Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5705 - 4729: X Royal Family: Annihilation (Part 11)

"What’s happening? Why did they depart?" Black Widow inquired, leaning against the window with her arms crossed as she observed the scene outside. "That person in the black attire is quite a formidable Mutant, wouldn’t you agree? Did he have a disagreement with Magneto?"

Hawkeye meticulously adjusted his bowstring, his gaze fixed downwards. "It wouldn’t be surprising if Magneto had a falling out with anyone. Perhaps that individual deemed this endeavor hopeless and made an early exit."

"Precisely as I suspected, a disorganized shambles." Black Widow let out a sigh, her expression conveying a sense of 'I told you so.' She then directed her attention to Hawkeye, questioning, "Why are you still occupied with maintaining your gear? There appears to be no imminent conflict."

"Are you quite certain?" Hawkeye’s gaze shifted to the wall behind Black Widow. Throughout their conversation, a persistent, boisterous din emanated from the adjacent chamber.

"Tony Stark! We journeyed to Wang Ting with the intention of preserving the integrity of our plan, and now you propose altering it to pilfer technology from the Red Orchid Factory for the construction of your personal Mecha?!"

"Why is it so difficult for you to comprehend? If we are incapable of confronting that Central Universe Iron Man, then all our meticulously laid plans become utterly futile!"

"Your sole motivation is to defeat him because he caused you public embarrassment. In reality, we possess the means to handle him, and the Mutants are not necessarily obligated to align with him! You are merely seeking personal triumph over him!"

"You’re being irrational, Steve. If the Mutants are to choose a side, wouldn’t they invariably gravitate towards the stronger faction? If we fail to demonstrate our superior value compared to Iron Man, what reason would they have to support us?"

"Are you insistent on a confrontation?"

"It is he who is fixated on confronting me!"

Knock, knock, knock. A distinct rapping echoed from the door, causing both the Main Universe Iron Man and Captain America to pivot their attention towards the entrance.

After a brief pause, Thor entered, announcing, "That Central Universe Iron Man has arrived. Shall we grant him entry?"

Captain America’s brow furrowed slightly. Shifting his gaze towards the Main Universe Iron Man, he discerned a visibly displeased expression on his face.

"I shall go and meet him." Captain America cast a glance at the Main Universe Iron Man before stating, "You all maintain watch over Tony; ensure he doesn't venture out."

"Hold on." The Main Universe Iron Man intervened, his voice sharp. "Why are you venturing out to confront him? Do you harbor the notion that I exhibit fear towards him?"

Captain America’s countenance hardened. He fixed his gaze upon Iron Man and remarked, "You fail to recognize the extent of your anxiety, Tony, to the point where you are losing composure. Thor, you are responsible for keeping an eye on him."

With that pronouncement, he departed. Iron Man made a motion as if to follow, but Thor positioned himself to intercept, advising, "It would be best if you refrained from exiting, Tony. Extracting you from near-Earth orbit presented considerable challenges. Should such an incident recur, S.H.I.E.L.D. would undoubtedly be alerted, placing us in direct opposition to this universe’s Avengers."

"Where is Steven?" the Main Universe Iron Man inquired. "I wish to speak with him."

Captain America proceeded outside, where Stark was already awaiting him in the main living area. Upon observing Captain America’s emergence, Stark promptly stated, "The drones that Iron Man dispatched towards Red Orchid Base have been successfully intercepted and neutralized."

Captain America registered surprise: "Drones?"

"You were unaware?" Stark questioned, a frown creasing his brow. He produced his mobile device, initiated playback of a video, and presented it to Captain America, elaborating, "He deployed an entire squadron of drones to the Red Orchid Base; however, they were eliminated before they could even penetrate the outer defensive perimeter. Furthermore, the remnants have been secured by S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Infernal!" Captain America exclaimed, uttering a curse. He turned to confront Iron Man, but Stark quickly restrained him. "What course of action do you intend to pursue?"

"How could Tony have acted with such recklessness? It is abundantly clear that the Earth Government of this particular universe possesses a highly advanced technological infrastructure. We had already determined that employing drones for reconnaissance was an unviable strategy, yet he proceeded regardless!"

