Vibranium.
In the Marvel Universe, it's one of the most remarkable metals, prized for its unique physical properties—not only its extraordinary defensive qualities but also its compatibility with the human body and its energy-absorbing characteristics.
For these reasons, scientists and researchers worldwide are drawn to study it. Captain America's iconic shield, crafted from a small amount of vibranium that Howard Stark once stumbled upon, is a prime example of its use.
Everyone who knows of vibranium agrees on one thing: its origin is deeply mysterious, and it's extremely rare on Earth.
Little do they know that, in ancient times, a colossal piece of vibranium hurtled from the depths of space and landed somewhere in Africa.
Thanks to this vibranium, the technology of that region advanced by leaps and bounds, leading to unprecedented development. To this day, that place remains isolated from the rest of the world…
Thinking of this, Alan couldn't help but feel speechless. Wakanda was truly an extraordinary place, holding the world's entire vibranium supply.
Thanks to vibranium, Wakandan technology had advanced far beyond any other country in the world. And yet, in this highly advanced society, hand-to-hand combat was still their go-to in battles. It was baffling.
"Master, based on the data you've provided, vibranium would be the ideal material for creating liquid bio-metal," Red Queen reported. "Of course, this is just a hypothesis for now. We'd need a sample for further research."
Red Queen had searched for information on vibranium through the internet, but there was little reliable information. This substance was so rare that only a handful of top scientists and black-market traders even knew it existed.
"If vibranium is viable, how much would be needed for a new suit?"
"Two kilograms."
Alan took a sharp breath at Red Queen's response—not because he couldn't afford it, but because the amount was staggering.
Vibranium is sold by the gram, each gram costing a fortune and difficult to acquire even at any price. Without any direct connections, who could he approach?
Initially, Alan had considered the idea of "borrowing" Captain America's shield. But the issue was, he had no idea where the shield was being kept.
"Maybe… I know just the person…" As he considered his options, an idea flashed in his mind. After all, he'd done that person plenty of favors; it was about time to call one in.
"Red Queen, continue your research on liquid bio-metal. I'm going out for a bit."
"Master, there's been an incident in New Mexico," Red Queen's voice chimed just as Alan was about to leave.
A large projection screen appeared before him.
"Oh, Thor…"
The display showed a desert town where a massive, armor-plated figure, looking like a hulking metal tank, was wreaking havoc, spewing powerful jets of flame and demolishing the town.
"The Destroyer is here too," Alan recognized the armored figure instantly. This was Asgard's Destroyer, Odin's ultimate weapon, capable of autonomous operation or being controlled by others.
Battling the Destroyer were four people dressed in medieval European attire. But, unsurprisingly, they were being utterly overpowered.
With just the strength of these four, thinking they could challenge the Destroyer, something created by Odin, is nothing short of a daydream.
"Odin, you've turned Earth into your backyard, letting your two sons run wild like this," Alan muttered as he watched the ruined town onscreen, frowning.
He knew very well that this conflict between Thor and Loki was entirely a trap laid out by Odin. This ancient figure wasn't the type to just die off easily. Everything happening on Earth was within Odin's sight, purely to test Thor and Loki.
And Alan wasn't the only one watching.
In S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury frowned as he asked Hill, "Is Coulson alright?"
He had sent Coulson to keep an eye on the mysterious hammer that fell from the sky. As one of Fury's top agents, losing Coulson would be a huge blow.
"He's fine, sir," Hill replied quickly. "When they first saw that armored figure, they thought it was another one of Tony's creations. But once it started attacking indiscriminately, they all took cover. The Iron Man figure seems to have a very specific target—the town itself."
Fury's single eye narrowed further, his fists clenched tightly as he looked at the footage. Earth was becoming a far more dangerous place…
---
"What the hell is that...?" Tony Stark couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at the screen in his workshop.
At first glance, the creature resembled his Mark I suit, but its destructive power surpassed anything he'd ever created.
"JARVIS, can you analyze its mechanics?" Tony asked, struggling to accept that anyone could have surpassed his tech by such a degree. The armored figure had no visible power source, yet it moved with incredible force. How?
"I can't, sir. After analyzing it via satellite, it appears more like..."
"Like what?" Tony pressed as JARVIS paused.
"A biological entity," JARVIS replied, leaving Tony stunned. "Yes, sir. Based on the data, that appears to be the case."
"A living weapon…" Tony muttered, examining the figure more closely onscreen. He didn't know yet that this wasn't a product of technology—it was a creation of magic.
---
At Kamar-Taj...
The Ancient One sat brewing tea, with Mordo smiling across from her.
"Master, congratulations on once again protecting Earth," Mordo raised his tea in a toast to her.
The Ancient One smiled humbly, replying, "I merely did my duty. Perhaps one day, it will fall to you to carry it out." The words sparked a deep sense of responsibility in Mordo, who etched them into his memory.
The Ancient One looked at Mordo, her gaze profound, as if contemplating something distant.
In the next moment, she turned toward the window, and a faint anger clouded her otherwise tranquil face.
"Odin…"
...