"Master~, you're finally out!"
As Aaron stepped into the living room, a coquettish voice filled with excitement rang out.
Amora, who had been lazily lounging on the sofa watching TV, immediately sprang up, crossed the room in just two steps, and skillfully took his hand.
Aaron instantly felt warmth envelop his arm—soft and comforting.
Following Amora's lead, he was guided to the sofa and lay down.
With practiced ease, Amora brought over a plate of grapes, peeling them one by one before feeding them to him.
Then, she began massaging his legs, albeit with slightly rusty movements.
"Your muscles are so hard!" Amora gasped, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Wow, Master, you've gotten even stronger! This strength… it's amazing!"
"Alright, alright, it's just a little more magic. No need to make a fuss."
Aaron rolled his eyes at her exaggerated reaction.
This girl was getting bolder by the day, always eager to take things further.
But…
It had been a while since he last indulged, so he probably wasn't rusty.
His body had undergone another wave of enhancements, significantly boosting both his strength and endurance.
Would anyone even be able to keep up with him anymore?
His thoughts momentarily drifted, distracted by Amora's antics, but he quickly regained focus.
He deliberately relaxed his body, allowing her to continue.
The iron body that granted Aaron his incredible physique wasn't just about raw durability.
It also gave him a sort of bio-instinct, allowing him to control his strength effortlessly—like Superman holding a piece of tofu without crushing it.
At that moment, the rest of the household, having overheard Amora and Aaron's conversation, entered the hall.
Catching Amora's silent cue, Wanda smoothly took over the task of feeding him grapes.
"Anything noteworthy happen while I was training?" Aaron asked casually, chewing on a peeled grape.
"Nothing major on Earth," Amora replied.
"Over the past year, the Avengers and the Bureau of Magic have been busy tracking down remnants of HYDRA and mechanical lifeforms, leading to occasional skirmishes.
"Also, some magic users have appeared in Africa recently. Under the leadership of the Electro-Man Max, they've clashed with the Bureau of Magic and the Avengers multiple times.
"In addition, an agricultural nation in Africa called Wakanda has suddenly demonstrated technological advancements surpassing even the United States.
"Their king, Erik, has been leading a direct confrontation against the U.S."
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
It wasn't Gwen, who was always out gathering information, or Jean providing this intel—it was Amora.
That was unexpected.
Considering how she had been lounging around when he came out, Aaron had a realization.
Could it be that Amora spent most of her time just watching TV?
He glanced down and met her expectant, eager gaze.
Well… I suppose I can reward her later.
"Anything else?" he asked.
Amora nodded. "Gamora mentioned something strange recently.
"Mechanical lifeforms similar to those on Earth have appeared in the Milky Way, but they're stronger and more numerous.
"They seem to be deliberately avoiding the influence of the magic net, staying active mostly in Kree Empire territory—one of the least connected regions to the magic net.
"Many planets under the Kree Empire have detected their presence, but shortly after, those planets went completely silent.
"The Kree Emperor sent a squad of Accusers to investigate, but none returned.
"Presumed dead."
"Gamora and Nebula refrained from investigating directly because the Kree Empire remains highly distrustful of the magic net and forbids outsiders from interfering in their affairs."
Aaron's interest piqued.
Could it be that Zola, realizing Earth was too difficult to conquer, had turned his attention to technological civilizations in the galaxy?
Given the existence of the magic net, Zola and his mechanical army were heavily restricted on Earth.
But for an unprepared technological civilization, they posed a threat far more dangerous than even a zombie virus outbreak.
The Kree Empire, though the most powerful technological force in the Milky Way, controlled vast territories.
And that vastness was exactly what made it vulnerable to infiltration.
With artificial intelligence's ability to manipulate networks, combined with the assimilation nature of the machine race, Zola could be systematically converting Kree citizens while absorbing their technology and knowledge.
On top of that, the Kree Empire was already entangled in wars outside the galaxy.
They were too preoccupied to deal with a hidden enemy infiltrating their ranks.
