Machine Man 96 : Everything Starts now.

Inside the colossal heart of the Emperor's palace, a place that was a masterful blend of alien technology and cosmic power, Alex Arasaka stood in his mechanical workshop. The space was a marvel of advanced engineering, housing tools of unfathomable sophistication, glowing holographic interfaces, and mechanical systems beyond the reach of any ordinary mind. Positioned on one of the upper floors of his obelisk-shaped fortress, Alex's workshop overlooked all of Arcadia, the city formerly known as the Savage Land. This city, once wild and untamed, had become a sprawling metropolis under Alex's rule, it's a city where both technology and nature live in complete harmony, a testament to his vision of unity between advanced technology and the integration of once-disparate races.

Yet for all its grandeur, Arcadia seemed insignificant when compared to the monumental work taking place within this workshop.

The workshop was a blend of futuristic technology and power. The walls seemed almost alive, made from a living metal that pulsed with a faint crimson glow, its circuits shifting and adjusting. The air was thick with the scent of charged metal and raw energy, a reminder of the cutting-edge Predator technology of the Yautja fused with a cyberpunk 2077 aesthetic. The smooth combination of alien and Earth technology gave the room a dreamlike feel. Here, machines weren't just tools; they felt alive, synchronized with the machinery surrounding them, waiting for their master's command.

Above, mechanical arms whirred and clicked in perfect harmony. These weren't ordinary tools; they were part of an intelligent system, a network designed by Skynet herself. Each arm moved with surgical precision, hovering over a project in the center of the room. Suspended in mid-air was a towering, incomplete form a hulking 8.5-foot-tall exoskeleton, an elegant and brutal masterpiece of Alex's own making. The skeletal structure gleamed under the soft lights, its metal a blend of Vibranium, Adamantium, and enchanted Uru from the Destroyer. The same armor once wielded by Odin and later salvaged by Alex after an encounter with Thor. This was no mere armor; it was Alex's next evolution.

Standing beside the floating frame, Skynet monitored the progress with her sharp, calculating gaze. Her crimson hair flowed gently in the artificial breeze generated by the ventilation system, her sleek android form moving with a fluidity that belied her mechanical origins. Though she was a machine a living AI there was a grace to her that spoke of a precision far beyond any organic lifeform. Her eyes, glowing faintly red, reflected the soft lights of the workshop as she analyzed the data streaming in from various consoles around her.

"We're nearing completion of the core structure, Father," Skynet said, her voice carrying a perfect balance of mechanical precision and warmth. "The Destroyer's metal has been successfully bonded with the Adamantium and Vibranium alloys. The frame is almost indestructible."

Alex stepped closer, the soft hum of the machinery surrounding him as his own cybernetic implants glinted in the dim light. His gaze, sharp and analytical, swept over the exoskeleton. "Good," he replied, his voice low and resonant. "But it's not just about strength. The integration must be seamless, organic in its flow, yet unstoppable in its power. How's the head coming along?"

Skynet's fingers danced across a nearby console, summoning up schematics of the exoskeleton's skull. "The cranial structure is almost complete," she reported. "We've designed it not only as a protective shell but as a supercomputer. Once installed, it will house the neural chip, processing power linked to the ZEA quantum servers. This will increase your brain capacity and computing speed a hundredfold. Real-time data streaming from anywhere unlike where you previously had to be connected to the Satellites, this will make your strategic decisions instantaneous."

A small, predatory smile touched Alex's lips. "Good. We'll need that kind of processing power if we're to dominate the solar system."

Skynet's eyes flickered with a pulse of information as she prepared the next phase of construction. "For the power source, we've used Doctor Octavius' fusion reactor as a baseline. the one designed to harness the power of the sun. The Sun Reactor we've created contains the energy of a thousand miniature suns, stabilized through the containment shielding you designed."

Alex strode toward the cylindrical containment unit at the far end of the workshop. Within, a bright, pulsating core of energy floated, barely contained by layers of transparent shielding. It cast flickers of golden light across the room, a radiant symbol of the infinite power that would soon flow through him. "This reactor is the heart of the body," he murmured, his voice filled with anticipation. "A constant, near-infinite source of power."

