"If Harvey is willing to protect Earth, then I won't have to worry about the unknown enemies coming in 2017," Tony mused.
Harvey's strength was so immense that Tony couldn't even fathom an entity capable of defeating him.
However, since he wasn't sure if Harvey would provide that protection, Tony had to do everything he could to become stronger.
As for the Ancient One, the Sorcerer Supreme, she dealt with the realm of magic.
Tony was unsure whether the unknown enemy would fall under her domain.
In the future, he would need even more power to ensure Earth's safety.
"Willingness isn't obligation…"
As Banner processed Tony's words, he sensed an unknown pressure weighing on Tony.
"My father, King Odin, would want to intervene in this matter," Thor chimed in.
"Because Earth is one of the realms my father governs."
"However, my father's power is so immense that he must enter Odin's sleep to stabilize it, preventing it from wreaking havoc around him."
"If he intervened, Earth wouldn't necessarily fall to another civilization or enemy; instead, it might be destroyed by my father's uncontrolled power."
"Thus, he sent me. While my power isn't as great as my father's, I'll do my best to assist Earth."
Thor understood that the powerful beings Tony referred to included Odin, Harvey, and the Ancient One. He lifted Mjölnir, grinning.
As the prince of Asgard, the humans of Earth could be considered his subjects, and protecting Earth was part of his duty.
"Thank you," Banner said, gratitude evident on his face.
Knowing that the legendary Thor possessed such a noble heart brought him joy.
"Don't mention it," Thor replied, displaying a warm smile.
"Let's head back to the aircraft carrier and talk more there."
"I need to gather some allies. With just us, I lack confidence in resolving this battle quickly."
Seeing that Banner was starting to embrace the world of the strong, Tony recognized that his goal had been achieved and wanted to change the location for further discussion.
Suddenly, the roar of propellers filled the air as the aircraft carrier descended slowly.
"Are there other allies on Earth?"
"Didn't Nick Fury gather all the individuals with exceptional abilities?" Banner asked, puzzled by Tony's statement.
"Yes, all the available combatants on Earth have assembled," Tony confirmed. "But just because they're not here doesn't mean the universe lacks powerful allies."
"Tony, you've been to space?" Thor exclaimed, surprised.
"Of course! Otherwise, why do you think my Iron Man armor has improved so much in just a few years?"
"Even with my sharp mind, it takes time to discover and advance technology," he explained. "The technological level of civilizations in space is far beyond that of Earth."
"All I had to do was learn their technology and adapt it to my armor."
Tony didn't deny this, knowing that when Reno and the others arrived, Thor and the others would see the situation for themselves.
He had never intended to hide his trips to space; otherwise, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't have sent Coulson to consult with him.
He wanted to see if he could temporarily lend a spacecraft to S.H.I.E.L.D. for research.
However, he wouldn't share any technology with them. Tony still recalled Harvey's warning about spies within S.H.I.E.L.D., indicating not everyone was aligned.
Even if they were on the same page, he was wary of sharing his knowledge with them.
If S.H.I.E.L.D. caused chaos in other countries, even if he stopped the disaster, the damage would have already been done.
Rather than worry about sharing his insights, it was better to keep his methods to himself, allowing humanity to evolve into the interstellar age.
Most wars among humans were fought over land and resources, with some being fueled by ethnic grievances.
If Earth entered the interstellar age, making land and resources less scarce, it could reduce the frequency of wars.
Moreover, once civilization reached that level, similar to other planetary civilizations, humanity would likely form a united front.
"How did you get to space, Tony?" Banner asked, surprised by this revelation.
"Using a spacecraft, of course! Crossing tens of thousands of light-years takes just a few days," Tony replied nonchalantly.
"Of course, the spacecraft I'm using now is one I bought," he added. "I don't have the technical expertise to build my own yet."
"Can I see it?"
"Even if I can't go inside, I want to see what a spacecraft looks like!"
Banner expressed his eagerness, careful not to give Tony the impression that he intended to steal technology.
"Of course, but we'll have to wait until after the war," Tony said, smiling as he agreed.
Tony recognized Banner's knowledge and skills in various fields matched his own, so he held a high opinion of Banner's abilities.
His earlier harshness toward Banner stemmed from annoyance at Banner's unappreciative attitude.
Now that Banner's mindset had shifted, Tony was more inclined to work with him to achieve greater progress in research and invention.
"Sounds a lot like a movie flag," Banner remarked, sensing something off in the conversation.
"What flag?" Tony replied, perplexed.
"Tony, don't you watch movies?" Banner asked, surprised by Tony's lack of knowledge.
"Not really; if I have time to watch movies, I'd rather spend it with some women," Tony said, shaking his head as if it were the most logical thing in the world.
"Never mind then."
Banner opened his mouth to elaborate but thought better of it.
He almost forgot that Tony Stark was not only a technological genius but also New York's most famous playboy, leading a life of unrestrained pleasure.
If he weren't so busy, he wouldn't take the time to watch movies, seeking excitement he couldn't find in everyday life.
Moreover, movies had only recently gained popularity; the concept of a "flag" didn't even exist in films from earlier decades, so it was understandable that Tony didn't get it.