The Hollow Earth.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, over forty years had passed.
The Kong Temple had been transformed into the X-Men's headquarters, the core territory of the Mutant community. Only Mutants of the third tier and above, along with their families, were permitted to reside there.
Though relatively few in number, each individual was immensely powerful.
Vibranium was now widely applied in various technologies, including aerospace, transportation, medicine, battle armor, weaponry, and mechanical equipment. Over the past four decades, the vast vibranium reserves had dwindled by one-third.
This might seem like a small fraction, but consider this: Wakanda had possessed vibranium for millennia, yet had only utilized one ten-thousandth of its reserves.
In the hands of the Mutants, vibranium was truly a pearl cast before swine!
While Han Shaoqing advanced technology, he remained deeply committed to protecting the natural environment. The Hollow Earth's ecosystems and creatures suffered minimal impact. Apart from the technologically thriving area around the Kong Temple, the rest of the region retained its pristine ecological state.
The influence extended beyond Earth. With the addition of brilliant scientists like Bulma and Luthor, along with other top-tier researchers, space stations and military outposts were established on the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn.
Should any aliens attempt to enter the solar system, they would need to either employ space technology or magic. Otherwise, any approaching spacecraft would have to seek Han Shaoqing's approval first.
Han Shaoqing was currently overseeing a massive project: terraforming Mars.
This initiative had begun in 2005. After five years of transformation, parts of Mars had already become habitable for humans.
Once the terraforming was complete and a Teleportation Array established, Mars' resources could be leveraged to propel technology to new heights.
Gazing at the prosperous and thriving Hollow Earth, Han Shaoqing felt deeply satisfied. The decades he had spent here had not been in vain.
Even without relying on superpowers, the current level of technology would place Earth among the top ranks in the cosmos, at least on par with the Nova Empire, and superior in certain areas.
Consider this: even ordinary trainees on Skull Island were now equipped with Nano-Vibranium Battle Armor comparable to the Mark 50, coupled with Transformation Bracelets, allowing them to transform into enhanced Gundam warriors. While not capable of conquering the universe, they could at least stand their ground against threats like Thanos or Asgard.
The original X-Men had all matured into formidable forces, with the weakest now at the peak of Tier 3. Combined with their high-tech armor, they formed a terrifying power bloc.
Moreover, thanks to the enhanced Super Soldier Serum, everyone remained in peak condition, their youth preserved, showing little change from decades past.
By 2010, the global mutant population had surpassed 30,000, with 99% of them serving under Han Shaoqing.
Because Hollow Earth and Skull Island were isolated from the rest of the world and rarely caused trouble, many had forgotten about mutants altogether.
Only a handful of people remained vigilant, constantly monitoring mutant activity. Unfortunately, they could at most track the Hellfire Club and Skull Island, remaining completely ignorant of Hollow Earth, let alone the space station in outer space.
If Han Shaoqing hadn't been planning a long-term strategy to catch a bigger fish, he would have already led his forces to attack the Kree when they first attempted to invade Earth.
Setting aside past glories, after Tony Stark, Iron Man, revealed the news a year ago, Han Shaoqing gradually shifted his focus to the United States.
While technology and superpowers were important, for Han Shaoqing, "checking in" was the true path to power.
This was the era of superheroes, and for him, Han Shaoqing, it was the perfect time to "check in."
Compared to the ruthless Han Shaoqing, the handsome Handsome, who had recently returned to Hollow Earth, had grown rapidly online due to his delicious food and drinks, now standing at a height of 120 meters. He had awakened the Thunder talent of the Kong Clan, becoming a true king-tier Titanus.
After Handsome and Brother Kong met, Han Shaoqing's mediation prevented them from fighting. The two beasts and one man became as close as brothers from different mothers, earning the title "Three Overlords of the Hollow Earth."
Han Shaoqing treated Handsome well, ensuring he had all the advantages of a Mutant. At this moment, Handsome wore Vibranium battle armor and wielded a Vibranium Rod nearly 150 meters long. This rod contained Pym Particles, Vibranium Technology, and Titan Technology, allowing it to adjust its size, absorb energy, and transform into three forms: the standard rod, a battle axe, and a halberd. If not for Brother Kong having recovered two layers of his primal energy over the years, he might not have been able to defeat Handsome.
*Splash!*
As Handsome stepped into the water, which reached just past his calves, his eyes flashed like lightning. His massive hand shot into the water with lightning speed, scooping up a Swamp Octopus over 30 meters long.
Swamp Octopuses, originally from Skull Island, had been introduced to the Hollow Earth. Han Shaoqing and his group often made takoyaki from them, marking them as a failed invasive species that required cultivation to prevent extinction.
Satisfied with his catch, Handsome hummed a little tune as he strode back to the exterior of the Kong Temple. He pressed his hand against a transparent energy shield.
"Fingerprint unlock successful. Welcome home."
The mechanical voice of the SkyNet System announced, followed by the opening of a massive portal.
Handsome, familiar with the routine, stepped through and placed the Swamp Octopus in the backyard.
"Handsome is back! We're having hot pot tonight."
Altria, returning from the Ecosystem Zone, wore a flowing blue dress and carried a basket of golden-yellow mushrooms. She looked up and greeted Handsome.
"Ooh~"
Handsome stared at the bright yellow mushrooms, his mouth watering at the fragrant aroma.
These weren't ordinary mushrooms; they were Golden Mushrooms. Not only were they delicious, but they also strengthened the body after consumption. However, their cultivation conditions were stringent, allowing him to enjoy them only once a month.
*Clap~*
Han Shaoqing appeared, clapping his hands.
"Handsome, shrink back down now that you're home. If you stay this big, you'll gulp down the whole pot in one go."
"Oh, oh (Got it)."
Handsome tapped the Vibranium Bracelet on his arm and pressed the shrinking button.
*Whoosh!*
In an instant, the over 100-meter-tall Handsome shrank to the size of a normal human.
The bracelet was one of Bulma's inventions over the years, called the Transformation Bracelet.
Similar to Pym Particles, it could shrink or enlarge any object.
For Handsome, this was a godsend. Otherwise, with his towering height of over a hundred meters, he'd be doomed to eternal loneliness!
With the Transformation Bracelet, Handsome could shrink to a more manageable size and perhaps find a partner—or even multiple—among the more attractive female gorillas, thus expanding the Kong Clan.
However, after spending so much time with humans, Handsome seemed to look down on female gorillas. He appeared to be yearning for a legendary love story like Beauty and the Beast.
At that moment, the voluptuous and charming Scarlet Witch Wanda stepped forward, volunteering, "Young Master Han, I'll prepare the ingredients and seasonings."
Though Wanda was now over fifty, she had taken the Fountain of Youth provided by Han Shaoqing at eighteen, preserving her youthful appearance. She still looked like a girl, and every smile and glance could melt hearts.
"Is it time to eat, brother-in-law?"
Quicksilver Pietro materialized beside Han Shaoqing in an instant, slinging an arm around his shoulder in a display of close camaraderie.
Indeed, Han Shaoqing had long since won Wanda's heart, making Quicksilver Pietro his convenient brother-in-law.
Under Han Shaoqing's care, Quicksilver had thrived, now a Fourth-Tier Mutant with formidable strength. Combined with his Vibranium suit, he was at least safe from being shot to death.
(End of Chapter)