While those people were still discussing their plans...
In Hawaii, Nolan Lock and the others were enjoying their vacation.
This trip had greatly eased Nolan's tense emotions from recent days.
Although he had always been confident in his own strength, the war against Thanos and the conflict with the Dimension Lords had still placed enormous pressure on him.
Because of this, his temper had become worse during this period.
Otherwise, he would never have acted so aggressively, directly threatening the members of the Council with force.
Using force was the simplest solution.
But it was also the most troublesome.
Although it could solve problems quickly, the consequences that followed were very real.
This world was Nolan's original world.
For him, maintaining the stability of Earth was extremely important.
However, because of the immense pressure he had been under recently, he had forgotten that some problems could be solved through negotiation and compromise.
Instead, he had chosen the most direct method.
Force.
Because of that, Earth's perception of him had probably worsened slightly.
Although Nolan had realized this now, there was no way to undo what had already happened.
Since that was the case, he could only continue moving forward as a powerful businessman.
Of course...
The premise was that he remained a businessman.
No matter what happened, Nolan had no intention of changing his identity.
His current position was the one he was most satisfied with.
"The current Earth really has too many problems."
"Not only did we have a cosmic overlord like Thanos appearing, but there are also those damn Dimension Lords, and even the Asgardian gods from before."
"Honestly, I feel like my entire worldview has been completely destroyed by everything that has happened over these past few years."
Tony Stark was lying on a beach chair, complaining.
Nolan nodded.
This was exactly what made Earth so troublesome.
The Marvel Universe was undoubtedly one of the most dangerous worlds among countless dimensions.
And unfortunately...
He had ended up here.
Although he had already defeated countless powerful enemies.
Especially Thanos, a villain who could truly be considered one of the greatest threats in the universe.
But in reality...
In the eyes of true cosmic-level enemies, Thanos was not the most terrifying existence.
Not to mention other beings.
Even the Eternals hidden on Earth possessed extremely powerful abilities.
Beyond the Eternals, there were even greater beings.
And the existence of the Multiverse itself was another nearly impossible problem.
Solving all of these threats...
Even with Nolan's current strength, was impossible.
Fortunately...
For the time being, he could finally relax.
However, despite enjoying his vacation, there was still something weighing on Nolan's mind.
The incident involving the invasion of Lock Technology.
Although they had no intention of immediately returning to deal with it, the problem still existed.
"Then you better strengthen your heart."
Tony looked at Nolan strangely.
"What?"
Nolan didn't explain.
He only shrugged.
"Otherwise, your worldview will probably be shattered even more in the future."
Tony stared at him.
Then he sighed helplessly.
"That's just great."
Tony knew very well that Nolan's strength surpassed his own.
Nolan's intelligence network was also far beyond what Tony had imagined.
Therefore...
The things Nolan mentioned were likely not just speculation.
They could actually become reality.
It meant that even though they had defeated one of their greatest enemies, Thanos and the Dimension Lords were not their only threats.
And the Dimension Lords had only been driven away.
They still existed.
Earth's troubles were far from over.
Thinking about this, Tony covered his forehead.
For a brief moment, he wondered if he still wanted to be a superhero.
But that thought disappeared almost instantly.
No matter how troublesome things became...
He had already made his choice.
He would continue protecting Earth.
The only problem was...
How could he increase his strength faster?
After meeting Nolan, Tony realized something.
His improvement speed was far too slow compared to the speed at which world-ending threats appeared.
Only Nolan could constantly upgrade himself through rapid technological development, allowing him to face increasingly powerful enemies.
Tony had also continued upgrading the Mark series armor.
But compared to the strongest enemies they faced now...
The armor was no longer enough.
Against someone like Thanos...
Even with his Vibranium armor, Tony still couldn't deal meaningful damage.
At best, he could only provide support and create opportunities for Nolan.
And even that...
Tony felt he was exaggerating his own contribution.
During that battle...
His role had been much smaller than he wanted to admit.
With a helpless expression, Tony spoke.
"Nolan, if you encounter another powerful enemy in the future, tell me beforehand."
"Give me time to prepare."
"Otherwise, next time I might not even be able to help you."
Nolan nodded.
"Honestly, I also hope Earth doesn't encounter more trouble."
"There are already enough problems."
Nolan sighed.
Then he pulled out his laptop and began reviewing the invasion.
Although Red Queen had been temporarily disabled due to special circumstances and lost network access...
Lock Technology's defenses were never dependent on Red Queen alone.
There were many other intelligent systems and security devices responsible for protecting the company.
Even after Red Queen was disrupted...
The defensive network continued functioning.
The video Nolan was watching showed the entire invasion process.
Tony leaned closer.
After watching for a while, he frowned.
"These people..."
"Why do they feel familiar?"
Nolan looked surprised.
"You know them?"
Tony shook his head.
