Chapter 232: The Skyblade Initiative (Part 1)

Several days had passed, and the remaining Brood infestations across the world had been nearly eradicated. However, a few scattered remnants, possessing minor intelligence, had managed to hide away and launched occasional surprise attacks.

During the previous war, the families of several superheroes, including Pepper and Aunt May, were safely evacuated to the Azeroth Technologies building under the protection of Kingpin's men.

As a former crime lord of America, Kingpin was naturally sharp and adept at seizing opportunities. This move earned him a more favorable impression among most superheroes.

Just as Tony was spending his days wrapped up with Pepper, he suddenly received a mysterious phone call.

"Mr. Stark."

The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but Tony didn't immediately place it. After a moment of contemplation, he finally remembered.

"Fury? I thought the military had already dealt with you. What do you need?"

"The government has decided to dismantle H.A.M.M.E.R. and establish S.W.O.R.D. to counter the increasing frequency of extraterrestrial invasions."

"The White House really loves shaking things up—S.H.I.E.L.D., H.A.M.M.E.R., and now S.W.O.R.D. Do they just think changing the name will help?" Tony scoffed, unable to grasp the logic of politicians.

"Tony, who's calling you now?" Pepper's tone carried a trace of irritation. "You're a businessman, not their errand boy."

"Tony, based on our intel, the mastermind behind the first New York invasion is poised to strike again. When that happens, Earth will face an unprecedented catastrophe." Coulson and his S.H.I.E.L.D. team had remained active, uncovering classified information along the way.

Fury's words stirred Tony's memories of the black hole over New York and the terrifying technological might he had witnessed within it—forces far beyond their ability to resist.

"Sorry, but I'm not sure how much I can help. Maybe you should contact Garus instead. His…" Tony hesitated before mentioning the Infinity Stones in Garus' possession and chose to remain silent.

"We're already on our way to him. There's a meeting at the temporary United Nations headquarters this afternoon at 3 PM. We hope to see you there."

As the call ended with a series of beeps, Tony let out a sigh. He knew he was about to get busy again.

Maybe I should propose to Pepper, he thought suddenly.

When he had seen the ruins of Stark Tower, regret had hit him hard. Thinking about everything Pepper had done for him, he realized he had been selfish—always focused on himself while she had silently supported him through everything.

Without Pepper, the company might not have collapsed, but it would have been in chaos. More than once, she had faced danger because of him.

"Pepper, I need to head to the UN building. When I get back, I have a surprise for you."

Pepper looked at him, bewildered. "What are you up to?"

...

The devastation from the invasion had been severe, leaving no nation untouched. Every country had to rely on its own resources for recovery.

Garus could have easily reconstructed an entire city in an instant, but he had no intention of doing so—there were far too many cities in need of rebuilding, and he wasn't about to exhaust himself for all of them.

Thus, after clearing the rubble, a network of white tents was erected. Fortunately, the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, making the temporary shelters more bearable.

Tony's Iron Legion had shifted roles, now acting as construction workers rebuilding the new Stark Tower. Government officials were even considering requesting Tony's assistance in rebuilding the city at large.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Azeroth Technologies building, a man and a woman arrived.

"Hello, could you help us get in touch with Mr. Garus?"

The receptionist glanced up at them, recognizing them after a brief moment. "Please wait a moment, I'll notify Mr. Wilson."

Since Garus wasn't present, Kingpin had to be informed first.

Shortly after, Garus descended from the upper floors.

"Fury, Hill, what brings you here?" Garus wasn't surprised by their visit.

"This is the Skyblade Initiative." Maria Hill handed over a thick dossier. "There's a meeting at the UN building this afternoon. We hope you can attend."

What are they up to this time? Garus mused. Regardless, it was the perfect opportunity to reveal his own plans. Whether they accepted them or not was irrelevant—he would proceed regardless.

"Fine, I'll be there."

Without giving them a chance to respond, Garus turned and walked away.

Back in his underground lab, he addressed Dr. Wim, who was working in front of the supercomputer.

"Is the data ready?"

Fully deciphering Titan technology in such a short time was impossible, but preparing explanatory materials was manageable.

"Mr. Garus, everything is stored on this drive. The information should be accessible to the general public."

Once the technology was fully understood, setting up an entire planetary defense system would require minimal effort, especially with Garus' undead army and the power of the Infinity Stones at his disposal.

...

The war had turned Manhattan into ruins, leaving the United Nations headquarters in complete collapse. Many officials had perished in the chaos.

Once global communications were restored, world leaders held emergency meetings to formulate response strategies. The American president's proposal for the Skyblade Initiative was swiftly approved, though fierce debates over leadership ensued.

Today, at a temporary encampment on the outskirts of New York, the military had set up heavy security, with diplomatic vehicles from various nations parked at the entrance.

The first to arrive was General Ross of the U.S. military, accompanied by his daughter, Betty Ross. By now, she had fully mastered her transformation into the She-Hulk, boasting formidable combat prowess.

During the Brood invasion, it was she who had ensured her father's safety.

Other early arrivals included Tony Stark, Dr. Reed Richards, Norman Osborn, and various prominent scientists and business leaders.

"Mr. President, that's Garus," whispered a secretary beside the American leader.

Not that the president needed the reminder—he had already noticed.

Unlike others who arrived by car, Garus descended from the sky aboard a Skrull vessel. He no longer needed to hide anything, and the sight drew the attention of every leader present.

"Mr. Garus, we are grateful for everything you've done for our country." The president's feelings toward Garus were a mix of admiration and apprehension. He could only hope this meeting wouldn't escalate into conflict.

"It was necessary. I'm already aware of your plan, but I have a better way to protect Earth."

Just as the president was about to ask for details, Garus strode into the meeting hall without another word.

Once this matter was settled, he still had to find the Soul Stone and decide how to handle the Time Stone. If his calculations were correct, Dormammu should have invaded this world by now.

He had no interest in facing off against the Ancient One—a being said to rival Odin in power.

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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON