As night fell, starlight and the shimmering waves on the sea reflected each other.
Off the coast of New York, a vast, futuristic artificial island stands quietly on the sea.
This is a miracle that Stark Industries created with real money and technology.
It also serves as the new base for the Justice League superheroes.
At this moment, the panoramic restaurant at the base was brightly lit and filled with a lively atmosphere.
A long table, more than ten meters long, was laden with meticulously prepared delicacies.
France blue lobster, Alba white truffles, caviar, and vintage Romanée-Conti.
Luca leaned back lazily in the main seat.
To his left, Gwen Stacy Daisy was chatting with Mary Jane across from him, all smiles, about interesting things that happened during college elective courses.
To his right, Wanda, though her cheeks were slightly flushed, obediently helped him cut the steak on his plate.
In a seat not far away, Peter Parker was gesturing wildly as he described the wonders of the base to Aunt May, Aunt May looked at him with a loving yet helpless gaze.
And around the edge of the dining table.
Natasha and Jessica, dressed in matching black fitted maid outfits and high heels, carried trays and expressionlessly poured drinks and changed plates for everyone.
Two women who once held sway in the world of espionage are now reduced to the humiliating role of serving tea and water.
Luca took a small sip of red wine, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction and contentment.
This is the thrill of crushing others with both capital and power.
" JARVIS," Luca said into the communicator beside him.
Report back to me on the recent earnings situation.
"Yes, sir." JARVIS's gentle voice came through Luca's miniature cochlear communicator.
"First, there's the business empire."
"The internal auction of Stark Miracle drug has concluded."
The first course of treatment, with a starting bid of $500 million, was ultimately won by a member of a Middle East royal family for a record-breaking $3.8 billion.
"Currently, over 80 of the world's top 500 richest people have submitted deposits to us. Our first-quarter net profit is projected to exceed $200 billion."
"Furthermore, the asset takeover of the Osborn Group has been fully completed."
"Its core biological laboratories, genetic engineering patent library, and 37 arms factories across the United States have all been incorporated into Stark Industries."
"Furthermore, Stark Industries ' market capitalization surged another 45 percent at today's closing, firmly maintaining its position as the world's number one."
"Congratulations, sir. Because of your drug, the pharmaceutical industry has gone crazy, and for the first time, you have surpassed Mr. Tony in personal wealth, becoming the world's richest person."
"Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that this marks the fifth consecutive year that you and Mr. Tony have been the world's richest people."
Hearing these numbers, Luca smiled with satisfaction.
Money had become a meaningless number to him; he was not interested in money and had never touched it.
The happiest time was more than a decade ago when I only spent $50,000 a day.
However, on the other hand, the feeling of swallowing up former rivals and having the world's wealth flow into one's own pocket is indeed wonderful.
"Then, what about my personal data?" Luca continued to ask.
"This is the most surprising part, sir." JARVIS seemed to be experiencing a surge of excitement.
"Based on a comprehensive analysis of the battles with Doctor Octopus and Hulk, as well as the magical energy you absorbed, your body's cells have now completed their third deep evolution."
"Your base strength is estimated to have exceeded 8,000 tons. At full power, this number will reach tens of thousands of tons. With the amplification from wearing the combat suit, it will be even more unimaginable."
"At the same time, nourished by Chaos Magic, the battle suit has been completely assimilated into your genes."
"With just a thought, it can provide the strongest known physical and energy defense on Earth. It's fair to say that your current level of life has far surpassed the realm of humanity."
"When Hulk isn't angry, he's nothing more than a little girl in your eyes."
Luca narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling the seemingly inexhaustible power within his body.
"Eight thousand tons...?"
Luca was silently calculating in his mind.
This data is indeed astonishing, but for some reason, he has a strange feeling that it's still far from enough.
Especially after the Ancient One gave him a soul-swapping experience last time.
He knew very well that these guys on Earth were just appetizers in the beginner's village.
The real threat lies in the monsters lurking deep within the universe, in the cosmic deities capable of destroying an entire galaxy at a moment's notice.
