"Well, I've informed you all. Now, it's time for me to leave." Garus glanced around the room, noting the silent stares directed at him. "I hope that when I begin setting up the necessary infrastructure around the world, you won't cause me any trouble."
Some of those unfamiliar with Garus muttered among themselves. "What an arrogant guy."
"Wait, Mr. Garus." The President of the United States mustered the courage to stand up. "Protecting Earth is everyone's responsibility. I hope you can take on that burden. We need to complete the planetary defense system as soon as possible, which requires cooperation. Furthermore, S.W.O.R.D. could use your assistance."
"I see. So it's not just my technology you want—you want my people as well?"
"I believe you'll understand, Mr. Garus. But before we continue, I must apologize for what comes next."
The President pulled a small device from his pocket and pressed a button.
A heavy metal grate descended from the ceiling above Garus, and a shimmering blue energy barrier formed around him, sealing him inside.
The room erupted in murmurs as world leaders exchanged anxious glances.
Black Bolt stood up, seemingly ready to act, but Garus shook his head, signaling him to hold back.
"Hey, Jefferson, what the hell are you doing?" Tony Stark shot up from his seat, grabbing the President's shoulder with an iron grip, his voice filled with fury. "Do you have any idea what you're setting in motion?"
Tony turned toward Garus, whose face remained impassive. Crimson armor emerged from within Tony's body, swiftly encasing him. He clenched his fist and struck the energy barrier.
Boom!
The force rebounded, sending Tony flying backward.
"Gentlemen, for your safety, please leave the premises."
From the back of the room, Nick Fury directed world leaders toward the exits. He didn't know what the President was thinking—previously, he had always been terrified of Garus.
"This containment system was designed by Victor. It's a combination of magic and technology. You won't break through it."
"Victor?" Garus raised an eyebrow. "You really think he's enough to keep me contained?"
"Mr. President, I don't know who this Victor is, but this is not a smart move." Tony had never wanted to go against the government, but given the situation, he had no choice.
Garus simply observed, his gaze cold. He knew they had more tricks up their sleeve. They wouldn't make a move against him unless they had something stronger in reserve—Victor alone wouldn't cut it.
"Mr. Garus, right now, you're alone. Your subordinates can't help you, and we've blocked all space-based magic. You have no way out."
Garus tested the barrier. It was indeed powerful, but with his weapon and the Space Stone, he could easily escape.
"Mr. President, my apologies."
Standing behind the President, Tony swung a punch at his neck.
Bzzz!
A crackling burst of electricity flared up, blocking Tony's strike.
Suddenly, a whip of pure energy lashed out from the doorway, coiling around Tony and yanking him backward.
The force sent him crashing through several reinforced walls before he was thrown back into the room.
"Tony, you're an American businessman. Are you betraying your country?"
Groaning, Tony pulled himself out of the rubble. "No, I'm saving you. You don't understand what you're doing."
"Tony, save your breath. Let's see what they think they have up their sleeve."
A man in a black cloak and iron mask stepped forward. Beside him stood a woman clad in a tight-fitting suit, an eight-pointed star emblazoned on her chest—a symbol vaguely reminiscent of the Nova Corps insignia.
The room's lighting dimmed momentarily. The woman raised her hand, summoning a surge of lightning that coiled around Tony, binding him tightly just as he prepared to strike.
"Your efforts are futile. I can anticipate your every move."
There was a proud edge to her voice, but the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her nerves.
"Allow me to introduce Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers. She gained her powers during an incident involving a Kree commander's extermination of the last remnants of the insectoid swarm. Her strength is formidable."
Carol Danvers was a fusion of human and Kree DNA, the result of an explosion caused by Mai Will's cosmic energy blast. Many attempts had been made to replicate the process, but after over a hundred failed experiments and countless deaths, it became clear that her transformation was a unique anomaly.
Within minutes, the once-crowded conference room had emptied.
"Mr. President, I suggest you leave as well. And don't forget our agreement."
Victor seemed unconcerned with the others—his only goal was achieving his own ambitions. He and the President had struck a deal.
"All we need is the hard drive he carries. Once we secure it, we only need to contain him." This hadn't initially been about Garus—his capture was merely an opportunity that arose.
Between the Mutant Academy's enhanced individuals, the Skrulls, and Garus's three Death Knights, his forces were a significant power that no one could afford to ignore.
Nick Fury wanted to intervene but realized there was nothing he could do. Reluctantly, he led the President out.
"Tony, you should go too. Don't worry—I won't hold their rudeness against them."
Hearing Garus's words, Tony deactivated his armor. "Garus, this world can't afford more conflict. Every ounce of strength is precious."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Garus waved dismissively, then knocked on the barrier. "Hey, grandma, you're too old for this kind of kink. Watch your back, or you'll throw it out."
"What did you just say?!" Captain Marvel's face turned crimson with rage. She clenched her fists, and the energy barrier around Garus twisted into glowing ropes that bound him tightly.
Bzzz!
Lightning engulfed him—Victor's signature technique, seamlessly blending magic and energy control.
Boom!
Despite predicting the attack a few seconds in advance, Victor was still sent flying by the counterforce.
"What a waste of an expensive suit."
Garus looked down at the tattered remains of his clothing and tore it off, revealing his well-defined physique.
"Alright, I'll take you on bare-handed." He gestured toward them, channeling necrotic energy. Death runes ignited across his skin, glowing an eerie green.
He was curious—what made the President believe these two could hold him?
Oh, right. The President didn't know he had mastered the use of the Infinity Stones.
"Mr. Garus, I'd much rather work with you than fight you. I've found a way into Hell. If you help me rescue my mother, I'll give you my entire kingdom."
"And what then? Even if we get in, I'm not certain we can beat him. Even with you, it wouldn't be enough."
Going up against a plane-ruling demon like Mephisto in direct combat was no small feat.
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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON