An overreaching inspection of the core jurisdiction, soft resistance from departmental barriers
The words spoken by the synthesized voice were devoid of emotion, yet they instantly tensed the atmosphere in the square, which had just eased.
Inspecting the Chaos Energy Research Institute.
Wanda's professional smile froze for a moment.
Hela cast a cold glance at her, her fingers gripping the Data Pad tightening slightly at the knuckles.
The Golden Armored Envoy ignored their reactions. Its smooth, mirror-like helmet turned towards the research institute, and it began to move. Its movements were slow, yet carried an air of certainty that disregarded all obstacles.
Each step felt like stepping on a node of Negative Zone rules, producing a dull resonance.
"Your Excellency, I am very sorry."
Wanda's voice rang out, and she quickly took two steps, blocking the Golden Armored Envoy's path at just the right moment.
Her posture remained respectful, but her stance was clear.
"The Chaos Energy Research Institute is currently under 'red alert' high-risk energy isolation. All internal experiments have been sealed off, awaiting the next phase of technical evaluation."
As she spoke, she pulled up her work log on her Data Pad, which was marked with the "sealed" status in striking red font.
"According to Article 22 of Chapter 5 of the Management Committee's 'Regulations on the Management of High-Risk Assets,' the isolation zone must not be opened without a top-level order signed by the Director. This is to ensure the absolute safety of the area and visitors."
Wanda made her point very clearly, citing regulations and highlighting the risks. This is a standard departmental Bastion; anyone familiar with how the system works understands that safety is paramount, and no one can bear that responsibility.
The Golden Armored Envoy stopped, his smooth helmet facing Wanda.
The surrounding air began to distort, and an invisible pressure emanated from it.
"My authority surpasses your regulations."
The synthesized voice sounded again, cold and unyielding. It was stating a fact, not engaging in a debate.
This is a prelude to overturning the table.
When power itself refuses to be bound by rules, all procedures become meaningless.
A flash of Scarlet appeared in Wanda's eyes. Hela, behind her, had already placed her hand on the sword at her waist.
Just as tensions were about to rise, a crisp voice broke the deadlock.
"Your Excellency, please wait a moment."
Liaison Office Chief Gwen Stacy Stacy emerged from behind Wanda, also carrying a Data Pad, her steps measured and composed.
Her appearance was no accident. It was the second line of Defense Line that Lynn had set up in her "inspection plan".
Gwen Stacy didn't look at the Golden Armored Envoy, but instead glanced at the Data Pad in her hand, as if confirming some information.
"The Chaos Energy Research Institute you requested to consult has some core projects involving collaboration with the Time Variance Authority (TVA)."
She raised her head, her tone calm and businesslike.
"According to Annex III, 'Technology Sharing and Confidentiality,' of the Bilateral Memorandum of Cross-Dimension Coordination Mechanism Bilateral Memorandum signed between us and TVA, any third-party review involving jointly owned assets must be countersigned by the TVA Discipline and Inspection Commission before it can be initiated."
With a gentle tap on the Data Pad, a holographic Holographic Image of a memorandum bearing both parties' signatures was instantly projected in front of the Golden Armored Envoy. The terms were clear, and the responsibilities were well-defined.
This was one of Lynn's greatest gains at the negotiating table with the He Who Remains, and now it became his strongest shield.
Gwen Stacy's voice was clear and organized as she continued, "We fully respect and support your investigation. Just now, we have forwarded your review request as an 'urgent' request to the TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection through official channels."
She gave a perfectly timed, apologetic, professional smile.
"We have no right to unilaterally open the area to you before receiving their reply. Otherwise, it would be a unilateral breach of contract on our part, which would seriously damage the foundation of cooperation and mutual trust between the Management Committee and TVA."
His words were perfectly watertight.
She didn't refuse the review, but instead passed the buck to TVA, which was in a completely different Dimension, in an extremely compliant and professional manner.
You want to investigate? Sure. First, go talk to the TVA and get their permit.
This is no longer a conflict between the Negative Zone Management Committee and the Living Tribunal's envoy, but a potential clash between the Living Tribunal's review power and the TVA's Jurisdiction.
The Golden Armored Envoy stood motionless in place.
The distorted air around it slowly returned to normal.
As a rule-follower, it naturally understands the weight of Gwen Stacy's words. Forcibly breaking in means that it has committed a major procedural flaw, and its review report will no longer possess irrefutable authority.
For an envoy representing the Supreme Court, procedural justice is sometimes more important than the outcome.
The square fell into absolute silence.
The reception staff, witnessing this scene, felt a sense of absurdity. The terrifying being that had disregarded the Phoenix Firewall and descended like a god was now being firmly blocked outside the research institute by a few documents and regulations.
Wanda and Hela exchanged a glance, both seeing the same emotion in each other's eyes.
The problems they couldn't solve with force were effortlessly resolved by Lynn using a set of seemingly complicated rules and regulations.
This is the power of the system.
After an unknown amount of time, the Golden Armored Envoy finally made a move.
It didn't insist further, nor did it speak; it simply slowly withdrew that invisible pressure.
It lost this round.
Wanda and Gwen Stacy breathed a sigh of relief, but their faces remained serious.
However, the Golden Armored Envoy did not leave.
Its smooth gauntlets reached into its side, as if groping for something in the void.
A moment later, it took out something.
It wasn't a weapon, nor was it an energy creation; it was a paper document, yellowed and neatly folded, like a long-stored archive.
It reached out and handed the document to Gwen Stacy.
"In that case," the cold, synthesized voice sounded again, "While awaiting TVA's reply, please assist with another official matter."
Alarm bells rang in Gwen Stacy's mind.
She steadied herself, stepped forward, and took the document with both hands.
The file felt cool to the touch.
She unfolded the document; four black conceptual markings were imprinted at the top.
Assistance Investigation Notice.