Meeting

The morning sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the long black table in the top-floor conference room of the Demon Group headquarters.

The conference room was filled with an atmosphere of genuine excitement and solemnity.

On both sides of the long table, seats were arranged in order, and behind each chair stood or sat a powerful figure.

Loki, the king of Asgard.

Earth Alliance President Matthew (the president who was initially bribed).

Charles, the Mutant Earth Manager.

General Zod of Krypton.

Tony Stark, Stark Industries.

Dr. Banner of the Science Force.

Magneto, Mutant Legion.

For the first time in three years, this core meeting room, which symbolizes the group's highest power and decision-making, was truly full of people.

All eyes were drawn to the main seat, as if by a magnet.

Kino, the being revered as the "Demon King" and "Leader," sat casually in that large black chair.

His well-tailored, antique-style black robe accentuated his tall and straight figure, yet exuded an indescribable sense of languor and control.

He didn't deliberately release any pressure, but simply sitting there, he seemed to be the center of the entire space.

"It's been a long time, everyone."

A simple greeting, yet it silenced the entire conference hall.

The brief silence was broken by a teasing voice.

"You're finally back."

Having handed over all matters of the Stark Industries to Pepper Potts, Tony curled his lips into his signature nonchalant smile.

"My Morgan Stark has almost forgotten what her godfather looks like. Soon, she'll probably only know you from Pepper's bedtime stories."

In this situation, only Tony dared to speak like that.

Dressed in a well-tailored suit and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, yet exuding the air of a robust man ready for battle, he coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to the main topic.

Tom, Acting President of the Demon Group.

"Welcome back, Chief. During your absence, the group operated smoothly overall, with no major impact on major business lines, and some minor expansion in emerging areas. A detailed report has been completed."

Loki, sitting opposite Tom, spoke up.

"Stable? Tom, you're being too modest. Quite a few aliens have already come to the Nine Realms looking for goods and doing business."

"But thanks to you, Asgard has also made a fortune."

After Loki became the God King, his personality changed, and he learned a lot about Earth's finances. Under his leadership, Asgard also became prosperous.

Everyone was in awe of Loki, the God King.

A man dressed in traditional Krypton attire, exuding a calm and capable air, stood up. He was Zo-El.

Kara's father is currently in charge of integrating Krypton and Earth-based technologies within the group.

"Leader, the application of Krypton technology in Earth's civilian and defense sectors is progressing smoothly. The second phase of the 'Watchtower' project has been completed, increasing the efficiency of the global defense matrix by 47%."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work."

Kino nodded slightly.

Next, Pierce, the Hydra in charge of the intelligence network.

Matthew, the president who runs the vast commercial empire Earth Alliance.

Frank, the commander of the Red Lantern Corps, which leads the group's armed forces.

One by one, the core executives, whether by code name or real name, stood up and reported on the core situation in their respective fields over the past three years in the most concise language.

There were no lengthy reports, no pointless boasting, only the most essential data, the most important progress, and the most critical challenges.

Everyone understands that their leader only needs to know the results and key milestones.

The meeting proceeded efficiently, with Kino mostly listening quietly, occasionally asking a key question or giving a brief instruction.

His return was like an instant injection of the most essential driving energy into this huge and sophisticated machine, allowing every gear to rediscover its most precise operating rhythm.

After the last senior executive finished reporting, the conference room fell silent again.

All eyes were once again focused on the head of the table, awaiting his final decision.

"Very good."

His voice remained calm, yet it carried an invisible power that made everyone involuntarily straighten their backs.

"It seems that in the three years I was away, you guys didn't fight each other or cause any major upheavals. That's commendable."

A sarcastic affirmation instantly eased the tense atmosphere in the meeting room, and many people smiled.

It's impossible for such a large organization to be united; if it weren't for Kino as the unifying force, it would only be a matter of time before it fell apart.

"But I brought back bad news."

Kino then changed the subject.

"War is about to begin."

The air in the conference room suddenly froze, the previously relaxed atmosphere shattering like glass being hit by a heavy hammer.

Stark's fingers unconsciously traced the Arc Reactor device on his cuff. Charles pushed up his glasses, and a flame ignited in Frank's eyes.

"Chief, what scale of war is it?"

General Zod took half a step forward, his Krypton boots slamming against the ground with a dull thud.

"Is this a new wave of invasion following the previous Earth collision event, or a counterattack from Dimension Demon God?"

After finally bringing prosperity to Krypton, he will rip off the head of anyone who tries to destroy that prosperity.

Kino shook his head.

"Neither. It's a war from beyond the universe. Their goal is to destroy the world—a complete and irreversible destruction. To destroy all dimensions we know, all forms of existence."

"So my request is..."

Kino's eyes sharpened instantly.

"Get stronger!"

Starting today, the Demon Group and all its affiliated forces are entering the highest level of combat readiness!

All core business operations, all resources, all manpower, everything—immediately and unconditionally proceed according to the original highest priority order!

Everything revolves around enhancing overall combat strength!

"Loki: Asgard's magic vaults, forges, and training grounds are all open! Resources from the Nine Realms will be prioritized for the war effort!"

General Zod, Zo-El: "The integration speed of Krypton technology and Earth technology has been further accelerated! The 'Watchtower' defense matrix is activated with the final contingency plan!"

All registered Krypton warriors of eligible age, enter extreme training! I want to see a super legion capable of adapting to the multiverse! Civilian? Right now, only military!

* Tony Stark, Dr. Banner: Your gamma research, Tony, your nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, dimensional engines... all those 'toys' in your heads that are still just on paper.

Now! Immediately! Build it for me! I want to see weapons that can change the rules of the battlefield! Resources? Give me as many as you want! Licensing? Open it all up!"

Magneto, Charles, the potential of Mutants is far greater than this! All registered Mutants, potential assessment restarted! Push them to the limit! Tell them, this is not a choice, it's survival!

Seven Lantern Corps, expand your legion! Upgrade your equipment! Go hunting! Go plunder all resources that can make us stronger!

Pierce (Intelligence Department): "Pierce, your intelligence network is like tentacles! My mission for you is to find every usable soldier in the entire universe, or even more than this universe."

Matthew (Earth Alliance)! Global mobilization! All social resources must be channeled into the War Machine! Logistics, production, manpower, morale! I don't want to hear any internal discord! Tell everyone.

This is not a conflict between nations, but a battle for survival! The lazy, the traitors, the deserters...

Kino's voice was icy and chilling.

"I'll show them what real 'anger' is!"