The images that lingered in Nolan's mind were not just idle thoughts
they were visions of ambition, fragments of a future that only he dared to imagine.
But even if he could make them real, he knew he never would.
The world was already complex enough.
And besides, his goal had always been clear he sought to be a capitalist, not a ruler.
To sit high above others might look glorious from afar, but it wasn't necessarily joyful.
He turned toward Ivan Vanko and asked calmly, "Dr. Vanko, have you made your decision?"
Vanko blinked, uncertain. "What do you mean?"
Nolan smiled faintly. "I mean, have you decided to join Lockhart Technologies as one of our lead researchers? Of course, I'll need to make some… adjustments to your situation. Otherwise, with the crimes you've committed, you'll be spending the rest of your life in a cell."
"You're not planning to lock me up?" Vanko's expression shifted, a mix of suspicion and disbelief.
"Of course not," Nolan replied, utterly casual. "You and Tony Stark may have your grudges, but as I've told you before, killing him isn't the best solution. Justin Hammer took away your choices but I'm here to give them back to you."
Vanko hesitated for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"You're right. You gave me a choice. I just hope you don't regret it later. But tell me where will I be working? I can't exactly show up at your company right now."
Nolan chuckled, a spark of amusement in his eyes.
"In that case, you have two options: hide away somewhere safe, or… let me perform a few modifications."
To Nolan, the idea was simple.
Beyond biological enhancements, there was another path forward
mechanical augmentation.
It was, in his eyes, the most direct and efficient route to evolution.
He studied Vanko in silence.
Perhaps it was time to test that theory on someone else first.
Vanko understood what Nolan was implying.
After a brief pause, he nodded again. "Do what you must. I only have one goal." His eyes burned with fierce determination. "I will defeat Tony Stark."
Meanwhile, in the outside world, news of Nolan's robot army was spreading fast.
Tony Stark and James Rhodes weren't the only ones who had seen them in action.
Governments, corporations, and secret organizations around the world had begun to take notice some with admiration, others with fear.
When people learned that those machines came from Lockhart Technologies, the reactions were mixed: some were thrilled, others terrified.
After all, Nolan Lockhart wasn't just a businessman anymore
he was a symbol of hope for ordinary people, a visionary capitalist who could reshape the world.
The robots themselves had been developed under a military contract with General Ross, designed for frontline combat.
But even before sales began, Nolan had stated clearly: these units could be adapted for civilian use.
Remove a few combat protocols, and they became the perfect service machines.
When General Ross saw the final demonstration, he was ecstatic.
Each combat unit cost only 1.3 million dollars a shockingly low price for a war-grade robot.
Cheap enough to be treated as expendable, yet powerful enough to shift entire battles.
At Stark's villa, Tony confronted Nolan with a deep frown.
"Nolan, you've developed too many combat robots. At this rate, some of them are bound to fall into the hands of terrorists."
Nolan exhaled softly.
"Tony, I understand your concern. But weapons themselves aren't evil. It's how people use them that determines whether they become instruments of peace or destruction."
He leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"Ever since Thor descended on Earth, I've felt a growing sense of urgency. We're no longer dealing only with human threats, but with extraterrestrial ones. When Thor arrived, I had elite soldiers and heavily armed APU mechs but even they couldn't pierce the defenses of his warriors. If that wasn't an isolated case, then a war with Asgard would mean one thing for humanity: annihilation."
Tony was silent. He couldn't deny the truth in Nolan's words.
"That's why I'm accelerating my research," Nolan continued. "If Earth doesn't strengthen itself now, we'll have no chance when the next threat comes."
Tony finally nodded. "Fair enough. I still don't fully agree, but I understand your reasoning."
Nolan smiled faintly. "Remember Nick Fury's Avengers Initiative? I don't trust government-controlled systems. But what if we created our own alliance independent, self-governed, made to defend against supernatural and alien dangers?"
Tony raised an eyebrow, considering. "Not a bad idea. Maybe this time, we do it our way."
Nolan's grin widened. The first step was complete.
Before leaving, he added casually, "Oh, right don't forget, the NS5 isn't just a combat robot."
Tony gave him a skeptical look. "What else could it be? A household assistant?"
He remembered the Baymax model Nolan had developed earlier an enormous success as a family-friendly AI companion. Every company had tried to imitate it, but Lockhart Technologies had already secured its lead and profited immensely.
But the NS5? That was different. It contained far more advanced systems worth at least two million dollars per unit. Definitely beyond civilian affordability.
Nolan didn't explain further. Instead, he returned to headquarters and ordered Simon Phillips to organize a global press conference.
What better advertisement than the battle that had already gone viral online?
The next morning, the hall was packed with reporters.
Nolan stood before them, smiling with calm confidence.
"I believe everyone has seen the footage from the Hammer Industries Expo. That battle between the rogue Hammer robots and our autonomous defense units was… quite the spectacle."
The crowd laughed, and Nolan continued, "Justin Hammer claimed he would revolutionize the industry, but clearly, his vision was a little misplaced."
More laughter followed. Then Nolan's tone shifted slightly.
"But we're not here today to talk about Hammer's failure. We're here to introduce a very special guest the true star of that event."
He gestured to the large screen behind him. A video began to play, showing the NS5 units in action. Sleek, precise, and unflinchingly effective.
Reporters buzzed with excitement, many already guessing what was coming.
Nolan pointed to one of them.
"Mr. Lockhart," the reporter asked eagerly, "are those robots from Lockhart Technologies?"
"Of course," Nolan replied. "They're our latest product. While they may not match the Terminator series in raw power, they excel in one crucial aspect cost efficiency. As we all know, affordability often matters most."
Another reporter interjected, "But not to governments."
Nolan smiled. "True. But today's press conference isn't about combat robots."
Two assistants wheeled in a covered display unit. When Nolan pulled off the black cloth, a collective gasp filled the room.
"This," Nolan announced proudly, "is the NS5 Civilian Model."
The robot beneath the light looked sleek and elegant minimalist yet brimming with futuristic design.
He spent the next ten minutes explaining its features: adaptive learning, emotional recognition, and home assistance capabilities. The audience was captivated.
And then came the announcement that silenced the room.
"The retail price of the NS5 Civilian Model will be $250,000 USD."
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
For some, that was more than a house or several luxury cars. Yet others began to realize just how revolutionary this could be
a fully autonomous AI companion, priced within reach of the wealthy elite, and someday, perhaps, the world.
Nolan had achieved exactly what he wanted.
He wasn't trying to make a profit off a single sale he was laying a foundation.
Because every NS5 robot contained something far more valuable than money.
They were all connected to him.
Each one could serve as his eyes, his ears, and, when necessary… his army.
No one else knew.
To the public, Lockhart Technologies had simply unveiled the most advanced AI robot in human history.
But to Nolan, it was the next step toward reshaping the world itself.
Meanwhile, somewhere deep in a military base, Bruce Banner sat quietly in his cell, bound by reinforced restraints.
Yet in his eyes, there was no fear only determination.
He would escape.
He would.
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