Two days later, at the Avengers Headquarters.
Today, Ronan would embark on his journey back home.
This many days of "summer camp" had been more than enough for Ronan to have a blast.
Of course, besides having a great time, Ronan also gained a significant amount of experience points.
The only regret was that, according to the system's judgment, that woman was ultimately classified as having committed suicide.
Although Ronan had dealt quite a bit of damage, the experience points were still relatively low.
But overall, it was a net gain.
Apart from Ronan, who was returning home, Steve Rogers was responsible for returning the Infinity Stones.
The others, like Tony Stark and Bucky Barnes, were there to see him off.
And, of course, Bruce Banner was in charge of adjusting the equipment.
As soon as the machine was set to the right time, Ronan could begin his journey back home.
"The equipment is adjusted."
"We can start the time travel anytime."
At this moment, Bruce Banner, who was fine-tuning the machine, spoke up.
His right arm was still in a sling; the damage from the Infinity Stones wasn't so simple to recover from.
Hearing this news, Ronan couldn't help but smile.
He was going home!
Steve Rogers, already dressed for the mission, stepped forward and stood in front of Ronan.
He extended his right hand, a grateful look on his face.
"Although we haven't known each other for long, and we haven't really talked much."
"But over this time, I can confirm that you're a good person."
"At least, in my heart, you're a good person."
Steve Rogers handed Ronan a "Good Guy" card, making Ronan roll his eyes.
Who hands out "Good Guy" cards the moment they meet?
And didn't we share a drink? At least that makes us drinking buddies, right?
But seeing the sincerity in Steve Rogers' eyes, Ronan swallowed his retort.
He knew what Steve Rogers was trying to do.
Ronan extended his hand and shook Steve's.
"The famous Captain America, you may not know me, but I grew up hearing your stories."
"After all, every time a student got detention at school, they'd play your videos."
Ronan smiled, making a joke that only students would understand.
This seemed to remind Steve Rogers of the past.
He had recorded many videos encouraging students to study hard.
Those videos were, honestly, a bit embarrassing in retrospect.
In the end, Steve just smiled—he didn't care about those things anymore.
"All set, Cap. You're up first."
Bruce Banner adjusted the time settings and spoke again.
Steve Rogers nodded, glanced at everyone present, shook hands solemnly with a few of them, and then walked toward the time machine.
His actions left Tony Stark and the others feeling a bit puzzled.
"Cap, remember those specific points in time I mentioned?"
"Except for the Time Stone, the other Stones need to be returned to their original places and times."
"Don't mess it up."
Tony Stark looked at Steve Rogers and reminded him again.
"I understand."
"Don't worry, I'll complete the mission this time."
Steve Rogers shook the briefcase in his hand and smiled.
No more words were needed.
After saying that, he turned his gaze to Falcon, who hadn't said a word.
There was a deep, almost mysterious meaning in his eyes.
No one else noticed the meaning in his gaze—only Ronan knew what was about to happen.
He had changed Tony Stark's fate but didn't want to alter Steve Rogers' ending.
The former was a tragedy, but the latter was a perfect conclusion.
Although the world would lose its greatest Captain America.
"I'm ready."
"Go ahead, Bruce."
Steve Rogers took a deep breath, having made up his mind.
Just as Bruce Banner was about to press the button, Ronan spoke.
"I remember there's a pretty good shawarma place in New York. Have you guys tried it?"
Right after Ronan said this, Steve Rogers had already disappeared.
Whether he heard it or not was unknown.
"Alright."
"Since Steve is gone, it's time for me to go too."
Ronan exhaled lightly and was about to step onto the time machine when Tony Stark stopped him.
As he turned around, he saw Tony's sincere but somewhat hesitant expression.
Tony Stark extended his hand, opened his mouth a few times but didn't speak, seemingly choosing his words carefully.
"I heard from Stephen… about the... ending part."
"I don't know how to say it, but I have to thank you."
"At least you let me hear 'I love you 3000' one more time."
Tony Stark pursed his lips, trying to suppress his emotions.
Although he didn't say it explicitly, Ronan had a pretty good idea of what he meant.
However, Ronan shook his head, grasped Tony's hand, and gently shook it.
"If you're going to thank someone, thank Morgan and Pepper. Their cake was delicious."
"But this is the first time I've seen you with this expression."
"Classic American blockbuster: the tough guy with a soft heart, huh?"
Ronan directly broke the melancholic mood of their farewell.
However, Tony didn't show his usual disdainful expression this time.
Because he knew, this was just an excuse.
After they released hands, Ronan also stepped onto the adjusted time machine.
"Alright, I'm ready."
Ronan nodded toward Bruce Banner.
But just as he did, Tony Stark quickly walked up to the machine and blocked Bruce.
"I'll see you off for this last stretch."
Before Ronan could react, Tony quickly pressed a few buttons on the machine.
There was a "beep."
When Tony Stark looked up, all he saw was Ronan flipping him off.
And then, Ronan was gone.
Watching Ronan leave, Tony Stark couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
Even though Ronan had essentially saved his life, that guy's mouth was just too sharp.
Every time he spoke, it made Tony furious.
Let the younger version of me deal with that.
Tony thought as he shook his head.
Time travel, huh?
This was quite a strange journey, wasn't it?
"Tony, Tony."
"Something seems wrong."
"Cap didn't come back."
At this moment, Bruce Banner seemed to realize something was off.
According to the plan, when Bruce pressed the button, Steve Rogers should have returned.
But for some reason, Steve hadn't come back?
"Bruce, what happened?"
"Bring Steve back now!"
Falcon was getting anxious.
Even though he hated it when Steve passed him during their runs, always saying "on your left," deep down, they were the best of friends who had fought together.
If something happened, it would be hard for him to accept.
"I'm trying."
Bruce Banner was already sweating.
He kept pressing buttons, but nothing worked.
"No need, I think I know where he is."
At this moment, Bucky, who had been silent, seemed to realize something.
As the sun set, an old man sat not far from them, with a bundle by his feet.
From his silhouette, it looked very much like the Steve Rogers they were searching for.
"Go ahead."
Bucky looked at the stunned Falcon and smiled.
Falcon glanced at Bucky, then at Tony Stark. Seeing no other meaning in their eyes, he finally walked over.
"Looks like he took my advice."
Watching that familiar figure in the sunset, Tony Stark smiled.
Years ago, he had suggested Steve try living a normal life.
It seemed this time, he'd won.
"Wait, Tony."
"Something seems off with Ronan too."
"Why did he go back two days later?"
Bruce Banner looked up at Tony Stark.
But Tony just shrugged, put on his sunglasses, and pulled car keys out of his pocket.
A car slowly approached from the distance.
"I remember he arrived on a Friday, right?"
"Going back two days later is just like attending a weekend summer camp."
"Although this summer camp..."
"...was pretty thrilling."