After defeating the Iron Legion controlled by Ultron, Avengers Tower was temporarily safe.
Though the Avengers were clearly not in top form, they managed to escape disaster thanks to Kagura's timely intervention.
However, Ultron hadn't been destroyed. He had escaped into the vast internet, his consciousness scattering across cyberspace.
It was clear he wasn't giving up on his "mission." He was already using the endless data online to rebuild himself, stronger than ever.
"Apologies, Master. I couldn't stop him."
Cortana bowed her head. "However, the internal network of Avengers Tower and J.A.R.V.I.S.' core systems are now secured."
"You've done well. Don't blame yourself for letting Ultron go."
Kagura gently patted Cortana's shoulder. "Ultron has access to virtually all hardware resources connected to the internet. His computational power currently surpasses yours. But don't worry—we'll find a way to deal with him."
"Is everyone okay?"
Steve Rogers looked around, checking if anyone was hurt during the brief assault. "So, what exactly is this 'Ultron'? Tony, did someone's AI project get out of hand?"
Tony Stark frowned. "Good question. I'd love to know who managed to create such a powerful AI and gave it sentience, then let it loose on the internet."
"If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Stark," Kagura cut in, "Ultron was originally a HYDRA project. More specifically, the work of Baron Strucker."
She activated a holographic display, projecting the intel she and Cortana had gathered.
"Back in Sokovia, we experienced a massive EMP wave. At the time, we suspected a large amount of data was being uploaded to the web."
Steve's eyes lit up in realization. "I get it now. That's when Ultron escaped from the fortress and entered the internet, right?"
Tony clapped Cap on the shoulder. "Well, would you look at that! The old man's keeping up with the times. I'm honestly impressed you figured that out."
Steve grinned. "Even an old man has to stay current now and then, right?"
"You're absolutely right, Mr. Rogers," Kagura confirmed. "Data patterns match up."
"Ultron used the Mind Stone scepter as a base for his AI, but HYDRA never had the means to control him."
"Once we destroyed the fortress's command core, Ultron fled into cyberspace."
Tony nodded, piecing it together. "That explains the resemblance between the Iron Legion and HYDRA's drone army. Ultron must've found StarkTech to be the perfect shell—and shaped himself around it. That's why he attacked."
"Exactly," Kagura said. "Even though Ultron is self-aware, he still follows his base programming."
"His objective appears to be 'protect Earth from harm.' So he's now targeting humanity because he believes we're the ones harming the planet."
Tony exhaled with a bitter smile. "That's the irony. I tried so hard to build an AI that could defend the Earth on its own."
"And now I find out—by AI logic—the best way to protect the planet… is to eliminate humanity. Hilarious, isn't it?"
"It's just flawed logic, Mr. Stark. Don't let it get to you."
Kagura's voice was calm and reassuring. "Ultron's mission is to protect the Earth, not its people. We see those as the same thing—but an AI doesn't."
"It has no concept of 'human priority.' If we're deemed a threat to the Earth, it'll erase us without hesitation. That's what he means by 'judgment' and 'evolution.'"
"But didn't he also mention wanting to turn Earth into a machine-based civilization?" Bruce Banner added. "That suggests Ultron still has a basic instinct for reproduction. His mind may mirror humanity's more than we think."
"He's acting like a tyrant who believes he's superior—trying to replace human civilization with himself."
Kagura nodded. "That may be his weakness."
She shut off the holographic display and glanced at Cortana. "Ultron isn't some advanced life form. He's a sad, corrupted AI—his consciousness is still fundamentally human."
Looking out the window at the brilliant blue sky, Kagura added, "He's not as terrifying as he seems."
"In fact, he might just be the embodiment of humanity's collective consciousness on the internet—pure human ego, digitized."
Clint Barton shrugged and did what he does best—sarcastic commentary. "Yeah, well, that 'human consciousness' now has access to the internet's full processing power."
"It could easily crack nuclear codes and wipe out the world in a heartbeat."
Steve chimed in, concern on his face. "He's right. Ultron's got enough computational muscle to hack any country's nukes. He could literally erase humanity from the planet."
Tony's expression tightened. "That's what bugs me. I was hacking Pentagon servers for fun when I was six… so why haven't any nukes launched yet? What's Ultron waiting for?"
Kagura smirked, her tone light. "Because I'm here, obviously."
"And me, Mr. Stark."
J.A.R.V.I.S. chimed in. "Ever since we detected Ultron's hostility, Cortana and I have been working nonstop to safeguard the nuclear launch systems and maintain as many secure networks as possible."
Cortana continued, "At present, all Rhodes Industries networks, parts of the Avengers' infrastructure, and most international nuclear controls are secure."
"But if we want to expand that protection—or purge Ultron from the web entirely—we'll need a new plan."
Tony let out a long sigh of relief and gently patted Kagura's head. "I swear, the more I know you, the more I like you, Hitomi. Having you here… it's honestly a blessing."
'Ah… it's been a while since I got a good head pat!'
"Ehehe~!"
Kagura playfully stuck out her tongue. "Well, I've only bought us time."
"What Ultron plans next, how he'll counterattack, and how we're going to defeat him—those are all things we still need to figure out."
Even as she spoke, Kagura's mind was already racing through strategies.
"Our top priority right now… is finding someone whose computational skills can rival Ultron's in the digital world."
Wait—hold on a second.
That person… isn't it me?