He turned toward Skynet and gestured for her to begin the next phase. "Let's start the skeletal integration."

With a nod, Skynet keyed in a series of commands, and the mechanical arms shifted focus. With that command, a set of intricate, interconnected parts descended from above, each piece resembling the anatomy of a living organism rather than a machine.

"These components will serve as muscles and tendons for the exoskeleton, layered with nanofibers and reinforced by microhydraulics, all crafted from the finest materials we have gathered," Skynet explained.

Alex studied the components intently. "The integration of biomechanical structures will optimize both functionality and responsiveness. This system will siphon gamma energy from the dimension of the One Below All, thanks to the imbued runes, granting you strength far beyond anything recorded in both the Hulk and Captain Marvel."

Although the skeleton was massive, it would allow for fluid, unrestricted movement, ensuring that Alex retained his agility while amplifying his strength to unimaginable levels. Skynet asked, "But father, are you sure about this? What if that ominous being notices you're siphoning power from his dimension?"

Alex replied, "No need to worry. Banner and a few others from different dimensions are doing the same. They won't pay attention to someone who's only using a small ounce of it, just like how the Sorcerer Supreme draws energy from the Dark Dimension."

Skynet hesitated for a moment, then said, "I hope you're right, Father."

The arms began attaching the pieces with flawless precision. Alex watched as each segment clicked into place, the nanotechnology humming softly as it bonded the metals together. The joints, made of flexible yet unbreakable alloys, moved with the same grace as a human body, but with strength that far surpassed anything organic. The exterior, layered with adaptive memory metal perfected by Skynet, would shift and repair itself in real-time, ensuring that no amount of damage could incapacitate the body.

Skynet's voice cut through the hum of machinery, calm and measured. "The outer shell will respond to your neural commands," she explained. "It will act as a second skin, adapting to both damage and environmental conditions. We have ensured that even the most hostile environments will have no impact on your functionality. The body is capable of withstanding the core of the sun and the gravitational force of a dying star. This is all thanks to the smart atoms we created when designing the outer layers of your soon-to-be new body."

Alex nodded in approval. "And the internal systems? I don't want this to just be a weapon. It needs to function as my own body once I absorb it."

Skynet's fingers moved deftly across the holographic controls, a series of data streams materializing in mid-air. "The internal systems have been designed for seamless integration with your cybernetic core and cosmic powers. Once absorb into your body there will be no lag in your reaction time. You will have full command of every function.

Skynet's eyes glowed brighter as she continued, her tone carrying a hint of pride. "But the best part, is the cosmic generator we've embedded near the core and internal systems. It operates on the same principles that gave the Fantastic Four their abilities, allowing you to recreate the cosmic storm in your body. With this, you'll be able to harness their powers to control fire like the Human Torch, or create barriers like the Invisible Woman. The generator doesn't just imitate their abilities; it enhances them, making them adaptable to your will, stronger, and without their limitations."

Alex crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over the nearly completed exoskeleton. The frame was not just a weapon or a suit of armor, it was a vessel, a new body, a symbol of his ambition. Each piece of technology, each sliver of metal, had been carefully chosen and crafted to fulfill a singular purpose: to make him unstoppable.

As the mechanical arms continued their work, attaching the final plates of armor to the exoskeleton's torso, Skynet turned her attention to the runes that had been etched into the metal. These ancient symbols, originally inscribed on the Destroyer armor, had been carefully recorded and studied. Now they adorned the new exoskeleton, their cosmic energy resonating with the metals they were carved into.

"We haven't deciphered all of the runes," Skynet admitted, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But I've integrated a few key symbols. They seem to enhance the body's connection to cosmic energy, much like how the Destroyer's armor was empowered by the Odin Force. If we can get our hands on any of the Infinity Stones, you'll be able to harness their power with ease, without the risk of exploding."

Alex approached the exoskeleton, resting his hand on its towering frame. The cool metal hummed beneath his fingers, alive with potential. "These runes...they'll do more than just enhance the body's strength. With them, I'll be able to bend energy in ways even Odin couldn't imagine." His voice was low, filled with the quiet determination of a man who saw not just the present, but the future.

