S.H.I.E.L.D.
Hill stood at the operations console where Nick Fury usually stood, her eyes fixed on the massive screen in front of her.
The screen displayed the content captured by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellite.
There were only two figures on the screen.
One was Alan, transformed into the Emperor, clad in his imperial armor.
The other was Erik Lehnsherr, known to the world as Magneto, one of the most notorious mutants.
Their confrontation was tense, almost palpable.
"So, we're still a step behind," Hill murmured.
Earlier, when Hill realized that Emperor and Magneto might come into contact, she immediately called Nick Fury.
Nick Fury had taken Rogers with him and rushed to the scene.
But they were still a step too late.
By the time Rogers reached the site, Emperor had already taken off in pursuit. Now, the two were meeting outside of New York.
"I hope they know when to stop and don't go too far," Hill muttered.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had been closely monitoring both Magneto's capabilities and movements.
And Emperor? He had effortlessly lifted the hammer that symbolized Thor's power.
Not to mention his decisive victory over the Green Goblin.
These achievements made it abundantly clear that Emperor's power far surpassed anything anyone had ever imagined.
Now, with the two of them fighting,
Hill believed that there might be no one on Earth who could stop them.
She gripped her phone tightly, eyes fixed on the satellite feed.
As soon as the battle concluded, she would report to Nick Fury immediately.
---
Meanwhile.
The top floor of Stark Tower.
Tony Stark, wearing his new Mark 6 armor, stood on the rooftop, looking down at the city of New York. Before him, Jarvis projected a 3D model of Stark Tower.
Along with the energy blueprint.
"Sir, you certainly keep yourself busy," Jarvis remarked.
"Our new energy source is ready. Once the tower is completed, we can connect it directly to the underwater conduits," Jarvis continued.
"Stark Tower will be fully operational."
Tony walked to the edge of the building and asked, "Has the office layout been planned?"
"Miss Potts has completed all the arrangements," Jarvis replied.
"The upper levels will be designated for the best in their respective fields, providing them with a professional research platform…"
Jarvis outlined the detailed plans for Stark Tower.
Tony once again felt that handing Stark Industries over to Pepper was the best decision he'd ever made.
If it were up to him, he might not have arranged everything as meticulously.
The most he could have done would be ensuring the new energy linked to the underwater conduits was functioning well.
"Alright, Jarvis," Tony said. "It seems we just need to wait quietly for it to be completed. Let's head home and get some sleep."
Tony had only stopped by on his way home to check on things.
After dealing with the events involving Ivan Vanko tonight, he knew he'd likely have to visit the police station for questioning the next day.
Just as Tony was about to leap off the building, Jarvis's voice made him freeze.
"Sir, large quantities of iron ore are being detected as moving away rapidly from the mountains east of New York City."
"What?" Tony asked. "What's happening?"
Immediately, Jarvis displayed the satellite surveillance footage.
Tony recognized the two figures on screen all too well.
"Emperor, Magneto," he muttered.
"What are they doing…"
"Damn, Magneto's powers!"
Although Tony wasn't deeply familiar with Magneto, he knew the basics.
A mutant with the ability to control magnetism—a nightmare for anyone who used metal armor.
Tony had considered creating a suit that could resist magnetic fields.
He always thought that one day he might encounter mutants like these.
However, due to limitations in technology and materials, he hadn't managed to design such a suit yet.
In his mind, even Emperor might not have a way to counter Magneto's powers.
If that were true,
The encounter between Emperor and Magneto would be extremely dangerous!
"Jarvis, prepare for departure!"
Without a second thought, Tony readied himself to assist Alan.
Alan had saved Tony several times. Although he had helped Alan purchase Vibranium last time, it was a minor gesture to Tony, insignificant compared to saving his life.
Seeing Tony preparing to help Alan, Jarvis reminded him, "Sir, if the Mark 6 encounters Magneto..."
"I've calculated the outcome."
"What is it?"
"It will be torn to pieces."
Tony rolled his eyes. That was practically a given.
Suddenly, Tony's eyes lit up. "Jarvis, maybe there's another way..."
"Sir, wouldn't that be too risky?"
"If we don't take risks, we won't scare Magneto. Get ready, I'm heading over now."
With that, Tony said no more and leapt off Stark Tower, flying swiftly towards Alan's location.
In another part of New York City.
Within a building that resembled a school, Professor Charles Xavier maneuvered his wheelchair towards Room 2.
This wasn't just any school; it was the headquarters of the X-Men: Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, also known as Xavier Academy.
Charles stopped as he felt a very familiar psychic pulse.
His face turned serious as he looked in a certain direction.
This psychic wave—Charles would recognize it even in death.
"Erik..."
"What's happening?"
At that moment, Jean Grey rushed down from the upstairs. Being a telepath, she had also sensed the powerful pulse.
"Professor..."
Charles nodded gravely. "Yes, it's Erik's."
"Has there been any recent activity from the Brotherhood?"
Jean shook her head, clueless. She wasn't responsible for intelligence gathering.
Charles placed his hands on his temple and sent out a psychic wave.
All X-Men within the academy received Charles' mental call and hurried from their rooms.
The first to reach him was Logan.
Seeing him approach, Charles asked, "Logan, any recent activity from the Brotherhood?"
Logan, known as Wolverine, was one of the most formidable members of the X-Men, his bones coated in indestructible Adamantium.
One by one, other X-Men arrived, including Cyclops, Storm, Beast, and more.
Charles addressed them all, repeating his question.
Logan replied, "Recently, the Brotherhood has been quiet."
"That's all I know," Logan concluded.
The others also shook their heads, indicating they were equally in the dark.
Among the X-Men, Logan was one of the few with notable field experience. As such, he often handled intelligence work. His near-immortal regenerative ability made him perfect for dangerous missions.
When Charles thought of Alan, a sense of unease crept in. But he couldn't believe that a mere wealthy businessman could push Magneto to exert such formidable power.
Just as Charles prepared to use his telepathy to pinpoint Erik's current location, his expression changed drastically.
If not for being paralyzed, he might have stood up.
The psychic wave triggered by the X-Gene was so intense that every mutant present felt it simultaneously.
The entire academy buzzed with commotion.
Many students, some of them young children, were visibly distressed.
Jean clutched her head, wincing in pain. "Professor, my head hurts!"
Charles immediately placed a comforting hand on her, alleviating her discomfort.
"Hurry, all of you head out immediately."
"Find out what's happening with Erik."
"Don't worry about me; I'll manage here."
Without even changing their uniforms, the X-Men rushed out.
Charles, face clouded with worry, whispered a silent prayer, "Erik, please, nothing must happen to you..."
...