Chapter 277

"This Infinity Stone… is it really that dangerous?"

Tony and the others were shocked.

This revelation was completely unexpected. Did it mean they couldn't use the Power Stone at all?

The White-Clad Hero could seemingly wield the Power Stone effortlessly, but if any of them tried, it would mean certain death?

They hadn't even considered this possibility!

At first, they assumed that anyone could use the Power Stone and gain terrifying strength from it…

Suddenly Barton, muttered, "Could it be that the true strength all along was just the White-Clad Hero?"

"The Power Stone couldn't be touched by even the non-human Sentinel robots, but the White-Clad Hero, with a body of flesh and blood, can wield it without any harm…"

Hearing Barton's words, they realized the implications.

How powerful must the White-Clad Hero's body be to endure the Power Stone unscathed?

It was mind-boggling to think of his physical strength.

"That clears things up. With such a limitation, it makes sense," Tony, acknowledged. "No wonder there's such a terrifying stone—it comes with a hefty drawback."

"The White-Clad Hero can use it, but he's clearly an exception."

This new understanding made the stone's power seem more reasonable, and its danger more manageable.

As they continued discussing, the phone on the table picked up their words, allowing Nick Fury at S.H.I.E.L.D. to hear every detail.

"So that's how it is?"

Fury sighed in frustration.

It seemed his initial ambitions for the stone were just wishful thinking.

"A mortal can't use it, then…" Fury's eyes showed a hint of apprehension.

Thanks to Thor, they had learned the truth, but the other factions were still caught between shock and confusion.

At the secret military base...

"How can this be?"

General Howell, Commander Aleksandro, and Dr. Bolivar were dumbfounded.

Just moments ago, they had been dreaming about how they would study and use the Power Stone after obtaining it. Now…

They couldn't believe it.

The Sentinel had merely grasped the stone—how did it suddenly explode?

Dr. Bolivar, still shocked, guessed, "Could it be that the Sentinel couldn't withstand the stone's power?"

Commander Aleksandro and the other officers were taken aback.

Reflecting on it, they realized Dr. Bolivar's theory made sense.

But if even the non-human body of the Sentinel couldn't handle it…

Yet the White-Clad Hero could?

They were stunned.

Among other factions...

Apart from Dr. Bolivar, other intelligent minds analyzed the Sentinel's explosion and arrived at a similar conclusion. Even many of the billions watching from different countries began to piece it together.

Back at the scene...

The purple explosion's residual energy gradually dissipated.

In its place remained only Syd, hovering midair, holding the glowing Power Stone.

With a slight gesture, the Power Stone floated back into his hand. Under the gaze of countless factions and billions of people, he held it effortlessly.

The purple glow flickered, energy waves spreading, yet despite the Infinity Stone's overwhelming power, his body remained unscathed.

At that moment, the White-Clad Hero, dressed in white, floated in the sky, gripping the stone, exuding an aura as if he were a god or demon.

It was as though this Infinity Stone rightfully belonged to him, that only he was worthy to use it, while others lacked the qualification…

Silence and disbelief filled the hearts of countless onlookers.

Ignoring their reactions, Syd held the Power Stone, and his figure blurred as he entered an optical camouflage state, disappearing from the sight of all factions and billions of people.

The military's grand capture operation had ended in utter failure.

While it was uncertain what other plans the military had, for now, they posed no threat to him.

Of course, Syd didn't believe this would be the end of the matter.

He was certain that the military still had a large number of Sentinels at their disposal…

At that moment, within the secret military base...

Several generals were engaged in a heated discussion with some members of Congress, debating whether to send more Sentinels to stall the White-Clad Hero, then drop a nuclear bomb on him!

Regardless of civilian casualties or the sacrifices required, they just wanted to eliminate the "threat" of the White-Clad Hero.

However, the proposal was immediately rejected by three congressmen.

"We're not at that stage yet. Let's wait and see."

"Dropping a nuke on the city would have far-reaching consequences and would be difficult to explain. Unless absolutely necessary, let's avoid that…"

Though the generals could understand the congressmen's conservative stance, they couldn't help feeling frustrated.

But with no one to share the fallout of a nuclear strike, they could only acquiesce for now. None of them wanted to face the public backlash of such a decision.

Of course, this was only temporary; the possibility of a nuclear strike hadn't been ruled out.

As for when to actually use it—that would depend on future developments…

As the generals and congressmen continued their debate, citizens everywhere began to vent their frustration on Irina.

People flooded the comments section of her live broadcast website with their thoughts.

"Irina, didn't you say the military was fully prepared this time? That even Omega mutants like the White-Clad Hero and the Messiah would be punished? What's happening now?"

"Irina, you liar! You deceived us again!"

"You're useless!"

Feeling humiliated by Irina's overblown promises, the public took out their frustrations on her. Though they knew it wasn't exactly her fault, they needed a scapegoat.

On the broadcast stage...

Reading the flood of comments, Irina's face turned grim as she endured the onslaught of online abuse.

While citizens lashed out at Irina, Syd, meanwhile, was deep in thought.

Thanks to the Power Stone, he hadn't had to reveal much of his true strength in this battle.

He considered his next steps, planning to locate the military's main base and deliver a decisive blow.

As for the President and other officials, after some thought, he decided against taking action.

Pushing them too far might lead them to a desperate decision, like resorting to nuclear weapons.

Although Venom's danger-sensing ability provided some protection, it had already been blocked once before, leaving him unaware of an approaching threat.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]