When the Batcave returned to silence, the members of the Ultimate Alliance outside were struggling more than ever.
Thor and Stark were fending off the pursuers hunting them. However, through their enemies, they had learned about the recent upheaval within S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury had vanished without a trace.
To make matters worse, Stark's brain tumor had relapsed. If they hadn't sought out Sue's help in time, Stark's survival would have been uncertain. Yet, to Thor, Stark was beginning to resemble him more and more.
After all, who else would claim that the tumor in their head had a consciousness of its own? In Thor's eyes, Stark was either suffering from schizophrenia or had developed a severe case of delusion. Either way, he was far from normal.
As soldiers charged toward them, Stark had already formulated a plan. He needed to meet the President—but not as a captive.
Reaching into his suit pocket, he retrieved a phone Sue had given him and dialed an old number.
"Hey, Carol, we need your help." Stark spoke as he fired at the advancing soldiers with his repulsor blast.
Thor, on the other hand, showed no restraint. Using his current battle armor and weapon, he summoned lightning to strike down every soldier who dared to raise a weapon against him.
"You do realize that you're both still fugitives, right?" Carol sounded surprised by Stark's call but listened attentively.
"I know. But you also know we're not the bad guys."
"You're a playboy with a never-ending string of scandals," Carol teased.
It was a well-known joke, but to Stark, it meant Carol was at least willing to talk.
"We need to have a serious conversation with the President. We might be able to clean up this mess." As Stark spoke, he fired another blast, sending a soldier flying.
Carol didn't respond immediately. She fell silent.
At this moment, anyone seeking an audience with the President was bound to raise suspicions. The previous President had been reduced to ashes in the city's retaliation—perhaps leaving no trace at all. Now, with the Secretary of Energy being hastily promoted to the presidency, any further complications would turn the entire situation into a farce. If anything happened, the only remaining option for succession would be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Even though it was Stark and the Ultimate Alliance making the request, Carol couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"I'll return to New York as soon as possible. When I do, I trust you'll find me." With that, she ended the call.
Stark, now focused, contemplated his next move. Thor, having already dealt with their pursuers, joined him.
"So, what did she say?" Thor had an idea of Stark's plan, but if Carol refused to cooperate, even the most meticulous strategy would fall apart.
"Trust me, she'll come looking for us." Stark exuded confidence.
Thor was used to Stark's unwavering self-assurance by now. In fact, if not for that very confidence, they probably wouldn't have become friends.
"Then let's head to New York. What I need most right now is a good drink," Thor said, stretching his arms.
After being hunted for so long, he hadn't had a proper drink in ages. Now, all he wanted was to relax and enjoy some well-earned rest.
Without his divine powers, he was essentially a super soldier—and even he could feel exhaustion after prolonged combat.
"Got it. I'll make sure you get the finest drink." With that, the two set off toward New York City.
When they finally arrived in New York, both Stark and Thor were surprised by the city's current state of peace and stability.
Although traces of past chaos could still be seen along the roadsides, the pedestrians on the streets no longer showed any signs of fear.
It seemed as if they were already moving forward, restoring New York to how it was before the turmoil.
"This is truly unbelievable," Stark said, clearly astonished.
During their journey to New York, he had seen countless people overwhelmed by fear, panic, and helplessness due to the chaos.
But here, in New York, there was none of that.
"It feels even more peaceful than when we were here," Stark said with a slight smile, turning to Thor.
Thor raised an eyebrow.
Though they found New York unusually calm, the people of New York did not see them as peaceful individuals.
Pedestrians instinctively kept their distance from them, making an effort to avoid any association.
They could sense the detachment from those around them, but it didn't bother them.
After all, they were never the well-behaved type.
Some people admired them, but naturally, others resented them.
Besides, with the U.S. government actively hunting them down, it was only natural that the public wouldn't greet them warmly.
They paid no attention to it and continued toward their intended destination.
However, not far away, a lone figure was watching them from a rooftop.
Inside a bar, they sat quietly, waiting for Carol to arrive.
"Bartender, a beer," Thor said as he sat down, placing his hammer on the counter.
The bar owner hesitated. He had no desire to serve two men who looked like they could bring trouble. If his bar got wrecked, there would be no one to compensate him.
But with an axe already slammed onto the counter, refusing them was no longer an option.
"You'd better finish your drinks and leave," the bartender said as he poured them a glass, perhaps offering a well-intentioned warning to protect his bar.
However, to Stark and Thor, it sounded more like a fan discreetly advising them to be cautious.
"Don't worry, it's fine. We're here to take care of our wanted status," Stark said as he ordered a drink for himself.
The bartender realized they had completely misunderstood his words.
But that was understandable.
After all, the person he was referring to had only appeared for a single night.
Yet in that one night, they had already surpassed the so-called Ultimate Alliance in the hearts of New Yorkers.
Because that person was truly protecting New York.
"No, I just want you to leave this city. You'll only bring trouble."
As soon as the bartender finished speaking, the bar's front door was pushed open.
A figure in a sharp suit stepped inside.
It was Carol.
"I honestly didn't think you'd actually dare set foot in New York," she said.
(End of Chapter)
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