{đ„łJoining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please support me.đ„° You can access upto 100+ advance chapter through Patreon by using the link: https://patreon.com/Oreski}
Shen He was completely unaware of his brief departure, something that could very well spell a hidden crisis for everyone across the Marvel World.
Due to the successful conclusion of their activities in the Forbidden World, he had slept exceptionally well the previous night, without a trace of disturbance.
It wasn't until the early morning, when the soft rays of sunlight touched his face, that he naturally stirred awake and opened his eyes.
"Good morning, Master."
The Lady Saint lying beside him was already awake, smiling warmly as she looked at him.
It was perfectly natural for Jeanne d'Arc to rise before him. After all, as a Heroic Spirit summoned into the real world, she did not require sleep like a human. For Shen He, however, this meant that glimpsing Jeanne's sleeping face remained a rare luxuryâa minor regret in his otherwise content life.
"But I want to sleep a little longer."
Stretching lazily, Shen He let out a soft groan as he basked in the sunlight, whichâwithin this virtual castleâgradually shifted and faded, replaced by the cool and gentle glow of a rising moon.
Such changes were illusions under his control here. Naturally, he could do as he pleased within the reconstructed spiritual space.
"Really." Jeanne pouted slightly, feigning a look of grievance. "You're becoming lazier and lazier."
"What's the harm?" Shen He chuckled, reaching out and pulling Jeanne under the blanket, wrapping his arms snugly around her. "If I could, I'd be content living out my days like this... even if you called me an emperor."
Deep down, he genuinely harbored a desire for such peace. Living quietly in this sanctuaryâsurrounded by Jeanne, Violet, and even Shiki and the othersâfelt almost too perfect to abandon.
Yet, yearning was only yearning. In this chaotic and ever-shifting multiverse, dreams like these rarely came true.
"You can only sleep for twenty more minutes," Jeanne murmured gently, wrapping her arms around his neck and lightly pinching his earlobe as though coaxing a lazy child.
"Mmm." Shen He responded with a soft hum, enjoying this rare moment of comfort with greedy indulgence.
Of course, when twenty minutes passed, Jeanne kept her wordâpulling him up with a strength that, despite Shen He being a 37th-level Master and Jeanne a 26th-level Heroic Spirit, left no room for argument.
After getting out of bed and enjoying a breakfast specially prepared by the maids, Shen He turned his mind toward serious mattersâspecifically, the new summon pool.
At present, he still had twelve summoning stones remaining. After some brief thought, he decided it was time to tap into a new summon pool.
A new pool meant fresh possibilitiesâand perhaps luck would be on his side today.
With the hopeful enthusiasm of a would-be "European Emperor," Shen He accessed the new summon interface and triggered a tenfold summon.
The familiar magical summoning array appeared, but this time, the items that emerged were distinctly mechanicalâhigh-frequency pulsed beams, tracking grenades, phalanx missiles, and even some alchemical hybrids.
Among the three-star items, he noticed a particularly interesting one: a "Puppet Bird" from The Ingenious Girl Will Not Be Injuredâa clever mechanical companion.
This made Shen He's anticipation soar. Mechanical constructs often wielded surprising power when properly utilized.
Finally, amidst a dazzling golden light, a five-star item burst forth.
Name: Red Tsubaki
Source: Infinite Stratos
Evaluation: A fourth-generation handmade IS (Infinite Stratos unit), an omnidirectional mobile suit capable of adapting to various combat styles. Its signature skill, "Gorgeous Dance Step," grants the ability to trace and disrupt IS Shields upon contact. However, it demands an operator of extraordinary compatibility and precision.
To Shen He's surprise, the item manifested not as a traditional machine but as a red and black strap adorned with twin bellsâa disguised IS component.
He hadn't expected to pull an Infinite Stratos unit, especially given that, in that world, IS mechs could only be piloted by women due to unique genetic codes.
When he had first watched the series, he admittedly paid more attention to the sheer size of the protagonist's "harem" rather than the technicalities of the mechas themselves. But within this reality, Infinite Stratos suits were technologies that single-handedly disrupted global military balancesâeach one capable of outperforming an entire nation's arsenal.
It might even be superior to Tony Stark's Iron Man armors.
"Violet, you can return the previous armor set," Shen He said, handing the new IS strap to Violet, who stood nearby in standby mode.
In standby, Red Tsubaki simply appeared as a small, elegant wrist strapâa far cry from Tony's bulky initial Iron Man suits. Even the most advanced nano armors Tony developed later in the MCU didn't exist yet in this timeline, until the arrival of Thanos.
