Marvel: The Ultimate Superman-Chapter 158. The Superman Armor

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For days, Nolan remained buried in his symbiote research, obsessive and driven.

But beneath the surface was a creeping unease.

The Ancient One's words echoed in his mind: Knull is still bound... but not forever.

He wasn't afraid. He was calculating.

If he was going to face a god, he'd need more than spells and theory.

He'd need armor.

That's when the call came.

"Boss," said Otto over comms, "Your armor is ready. I've implemented the features you requested. It's... heavier than ideal due to the ignition system. And the shock absorption layer is full vibranium."

"I'm on my way."

...

Nolan stepped into Otto's personal R&D chamber a marvel of engineering tucked beneath Oscorp's most secure floor.

The centerpiece: a display pod, bathed in soft white light.

Inside it stood the armor.

Forged in gold and silver vibranium, it gleamed with divine presence. On its chest: a bold, radiant S—the sigil of strength, of legacy, of identity. Inside that symbol? A miniaturized nuclear fusion core, drawing from spatial fissures to create self-sustaining power.

It wasn't just a symbol.

It was a message.

This was his suit.

"Magnificent, right?" Otto beamed. "It's lined with the acoustic-thread alloy you designed. That's what links the vibranium plates together—flexible, silent, and pressure-resistant."

Nolan nodded in approval.

"I've also installed A.E.L.R.'s subroutine and hard linked it to the Oscorp satellite network," Otto continued. "No remote vulnerability. Your suit doesn't fly, per your specs. All energy is routed to strength and protection."

Otto paused. "The power core will increase your raw physical output by approximately 50 tons of lifting capacity. Energy reserves are reserved for your internal gamma burst emitters."

"Including the [Night Devil] surveillance system," A.E.L.R. added through the speakers. "Shall I initiate sync?"

"Do it," Nolan said.

The pod hissed open.

A dozen armor plates disengaged, each flying toward him with synchronized precision.

CLACK-CLACK-CLACK.

In seconds, the armor fused around him.

Helm. Chestplate. Gauntlets.

A golden visor snapped down over his eyes, revealing the interface.

"Welcome back, Supreme Commander," A.E.L.R. said. "Flight disabled. Strength-enhancement mode is active. Thermal limiters engaged. Magnetic dampeners primed."

"Three protocols installed," Otto added. "Anti-Magneto. Anti-Hulk. Anti-Iron Man."

Nolan smirked. "Daring."

"Magneto mode suppresses external magnetic interference. Hulk mode regulates bio-stimulants and anger-response triggers. Iron Man mode mimics magnetic manipulation on steroids."

Nolan rolled his shoulders.

No lag. No drag.

The suit felt like a second skin.

He smiled. "Perfect."

"Glad you approve," Otto said, relieved.

With a single command, the suit disassembled—each piece magnetically guided back to its pod. Only a glowing golden "S" emblem remained embedded in Nolan's wrist.

"Touch it, speak to it, or gesture—and the armor responds."

Otto handed him a thick binder. "Also, here's your request for the space cruiser design."

Nolan skimmed the schematics.

"Small-scale ships? Feasible," Otto admitted. "But the mothership design you proposed... that's impossible with Oscorp's current funding. We'd have to liquidate everything."

Nolan smirked. "Then reach out to Tony Stark. I have a proposal."

"...A space base?"

Otto blinked.

"More than that," Nolan said. "An orbital headquarters for the Illuminati."

...

Elsewhere Stark Tower.

Tony raised an eyebrow at the incoming message.

Otto Octavius? The mechanical mastermind of Oscorp?

He opened the file.

Schematic blueprints. Specs. A proposal:

> A multi-level orbital outpost. Energy shielding. Weapon systems. Deep-space docking. The Illuminati seal is embossed in the center.

"...This guy's building the next Watchtower," Tony muttered.

"Should I respond?" Friday asked.

"Not yet." Tony rubbed his goatee. "This is insane. Even S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Sky-Sentinel project cost billions. He wants to put a city in space?"

"Actually, sir... considering Oscorp's energy breakthroughs, it is possible."

Tony shook his head. "It's Nolan. Of course, he's doing this."

...

"Also," Friday added, "Peter Parker's new suit is complete."

"Send him the mockups. Ask what features he wants."

Tony leaned back. "What's the latest on the Superhuman Registration backlash?"

"Growing. Several politicians are questioning why many powered individuals are foreign, or from marginalized backgrounds. General Ross is leading the opposition to the Illuminati initiative."

Tony frowned.

"Ross?"

"He's made a public statement," Friday said. "He called your plan 'unregulated and dangerous.'"

Tony clenched his jaw.

"Track him. Something's off."

"Yes, sir."

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