Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5722 - 4745: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (12)

The esteemed status of the Prime Universe has undeniably fueled the aspirations of every Avenger hailing from that reality. However, for individuals not predisposed to such extremes, this elevated standing merely amplifies their existing nature. Spider-Man serves as a prime illustration; his core personality remains unaltered by his Prime Universe origin. It's perhaps more accurate to state that a propensity for interventionism seems genetically ingrained in most Tony Starks.

Popular wisdom suggests a grander stage fosters a larger heart, but here, the inverse holds true: the expansive stage cultivates a more ambitious spirit. The Multiverse provided the Prime Universe an unparalleled platform for showcasing its capabilities, consequently emboldening its more driven inhabitants. This phenomenon, however, is not exclusive to any single universe.

Without question, the Iron Man of this particular universe also has his sights set on the Red Orchid Factory. His objective isn't Earth's subjugation, but rather the acquisition of advanced technology to enhance his own Battle Armor. Such an opportunity, he would certainly not let slip by.

In reality, even possessing technology superior to the Red Orchid Factory's wouldn't deter him. The factory employs a technological framework distinct from his own, offering genuine research value. What genuinely astonishes the local Iron Man is the apparent self-restraint exhibited by the Iron Man from the Central Universe, who seems to suppress his innate drive for technological discovery.

"You never mentioned this?" Iron Man questioned Spider-Man. "The Red Orchid Factory is likely utilizing Shi'ar Empire technology. No, not 'likely.' I confirmed it directly. They are employing both their advanced tech and the very materials they use."

"He is aware," Spider-Man responded. "However, alien technology doesn't particularly fascinate him. In essence, he's quite unlike you. He's not a machine relentlessly exploring the cosmos until self-immolation. He's gentle, remarkably composed."

"Then he is not Tony Stark," Iron Man declared, dropping a bombshell. "No Stark can resist the allure of his own curiosity. How could he possibly forgo exploring the universe?"

"I haven't the faintest idea," Spider-Man admitted. "Perhaps you should converse with him directly?"

"And how precisely am I to achieve that? Accessing Clarkia is beyond my capabilities," Iron Man retorted. "Are you oblivious to your own unique position? You alone can nonchalantly visit the enemy's stronghold for a respite, even while open hostilities persist!"

The others voiced their agreement, finding the situation utterly preposterous. After all, with a doomsday apparatus like the Red Orchid Factory looming overhead, it seemed improbable that the Mutants would extend any goodwill. Yet, Spider-Man's ability to visit Clarkia under such circumstances raised questions about which party was exhibiting greater recklessness.

"Perhaps you could simply initiate a communication, a phone call perhaps," Spider-Man suggested. "I can undertake another journey to Clarkia and establish a direct communication line between you two. What are your thoughts on this proposal?"

At this, Iron Man exhibited a sudden reluctance. "Do you truly believe such an exchange would hold any significance? Are you suggesting I persuade him to assume control of the factory?"

"Hold on a moment," Captain America interjected. "The Avengers have not officially endorsed the government and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s decision. We stand firmly with you, Tony."

Iron Man's expression remained unchanged. He was acutely aware that his teammates' support stemmed from their camaraderie. Yet, objectively, he acknowledged that the Iron Man from the Central Universe was inherently better suited to manage the factory.

Initiating a conversation between them would essentially signify his concession to his Central Universe counterpart. Despite the difficulty in measuring up, admitting inferiority face-to-face was something he wished to avoid.

"You needn't dwell on that," Spider-Man reassured him. "Perhaps a discussion focusing solely on the factory's technical aspects would suffice. Communication, after all, generally proves beneficial, does it not?"

All eyes turned to Iron Man, yet silence prevailed. They understood this decision rested solely with him. Ultimately, no individual can truly exist detached from their inherent perspective. While science knows no boundaries, its practitioners do. Any interaction, inevitably, would verge into the political realm, a domain causing Iron Man considerable discomfort.

"I shall make the attempt," Iron Man finally conceded. "My primary interest lies in understanding his true nature. Conceivably, he could serve as a viable contingency if all else fails."

Nick breathed a sigh of relief. Facilitating dialogue between the two Iron Men was a far more promising strategy than relying on Spider-Man's attempts at persuasion. While Spider-Man might not grasp the core issues, two direct participants could delve much deeper. As Iron Man himself noted, even if their sole achievement was convincing the Central Universe's Stark to intervene and salvage the situation when it became irretrievable, that would constitute a successful outcome.

Captain America placed a comforting hand on Iron Man's shoulder. Thor added his support: "We will stand beside you. Should he dare to demean you, we shall not hesitate to verbally chastise him."

Doctor Strange had nothing more to add; he merely observed the standing Iron Man with a hint of concern. He could fully empathize with the stifled frustration Iron Man must be feeling. However, with current skills proving insufficient and unfortunate timing, entrusting matters to the Iron Man of the Central Universe seemed a more prudent choice than involving the one from the Prime Universe.

Spider-Man proceeded to Clarkia once more, establishing a communication link between the two Iron Men. Yet, deviating from Nick's exact instructions, he discreetly dispatched a message to his counterpart in the Main Universe.

"Hey, they're on the verge of a negotiation. Are you absolutely sure you don't want your universe's guy to make an appearance?"

"God, are you aiming to destroy Iron Man?" the Main Universe Spiderman retorted. "If he catches wind of them cutting deals behind his back, he'll absolutely lose it. It would essentially signal that he's not on par with the Central Universe's version."

