Tony opened his hands, focusing on the terrifying energy of the Destroyer as he began to gather power, unleashing a fierce shockwave.
As he aimed at the Destroyer, a two-meter-wide beam of energy coalesced.
Not holding back against this metallic monstrosity, which wasn't a biological entity, Tony unleashed the attack without hesitation.
However, the energy beam—capable of slicing through alloys and demolishing tank armor—merely made a hissing noise as it struck the Destroyer, causing it to stagger but not sustain any damage.
Before the energy beam could concentrate on one spot and inflict real harm, the Destroyer extended its palm to block the attack.
"Mr. Stark, we have failed to breach the enemy's armor," Jarvis announced.
"I can see that without you telling me," Tony replied curtly, his expression turning serious.
No surprise, given that this alien technology exceeded his understanding in terms of durability.
"Tony, just assist me in holding it down. I can destroy it," Thor shouted after seeing the impact of Tony's strike. While it hadn't penetrated the armor, it was enough for suppression.
Thor knew that to truly defeat the Destroyer, a single, decisive blow was necessary.
With that in mind, he raised Mjolnir high.
Storm clouds gathered above, and lightning struck the hammer, making Thor's golden hair billow as his eyes sparkled with electric energy.
Then, riding the power of the storm, he charged forward, swinging his hammer directly at the Destroyer's head.
Just as he aimed for the apparent opening at the back of the Destroyer's head, it suddenly turned to face him.
Its head unraveled, revealing a core of pure, terrifying energy aimed straight at Thor.
If that shot hit him at close range, it would either kill him or leave him gravely injured.
But Thor showed no fear; he wasn't fighting alone.
Trusting his companion, Tony shot forward as the air around him crackled with visible shockwaves from the propulsion of his boots.
Before a sound could reach the ears, Tony, like a thunderbolt, landed a punch on the Destroyer's side.
With a resounding clang, the impact echoed through the air. The Destroyer's waist didn't cave in, but it leaned back, shooting a beam of energy skyward.
The recoil from the blow caused Tony's armor to crack.
Though Tony was strong, the disparity in material meant that the Iron Man suit couldn't withstand such force.
Seizing the opportunity, Thor swung Mjolnir and struck the Destroyer at the neck.
With a thunderous roar, visible lightning engulfed the Destroyer, causing its head to twist grotesquely.
The force of the impact threw the heavy body of the Destroyer off balance, sending it crashing into the sea.
But before the two could celebrate, a golden beam of energy shot up from the water, splitting the ocean in two.
The unleashed energy was enough to instill fear in anyone witnessing it.
The Destroyer emerged from the sea, its twisted head slowly revealing itself, as the metallic parts of its body flowed back into place.
"What the hell is that thing?" Tony wondered, glancing at the detached gauntlet on his right hand. The metal beast approached, its footsteps echoing ominously.
"Sorry for damaging your suit," Thor said sheepishly.
"I should be the one feeling embarrassed; I know its origins," he added. "It's the Destroyer, a guardian of Asgard's treasures, summoned here because of me."
Thor's admission brought a slight flush of guilt to his face. If they let the Destroyer rampage, it would cause irreparable damage.
"Damage to the armor is fine, but once we deal with it, you need to explain why Asgard's artifacts are here," Tony replied, unfazed as he landed about five meters away from Thor, the gauntlet clicking back into place, revealing a muscular and powerful arm beneath.
"Isn't your expertise in invention?" Thor asked, surprised by Tony's robust arm.
Even amidst the battle, both felt the threat but had confidence they could overcome the Destroyer.
Although Tony's earlier attack didn't destroy the creature, it had injured it.
"I'm an inventor, but that doesn't mean I lack other methods," Tony replied, nodding.
"If we want a quick resolution, it seems I can't hold back any longer."
"Is that so? You've been hiding your trump card?" Thor exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"I figured your hammer would take care of it," Tony retorted, rolling his eyes.
At that moment, an arm descended from the sky and reattached itself to Tony's damaged gauntlet.
"Let's end this quickly; dragging it out will only lead to bigger problems," Tony said as his armor restored itself to full function, turning his gaze toward the slowly advancing Destroyer.
As he spoke, Thor watched as purple energy began to surge from Tony.
This energy was unfamiliar to Thor, something he had never seen before.
With the emergence of the purple energy, Tony's previously red and gold armor transformed into a deep purple, and the blue glow of the arc reactor shifted to a menacing purple, resembling the eye of a demon.
The suit enveloped Tony in flames of purple energy, making him seem like a harbinger from the underworld, exuding a terrifying and dangerous aura.
"This…" Thor felt a shiver down his spine, involuntarily swallowing hard.
He had expected Tony to unveil some advanced technology, but it seemed that Tony himself was formidable in combat.
"Don't ask; even if you do, I won't tell you," Tony said, anticipating Thor's curiosity.
He had undoubtedly activated the Void Mode; against a monster like the Destroyer, prolonging the battle would only widen the battlefield, leading to more chaos afterward.
With no one else around, he could fully unleash his power and end the fight decisively.
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 198 at patreon.com/MythicForge11.