"I don't know them."
"But the symbol on their clothing..."
"I've seen it before."
"When I was investigating magic-related matters, I discovered another group with the same symbol."
"They seemed to be trying to release something."
"But I didn't learn much about them."
"The only thing I know is that they keep mentioning a 'master'."
"But I have no idea who that master is."
Nolan's expression immediately became serious.
Originally, he believed these people were simply greedy individuals who happened to possess weapons capable of damaging Lock Technology.
But after hearing Tony's explanation...
He realized these people were far more complicated.
They weren't random thieves.
They had clearly been watching him for a long time.
Although Nolan still didn't know their true objective or who their master was...
The fact that they had perfectly timed their attack when he left Lock Technology and traveled to Hawaii proved one thing.
Their intelligence network was extremely advanced.
An organization capable of this level of planning could not be a simple private group.
They were likely connected to international forces.
Perhaps even certain governments.
Thinking about this, Nolan immediately stood up.
If that was true...
His Hawaii vacation might have to end early.
If he waited until Lock Technology suffered serious damage...
It would already be too late.
Tony naturally understood Nolan's thoughts.
But he didn't say anything.
After all, this was Nolan's company.
If Stark Industries suffered a similar invasion...
Tony would immediately return to New York without hesitation.
Someone attacking your own home was enough to make anyone furious.
Just as the two were talking...
Nolan suddenly looked behind them.
Someone had appeared.
The moment this figure arrived...
The entire atmosphere seemed to change.
The air itself began to tremble.
Tony's expression became serious.
Although he had never seen this person before...
From his clothing and presence alone, Tony knew this was no ordinary person.
The man smiled at them.
Then he spread out his arms.
The instant he did...
Thunder exploded across the sky.
Dark clouds gathered above them.
Something powerful seemed to be awakening.
The people playing in the water nearby immediately noticed the change.
Hela walked over.
She stared at the newcomer strangely.
"This person..."
"He feels familiar."
"But I can't remember where I've seen him."
"However, if I'm not mistaken..."
"He should be one of the gods hiding on Earth."
A god.
Everyone immediately became serious.
Gods were beings similar to the Asgardians.
Although they were not true divine beings, their power far exceeded ordinary humans.
And the upper limit of these god races was incredibly high.
Even Nolan could not confidently claim that he could defeat every god in existence.
The fact that this person dared to appear directly in front of Nolan...
Meant he had confidence.
Bruce Banner and the others quickly approached.
Everyone looked cautious.
"Who exactly is he?"
Bruce asked.
Nolan stared at the man for a moment.
Then he walked forward.
This was Earth.
And Earth was his territory.
No matter who this person was...
Appearing here meant only two possibilities.
Friend.
Or enemy.
If this person wanted to become his enemy...
Nolan was already prepared.
All of Lock Technology's forces across Earth could be mobilized.
"What is your identity?"
"What is your purpose?"
Nolan asked directly.
"Me?"
The man smiled.
"In your human language..."
"I suppose you could call me..."
"The Sea God."
Nolan narrowed his eyes.
The man looked completely calm.
There was no fear in his expression.
Almost as if he had no idea that Nolan had defeated Thanos.
"Then what is your purpose?"
Nolan continued.
"Nothing complicated."
"I simply came here to meet the powerful existence who defeated a cosmic overlord and forced back the Dimension Lords."
"If I must give a reason..."
"I came here to become your friend."
"Is that so?"
Nolan smiled.
He looked at the dark clouds above.
Lightning continued flashing across the sky.
"This doesn't look like the attitude of someone trying to make friends."
"If this is your way of showing friendship..."
"Then I suppose I should show you my way as well."
As he spoke...
Nolan's expression became cold.
A powerful aura slowly spread from his body.
The moment Nolan released his presence...
Everyone behind him became alert.
They immediately raised their weapons.
They didn't know who this Sea God was.
They didn't know where he came from.
But they knew one thing.
When Thanos attacked Earth...
This person had not appeared.
That meant he had no deep connection with Earth.
At least...
He had not cared enough to protect it.
And now, right after the war ended...
He suddenly appeared.
The most likely possibility was obvious.
He believed Nolan had been weakened after the battle.
And he came here to challenge him.
The Sea God remained completely calm.
His aura did not disappear.
The thunder above continued roaring.
Deep rumbling sounds echoed through the sky.
Something powerful was gathering.
He looked at Nolan and spoke calmly.
"Nolan Lock."
"I know your strength is extraordinary."
"And I know that right now you probably don't care what I say."
"But you should understand one thing."
"Earth does not belong to you."
"If you attempt to control this planet..."
"There will be many people who oppose you."
"Others may fear you."
"But you are not invincible."
"If you want a battle..."
"Then I have no problem giving you one."
The Sea God smiled faintly.
As if...
Nolan Lock was not even worth fearing.
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