Persuasion and Discussion

"Why is that impossible?"

Wang Bert’s voice rang out from behind Black Bolt. "By using qi to mimic body temperature and other external signs, it’s easy to fool the scanners."

Everyone turned around to see Wang Bert standing behind Black Bolt. Black Bolt gave a bitter smile. "I lost."

"I admit defeat too."

Tony descended from the sky. Rather than being angry or disappointed, he was delighted. "Bert, I’m not far behind you now. You even had to resort to tricks to beat me."

"Boss, why do I feel like you’ve gotten weaker?"

Earth Demon asked with a frown. Wang Bert had still been powerful just now, but he had lacked that overwhelming, unstoppable presence from before.

Steve and the others watching the fight nodded as well. Something was clearly off about Wang Bert.

Just then, a lazy voice came from the balcony. "Tony, you couldn’t even beat one of my clones, yet you dare say you’re not far behind me? You’ve got some thick skin."

Everyone turned in shock and saw Wang Bert leisurely eating an orange on the balcony.

Susan stared wide-eyed. "Why are there two Mr. Wang?"

Tony pointed at the clone behind him, which had suddenly gone blank, and asked Wang Bert in shock, "A clone? That was just your clone?"

"That’s right. It’s loot I seized from Romania some time ago, called the Blood God’s clone."

Wang Bert waved, and the clone turned into a streak of blood-red light that flew back into his body. Smiling, he said, "Tony, take a guess. How much of my strength did he have?"

"Let’s fight again. This time, use your real body."

Tony shouted unwillingly. After working so hard for so long, he had actually failed to defeat even one of Wang Bert’s clones. How could someone as proud as him accept that? Black Bolt typed, "Mr. Wang, I would also like another fight."

Wang Bert smiled. "Sure. But Tony, if you lose, you’ll be responsible for tidying up my lawn."

"Fine."

Tony nodded and formed up with Black Bolt and the others again.

Wang Bert tossed the orange peel downstairs and said, "Watch carefully. The moment the peel hits the ground, I’ll attack."

"Alright."

Tony nodded. The instant the orange peel landed, he activated the Sonic Cannon. But at that moment, Wang Bert’s voice came from behind him. "Sorry, you lost."

Tony turned around in disbelief and saw Wang Bert holding Black Bolt by the throat with one hand, lifting him high into the air.

"How could you be that fast?" Tony cried, unable to comprehend it.

It was not just Tony. Everyone watching was dumbfounded. This was far too outrageous, wasn’t it?

Black Bolt was even beginning to question his life. Wasn’t I the strongest? Wang Bert set Black Bolt down and said calmly, "Tony, you’re not the only one getting stronger. I’m advancing by leaps and bounds too."

During the last Dimensional Demon God invasion, Wang Bert had obtained the Dimensional Demon God’s God Blood.

"Is there no justice in this world? Bosses like you are supposed to stand still and wait for brave heroes like us to level up and challenge you."

Tony grumbled. "Why are you leveling up faster than us?"

"Because the protagonist of this game isn’t the hero. It’s the Demon King."

Wang Bert smiled. "Heroes are out of fashion. These days, it’s all Demon King Falls in Love with Me and My Date with the Demon King."

"I hate those kinds of stories," Tony cursed.

"I rather like them, because I’m the Demon King."

Wang Bert burst into laughter. Earth Demon laughed as well. "Now this is the real boss. That clone earlier was far worse."

"That’s true. They aren’t even on the same level."

Susan nodded. Wang Bert’s clone had been within normal limits. It had been powerful too, but if they went all out, they might still have had a chance to defeat it.

But the real Wang Bert inspired nothing but despair. No matter how desperately they fought, they could never beat him.

Black Bolt typed somewhat dejectedly, "I never expected Earth to have a powerhouse like you. I was a frog at the bottom of a well."

"I’m not the strongest person on Earth. I’m only the next Guardian, not the current one."

Black Bolt stared in astonishment. "There’s someone stronger than you on Earth?"

"Yes. My Master, the Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One."

Wang Bert nodded and said to Black Bolt, "Black Bolt, no matter how this situation develops, your Inhuman Kingdom can never return to the way it was."

Black Bolt typed bitterly, "You want to annex the Inhuman Kingdom?"

"Of course not."

Wang Bert smiled. "I want to invite your Inhuman Kingdom to join the Earth Federation and become part of Earth."

