The Savior of American Comics? I'm the Subspace Evil God!

Chapters 519, 954, and 955: Tony: I know this script better than you do.
"Wow, that sounds really... 'fulfilling'."

Tony Stark smiled somewhat awkwardly, not wanting to linger on the matter, so he quickly changed the subject, offering a perfunctory compliment:

"But at least that's good news, right?"

"After all, a stable life is a dream that many people yearn for but cannot have!"

Bruce Banner chuckled awkwardly, his gaze sweeping across the dazzling New York cityscape outside the window before settling on the futuristic studio before him, filled with cutting-edge components, unfinished suits of armor, and holographic projection equipment. He asked directly:
"Alright, Tony, tell me... It's so late, why did you use special channels to get me out of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s 'protective custody'? What urgent matter is it?"

Seeing that the other party was so cooperative, Tony Stark immediately skipped all the insincere pleasantries, snapped his fingers, and with a childlike, eager expression on his face, said:

"You know what, Banner, I just love how direct you are..."

"Here's the thing, I have... um, a really, really cool 'big treasure' that I want to show you. I guarantee it will blow your mind!"

As he spoke, he had already walked into the studio and said to the air, "Alright, [Jarvis], stop pretending to be asleep, it's game time!"

As soft lights illuminated the studio, the space above the circular platform appeared slightly distorted, and a soft, yellow spherical 3D holographic projection composed of countless tiny data streams materialized out of thin air.

It rotates slowly, radiating a gentle and rational light.

"Good evening, Dr. Banner, welcome..."

Jarvis's signature gentle, calm, and magnetic British accent echoed in the studio.

"This is……"

Dr. Bruce Banner adjusted his glasses, curiously examining the 3D holographic projection before him that was far more vivid than a traditional interface, and asked somewhat uncertainly, "[Jarvis]?!"

He knew that Jarvis was Tony Stark's advanced AI butler, but this was the first time he had seen it in such a physical form, which made him somewhat surprised and curious.

"Initially, [Jarvis] was indeed just a relatively simple voice interaction interface... well, I should say it was a more advanced collection of code."

Tony Stark walked over to the 3D holographic projection and, like a child showing off his new toy, spoke with pride and elation:
"But now? He's my most capable assistant... helping me and Pepper handle Stark Industries' global operations, coordinating my personal schedule, managing Stark Tower's security systems, conducting complex scientific calculations, and so on..."

"Oh, right, he's also in charge of the logistics, maintenance, and tactical simulations for the entire [Iron Legion]!!"

Seeing the puzzled and bewildered look Bruce Banner gave him, Tony Stark's smug expression deepened, and he added in a brisk pace:
"Didn't I tell you about the [Iron Legion] before?"

"I apologize, but the [Steel Legion] is an automated mechanical defense force that I'm mass-producing based on the [Mark Series Armor]... I believe that before long, they will completely replace those inefficient soldiers and shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting world peace and the safety of the Earth!!"

He waved his arms excitedly, as if he were painting a grand blueprint for Bruce Banner out of thin air.

"In short, right now, within the entire Stark Industries, besides Pepper and me, Jarvis is the one handling the most affairs..."

"Banner, it's no exaggeration to say that Jarvis is currently the jewel at the very top of the pyramid in the global field of artificial intelligence, unique in the entire world!!"

Bruce Banner, bewildered, nodded subconsciously, then asked blankly, "Yes, the power of Jarvis's abilities is undeniable, but... Tony, what exactly are you trying to show me?"

"You didn't call me here just to show off your upgraded 'Jarvis' 'skin,' did you?!"

He felt that the other party must have had another purpose for going through such a long and roundabout way.

that's the truth.

Tony Stark smiled mysteriously, revealing two rows of white teeth, and said with a soft laugh:

"Don't rush, buddy. After admiring the current world number one, let's take a look at... its future competitors, or rather... its possible new 'evolutionary form'!!"

Before he finished speaking, Tony Stark picked up a specially made phone from the table, quickly operated it a few times, and projected an unfinished program using the 3D holographic projection equipment in the studio.

hum-

In the studio, on the other side of the yellow spherical projection symbolizing Jarvis, a larger 3D holographic projection suddenly lit up with a blue light.

Immediately afterwards, a massive, complex, and stunning virtual creation was projected in the form of a 3D holographic projection.

It was a blue light and shadow in the shape of a giant human brain.

Its volume is almost twice that of the yellow Jarvis sphere next to it.

It is not static; its interior is composed of countless twinkling, neuronal synapses-like tiny points of light and flowing data chains. These connect, disconnect, twinkle, and transmit information in an extremely complex manner, like a truly thinking, living 'electronic brain,' filled with a kind of indescribable, almost life-like special vitality.

At the same time, it exudes a sense of mystery that makes people feel uneasy and is unfathomable.

"Ah this..."

Bruce Banner's gaze was instantly drawn to the suddenly appearing blue light and shadow.

He instinctively took a few steps forward, adjusted his glasses, and almost pressed his face against the blue light, his eyes filled with the unique fascination and astonishment of a scientist. Without turning his head, he asked:
"Tony, what...what is this?!"

Tony Stark wore a similar look of smug satisfaction, and smiled smugly, saying, "Don't be nervous, relax, Banner..."

"This is what I've been working on for the past few weeks with that stubborn jerk Reed Richards at the invitation of the nearly defunct PPDC organization—a brand new artificial intelligence system called Ultron."

"Now we only need to complete a few core algorithms and the underlying logic loop before it's fully finished..."

"So I took advantage of my vacation to bring it back 'incidentally', hoping to see if I could help you complete the final and most crucial step."

"Wait...wait a minute!"

Dr. Bruce Banner looked up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief, and exclaimed, "What do you mean by bringing it back casually?"

