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Chapter 230: Matrix Demon, Aaron Returns!
🕑 Added 2025-04-10 20:27:25 +0000 UTCNastil, following Mephisto's orders, took out the long-prepared cross-modal virus and injected it directly into himself.
This mechanically infectious virus no longer targets only organic life forms like humans. Even Nastil, a special demon born and raised on the border of hell, was not exempt.
After injecting the virus, Nastil’s body underwent drastic changes. Some of his organs were replaced by organic circuits, and his demonic body began transforming irreversibly.
Perhaps due to his original immense power, Nastil demonstrated high resistance to the virus. The transformation process was slower compared to ordinary beings. Only a small portion of his body turned mechanical; his main form remained demonic.
In this state, Nastil gained powerful shapeshifting abilities, significantly enhanced regeneration, and the capacity to interface with technology. His strength increased drastically, now rivaling the duplicated Dimensional Lords such as Dormammu.
Simultaneously, a batch of powerful demons also injected themselves with diluted versions of the cross-modal virus. Almost all of Nastil’s supply was used up—only a small reserve remained hidden by Mephisto.
This virus came from another time and space. Nastil had originally planned to use it as a trump card in the battle for dimensional supremacy. But this time, he used it as a promotional tool, earning praise from Mephisto and winning the favor of several powerful Dimensional Lords.
Spreading the virus to Earth served a dual purpose: creating chaos and testing its capabilities. The Matrix family was an unexpected bonus, offering valuable opportunities to the Dimensional Lords.
Nastil could already envision a future where, with support from Dormammu, Mephisto, and other Dimensional Lords, he would rise in power—perhaps even overthrow Illyana and claim Limbo for himself. The purple dimension was no longer enough for his ambitions.
He had already discussed this with Mephisto, who promised support and pledged to persuade Dormammu and Satanish to back him. In return, Nastil had to inject the virus at a critical moment, open the gateway to the real universe, and help destroy the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Later, Mephisto would do his best to purge the virus from him and restore his original form. At worst, Nastil could discard his physical body and integrate into a dimension like Dormammu.
As Dimensional Lords, they had many ways to deal with the virus. For the Kree, it might be troublesome, but for them, it was mere amusement.
Mephisto himself, however, never intended to use it. Though not particularly dangerous to them, this virus was the original version. The Matrix family’s current assimilation method was only a racial trait, not the complete virus. No one could be sure if they were the same.
He planned to study the Matrix family further—it might come in handy in other universes that lacked a God of Magic like this one. Conquering those places would be much easier. And if this universe became unmanageable, there was always the option of moving on to another.
Building a business network was the real goal. Mephisto also intended to use the magic net to harvest energy and expand Hell’s dimension.
Once injected with the virus, Nastil and the other demons exhibited obvious changes in strength, which became a serious problem for the magicians of Kamar-Taj.
The demons could now fire missile-like projectiles and integrate Earth’s technology for bullet-based attacks. Though these attacks were relatively basic, they were lethal if a magician was caught off guard. After all, magicians aren’t bulletproof—one shot in a vital area could be fatal.
With the supplement of modern technology, the demons’ firepower increased, making them even more brazen. They were never afraid of firearms, but their enemies were.
Only Hulk and Captain Marvel among the Avengers were immune to their weapons, and of course, there were other demons prepared to deal with them.
Hulk, though physically formidable, faced demons skilled in close combat. The most notorious among them was Satanish—even a duplicated form had melee strength comparable to the Hulk.
Other demon lords, like Blackheart, though previously slapped into submission by Aaron, were still incredibly resilient. Blackheart even survived two direct hits from Aaron in his augmented Magic Superman form.
In this battle, he fought Hulk to a standstill.
As for Carol Danvers, her strength was impressive—ordinary demon lords couldn’t match her. To counter her, Mephisto deployed Illyana.
Though not as powerful as Mephisto or other veteran Dimensional Lords, Illyana was formidable. Initially, she intended to deal with Carol casually, but Carol’s power forced her to unleash various magical techniques, including the knowledge passed on by Aaron.
Holding back demonization and controlling the Soul Blade, she used nearly every method at her disposal to just barely contain Captain Marvel.
Carol had no idea Illyana was holding back, and Illyana couldn’t afford to explain. With Mephisto nearby, exposing herself would jeopardize both Limbo and Aaron’s greater plan.
Meanwhile, Zora noticed the altered state of Nastil and the other demons. Recognizing a familiar energy signature, he realized these demons had spread the mechanical virus that created the Matrix family.