"There is nothing inherently wrong with utilizing drones for reconnaissance."

"However, his drones were confiscated! This action could potentially alert the Earth Government, leading them to realize that the Mutants have established alliances."

"That is not the primary concern you should be addressing," Stark interjected with a hint of exasperation. "Once S.H.I.E.L.D. obtains possession of the drones, they will swiftly deduce that the technology originates from Tony Stark. It is plausible that S.H.I.E.L.D. and the conventional governmental bodies are unaware of Battleworld's existence; they will likely interpret this as an act of espionage by this universe's Iron Man against the Red Orchid Base."

Captain America appeared somewhat perplexed, seemingly failing to grasp the full implications of the situation. Stark felt compelled to elaborate, stating, "This presents an exceptional opportunity to foster discord. At present, the various factions controlling Earth are vying intensely for control over Red Orchid. If we allow them to believe that the Stark Group harbors similar aspirations, it may precipitate internal conflicts among them."

Captain America finally comprehended the gravity of the situation. At that precise moment, Thor approached and inquired, "By what means did you acquire this intelligence?"

"I infiltrated the external defense network of the Red Orchid Factory," Stark disclosed. "It was during this intrusion that I fortuitously witnessed the destruction of the drones by the laser weaponry."

"You can infiltrate the defense system?" Thor exclaimed in disbelief. "Then you could bring down the Mother Module?"

Stark let out a heavy sigh. "Why would I want to destroy the Mother Module?"

"Aren’t you here to aid the Mutants?"

"If the Mutants are a formidable force, the Mother Module will target them. However, if they are too weak, the Mother Module will turn its attention to humanity itself. To assist the Mutants, I must not destroy it."

"So, you possess the capability to destroy it," Captain America stated.

Stark sidestepped the question and proposed, "Perhaps Iron Man could dispatch more drones, allowing S.H.I.E.L.D. to apprehend them in the act. With ample evidence, action will surely be taken against the Stark Group."

Turning as he departed, he added, "I will also inform the mutants of this strategy. Should it succeed, they will undoubtedly be deeply indebted to you."

"We cannot proceed with that," Thor declared, glancing at Captain America.

"Why not?" Captain America inquired.

Thor released a helpless sigh. He recognized that neither Captain America nor Iron Man possessed any political acumen, making it impossible for them to grasp the complex situation at hand.

"We cannot afford to antagonize this universe’s Avengers," Thor explained. "If we were to employ such a tactic to frame the Stark Group, leading to his capture by S.H.I.E.L.D. or the military, he would inevitably harbor a deep-seated resentment towards us."

Captain America approached, took a seat, and nodded in agreement. "That is indeed the situation. Our objective is not to help the mutants dominate the world, but rather to mediate. If we stoop to such tactics against the Avengers, would we not then become complicit in their invasion of Earth?"

Captain America rose once more and stated, "Tony is far too hasty. S.H.I.E.L.D. has already secured wreckage from the drones. While they are unaware of the multiverse, this universe’s Iron Man certainly is. He will undoubtedly believe we are attempting to frame him!"

With that, he grabbed his shield and headed inside to locate the Main Universe Iron Man. At that precise moment, the Main Universe Iron Man was deep in consultation with Doctor Strange, and when those two conjoined their efforts, trouble was sure to follow.

"Steven, I believe I can manage to gain control of the Mother Module," the Main Universe Iron Man confided in a low tone. "Once I breach the external defenses, I can infiltrate the Mother Module before it fully awakens. It is an incredibly potent weapon, and we can leverage it to broker peace between humans and mutants."

Doctor Strange’s brow furrowed slightly, yet he offered no objection. He remarked, "The technological prowess of ordinary individuals in this universe is formidable; breaching its outer defenses will not be a simple feat."

"I have already conducted an investigation," the Main Universe Iron Man revealed. "The technology employed by the Red Orchid Factory does not originate solely from Earth; there are indications of the Shi’ar Empire’s influence. I implore you to travel to the Shi’ar Empire and identify any potential technological vulnerabilities within their defense infrastructure."

