Marvel Multiverse: Family System

"No problem."

He handed a card to Vex.

"Anonymous bank card, $100,000, the password is six zeros." After a pause, he added, "I'll deposit another $2 million later."

$2.1 million in exchange for Vex's help.

Barton still felt like he was getting a bargain.

After all...

It was practically a life-saving deal!

Vex accepted the card, nodded, and walked away.

For someone with abilities, making money was this easy.

Returning to the living room,

He encountered Jane, who had dark circles under her eyes, looking like she hadn't slept all night.

The way she looked at Vex was quite complicated—blame, curiosity, excitement!

"Sorry, it got a bit noisy." Vex admitted bluntly, "Our Star Clan has a nature driven to spread our lineage and become stronger, so it's hard to refuse when someone throws themselves at you."

Such honesty left Jane unsure how to react.

"By the way," Vex changed the topic, "what procedures do you need on this planet to have your partner legally recognized?"

"Huh?"

"I mean to get legally married."

Jane was completely stunned!

Getting married? Already?

She had thought Vex, this "alien," was just a playboy having a one-night stand with Louise.

But now...

He's serious?!

While Jane was still processing, a magnetic voice came from the door—

"If you want to get married, you'll need a legal identity."

Turning to look,

A woman in a tight leather outfit, with a perfect hourglass figure and flawless face, walked in with a seductive stride.

She was practically the definition of "sexy"

Even Jane was momentarily mesmerized.

But Vex raised an eyebrow, recognizing the woman as...

"S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Natasha." Natasha extended her hand confidently. "Today, I'll conduct a security assessment for you. Once you pass, we can create legal identity documents for you, allowing you to marry Lewis."

Vex raised his hand, lightly shook Natasha's hand,

Just a brief touch, no lingering.

"I didn't expect such a beautiful lady to be in charge," Vex smiled. "I was just heading to breakfast. Care to join?"

"Of course."

"Let's go then."

Natasha turned and walked out the door.

Vex paused and looked at Jane.

"Want to come with us, or should I arrange someone to take you back?"

"Huh? I can go too?" Jane asked, surprised.

"Of course," Vex affirmed. "They'll probably just ask me about my origins. I assume you're curious about that too?"

"Alright! I'll go!"

Jane happily followed along, knowing this was invaluable information!

It was the same restaurant from the previous day.

As they sat down,

The other customers started receiving phone calls, and soon left in a hurry.

Before long,

Vex, Natasha, and Jane were the only ones left.

Even the owner, who served them, had been replaced.

"Seems I won't need to pay for this meal," Vex joked. "But I hope it's not as forceful as when Jane was strong-armed into it, right?"

Natasha was sharp.

"Dr. Jane's research materials and equipment will all be returned to their original place before we leave."

Jane's eyes lit up!

She shot a grateful look at Vex. After all, that was her life's work!

As for how he knew about it...

It had to be Lewis who told him

Such a good friend

"We can officially begin now," Vex said. "What do you want to know?"

Natasha smiled charmingly and went straight for the big question!

"We want to know,

How large do you plan for your growing tribe to become? Will it eventually replace the existing system and become the new ruling power?"

"In other words..."

"Are you planning to enslave our planet?"

Vex blinked.

That direct, huh?

He had thought S.H.I.E.L.D. sent Natasha to give him some "incentive."

But this...

"I'm curious," Vex asked directly, "aren't you afraid that asking me this so bluntly might anger me? Or that I might lie to you?"

Natasha smiled subtly, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Her every move was full of charm.

"While I'm good at extracting information through subtlety, Coulson suggested that you'd prefer a straightforward approach."

Natasha's attitude was all about sincerity

Vex chuckled.

"Coulson certainly knows people well. I do prefer not to waste time on mind games."

Gathering his thoughts,

Vex laid out the little story he had prepared the night before.

"Our race's nature is to propagate quality offspring."

"Collecting powerful objects is just a personal hobby of mine."

"As for power..."

"It's too much of a hassle."

"If I had the time, I'd rather seek out stronger mates and enjoy life."

His words revealed nothing about his background—he knew the more you say, the more mistakes you make.

But he made it clear that his obsession was with "spreading his lineage" and his "love of peace."

The message: He's harmless

Natasha nodded, without showing any suspicion.

"Can you tell us more about your M78 Nebula?" Natasha asked.

It was just a routine question.

Unexpectedly...

Vex, who had been cooperative until now, said—

"I can't," Vex shook his head. "Due to the Dark Forest Law, I can only tell you where I'm from and what I'm here to do, but I can't reveal more about my homeland."

Natasha paused, quickly grasping the key point

"The Dark Forest Law? What's that?"

Vex raised his right hand and held up two fingers.

"It's a survival law we've summarized as a species."

"Survival is the first need of any civilization."

"And civilizations continually grow and expand, but the total matter in the universe remains constant."

He raised his left hand, holding up two more fingers.

"The concept of the 'Chain of Suspicion': No civilization can be sure if another is a friendly one."

"The concept of 'Technological Explosion': Any weak civilization could suddenly surpass another in technology due to a single variable."

"Thus..."

"To survive, civilizations must seize resources from the universe."

"And because of the 'Chain of Suspicion,' the safest strategy is to consider another civilization a threat."

"And due to the 'Technological Explosion,' the safest course of action is to eliminate that civilization immediately."

Vex dropped his hands and sighed.

"The entire universe is like a dark forest. All civilizations hide in the shadows, being both hunters and prey."

"If you see any movement, without knowing if it's another hunter or a beast, the safest option is to shoot first. Only then can you protect yourself."

"That is the Dark Forest Law."

As Vex's explanation ended,

The restaurant was silent enough to hear a pin drop. Natasha and Jane were both staring in awe, their mouths slightly open.