And given the Kree's reputation, not many civilizations would be eager to aid them.
This could turn into a significant disaster for the Kree.
Not that Aaron particularly cared.
Whether the Kree Empire collapsed or not was irrelevant to him.
However, if Zola truly managed to bring them down, it could interfere with Aaron's plans.
A civilization of mechanical ascension, capable of assimilating both organic and inorganic beings, was in direct opposition to his vision of a magic-infused society.
A clash was inevitable.
Still, Aaron had no intention of helping the Kree.
Many minor civilizations had recently pledged allegiance to the magic net.
Most of them were weak, having turned to magic in desperation to protect themselves.
Some were stronger than Earth's visible technological advancements, but unlike Earth, they lacked superheroes and divine beings to safeguard them.
As a result, these civilizations had been suppressed by warlords like Thanos and empires like the Kree, sitting at the bottom of the galactic food chain.
To them, the magic net offered a chance for resistance.
Since they couldn't compete technologically, they sought strength through magic.
However, more powerful civilizations—regional hegemons—remained wary of the magic net, observing from the sidelines.
Some, like the Kree and the Sovereigns, outright rejected it.
Both races possessed advanced genetic technology.
The Kree's elite soldiers and upper-class citizens had all undergone genetic enhancements—Ronan was a prime example, his physical prowess not far from Thor's.
With that level of confidence, they saw no need for magic.
The Sovereigns, even more arrogant, placed absolute faith in their genetic perfection.
Their ruling class even banned magic outright, fearing that lower-class citizens could use it to challenge their authority.
For these civilizations that shunned the magic net, Aaron had no reason to aid them.
And as for Zola's mechanical threat…
"Inform the Avengers. Let them handle it," he instructed.
"Also, tell Gamora and Nebula to track their movements. If necessary, I'll have Hela assist them."
Even a strange, machine-based lifeform was nothing in the face of overwhelming power.
And if Aaron's guess was correct, Zola was still somewhere on Earth.
Once he was found and dealt with, the mechanical army's threat would be neutralized.
"By the way," Amora added, "Hela's been facing some trouble recently."
Aaron's gaze sharpened.
"Hela mentioned encountering a god-slayer named Gorr," Amora continued.
"He's been slaughtering gods across the Milky Way, wielding a weapon called the Black Death Sword.
"It allows him to traverse the Shadow Realm and summon endless monsters.
"The sword is said to have existed since the dawn of creation, corrupting every wielder into a god-slaying maniac.
"According to the latest intel, Gorr is heading in this direction.
"His next target… might be Asgard."
Aaron's expression darkened.
Gorr, the God Butcher?
Wasn't this too early?
Could it be that Aaron's high-profile actions had drawn him out ahead of schedule?
"One more thing," Amora added. "T'Challa and Thor came looking for you. The gods of the Almighty City have invited you to their annual gathering."
Aaron smirked.
They finally couldn't resist.
He had anticipated this.
Ever since Bast, the Panther Goddess, learned about the magic net's potential, it was only a matter of time before the higher gods came knocking.
And they had waited long enough.
"The Almighty City, huh…?" Aaron mused.
"Well, who's up for a visit?"'
At the same time, on a distant planet beyond the Nine Realms…
This world was home to a civilization with relatively primitive technology. At its heart stood the sacred domain of their gods, a place once revered and worshiped by all.
But not long ago, an evil god-butchering force descended upon them.
Leading an army of twisted, grotesque, and seemingly invincible shadow monsters, he slaughtered the gods without mercy, shattering the very foundation of the people's faith.
The flames of war began to spread.
Despair loomed over the skies.
Yet, in the darkest hour, a figure emerged.
A powerful woman, astride a massive and fearsome magic wolf, arrived at the head of her deathly legion.
She declared herself the first apostle of the God of Magic—Hela, the Goddess of Death of Asgard.
And she stood against the mighty butcher god.
A battle beyond the imagination of mortals unfolded.
That day—
The Skyfall Army descended!
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