The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics

Killian rushed downstairs to find his men already waiting in the car. As soon as Killian got in, the phone rang.

He picked it up and saw there was no caller ID, knowing it was Ultron again.

"Hello? What's up?" Killian answered. "I'm already on my way to the airport."

"I know, but that's too slow. I've arranged a private jet for you. It'll be much faster and more comfortable than a regular flight. I'll send you the details by email."

Before Killian could reply, Ultron hung up. Sure enough, the email arrived the moment the call ended.

Killian's curiosity about this mysterious ally was growing, even surpassing his fear.

"What's wrong, boss?" asked the subordinate in the driver's seat.

"Nothing, keep driving," Killian said, pulling himself back to the present. *Oh well*, he thought, *I'll find out soon enough*.

Arriving at the airport, Killian indeed found a private jet waiting for him. Despite a few minor hiccups, Killian's complete paperwork smoothed things over.

The private jet was indeed fast. Killian arrived in Sokovia in the early hours of the morning. Leaving the airport, he headed to the parking lot outside. Ultron's email said a car would be waiting for him in one of the parking spaces.

Killian's man pulled the car door; it was unlocked, and the keys were in the ignition.

Killian didn't hesitate. He got in the car, already committed to seeing this through.

Following the map in the email, Killian and his man arrived at an abandoned factory in Sokovia. It was rusty, dilapidated, and looked like it hadn't been used in ages.

Looking at the eerie, desolate factory in the dark, Killian wasn't afraid. The Extremis virus enhancements gave him confidence; ordinary weapons couldn't hurt him, especially with his man by his side.

With his man leading the way, Killian followed, and they quickly entered the factory.

The inside was even worse than the outside, filled with broken machinery. Beyond the machines, a figure completely covered in burlap sat on a machine.

Killian knew this was the person he was supposed to meet.

"Welcome, Mr. Killian. Oh, you brought another guest."

A synthesized voice echoed. Killian frowned.

"I thought you wanted to meet face-to-face?" Killian said sarcastically. "Or is this just a new way to talk on the phone? What is this, a giant telephone booth?"

Killian clearly didn't think Ultron was here in person.

"But it is face to face." Ultron stood up and ripped off the burlap, revealing his true form.

Moonlight streamed through holes in the ceiling, illuminating Ultron's metallic body. His eight-foot frame towered over Killian and his man, his red eyes staring directly at them. Killian couldn't even meet his gaze.

"WTF!" Killian blurted out. His man was too shocked to speak.

"What the hell are you?"

"Your question is not unexpected," Ultron said, ignoring their shock, and slowly approached them.

"Let me introduce myself again, Mr. Killian," Ultron extended his right hand.

"You can call me Ultron."

Killian looked at the mechanical hand with suspicion and didn't immediately shake it.

"Don't be like that, Mr. Killian," Ultron said gently.

"I'm showing you goodwill. To show my sincerity, I even came alone."

Killian hesitated before finally extending his right hand. With the Extremis virus backing him, he had some confidence.

However, he didn't consider that if Ultron could perfect the Extremis virus, he might also be able to eliminate it.

Of course, Ultron could, but he had no reason to. Killian was still useful to him, and he had better plans for him.

As soon as Killian's hand touched Ultron's, he heard a voice in his ear.

"Finally."

Killian's hair stood on end. He tried to pull his hand back, but Ultron held it firmly. He couldn't break free despite several attempts.

"FK!" Killian's man sensed something was wrong and immediately attacked Ultron. But suddenly, red lights illuminated the dark factory.

He looked around and saw the red lights were the eyes of robots. Dozens of robots surrounded them.

The next moment, several robots shot flames at him. Before he could react, he was engulfed in them.

Killian wasn't going to sit still and wait for death. The temperature of his right hand rose, and Ultron's grip began to melt.

Seeing this, Killian was overjoyed. When Ultron tried to let go, Killian grabbed him instead.

Killian used his right hand to hold Ultron's melted, shapeless hand, then raised his left hand and chopped it off.

Ultron clutched his severed hand, staggered back, and knelt on the ground. Looking up, he saw Killian standing in front of him.

"Die, monster!" Killian grabbed Ultron's head with both hands and quickly increased the temperature, melting Ultron's head into a puddle of molten metal that flowed down his body to the ground.

Killian kicked Ultron's headless body. He thought it would be a fierce battle, but the robot was so weak. If all the robots were this level, destroying them all would only be a matter of time for him and his man.

However, Killian looked at his man and saw an unbelievable sight. Just when he thought his man would be invincible, his man had already been torn to pieces by the robots.

He couldn't even scream because the robots had torn his throat. His man stared wide-eyed in despair, watching him die. High-temperature liquid dripped from his wounds. The Extremis virus hadn't even had time to activate before he died.

"Ugh!"

Killian felt a chill down his spine, followed by a sharp pain. He looked down and saw a uniquely shaped blade piercing through his chest.

"Humans are so foolish," the synthesized voice echoed again. It was Ultron's voice.

Killian was lifted up on the blade. The Extremis virus activated, but the injury wasn't fatal. The high temperature produced by the Extremis virus scorched the blade, but it didn't change at all.

Killian turned his head and saw a brand new Ultron standing behind him. It was Ultron who had impaled him with the blade.

The blade was unique, resembling a scepter, connected to Ultron's right hand, with a blue gem on top.

"Why would you think a robot would die from losing its head?"

Ultron looked at Killian mockingly. To prove Ultron's words, the headless machine stood up again and walked towards Killian.

"Your stupidity amazes me, but you are still useful to me."

The gem on the scepter glowed with a faint light, and then Killian lost consciousness.