The rescue continued for several minutes, and Prime didn't dare step away or let go of the building, knowing that if he did, it would collapse entirely on his own structure, causing numerous casualties. In the meantime, various thoughts raced through his mind, and at one point, Prime briefly wondered if this was how Atlas felt while carrying the world on his shoulders.
However, Prime had to admit that the rescue was happening surprisingly quickly. Every moment, Annie, Ema, or even Tony returned with someone in their arms, and after getting these people to safety, they immediately rushed back into the building in search of more survivors.
Of course, not everything was an absolute success. Unfortunately, nearly everyone on the first floor of the building had died at the moment of the explosion or when the debris fell on them. Yet, by some miracle, a few managed to survive until Prime arrived to hold up the structure. These survivors were rescued thanks to Prime's keen senses, which he utilized to the fullest during this entire time.
Prime looked around and noticed some people starting to approach with cell phones in hand, likely taking photos or recording videos. He had expected this reaction when he decided to transform in the middle of the city, so he simply ignored them, not concerned at all.
(I think these are the last ones. At least I'm not sensing any more signs of life in the building)
Upon hearing Sara's comment, Prime turned his gaze back to the building. He saw Tony flying toward him, carrying a few people in his arms, and he also felt the approach of Annie and Ema, who were moving quickly in his direction.
"The girls are bringing in the last ones. I scanned the building but didn't find anyone else. I think these are all who were inside"
Prime simply nodded at Tony's words and then questioned what he should do. He couldn't just let go of the building and walk away as if nothing had happened. If he did that, the structure would follow its course and collapse onto the newly built building.
"Hey, do you think you can take down this building in a way that it doesn't fall forward? I don't want it crashing down on my building, but I can't just let it go or redirect the fall somewhere else"
After hearing this, Tony began to analyze the building meticulously. Prime assumed he was studying the architectural structure. After a few seconds, Tony turned his gaze back to Prime and gave his answer.
"The building's structure is simple. Making it collapse onto itself won't be hard, but you'll need to hold it for a little longer"
Upon hearing Tony's words, an ironic smile appeared on Prime's face. To be honest, Prime didn't consider the building heavy enough to the point where he couldn't hold it, even for a moment, since he began avoiding its collapse. However, that didn't mean he wanted to spend the whole day holding up the building.
"Don't worry about me. I can stay here all day without even realizing I'm holding up a nearly twenty-story building"
"Oh, you're serious? If that's the case, since you don't need my help anymore, I'll head back to where Pepper is"
As he said this, Tony started to move away from Prime but quickly felt something wrapping around his leg. He glanced down and saw one of Prime's tentacles gripping him. Then his gaze returned to Prime.
"What kind of friend are you, leaving your buddy in a time of need?"
"Hmm? But didn't you just say you didn't need my help?"
"Shut up and help me out already! Do you really think I can hold this building all day?"
(Hey, don't forget about me! If you're staying here holding this building, I'm stuck here too)
Tony watched the scene with a smirk at the corner of his lips and then flew toward the building. Prime didn't know where he was going or what he planned to do, but he was sure he could trust Tony.
Meanwhile, Annie and Ema returned, each carrying a person over their shoulders. As usual, once the rescued were set on the ground, they hurried away, frightened, after a brief thank you. Annie and Ema approached Prime, who merely nodded at them.
Tony quickly returned, as always, making a loud noise. As soon as he stopped above Prime, he shut down his thrusters and landed on the ground in a pose that Prime considered quite arrogant, even though Tony was, in fact, an arrogant person.
"All set. I can blow it up anytime. I've adjusted the explosions to be minimal, only destroying the areas I selected. From the outside, it'll just look like the building collapsed"
Prime nodded at Tony and then signaled for him to activate the explosives. Seconds later, a faint pop echoed, but amid all the noise, it would likely go unnoticed.
Prime quickly retracted his tentacles from the building, causing it to start falling. However, unlike before, the structure crumbled toward its own axis, ensuring that Prime's building remained safe.
(Finally, although this doesn't affect me physically, I'll probably have nightmares tonight because of this building)
Prime didn't respond to Sara's thoughts; in fact, he agreed with her to some extent.
"We're done here; let's go"
Prime directed these words to the girls, who simply nodded. Next to him, Tony had already lifted his mask, revealing his face, and was staring at him with an eyebrow raised.
"What do you mean? Does it make sense for us to leave now? You know everyone will eventually find out my story, right? What am I going to tell them about you if they ask? You know everyone saw you and the girls, right?"
Prime didn't even turn; he just shrugged and expressed his thoughts.
"Tell them whatever you want; honestly, I don't care"
"... Are you sure about that?"
For some reason, Prime noticed that Tony's voice had changed slightly. He questioned whether it was a good idea to leave everything in Tony's hands. Memories of Tony revealing himself to everyone flashed through his mind, but at this point, Prime really didn't care about being exposed. Besides, he never worried about showing himself before.
"Yeah, do what you think is best"
With that, Prime and the girls leaped away, disappearing from everyone's sight, while Tony stayed behind, smiling slightly as he watched Prime and the girls move away.