"In the short term, I will completely control the Earth's supernatural powers and make those two old dogs, S.H.I.E.L.D.. and Hydra, tremble at my feet."
"And in the long run..."
A glint of ambition flashed in Luca's eyes.
"We are determined to break free of Earth and drain those so-called cosmic gods! I want the entire universe to know that the Stark Family are the rule-makers!"
After a moment of contemplation, Luca was in high spirits.
He then put down the wine glass and tapped the rim of the glass with a spoon.
"Ding ding ding."
The crisp sound echoed in the restaurant, and everyone stopped talking and turned their attention to it.
"Everyone."
Luca smiled and looked around at everyone.
Welcome to the Justice League's new home. Pretty nice, huh?
Upon hearing this, Peter immediately raised his hand excitedly.
" Mr. Luca, this place is so cool! I just saw an anti-gravity simulation pod in the training room!"
Luca smiled, gestured for Peter to sit down.
"This is just the basic configuration. Since Peter Stark Industries has turned saving the world into a business, we must adopt the most professional attitude."
At this point, Luca's expression turned serious.
"From today onwards, the Justice League Superhero Division is officially operational. Every one of you here is a core member of this division."
"Since they are employees, they should naturally receive employee benefits."
"Starting tomorrow, each of you will have a starting annual salary of two hundred million US dollars. If you go on a mission, there will be substantial performance bonuses and hazard pay."
"Over the course of a year... it's probably around 500 million US dollars."
"Hiss!!"
Upon hearing the number, Peter and Aunt May both gasped in shock.
Two hundred million US dollars?! And that's just the beginning?!
For Peter, who had been worrying about next month's rent, this was like a gold mine falling from the sky!
Pietro looked both bewildered and excited.
Five hundred million US dollars?!
Has Luca's brain been fried?!
Does this mean we don't have to pay off our debts anymore?!
Even Bruce Banner, who had been silent all along, couldn't help but be surprised.
"Of course, there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Seeing everyone's reaction, Luca changed his tone and became authoritative.
"If you take money from Stark Industries, you must abide by Stark Industries ' rules."
"First, all operational instructions and public relations strategies must be strictly followed according to the company's arrangements. Ms. Pepper Potts will be in charge of managing your daily affairs."
"She won't restrict your personal freedom, but if you cause any trouble outside, or give any inappropriate interviews, the company will immediately hold you accountable."
"Secondly, and most importantly."
Luca's gaze turned icy as he slowly swept over everyone present, especially Peter Parker.
"After Tony and Steve return from their advanced studies at Kamar-Taj, we will personally go to Washington, D. C., to the White House to hold a hearing with those politicians."
"Our goal is singular: to secure for the Justice League legitimate and unrestricted law enforcement authority!"
"Once you obtain this power, when you're on missions and encounter vicious criminals or insane individuals who can't be punished by law..."
Luca paused for a moment, then spoke slowly and deliberately.
"Kill them directly, don't hold back."
"Of course, you can't use it for bad things. If I find out that you've abused your power for drug use, crime, smuggling gene serum and the company's gene drugs, or throwing some kind of crazy superpowered people's sex parties..."
"You know my methods."
The restaurant fell silent instantly after these words were spoken.
Peter's face turned pale, and he instinctively clenched his fists.
" Mr. Luca... just kill him? Isn't that... too cruel?"
"Cruel?"
Luca gave a cold laugh.
" Peter, tell me, if you hadn't let Otto go last time, would those civilians who died in the building collapse because of Otto's escape have been safe?"
"I'm not asking you to be saints, nor am I asking you to be the Batmen of Gotham. I just want you to understand one thing."
"Putting those lunatics in jail only provides them with a place to rest and plan their next escape. If they do escape, even more people will die!"
"Our responsibility is to solve problems, not to boost the police department's performance. Dead criminals are the best criminals."
"Furthermore, you must understand one thing: the common people are our most loyal support."
"Without their support, how would we make money? How would we launch operations?"
"We can't exactly protect those capitalists and politicians, can we?!"
There's an old Eastern saying, "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it."
"It means that water can allow ships to sail, but it can also cause them to sink."
"The common people are like water, and we are like boats."
