CHAPTER 58

There are already over a dozen superheroes on Earth, such as the Avengers. Wakanda has the ability to create superheroes using vibranium. So, why couldn't Rhodes do the same?

Rhodes currently possesses three Infinity Gems and the ability to modify genes, meaning he can grant the power of the Infinity Gems to countless people.

This is the mass production of superheroes.

"In short, you have nothing to fear. Try to control your newly awakened superpowers, and you can become superheroes as well."

The heroic warriors of the Temple of Valor swiftly adapted to their newfound powers. Some experienced increased strength without awakening superpowers, while others succeeded in unlocking new abilities.

For instance, one warrior could transform his body into flames, emit powerful fire rays, and even create fiery explosions.

Another heroic warrior roared and grew taller, turning into a stone giant over ten meters in height.

Others had the power to manipulate their opponents' weapons, transforming into thousands of weapons to attack. Some could turn into liquids or become invisible.

Rhodes examined their health, and they appeared to be in excellent condition, giving him peace of mind.

With so many powerful warriors, Rhodes was in high spirits.

Rhodes then presented the Soul Gem for a new experiment. If these Asgardian warriors could absorb energy from all six Infinity Gems, their combat effectiveness would undoubtedly be formidable.

Currently, the Temple of Valor's heroic warriors had combat power comparable to the Avengers' Hulk and Thor. Having such a significant number at his disposal pleased Rhodes.

Rhodes decided to absorb the energy from the Mind Gem in his possession. Initially, his body couldn't absorb the Mind Gem's power. However, after some adjustments to his genes, Rhodes could effectively absorb its energy.

A yellow mist emanated from the Mind Gem, which Rhodes absorbed.

Yet, he realized that no matter how much energy he absorbed from the Infinity Gem, it only provided a basic increase in power.

This left Rhodes unsatisfied with the results. Instead of using the energy for himself, he considered empowering the Asgardian warriors to improve their strength. There was a possibility that absorbing the energy of the Infinity Gems might also awaken unique superpowers in some of them, making them true superheroes.

Rhodes found this idea quite appealing.

He called over two heroic warriors who had absorbed energy from the Power Gem.

"You two, come here."

"Yes, Lord Rhodes."

The dramatic improvement in their strength due to the Infinity Gems left them eager to take part in this experiment.

Rhodes instructed them, "Come and try absorbing energy from this Soul Gem. See if it leads to further improvement."

Without hesitation, the heroic warriors stepped forward to absorb energy from the Soul Gem held by Rhodes.

Yellow energy poured into their bodies. Initially, they remained composed, but soon they exhibited painful expressions as they absorbed the Soul Gem's energy.

They fell to the ground, writhing in pain, as two conflicting energies—purple and yellow—emanated from their bodies. These forces constantly clashed, causing the warriors to bleed from the mouth and nose, convulse, and appear on the verge of death.

Rhodes had not anticipated that the energies from two Infinity Gems could conflict within their bodies. While his own formidable physique could handle any energy, these heroic warriors were less resilient.

Rhodes quickly enveloped them in his golden energy, extracting the Mind Gem's energy from their bodies. Although it wasn't much, even a small amount of Mind Gem's energy could be lethal. He succeeded in preventing them from suffering fatal injuries.

Rhodes swiftly healed them, leaving no lasting consequences.

The heroic warriors got back on their feet, appearing somewhat dazed.

Rhodes was relieved that he had tested this in advance. Dealing with this situation in a larger group would have been far more challenging.

It appeared that the Infinity Gem's energy could be absorbed effectively only from one gem at a time. Absorbing energy from a second gem might lead to conflict and backlash.

Rhodes faced no problems from the energy absorbed from the two Infinity Gems. His body seamlessly transformed the energy into pure divine power, completely under his control.

Rhodes looked at Bell and instructed, "Continue the training, help them adapt to their newfound powers, and record the abilities of those warriors who awakened superpowers."

Bell nodded and promised, "Don't worry, Lord Rhodes, I'll take care of it."

Rhodes left the Temple of Valor, confident in the results of the test with the heroic warriors.

He contemplated empowering Hela using the Infinity Gems. With her already impressive strength, absorbing the gems' energy could result in substantial growth.

Rhodes teleported to Hela's temple, where she was handling various administrative duties. Despite the absence of war due to Rhodes' presence, managing Asgard was still a challenging task, requiring her involvement in many details and complex matters.

Hela greeted Rhodes with a smile upon his arrival.

"Rhodes, you're here."

"Yes."

Rhodes affectionately stroked Hela's hair and explained the Infinity Gems he had acquired, along with his plans for empowering others.

Hela's eyes gleamed with anticipation, eager to increase her strength further.

Rhodes presented three Infinity Gems in his hand and offered Hela the choice of one.

She contemplated and replied, "The Mind Gem."

"Very well."

With a wave of Rhodes' hand, Hela's genes were subtly modified, and he gave her the Mind Gem.

Hela held the Mind Gem, and over an hour or two, she absorbed a substantial amount of yellow energy mist into her body.

Finally, she reached the upper limit of divine power within her.

Hela slowly opened her bright eyes, releasing a sigh of satisfaction and displaying a relaxed smile.

At that moment, Rhodes could sense Hela's transformation. She had attained a level of power that would overpower Odin if they were to engage in combat again.

With her current strength, Hela could defeat any god in Asgard with ease.

Hela informed Rhodes, "Rhodes, I've gained a unique ability."

Rhodes was delighted and inquired, "What superpower have you acquired?"

Hela responded, "Mind control. I can easily control people's minds and make them work for me."

Rhodes acknowledged the value of her newfound power, "Impressive! Mind control is a highly practical and potent ability, surpassing even the scepter used by Loki."

Hela, eager to test her abilities, attempted to control Rhodes' mind. However, Rhodes felt only a slight flutter in his heart, followed by no discernible effect.

Rhodes asked, "Hela, are you trying to use your mind control on me?"

Hela confirmed, "Yes, but it seems ineffective. Normally, I should be able to control anyone not significantly stronger than me."

Rhodes explained, "It appears that your mind control ability doesn't affect me. I might be directly immune."

Hela marveled, "Your strength has reached astonishing levels."

Hela then suggested, "Rhodes, if you can grant such powerful abilities to the heroic warriors, why not empower all of Asgard's fighters? With the entire realm possessing such incredible power, Asgard's strength will be unmatched."

Rhodes agreed, "That's precisely my intention. If we implement this, Asgard's power will surpass all the other Nine Realms."

"Imagine superheroes everywhere in Asgard," Hela said.

Rhodes added, "I'll go and coordinate with the army."

Hela thanked Rhodes for his efforts.