
"Who?"
"Tell me!"
Justin feigned ignorance, saying, "Why are you here, old buddy?"
Just as they were talking, Mark II behind Rhodes was tampered with. Its systems were completely infiltrated and locked.
The Gatling gun on Rhodes' back started up, aiming directly at Tony's armor.
Rhodes shouted loudly, "I can't move. My operating privileges are locked."
"Leave quickly. The entire system is under his control."
At this moment, all the Iron Soldiers on the stage raised their arms, making a motion as if launching weapons.
Seeing this scene, the audience immediately realized something was wrong. They screamed and rushed towards the exit.
Tony, realizing that evacuating civilians was no longer possible, flew into the sky, shouting, "Let's continue this outside!"
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