Employment

"Let’s hope so."

Hill was only half-convinced by Wang Bert’s words. Thinking of something, she advised, "Blood God, I think you should keep a lower profile in the future. You’ve really been too high-profile lately, you know? You’ve even become an idol to the Ravagers. They dream of becoming wealthy tycoons like you."

"If I kept a low profile, this allied army’s target wouldn’t be Xandar, but Earth."

Wang Bert smiled and said, "I’m not that bastard Tony Stark, desperate to live under the spotlight."

Hill froze for a moment, then asked, "You mean you were deliberately being high-profile?"

"That’s right. Earth has so many Infinity Stones. If no one draws the fire, a cosmic army will come sooner or later, especially with Thanos out there, someone who knows us very well."

Wang Bert said with a deep gaze, "Since that’s the case, it’s better to lure the enemy into attacking us. There are two benefits: one, it keeps the battlefield away from Earth; two, it lets us display Earth’s strength.

Earth isn’t weak at all. Other people just don’t know it."

"I see."

Hill was deeply impressed. She said, "Fury and I both underestimated you. We thought you had really turned into a nouveau riche."

"That one-eyed bastard must have cursed me plenty."

Wang Bert snorted. "Hill, you and Fury should focus on your duties. With me here, nothing will happen to Earth."

"Understood."

Hill was completely reassured. She said, "Fury has already infiltrated the allied army. He’ll keep sending you intelligence. Also, if possible, he hopes you can help him take out someone. That person has been opposing him within the Ravagers Alliance."

"No problem."

Wang Bert agreed, then ended the call and phoned Doom. "Doom, when will the Celestial Head be usable?"

"Not for several months at least. On one hand, the Collector damaged it too badly."

Doom said, "On the other hand, this head is incredibly powerful, making repairs extremely difficult. Bert, you may have to bleed heavily this time."

"I lack everything except money. Keep researching."

Wang Bert put down the phone with some disappointment. It seemed he would still have to use the Blood God for this battle.

The Blood God was not bad, but it had no distinguishing features. How could the mighty Blood God fly the same kind of warship as everyone else?

Just then, Wang Bert’s phone rang. It was Nova Prime calling personally.

At Nova Corps headquarters, Nova Prime asked Wang Bert, "Mr. Wang, have you heard the recent rumors?"

Wang Bert asked, "The rumor that Ronan is gathering an army to attack Xandar?"

Nova Prime said worriedly, "Yes. This time, Xandar is in danger."

Wang Bert smiled. "Nova Prime, don’t worry. Ronan is nothing special."

"What arrogance."

A Centurion said dissatisfiedly, "Wang Bert, this whole matter was caused by you."

Quite a few people also looked at Wang Bert with displeasure. Ronan had gathered so many people this time entirely because of Earth Express.

Wang Bert glanced at the Centurion and sneered. "That’s right, it was all caused by me. Without me, Ronan would never have come to attack Xandar."

The Centurion was somewhat angered and was about to say something when Nova Prime shouted, "Don’t talk nonsense. This matter has nothing to do with Mr. Wang. Ronan’s primary target is Xandar."

Centurion Lindy also said, "That’s right. No matter what we did, Ronan would never spare us."

Though everyone was unwilling, they knew Centurion Lindy was right. Nova Prime said to Wang Bert, "Mr. Wang, I apologize for what just happened. In this war, I hope you will continue helping us as you did before."

Wang Bert said, "No problem. I do bear some responsibility in this matter. I’ll waive all portal fees this time."

Everyone’s expressions improved considerably. Only Luke Centurion, who had spoken earlier, snorted inwardly. He felt that Xandar was merely taking the disaster for Wang Bert.

"Thank you, Mr. Wang."

Nova Prime was delighted as well. Thinking of something, she asked, "Mr. Wang, would it be possible to invite you to join the battle personally?"

"My appearance fee is more than you can afford."

Wang Bert smiled. "However, if you need it, I can help you hire Earth’s Super Heroes."

"Those Earth natives?"

Luke Centurion sneered. Wang Bert glared at him, and he flew straight backward with a bang, crashing into the wall before sliding down.

"Mr. Wang!"

Nova Prime shouted angrily, while everyone else glared at Wang Bert in fury. Wang Bert said, "You can insult me, and I don’t care, because I’m generous. But who gave you the courage to look down on Earth?"

