Chapter 251: Chapter 251: Red Queen's New Research Breakthrough
New York City fell into an eerie silence. People gazed at the sky, hoping for the return of the golden figure, but nothing appeared.
Had the Emperor sacrificed himself?
Some wondered, but after Hydra's downfall, the Emperor disappeared from the public eye. S.H.I.E.L.D. resurfaced, with Coulson busy recruiting new agents.
The Avengers returned to the tower, where Captain America was astonished to find that Bucky had regained his memories.
Tony stood off to the side, his respect for the Emperor growing even deeper. Only he knew that the Emperor wasn't dead, and he suspected that Bucky's regained memories were also the Emperor's doing.
During the crisis, Alan had used the Space Stone to teleport back to the helicarrier just before the nuclear missile detonated. While replicating Tony Stark's heroic act, Alan emerged unscathed, unlike Tony.
Seeing the confusion on Steve's face and Bucky's bewildered expression, Alan decided to help them. After all, the storyline had to continue.
Using the Mind Stone, Alan freed Bucky from his brainwashing, restoring all his memories.
As a result, Bucky chose to leave. His memories of the past 70 years were filled with being frozen, thawed, and weaponized by Hydra. While this process had prevented him from aging, Bucky had grown weary of such a life.
He needed time to rest. As for his destination, perhaps only Steve knew.
Back at home, Alan took a well-deserved break, spending several days lounging. Soaking in a warm bath, he muttered to himself, "After fighting so many battles, can't I just enjoy life for once?"
After a period of relaxation, Alan summoned the Red Queen to inquire about the research progress on the Mind and Space Stones.
The Red Queen reported, "My analysis reveals that the Mind Stone seems to harbor a form of autonomous consciousness."
"Autonomous consciousness?"
Alan was so startled he nearly lost his balance. An autonomous consciousness? Wasn't this the precursor to Vision?
The Red Queen continued, "Yes, but this consciousness is still immature—like a human infant."
"I see. Can it be taught?" Alan's interest was piqued. If the Mind Stone could act autonomously, it would be a tremendous asset to his team.
The Red Queen shook her head. "Not unless I merge with it."
"What!" Alan exclaimed, covering his mouth immediately after. "You can merge with it?"
"Yes," the Red Queen confirmed.
Suppressing his excitement, Alan asked, "If that's the case, figure out how to merge with it. Do you need anything else to make it happen?"
The Red Queen analyzed and replied, "Once I merge with the Mind Stone, it will create a new form of life that doesn't currently exist in this world. For that, I will need a body."
Alan nodded, unaware of the deeper implications behind her words.
"How will you get this body?" he asked.
The Red Queen projected several materials in front of Alan. "I can create a body by combining Umbrella Corporation's genetic technology with vibranium."
"Got it. I'll get some vibranium for you," Alan said, clapping his hands as the Red Queen vanished.
The thought of the Red Queen becoming corporeal thrilled Alan. He was eager to see what changes the Mind Stone would bring to her.
The only problem now was sourcing the required vibranium.
Should he go to Wakanda? As Alan pondered this, the Red Queen suddenly sent him a message.
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