Black Bolt fell into thought. "Earth Federation?"

Tony stepped out of his armor and quietly asked Steve, "Hey, when was the Earth Federation established? How come I didn’t know?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, in a few years."

Tony complained, "A few years from now? He’s inviting people to join an organization that won’t exist for years? If Black Bolt finds out the truth, he’ll beat him up, won’t he?"

"Wait, that’s not right. There’s no way the Earth Federation can be established within a few years."

Thinking of something, Tony shook his head. "In fact, it might not happen even in a few decades. What country would be willing to give up its power?"

"Where there’s a will, there’s a way."

Steve smiled. "Bert is persuading President Ellis to take the lead in forming the Earth Federation."

"How could he possibly agree? America is the strongest country."

Tony sneered. "Bert is being a little too naive."

"If the Earth Federation is established, President Ellis will become its first Speaker."

Steve said, "His place in history could even surpass Washington’s. Do you think he’d be interested?"

Tony stroked his chin. "Forget him, even I’m a little tempted. Maybe I should run for the next presidency?"

Steve shook his head. "Bert is standing behind President Ellis."

"I was just joking."

Tony thought for a moment, then said, "Stark Industries will help Bert persuade them. If Earth wants to enter the interstellar age, it must unite. Even a federal system will do."

On the other side, Wang Bert continued persuading Black Bolt. "Black Bolt, Earth will soon enter the interstellar age. When that happens, your Inhuman Kingdom will have only three paths. First, leave for another place. Second, resist us. Third, join us."

"Attilan cannot leave again."

Black Bolt smiled bitterly. Attilan was not only the Inhuman Kingdom’s city, but also their aerial fortress.

"Cooperating with Earth can easily solve your Inhuman Kingdom’s greatest problem: the lack of resources."

Wang Bert said, "Then all your people can live good lives. They won’t have to mine every day anymore. And by the way, your system is truly terrible. I’m sure Attilan has experienced quite a few uprisings."

Black Bolt was silent for a moment before typing, "If there are enough resources, I will find a way to improve the system."

"When you have time, you can study Earth’s history. I believe it will help you."

Wang Bert smiled. "Also, you don’t need to worry about Earth annexing you. I can give you a promise: I will protect Attilan just as I protect Earth."

Black Bolt’s expression turned solemn. Given Wang Bert’s strength, that promise was anything but ordinary.

Black Bolt typed, "Mr. Wang, this is too important. I need to discuss it with Medusa and my ministers."

"Don’t worry. I’ll help you rescue Queen Medusa."

Wang Bert smiled.

"Thank you."

Black Bolt typed, "By the way, I have several ministers on Earth as well. I hope Mr. Wang can help find them."

"A small matter."

Wang Bert smiled. Steve walked over and said, "It really is a small matter. S.W.O.R.D. is best at finding people."

"Thank you."

Black Bolt nodded and asked Wang Bert for a drawing board, then drew all his subordinates’ appearances.

Steve immediately sent the portraits to S.W.O.R.D. and used its technology to search for those people.

"Black Bolt voluntarily mentioned those people. Looks like Bert has convinced him."

Tony understood perfectly. He sighed inwardly. Bert was as reliable as ever. Unfortunately, he was far too lazy and always made other people do everything.

At S.W.O.R.D., Steve gave the representatives of the five permanent members a detailed account of everything that had happened over the past two days.

"Aliens were involved? I said long ago that the Inhumans couldn’t be trusted."

The Russian representative snorted coldly. He had always been the most opposed to the Inhumans. If Blood God had not been keeping him in check, he would never have agreed to the previous decision.

Steve said, "Those Inhumans are different from the newly born Inhumans. We cannot push the new Inhumans over to their side."

The Russian representative was about to say something when Councilor Malik said, "Our stance toward the Inhumans was decided at the last meeting. There is no need to discuss it again. Steve, how does S.W.O.R.D. intend to handle this crisis?"

"We plan to proceed in two steps. First, deal with the Inhumans on Earth and quell the internal unrest."

Steve said, "Second, Blood God will lead the Super Heroes to the moon to confront the alien fleet, while also helping Black Bolt suppress the rebellion and reclaim his throne.

"Black Bolt is different from the lunar rebels. He is very willing to coexist peacefully with Earth and even establish diplomatic relations."