Luke Centurion glared at Wang Bert through gritted teeth, reaching for the Energy Gun at his waist. Nova Prime shouted, "Luke Centurion, leave first."

"Yes, Nova Prime."

Though unwilling, Luke Centurion did not dare disobey Nova Prime’s order. He got up and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he shot Wang Bert a venomous look, clearly hating him to the bone.

Wang Bert lightly tapped a finger, and a drop of blood silently entered Luke Centurion’s body. There was no need to care about such a petty man, but precautions still had to be taken.

After Luke Centurion left, Nova Prime said firmly to Wang Bert, "Mr. Wang, Luke Centurion may have gone too far, but he is still a Centurion of the Nova Corps. It wasn’t your place to teach him a lesson."

"I didn’t make a move. I merely made an eye move."

Wang Bert shrugged. "Of course, I was indeed somewhat inappropriate just now. How about this? I’ll donate ten million to the Nova Corps as compensation."

Everyone was speechless, yet they could no longer make things difficult for Wang Bert. Ten million was no small amount.

A tycoon was truly a tycoon.

Nova Prime took a deep breath and asked, "Mr. Wang, I read Centurion Lindy’s report. She said Earth once repelled a Ravagers attack. I would like to know exactly how you accomplished that."

"Hearing is not as good as seeing. Please enjoy."

Wang Bert tapped his smart wristband, and a holographic projection appeared before everyone. They all turned to watch.

A man dressed in black stood before a spaceship and let out a mighty roar. A Ravagers flagship immediately shattered into pieces.

"That’s impossible."

All the Centurions shouted at once. Destroying a flagship with a single roar was simply outrageous. Lindy could not help asking, "Bert, is this a new movie you plan to release?"

"No, it’s a documentary."

Wang Bert played several more clips, including high-temperature bioengineered clones, Drone Armor, and Super Heroes. Everyone stared in astonishment. Earth, which they had considered nothing more than a world of natives, was actually so powerful.

Next, Wang Bert began playing footage of Hulk. The Centurions cried out in amazement. What kind of terrifying monster was that?

"Everyone, Earth is not as weak as you imagine. We have more than enough strength to help you fight Ronan."

Wang Bert said, "Hire us, and we will not disappoint you."

Nova Prime asked impatiently, "What price would it take to hire you? Especially that man in black."

"Two conditions. First, Xandar establishes diplomatic relations with the Earth Federation. Second, one Resource Star. As for its size, that will depend on Earth’s military merits."

Wang Bert said, "If our military merits fall below a certain level, Xandar will not need to pay anything."

Nova Prime was a decisive woman. Without any hesitation, she nodded. "All right, I agree. Mr. Wang, I hope to see Earth’s reinforcements as soon as possible."

"Don’t worry, they’ll arrive soon. Nova Prime, you will not be disappointed."

Wang Bert smiled, stood, and left. Centurion Lindy caught up to him and said, "Don’t blame Luke. He hates rich people, and he used to pursue me."

"I have no interest in blaming him, but if he attacks me, I will never let it go."

Wang Bert said, "It’s a matter of principle."

"Principle? Is chasing women every day also one of your principles?"

Lindy snorted. She had indeed dated Wang Bert before, but they quickly broke up for one simple reason: Wang Bert changed women faster than he changed clothes.

"Yes. I’m immortal, and I need women to maintain my love for this universe."

Wang Bert said, "Otherwise, my long life would make me lose my emotions."

Lindy stared at Wang Bert in disbelief. After a moment, she very unladylike gave him the middle finger and turned to leave.

It was the first time she had heard such an absurd excuse.

"Why did I tell the truth… all right, I really was talking nonsense."

Wang Bert laughed. He had only just turned twenty. What was wrong with liking women? These were trivial matters. Wang Bert turned and left Nova Corps headquarters, then opened a portal back to S.W.O.R.D.

At S.W.O.R.D., Steve and Coulson saw Wang Bert arrive and smiled. "Looks like something big happened."

"Something big did happen. Gather Tony and the five council members. I have something to discuss."

Wang Bert said. Coulson first nodded, then hesitated slightly. "Mr. Wang, I want to talk to you about the Angel Church. Is that all right?"

Wang Bert looked at Coulson and asked with a smile, "What do you want to say?"

"Mr. Wang, aren’t your methods a little too extreme?"