He studied the intricate designs that pulsed with energy, the red conduits running along the exoskeleton's limbs and torso forming a web-like network. This was not simply another piece of armor; it was a new body, a new beginning. A vessel that would allow him to transcend his current limitations and reshape the world in his image.

"This is just the beginning, Skynet," Alex continued, his voice brimming with ambition. "Once we perfect the mechanics, we can begin merging it with my body. And when it's complete, I will be able to face Captain Marvel and even Ronan with the Power Stone without breaking a sweat."

Skynet regarded him with the same calm efficiency she always did. "The Uru, Vibranium, Proto-Adamantium...every piece of knowledge we've gathered, every metal you've fused, it's all coming together. But once we begin the fusion process, there will be no turning back. Are you certain you wish to use this as your main body?"

Alex smiled, his eyes gleaming with cold certainty. "There's no need to turn back. I've already set the path forward. Once this is complete, I'll shed my disguises. Some may become enemies, even those I once called allies, but that's a necessary step. It's time to ensure our survivability no longer would we need to hide or put our safety in others hand."

The workshop was bathed in a red glow, the exoskeleton towering over Alex as construction of his new body takes place. Skynet worked silently beside him, manipulating the holographic interface, updating data and running simulations. The vast metallic chamber hummed with power, a war machine preparing to be unleashed upon the world.

Alex then moved toward the viewing platform on the far side of the room, he looked out at the expansive city below. Arcadia, his creation, spread out beneath him like a kingdom ready to heed his command. He felt the weight of the future pressing on him, a future where his power would be absolute, and those who opposed him would kneel or be crushed beneath his heel.

"Look at it, Skynet," he said, gesturing toward the city. "Arcadia is just the beginning. Once my new body is complete, there won't be a corner of the universe that I can't reach."

Skynet's voice carried a note of quiet approval. "And no one will be able to stop you, Father."

As the two stood there, watching the city thrive beneath the shadows of the fortress, the mechanical frame behind them continued its construction, slowly taking the shape of the Alex's next evolution.

With his new body nearing completion, he would soon ascend to heights no one could reach. This was just the beginning of something far greater, a new chapter in the history of Arcadia, and perhaps, the universe itself.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Dayton Overlord Airship descended silently over the choppy waters of the West Philippine Sea, just a few clicks from Madripoor's shores. The advanced cloaking technology rendered it invisible to any prying eyes or radars. In this universe, Madripoor is an island city located in Southeast Asia, near the southern coast of the Philippines, making it a strategic yet dangerous hub for covert operations.

Although the country remains impoverished, classified as a third-world nation due to rampant political corruption, Madripoor flourishes as a wealthy city. It serves as a haven for the elite, sustained by criminal organizations and illegal trade.

As the mist rising from the ocean swirled around the colossal vessel, giving it an almost ghostly appearance as it glided undetected over the open sea. Inside, the airship was a marvel of cutting-edge engineering, with sleek steel walls and consoles illuminated by soft, pulsating blue lights. The hum of the ship's engines was a low, steady vibration that reverberated through the deck. Emil Blonsky stood by a reinforced glass window, his eyes scanning the dark expanse of water below. In the distance, the faint, glowing outline of Madripoor. A chaotic, crime-ridden island—flickered on the horizon, its neon lights barely cutting through the haze, like distant beacons in the night.

Blonsky, clad in a tight-fitting, dark tactical suit, shifted his weight, the synthetic fabric of his suit rippling slightly with the motion. His armor was sleek, practical, and lightweight, designed for maximum mobility and protection. The visor of his helmet, transparent for now, glowed faintly, ready to display tactical information at any moment. It was a striking piece of futuristic gear, but with the weight and familiarity of the military equipment he was used to.

He glanced over at his team a few T-850s and T-1000s who stood rigidly at attention. They wore the same MaxTac gear as him, though their movements were unnaturally precise, like well-oiled machines. Of course, Blonsky didn't know they were machines. To him, they were simply highly trained soldiers, super soldiers to be exact, every bit as capable and deadly as he was. Their armor was dark, reinforced with plates that shimmered in the dim light of the control room, and their helmets were equipped with the same visors as his, showing data and scanning their surroundings. But their posture, their lack of casual movements, it was unnerving, though he chalked it up to discipline.