It hit him—everything was orchestrated by the Dimensional Lords. He had been their pawn all along.
“Damn demons…” Zora cursed under his breath. He had long questioned the virus's origins, but now it was clear: he’d been manipulated to distract the God of Magic while the Dimensional Lords invaded Earth.
Though furious, Zora knew he couldn’t fight them now. Still…
“Hah… You miscalculated. Even if the entire Matrix clan comes, they can’t stop him.”
“They’re not even worthy of delaying him,” he sneered.
Despite his anger, Zora hoped the Dimensional Lords would clash with the God of Magic. Best case scenario—they all die together. Then he could seize control of Earth or even the universe once again.
“But where is he?” Zora muttered. “Is he really leaving Earth at a time like this? Or… was everything part of his plan from the start?”
A chilling realization dawned on him: perhaps Aaron had predicted every move from the beginning. If so, then neither Zora nor the Dimensional Lords had ever been a real threat.
Maybe they were just children playing in the eyes of a god.
No… Zora wasn’t sure. But if that were true, the situation was dire. He even began contemplating escape.
To another planet? No—still not safe.
How about… another universe?
Yes. That might be the only way.
On the other side of the galaxy...
After defeating the Matrix army, Aaron wasn’t in a hurry to return to Earth. He sent Nebula, Gamora, and others to Xandar to expand the magic net.
Albert rushed to report to his superiors. Judging by his eagerness, the Kree were likely to join the Monet family. The apostles were needed to spread the magic net contracts and promote its benefits.
Seeing this, Aaron even considered keeping a portion of the Matrix family alive. Their threat would drive more civilizations to join the magic net for protection.
So he didn’t rush to eradicate the Matrix remnants in Kree space. He left that to Wanda and the others—they needed the training, and good work deserved rewards.
Gamora and Nebula had risked everything for his mission. Aaron raised their authority levels without hesitation. Hela received a bonus too.
This made Star-Lord, Rocket, and others jealous. They regretted not becoming apostles themselves. Despite their efforts, only Nebula and Gamora were rewarded; the rest got nothing but a little fame.
This treatment clearly showed the difference between insiders and outsiders. Aaron didn’t even waive their magic usage fees. After all, he hadn’t forced them to act—it was voluntary.
Boiled sheep already know they’re going to be sheared.
After handling everything, Aaron returned to Earth with Jean.
He arrived over the New York battlefield and observed the brutal conflict. Earth was clearly on the defensive. Against the well-prepared Dimensional Lords, resistance was difficult.
Not all of Earth’s forces had joined the battle. The Eternals, for instance, were absent. So were the cosmic gods—none had made an appearance.
It seemed the Dimensional Lords weren’t worth their attention. Aaron understood. Getting those gods to act wasn’t easy. It had to be truly life-threatening before they’d show up.
Even their followers’ prayers didn’t matter. The battle was only in London, Hong Kong, and New York—it wasn’t urgent, was it?
And at their decision-making speed, they probably wouldn’t intervene until Earth—or the whole universe—was collapsing.
The Eternals’ absence didn’t surprise Aaron. They hadn’t appeared during the Chitauri invasion, the Ultron crisis, or the Infinity War. Their involvement depended entirely on their mood.
Besides, Earth’s power had grown beyond theirs. Just a few Eternals wouldn’t change the tide. They’d likely get killed if they weren’t careful.
They’d rather sit this one out and notify the Supreme God only when it truly got out of hand.
Some gods were watching from Asgard. Originally, they’d planned to visit Earth—but seeing the chaos, they chose to spectate instead.
Everyone knew Earth was under the God of Magic’s protection. Even Asgard wasn’t getting involved.
The Dimensional Lords were dangerous opponents.
“Father, are we really not going to help? Earth’s defenses are failing,” Thor asked anxiously.
“No rush,” Odin replied calmly. “Earth is his domain—he will handle it.”
“But… where is Aaron? Why disappear now?”
“He’s already dealt with the Matrix family. He’s more terrifying than we imagined,” Odin said, sighing.
He had learned everything from Heimdall. Aaron’s methods had surpassed even the limits of a God-Father.
“Hmm?” Odin’s eyes widened.
“He’s back.”
Sharing Heimdall’s vision, Odin saw him—the God of Magic, Aaron, returning with Dark Phoenix. They appeared over New York.
In that instant, the entire world fell silent.