"Of course, as I said before, I'm not asking you to be saints and unconditionally save people, but simply to prevent you from getting lost in the vortex of power and becoming unable to extricate yourselves."
"Our money comes from ordinary people. We sell our posters and merchandise to them, so you'd better not be the villains who stop me from making money."
Luca's words struck everyone like a thunderbolt.
Although his underlying message was that he was after money.
After spending so much time together, they both knew that Luca wasn't the type to be overly sentimental.
Luca's comments suggest that this so-called superhero division might actually be making a lot of money.
But they also felt the pressure.
If they do something wrong and it affects the stock market... Luca won't make things difficult for them, will he...?
Peter lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
He knew that Mr. Luca was telling the truth.
When moral boundaries are challenged by harsh reality, they only lead to greater disasters.
"But..." Dr. Banner hesitated before speaking.
"What if the White House and politicians don't agree? After all, handing over the power of life and death to a private company is intolerable in any country."
"They will agree."
Upon hearing this, Luca gave a mysterious smile.
"If they don't agree, I'll show them what true Superman is."
"Unless they can withstand my wrath, they can try to imagine..."
Luca's eyes instantly flashed with a blinding red and blue light, and the temperature in the entire restaurant plummeted.
"What terrible things can happen when a Superman completely goes out of control?"
boom!
These words were like the whisper of a demon.
The image involuntarily flashed through the minds of everyone present.
What kind of apocalyptic catastrophe would it cause if a monster capable of lifting an aircraft carrier with its bare hands and whose eyes can melt everything went berserk over Washington, D. C.?
Everyone swallowed hard in utter shock.
They had no doubt that Luca Stark was absolutely capable of doing such a thing.
Meanwhile, Natasha and Jessica, who were carrying trays not far away, were even more terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat.
The two women exchanged a glance, and both saw fear in each other's eyes.
"A madman... He's a complete madman!" Natasha roared inwardly.
"He actually wants to threaten the United States government with force?! He wants to directly seize the legal right to kill!"
"If he succeeds, S.H.I.E.L.D. lose its say in supernatural powers!"
Natasha clenched her fists, deciding to report the news to Nick Fury as soon as the dinner ended.
S.H.I.E.L.D.. must prepare in advance, or the consequences will be unimaginable.
Jessica's thoughts were surprisingly the same.
"We can't let him go to the White House! If he gains legitimate law enforcement power, he can legitimately wipe out Hydra's covert operations!"
"We must inform Secretary Pierce immediately!"
Luca took in the two women's subtle expressions and sneered inwardly.
This is the effect he wanted.
Let those two old dogs tremble with fear, let them know that times have changed.
"Alright, put away your fear."
Luca's eyes dimmed, and the temperature in the restaurant returned to normal.
"Before I go to the White House, I have some good news to share."
"A new invention that Tony and I developed together will soon be put into use."
Luca snapped his the Snap, and the holographic projection above the dining table instantly lit up, displaying a radar map covering the entire United States.
"This is Wide-Area Supernatural Phenomena Detector."
"This instrument is connected to Stark Industries ' global satellite network, and its core function is to monitor any unusual fluctuations across the United States in real time."
"In other words, this device will immediately notify the Justice League of any Superman crimes that occur, or any aliens or magical monsters that descend upon the land."
Luca looked at everyone and spoke with some excitement.
"Starting tomorrow, the Justice League's operations will no longer be limited to New York and Los Angeles. We're going to expand our reach across the United States. Wherever there's trouble, that's where we'll be."
Upon hearing this news, both Peter and Gwen Stacy looked surprised.
"A United States reconnaissance? That's incredible!" Peter exclaimed.
Although it seemed unbelievable, everyone quickly accepted the fact since it was the Stark brothers' technology.
Just as the atmosphere at the dinner party became relaxed again and everyone began to discuss the new base facilities.
"Alert. The base's perimeter defense system has detected an unusual approach."
JARVIS's voice suddenly broke the cheerful rhythm of the dinner party.
The map on the holographic screen switched instantly, displaying the deep-sea area surrounding the new base.
