Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5729 - 752: X Royal Family: Fierce Battle (19)

A collective expression of "unexpected, yet understandable" dawned on everyone. The very essence of all Iron Men in this world is rooted in sentiment. After all, if these immensely wealthy individuals weren't genuinely empathetic and deeply responsible, why would they choose the path of superheroes? Batman embodies this, as does Iron Man.

"Tony," Captain America called out, approaching him. "Shall we accompany you?"

Prime Universe Iron Man shook his head. "No, these matters can only be handled by me. As you stated, I proposed coming here, so I must bear the responsibility for the current predicament."

"Although I genuinely resent that our universe's technological advancements lag behind the Central Universe, I do not wish for them to be involved. It's not entirely my pride speaking. That particular universe is exceedingly strange, akin to a relentlessly operating super-engine, introducing far too many variables into the Multiverse. My instincts reject interaction with them. I'm uncertain if this intuition is correct, but you know, my inspiration has never steered me wrong."

This marked the first occasion Prime Universe Iron Man articulated these thoughts to them, yet others might have already surmised them. They could not afford to rest and promptly set off. A significant portion of their apprehension stemmed from their observations in the Central Universe. It wasn't that anything was inherently wrong there, but rather, when something stands out too prominently, there's invariably a reason. Gifts from the divine have always carried a hidden cost.

"Be cautious," Black Widow advised. "Shiller is renowned, and I suspect his formidable reputation extends beyond what he accomplished in the Battleworld. Perhaps our confrontation with him is the sole correct decision we've made."

Though these words carried a hint of defiance, no one offered a rebuttal, not even Spider-Man. While Prime Universe Spider-Man also harbored a dislike for this Multiverse aid initiative, he couldn't deny Shiller's palpable danger. He even harbored suspicions that the current crisis had been orchestrated by Shiller himself.

Despite Prime Universe Iron Man's quest for assistance, he would not stoop to begging. Rather, he felt confident that Iron Man from the Central Universe would lend aid, which was why he ventured there. This confidence was underpinned by a secret suspicion.

"Your companion?" Prime Universe Iron Man inquired.

"You mean Shiller?" Central Universe Iron Man turned, raising an eyebrow. "He should be resting in his quarters."

"In his quarters?" Prime Universe Iron Man shook his head. "I have no desire to investigate his whereabouts. My sole inquiry is whether you are cognizant of the Shi’ar Empire’s invasion plans?"

"Why would I be aware?" Central Universe Iron Man countered. "I am neither a member of the Shi’ar Empire nor have I ever participated in the creation of the Red Orchid Factory. What leads you to believe otherwise?"

"Given your lack of awareness, you couldn't possibly be oblivious to the internal issues. The arrival of the Shi’ar Empire's forces was exceptionally peculiar. Subsequently, their actions against us demonstrated an unparalleled grasp of The Avengers' intelligence."

"Do you truly believe the notion of a mole on Earth is a novel concept?"

"Cease deflecting the issue," Prime Universe Iron Man insisted. "You comprehend the caliber of insider capable of such a feat far better than I. For the local universe's Iron Man to be able to contact the Shi’ar Empire's personal guard—something significant must have transpired, correct?"

Stark paused, observing Prime Universe Iron Man before asking, "What is it you seek?"

"I can likely surmise it. His ostentatious introduction of external threats and the subsequent blow against The Avengers are compelling us to seek your assistance..."

"You misunderstand him then," Stark opined. "If he were truly responsible, it's more probable that his intention was to foster your unity. I'm referring to a united front including yourself, the local Avengers, and the Earth Government, entirely independent of the Central Universe."

"Is that so?" Prime Universe Iron Man narrowed his eyes.

"You still fail to grasp one crucial point: the Central Universe fundamentally opposes interventionism. Simply put, we are not here to support mutants; we are here to prevent *you* from intervening."

"But our intervention is solely to amass sufficient power to counter your potential actions," Central Universe Iron Man pointed out. "We cannot assume that every single entity within a dominant universe possesses benevolent intentions. What if you initiate a Multiverse colonization? What if your universe descends into chaos? We must possess adequate strength to maintain balance, mustn't we?"

"Forgive my bluntness, but you remain trapped in a Cold War mentality," Stark retorted. "You perceive all power as a potential bomb about to detonate, thus adopting a preemptive defensive posture against perceived threats, without ever considering the merits of communication and collaboration."

"Are you not employing a similar strategy? What about the Shi’ar Empire's army?"

"We employ coercive measures to bring everyone together for dialogue, enforcing peace through might, rather than utilizing deterrents for enhanced deterrence, which sets us apart from you. You, conversely, are planning the latter. Can you guarantee that once you possess sufficient power, your followers won't turn against us, once again bifurcating the entire Multiverse?"

The Prime Universe Iron Man let out a sigh and stated, "From my perspective, and that of many supporting universes, our sole aim in seeking power is for self-preservation. America harbored similar sentiments when facing the threat posed by the Soviet Union back then."

"And you are acutely aware that a Cold War yields no victors, only survivors." Stark approached him, peering into his eyes through the faceplate. "Everything we undertake in this dimension serves to demonstrate our absolute capacity to preempt a Cold War, rather than merely triumphing in one. Were we the Soviet Union, you best consider if you would still hold the esteemed title of America during its Golden Age."

The Prime Universe Iron Man fell into silence. He was well aware they were outmatched. They weren't even comparable to America; they were akin to a Third World nation of that era, bearing the hollow distinction of being the Prime Universe, seemingly significant but truly powerless and utterly incompetent.

