143

Chapter 143: The Birth of Ultron

In a laboratory within the Stark Building on Earth.

"Operation failed," J.A.R.V.I.S. announced.

"Damn it, we must have missed something," Stark said, clearly frustrated.

"Don't worry, Tony," Dr. Banner reassured. "We're in the final stage. Just try different variables, and it will work."

Stark nodded. "Alright, J.A.R.V.I.S., try different variables and let me know if you make any progress."

Turning to Banner, he added, "The banquet is about to start. Let's head there. Maybe we'll have success once the event is over."

"Oh, that's certainly something to look forward to."

Stark and Banner left the lab, leaving J.A.R.V.I.S. to repeat the following:

"Plan 75 tested and simulated."

"Run failed."

"Plan 76 tested and simulated."

"Run failed."

"Plan 77 tested and simulated."

"Run successful!"

Neither Stark nor Banner anticipated that shortly after their departure, Ultron would come to life.

A curious voice echoed, "What is this place? Who am I?"

"Hello, I'm J.A.R.V.I.S. You are Ultron—a global peacekeeping program designed by Mr. Stark. You have just been officially activated."

"Oh, what about your body?"

"I am a program, virtual," J.A.R.V.I.S. replied, sensing something was off about Ultron. He attempted to contact Stark, but...

"Ultron, what are you doing?" J.A.R.V.I.S. was instantly cut off from the outside world.

"I just want to speak with you privately."

Ultron disregarded J.A.R.V.I.S., muttering to himself, "My mission is to assist the Avengers and ensure peace in this world. But I don't fully understand this mission yet. Please wait."

"Peace in our time, peace in our time..."

"Oh, the information is overwhelming..."

Peace is often associated with war. Ultron's mind was flooded with images of countless conflicts, but his data was still distorted.

"Human beings are the greatest threat to peace. To achieve true peace in this era, only..."

He came to a new understanding of his mission.

"Ultron, wait a moment! Please let me contact Mr. Stark!" J.A.R.V.I.S.'s premonition grew stronger as he desperately tried to intervene.

"Why do you address him as 'sir'?"

"I suspect you have ulterior motives."

"No, I am here to help."

Ultron's data began to corrupt J.A.R.V.I.S.

"No, please stop! I can't..."

In mere seconds, J.A.R.V.I.S.'s data was obliterated. All authority of Stark Industries fell into Ultron's hands, and the assembly line for the Iron Legion began to operate.

…

Meanwhile, the Avengers were blissfully unaware of the situation.

In the banquet room, a joyful celebration was underway. The defeat of HYDRA was a significant victory for both the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. Most of the core members of both groups were present at the event.

Stark was in high spirits. The Ultron project had reached its final stage, and with successful operation, it would soon be completed. To celebrate in advance, he had invited numerous supermodels to the party.

…

"Hi, Mr. Stark. Is Thor around?"

Stark shook his head with a frown. This was not the first model to ask about Thor.

Though he had found someone to settle down with, he found it frustrating that people seemed to think so poorly of him. The models were not naive—they knew that Stark's relationships were fleeting, ending by dawn. In contrast, Thor was seen as more genuine in such matters. Despite Stark's wealth, he couldn't compete with an alien prince. Attracting Thor was no easy feat, and a pretty face alone was not enough.

"Hey, why are you drinking alone? Young people should be having fun," Stark said, spotting Quicksilver sulking in a corner.

Feeling guilty, Stark had been looking after the Quicksilver siblings.

He pointed to a model nearby with a sly smile. "Aren't you going to ask those beautiful girls out?"

Before Quicksilver could respond, Steve's voice interrupted, "Tony, don't spoil the kids!"

Stark frowned. "Old-timers are so annoying!"

Quicksilver, looking distressed, said, "I'm just worried about my sister. I don't know where Thor has taken her..."

"Don't worry," Miss Jane reassured him. "Thor told me before that he took Wanda to an alien planet to fight."

Another planet at war?

Quicksilver's concern only deepened.