"My sudden appearance in the cosmos could potentially cause a significant stir," Doctor Strange voiced, his brow still knit in concern.

"You could assume the guise of this universe’s Doctor Strange," the Main Universe Iron Man elaborated. "In any universe, the Sorcerer Supreme is invariably treated with the utmost respect. You can infiltrate the Shi’ar Empire and pinpoint the technological weaknesses. Together, we can seize command of the Mother Module, and at that juncture, both the Avengers from the Central Universe and the mutants and inhabitants of this universe will be compelled to heed our directives."

After a moment of contemplation, Doctor Strange finally nodded. "Very well, I shall undertake this mission."

"Do not depart just yet," the Main Universe Iron Man cautioned. "I have observed that Captain America appears entirely enthralled by that Iron Man from the Central Universe; he is unlikely to approve of our plan. Let us wait until nightfall to slip away undetected."

With a resounding crash, the door burst open. Captain America’s voice boomed, "You two have gone mad! Do you intend to make enemies of this universe’s Avengers?!"

"Steve Rogers!" the Main Universe Iron Man retorted fiercely. "Does the esteemed Captain America also engage in the ignoble act of eavesdropping?!"

"Had I not happened upon your clandestine scheme, you would have irrevocably jeopardized everything!" Captain America declared with palpable anger, brandishing his shield. "You cannot possibly frame this universe’s Avengers; it would utterly tarnish our reputation across the entire multiverse!"

"Calm yourself, Steve," the Main Universe Iron Man urged, stepping forward and gazing directly into his eyes. He continued, "Once we secure the Mother Module, we will possess the power to annihilate worlds. The Avengers of this universe will then serve our will; this approach is infinitely more effective than attempting to placate them!"

"You are utterly delusional," Thor interjected as he entered the room. "Your actions are indistinguishable from those monstrous invaders who seek to conquer Earth."

"We will not bring harm to Earth," Doctor Strange stated, his eyes fixed ahead. "Our current objective is to forge alliances. You must grasp the reality that permanent friendships are nonexistent; only lasting interests truly matter. By securing control over Earth's vital resources, they will undoubtedly comply with our directives."

"I strongly oppose this course of action," Dr. Banner interjected, stepping into the room. "Employing the threat of super-weapons to subjugate the Avengers is a morally reprehensible act. I absolutely will not permit you to proceed with this plan!"

"How assured are you of success, Tony?" Black Widow inquired, resting against the doorframe. While she maintained a neutral outward appearance, her question clearly signaled her leaning.

"Our success is contingent upon breaching their external defenses," the Main Universe Iron Man declared. "This technology is not entirely of human origin; they lack mastery over its application and haven't fully comprehended its intricacies. It was hastily implemented to counter the mutant crisis, inevitably leaving vulnerabilities."

"Under no circumstances," Dr. Banner asserted firmly. "How could you possibly employ your knowledge for such a purpose? If this information were to become public knowledge, no other universe in the multiverse would ever dare to associate with us."

"Who would dare to spread such gossip?" Doctor Strange countered, his gaze intensifying. "If our endeavor proves successful, the inhabitants of this particular universe certainly will not."

"And what of the people from the Central Universe? Can you guarantee that Iron Man will not disseminate this information?"

"In that case, we shall ensure he remains with us," Doctor Strange replied, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. "No one can withstand a direct strike from the Mother Module, a super-weapon of that magnitude. Surely, two formidable Avengers teams and a weapon of such power will be enough to keep him here?"

"You have truly lost your mind!" Dr. Banner exclaimed, aghast. "You intend to eliminate the Iron Man from the Central Universe?!"

"You exhibit a profound naivety, Doctor," the Main Universe Iron Man stated, looking directly at Banner. "The Central Universe is fated to become an insurmountable impediment on our ascent to becoming the preeminent leaders of the multiverse. A confrontation between us is inevitable, is it not?"

Amidst the escalating discord amongst the members of the Main Universe Avengers, a single absence went entirely unnoticed. Spider-Man, who had been suspended from the ceiling, retracted his webbing, silently ascended to the window, and made his escape.

"Mr. Stark! Mr. Stark! Someone is plotting to assassinate you!!!"