Avengers Initiative

The more Tony Stark examined the materials, the darker his expression became, especially when he read about Thanos's and Darkseid's strengths.

Despite his usually unshakable demeanor, a chill ran down his spine. If one punch from either could destroy the Earth, what hope did they have? Surrender seemed the only option.

However, later information indicated that Thanos and Darkseid couldn't reach Earth due to unique circumstances, and even their powerful subordinates were held up.

This revelation gave Stark hope that Earth might still have a fighting chance.

Stark took a deep breath, turned to Banner, who stood nearby, and asked, "Dr. Banner, where did you get this information? Can you vouch for it? Is it authentic?"

Banner shrugged, "The information was given to me. As for its authenticity, I can't say. I haven't even read it, so I can't judge its accuracy."

Stark's irritation grew. "You handed this information to me without knowing its contents or the enemy we face. Don't you realize how dangerous this is?"

Banner looked helpless. "If I had a choice, I'd stay home and live a normal life. But I signed a special contract with a devil. I'm bound by it. As long as the contract holder commands, I must obey, with almost no room for resistance."

"No room for resistance? In a society ruled by law, how can you be so trapped? Are your relatives being threatened? You're the Hulk! Who could control you?"

"It's not a person; it's a devil. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth. At least he has the devil's powers."

"I met him at my lowest point, hoping to sell my soul to resurrect someone dear to me. But it turned out that person was alive; it was a scam. So, we changed the deal to solve my Hulk problem. It worked, and I was happy to be satisfied. In return, I must work for him."

"As for the documents, it doesn't matter to me. No matter the enemy, I must defeat them. There's no way out for me—just death if I fail. This is the price of the devil's contract. I haven't read the documents, but whatever is in them, you'd better believe it."

Stark's eyes widened. "A devil can truly resurrect people? If I paid the price, could I bring back my parents?"

"If the conditions are met, yes. When I asked for a resurrection, he said it was possible as long as the person hadn't been dead for more than a week, the body was intact, and the soul undamaged."

Stark deflated. His parents had been dead for nearly 20 years; their bodies long turned to dust. Resurrection was out of the question.

"Well, that was a stretch. But, surprisingly, the devil would protect Earth."

"Not really. Devils have always been part of Earth's legends, treating humans as their property and harvesting souls. To them, humans are wealth. An alien invasion is like someone stealing their wealth and invading their territory. It's like a lion entering a tiger's domain—there's bound to be a fight."

"Even if what you say makes sense, I believe the information. So, what's your real purpose? It's not just about giving me these documents, right?"

"I need a ride to S.H.I.E.L.D. They're likely looking for me. I'll use my power to face the alien invasion and give this information to Nick Fury. Big battles need an official leader, or we risk being outmaneuvered. Also, if you know any friends with special abilities, it's best to gather them. This might be a catastrophic event."

Tony Stark stared at Dr. Banner momentarily, then said, "Jarvis, what's the test result?"

Jarvis's distinctive electronic voice responded immediately, "Mr. Stark, according to the tests, Dr. Banner's heartbeat, breathing, and secretion indexes are normal. Certainly, he isn't panicking."

Banner's expression froze momentarily before he smiled helplessly. No wonder Stark was so agreeable earlier; he had this idea all along. Still, Banner wasn't angry. Stark was cautious, maybe even overly so.

Stark waved his hand, retracting several energy cannons aimed at Banner. "Sorry, I was being too careful."

"It's okay. That's a normal reaction."

"Jarvis, Coulson probably has yet to leave. Make a copy of these materials and send it to him."

After pacing the living room for a few moments, Stark seemed anxious. He then thought of something and ordered, "Jarvis, dial the secret number."

"Okay, sir!"

A while later, the communicator in Stark's ear beeped. He pressed it against his ear, waiting quietly. After ten seconds, the call connected, and a familiar voice answered, "If you have something to say, make it quick! I'm busy. My little darling, let's talk later. I'll come to you after this call. Remember to wash up and wait for me in bed."

Stark's face darkened. So, when you say you're busy, you're just picking up girls.

"Listen, Kyle, I'm not kidding. Earth is in grave danger right now. We would appreciate your help. I know many forces are after you, but this is a chance. If you join us in protecting Earth, you'll be a superhero. The authorities will handle your troubles, and you won't need to hide anymore."

"Heh! Protect the Earth? That's a noble responsibility. What's the danger? Has Thanos come over, or is Darkseid here? If that's the case, should I clap for you?" Kyle's voice held a grudge against Earth.

"Kyle, what are you... Wait, you know about Thanos and Darkseid? I just got this news. How do you know these names?"

"It's Thanos and Darkseid? Wow! If they're coming, I better run for my life. With my abilities, fighting them is just suicide. Luckily, I have a way off this planet. How do you think about it? Want to escape with me? Bring your relatives, friends, and Pepper. Let's leave this dangerous place together."

"Don't joke, Kyle. Tell me first, how do you know about Darkseid and Thanos? And what else do you know? This is crucial. Please answer honestly."

"I got this information from my father. According to him, he once fought Thanos and Darkseid. They all got injured. My father claims he could defeat either of them one-on-one, but they ganged up on him. I advise you not to court death by going near Thanos or Darkseid. They'll squash you like a bug."

Stark felt a glimmer of hope. So, Thanos and Darkseid aren't invincible. They can be beaten. "Does that mean your father can handle Thanos and Darkseid? That's great! We can ask him for help..."

"Enough!" Kyle interrupted angrily.

"You don't understand. My father can't act. If you want to know why, ask Nick Fury. If he's willing to tell you."

Kyle hung up abruptly. Stark was stunned and confused. Why did Kyle get so angry? Maybe Nick Fury did something. It needed investigation.

While Stark was on the phone, he was unaware of the eyes watching him from outside the window. Ivan had stayed. He had merely vanished to watch Banner in secret, following him to the Stark Tower and observing the encounter between Banner and Stark.

Ivan had been trying to infiltrate the Avengers. He originally planned to use Banner, but seeing Stark call Kyle, he realized a better opportunity had arisen.

Isn't Kyle a perfect chance? Though Kyle refused now, once Stark saw Nick Fury, he'd investigate Kyle's anger. Being who he was, Nick Fury would likely try to recruit Kyle, giving Ivan his opening.

With a better breakthrough in sight, Ivan decided to stop following Banner. He tracked down Kyle's location using the Red Queen's abilities and immediately teleported there.

Kyle was still fuming after the call. He grabbed a glass of red wine and downed it. Before he could swallow, he sensed a surge of magical energy. A red-haired man appeared beside him, startling him so much that he spat out the wine.

"Who?"

"Crack!" he slapped Kyle on the forehead.

"Who do you think I am?"

"Dad!!!"