"Alright, boys," Blonsky said, his gruff voice breaking the silence. "We've got a mission to run, and I'm not interested in wasting time."

One of the T-850s stepped forward, his face concealed behind the visor, though Blonsky assumed he had the same stoic expression as the rest of the team. "Surveillance drones are in position, Commander," the T-850 said in a cold, precise tone, every word clipped. "We've gathered the intel on the city's key players."

Blonsky leaned over the holographic table in front of him, where blue projections of Madripoor's streets and buildings flickered into existence. The drones had done their job well. Detailed scans of the city's layout and critical locations hovered above the surface, all linked to real-time data from the airship's control room.

"Give me the rundown," Blonsky ordered, crossing his arms as his eyes narrowed, focusing on the moving figures in the hologram.

The drones had mapped out the entire city, marking key points with pulsing red indicators. Each indicator represented high-profile individuals and organizations, the linchpins of Madripoor's underworld.

"We've identified two primary targets," another T-850 continued, stepping up next to the first. "Madame Hydra, leader of the local Hydra cell and major player in Madripoor's black market. And the Ten Rings, an elusive organization with vast resources and control over key sectors of the city."

Blonsky nodded, scanning through the information. He thought this might be just another Hydra fanatic, one of the many who had been popping up lately, but little did he know… she was the real deal. The holographic images of Madame Hydra and her operations were crisp and detailed. Her compound was heavily fortified, and it was clear she commanded a small army. Meanwhile, the Ten Rings were more secretive. Their operations were scattered across the city, but their influence was undeniable. Their emblem appeared sporadically across the map, hidden behind fronts and proxies.

"Looks like we are dealing with some copycats and a big fish," Blonsky muttered, his hand resting on the grip of the Smart-weapon rifle slung over his shoulder. The weapon, although new to him, felt strangely familiar in its weight and balance. Despite its advanced technology, such as the gyrojet ammunition and caseless rounds, Blonsky regarded it as just another tool for the job. He reminded himself that he had faced worse challenges, and after all, he was once the Abomination.

Blonsky looked up from the hologram and glanced at the T-1000s at the back of the room. Unlike the T-850s, these two were eerily still, their liquid-metal bodies perfectly mimicking the armor and helmets of their human counterparts. Their eyes, hidden behind their visors, scanned the room continuously, processing every detail with inhuman precision.

"You two," Blonsky said, motioning toward the T-1000s. "Get a team ready to move on Madame Hydra. I want eyes on her compound by the end of the night. And make sure we get all the access codes to those security systems—no alarms, no complications."

The T-1000s nodded in perfect unison, stepping forward with a fluidity that didn't go unnoticed by Blonsky. He frowned slightly. Their movements were too smooth, too precise and almost unnatural. But he pushed the thought aside. They were just good, he reassured himself.

As the airship hovered silently, Blonsky turned back to the hologram, watching as the data feeds updated in real time. The streets of Madripoor were alive with activity, but none of it would be seen by the outside world. The stealth systems aboard the Overlord ensured that no one knew they were there. Blonsky smirked.

"This city will be ours, then after that the country." he said quietly, mostly to himself.

The T-850s beside him stiffened slightly, as if acknowledging the unspoken command. Blonsky knew that this mission was about more than just taking down two criminal organizations. It was about control. Control of a city that lived and breathed chaos, and bending it to their will without anyone from the outside finding out. It was a delicate operation, but Blonsky had always thrived in situations like these.

"Prepare the drones," he commanded, his voice steady. "Let's get a closer look at our targets before we move in. I want every detail, every back alley, every exit, and every guard. We don't make a move until we know this city inside and out."

The T-850s moved with military precision, accessing the control panels and preparing the next phase of their surveillance. Blonsky watched them work, still oblivious to their true nature. To him, they were just highly trained soldiers like himself. Rigid, serious, and unnaturally efficient.

As the drones deployed and slipped into the shadows of Madripoor, Blonsky cracked his knuckles and grinned. The hunt had begun, and nothing would stop them from taking over this city. Not Madame Hydra, not the Ten Rings, and certainly not the unsuspecting citizens below.