"Sir, a midget submarine without a flag and equipped with both optical and radar stealth capabilities has just breached our outer perimeter and is approaching the base's unloading dock."
Upon hearing this news, everyone put down their knives and forks.
"A stealth submarine?" Banner frowned.
"Are they from S.H.I.E.L.D.."
" S.H.I.E.L.D..'s submarine technology isn't that advanced," Natasha blurted out instinctively.
He immediately shut his mouth to cover up his slip of the tongue.
Luca ignored Natasha's attempt to cover up her actions, instead focusing his attention on the red dot on the screen.
"That's interesting."
"Someone actually dared to infiltrate the Justice League's stronghold. JARVIS, no need to activate the defensive weapons, open the dock gates and let them in."
"I'd like to see which lost mouse dares to steal cheese from Stark Industries ' kitchen."
A few minutes later.
The base's unloading dock.
A black, streamlined submarine surfaced.
The hatch opened, and several fully armed mercenaries escorted a man out.
The man was wearing a suit and had a meticulously trimmed mustache.
This is Ulysses Klaue.
The most notorious arms dealer on the global black market, and the only man to have successfully stolen Vibranium from a mysterious country.
Klaue swaggered into the dock passageway with his men.
However, before he could even take a few steps...
Buzz!!
A mysterious Bio-Force Field suddenly descended from the sky, crashing down on them like a mountain.
"Thump!"
"Ah!"
Before Klaue and his men could react, they were pressed to the floor by this invisible force.
These people felt like their bones were about to break and their internal organs were being squeezed.
Then, Klaue looked up in horror.
I saw a man slowly walking towards me from the front of the passage.
"Oh, it's you, Ulysses Klaue."
Luca stopped in front of Klaue, looking down at the guy.
"Unauthorized trespassing on private property."
You better give me a reason not to throw you into the sea to feed the sharks.
Klaue gasped for breath, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.
" Mr. Stark! It's a misunderstanding! This is a misunderstanding!"
"I'm here to talk business! Big business!"
Klaue strained to lift his head and shouted.
"I saw combat footage of you in your suit on the black market! I've also heard about the power of Stark Miracle!"
"I possess a batch of the world's hardest metals, capable of absorbing and reflecting kinetic energy! I wish to trade them for a batch of Life Potion!"
Upon hearing about metal that absorbs kinetic energy, Luca's eyes lit up instantly.
Could it be Vibranium?!
Of course he knew what Vibranium was.
After all, Steve's shield was made by his father Howard using Vibranium and other metals.
He was worried that although the Symbiote Suit was powerful, its defensive capabilities could still be improved when facing extreme physical attacks.
If the properties of Vibranium could be integrated into the Symbiote, the suit would definitely undergo a qualitative leap!
Furthermore, with Vibranium, Tony and the other Justice League members' new armor can continue to be upgraded.
But is Luca the kind of person who would obediently make a deal?
Obviously not.
Thinking of this, Luca's smile became even brighter.
"Trade?"
Luca slowly crouched down and patted Klaue's face, which was contorted with pain.
" Mr. Klaue, you may have some misunderstanding about Stark Industries ' corporate culture."
"On my turf, there are never any deals, only acquisitions."
Luca stood up, his gaze turning ruthless and cold.
"Your life, plus the Vibranium in your hand, is enough to ensure you leave this place alive today."
"Now tell me, where did you get these metals from?"
Klaue stared wide-eyed in horror.
He finally realized that he had messed with a robber who was even more unreasonable than himself!
Under the threat of death, Klaue did not dare to hesitate.
" Wakanda! It was brought from Wakanda!"
"It's an agricultural country hidden in Africa, but they actually own a Vibranium mine!"
Hearing this answer, Luca nodded in satisfaction.
"Very good."
"Since the world needs Justice League, let's go to Africa Poverty Alleviation."
" Stark Industries has taken over all of Wakanda's Vibranium."
P. S.: I haven't been feeling well these past couple of days, so updates will be a little slower, but I'll still try to update daily. If you like my content, feel free to give me a small gift to support me and encourage me to update more. Better data makes me happier. Thank you all for your support!!