Coulson said, "Several small countries tried to stop your purge of the Angel Church, and it led to political upheaval. Some presidents were even forced from office."

"No, they aren’t extreme at all. Compared to Kamar-Taj, I’ve been quite gentle."

Wang Bert said blandly, "You know Kamar-Taj’s methods."

"I do."

Coulson smiled bitterly. Just from the three demons back then, one could tell how ruthless Kamar-Taj was.

"Coulson, you should know Steve is a devout believer. He even has a nickname: God’s righteous man."

Wang Bert said, "But did he ever try to stop what happened to the Angel Church?"

Coulson looked at Steve in astonishment. Steve shrugged and said, "I’m devout toward God, not angels. In fact, I strongly approve of Bert’s purge of the Angel Church. It was necessary."

"But doing this will cause worry and dissatisfaction in other countries…"

Coulson wanted to say more, but Wang Bert waved a hand. "If anyone is dissatisfied, have them come tell me in person. I guarantee I’ll satisfy them. All right, notify everyone to assemble."

"Yes, Mr. Wang."

Coulson smiled bitterly. Who would dare come talk to you in person? Were they tired of living? Soon, everyone arrived. Wang Bert briefly explained the matter, and everyone’s eyes immediately lit up. Tony could not help asking, "The reward is really a Resource Star?"

"Yes. Don’t make such a fuss. Buying and selling Resource Stars is common in the universe. I was originally planning to buy a planet and rent it to you so you would stop being so shortsighted."

"Buy a Resource Star?"

Everyone clicked their tongues. This Blood God was wealthy beyond measure.

The council members exchanged glances, all feeling somewhat self-mocking—they really had been a little shortsighted.

The Blood God’s purge of the Angel Church was not about seizing power. He truly was protecting Earth.

How could a super tycoon who could casually buy and sell planets possibly bother with such petty schemes? Tony asked greedily, "If we wipe out Ronan’s entire allied army, what kind of Resource Star can Xandar give us?"

"Don’t get ahead of yourself."

Wang Bert smiled. "First, get a Resource Star to practice with. In the future, we will own countless planets."

Thinking of something, Wang Bert said to Tony, "Tony, save up more money. When the time comes, buy a small scenic planet to retire on."

Tony gave Wang Bert the middle finger. So what if you were rich… well, being rich really did seem impressive.

On Earth, although Tony did not have as much money as Wang Bert, he could at least compete with him. But in the universe, there was no comparison at all, because Tony did not have a single cent.

Tony Stark, cosmic pauper.

"That won’t do. I want to expand into interstellar business too."

Tony gritted his teeth and said, "Mobilize the troops immediately and head to Xandar. We can’t miss such a good opportunity."

"That’s right, mobilize the troops immediately."

Everyone nodded in agreement, not considering the possibility of failure at all. What a joke. With the Blood God around, how could they possibly fail?

"Good. Go prepare. In three days, I’ll open a portal and take you there."

Wang Bert nodded, and everyone dispersed. Steve stopped Wang Bert as he was about to leave and asked, "Bert, do you have any leads on the Mind Scepter?"

Ever since learning about the Infinity Stones, the governments of various nations and S.W.O.R.D. had been searching for the Mind Scepter. Wang Bert’s gaze flickered as he asked, "You still haven’t found that group of Hydra after all this time?"

Steve smiled bitterly. "No. That Hydra group is deeply hidden. Bert, the Infinity Stones are too important. We can’t let it remain in Hydra’s hands."

"I’ll have my people keep an eye out."

Wang Bert said. In truth, he knew where the Mind Scepter was—the Mind Scepter bore something he had planted on it. He had not told Steve and the others because he wanted Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch to be born. Both were extremely powerful Super Heroes.

"Then I’ll trouble you."

Steve said, "The interstellar age has no need for scum like Hydra."

"I like that."

Wang Bert laughed. Once Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch were born, Hydra could close up shop for good.

On a planet somewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy, a group of space pirates was attacking a city. Though the defenders resisted desperately, they were no match for the space pirates and suffered heavy casualties.

The pirates were thrilled. Once they captured the city, all its wealth and women would be theirs.

Afterward, the pirates could hide in space. Who would be able to find them?

Just then, a dazzling figure suddenly streaked toward them from the horizon at incredible speed. The defenders erupted into cheers at the sight of the figure, while the pirates were terrified out of their wits. Why had they run into this demon star?