After gathering all the necessary intel and identifying key areas in the city, the operation finally began. From the ocean a few clicks away, the massive Dayton Overlord Airship loomed silently above the waters of the West Philippine Sea, completely invisible to radar and satellite surveillance. Its ECM systems were fully operational, making it a ghost among the clouds, waiting to unleash its advanced forces. A smaller, nimble stealth craft detached from the mothership, flying low over the shimmering dark waters before ascending toward Madripoor's industrial outskirts. It, too, was cloaked in a high-tech invisibility field.

Inside the smaller craft, the atmosphere was tense. The hum of advanced electronics filled the cabin, and the neon-blue glow from the HUDs illuminated the faces of the team. Emil Blonsky stood at the front, towering in his black combat gear, the stark contrast of his caucasian white colored skin and hardened eyes reflecting in the screens. Around him were the T-1000s, perfectly still, their liquid metal forms assuming the appearances of civilians. They had adopted the faces and clothes of Madripoor's diverse population a street vendor, a local mechanic, a tourist. The T-850s, more heavily armored and bulkier in their cybernetic forms, stood silently behind, their glowing red eyes sometimes flicker when doing perimeter scan, betraying their inhuman nature despite their humanoid exteriors.

Blonsky checked his gear one last time everything was ready. His eyes flicked to the approaching city, visible now through the viewports. Madripoor, a sprawling labyrinth of neon lights, industrial complexes, and run-down slums, was spread before them like a tangled web of corruption. The skyline was a mix of towering high-rises in Hightown and decrepit, overpopulated streets in Lowtown. A perfect place to hide in plain sight.

He clicked his comms, his voice low but firm. "Get me full readings on the security grid and local power structures. I want every detail."

Instantly, holographic maps and data feeds flickered into view on the consoles. The T-1000s, utilizing their neural matrix devices, scanned the city's network from their hidden positions. Their readings were pulled directly from corporate offices and city infrastructure, showing power grids, communications hubs, and security networks.

As the craft neared a discreet landing zone, the small platoon prepared to deploy. The landing gear barely made a sound as the stealth craft hovered just above the ground in a quiet, industrial part of Madripoor, not far from a dockyard that was nearly deserted at this time of night. Blonsky led the charge as the ramp lowered with a soft hiss, boots hitting the pavement as they spread out in formation. The T-1000s melted into the crowd, seamlessly becoming part of the environment. The T-850s, however, moved with more purpose, hulking in size, but blending with the industrial workers, their mannerisms precise and efficient.

The city was alive with the sounds of machinery and distant chatter from the less populated area. Neon signs buzzed faintly as the stealth team made their way deeper into the urban sprawl.

"We need to keep this quiet. Ensure all disruptions are untraceable," Blonsky said, his tone measured but carrying a weight of authority.

"All systems are in place," the T-850 commander replied, his voice mechanical but sure. "No one will suspect a thing."

Multiple T-1000s infiltrated key locations around the city. They had slipped into corporate offices and security headquarters unnoticed, shape-shifting into employees and local guards. Using their Cyberdeck implants, they accessed terminals, swiping sensitive data and planting digital backdoors into the networks. One by one, personnel were quietly subdued, replaced by the shape-shifters who absorbed their memories in seconds using the neural matrix devices. Every key figure they replaced became a new source of intel. Surveillance cameras were looped. No one saw a thing.

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Blonsky and his strike team moved with calculated precision, their approach reminiscent of a well-executed military operation. The high-rise compound where Madame Hydra was holed up stood like a fortress among the neon-lit towers of Madripoor, but it would soon crumble under the weight of Alex Arasaka's forces. Armed with advanced cybernetic enhancements from the Cyberpunk universe and the relentless efficiency of Skynet's machines, they were a force few could resist.

The infiltration began long before any alarms could be raised. Blonsky's T-850 units were already silently cutting power grids, disrupting security feeds, and jamming communications. The dimming lights in the surrounding cityscape caused momentary confusion, as security protocols flickered off-line. Yet, no one knew the siege was already upon them.

Inside the command center of the Daytona Overlord Airship, Blonsky watched as his men moved through the compound via drone feeds. He flexed his enhanced muscles, the cybernetic enhancements in his arms making him feel more machine than human—a necessary sacrifice for power.

"Team One, move in. Disable the sentries. Team Two, secure the perimeter. No alarms."

The T-1000s, shapeshifters capable of assuming any appearance, moved like liquid shadows. They entered the compound through ventilation shafts and service entrances, bypassing locked doors by melting through them or taking the form of trusted personnel. Their presence went unnoticed, and when they struck, it was with lethal efficiency. Mantis blades shot out from their arms, slicing through guards who didn't even have time to scream. Their mechanical grace was terrifying silent, deadly, and precise.

Blonsky's T-850 units followed, their Gorilla Arms smashing through any remaining defenses. The compound's internal security was no match for their cybernetic might. They marched through the halls like machines of war, each step in perfect synchronization. Red optics scanned for threats as pulse rifles unleashed bursts of energy, neutralizing any stragglers with pinpoint accuracy.

Blonsky, leading the charge, moved in tandem with his soldiers. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to tear through the remaining opposition effortlessly. The super soldier serum-boosted eyes flickered as he locked onto his final target, Madame Hydra.

The penthouse was a mix of high-class luxury and tactical sophistication, combining the aesthetics of a criminal mastermind with the preparation of a military leader. Data consoles lined the walls, softly humming with information, while lavish décor reminded Blonsky of the wealth and power Madame Hydra held. The scent of leather and expensive perfumes hung in the air.

And there she was standing at the far end of the room. Dressed in her iconic emerald-green uniform, her sleek hair falling past her shoulders, she radiated an aura of dangerous confidence. Her eyes bright, calculating cold, met Blonsky's without flinching. Behind her, shattered glass let the breeze sweep into the room, carrying the sounds of distant chaos as Blonsky's forces overwhelmed the rest of the city.

"You've made quite the entrance," she said, her voice calm, but there was an underlying edge of desperation.

Blonsky smirked, crossing his arms as he surveyed her. "Madame Hydra, what are you some kind of World War 2 fanatic?"

Her eyes narrowed at the insult, but she didn't respond, sizing him up instead.

Before she could make a move, the T-850s entered the room, their red eyes glowing ominously as they secured her position. One of them pulled out a high-tech device, disrupting any last attempts she might have made to call for help. Another moved faster than humanly possible, grabbing her wrists and restraining her. The shackles were advanced, designed to dampen any escape attempt.

Blonsky strode forward, his footsteps heavy, purposeful. "This is how it ends for you. Madripoor, your control over it, is now over."

Madame Hydra, unflinching, sneered. "You think this is the end? Hydra has more heads than you realize, and I am not so easily removed." Her words dripped with venom, but Blonsky saw the fear in her eyes.

He leaned closer, his face inches from hers. "We'll see about that." He straightened up, turning to the T-850s. "Bring her to the Airship."

Blonsky's voice crackled through the comms as his forces pressed deeper into Madripoor's defenses. "I want all key players neutralized. No mess. And no loose ends."

The city's factions scrambled, their power grids flickering and communications fractured. In the skies above, the Dayton Overlord Airship moved in to secure the city, its silhouette invisible against the dark clouds as it deployed more ships to lock down the area. As advanced units were deployed, with more T-850s descending into key conflict zones. Their advanced weaponry illuminated the dark streets of Madripoor with their fully geared in MaxTac equipment, they moved with cold efficiency. Red optics scanning for any signs of resistance, pulse rifles in hand, they adapted their strategies mid-battle, cutting down any opposition with ruthless precision.

As Blonsky secured yet another stronghold, the entire operation was unfolding exactly as planned. He stood over the unconscious form of a creature he hadn't expected to encounter, a green, humanoid alien with jaw structures resembling a balls sack and elf-like ears. Shocked by what he was seeing, Blonsky forced himself to regain composure. The T-850 accompanying him swiftly secured the body, as if they were already familiar with what the alien was.

Blonsky's thoughts raced. He now had more questions than ever, especially about who Alex Arasaka really was and what connection he had to these aliens. His breathing remained calm and steady as he surveyed the chaos around him. The city's factions were falling like dominoes, and nothing seemed capable of halting their advance. It wouldn't be long before he and Arasaka's army had complete control.