"That's precisely why we need him to derail this negotiation. It serves the best interests of all three," the local Spider-Man explained. "The Iron Man from the Central Universe won't face moral coercion, my universe's Iron Man won't be forced into a position of subservience, and your universe's Iron Man won't be driven to the brink of madness."

"Oh man, that's a stroke of genius." The Main Universe Spiderman grasped the idea immediately, responding with an avalanche of thumbs-up emojis. "But if we go through with this, will there still be any hope for the factory?"

"Honestly, I've always wondered: what is the purpose of that factory's existence? Why can't we just obliterate it?"

"Wasn't that supposed to be for defending against Mutants?"

"It's for carrying out Genocide," the Spider-Man from the local universe stated definitively. "Those Super Sentinels they're constructing will indiscriminately slaughter all Mutants. You weren't aware of this, were you?"

"I had absolutely no clue; that technology isn't present in my universe yet." Main Universe Spiderman sent a shocked emoji before adding, "You're correct. Genocide is an abhorrent act, regardless of the context. Let's destroy it, the two of us."

"As much as I'd relish that outcome, it's likely to be an exceedingly difficult undertaking. Too many eyes are watching that factory, and its technological sophistication is astonishingly high. The two of us alone probably can't breach its defenses."

"Did they relocate all the Researchers from the lab to Clarkia?"

"Yes. They should be housed in the Mutants' Anti-gravity Laboratory."

"A significant number of them must be harboring a desire to destroy the factory," Main Universe Spiderman remarked. "Because as long as that factory persists, they can never truly achieve freedom. Every faction will inevitably want their assistance in keeping the factory contained. Only through its complete eradication can they genuinely return to their own lives."

"That too is a brilliant concept," the local Spider-Man conceded. "However, I'm uncertain if the Mutants will permit me access."

"Of course they will; you are Spider-Man, after all."

Upon his arrival at Clarkia Island, the local Spider-Man made his way to find Stark. Stark exhibited a measure of surprise at his appearance. Upon learning that the Iron Man from the local universe wished to converse, he paused briefly before stating, "I knew you individuals were still attempting to persuade me to relinquish control. Procuring another version of myself to undertake the Persuasion on your behalf must not have been simple. I will not consent, but I can still extend the courtesy of a call."

The moment Stark uttered these words, Spider-Man recognized the futility of the situation. Nevertheless, the Iron Man of the Central Universe possessed an exceptionally virtuous disposition; anyone else would have long since disengaged. Yet, the Iron Man of the Central Universe was willing to engage in another call merely to preserve the local Iron Man's dignity.

"I'm incredibly grateful," Spider-Man expressed sincerely, acknowledging the pressure he was under should the mission falter.

"Give credit to Clarkia," Stark responded. "This location puts me in an exceptionally positive frame of mind. Who knows, perhaps we might actually engage in a discussion about technology for a change."

The call connected swiftly, but the local Iron Man evidently found himself at a loss for words, remaining silent. Stark had to initiate the conversation: "What are your thoughts on the technology employed at the Red Orchid Factory?"

"A substantial portion of the technology they utilize is exceptionally advanced, including some of the AI technology integral to constructing the Mother Module. However, without specific rare materials and critical data, I doubt the factory could achieve such feats so effortlessly."

"That aligns precisely with my own observations. Do you possess any knowledge regarding the origins of the Shi'ar Empire's technology?" Stark inquired.

"One could only speculate where they acquired it," the local Iron Man replied. "I wouldn't be astonished if the United States Government had engaged in dealings with any form of Alien Civilization. I simply remain unaware of what they bartered away this time to obtain it."

"Doesn't that strike you as odd?" Stark inquired. "What exactly is there on Earth that could capture the Shi'ar Empire's interest—and more importantly, something the government can actually hand over?"

The local Iron Man clearly hadn't anticipated this question. He responded, "You suppose there's something dubious about the origin of this technology?"

"To the Shi'ar Empire, technology itself holds little value; their technological advancement far surpasses yours. However, those Crystals aren't something that can be acquired casually, are they?"

"Crystals? You mean the Source Energy Superconductor?"

"Precisely," Stark affirmed. "I find it hard to believe those Crystals are common commodities even within the Shi'ar Empire. On the contrary, such an item isn't easily synthesized. So why is the Shi'ar Empire so willing to transfer numerous units to the Human race?"

The Iron Man on the other end grew silent once more. Stark inwardly sighed. He had practically laid out the entire situation—how was this individual still not comprehending it? Was this universe simply too disconnected from the realities of interstellar warfare?

Stark intended to continue the conversation, but a commotion erupted from the other end. Two nearly identical voices began arguing fiercely. Stark raised an eyebrow, a thought crossing his mind: Could it be that the Main Universe Iron Man had made an appearance?

His suspicion proved correct. The Main Universe Iron Man had indeed intruded, intending to disrupt the proceedings, as he would never permit the localites to transfer the factory to the Iron Man of the Central Universe. He burst directly into the conference room. The two factions of The Avengers immediately resumed their brawl.

Stark disconnected the call, feeling a sense of helplessness. Fine, continue your scuffle. When the Shi'ar Empire activates the Energy Crystal, opens a Teleportation Portal, and their army surges forth to confront you all, you'd best hope you still have time left for such diversions!