197
Chapter 197: Endgame
Although Iron Man had been out of sight for a long time, it was because there had been nothing that required his direct intervention.
In recent years, he had been developing a global UAV system. At first glance, it resembled the old Insights Project. However, the key difference was that this new system wouldn't declare someone guilty for their inactions, fundamentally differing from the Insight Plan.
Essentially, this system served as a global reinforcement, ready to support the world at any moment. Even Steve Rogers, now serving as President, supported the plan.
"If you master this power, I'll approve it. But you must promise never to hand it over to anyone else!"
Stark agreed wholeheartedly.
The relative peace on Earth in recent years could be attributed to this army of drones. They dealt with small, reckless forces that were unaware of their own limitations.
The UAV system continued to improve and upgrade, with only a few people aware of its advancements.
To the public, Stark seemed to have retired. He lived a semi-reclusive life in a forest cabin, having become a wealthy retiree. He had a daughter named Morgan Stark.
When the Ultron incident occurred, Stark had once visited Hawkeye's home and mentioned that Pepper might enjoy such a farm. Now, he had made that a reality.
Long-term peace had made Iron Man genuinely consider retirement to spend time raising Morgan. However, he remained ready to return if the world ever needed him.
As Pepper had said, "In my life, I may never be able to persuade you."
The research on his armor had not ceased; it had merely moved from the city to the suburbs. He was always prepared.
Additionally, he had not given up searching for the two missing Infinity Stones.
Another notable couple in the Avengers was Bruce Banner and Princess Shuri of Wakanda. Banner was considered Wakanda's first foreign prince, and with his connection to Shuri, his value had surpassed even Stark's, despite the shortage of Vibranium.
Both Banner and Shuri were extreme workaholics. Once engaged in scientific research, they would forget to eat and sleep. Unlike Stark, who separated work from life, their dedication was all-consuming.
"Thor, this is the endgame," said Doctor Strange within the Sanctum Sanctorum in New York.
Thor frowned, "The endgame? The world is fine now. Who would go back to the past just to cause trouble?"
In truth, even if someone went back to the past, it would not be problematic. The current Nebula had not undergone transformation, so she would not become a central threat.
Doctor Strange smiled but said nothing.
Thor felt a sudden urge to punch him; Strange's cryptic mannerisms were irritating. Reflecting, Strange had always been difficult to deal with, even when he was a doctor.
After a pause, Strange said, "Maybe someone will?"
"At most... it won't exceed six months," Thor replied, looking relaxed.
He wasn't overly concerned. The Avengers' current strength was significantly greater than it was in 2022 in the original timeline, making them less vulnerable to surprise attacks.
In the original history, Stark's sacrifice resulted from multiple factors. These included Thor's condition, Wanda's interrupted spellcasting, and Captain Marvel's late arrival.
Many superheroes capable of resisting Thanos had been disconnected due to various reasons, providing Thanos with an opportunity to strike.
These issues could be avoided this time.
Moreover, Thanos in 2017 was not as formidable as his 2014 self, making the latter's presence more of a gift.
Since becoming King of Asgard, Thor's strength had grown steadily, comparable to Hela's. Only he knew the full extent of his current power.
Leaving Kamar-Taj, Thor walked through the space portal and headed home. Though not overly concerned, he still needed to make some preparations.
After five years of reconstruction, Asgard had returned to its former glory. The infrastructure capabilities of the Asgardians were comparable to those on Earth.
However, when Thor referred to home, he meant not Asgard but an island in northern Norway.