After General Ross left, Wim leaned over to Garus and said, "Boss Garus, could you lend me your Arcane Mech for research? I'm confident I can create something that surpasses Tony's Iron Man suits."
Since Wim had first seen Garus's Arcane Mech, the Fel Mech Reaver Riftus, it had left an indelible impression on him.
"No way," Garus refused without hesitation. He had already asked the system about this before. Only Goblin and Gnomish engineering shared similarities with the scientific principles of the Marvel universe. For scientists like Wim, even a thousand years of research would yield no progress; the technological frameworks were entirely distinct.
The Arcane Mech, "Riftus," originally belonged to the Burning Legion. Goblin engineering had merely repurposed and assembled its components.
Back home, Garus resumed his daily physical training. Occasionally, he visited the X-Academy to interact with the mutant students and build rapport. However, with Logan as the only teacher at the school, Garus often found himself frustrated by the lack of proper staffing.
"Hey, Garus," Tony Stark called out unexpectedly. "My clean energy company is hosting a press conference next week to announce its launch and the activation of the energy grid. We're throwing a party afterward. Interested? There'll be plenty of gorgeous women."
Tony's invitation came as a surprise. The two had grown closer after Garus's recent assistance. Previously, Tony had harbored some reservations about him.
Garus rolled his eyes. "Tony, with how often you swap girlfriends, doesn't Pepper have any objections?"
"Pepper understands me," Tony replied nonchalantly. "In my heart, she's always been the one. The others are just distractions."
Garus couldn't help but marvel at Pepper's patience. From both his personal interactions and her portrayal in past events, it was clear that she genuinely loved Tony.
"Alright, I'll be there." Garus knew Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, would be among the attendees. Tony was planning to integrate Stark Industries' energy grid into Manhattan—and eventually all of New York City—providing power to businesses and residents alike. After abandoning its military division, Stark Industries needed a profitable venture to sustain its workforce.
Since Kingpin had established a tech company to develop and sell weapons, Nick Fury had assigned agents to infiltrate Azeroth Technologies for surveillance. However, Garus was fully aware of this and maintained strict confidentiality over sensitive information.
Fury suspected that Garus still maintained ties with another country. Azeroth Technologies actively recruited scientists, and Fury worried that Garus might transfer research breakthroughs back to another country—a scenario S.H.I.E.L.D. would struggle to prevent. Garus' unpredictable nature, combined with the Ancient One's refusal to involve themselves in international disputes, heightened Fury's concerns. The Ancient One's priority was safeguarding Earth from greater threats.
"Director Fury," Agent Hill reported, placing a weapon on Fury's desk. "Azeroth Technologies is selling arms. Yesterday, General Ross placed an order for weapons. This is one of them—a sonic palm cannon. I obtained it through an exchange. However, there's a more powerful weapon that I couldn't acquire."
Fury picked up the palm cannon, examining it closely before strapping it onto his hand for a better feel. "Next week, Tony's clean energy company launches. I've heard he's invited representatives from Azeroth Technologies. As Tony's friend, Garus will be there too. I'll speak with them both personally."
Fury then turned his attention to another matter. "What's the status of Coulson's talks with Tony? Has he agreed to join the Avengers Initiative?"
Hill shook her head. "Still no. But Coulson has noticed something unusual—Tony seems to be experiencing some health issues."
"Tell Coulson to keep a close eye on him," Fury ordered. "And assign Natasha to go undercover as Tony's secretary."
The party at a Manhattan hotel was a lively affair, filled with New York's elite. Entrepreneurs like Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries and Norman Osborn of Oscorp were among the attendees.
While most guests mingled enthusiastically, Garus sat in a quiet corner, enjoying the food.
"Tony, shouldn't you be entertaining your guests?" Garus asked when Tony suddenly appeared and joined him.
"You know me. I'm not one for socializing. I prefer women and my lab."
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?" Pepper Potts addressed the crowd from the stage. "Since we closed Stark Industries' military division, many of you have been curious about our new direction. Today, I'm pleased to announce that Stark Clean Energy is officially operational."
As murmurs of excitement spread through the room, Pepper clapped her hands for attention. "Thanks to Tony Stark's tireless efforts, we've established an energy grid connected to the Arc Reactor. Our company is now capable of powering all of New York City."
"Garus," Tony whispered with a smirk, "I'm a genius. This project only took me a day to complete." Tony's flamboyant personality shone through as he interpreted Pepper's remarks as underestimating his brilliance.
Before they could talk further, Tony was whisked away by a glamorous woman eager to "connect" in a more private setting.
"Mr. Garus."
A voice interrupted Garus's solitude. Looking up, he saw a one-eyed Black man standing before him. It was Nick Fury.
"What do you want?" Garus asked, remaining seated.
"Let's talk on the balcony," Fury suggested, gesturing toward the open doors.
After a moment's thought, Garus nodded and followed Fury outside.
"Let me formally introduce myself: Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Garus," he replied curtly.
After exchanging names, Garus cut to the chase. "Agent Hill already approached me. What do you want this time?"
"I'd like to extend another invitation for you to join the Avengers," Fury said.
Garus hadn't expected Fury to persist. "My answer remains the same: no. If that's all, I'll be leaving."
"There's one more thing," Fury continued, his gaze unwavering. "Your involvement with Kingpin in establishing a tech company and selling weapons hasn't gone unnoticed. You know our country has strict regulations on arms sales. While we'll overlook sales to domestic military clients, exporting weapons requires Congressional approval. Many of the scientists in your company are American citizens."
Fury's concern was clear: he feared Garus might share advanced technology with another country or sell weapons internationally.
Before Garus could respond, a massive explosion rocked the area, followed by the feral roars of two beasts.
Fury's expression darkened as he peered over the balcony.
Garus saw them too: two massive figures, one green and one gray, clashing violently in the streets below. Vehicles were mere toys in their hands, hurled carelessly as the battle plunged the area into chaos.
It was the Hulk and Abomination.
"What the hell are those monsters?" Tony reappeared, alarmed by the approaching destruction.
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