Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5757 - 4780: X Royal Family: Rebirth (20)

"Nick is already considered a pretty good boss," Steve sighed. "When Carter gave birth, he gave her half a year of paid maternity leave and even a substantial childbirth allowance. But my veteran benefits and military compensations still haven’t been issued; I guess they really didn’t approve them."

"Of course they didn’t approve them," Stark said. "The U.S. Military hasn’t had veteran benefits for a long time. The prerequisite for military compensations is that you must have retired normally and meet a whole bunch of conditions. For someone like you, who has already been reported dead, it’s absolutely impossible to get them."

"And just like you said, Nick is considered a good boss. Because in your situation, not only can’t you get veteran benefits, but you might also be accused of defrauding death compensation."

"The issue is I never got any death compensation!"

"Just because it didn’t reach your hands doesn’t mean they didn’t issue it. As for who got it, it’s definitely impossible to find out. They probably thought about using this to blackmail you, but Nick stopped them."

Steve also leaned back in his chair with a look of despair: "You’re saying not only are they withholding my compensation but they also want to sue me for faking my death to cheat death compensation?"

"That’s already the best-case scenario. In fact, I’ve heard rumors that the military considered declaring you a deserter, using fake death to escape the war, not fulfilling military duties..."

"But when I died, they widely publicized me as a hero."

"Times change," Stark shook his head, "When they needed you, of course, you’re a hero. Or rather, you have to listen to them to be a hero. Otherwise, naturally, you’re a deserter."

Steve was already grinning angrily: "I’ll say it again, America died in the Cold War long ago. What’s alive now is just a corpse."

"There are good and bad people everywhere, many speak on your behalf," Stark comforted, "These years, you’ve lived peacefully without much turmoil; certainly, someone has helped you solve many problems behind the scenes. Whether it’s Nick, Howard, or Bucky, they’re all silently helping you."

"I know." Steve wiped his face, "Because of me, Bucky gave up his space exploration job to stay on Earth and guard. No matter how I persuade him, he won’t listen."

"If America is a corpse, at least our universe is a decent-looking one. But this universe seems to have started rotting," Shiller sighed. "The Alien Army hasn’t even been completely eliminated, and they’re already sanctioning the Mutant Heroes’ homelands on Earth."

"Isn’t there anyone who can manage them?" Steve was fuming at this mention, "Are we just letting them run rampant like this? I can’t accept it!"

"If it’s the Mutant leader of this universe, they might just have to endure and wait for opportunities to open up. But aren’t you familiar with those two from our universe? Revenge never waits till the next day. The Three Great Empires secretly and openly messed with the Andromeda Galaxy many times, with methods way more disgusting than this. Not only did the mutants unaffected, but the Three Great Empires are nearly collapsing."

"Thankfully they came," Steve said, "Otherwise, being called Captain America by the mutants would be embarrassing."

"Hey, can I come in?" The voice of the Main Universe Spider-Man suddenly sounded outside the door, "If not, it’s okay. The mutants just sent someone over, asking us to head over near the volcano and hope we can help discuss the construction of the hot springs resort. Do you want to go?"

"Already starting?" Shiller was a bit surprised as he walked over to open the door, then said, "Aren’t they going to take a break?"

"Right after fighting, the young mutants are very excited. They’re thinking of quickly setting up the resort to enjoy the hot springs. But they’re uncertain about some places and want to seek our opinions."

"Alright, I understand. Come in and sit down, Peter."

He went inside, saw Stark, and said, "You look much better, Mr. Stark, is there anywhere you still feel uncomfortable?"

Stark waved his hand, indicating he was fine. But soon, he seemed to remember something and asked, "Peter, do you catch colds?"

"Colds? Oh, definitely. But ever since I got Spider Power, I almost never catch a cold, although I have been infected with the flu. Viral colds aren’t countered by Spider Power, though my physique helps me recover faster."

"I see. I was worried about you," Stark said, "It’s convenient; our two doctors went to Hong Kong to get some traditional medicine that can prevent colds. Do you want a bowl?"

Steve and Shiller could only turn their heads helplessly. The Spider-Man from the Main Universe appeared oblivious, remarking, "Traditional medicine, huh? I've heard of it. Every day on my way home from school, the owner of the Chinese supermarket brews herbs at the door; it looks quite magical. Can I really drink it?"

Shiller sighed, "Of course, I'll brew it for you right now."

Stark's mischievous grin was quite evident. Steve wanted to caution him but was halted by Stark. Thus, ten minutes later, another teary-eyed cat face joined them on the couch.

"Why is it so bitter?" Spider-Man seemed genuinely on the verge of tears as he chewed on the preserved fruits, exclaiming, "And it's not just bitter; it's sour and astringent too. Goodness, I'd rather have a cold!"

Stark burst into uncontrollable laughter, looking significantly more revitalized; it was uncertain whether this was due to the medicine or psychological reasons. Rubbing his hands together, he announced, "I feel much better, let's head to the volcano now."

But soon, Spider-Man leaped up from the couch, "It seems effective; I feel like I'm sweating."

He wasn't exaggerating; indeed, his forehead was glistening with sweat, a sheen that wasn't present when he first arrived. Spider-Man tugged at his collar and said, "I think this really works. Where did you buy the medicine? I want to purchase some to take back, to prevent my aunt from catching a cold."

"That might be a bit far," Shiller replied, "and while this isn't particularly potent medicine, it shouldn't be consumed frequently. If you're looking to regulate your body, a different prescription would likely be needed. You should seek out Doctor Strange from your universe; he should have some knowledge about it."

