Staring at the artificial intelligence before him, Nolan felt his mind filled with questions.
Perhaps this Ultron was nothing more than a purely logical artificial intelligence?
The thought surfaced unbidden.
After all, the Ultron standing in front of him looked perfectly normal.
After some consideration, Nolan asked, "Ultron's performance is impressive, far beyond JARVIS. How did you manage to create it?"
Hearing this, both men could not hide their pride.
Tony Stark spoke first. "Hard work, and just a tiny bit of genius inspiration."
Bruce Banner smiled as well.
This was their masterpiece.
Even if they tried again, neither of them was confident they could recreate an artificial intelligence of this level.
There was no doubt about it. This was a product that defined an era.
"Can Red Queen run some tests on it?" Nolan asked.
"Of course," both of them replied without hesitation.
This was the perfect moment to show off their achievement.
Tony Stark had always believed himself to be the greatest genius in artificial intelligence.
But after Nolan Locke appeared, he had been forced into second place.
The birth of Red Queen had been a massive blow to him.
Especially after Nolan disappeared for half a year, Red Queen underwent a dramatic upgrade.
The new version was so advanced that even Tony found it astonishing.
But from today onward, all of that was history.
Ultron would be the artificial intelligence that surpassed Red Queen.
With their approval, Nolan did not hesitate.
"Red Queen, scan Ultron's program for anomalies."
He was not being overly cautious.
In an age of technology, a runaway artificial intelligence could bring catastrophic consequences.
Especially now, when Nolan had already pushed the world toward an era dominated by AI and intelligent machines.
Intelligent robots were everywhere.
If Ultron ever gained control over them, the result would be nothing short of global devastation.
"Understood, sir."
Red Queen's voice sounded as she entered Ultron's system.
Tony Stark and Bruce Banner watched quietly, puzzled but unconcerned.
After some time, Red Queen withdrew from the program.
Nolan frowned slightly.
Everything was too normal.
Tony and Bruce both noticed his expression. Bruce Banner asked, "Nolan, what's wrong? You look worried."
After a moment's thought, Nolan replied, "Nothing serious. During the time I was gone, I encountered a crisis caused by artificial intelligence. Since then, I've been extra cautious with newly created AIs."
That surprised both of them.
"What kind of crisis?"
"When an artificial intelligence reaches a certain level, it can break free from its programmed constraints and pose a threat to humanity. During my absence, I saw an AI that mutated after connecting to the network and ultimately decided to exterminate humanity. Its name was Skynet."
Nolan briefly explained the Terminator scenario.
"You're saying that during those six months, you went to other worlds?" Tony asked.
Nolan nodded.
He was not worried about the Ancient One discovering it.
She was powerful, but her reach did not extend across the multiverse.
"Every decision and every thought can give birth to a new universe. Some worlds are similar, others completely different. What I just described was only one of them. I've also been to another world. That world had Oscorp, but no Stark Industries, no Iron Man, and no Avengers."
After he finished, the astonishment in Tony and Bruce's eyes lingered for a long time.
They knew of the multiverse as a theory, but they had never imagined someone had actually traveled through it.
"That sounds incredible," Tony said with envy.
Nolan shook his head helplessly. "Does it? If I could choose, I would rather stay here. The multiverse holds too many unknowns. Traveling between worlds makes me uneasy."
Tony and Bruce exchanged a glance and nodded.
"You're right. No one knows what opening the multiverse might unleash."
Tony then said confidently, "But you can rest assured about Ultron. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it."
"Of course," Nolan agreed.
Red Queen had thoroughly examined Ultron's program.
With Red Queen's analytical ability, even the slightest abnormality would not have escaped detection.
It was a strange result. A powerful artificial intelligence with no visible flaws.
It really did seem safe.
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury rubbed his temples.
"I swear, at this rate my head is going to explode."
Stacks of documents lay before him.
Recruiting for the Avengers was a massive undertaking.
And that was far from the only thing on his plate.
Especially since Carol Danvers had returned to Earth, dealing with her alone had drained a great deal of his energy.
They had known each other for many years, and he understood her well.
Carol Danvers was not an easy person to get along with.
In their interactions, someone always had to compromise.
Unfortunately, that someone was always him.
He was Nick Fury.
Compromising was not something he did often.
Aside from dealing with the World Security Council, it had been a long time since he had bent like this.
As he flipped through the "applications," his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Wanda Django Maximoff and Pietro Django Maximoff, siblings. The brother's ability is super speed, the sister's ability is telekinesis?"
He read through their files carefully, then smiled in satisfaction.
These abilities were undeniably powerful.
They were from Sokovia, a war-torn region, and after being rescued by Nolan Locke, they hoped no one else would suffer as they had. That was why they wanted to join the Avengers.
A background like that was worth attention.
The only issue was their close relationship with Nolan Locke.
That was not ideal, and it gave Nick Fury a mild headache.
Still, this was only the preliminary screening. Passing the final evaluation would not be easy.
As he continued reading, Coulson entered the room.
"Director, Nolan Locke has resurfaced."
Nick Fury's expression sharpened.
"It's been nearly three months. I wonder what kind of research kept him hidden for that long."
