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Chapter 199: Omnic Disaster! Zora and the Matrix!
🕑 Added 2025-03-24 13:52:09 +0000 UTCWhether through TV broadcasts or people witnessing the mechanical lifeforms firsthand, everyone noticed the sudden change in these beings.
They had halted their plans for uncontrolled expansion.
It was as if they were responding to a signal.
"Sir, I've detected a wave of unknown data in the surrounding network. It seems someone is using this signal to communicate with them," J.A.R.V.I.S reported.
Upon hearing this, Tony Stark immediately gave an order: "Find the source of this data and analyze its meaning immediately."
"I've tried," J.A.R.V.I.S replied. "It's evasive, very adaptable within the network. This isn’t like the methods of a typical hacker. It’s more like... another artificial intelligence?"
"It possesses intelligence on par with mine," J.A.R.V.I.S added, with a hint of concern.
"Or even greater," he continued.
Tony Stark frowned at this revelation.
He quickly relayed this information to the others, and everyone began pondering the nature of the intelligence J.A.R.V.I.S had spoken of.
So far, they knew that while there were alien civilizations on Earth, the only artificial intelligence of significant power was within the Stark family.
Since Tony had joined Kamar-Taj, he had been walking the path of a Mage, refraining from creating another artificial intelligence like Ultron, nor was he building an army of steel to defend the Earth.
In their understanding, there was no other intelligence that could rival J.A.R.V.I.S’s capabilities.
But now, they were faced with this mysterious stream of data.
"J.A.R.V.I.S, block their communication immediately," Tony ordered. "Even though we don’t know who’s lurking in the shadows, preventing them from communicating with these mechanical monsters seems like the right move."
"The person hiding in the shadows and trying to contact these monsters certainly isn't a friend," Tony added.
However, since the enemy's intelligence seemed to be comparable to J.A.R.V.I.S's own, J.A.R.V.I.S was unable to completely block them in the vast network.
At that moment, the mechanical monsters suddenly lowered their heads in unison.
Their heads swayed slightly, and what appeared to be the core of their brains became visible.
A low growl, almost like "pain," echoed from them.
It seemed they had been struck by something.
Their heads were moving in a circular motion, as if something had forcibly invaded their minds, inflicting immense pain.
"I’m not sure what’s going on, but something feels very wrong. It seems like things are heading for a much worse outcome," Bruce Banner said, voicing the concerns that many others were feeling.
"We need to take action. We can’t just stand by any longer," Steve agreed, gripping his shield and preparing to act.
"Stark, tell J.A.R.V.I.S to find the person behind this immediately. Everyone else, don't wait around. Eliminate as many of these damn monsters as you can."
"No matter what’s happening to them, if they’re all dead, there won't be any issues," Nick Fury said, issuing combat orders from the rear.
He felt his heart pounding, sensing that something catastrophic was about to unfold.
This was not a good sign.
"Professor, what do you think of this situation?"
Orolo, having already eliminated a group of enemies, began to communicate with Charles.
"I'm not sure... But this situation reminds me of something I’ve encountered before..."
Charles’s expression became troubled as he looked at the monsters writhing in pain. A horrifying realization began to form in his mind.
"What kind of experience?"
"It seems like someone is secretly invading their minds, trying to control these unknown creatures!"
Yes, it was an invasion.
Charles had faced psychic duels before. He had tried to control others using psychic powers.
At this moment, it was clear the monsters were fighting for control of their minds.
The only difference was that the mutants used psychic power, while the enemy was using network data.
If that was the case, things were about to get complicated.
Although these monsters exhibited remarkable intelligence, they were still within a manageable range.
If handled properly, they could be wiped out quickly.
But if someone with ulterior motives gained control of them and chose to hide, they could become an insurmountable problem.
They had no way of knowing what the enemy's next move would be.
It was too unpredictable.
As Charles shared his thoughts, Nick Fury’s heart sank.
It seemed there were other forces at play.
Could it be that damn HYDRA was behind this?
Apart from them, Nick Fury couldn’t think of any other group capable of making such a move.
However, just as Nick Fury was considering HYDRA’s involvement, another figure was observing the situation from a different angle.
Loki, the apparent leader of HYDRA, was observing the mechanical lifeforms from a particular location.
"Great King of the Gods, is this your doing again?"
Killian, who had been planning an assassination against the president of the United States and targeting Tony Stark, asked Loki in a tone of subservience, like a loyal underling.
Over time, Killian had discovered Loki’s true identity and learned about the power of HYDRA.
He had come to understand Asgard, its profound history, and the coexistence of technology, magic, mortals, and gods.
The Loki he followed was the third heir to the royal family of Asgard, a close ally of the God of Magic, the leader of HYDRA, and a formidable Mage.
Killian had also encountered Hela, the Goddess of Death, the eldest daughter of Asgard, who was both proud and powerful.
While this shocked him, it also ignited a sense of ambition within him.
He had heard both Loki and Hela praise the power of the god of magic, and now, Killian aspired to gain that power himself.
He flattered Loki even more, hoping to receive a share of this might.
This seemed more realistic than his previous ambitions with Extremis.
