Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5706 - 4730: X Royal Family: Annihilation (12)

Stark raised a hand to intercept the lunging Spider-Man. However, he had neglected a crucial detail: this was the Prime Universe's Spider-Man, not the Peter who had tragically lost his spider-powers. His attempted block was not only ineffective but nearly resulted in a fractured arm.

The Prime Universe Spider-Man sent him to the ground before quickly scrambling to his feet. He then helped Stark up, apologizing profusely, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Stark. I completely forgot you weren't in your armor. Perhaps... you should put it on?"

A sigh of helplessness escaped Stark, but he complied, donning the nano armor. Spider-Man's gaze remained fixed on the shimmering suit, yet his focus quickly returned to the urgent matter at hand. "The Tony Stark and Stephen Strange from our universe," he declared with anxiety clear in his voice, "they intend to kill you!"

"So you've come to deliver a warning?"

"Absolutely," Spider-Man confirmed.

"But they are your teammates, are they not?"

"Anyone who does good is my teammate. Anyone who does evil is my enemy," Spider-Man stated, flipping onto a girder to hang upside down. He elaborated, "It's not merely Tony Stark being Iron Man; the true Iron Man is the superhero who safeguards New York while clad in the armor."

Stark felt an impulse to clap Spider-Man on the shoulder. Since the hero was suspended upside down, there was no obvious place to make contact. Instead, Stark settled into a nearby chair, remarking, "They are incapable of killing me."

"Of course not," Spider-Man agreed, swinging through the air on a strand of webbing. "I frequently visit the Central Universe and am well aware of your capabilities. Combined, they wouldn't stand a chance against you. But what if they attempt an ambush while you're occupied with something critical?"

After a brief pause, Spider-Man continued, "Their objective is to seize control of the Mother Module. I've examined the schematics; it's an exceedingly potent superweapon. Its destructive potential extends far beyond mutants, posing a grave threat to all life. They plan to leverage the Mother Module for leverage against Earth and to set a trap for you."

"I'm actually encouraging them to try," Stark replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "I'm the one orchestrating the defense system, downing the drones belonging to the Main Universe Iron Man, and leaving the wreckage for S.H.I.E.L.D. to discover."

"Why would you do that?" Spider-Man pondered for a moment before asking, "Is it a tactic to sow discord? To incite animosity from the local Avengers towards us?"

Stark shook his head. "Can you honestly claim the local Avengers have no desire to control the Mother Module?"

Spider-Man appeared slightly taken aback. Stark pressed on, "I am also Tony Stark, and I understand precisely how Tony Stark would reason. Every Stark believes they possess the potential to contend, and such a formidable weapon naturally belongs in their own hands."

"You're suggesting that this universe's Iron Man also covets the Mother Module?"

"Precisely," Stark confirmed with a nod. "He might even be observing secretly, remaining undetected. This is to avoid becoming a target. On the surface, the focus remains on neutralizing the mutant threat. Should the mutant threat not be fully eliminated, contemplating the division of assets could easily provoke hostility from others."

"But now it has been discovered," Spider-Man pointed out.

"Indeed, it serves as a signal," Stark affirmed. "Given the advanced technological capabilities of Stark Group, if they have already infiltrated the Red Orchid Factory, their prospects of acquiring the Mother Module would significantly improve, possibly becoming a certainty. What do you suppose other factions will do then?"

"Then they had better act swiftly!" Spider-Man exclaimed. "Their technology is already lagging, and any delay in their actions will prevent them from obtaining it!"

Stark nodded in agreement. "Precisely. Armed with the evidence from the drones, all parties will soon realize that Iron Man has long been coveting the Mother Module. If Iron Man is determined to secure it, others may find themselves outmatched. However, they are unwilling to permit such a powerful entity to fall into Iron Man's sole possession, much like the Ark Reactor and the mechas of the past. Consequently, they will act with haste, perhaps overlooking whether the mutant threat has been completely vanquished."

"In that case, the mutants will gain a much-needed reprieve," Spider-Man observed.

"More than just that," Stark stated, rising to his feet once more. "You should return now. Do not mention that you came here. If they inquire about your stance, simply state your opposition. Avoid direct conflict with them, and refrain from any clandestine sabotage attempts; getting discovered would be exceedingly troublesome."

"I understand," Spider-Man replied. He then let out a sigh. "Honestly, ever since the Zero Ultron incident, I've begun to question the very purpose of the Avengers' existence. It seems they've strayed from their original mission."

"They are simply too young," Stark commented. "After undergoing a few more trials, they will naturally mature."

"But why?" Spider-Man inquired. "Does experiencing more calamities truly reform villains?"

"No, experiencing more calamities makes them realize that being a good person is considerably simpler than being a bad one."

After Spider-Man's departure, Schiller reappeared. He turned to Stark, inquiring, "How is it? What was the reaction over there?"

"It's practically a civil war," Stark chuckled, shrugging. "Some wish to eliminate me, while others offer opposition. Nevertheless, the matter of the Red Orchid Factory should be settled shortly."

United Nations Headquarters, Assembly Hall. 8:00 AM.

Dressed in a suit, Sebastian stood solitary before the expansive glass curtain wall. He had no desire to converse with anyone, and certainly no wish to suffer humiliation. Magneto had already informed him that his presence this time was to take the fall. He knew these individuals would show him no respect, perhaps even berate him directly.

Sebastian was not an individual readily provoked unless personal gain was involved. The reality was that appearing compliant now offered greater advantages than initiating a terrorist act, so he was amenable to a more peaceful approach.