“Tony, this is a key collaborative project between PPDC and S.H.I.E.L.D., top secret! How could you… how could you just take it out of the base like a sandwich?” “You’re going to get into big trouble for doing this!!”

However, Tony Stark didn't seem to care at all, as if it were a trivial matter, and waved his hand dismissively, saying:
"Banner, don't worry too much about those trivial details... Rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

"You need to understand, General Steker Pantecost, the head of the PPDC organization, is now in dire straits himself. He's busy dealing with those fly-like news media all day long. The entire organization is already in chaos. Who has time to care whether an unfinished software system has temporarily left its 'safe'?"

“Besides…” he winked slyly and said with a wicked grin, “Their firewall is practically made of paper to me.”

Dr. Bruce Banner looked at Tony Stark with a strange expression, as if he were seeing the man for the first time, his tone full of suspicion:
"Tony, your proactive attitude, even at the cost of breaking the rules to push the project forward, is really unlike your usual style."

"When did you become so rich... so responsible and dedicated?!"

Tony Stark pursed his lips upon hearing this, seemingly having his thoughts partially exposed, but he immediately switched to a half-serious, cynical tone and said:

"Don't get me wrong, Banner. I'm not doing this to help that one-eyed Nick Fury. I just think... this thing is fun and might have some meaning."

He strode to the projection of the 'Blue Brain,' also known as the Ultron System, opened his arms as if embracing a future full of anticipation, and said in a high-pitched voice:
"Just imagine it, Banner! If humanity could truly make good use of the [Ultron System], perfectly control this power, and load it onto mechanical legions like my [Iron Legion], just imagine the scene..."

Tony Stark's eyes gradually brightened, filled with hopeful anticipation for the future.

"Next time, if some reckless alien scum or dimensional demon tries to invade Earth, we [Avengers] won't need to be exhausted, nor will we need to put up with the whims of that money-grubbing [Subspace Corporation]."

"These invaders won't even make it into Earth's atmosphere before being crushed into dust in space by the steel torrent commanded by the [Ultron System]!"

"Therefore, regardless of whether this system ultimately serves S.H.I.E.L.D. or Stark Industries, I want to do my best... to do my best to clothe our fragile blue planet in the strongest global armor... a true, intelligent 'Earth defense system'!!!"

These words were spoken with great passion and even carried a glimmer of idealism.

Bruce Banner was indeed somewhat moved as he listened.

He agreed with the other party's idea of ​​protecting the Earth.

I also really look forward to the day when the Avengers can retire early.

At that time, he will no longer have to worry about situations where he needs to 'transform'.

but……

His rational mind, however, still raised many questions and warnings about the plan.

"Tony, I must say, your vision is truly wonderful."

Bruce Banner carefully crafted his words, trying not to shatter Tony Stark's 'fantasy,' and cautiously reminded him:

"However, you and I both know that what truly threatens the safety of Earth is often not an external enemy from outer space, but rather the greed, fear, and folly of humankind itself."

"A power as strong as Ultron, if it is abused or goes out of control..."

Tony Stark was taken aback at first, then the fanaticism on his face subsided slightly. He turned around, his expression becoming unusually serious, even unusually grave, and said:
"Banner, you're right, the dark side of human nature is always the biggest variable, but..."

He pointed to the dark night sky outside the floor-to-ceiling window, where countless stars twinkled, and emphasized, "Humanity's internal problems can ultimately be solved by humanity itself, even if the process is bloody and lengthy."

"But when faced with interstellar threats from outside Earth that are ready to wipe out human civilization, what we need is absolute power and efficiency!"

"What we need is someone like Ultron... Imagine the future, Banner, imagine when all the Avengers have retired, grown old, or even died, who will protect the peace of this era? With the words of politicians? They'll just keep firing H-bombs at themselves... What we need is an eternal guardian!!"

Bruce Banner fell silent this time.

Tony Stark's words struck him like a hammer blow.

He was indeed persuaded.

The possibilities represented by the Ultron System are too tempting.

However, the caution and threatening outlook brought about by being "in the same room" with the Hulk for a long time prevented him from completely letting go of his concerns.

"But Tony..."

Bruce Banner sighed, looking at the other person with some trepidation and worry: "You want to improve such a dangerous artificial intelligence in private without reporting it to the PPDC or S.H.I.E.L.D. This is not only a violation of regulations, but it will also attract a lot of unnecessary suspicion and unpredictable trouble."

"Most importantly... Chief Fury, he definitely won't be happy when he finds out!!"

It's clear that Bruce Banner has fully witnessed Nick Fury's methods since being targeted by S.H.I.E.L.D.

In other words, he was a little frightened!
“You’re right, but… I’ve had enough of those bureaucrats!”

Tony Stark interrupted impatiently, a look of disgust on his face. "Endless meetings, layers of approvals, passing the buck, stupid confidentiality rules—these bastards are infuriatingly inefficient."

"If Jarvis's current architecture weren't incapable of directly downloading and fully parsing such a high-density and complex super-massive data packet as Ultron, I could easily copy it back and study it myself at my own pace. But now, the only way to do this is to risk bringing Ultron back..."

He walked to the workbench, picked up a tool, fiddled with it casually for a few moments, and continued in a somewhat cynical tone:

"Furthermore, from what I've observed, the PPDC organization is not far from being broken up and reorganized, and will most likely be absorbed by S.H.I.E.L.D."

"I believe that Nick Fury, that old fox who loves to get things for free, will be secretly overjoyed when he finds out, even though he'll curse as usual. He'd love for us to perfect this killer weapon for him for free..."

"All the credit will go to him and S.H.I.E.L.D., while I'll take all the blame... I know this script way better than you do!!"

(End of this chapter)