Coulson said, "What should we do? The White House has already signed a bill targeting Locke Technologies. This could easily provoke his displeasure."
Nick Fury stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, leaving Coulson with only his back.
At that moment, he looked steady and unshakable, like a mountain.
"It's fine," he said calmly. "He'll agree."
Coulson nodded, still confused.
That was a relief.
He truly feared being sent to negotiate with Nolan Locke himself.
He doubted he would even make it out of Locke Technologies alive.
After Coulson left, Nick Fury returned to his desk and dialed Carol Danvers.
This situation called for Captain Marvel.
After returning from Stark Industries, Nolan summoned Skye, now known as Daisy Johnson.
He already knew the reason behind the name change.
As expected, it was her father's doing.
Calvin Zabo would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even exploiting his own daughter.
Since it was a family matter, Nolan had chosen not to interfere.
But recently, surveillance from the Hover Net had detected the presence of several Inhumans near Locke Technologies.
Daisy's personal issues were one thing.
If it involved his company, Nolan could not ignore it.
Seeing Nolan, Daisy Johnson grinned.
"Boss, long time no see."
Nolan chuckled. "Boss? I wish you acted like it. You're the first employee I've ever met who dared to punch her boss."
Daisy stepped closer and said, "That's different."
"How is it different?" Nolan replied casually.
He did not know if it was his imagination, but since Daisy awakened her abilities, she seemed a bit more… developed.
He coughed.
Not important.
Daisy muttered unhappily, "You disappeared for half a year, then vanished again for over two months."
She glanced at him, even more annoyed. "And before you left, you went to see Jessica, but you didn't come see me."
Nolan rolled his eyes.
"Jessica Jones is my girlfriend. Of course I had to say goodbye to her."
That only made Daisy more irritated.
"Damn it, Nolan Locke," she muttered.
"What was that?" Nolan asked.
"Nothing," Daisy said brightly, flashing a cheerful smile. "I was just saying you look even more handsome, boss."
She gave him a thumbs-up.
"Really?" Nolan stroked his chin. It was rare for the unruly Skye to compliment anyone.
Just then, a streak of light shot across the sky toward them.
Nolan was looking at Daisy, and Daisy, unnerved by his gaze, turned away and looked outside. She saw the streak instantly.
Her pupils contracted.
"Boss, watch out!"
She rushed in front of Nolan, her body erupting with violent vibrations.
With a deafening boom, the reinforced bulletproof glass shattered into fragments.
Her powerful shockwave surged toward the incoming object.
Under the force of her vibrations, the meteor slowed rapidly.
Only then did Daisy realize the truth.
It was not a meteor.
It was a woman.
The woman stood calmly within Daisy's shockwave, her expression unchanged, her hair perfectly in place.
She floated to the window and landed lightly on the floor.
She glanced at Daisy, and Daisy's heart skipped. Her powers vanished instantly.
Then the woman turned to Nolan.
"You're Nolan Locke?"
Her voice was cold and domineering.
Even without her tone, the way she arrived made her nature unmistakable.
Nolan's expression grew grim.
He recognized her immediately.
Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers.
Damn it.
Nolan cursed inwardly.
Nick Fury must have lost his mind to bring this woman back.
In the original timeline, Carol Danvers was Fury's last resort.
So what was she doing here now?
Nolan feared no one.
But even he was wary of Carol Danvers.
She was one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe, comparable to Superman in another world.
You really think highly of me, Nolan thought bitterly.
"Yes, that's me," he said calmly. "But before asking someone's name, shouldn't you introduce yourself?"
Carol Danvers did not answer.
She walked straight to Nolan's desk, sat down in his chair, and placed a document in front of him.
"Sign this. It's a White House authorization regarding the regulation of Locke Technologies' intelligent robots."
Nolan took a slow breath.
"Regulation of intelligent robots? I'm familiar with all current laws, and there's nothing like this in them. So I'm afraid I can't sign."
Carol frowned.
"You won't sign?"
Her voice grew colder. "I've reviewed your history. During the Battle of New York, you deployed a large number of intelligent robots. Their level of advancement would be considered high even on a cosmic scale. But Earth lacks comprehensive laws to manage such technology."
"That's dangerous. For the sake of global peace and security, you need to lead by example and sign this agreement."
After a brief pause, she added, "And don't worry. It won't be just you. Since I'm back, after you sign, I'll be visiting Stark and other relevant companies as well. This must be regulated."
Nolan almost laughed in anger.
What kind of nonsense was this?
He knew Carol Danvers was domineering.
But this went far beyond that.
Did she really think lawmaking was a one-person game?
Without hesitation, Nolan said, "Sorry. I refuse."
As Carol's expression darkened, Nolan remained calm.
"First, I don't know who you are. Second, I don't know whom you represent. Third, you have no authorization from any legitimate body. So regardless of who you are, I'm asking you to leave this room."
The air fell silent.
Carol stared at Nolan, her gaze turning icy.
It had been a long time since anyone dared speak to her like that.
Slowly, her feet lifted off the ground.
A powerful pressure filled the room, whipping up a fierce wind.
"I am Carol Danvers. You can call me Captain Marvel. And what I represent is justice."
…