"So, Shiller still desires our cooperation," the Prime Universe Iron Man remarked. "He has succeeded."

"Allow me to reiterate, given his disposition, he might genuinely be addressing only the concerns pertinent to this particular universe."

"What makes you so certain?" the Main Universe Iron Man inquired, a hint of exasperation in his voice, his expression conveying a sense of bewilderment as if questioning what precisely was blinding the other.

"Because you have never witnessed him operating at his full potential," Stark retorted with a cold chuckle. "If driven to the brink of abandoning the Multiverse entirely, it wouldn't merely be the Shi’ar Empire's armada appearing through the Solar System's teleportation gateway today. Be thankful to us; this dilapidated engine has been somewhat mended, at least it no longer grinds so audibly."

The Main Universe Iron Man appeared astonished. He had recently been involved in the skirmish near the Sun and possessed firsthand knowledge of the Shi’ar Empire's formidable military might. Even with clandestine interference, overcoming such adversaries without genuine strength would have been impossible. If that wasn't considered strength, what did Shiller intend to wield to subjugate the Multiverse?

Just as the Main Universe Iron Man was about to voice his thoughts, Stark interjected, "You intend to argue that if such a dangerous entity existed, your deterrent strategies would be justifiable. However, the reality is, if he were an individual or an organization, such tactics might be employed. But Shiller is neither."

"Then, what is he?" The Main Universe Iron Man was perplexed.

"You could conceptualize him as a form of cosmic operating principle," Stark stated, taking a contemplative sip of his coffee. He then looked at the Main Universe Iron Man and elaborated, "Until you can truly grasp the fundamental truths of the universe, deterrence remains a mere illusion."

The Main Universe Iron Man gazed at him, bewildered. However, he soon inquired, "But you mentioned altering him, drawing upon cosmic truth?"

Stark shook his head. "How do the Avengers influence one another? How have you modified your companions, and how have they, in turn, reshaped you? Is it through the technological marvels you employ to construct your mechas?"

With those words, Stark placed a hand on the Main Universe Iron Man's shoulder, coffee cup in hand, and departed. The Main Universe Iron Man remained rooted to the spot for a considerable time.

"Incorrect, all of it is wrong." The Main Universe Iron Man entered the living area, drawing the attention of everyone present. Upon hearing his pronouncement, a palpable tension settled over the room.

"What is it?" Captain America rose, concern etched on his face as he addressed him. "Are you alright, Tony? What did he do to you? Did he berate you?"

The Main Universe Iron Man stood immobile, surveying the room. "We have fundamentally misunderstood something, profoundly so."

"Understood what?" Banner inquired, his brow furrowed. Hawkeye also sensed the gravity of the situation; for the Main Universe Iron Man to admit an error with such conviction, it couldn't be a trivial misjudgment.

"Why are we maintaining a defensive posture against the Central Universe?" the Main Universe Iron Man questioned.

"Because they possess immense power," Black Widow responded with a sigh. "They could potentially vie with us for the leadership of the Multiversal Human Alliance, or even supplant the Main Universe's preeminent position. That was the consensus reached during our meeting. However, in private, I find this particular universe to be exceedingly perilous."

"Perilous in what way?"

"Because they stand apart from all other universes," stated Dr. Banner. He, not being one for intervention, accompanied the Avengers not out of a desire to meddle in any universe's internal affairs. Instead, he partly concurred that the Main Universe needed to enhance its strength to bear its duties, which included safeguarding against potential calamities from certain out-of-control universes. The Central Universe, naturally, was counted among these potentially chaotic realms.

"That is precisely where our reasoning faltered," commented Main Universe Iron Man.

"Are you suggesting all universes are identical?" Captain America inquired further. "Certainly, I don't dispute the sameness of individuals, but... isn't the manner of their expression vastly distinct?"

"Such is the nature of our logical framework," Main Universe Iron Man explained. "The Central Universe possesses considerable might and presents a danger, instilling within us a form of existential anxiety. This sense of crisis primarily arises from their profound divergence. It can be said that neither the universe's stage of development nor its individual inhabitants are comparable to those in most other universes."

Nods of agreement rippled through the group. Their actions were driven by apprehension, and this apprehension was fueled by the Central Universe's conspicuous difference and overwhelming power. In this world, the unfamiliar and the formidable invariably ignite a primal survival anxiety within people.

"What do you perceive as the source of their uniqueness?" Main Universe Iron Man posed the question once more.

Everyone contemplated the query, yet no one could provide a definitive answer. Even Spider-Man, who possessed the most intimate knowledge of the Central Universe, was stumped. Despite his frequent travels between realities, the Main Universe had undergone a reboot, leaving him with only fragmented knowledge of the preceding decade.

However, a shared understanding prevailed: the circumstances of many universes bore similarities, but the Central Universe was exceptional, and there had to be a reason. After a moment of reflection, Main Universe Spider-Man offered, "Perhaps Shiller?"

All eyes turned towards him. Main Universe Spider Man elaborated, "I've seldom encountered Doctor Schiller in other universes, including our own. The Central Universe appears to be his primary domain. If there's any factor contributing to its distinctiveness, it is likely him."

"Indeed, he is a factor, yet that is not the core of my point," countered Main Universe Iron Man. "My contention is that we have fundamentally misunderstood something—the Central Universe is, in actuality, no different from us."