"Alright, I'll ask him, but he seems to still be arguing with the Iron Man from our universe, so he might not be too keen on seeing me," Spider-Man said somewhat helplessly.

"Those two are arguing?" Stark inquired with interest, "About what?"

"I have no idea," the Main Universe Spider-Man shook his head, stating, "But whatever you guys typically argue about, they're probably arguing about the same things."

"Oh, it's the usual technology versus magic debate," Stark mused, "Then he shouldn't take it out on you; you can still go and ask."

The Main Universe Spider-Man nodded, then added, "By the way, can I take a few of these dried fruits? Thor really likes sweets, and I'd like to bring some back for him to try."

"No problem, Steven bought several packs anyway," Shiller said, pulling out a packet from an unknown location and handing it to Spider-Man, adding, "It was originally intended for our universe's Thor."

The Main Universe Spider-Man departed with the dried fruits. Steve, appearing somewhat perplexed, commented, "I've never heard of Thor liking sweets. When we were dining in Asgard, he wouldn't even touch the honeydew."

"It's Loki who enjoys sweets," Shiller snorted, explaining, "Thor claims to like them so that if there's anything delicious, he can bring it back for Loki."

"So, this is for Loki too then?" Stark eyed the packet of dried fruits and asked, "Are you just giving them the dried fruits?"

"What else do you suggest? You want them to try some traditional Chinese medicine?" Shiller retorted, "Earlier, I made a mistake; there really are individuals in The Avengers who never catch a cold, and those are Thor and Loki."

"I understand with Thor; he's an Aesir, those divine folk are truly healthy and rarely fall ill. But isn't Loki supposed to be frail and sickly?"

"Loki is a Frost Giant," Steve interjected, exasperated, "Have you ever heard of Frost Giants catching a cold???"

Stark slapped his forehead, realizing his oversight, yet he still shook his head with a hint of regret, "Why couldn't the Golden Apple be a form of traditional Chinese medicine? Then everyone would require it."

Soon, all of them donned their coats and headed out. Shiller and Steve were in ordinary attire, while Stark was clad in his mecha. This was not solely for warmth but also because he still lacked significant strength and relied on the mecha for flight.

Clarkia Island is quite expansive, which is why it features both a basin and a volcano. The Central Royal Court is situated to the south, as is the settlement. Traveling to the northern volcano is a considerable distance. Stark flew directly there, while Shiller and Steve, halfway through their journey, grew impatient and hitched a ride with a Mutant who utilized telekinesis to transport them.

To say construction began would be an exaggeration, as even the site had yet to be determined. Upon reaching the cave beneath the volcano, they discovered its structure to be exceptionally intricate, vast enough to accommodate an underground city.

Stark's mecha, a striking bright blue, made him easily visible. He did not join the Mutants or the Main Universe Avengers, instead stopping alone at a different cave entrance. When Shiller and Steve disembarked, they approached him.

"You’re not contemplating descent, are you?" Shiller inquired. The chasm before them was an open-air cave, plunging over 30 meters vertically, its depths obscured by darkness, leaving its true bottom unknown.

"I can detect a geothermal spring below; the humidity and temperature are clearly on the rise," Stark stated. "The others are in a different cavern, perhaps not as proximate as we are. I’m disinclined to quarrel with them; it’s more practical to descend and investigate."

"If the Mutants were to film a movie, this locale would undoubtedly serve as the quintessential backdrop for a disaster epic," Steve commented. The cavern wasn't merely deep; its immense scale was akin to a gargantuan sinkhole. Viewed from above, it was magnificent, but venturing into it would be akin to starring in a disaster film.

"Well, you are the sole individual present unable to take flight," Stark observed, his tone devoid of mockery, conveying only concern. Yet, Steve was evidently not one for overthinking matters. While Stark was mid-sentence, still gazing into the abyss, Steve procured a massive stone.

It was termed massive because Captain America required both his hands to hoist it. Steve elevated the stone to his chest before hurling it directly into the pit. After a discernible interval, a dull "thud" echoed upwards.

"Are you endeavoring to gauge its depth?" Stark pondered aloud, surmising, "From the velocity at which the stone met its destination, I hazard it’s at least 50 meters deep…"

Before his thought could fully materialize, Steve, with a sweep of his shield, plunged into the abyss. Stark’s extended hand had barely retracted when Shiller transmuted into mist and followed suit. Stark hastily propelled himself downwards.

"You hadn't forgotten that my shield is composed of Vibranium, had you?" Steve inquired, steadying himself upon landing and retrieving his shield. "Whether it measures 50 meters or 500 meters, my landing would be entirely unscathed."

"Then what was the purpose of launching the stone?"

"Though I find it distasteful to admit, Tony, your cognitive functions are clearly not optimal; your cerebrum appears to be faltering," Steve sighed, remarking, "My objective is to ascertain whether the landing surface is solid ground or water. Should it be a geothermal spring exceeding 100 degrees Celsius, I would undoubtedly suffer scalding."

Stark lightly smacked his forehead, acknowledging that this crucial detail had also escaped his consideration. Nevertheless, a hint of curiosity lingered as he mused, "Yet, you are capable of operating under cosmic conditions."

"That requires my shield and a life-support collar. These devices typically function by manipulating the surrounding magnetic field to ensure vital functions. However, altering the state of substances like water presents a significant challenge. Consequently, if it were water, I would be compelled to secure a rope and undertake a slow, deliberate descent."

"It appears your experiences in cosmic endeavors have indeed proven immensely educational," Shiller observed. "Let us proceed to investigate the area ahead."