Return to Earth, Supergiant

"That guy’s prophecy was completely inaccurate. It might be a boy."

A moment later, Tony snorted. Someone as proud as him would never believe in so-called prophecies.

Even if it was true, Tony Stark could defy fate and change his destiny.

"Jarvis, give Happy a month off. Then find a group of relationship experts and have them teach Happy how to pursue Peter’s aunt. Consider it an employee benefit."

Tony quietly instructed Jarvis, who replied, "Yes, sir."

Pepper had not heard Tony’s instruction. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Tony, can we ask Bert to be the child’s godfather?"

Tony flew into Stark Tower, removed his armor, and walked up to Pepper. Then he asked, "Why him? That guy doesn’t even believe in God. He even sent someone to chop Gabriel to death before—the really brutal kind."

Pepper was speechless. This godfather was a little too impressive, wasn’t he? "I just want to give the child some protection."

Pepper said this not only for the child, but also for Tony. She was afraid Bert’s prophecy would come true.

"Then let’s ask him. Though I’m enough on my own. Pepper, I won’t let my child suffer even a little."

Though Tony was somewhat displeased, he still nodded. At that moment, he vaguely heard someone let out a smug laugh. He hurriedly checked the surroundings, but found nothing.

Tony frowned and was about to have Jarvis scan the area when Pepper suddenly said, "Tony, get down on one knee. You still haven’t proposed to me!"

Tony froze, then obediently knelt down. "Pepper, I can’t live without you. Will you marry me?"

"Yes, I will."

Pepper cried tears of joy. After waiting so many years, she had finally gotten her happy ending.

This year was America’s election year, so things were especially lively.

President Ellis was running for reelection, and his performance during his presidency had been outstanding, giving him an extremely high approval rating. His slogan was to make himself America’s last president. In other words, he intended to push for the official establishment of the Earth Federation during his term.

The other candidate’s slogan was completely different from President Ellis’s. At that moment, he was introducing his platform to the voters.

His supporters cheered one after another. Over the past two years, high technology such as artificial intelligence had developed as crazily as a rocket, causing many people to lose their jobs.

Although the government and corporations had been helping with reemployment, and Resource Star needed a large amount of manpower, many people still could not adapt and did not want to adapt. They missed 2008 beyond measure, so they fanatically supported this candidate who was full of nonsense.

"For such remarks to have so much support, America’s education system is truly worrying."

On a building above the rally, Wang Bert held a wineglass and spoke indifferently. He was only a projection. Hell had recently been engulfed in war, while Kamar-Taj was relatively peaceful, so he had come out for a stroll.

As for his real body, it was still sleeping beneath New York and was close to completing its transformation.

"Anti-intellectualism has always been popular in America. In Hollywood movies, the ones destroying the world are always elites, upper-class people, or mad scientists."

Tony, who looked exhausted, sneered. "That alone would be one thing, but what’s even more ridiculous is that the people who save the world are always uneducated little nobodies."

Skye, whom Wang Bert had summoned, poured wine for the two big shots while saying unhappily, "Can’t ordinary people save the world?"

"They can, but it isn’t scientific."

Tony shook his head. Wang Bert asked, "Tony, why are you so exhausted? You look like you’re about to die young. If you kick the bucket, your fortune, wife, and child will all be inherited by someone else."

"You’re the one about to die young. There’s been too much going on lately—the company, S.W.O.R.D., Resource Star, and Pepper’s almost due."

Tony sighed and said, "Pepper is practically a different person. Can you believe it? She wants me to tell her ‘I love you’ a hundred times a day. I’m going insane."

"She used to take care of you. Now you’re taking care of her."

Wang Bert shook his head. At that moment, the candidate below shouted, "Vote for me! Once I become president, I’ll tell you all the truth—demons, Vampires, aliens, every truth, I’ll tell you all of it!"

Wang Bert could not help laughing. "Ha, this guy really has guts."

Tony asked, "Aren’t you going to do something? He’s planning to expose the Blood Clan."

"I won’t interfere with the election."

Wang Bert said, "And even if the Blood Clan is exposed, so what? Would anyone still dare provoke the Blood Clan?"

"With you around, who would dare provoke the Blood Clan? If they really were exposed, I’m afraid countless people would cry and beg to become Blood Clan members."

Tony rolled his eyes and said, "Don’t worry. That guy’s support rate is nowhere near President Ellis’s. Besides, most major corporations have invested their funds into the space industry. They won’t allow Earth to move backward."