Violet accepted it with a bright, heartfelt smile. Anything gifted by Shen He, no matter how large or small, was precious to herâshe even treasured the simplest stationery he had once bought her.
With the Red Tsubaki now equipped, Shen He decided it was time to return to the Marvel World. The two Shikis remained behind in the castle, continuing their training.
Thus, Shen He, with Violet on one arm and Jeanne on the other, traversed the dimensional portal and returned to Marvel Earth.
"Mr. Shen, Mr. Stark has requested that you meet with him at your earliest convenience," JARVIS's calm, refined voice greeted him the moment he arrived.
"Tony? Is he at the experimental base?" Shen He asked, adjusting his senses back to the Marvel world.
"Yes, sir. He awaits you there."
"Alright, I'll head over immediately."
Besides, Shen He also intended to discuss with Tony the larger plan he had been contemplatingâhis idea to relocate their operations and take the next step toward securing their future in a turbulent multiverse.
The Experimental Base could be said to be the most important facility of the entire Virtual Reality Company. All key physics researchers, second-generation virtual reality login cabin prototypes, and upgraded armor experimental equipment were located here. The security level even surpassed that of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest-classified facilities, and with Jarvis's full-surveillance system monitoring without blind spots, infiltration was almost completely impossible.
When Shen He arrived, Tony Stark was testing his seventh-generation Mark Armor.
A slight departure from the original Marvel timeline was visible: in this seventh-generation armor, Tony had already begun experimenting with modular part separation and micro-pusher systems designed for rapid deployment â technology derived partially from Chaldean research breakthroughs.
Rapid deployment had always been a core direction Tony heavily invested in. After all, compared to the sturdiness of his armor, Tony's own physical combat strength was weak, and the time it took to equip his suit in emergencies was a fatal flaw he was determined to solve.
"He! It's great to see you again!" Tony shouted.
He seemed to finish the final adjustments, standing on the high platform as the armor components before him rose, floating slowly into formation.
"We just saw each other yesterday," Shen He said lightly, observing his experiments with interest.
After deciphering large amounts of technological data from Chaldea's archives, Tony's technical prowess had soared far beyond what it had been in the original timeline at this point.
"But today, we're in a different world," Tony grinned.
As he gestured, the armor parts screamed through the air, locking into place on his body. In just seconds, the new Mark armor assembled itself completely around him.
Tony stepped forward confidently, encased in shining, newly developed armor.
Beside Shen He, Violet lifted her head slightly, her gemstone-like eyes flickering with a clear warning instinct.
Only after Shen He gently squeezed her small hand did she relax.
"It looks like you want to fight me?" Shen He's face remained calm. "I don't mind. But even with that armor on, you won't beat me."
"Really?" Tony's voice came through the external speaker, playful and challenging. "I'd like to see exactly how strong you've gotten saving the world."
"Then let's test it outside." Shen He shrugged casually.
Tony didn't waste any more words. His thrusters activated with a roaring flame as he soared directly out of the Experimental Base. His speed and agility made it clear â this new generation of armor was an impressive leap forward.
Joan of Arc â Jeanne â looked at Shen He, a little worried.
"It's fine." Shen He smiled, patting her waist. "For men, sometimes fighting is a way to deepen friendship."
Although Shen He didn't know why Tony had suddenly called him over for a spar, he wasn't concerned.
Their bond was forged through shared hardship and aligned ideals, not something easily shaken.
Shen He made his way toward the open-air training field, where Tony was already waiting. A crowd had gathered â agents, technicians, and curious onlookers drawn by the commotion. Among them, Shen He spotted Peter Parker (Spider-Man), who had been mid-training when the challenge was issued.
"Tony," Shen He called out, a short dagger materializing in his hand. "You should know â among the Chaldea operatives, my strength is considered the weakest."
"Don't worry. I'll go easy on you," Tony said, the arc reactor in his chest pulsing with bright blue energy. "I'll save you some face, Chairman."
"I mean," Shen He smirked, stabbing the short knife into the ground, "even the weakest version of me could crush you."
Teigu: Evil-Ridden!
A monstrous roar echoed across the field as a grotesque beast-like phantom materialized behind Shen He. White armor wrapped around him with a gleaming, almost sacred aura, a tidal wave of pressure spreading outward.
"Whoaâ!!"
Exclamations of shock and awe rippled through the spectators.
Although Shen He had occasionally used this Imperial Arm during spear training, for many, this was their first time seeing it fully activated.