"Blood God truly has extraordinary abilities. He can even go to the moon."

Councilor Malik and the others all breathed sighs of relief. Having Blood God around was wonderful. Even an alien invasion could be handled easily.

No wonder President Ellis kept shouting, ‘Go to New York and invite Blood God.’

"I don’t doubt Blood God’s abilities, and I believe he can deal with the aliens."

The Russian representative suddenly said, "But for something this significant, are our five nations really going to do nothing but cheer from the sidelines?"

Councilor Malik saw no problem with that at all. He said, "America’s War Abomination and War Machine will join the battle. Besides, we can provide funding."

The Russian representative gave Councilor Malik a contemptuous look. "I believe our five nations should participate directly. This is our responsibility to begin with. If Super Heroes solve everything, what do they need us for? Besides, we will enter the interstellar age sooner or later. Taking part in an interstellar war ahead of time would not be a bad thing."

Everyone was taken aback. The British and French representatives secretly nodded. Super Heroes had begun affecting governmental authority, and this could not be ignored.

Councilor Malik said, "Not that I have anything against you, but how exactly are our armies supposed to get to the moon?"

That question silenced everyone. The British representative said, "Doesn’t Blood God have portals?"

"He does, but if we can only reach the moon through him, what is the point of sending troops into battle?"

Councilor Malik said, "Wouldn’t we still be relying on him?"

The Russian representative thought for a moment and said, "I remember Wakanda’s spacecraft can reach the moon. We can ask them to help transport troops."

Several countries were tempted. Councilor Malik turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, what do you think?"

"If you are willing to join the war, I naturally welcome it. But you’ll need to negotiate with Wakanda yourselves. S.W.O.R.D. does not have that kind of influence."

Steve said.

Councilor Malik nodded. "No problem. I believe Wakanda will show us some respect. After all, this concerns the whole Earth."

Steve nodded, rose, and left the conference room. Immediately afterward, a holographic projection of Erik, King of Wakanda, appeared.

Erik said somewhat coldly, "What do you need from me?"

Councilor Malik got straight to the point. "Your Majesty, can your spacecraft carry people to the moon?"

"It can. It’s a very simple matter."

Erik replied.

"Simple?"

Everyone was speechless. Honestly, they could not understand Wakanda’s thinking at all. It possessed such powerful technology, yet remained hidden in one corner of the world and even pretended to be a poor country receiving United Nations aid.

Were they not ashamed?

Councilor Malik explained the situation, then said, "We hope to borrow Wakanda’s spacecraft to go to the moon and take part in the war to defend Earth."

Erik answered readily, "No problem. I can lend you spacecraft, but I have one condition."

"Please, go ahead."

Councilor Malik said.

"I want to become a permanent member."

Erik said.

"America can agree to that."

Councilor Malik nodded immediately. The other three expressed their agreement as well. Only the Russian representative frowned. "I’ll consider it."

"This time, the four of you agree while Russia objects. Next time, Russia agrees while America objects. Then Britain objects the time after that…"

Erik laughed mockingly. "Do you think Wakanda is A San, endlessly being fleeced by you just to become a permanent member?"

The five representatives became somewhat embarrassed. That had indeed been their plan.

"A San begs you, which is why you can toy with them however you please. But Wakanda does not need to beg you."

Erik paused, then continued, "In fact, Wakanda would not have much difficulty becoming a permanent member. We only need to unite the African nations. But I do not wish to do that. Wakanda does not have such great ambitions."

The five representatives’ expressions became a little ugly. The Russian representative asked, "If Wakanda does not have such great ambitions, why do you want to become a permanent member?"

"For self-protection."

Erik said, "Whether it is now or under the future Earth Federation, Wakanda needs the ability to protect itself."

At the mention of the Earth Federation, none of the five representatives’ expressions changed. They had clearly known about it for a long time. In fact, the matter was now being discussed within every nation. Some supported it, some opposed it, and the situation was extremely complicated.

Erik thought of something and said, "Come to think of it, this lunar battle could serve as a rehearsal for a war of the Earth Federation."

The five representatives exchanged glances. Councilor Malik said, "We need to return and discuss this. It is too important for us to decide on our own."

"Fine. I will prepare the spacecraft."

Erik nodded, and the holographic projection vanished. The five representatives sighed. These days, people were getting harder and harder to fool. A San was still better; there were always new ways to fleece them.