Inside the plane, I was reading through some files from this team's previous missions, which caught my attention.
For instance, two missions mentioned rare materials or unusual research topics.
One example was a material called Gravitonium, a theoretical substance they may have encountered, and another was a serum known as Centipede Serum—an attempt to replicate the Super Soldier Serum used on Captain America. Similar, but distinct from the Lizard Serum or even Spider-Man's condition.
It's a piece of tech believed to have originated during World War II.
The reason I was able to access these files was because I received special clearance from Coulson.
"Master, I have important information to report."
The voice of Anturian pulled me out of my focus.
"What is it?" I asked.
Three primary notifications appeared.
I raised an eyebrow. Inside the jungle, connection to the outside world was difficult—my AI wouldn't contact me unless it was urgent.
[Events and communications recorded:]
I) In the past few days, philanthropist Tony Stark seems to have clashed with a terrorist group known as the Mandarins. According to yesterday's report, his mansion was attacked and he is presumed dead. However, JARVIS has investigated and believes Mr. Stark is still alive, though no contact has been established.
"I can still feel the magical energy from the communication token I gave him days ago. Since it's with him, that means he's alive. As for why he hasn't contacted me... I assume it's part of his pride."
"For now, stay in contact with JARVIS. If he needs help, let me know immediately."
"Understood, Master. Additionally, I asked Ms. Domino and Deadpool to investigate the scene. With their help, I was able to recover some footage."
That piqued my interest. He showed me the video.
Though corrupted, I saw a man and a woman radiating an intense, unnatural energy.
"Mutants?" I asked.
"No, Master. The signature is different. If I had to form a hypothesis, I'd say they are scientifically enhanced humans, like Mr. Peter. But my energy sensors also detected instability. Though of course, my perception is nowhere near your level."
I nodded, intrigued.
Centipede Serum, Captain America's serum, Lizard serum, Peter's mutation—and now this source of extreme energy.
All of them seem to be attempts to evolve humans into something greater. Perhaps to not fall behind mutants.
Whether that's a good thing or not... I can't say.
Then I opened the second notification—and almost teleported immediately. But the end calmed me.
II) Spider-Man had a serious confrontation with the Green Goblin. He was badly injured, though not fatally, and recovered at the base.
The biggest issue is that during their fight, Harry Osborn was put in danger. Footage suggests that Peter's identity may have been exposed to both Harry and Norman Osborn.
Of course, the Goblin's identity was also revealed to his son.
Since then, Peter has been avoiding school, fearing for his aunt and uncle's safety. His friend hasn't returned to school either, and Peter doesn't know how to proceed.
"How long ago did this happen?" I asked, frowning.
"All of this occurred within the last day or two. Mr. Peter has returned to school today, and his aunt and uncle are under the protection of your father, Master—at my request. How should we proceed?"
Hearing that, I knew my AI understood what matters most to me.
"For now, let things remain as they are. I'll return to New York. We'll likely need to speak with Harry first. If necessary, I can erase his memory using Obliviate.
And then... I'll probably seal Norman's body until a permanent solution can be arranged."
Honestly, the lack of a proper prison is becoming troublesome.
Another option would be simply ending his life—which I have considered for more dangerous enemies.
However, Norman is complicated... especially because of our bond, as brothers.
I considered calling Peter, but decided to read the last report first.
III) This afternoon's report, sent by Daredevil: Unfortunately, Wilson Fisk has been elected Mayor of New York.
I was speechless for a moment.
Honestly, he was released for some illogical reason a while ago—coinciding with the start of the elections.
And as if that weren't enough, he ran for mayor.
He promised to clean up the city, ensure public safety, and eliminate all criminal activity—including that of vigilantes.
Honestly, after his previous charges and arrests, I don't even know how he was allowed to vote, let alone run for office.
But the issue is, to those who don't know him, Fisk's reputation has never been bad.
He was even considered a philanthropist.
I'm sure his mayoral campaign was in his long-term plans—even if not his main one.
"But in the end, the Kingpin is still just that—a criminal," I muttered, thinking of my next steps.
There were too many things to deal with at once.
First, find Stark and check on his condition.
Second—and possibly connected to the first and second issues—is to investigate whether there's a link between all these efforts to create improved humans.
Honestly, I've even started drafting a long-term strategy on how we might influence such a project—on how to "upgrade humanity," genetically speaking.
After all, so many different factions seem to be trying the same thing.
But for now, that's secondary.
Stark and the Green Goblin situation take priority.
As for Mayor Fisk... a "friendly" visit might be in order.
I never planned to intervene too directly.
I wanted to let the people themselves—or heroes like Daredevil and other allies—handle these vigilantism-related issues.
Especially since our alliance seems to have gone through some changes recently.
Of course, I didn't yet know that something interesting would be uncovered during my upcoming "coffee with Fisk."
NOTE: I'm aware that the events of Iron Man 3 take place after The Avengers in the MCU, but I won't be following that timeline exactly.
Some events may still overlap—since I do enjoy the MCU.
When I entered the base, I encountered two new members of our organization.
One was a young woman wearing a white tiger pendant around her neck. Her name was Angela del Toro, known as the White Tiger.
Her necklace radiated strong mystical power.
The other was a young man named Shang-Chi.He was recommended by Danny.
When I observed him, I could feel it—his pure technique might even surpass Iron Fist's.
His body emanated an aura of combat, strength, and martial spirit, with a unique blend of mystical and natural energy.
Unlike Angela, though, he didn't seem eager to act as a vigilante.
He chose to remain at the base to train and "protect" it—though protection wasn't exactly needed given the countless defensive measures I had installed, using powerful rewards and items I had acquired.
Both were verified by my AI, Daredevil, and Domino—whom I especially trusted due to her luck-based powers.
When I investigated them with Haki and strength, I felt no trace of treachery or danger, so I let it go.
If they turned out to be enemies, I could simply wipe their memories of the hideout.
Or worst case—go full "Men in Black" and erase a dozen people if needed.
Though, I don't really enjoy tampering with memories or meddling with the laws of life and death.
They're still in a probationary period, of course, but they're strong additions to our alliance and the city's protection.
They've already received their communication gear.
Also—Deadpool has officially joined our organization.
After finishing these evaluations, I turned to the task at hand.
My gaze shifted to Spider-Man, who was already waiting for me at the door.
"Let's go," I said.
He nodded in agreement.