After a scolding from the President, the general could only bow his head and listen. Their previous actions had indeed been directed against other Earth-based powers, but they had the President’s tacit approval.
However, who could have predicted that Earth would face a threat from outer space so soon? Moreover, when did SHIELD quietly acquire two Spaceships? That was what surprised them even more.
“We have no data source to analyze the weaknesses of that black mist lifeform. Now, perhaps we can only see what SHIELD plans to do about it,” The general replied calmly after the President finished speaking.
The United States had sent several messages to SHIELD after their initial message, and they had sent even more after Dormammu appeared. However, it seemed that either their technology wasn’t advanced enough or SHIELD’s Spaceship had not received their messages. So, for now, they could only watch.
“We can’t rely solely on SHIELD. Since when did we become dependent on others in times of crisis? I allocate substantial funds every year for various weapons research. Isn’t there a single one that can be put into action?” The President’s tone remained harsh upon hearing the general’s response.
Although this President usually did not interfere much in the military’s internal research, as long as they continued to support his position, he wouldn’t meddle. However, in this situation, he needed to question where all that money had been spent.
It’s worth noting that the United States allocated more money for weapons research every year than Stark Industries, even an entire corporation, and he couldn’t fathom why Stark, whether in Iron Man technology, miniature Arc Reactors, or anti-gravity engine technology, was so far ahead of the military.
However, the President’s inability to comprehend was one thing; the fact was that the U.S. military’s research was indeed not as advanced or rapid as Stark’s.
Scientific development often required substantial financial groundwork, but without top-tier genius individuals, the speed of advancing the technological tree could only progress step by step.
Tony Stark, undoubtedly, was one of those once-in-a-century geniuses. Aside from him, Dr. Banner was also one, as was Dr. Pym, who developed the Pym Particles. Apart from them, there were probably other genius individuals on Earth who surpassed ordinary geniuses.
However, it was unclear whether there were any such individuals within the U.S. military.
In response to the President’s inquiry, the general remained silent this time. They did indeed use the funds allocated to them every year, most of which went toward various scientific research. They had also achieved many results.
For example, the controlled Mutant squad, a team with abilities similar to a weakened version of the Hulk, and even the robot army that Hydra had unleashed earlier, were all at their disposal.
However, when compared to the technologies presented by SHIELD or Stark, these forces were undoubtedly far inferior. So, the general could only shrug off the President’s questions.
Similar scenes to the one in the secret U.S. base were unfolding in secret bases around the world. Leaders of every nation and faction were questioning why their technology and firepower couldn’t match SHIELD’s level.
Just like the U.S. general, they were all equally helpless and couldn’t find any answers. It seemed that Stark and SHIELD were operating on a different level entirely.
As the leaders of Earth’s nations and factions nervously watched the black mist swallow two nuclear bombs, a few individuals finally emerged from the Spaceship.
After leaving the Spaceship, they rushed towards the black mist, seemingly prepared to sacrifice themselves. If it weren’t for the satellites continuously monitoring that area, they might not have been able to spot Lin Rui and his team’s tiny figures.
“They…”
Following that, amidst the continued shock of the world’s “high-ranking” officials, an intense battle unfolded between Lin Rui’s team and Dormammu. Finally, Dormammu was forced to abandon a portion of his dark energy and rapidly advance toward Earth.
Then, they watched in bewilderment as the two Spaceships and the spreading black mist raced each other toward Earth.
“Damn it! Where’s our defense?! SHIELD can’t stop him anymore!” When they saw the black mist racing toward Earth at a faster pace than the two Spaceships, leaders from various countries and factions nervously exclaimed.
“Sir, our satellites don’t have weapon systems. To stop that black mist, we’ll have to wait until it enters the atmosphere to engage it.” Faced with questions from the President and leaders, the responses from the subordinates of leaders from various countries and factions were almost identical.
“Wait until it enters the atmosphere? Are you sure you’ll have a chance to stop it then?” The President continued to question the general’s response with skepticism.
“We’ll do our best whether we have a chance or not.”
Ding, Ding, Ding!
Just as leaders from around the world were getting nervous as Dormammu rapidly approached Earth, they finally received a second message from the SHIELD Spaceship.
“Sir! SHIELD has sent another message! Captain Rogers says they will do their best to intercept that cosmic lifeform outside Earth. If they can’t stop it, they hope we can cooperate to launch a large-scale saturation energy attack on the lifeform!” Before the President could inquire, the general had already conveyed the message’s content to him.
“What else can they do…” The President muttered something under his breath upon hearing the general’s report.
Following this, leaders from around the world rapidly entered the highest level of emergency status.
Dormammu was approaching the western hemisphere, including the United States, and dozens of countries, including the United States, had received SHIELD’s message and were opening their weapon arsenals, preparing to strike the black mist at any moment.
Now, they could only wait for SHIELD’s last-ditch effort before launching a full-strength attack. This time, the invasion by this black mist was not as sudden as that of the Dark Elves; it had advanced from outer space, giving Earth’s nations and factions some time to prepare.
As Earth’s nations and factions prepared for Dormammu’s invasion, Tony and the others inside the E-Grade Spaceship watched with grim expressions as Dormammu, who had outpaced the two Spaceships, rapidly approached Earth.
“J.A.R.V.I.S., is the second form of the Damascus sword ready?”
“It’s ready, sir.”
“Then, activate the final defense network!”
…
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