488

[Light Speed Engine Project]

United States

Howard Stark, his hair already white, emerged from the military base building. Walking beside him was a middle-aged woman with short hair, exuding an intellectual air, likely Dr. Lawson.

Of course, Howard was accompanied by his trusted butler and assistant, Jarvis. The quiet, unassuming butler hardly drew attention.

"...Dr. Lawson, the progress on the 'Light Speed Engine Project' looks promising. Any estimate on when the first test flight might happen?" Howard inquired, glancing at the woman beside him.

Dr. Lawson smiled, "We've identified our top test pilot, Carol Danforth. I believe it won't be long before we can initiate trials with the lightspeed engine."

Howard nodded thoughtfully, "This is a monumental leap. On a cosmic scale, the lightspeed engine could revolutionize technology."

"Yes," Dr. Lawson agreed eagerly, "It holds potential for benefiting civilization."

After their discussion, Howard and Jarvis left in a black sedan. Instead of heading home, they made their way to another workplace.

For Howard Stark, founder of Stark Industries and co-founder of the Strategic Science Corps, balancing these responsibilities was a daily routine.

"How's Tony doing?" The rough road prompted Howard to think of his son.

"Recently, he's shown interest in studying economics at Cambridge University," Jarvis replied.

Howard frowned, "But he's studying electrical engineering at MIT. Why the sudden interest in economics in the UK?"

Jarvis hesitated briefly, "Tony graduated top of his class at MIT, Mr. Stark."

Howard paused, blinking as he recalled this fact.

"You should pay more attention to Tony. He craves your attention, just like anyone else," Jarvis gently advised.

"You're right," Howard nodded pensively but remained silent.

Despite Howard's numerous achievements and accolades, he felt he had failed as a father.

While his busy schedule partly explained this, he knew it was also his own shortcomings. Over a decade of fatherhood hadn't softened his distance from Tony. Now that Tony was grown, Howard's efforts to bridge the gap seemed belated.

"Alas," Howard sighed heavily, his mood sombering.

Perhaps he had failed as a father...

---

"Father, you cannot let this villain go!" Thor implored Odin, pointing at Ego kneeling before them, Mjölnir in hand.

Ego spoke sincerely, "I deeply regret my past transgressions, merciful Odin. I seek your forgiveness."

Forseti found it hard to believe Ego, kneeling and pleading like this.

But upon reflection, it wasn't entirely surprising. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ego had similarly begged for mercy before his demise.

Confronted by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Ego had begged for mercy then, making his plea to the god-king Odin unsurprising.

Child murders, wife killings, begging on his knees... This villain had no scruples, capable of any atrocity.

Forseti couldn't let Ego off so easily. He argued, "Your Majesty, Ego has a history of heinous acts. We shouldn't trust his supposed repentance."

He continued after a pause, "Even if Ego is genuinely remorseful, it doesn't excuse his crimes. Repentance alone can't outweigh the suffering of the victims."

But Odin appeared unconvinced. Frowning at Ego kneeling before him, he pondered silently.

Ego lowered his head and vowed, "To prove my sincerity, I pledge loyalty to you, Your Majesty Odin. I will obey your every command."

Odin's expression softened slightly.

He didn't truly need Ego's allegiance; after all, at six thousand years old, his priorities lay with Asgard's future and his family.

As his life neared its end, ominous premonitions weighed on Odin's mind.

Ragnarok loomed, imminent, and Odin feared he might be powerless to prevent it.

Perhaps bringing Ego into the fold was wise. Ego's power rivaled that of the flame giant Surtur in his prime—a force capable of shaping Ragnarok's course.

Deciding this, Odin overruled Forseti and Thor's objections.

"Ego, do you swear loyalty to me?" Odin asked.

Ego responded promptly, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Odin considered carefully, "If you pledge loyalty, you must renounce all evil deeds. I retain the right to execute you if necessary, understood?"

"Understood. I will repent and never repeat my mistakes," Ego affirmed.

Odin nodded, flicking his spear of eternity. A golden light melded into the ground, disappearing in an instant.

"What is this?" Ego looked at the light merging with him, panic flickering across his face.

"It's a mark. This mark ensures you're under the Rainbow Bridge's perpetual surveillance," Odin explained.

Ego was stunned into silence.

Forseti and Thor remained uneasy. Thor stepped forward, insisting, "Father, you can't trust him—"

Odin cut him off, "Under Rainbow Bridge surveillance, virtue can sway even the most doubtful."

Seeing Odin's resolve, the two had no choice but to relent.

Once Odin passed, perhaps then they could rid Asgard of Egg... Forseti mused. He couldn't trust or tolerate Egg, but for now, they had no recourse against him.

"Ego, those rogues—are they your doing?" Forseti inquired.

Ego hesitated briefly before replying, "I'll order their withdrawal from the battlefield immediately.".....