Magneto had pledged to assist his return to the Hellfire Group. This was, in truth, exceedingly difficult, as the White Queen was both formidable and erratic. She had successfully transformed the Hellfire Club into a vast conglomerate, boasting numerous influential political connections. Sebastian, on his own, stood no chance of rejoining the Group.

Even Magneto's forceful methods were insufficient for Sebastian's reinstatement. However, should Utopia be established, Magneto could act as a mediator, potentially earning Sebastian a moment of consideration from the White Queen. Sebastian's sole current objective was to rejoin the Group, deferring concerns about his standing until a later time.

Observing an ambassador approaching him, Sebastian emitted a sigh, bracing himself for an impending reprimand. To his surprise, the ambassador extended a glass for a toast, exclaiming, "The world is indeed tumultuous, sir. I heard you had a significant disagreement with the White Queen, the head of the Hellfire Group?"

This comment immediately brought Magneto's counsel to Sebastian's mind: to air his grievances regarding the White Queen's persecution at the United Nations Assembly. However, Sebastian's heart was genuinely brimming with fury, rendering any pretense unnecessary.

He let out a profound sigh, then declared through clenched teeth, "That deranged woman! I was unmistakably the founder of the Hellfire Club. She merely employed some commercial stratagems and rallied the shareholders to oust me. I will exact retribution from her eventually!"

"How truly unfortunate," the ambassador mused, "Do you desire to rejoin the Group?"

"My deepest desire is to return, but what recourse do I have? You are aware that the White Queen possesses potent psychic abilities; even I cannot contend with her. Furthermore, other mutant factions are disinclined to offer assistance. Yet, in these circumstances, they are pressuring me to accept blame; I am unable to refuse, even if I wished to..."

The ambassador offered a few curses in solidarity with Sebastian, then remarked, "However, I believe many nations have arrived with benevolent intentions today. We harbor numerous misunderstandings with the mutants, but they are not entirely insurmountable. After all, it is only natural for a nomadic people to seek a place to call home..."

"Precisely... Wait, natural?!" Sebastian was taken aback. In his mind, he questioned how this situation could be construed as reasonable.

At that moment, another female ambassador approached, carrying a wine glass. "Ah, here you are, sir. I fear we must address the matter of the Red Orchid Factory before the congress commences."

Sebastian harbored a strong aversion to that particular factory; after all, no one relishes the notion of a guillotine perpetually suspended above them. His demeanor instantly cooled, and he responded, "Ah, indeed, human scientists are truly remarkable, to have devised such formidable super-weapons. If only they were not directed at mutants, that would be even more commendable..."

The two ambassadors exchanged a knowing glance. The female ambassador clarified, "I believe there has been a misunderstanding. We did not solely construct the Red Orchid Factory and the Mother Module to target mutants. After all, mutants have not inflicted any significant harm upon us. Even the homeland you aspire to establish is situated beyond known human territories; that island was unoccupied, and the principle of first come, first serve is quite reasonable."

Sebastian was overwhelmed with bewilderment. Was he not supposed to be subjected to condemnation? Why did everyone seem to find this whole situation so acceptable?

Just then, another imposing figure approached. The two ambassadors exchanged yet another look, then smiled and departed. Sebastian carefully observed the new arrival, sensing that he was not an ambassador but rather a military man.

"Captain Bodis sends his regards," the man stated, raising his glass to Sebastian. "I am a direct individual, sir. If you assist the military in securing the Red Orchid Factory, we shall refrain from exercising our veto."

Sebastian's eyes widened. "Secure the Red Orchid Factory? Whose is it currently?"

"I believe it belongs to the military, though I am in the minority," the captain replied. "Based on the available information, it is likely the Stark Group's. However, we cannot permit such a dangerous weapon to fall into Iron Man's possession yet again. Are his armored suits not sufficient playthings for him?"

Sebastian stammered, his mouth opening and closing. Finally, he managed to ask, "Then you..."

Before he could even finish speaking, a blonde woman of Slavic descent approached, offering a nod. "Sophia, I represent Russia as ambassador. Let's be direct; we will cast a favorable vote if you assist us in conquering the Red Orchid Factory."

"Begone!" the captain retorted sharply. "S.H.I.E.L.D. was instrumental in its construction and supplied the vital technology. This rightfully belongs to America; what possible claim does Russia have?"

"The Russian Space Agency also made contributions," the ambassador, Sophia, stated. "Furthermore, our relationships with mutants are significantly more amicable than yours."

At this precise moment, another individual of Asian descent approached, appearing less like an ambassador and more like a leader. Sebastian recognized him as the head of SWORD and wondered why he had come personally.

"China will abstain from voting," he declared concisely. "However, on a personal level, if your race is the first to set foot upon that ancient land, then you indeed possess the right to establish yourselves there; no others have the right to interfere."

"Very well, sir, allow me to present England's perspective," another ambassador interjected. "Not only will we refrain from vetoing, but we will also vote in favor. Moreover, our 26 allied nations will follow suit. After all, mutants could prove to be a race friendly to our interests, could they not?"

"France shares the same sentiment, sir. If the Professor is overseeing this matter, it would be quite simple for him to secure unanimous agreement. We thank him for choosing not to do so. Congratulations to the mutants; I eagerly await your transmission."

"Wait..." Sebastian raised a hand to halt the escalating dispute, announcing, "I must make contact with Krakoa; kindly wait."

With that, he stepped away, retrieved his phone, and dialed Magneto. "What is transpiring? Erik, all Five Powers have given their agreement!"

"What?!" Magneto's astonishment was palpable.

Clutching the phone, he turned his gaze towards the rear of the room, where Shiller was diligently updating medical records. She looked up, a smile gracing her features.