Tony had put a great deal of work into this. Simply put, he had pulled many corporations into the web of interstellar interests. If the space age went bankrupt, they would go bankrupt with it.

By this point, the space age could no longer be stopped—unless there was a Civil War.

"As a capitalist, I still need to do what a capitalist should do."

After thinking for a moment, Wang Bert called Lilith and said, "Have all major TV Stations, Twitter, and Facebook completely ban this candidate’s remarks. The reason is low intelligence. Also, investigate the source of that guy’s funding and cut it all off."

"No problem, Blood God."

Lilith agreed decisively. This was no challenge at all for her—or rather, for the Blood Clan.

"And you call that not interfering with the election?"

Skye stared wide-eyed. Everything had been banned. What election was left to run? "These are legitimate and legal methods. In fact, this is how everyone plays."

Wang Bert shrugged and said, "Stupidity is contagious. It’s better to keep it contained. Come to think of it, I’m still too merciful. If I were harsher, I’d just have Dr. Richards invest in those people’s companies."

"That’s a strategic-level weapon. You can’t use it casually."

Tony laughed. Even he had been screwed over by Dr. Richards, let alone everyone else.

Tony asked, "Bert, if that guy really wins the election and actually tries to drag America back to 2008, what are you going to do?"

"I’ll build New America, then seal all those who don’t agree with the space age inside a single state."

Wang Bert said, "Since they want to stay in 2008, I’ll grant their wish. We can treat it as a human museum. It’ll make future archaeology easier too."

Tony and Skye were both stunned. "Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I’m joking?"

Wang Bert said, "Humanity must enter the space age. There’s no room for negotiation. I won’t allow anyone to turn back."

"I agree with you on that, but your methods are too cruel."

Tony shook his head and changed the subject. "By the way, how many days are you planning to stay on Earth this time? You haven’t returned to Earth in nearly a year. President Ellis and the others are panicking. They call S.W.O.R.D. and Blood God Group every day, asking when you’ll return.

"Heh, when those presidents heard you’d been captivated by the beauties of Sovereign, they even suggested sending beautiful women to snatch you back."

"I’ve always been here. You just didn’t know it."

Wang Bert shrugged. He did not mention his sleep and had always pretended to be on Sovereign.

Tony said, "At a time like this, Earth can’t do without you and me."

Wang Bert grumbled, "Shouldn’t it be that Earth can’t do without me? Why are you joining in?"

"You have the nerve to say that as someone who dumps all his responsibilities on others?"

Tony looked at him contemptuously. "Enough. I’m going back to work. Visit Pepper when you have time. You promised to be my child’s godfather.

"Oh, and your prophecy was wrong. The child in Pepper’s belly is a pair of Dragon and Phoenix Twins."

"Dragon and Phoenix Twins? That’s good news. Looks like fate has completely changed."

Wang Bert smiled. Pepper had become pregnant early, and now she was carrying twins. There was nothing strange about that.

"Keep pretending."

Tony rolled his eyes, put on his Mark Armor, and flew into the distance. At that moment, Jarvis asked, "Sir, why not tell Mr. Wang about that matter?"

"Because I can’t be sure whether there really is an enemy, or whether I’ve developed prenatal depression."

Tony replied irritably. During this period, he had constantly felt that someone was around him and Pepper, yet Pepper had sensed nothing, and Jarvis had found nothing either.

Tony always felt that the matter was not so simple. He used Drone Armor to keep Pepper tightly protected. Though Pepper was annoyed, she did not object. After all, Tony was worried about her.

Tony said, "Don’t worry. It’s nothing serious. Bert is back, after all."

In the office, Wang Bert swirled his wineglass and asked Skye, "Do you know why I asked you here today?"

Skye felt a little guilty. Pretending to be nonchalant, she asked, "Do you want to hire me again to take care of Mindy and the others?"

Wang Bert smiled. "I’ll give you one more chance, Skye. Don’t disappoint me."

Skye looked at Wang Bert. Suddenly, inspiration struck. She raised her wineglass, knelt down, and shouted, "Master."

"Not too stupid after all. From today onward, you’re my disciple. Get up."

Wang Bert smiled as he accepted the wineglass. Skye’s shockwave ability placed a great burden on her body, and sometimes even injured her.

Mindy and the others played games with Skye every day. When they saw her injured, they gave her Qi and sent her plenty of Dragon Bone. Their Master had lots of the stuff anyway; his warehouse was piled full of it.

