Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5721 - 4744: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (11)

"What did you say?!" Nick Fury exclaimed, standing up from his office chair as he faced Black Widow. He paced around his desk, approaching her to question,"The mutant from the raid team is alive and their consciousness has infiltrated the factory’s system?!"

The Black Widow from the main universe nodded, responding,"I’ve already provided the relevant evidence. You can have professionals evaluate it. However, you should know that we have no reason to deceive you on this matter."

Nick rubbed his face vigorously."Can they control the Mother Module?"

"To be perfectly honest, we are unsure," Black Widow replied, shaking her head."But mutants consistently exceed our expectations. How they managed to survive such a situation and upload their consciousness is beyond anyone’s comprehension. Perhaps this was their intended plan all along?"

Her final sentence clearly struck a nerve with Nick. His expression darkened, and he ground out through clenched teeth,"This must be Professor X’s scheme. Only he possesses the capability for such a feat."

Black Widow concurred with this assessment. After all, transitioning from a physical being to pure consciousness to invade a system seemed precisely within Professor X’s expertise. The entire human race, she mused, had been toyed with by him.

"I will notify The Avengers," Nick declared."For now, the two of you should sit down and communicate properly. Cease the conflict and hostilities. After all, if the situation deteriorates to an irreversible point, you may find yourselves needing to unite to safeguard Earth."

"It hasn’t reached that desperate stage yet," Black Widow countered."The Mother Module is not easily manipulated. It’s possible they are still locked in a struggle, and we still have an opportunity to eliminate those intrusive consciousnesses."

"One can only hope," Nick murmured, shaking his head.

Shortly thereafter, the Avengers from both universes convened, an awkward silence filling the room. The Captain America of the main universe broke the quiet with a clearing of his throat."Let’s discuss this operation..."

The opening was rather uninspired, yet fitting. It was, after all, the only matter they could meaningfully address. The local Avengers clearly remained unconvinced and were hesitant to cooperate. However, they also recognized that if mutants had surreptitiously gained the upper hand while their attention was elsewhere, cooperation would become essential to restore balance.

This alarming news quickly permeated the human government. The possibility that mutants were employing the consciousnesses from the raid team to seize control of the Red Orchid Factory was the most terrifying development they had encountered recently. This was particularly unsettling because established natural reserves were already in place.

Initially, the mutants had sustained severe losses, posing no significant threat to Earth or the human government. Allowing them to establish a nature reserve for their own purposes had seemed relatively inconsequential. However, the recent resurgence of mutant activity, marked by recruitment drives and rallying cries like “Don’t abandon any mutant,” had shifted the perception.

While their recovery would undoubtedly take considerable time after such significant setbacks, they were no longer considered the primary threat. This perception, however, proved to be short-lived.

Unexpectedly, not only had the mutants avoided further losses, but they had also secured an advantage precisely where humanity was least vigilant. Coupled with their advancements on Earth, they had rapidly transformed back into the most formidable adversaries. Unity, it seemed, was the only logical response.

The human government, much like scattered grains of sand when facing no external threat and intent on internal strife, instantly unified when confronted with significant external pressure. New strategies against the mutants began to take shape.

While internal conflict was a viable tactic, it failed to mitigate the dire consequences of the Red Orchid Factory falling under enemy control. Even if every mutant on Earth were eradicated, those within the factory’s system could still exact retribution. Therefore, the sole viable path forward was to find a means of neutralizing the threats within the factory.

However, the factory's coordinates had been compromised during previous competitive endeavors, leading to the disappearance of all researchers. The newly recruited personnel were not yet prepared to assume their responsibilities. Consequently, the factory was currently in a state of operational paralysis, leaving humanity with limited options.

"Grant access to the external defense systems immediately!" The Iron Man of the main universe declared, slamming his hand on the table. He addressed Nick Fury directly, stating,"We must infiltrate the internal system to eliminate these mutants."

"The risks involved are exceedingly high," Nick countered, his brow furrowed."How can you guarantee that you won’t inadvertently seize control of the factory yourself?"

The Iron Man of the main universe’s underlying intention was precisely that – to assume control of the Red Orchid Factory after neutralizing the mutant threat. Naturally, he refrained from voicing this ambition. After a brief pause, he replied,"This merely involves enabling external defense access, not disabling the Mother Module’s security protocols entirely. With the enemy already inside, what practical value does external defense access even hold anymore?"

The local Avengers found themselves in agreement with this perspective. The situation was akin to a house overrun by pests; a chaotic mess within, yet the doors remained securely locked, preventing any external assistance.

Moreover, mutants aren't like cockroaches, but more akin to Godzilla. At this very moment, the door signifies nothing. If it isn't opened swiftly, should they allow Godzilla to rampage within?

None of those present possessed an accurate grasp of the Mother Module's might. After all, they were not mutants, nor had they previously assaulted the Red Orchid Factory. Even the two technically proficient Iron Mans couldn't precisely gauge the factory system's internal status without core data. Their only recourse was to anticipate the direst outcome.

The formidable strength of mutants is widely acknowledged, and particularly so with the experts dispatched this time. If their prior assumptions hold true regarding Professor X's scheme, then they arrived well-prepared, potentially already assaulting the Mother Module. Should aid be delayed, preparations must be made to salvage the remnants of the Mother Module.

Naturally, Magneto's disruption was also interpreted as a diversion—a feint to rescue consciousnesses, refusing to abandon any mutants, merely consuming valuable time for Earth's allied forces.

