Two and a Half Months Later
The Sky Fortress had undergone a complete transformation. Even the people from Sokovia, who once called this land home, wouldn't be able to recognize it anymore.
The base of the fortress was now reinforced with thick steel plates, etched with glowing runes personally inscribed by Tony Stark. To ordinary eyes, they looked like random gibberish, but those with knowledge knew they held powerful meaning.
Above, where desolation once spread, greenery now flourished. Neatly trimmed grass, scattered flowerbeds, and trees brought life to the once barren space. A few houses were scattered across the area, each simple but sturdy. Surrounding the entire upper platform was a tall wall that offered both protection and privacy.
At the very center stood a massive glass structure shaped like a sphere. It gleamed under the sunlight, both modern and mysterious. Inside, the first floor contained a spacious hall. It was minimal in design—clean, bright, and practical, without any hint of royalty or extravagance. A long rectangular table stood in the middle, surrounded by plain yet comfortable chairs.
At the head of the table sat John, dressed in his usual black robe with a hood over his head, his presence calm and commanding. To his left were Thor, Natasha, and Hawkeye. To his right sat Tony Stark, Wanda, and her brother Pietro.
Standing in front of them were four individuals—Captain America, Sam Wilson, Nick Fury, and Maria Hill.
At this moment, all four of them looked stunned—especially Fury, Sam, and Maria. Captain America had already witnessed John do the impossible, but for the others, this place felt like something out of a dream. They had only come here under government pressure, hoping to speak with John. But now, their perspective had completely changed.
Fury couldn't help but think just one thing:
"What the hell is going on here?"
But John didn't give them time to dwell on it. He began to speak calmly and directly.
"I already know why you're here," John said. "But before I answer any of your questions, I need you to hear me out first."
Captain, who had been about to speak, quietly nodded and stayed silent.
"You already know why we built this place, Captain. So I won't go into detail again," John said. Then he turned to Fury, Sam, and Maria. "As for the rest of you… I want to extend an invitation to join my organization."
Fury, whose thoughts had been racing, narrowed his eyes and looked straight at John.
"So you're forming an illegal group," Fury said slowly, "and you're inviting me? Aren't you worried I'll expose everything?"
John smiled faintly. "You don't have to put it that way. This place still belongs to the Avengers. The only difference is… we won't be operating in the open."
He paused before continuing. "And… do you remember the danger I mentioned before?"
Fury's eyes widened slightly as he recalled their conversation at Hawkeye's farmhouse.
"You mean…"
"Yes," John nodded. "That's exactly what we're preparing for. And that's why I want you on board too."
Fury remained silent, lost in thought for a few moments. Then, with a deep breath, he nodded in agreement.
His decision was simple. If this group ever went rogue or endangered the world, he'd be the first to stop them. But if John was right—and that threat really was coming—then they needed to be ready.
"Alright, please take your seats. Now, we'll talk about the current issue—"
"Can I join as well?"
Just as John was speaking, a voice interrupted him mid-sentence. He turned toward the source and saw a golden vortex forming, growing larger with each passing second.
Most of the Avengers recognized the phenomenon and remained calm, but some—like Fury, Sam, and Maria—immediately became alert.
When the golden vortex finally stabilized, a woman stepped out. She had long brown hair and wore a flowing black robe. At first, John was confused, unsure of who she was. But after a closer look, his expression softened and a smile appeared on his face.
"Long time no see, Ancient One. You've changed," John said in a relaxed tone, though deep down, he was happy. The fact that the Ancient One was willing to join him brought him a sense of relief.
The Ancient One smiled slightly. "Isn't it all because of you? So... what do you think?"
Even she was surprised at how much she had changed. She never expected that walking the path of Star Meditation would bring so many changes. For the first time, she felt truly free—no longer needing to rely on energy from other dimensions to grow stronger.
"Of course, I'd be happy to have you. Please, take a seat. But I have one question."
"Please, go ahead."
"Since you're here, I assume you've already chosen your successor?"
"Yes," the Ancient One replied simply, but that one word was enough for John.
"Alright then." John turned to the others, especially Fury. "You don't have to worry. She's a friend. And for your information, she's an ancient being who's been protecting Earth long before S.H.I.E.L.D. ever existed. So just relax."
Fury raised an eyebrow in surprise but nodded slightly, his tense shoulders easing a bit.
John continued, now addressing the whole room. "Let me properly reintroduce her. We'll be working together in the future, after all. She is one of the oldest protectors of Earth, someone who has guarded this planet for centuries. You might know her as the former Sorcerer Supreme."
"By the way, John, what's the name of the organization?" Maria Hill, who had been silent all this time, suddenly asked.
"This... I haven't really thought about it yet," John admitted, scratching his head as he realized he had completely forgotten about naming it. He paused for a few seconds, glancing at everyone around the room. Then, with a small smile, he said, "How about... Star Academy?"