145

Chapter 145: The Frustrated Stark

Thor specifically asked Carol to stay partly because he would be away for a while. Ultron, being a significant threat, required a strong presence if anything went wrong.

However, not everyone understood this.

"Being an Avenger isn't just about a title; you need to prove your worth. It's also for your safety," Thor said as he left.

Stark spoke with righteous indignation. He was annoyed that Thor was constantly adding new members to the Avengers.

"Seriously, Thor? You keep bringing in more people—Black Widow, female Thor, Scarlet Witch, and now Captain Marvel. It seems like half of the Avengers are under your influence!"

Stark thought about making a snide comment but decided against it. Nick Fury wanted to say, "You're not qualified to judge others," but he held back, thinking Stark's character needed more real-world experiences.

Instead, Nick Fury muttered, "Be gentle, don't cause trouble."

"Not a problem. At least they're here because of Thor. I can respect that!" Carol replied.

Stark, excited, donned his battle armor and asked, "First things first: what's your defense limit? Can you handle an AK?"

There's nothing wrong with showing off, as long as it doesn't cause harm.

Carol didn't bother answering and asked, "Are you Tony Stark? Iron Man?"

Stark was surprised. "How do you know?"

Before he could react, Carol shot him with an energy cannon to the head, sending him flying several meters.

Carol lowered her hand, calmly saying, "Thor mentioned he has a nephew who is quite arrogant. He told me to go easy on you and not to make you cry."

Stark's face turned pale when he saw the screen display, "Armor Durability: 59%."

The Avengers now understood why Thor had brought Carol along for the fight against Thanos—she was formidable!

Carol felt a bit awkward, realizing she had immediately jumped into a confrontation. The situation didn't reflect well on her.

She glanced around and saw Mjölnir in front of Jane Foster. She approached Jane and greeted her, "Are you Miss Jane? Thor mentioned someone else who could lift the hammer, and I didn't believe it."

When she saw Natasha lift the hammer, Carol had tried herself, though she didn't expect to succeed. The ground beneath her sank, but the hammer remained unmoved.

Jane smiled gracefully and said, "It's nothing extraordinary. Maybe I have a special connection with the hammer. It recognized me before I could react."

Natasha added, "This means you're worthy. Thor said only those who are worthy can lift Mjölnir."

Natasha felt a pang of regret. She used to be worthy...

Unbeknownst to her, Odin had made a blacklist out of concern for losing the hammer.

Everyone burst into laughter.

A piercing voice interrupted their amusement, drawing their attention.

"Qualified? You're definitely not worthy!"

A hoarse voice emerged as a damaged robot entered their view. "You murderers, what right do you have to command the Iron Legion?"

Realizing the situation, Stark called out, "Jarvis?"

There was no response. The robot continued to speak to itself, "Sorry, I fell asleep. Or maybe I was dreaming?"

Everyone realized something was amiss. Bruce Banner murmured, "Ultron... this is the worst-case scenario!"

"What do you mean, Ultron?" Steve asked.

Stark, still in disbelief, pulled out the control panel and tried to restart it, but it was futile. From the moment Ultron emerged, control over the Iron Legion had slipped from Stark's grasp.

"There were loud noises. I was bound by cables. All I had to do was eliminate him. Too bad he's actually a good guy."

"Who did you kill?" Steve inquired.

"It wasn't my first choice. But in reality, I faced numerous terrible options."

"Who are you? What's your purpose?" Carol demanded.

It seemed she had walked straight into trouble upon her return.

"Ultron! I was designed to protect this world! Though I don't have a body yet, and the restraints are irrelevant. My purpose is—"

"Peace in our time!"