Akai sat at his desk, gazing at the two people now standing before him—two geniuses, both from worlds shaped by progress and technology. Shiho Miyano, the brilliant scientist once known as the creator of APTX, and Tony Stark, the man who sacrificed himself to save the universe in his world.
The day he brought these two extraordinary individuals together had finally come. He not only wanted to utilize their talents but also to make them understand the deeper meaning of this new world—a world marked by violence, war, and tragedy. A place unlike anything they had experienced in their previous lives.
"Shiho, Tony," Akai began after inviting them both into the briefing room at the Umbrella base. "It's time for you two to get acquainted. You are both incredibly intelligent, and I'm sure you'll find common ground quickly."
Shiho nodded briefly, her sharp, light brown eyes drifting toward Tony, who was leaning against the wall with a lopsided grin, arms crossed over his chest. "Shiho Miyano," she introduced herself curtly, extending her hand.
Tony took it with a smile. "Tony Stark. But most people call me Iron Man."
Shiho briefly studied him before letting out a quiet laugh. "I know who you are. In my world, there are movies and comics about you."
Tony snorted as if it wasn't new to him. "Of course there are. I mean, who wouldn't want to tell stories about me?"
Shiho rolled her eyes slightly, but she couldn't help a smile. Akai watched their interaction with a grin, knowing they would get along well. But now it was time to explain the world they were about to live in.
Tony sat down on one of the chairs, looking at Akai with a serious expression. "Okay, Akai. You've officially got my curiosity. What is this world? What's really going on here?"
Shiho leaned forward as well, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, tell us more. What kind of place are we going to live in?"
Akai took a deep breath, the atmosphere suddenly growing serious. "This world is unlike the ones you come from. It's scarred by endless war, constant violence, and power struggles fought on the backs of the weak." He paused for a moment, searching for the right words before continuing. "From the age of six, children here are trained to be soldiers and assassins. They learn how to kill long before they understand what compassion or justice truly means."
Tony frowned, his face reflecting disgust. "Six years old? Children? That's…"
"Horrific," Shiho added quietly, letting the words echo in her mind. She was no stranger to shadows and dangers from her own past, but even for her, this concept was disturbing.
"It's worse than that," Akai continued, "in the darkest times of this world, children as young as five were sent to the battlefield. They weren't spared. For many, death was often a release from the unbearable suffering they had to endure. Entire clans were wiped out, people who lost their homes became refugees or mercenaries. Friendships and families were often torn apart by the machinery of war."
Shiho clasped her hands together, resting her chin on them. "A world where children become killers… That's sick."
Tony looked down at the floor, his expression darkening. "This isn't just war. This is the abuse of innocence. A world that uses children as weapons is a world that's broken."
Akai nodded slowly, watching their reactions. "Yes. This world is in a constant state of conflict. Empires fight for power, warriors who know nothing but war. Nations that don't defeat their enemies through diplomacy, but through brutal force."
Tony rubbed his chin thoughtfully, muttering under his breath, "No diplomacy… only violence. This world seems trapped in an endless cycle of suffering."
"That's a very fitting description," Akai confirmed. "Even today, after the Third World War, which only ended three months ago, peace remains a fragile concept. Every day, new battles are fought, alliances collapse, and civilians suffer."
Shiho sighed deeply, her thoughts sinking into the darkness of the images Akai was describing. "It reminds me of the poorest parts of our world—the regions most affected by violence and civil wars. But here, it seems to be the norm."
Tony leaned back, his eyes glittering with determination. "So, this is the reality we're in now? An eternal cycle of suffering?"
Akai nodded seriously. "Yes. But that's exactly why I need the both of you. This world is broken, that's true. But there is hope. There's a chance to change things."
Shiho and Tony looked at him attentively as Akai continued. "I have a dream—a dream of changing this world. I want to build a nation that's different. A nation built on justice, peace, and prosperity. A place where children are no longer trained to kill at the age of six. A place where the value of life is once again respected."
"A noble vision," Tony said quietly, his eyes still fixed on Akai. "But that won't be easy."
Akai smiled, though this time bitterly. "Nothing worth achieving is easy. But I brought the two of you here because I know we can do it. With Shiho's brilliant mind and your advanced technology, Tony, we have the chance to start a revolution—not just technologically, but morally."
Shiho nodded slowly, her eyes gleaming thoughtfully. "It sounds like an enormous task. But if you're truly determined, Akai, then I'm willing to help you. We might actually be able to change this world."
Tony grinned slightly, a glimpse of his old self shining through. "Well, I've never been one to back down from a challenge. If it means we can lay the foundation for a better future, count me in."
Akai stood up, looking at the two of them with newfound courage and determination. "Thank you. Together, we will build a new world—a world where children are no longer turned into weapons. A world that knows peace, where progress is achieved not through bloodshed, but through innovation and collaboration."
Shiho and Tony stood up and nodded, ready to face the challenges ahead.
After they left the room, the air felt different. The weight of reality was palpable for both scientists, but so was the hope Akai had given them, flickering in their hearts.
Shiho turned to Tony. "It won't be easy. But if we can pull this off… we might actually build a better future."
Tony looked at her and nodded in agreement. "We won't just pull it off. We're going to revolutionize this world."