Just the visual of that white-knight-like figure was stunning enough to command the battlefield.
"Looks good but let's see if it actually works!" Tony shot into the air. "Jarvis! Engage predictive auto-lock and initiate suppressive fire!"
The moment the command was given, dozens of repulsor blasts roared from Tony's palms.
"You think you can bully me just because I can't fly?" Shen He chuckled.
He blurred into a zigzagging sprint across the wide training field, moving with such speed and unpredictability that afterimages trailed behind him, well beyond the limits of normal human sight.
But Jarvis wasn't a human.
Using high-definition motion capture and predictive trajectory analysis, Jarvis's targeting system preemptively calculated Shen He's next position and fired, creating a storm of explosions that rocked the training field.
Still, Shen He had his own methods.
"Moon Marrow Spirit Liquid."
Whispering the phrase, a mercury-like liquid shimmered into existence beside him.
Planting his foot on the summoned liquid, Shen He launched himself upward like a bullet. A second, then a third jump â he used the liquid like stepping stones, climbing into the sky with astonishing force.
"You can't match my new armor's maneuverability!" Tony pursued him aggressively.
With each armor component equipped with independent boosters â thanks again to Chaldean tech inspirations â Tony's aerial agility had been dramatically enhanced.
Honestly, if Tony chose to flee, Shen He wouldn't have caught him. The armor's capacity for high-altitude, long-distance flight was leagues beyond Shen He's reach.
But this was training, not a real battle. Tony had to stay within effective striking distance to attack.
"I only need one blow, Tony." Shen He's voice was calm, almost casual.
He inhaled deeply. In the next instant, he exploded forward, the sharp tip of his weapon splitting the air. Shen He's acceleration blitzed past the limit of human reaction time.
Even with Jarvis's predictive corrections, the sheer suddenness disrupted the targeting system for a critical heartbeat.
Boomâ!!
A heavy impact resounded.
Everyone on the field saw it clearly: in a flash, Shen He's short spear pierced the most vulnerable part of the armor â the Arc Reactor on Tony's chest.
Crackling electricity flickered. The reactor dimmed. Tony's entire armor froze midair before gravity took hold, sending him plummeting.
Before Steve Rogers could rush in, Jeanne moved with divine speed, catching Tony with one hand, cushioning the fall effortlessly.
"SeriouslyâŠ" Tony groaned as his helmet slid open, revealing his face. "You were hiding your real speed from the start?"
"Deception is part of a soldier's toolkit." Shen He landed beside them lightly.
In truth, Jarvis's auto-lock technology would adapt if given a second chance â but Shen He's growth rate was also unpredictable. No one could guarantee what would happen next time.
"Well, I admit it. I missed you a lot, buddy," Tony smiled, not looking particularly frustrated.
Deactivating the depleted armor, he accepted Shen He's hand and stood up.
"Your combat instincts rely too much on Jarvis," Shen He said frankly.
Tony was still a scientist at heart. Even though in the original story he fought Thor to a draw, he eventually lost to Steve during Civil War â not because he was weaker, but because he failed to anticipate someone exploiting his armor's blind spots.
No matter how advanced the technology, weak points like the repulsors on his palms and feet remained vulnerable.
"He, there's something important I need to talk to you about," Tony said, clapping Shen He's shoulder, leading him aside.
Shen He followed, already guessing Tony's seriousness. Tony wasn't the type to arrange a sparring session without a reason.
When they reached a secluded corner, Tony spoke plainly:
"He, I know you're busy â saving worlds, leading Chaldea â butâŠwe can't always depend on you. You've done so much already, and honestly, it frustrates the rest of us that we're always relying on your strength."
"You?" Shen He caught the deeper meaning immediately.
"No. When you first arrived in this world," Tony said earnestly, "if we hadn't met you, the cost could've been catastrophic."
He spread his arms. "You saved Pepper, you saved me. Hell, you helped us stand up again when everything was falling apart. We owe you too much, He."
Shen He didn't know what to say for a moment.
There's a kind of fulfillment that comes from helping others â especially those who truly appreciate it.
Besides, from Shen He's perspective, Tony had helped immensely: establishing the Virtual Reality Company, supporting Chaldea's construction, facilitating alliances with S.H.I.E.L.D. and Attilan⊠All the critical foundations were laid by Tony Stark.
But looking at Tony now, it was clear â no matter how much he joked, the burden he felt was real.
{ Enjoying the chapters? Please Support me on Patreon and unlock 100+ advanced chapters, with 3 new chapters released every two days!
patreon.com/Oreski}