"That simple? I was worried for nothing. It’s all Mindy’s fault for always making me watch martial arts movies."

The weight in Skye’s heart finally lifted. As she stood, she said, "In those movies, people who secretly learn martial arts get hunted down."

"My sect doesn’t have that many restrictions."

Wang Bert smiled. "After all, it only got its name last year."

Skye looked bewildered. "Our sect has a name?"

"Yes. It’s called the Dragon Subduing Sect."

Wang Bert waved his hand carelessly and said, "Come to my manor tonight."

Skye asked warily, "What do you want to do?"

"What’s with that expression?"

Wang Bert said irritably, "Tonight, I’ll help you become Iron Fists. I’m famous for not sleeping with women close to me, all right?"

"You’re afraid women close to you will cling to you, aren’t you?"

Skye looked at him disdainfully. Most of Blood God’s women were discarded after he was done with them. He was a textbook scumbag.

"I think we should follow the martial arts movie routine."

Wang Bert shouted righteously, "Witch, you dare secretly learn the martial arts of my Dragon Subduing Sect? Surrender at once!"

"Master, I’ll come over tonight."

Leaving those words behind, Skye immediately turned and fled. Wang Bert shook his head, then looked down at the rally below and smiled disdainfully.

Next, Wang Bert closed his eyes and sensed the drop of blood attached to the Mind Scepter. According to the information recorded within it, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver had already been born, though they were somewhat different from their movie counterparts.

In the movies, Scarlet Witch Wanda and Quicksilver Pietro were siblings, but in this world, they were older sister and younger brother. Moreover, Wanda looked and was built the same as in the movies, but Pietro looked somewhat different.

How should he put it? He looked a little like a fusion of the Quicksilvers from "Avengers 2" and "X-Men."

"Why did this change happen? Could it be because of Kick-Ass?"

Wang Bert rubbed his chin. The Quicksilver in "Avengers 2" and Kick-Ass were played by the same actor. Kick-Ass also existed in this world. He had always wanted to become a Super Hero, but because he had no superpowers, no company was willing to take him in. He was now an insignificant street hero.

Although Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver had already been born, they still needed the Mind Scepter’s adjustments. After some thought, Wang Bert decided not to retrieve the Mind Scepter immediately. He had waited this long, so another stretch of time did not matter.

Next, Wang Bert sensed Hydra’s situation. Finding that everything was under control, he nodded in satisfaction and cut off the connection.

What Wang Bert did not know was that the instant he severed the connection, a faint glow lit up around the Mind Scepter. Immediately afterward, a mocking voice said, "Whether human or god, once things go smoothly for too long, they tend to get carried away."

Along with that voice, a woman with sea-blue skin, silver armor, and a cape manifested from the Mind Scepter. She was Supergiant, one of the Black Order under Thanos.

Supergiant was proficient in mind control, telepathy, mental transmission, and memory theft. Thanos had ordered her to hide inside the Mind Scepter to steal intelligence and carry out plans for him.

Protected by the Mind Stone, neither Loki, Mephisto, nor Wang Bert had discovered Supergiant’s existence.

Supergiant then walked out of the treasure room and happened to see Wanda and Pietro training. Contrary to what Wang Bert knew, they had already completely stabilized and no longer needed adjustments.

The reason for this was that Supergiant had altered the intelligence obtained through the blood. Simply put, everything Wang Bert knew was what Supergiant wanted him to know.

There was no invincible ability in this world. Wang Bert’s blood sensing had encountered its nemesis.

In fact, Wang Bert’s carelessness toward the Mind Scepter was also the result of Supergiant secretly influencing him through his blood.

Wanda’s scarlet energy and Pietro’s super speed made Baron Strucker, who wore a monocle nearby, extremely excited. He said, "Pietro, you will become the fastest man on Earth, even faster than the Blood God."

Pietro said proudly, "Of course, Baron Strucker. Can you buy me another pair of running shoes? I ran my current pair into ruin again."

"Of course. I can give you as many running shoes as you want."

Baron Strucker burst into laughter. Supergiant could not help shaking her head. What was a frog at the bottom of a well? This was a frog at the bottom of a well. The Blood God had already become a god, yet these Hydra people were still judging him by the strength he had shown during the Battle of New York.

It was worth mentioning that no one could see Supergiant. Only Wanda faintly sensed something, but she believed it was merely an illusion.

Supergiant then headed underground, where many blue-skinned Kree were conducting experiments on humans.

That was right—the Kree. Thanos had secretly sent them here.