175

It seems like the story is developing with intricate twists involving multiple characters and their symbiotic connections. Here's the corrected excerpt:

---

**Chapter 177: Fallen Angel**

The Justice League Building.

Tony sat in front of the conference table, with Steve, Felicia, Connors, Sam, and Gwen gathered around. Since the Battle of New York, they hadn't been together formally like this in a long time.

Black Widow and Hawkeye were still on field missions with SHIELD.

They were all looking at a picture Gwen had captured from the battlefield.

Carnage spread its black wings and flew through the air, casting a shadow like a fallen angel over everyone.

Even from the photos, the oppressive aura of Carnage was palpable.

Tony, who had faced Carnage before, immediately felt the difference between then and now.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "That thing devours a symbiote and transforms like this? Becomes an angel? It makes me want to have one." 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stark. I couldn't stop him," Gwen apologized.

"It's not your fault, Gwen. I think the symbiote bonded with you should come out and explain," Tony addressed Phantom.

With a tentacle emerging from Gwen's shoulder and neck, Phantom spoke in a soft voice, "This situation is new to me."

This revelation surprised Steve and the others.

"You haven't seen this before? So this is abnormal?" Tony queried.

"No... We can't be certain... In extreme cases, symbiotes have shown such potential," Phantom explained.

"So you're not sure of the current state of the other symbiote?" Tony pressed.

"Well... A rogue like Carnage is among the very few symbiotes capable of this," Phantom reluctantly admitted.

Feeling the tension, Steve interjected, "Maybe it's just an extra pair of wings."

"Let's hope so, Captain."

Tony, looking more worn out than he did six months ago, maintained his confidence, saying, "We need to prepare for the worst. None of us have faced something like this before, right?"

"Isn't that jumping to conclusions, Tony?" 

"I have to. Tony's urgency left everyone unsure how to respond, and the room fell into a silence.

Restless, Felicia observed Phantom's tentacles with curious eyes, "Gwen, did that just come out of you? How did that work?"

Phantom tentatively waved a small tentacle in greeting at the white-haired catwoman, who recoiled, saying, "It's slimy... and a bit gross."

Startled, Phantom's tentacle froze midair.

Quickly stepping in, Gwen comforted, "Phantom means no harm..."

"I understand, Gwen. Our symbiotes can be unsettling at times. Some of us are more... squeamish," Phantom admitted, somewhat self-deprecatingly.

Others curiously inspected the small tentacle on Gwen's palm, gaining a more tactile understanding of the symbiote.

Tony surveyed the room, realizing his anxiety over the past six months had influenced his judgment. Exhaling deeply, he said, "Anyway, our priority is finding Carnage's whereabouts. The remaining symbiotes need protection, and we can't let Carnage take the lead."

"Who knows what it might evolve into."

"But what can we do?" Connors finally spoke up, wagging his tail eagerly, eager to contribute. "We have no leads except what Gwen's symbiote can tell us."

"We should locate Venom first. He's Carnage's progenitor and has been on Earth the longest," Phantom suggested, tentacles gesturing emphatically. "He knows Carnage and Earth's heroes well, including Peter Parker."

Unexpectedly, this sparked more conversation.

"Peter?"

"Isn't Peter missing?"

"Maybe she's talking about another universe's Peter."

"Another universe? Does that mean there are others like us?"

"Yes, it's a basic theory of parallel universes, Felicia."

Seeing the discussion veer off, even Steve couldn't resist interjecting to refocus the group, clearing his throat to regain their attention.

"Let's save the speculations for later. Tony's right; our situation isn't optimistic."

Felicia furrowed her brow, wanting to contribute something meaningful to the Justice League. But after a moment, she shook her head, unable to come up with any ideas.

Meowth gave up.

Of course, no one had expected Felicia to have a breakthrough. Her role in the League was more akin to a mascot.

At that moment, Tony spoke again, "Actually, we do have something."

Everyone looked to him expectantly.

Not one to mince words, Tony declared, "I'd like you all to meet a new ally... come on in."

With that, the door to the conference room swung open, revealing a young woman with shoulder-length black hair, clad in a black jacket and jeans.

Perhaps due to nerves, she moved cautiously into the room.

"Jessica?"

Gwen was the first to react, surprised to see her high school classmate.

Jessica Jones had survived a family car accident that claimed the lives of her relatives, only to awaken from a coma during the Chitauri invasion of New York. She discovered she had gained super strength and flight, eventually becoming a superhero after the Battle of New York.

She greeted everyone in the room, introducing herself.

They all nodded or responded, looking to Tony for an explanation.

While introducing new blood into the Justice League was positive, the timing seemed off...

Tony clarified without hesitation, "This one also has a symbiote."

The room watched as dark blue, slimy fluid emerged from Jessica's body, forming into a battle suit.

Phantom exclaimed in surprise, "Ice Blue?"

...