Chapter 171: C167
With this level of power and explosive speed, the only thing MK armor can rely on is the artificial intelligence's calculation speed.
Originally, the flexibility and flight capabilities of MK armor were significant advantages. However, Natasha casually launched an attack from a distance with just a finger. It was something unprecedented and carried sharp attributes—powerful enough to nearly split a shopping mall in half. This demonstrated that the MK armor's superior attributes had been substantially diminished.
What's more, Tony wasn't even sure if Natasha could fly. After all, there are plenty of individuals capable of flight now.
Tony's concerns weren't targeted at Natasha specifically. He simply believed that someone, eventually, would become an enemy. Preparing for a rainy day had become second nature to him. Through all his experiences, Tony had developed a habit: if something or someone posed a certain level of danger, or had the potential to threaten him, he instinctively wanted to devise countermeasures.
He might never use the anti-series armors he created, but he needed to have them. Ownership and usage are two entirely different concepts—similar to how major powers treated nuclear weapons in the past.
In addition to these headaches for Tony, the most troublesome issue is the organization behind Natasha. It's like a bottomless ocean—impossible to investigate or trace its members. Even with SHIELD's combined resources, they haven't been able to uncover the slightest lead.
So far, only two members of the organization have been revealed: Natasha and Yelena. There's also a man known only by a facial sketch, whose existence is even more mysterious and unnerving.
According to reports from Kingpin and Bloody Mary, this mysterious figure seems to wield a kind of spiritual power. With just a single burst of it, he nearly toppled the entire Kingpin Building. The sheer power and destructive potential make him a terrifying risk.
The true danger lies in the unknown—an uncontrollable factor. No one knows the full extent of his strength or how to counter him effectively. Judging by Natasha's performance in combat today, the organization's threat level must be reassessed and significantly raised.
"I think we need more than just better defenses," Tony mused. "We also have to increase output power. With her speed, we need to react faster and execute instant counterattacks."
"Sir, with the current Ark reactor module, increasing the output power will deplete energy reserves much faster, drastically reducing continuous combat time," JARVIS replied.
"Then we need a new energy module," Tony said, lightly touching the Ark reactor embedded in his chest.
The current module was already taking a toll on his body, its life-eroding effects worsening by the day. He had scoured the periodic table, searching for a cleaner, more efficient element to create a better energy source. But it wasn't a simple task—at least, not one he could solve yet.
Tony turned to look at Pepper, who was nervously watching the big TV screen. His eyes flickered with unease.
Boom!
A deafening explosion rang out as Natasha delivered a devastating punch. Her fist struck Abomination's cheek with terrifying force, causing the hulking figure to stagger back several steps. Seizing the moment, Natasha pressed her advantage, unleashing another punch. The sheer force displaced the air around her, creating a crackling, explosive sound.
However, Abomination roared and managed to brace himself, forcibly halting her momentum. He raised his massive hand to block the incoming strike.
Bang!
The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward from his palm, splitting the ground beneath them with a thunderous crack. Turbulent air surged in all directions, carrying debris, shattered vehicles, and the remnants of smoldering fires along with it.
"Girl, are you having fun yet?" Abomination growled, his ferocious face twisting into a menacing grin as he faced Natasha head-on.
By this point, the entire block had been reduced to ruins. The buildings lining both sides of the street had been shaken to their foundations and crumbled under the relentless force. The ground was riddled with deep cracks and jagged pits, as though the area had been struck by a barrage of missiles.
The police and bystanders who had been spectating from a distance had long since fled. Had they stayed, they would undoubtedly have been caught in the chaos.
The only ones who remained relatively close were Hulk, observing the battle from nearby; Bloody Mary; and Peter Parker, who stood silently in a hood, his face obscured, his thoughts unreadable.
Facing the grotesque and ferocious visage of Abomination, Natasha raised a slender eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. "You're tougher than I expected," she said calmly. "But that's fine—it makes you a better target."
"Target? Who do you think you are, you foul woman?" Abomination roared, his massive hands lunging forward in an attempt to grab Natasha's arm. But Natasha reacted swiftly, pulling back just in time.
Abomination, equally quick, clenched his fist and swung with all his might.
Unfortunately, the strike hit nothing but air. Natasha's figure had vanished.
She reappeared like a ghost more than ten meters away, her stance relaxed and her gaze steady. Seeing this, Abomination trembled with rage, his frustration and helplessness boiling over.
Since his mutation, he had believed himself to be the strongest warrior in the world, unstoppable and unparalleled. But this woman shattered his delusion. From the very start, she had dominated him completely. Just as she said, he was nothing more than a slow-moving target, taking hit after hit.
Every time he attempted a counterattack, she evaded effortlessly—sometimes even using his movements against him to launch yet another round of brutal assaults.
Abomination felt the crushing reality of the situation: he couldn't overpower her strength, he couldn't match her speed, and even his combat skills were completely outclassed.
He was at a disadvantage in every way.
He hated himself—hated the numbness creeping over him, hated that he didn't know how to win. All he could do was flail helplessly, consumed by rage and frustration.
But after his fury subsided, a sliver of reason seeped in, cooling his anger. Deep down, he had to admit the truth, no matter how much it stung: he was no match for this "foul woman."
Countless punches had rained down on him, leaving his bones aching and on the verge of breaking. His pride screamed for vengeance, but Abomination decided he needed a different approach.
A flicker of cunning lit up his eyes as his gaze shifted past Natasha, toward the crowd and police gathered at the far end of the street.
With a sudden movement, he stepped forward. As he passed a large, abandoned truck parked by the roadside, he reached out and grabbed it with both hands.
Letting out a low growl, he twisted his body and hurled the truck with all his might.
Bang!!
The truck soared into the sky, spinning end over end. Its trajectory was clear—it was heading directly toward the people and police gathered at the intersection behind Natasha.
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