Chapter 221: The Mind Stone and Red Queen's Emotions
In an ancient stone chamber, the Ancient One clasped her hands together, weaving intricate spells as she continuously drew mysterious items from the void and tossed them into a stone furnace before her.
This ancient magic was something even Hela, a goddess renowned for countless years, had never witnessed. For a moment, she was entranced by the sight.
Although the Ancient One appeared calm and composed, her heart dared not falter. The magic she wielded came from the depths of darkness, and a single misstep could trigger a catastrophe on a cosmic scale.
Buzz!
Suddenly, the stone furnace trembled slightly. Threads of radiant golden light burst forth, spreading outward and illuminating the entire chamber.
Hela turned her gaze to the luminous threads, each inscribed with profound runes that emanated a sense of danger she couldn't ignore.
"If you don't wish to lose yourself, I suggest you stop staring at those," Ancient One advised as one hand made a delicate gesture, while the other traced something in the air.
At her reminder, Hela quickly looked away, ceasing to study the runes. She understood well that these magical symbols carried an inherent risk.
For ordinary people, they might pose no harm. But for those who understood magic, gazing too deeply into such runes could lead to obsession.
If one could comprehend and master them, it would undoubtedly be a great boon. However, if their strength fell short of the runes' power, they would face reverse assimilation—becoming slaves to the symbols.
Back when Hela was sealed in Hel, she had once sensed a human on Earth attempting to wield the Space Stone's power with a mortal body. That person had now become the guardian of the Soul Stone, forever bound to its location.
After warning Hela, the Ancient One began chanting in a strange, arcane language. The golden threads of light began to swirl around the two of them, while an unknown energy surged forth from the Sanctum Sanctorum.
This energy extended across the Earth—and even throughout the universe—with the sole purpose of locating the Emperor.
---
At Alan's Residence
Having dealt with all necessary matters, Alan turned his attention to online discussions about the Emperor.
As expected, the tide of public opinion had shifted. The internet was now flooded with criticism of the Emperor.
"It seems that in every world, volatile netizens are always the main force behind public opinion wars," Alan mused with a faint smile.
"No wonder United States spends so much money every year funding public intellectuals in the East. Invisible warfare can often be the most lethal."
In his previous life, the propaganda war waged by that country had been thoroughly dismantled in the East. This world was no exception.
At that moment, Red Queen, who was busy countering Hydra, appeared beside Alan. "Master, tomorrow's edition of The Daily Bugle has already been drafted. Would you like to review it first?"
"Let me see it."
Alan's tone was indifferent. If it weren't for the fact that the Emperor's identity was closely tied to Gwen, Alan wouldn't have bothered with the schemes of Hydra or the high-ranking officials of United States.
To him, they were nothing more than petty clowns.
With Red Queen's assistance, a digital copy of the newspaper appeared before Alan. He glanced at the headline, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Oh?"
"This reporter's got talent. Coming up with such a headline—it's got the right tone."
The bold headline on the largest section of the newspaper read:
"Emperor Brutally Murders an Official of United States, Framing Humanity for Personal Gain!"
The headline was succinct yet inflammatory, perfectly encapsulating the event while provoking strong emotions.
"Let me see which reporter is so gifted."
"Hm?"
When Alan saw the reporter's name, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Eddie Brock?"
"It's him!"
In an instant, Alan recalled a familiar figure from the Marvel Universe: the host of the symbiote Venom and Spider-Man's rival!
According to the storyline Alan knew, Brock and Peter Parker both worked as reporters for The Daily Bugle.
Because he was jealous of Peter Parker frequently capturing photos of Spider-Man, Eddie Brock fabricated one himself.
However, when Peter, under the influence of the symbiote, exposed the fake, Eddie harbored deep resentment.
While stalking Peter, he was accidentally bonded with the symbiote Venom, forming a deadly partnership to hunt down and kill Peter.
"Now that I've repurposed the symbiote as a battle suit, I wonder if this Eddie Brock will still become Venom," Alan thought curiously.
He didn't dwell on it for long. After all, in another world, Eddie Brock became Venom due to involvement in a scientific experiment.
In different parallel universes, the same individual's fate could differ drastically.
If this Eddie Brock were to die in a car accident tomorrow, Alan wouldn't be surprised.
"Master, should we allow this edition of the newspaper to be published?" Red Queen asked.
The article contained various derogatory terms directed at Alan, which Red Queen thoroughly disliked. Out of absolute loyalty, she sought Alan's permission before making any decisions.
If not for this, Red Queen, with her current capabilities, could easily take over The Daily Bugle.
Alan smiled. "Let them publish it. They worked so hard on it."
"If they don't publish it, how can I proceed with my next plan?"
"I'm quite interested to see their expressions when the tide of online fury turns against them."
"Understood."
"By the way, how's your research on the Mind Scepter going?" Alan asked out of curiosity.
After all, Tony Stark had developed an apocalyptic-level AI using the scepter. With Red Queen's abilities, she could undoubtedly uncover its secrets.
Upon hearing his question, Red Queen waved her hand, summoning a projection of the Mind Scepter.
"Master, I've discovered a very peculiar consciousness at the center of the gem."
"A consciousness?" Alan understood that she was referring to the Mind Stone.
The Mind Stone indeed seemed to have its unique sentience, eventually merging with J.A.R.V.I.S. to create the uniquely intelligent Vision.
"Red Queen, have you considered destroying the Mind Scepter?"
"This is something you gave me for research, Master. Without your permission, I wouldn't destroy it."
Alan didn't find her response odd. However, if Tony Stark were present, he would be shocked by the distinct emotions displayed by Red Queen—something no AI should possess.
The only explanation was that some unique transformation occurred during her research on the Mind Scepter.
"Since it's for your research, it's yours. Study it however you like."
Alan didn't care much about the Mind Stone.
"Understood, Master. I'll take my leave then."
Just as Alan was about to nod, signaling Red Queen to leave, he suddenly sprang up from the couch.
"Someone is looking for me?"
A golden thread shot through the glass of the balcony, flying straight toward Alan.
This golden thread was invisible to everyone except Alan—not even the advanced scanning capabilities of Red Queen could detect it.
Alan grasped the thread, immediately sensing its immense power.
With a flash of golden light, the Emperor armor enveloped Alan's body as he reached out to seize the thread.
Buzz!
The golden thread quivered violently in his hand, as if trying to break free.
The raging power was firmly suppressed by Alan.
"What is this?"
This violent force was no weaker than Odin's divine power. Why had it suddenly appeared before him?
"Red Queen, I'll be stepping out for a bit. Stay home and wait for Gwen to return."
Although Red Queen didn't know what was happening, she obeyed Alan's orders without hesitation.
"Understood, Master."
With one step, Alan took the golden thread and ascended into outer space.
---
In the chamber of the Sanctum Sanctorum
As she performed her spell, the Ancient One's expression shifted.
"What's going on?"
"Did you find him?" Hela asked urgently.
"No, my spell... it's been caught…"
…
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