**
"This one is for testing, including potential space combat. I need to conduct a comprehensive test," said Link. "Could you help me build an Iron Man suit—space version?"
"Sure, no problem." Stark then ended the call and immediately called Bruce to begin work.
Bruce had been standing by, and after a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Does Link really need to take such a big risk?"
Stark paused his work and looked at Bruce. "Bruce, you've seen the Chitauri army. They didn't all make it through the portal, but I saw what was on the other side."
"Jarvis, show the footage."
"Yes, sir!" Jarvis displayed a few seconds of footage. Through the spatial rift, a colossal Chitauri mothership loomed in the distance, dwarfing everything around it.
In comparison, the Leviathans looked like mere tadpoles beside it, even from such a great distance. Space was filled with Leviathans and other flying machines.
Bruce fell silent. He hadn't seen that.
Stark continued, "That's what Link and I are worried about. Can we really stop that?"
"I originally wanted to build a legion of Iron Men, but Jarvis can't control that many. There's a limit to what he can handle."
"And Link won't let me develop true AI. He says it's too dangerous. Even the advanced civilizations in the universe don't have true AI. Only the Kree have the Supreme Intelligence."
"But even they don't use robots, and the Supreme Intelligence doesn't control any weapons."
"Link came up with an alternative—to develop several kinds of AI, tailored to each of our specialties. I think that's a good idea. I'm preparing to dive into that research, and I just got some new tech."
Bruce nodded slightly and said, "In the end, the Avengers still rely on you and Link. I have a lot of degrees, but I could never come up with something like this."
"I don't think of everything either," Stark admitted. "I used to think I could solve all the problems, whether it was money or technology. I never worried."
"But things aren't that simple. Link's strength lies in psychology. He can read people's minds, filling in the gaps where the Avengers fall short."
"Take your nano-suits, for example. It was Link's idea, not mine."
Bruce chuckled. "Yeah, I don't have to worry about running around naked after Hulk shows up anymore."
...
The two threw themselves into their work, and Link, meanwhile, explained his plans to Jessica. He told her he needed to make a trip to space, and it was uncertain how long it would take. The round trip could take several months. He advised her to stay safe, always keep her suit and hoverboard on hand, and carry weapons at all times.
Jessica wasn't particularly worried
about Link. After all, his strength was well-known, and few could harm him. Link even showed her the Infinity Stones he had with him.
He gave her a brief rundown of the Infinity Stones and explained that he now kept one with him at all times. As long as the Asgardians didn't notice, there shouldn't be any issues. Even if they did, it likely wouldn't be a big problem since they hadn't mentioned anything about the Tesseract during their visit to Asgard, acting as if they had forgotten about it.
As for Nick Fury getting suspicious, Link planned to leave that to Stark to handle.
At that moment, the real Nick Fury was not a Skrull imposter, which Link could clearly sense.
Time flew by quickly. Stark completed the final design, and both he and Link began building the ship. After a couple of months, the first *Swallow* fighter jet was ready. The Avengers were fascinated by it, especially Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Captain America, who had not been involved in the building process.
Natasha was the first to step inside and examine it. Afterward, she commented, "Not bad. Once we start mass production, I want to be the first to learn how to fly it."
"No problem. This will be our future fighter jet, capable of engaging in battles both in space and within the atmosphere," Link said. "The core is powered by a scaled-up version of the new element reactor, allowing for both space flight and interstellar travel."
"Isn't it too dangerous for you to go alone? Even if others can't go, I could accompany you," Natasha offered.
Link smiled. "Sometimes, going solo is more convenient. No one to hold you back—if I want to leave, I can leave. If I want to stay, I stay. No concerns or compromises."
"This journey into space is filled with uncertainties, especially concerning the universal currency, *units*. We don't have any of that, so I'll have to find a way to acquire some."
"What I do when I get there is yet to be determined. Going alone is just simpler. But don't worry, I've gathered a lot of information from Asgard and I'm not going in blindly."
Natasha nodded slightly. "Alright, but make sure to stay in touch. I'll keep an eye on the communication system here at headquarters."
"Of course!" Link replied confidently.
After several test flights, Link felt satisfied with the jet's performance. He decided to stock up on supplies and then officially set out on his mission.
...
With a loud *whoosh*, the fighter jet shot into the sky, rapidly ascending toward the outer atmosphere. Unlike ordinary spacecraft, this one didn't require any specific launch window, demonstrating the capabilities of a true space-faring vessel.
The outer hull of the jet vibrated slightly as it generated high temperatures during atmospheric exit, but it didn't burn up. Soon, the jet had broken free of Earth's atmosphere.
As weightlessness set in, Link activated the gravity controls, stabilizing the craft. "Tony, everything's going smoothly. I'm heading to the spatial node now."
"Got it! Safe travels!" Stark's voice came through the comms, which had been enhanced for long-distance communication in space.
Link accelerated the fighter, heading toward the nearest spatial node marked on his star map.
His first destination was Morag, an abandoned planet he had identified on the map. Link planned to search for the Orb, which contained the Power Stone. Once he had the stone, he could sell it for a hefty sum and use the money to purchase a proper spaceship.
Link had already designed several spacecraft models, all of which utilized the new element as their energy core and were equipped with interstellar jump drives. While he had considered creating a faster-than-light engine, it was far too resource-intensive at the moment.
Moreover, Earth's current technological capacity wasn't advanced enough to construct such an engine, so interstellar jump drives would suffice for now.
Upon reaching the spatial node, Link initiated his first jump. The ship's engines powered up, and a hexagonal portal appeared in front of him. Without hesitation, the fighter shot through.
Link's body was strong enough to withstand the space jump without any discomfort.
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(End of Chapter)