Previously, they publicized the failure of the raid team, then played the victim at the United Nations General Assembly to establish a nature reserve. All of this served to stall for time for the actual conspiracy. Do they truly believe we will fall for such a ruse again?

The greater the commotion instigated by the mutants, the more convinced Earth's alliance becomes that it's merely a performance. They might even exploit the rescue operation as a cover to assist those consciousness entities, seizing the Mother Module from both internal and external positions. We absolutely cannot afford to grant them such a chance.

In this critical juncture, Nick rescinded his opposition, stating, "I will submit the request, and I anticipate swift approval. However, both of you must accompany each other."

He was referring to the two Iron Men, whose presence would allow for mutual monitoring, thereby preventing either from attempting to seize the Mother Module. These two were like oil and water; if one made a move, the other would undoubtedly intervene. This arrangement ensured a far greater degree of safety.

This strategy garnered the support of the majority. Nevertheless, the human government, clearly thinking ahead, initiated a call from the State Lord's office shortly after Nick submitted the application.

"This arrangement is still insufficient," the voice on the other end declared. "I trust you will contact that other Iron Man who appeared that day, the one clad in blue and white armor. His presence can counterbalance the other two Iron Men. In the worst-case scenario, permit him to take control of the Red Orchid factory to prevent the Stark Group from acquiring additional technical data."

Nick found himself contemplating this very issue. His loyalty lay with The Avengers, but the Stark Group presented a separate concern. The military and government had consistently sought to suppress the Stark Group, apprehensive of any technological leaps Iron Man might achieve, which could disrupt the established order of human society. While current necessity compelled their utilization, preventing them from obtaining technological upgrades from the Red Orchid factory was paramount.

Having another Iron Man to oversee him wouldn't suffice, given their seemingly equal technological prowess. If he remained unchecked, America could face a burgeoning threat. The government and military clearly could not accept this outcome, thus necessitating more robust external assistance.

"I will attempt to make contact," Nick responded. He understood that the military and government favored strategies of mutual destruction; if circumstances became unfavorable, they might withhold the crucial key, choosing mutual annihilation over allowing the Stark Group to gain everything.

After concluding the call, Nick was faced with another vexing problem: how to contact this particular Iron Man. He recalled hearing from the Avengers of the Main Universe that this specialized Iron Man was located in Clarkia. However, the current plan was devised to counter mutants; should they initiate contact with Clarkia to locate an individual?

The Avengers from the Main Universe remained stationed on Earth, with S.H.I.E.L.D. having arranged separate accommodations for them. Following their departure, the local Avengers convened for a discussion.

"Those individuals from the Main Universe are truly irritating," the local Iron Man grumbled indignantly. "I can't comprehend the boasting."

"Let it be. If we were from the Main Universe, we would likely exhibit similar arrogance," the Winter Soldier commented, shaking his head.

Captain America, seated with his Shield resting on his lap, pondered deeply, his brow furrowed. After a moment, he inquired, "Where has their Doctor Strange gone?"

"Perhaps he didn't accompany them?" Spider-Man speculated. "The last time I visited Clarkia, I didn't encounter him. It's possible he didn't originate from the Main Universe at all; someone must remain behind to maintain security, correct?"

With his statement, all eyes turned towards him. Spider-Man rolled his eyes, asking, "What's wrong? Did I say something amiss?"

"You visited Clarkia?!" Hawkeye exclaimed, surprise evident in his voice. "When did you go?"

"It was a while ago. I recognized Iron Man from the Central Universe, and since I wanted to have a conversation with him, I used the contact information provided on Clarkia’s official website to request a visit. After submitting my identity details, I was granted entry."

Black Widow couldn't help but press her forehead, lamenting, "One person dares to apply, and another dares to accept."

"Don't make light of it; he is Spider-Man," Dr. Banner stated. "He can traverse the globe without attracting any suspicion."

Just then, Nick Fury burst in, looking at Spider-Man with surprise. "You know Iron Man from the Central Universe? You’ve actually met and spoken with him?"

Spider-Man nodded his confirmation. "Indeed. My belief was that granting him control over the Red Orchid factory presented the optimal solution. The technological prowess of the Central Universe is exceptionally advanced; he has no need for the factory's technology, nor is he typically inclined to meddle in the affairs of other universes. Entrusting him with the factory's oversight ensures maximum security."

Nick Fury's eyes widened in astonishment. Spider-Man's foresight was precisely in line with their current strategic objectives. He inquired with palpable eagerness, "So, what was Tony Stark's response?"

"Naturally, he declined," Spider-Man replied, propping an elbow on his leg before flipping his hand. "He asserted that this approach would not resolve the fundamental issues. The inherent conflicts among our Avengers, the Main Universe Avengers, the human government, and the mutants could not be eradicated through his forceful control. He emphasized that technology alone cannot be the panacea for all problems."

"Hold on a moment," Captain America interjected, raising a hand. "Are you absolutely certain you're describing Tony Stark? Could Iron Man from their universe possibly be... someone else entirely?"

"Steve!" Iron Man exclaimed, his tone tinged with displeasure.

"However, it doesn't quite sound like you," Doctor Strange offered a critique from the sidelines. "If someone were to approach you with such a proposal at this juncture, you'd likely react quite fiercely, wouldn't you?"

Iron Man crossed his arms and averted his gaze, remaining silent.