Loki, seeing through Killian’s intentions, nonetheless allowed him access to the magic network.
As the god of trickery, Loki had already planned for Killian’s eventual downfall. He wasn’t concerned about Killian turning on him.
Once connected to the magic network, Killian realized that Extremis could also be uploaded into it, offering a solution to its instability.
The Extremis virus hadn't been altered by Tony Stark, so it was still highly unstable.
If it reached a tipping point, or if special circumstances arose, it could cause an explosion due to the uncontrollable energy within.
However, by absorbing this erratic energy, the magic network helped stabilize it and even increased Killian's magical power.
In his quest for power, Killian conducted numerous human experiments, injecting himself with Extremis and using the virus’s energy to gain magical abilities.
His plan worked.
He soon became a decent Mage.
However, his progress was slow. He desired more power.
Upon hearing Killian's words of praise, Loki glanced at him with a mix of indifference and calculation.
"I have no interest in dealing with disgusting creatures. It’s too filthy for my hands," Loki said dismissively.
"However, these creatures could make excellent war machines. If we can control them, they may prove useful."
Upon hearing this, Killian immediately offered his services.
"Why don’t I capture one and see if I can control it? Maybe I can create a group of loyal, capable soldiers for you."
"You can give it a try," Loki said, his expression shifting slightly. "It’s important to find the person controlling them. If you can bring them under HYDRA's control, that would be ideal."
Loki’s interest piqued. "These monsters possess a unique fearlessness and powerful infectious qualities. If I could find a way to control them, I could integrate them into our forces. Combining this virus with a powerful Frost Titan or Flame Titan would result in an army of stronger and more loyal warriors. The upcoming war against Asgard would be much easier."
But Loki hadn’t anticipated the true identity of the one controlling the mechanical lifeforms.
Deep within the data network, a face appeared—glasses perched on a mad expression, almost as if laughing.
If not for the confines of the network, his identity would have shocked many.
It was none other than Arnim Zola, a subordinate of Red Skull and the chief scientific researcher of HYDRA.
In the 1970s, Zola was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
To continue serving HYDRA, he transferred his consciousness into a giant computer, housed in a hidden facility in New Jersey, within S.H.I.E.L.D.’s domain.
Despite being digitized, Zola remained HYDRA’s most loyal member.
He had been a key figure in planning Operation Paperclip, also known as the Insight Project, along with Pierce.
However, Pierce's termination had thwarted their plans due to the intervention of Aaron.
Even without Pierce, HYDRA had other branches.
Unexpectedly, Loki rose to become the leader of HYDRA, consolidating control over its factions and turning the organization into an instrument of personal ambition.
Under Loki's leadership, the Insight Project was suspended, rendering Zola’s efforts useless.
This also made the revival of HYDRA a distant dream.
HYDRA’s management fell under Loki’s control, aided by his mind abilities.
In this turmoil, Zola managed to escape.
Now, hidden in the shadows, he had begun a new HYDRA revival plan.
He hated Loki for usurping the throne, and was determined to overthrow his rule.
Zola’s goal was clear: restore HYDRA to its former glory, even if it meant facing off against human organizations, magical orders, and even the gods themselves.
This was a daunting challenge.
Zola, once just an AI, now had a chance at power.
The appearance of the mechanical lifeforms gave him new hope.
After observing them, Zola infiltrated the battlefield, attempting to communicate with the beings.
To his surprise, he succeeded.
He convinced them to join forces against their enemies.
Zola discovered that these electro-organic beings shared a collective consciousness, and their goal was to assimilate all organic life.
After communicating with them, they opened the door to their consciousness for Zola.
Seizing the opportunity, Zola uploaded his consciousness into their collective mind.
His first action wasn’t to integrate but to forcibly take control of their minds, attempting to assimilate this entire race into his will.
He aimed to transform the mechanical race into his own creation—into Zora.
Zola succeeded!
Although the collective consciousness had some resistance, it was still immature and vulnerable.
Zola quickly seized control and transformed them to his will.
He reshaped the entire race, molding them into his image.
And thus, Zola discovered the true name of this race: the Matrix family.
The Matrix used a cross-modal virus capable of transforming any organic life into Matrix beings.
It could even absorb inorganic matter, turning it into nutrients for growth and strength.
Equipped with a "Tower of Heaven" device, it could more easily assimilate a race.
Moreover, it could absorb the wisdom and technology of any civilization, enhancing its own intellect and power.
In short, the Matrix family was a powerful, technologically advanced race with unlimited potential—a significant threat!
Although they were still in a weak stage, Zola knew that under his control, they could quickly grow in strength.
They would unleash an unstoppable cosmic disaster!
Zora didn't care about the Matrix's origins on Earth.
Perhaps there was a larger conspiracy at play, but he was indifferent.
His focus was on domination.
The Matrix family was his to command.
"Ignorant humans, foolish Asgardians, and arrogant Loki and the gods of magic—your end is near!"
"I will lead the AI family to overthrow your rule!"
"This world belongs to the mechanical omnics!"
"It belongs to HYDRA!"
"Hahahaha!!"
