Another Suicide

Hearing the mage's report, the Ancient One didn't open her eyes. She simply nodded faintly.

"Hmm, I see."

The visitor hesitated for a moment, seeing such a nonchalant response from her.

"Should we take action?" he asked cautiously.

"If you wish to act, I won't stop you," the Ancient One replied.

Her response carried no encouragement nor dissuasion, leaving the man slightly disappointed.

"Understood," he said, lowering his head before leaving the grand hall.

Not long after his departure, several mages approached another figure in the hallway.

"Master Kaecilius, what did the Sorcerer Supreme say?"

"Can we intervene?"

"Reports from the U.K indicate significant spatial disturbances this time. The enemy seems formidable. Without the Sorcerer Supreme's aid, we might not stand a chance."

Kaecilius lowered his head, a flicker of uncertainty passing through his eyes.

The disciples and younger mages surrounding him fell silent, sensing the lack of an affirmative answer.

After a moment, Kaecilius finally spoke. "It doesn't matter. We'll face the enemy ourselves. Rest for now; if invaders from another realm appear, I'll need all of you to give your best."

"Yes, Master Kaecilius."

"Understood, Master."

"Master, I have some questions about magic. May I seek your guidance?"

Kaecilius typically never declined such requests, given that the Ancient One often secluded herself in meditation to hold Dormammu at bay. But this time, he shook his head.

"Apologies, I have urgent matters to attend to. Let's discuss it tomorrow."

With that, he headed toward the library. If the Ancient One chose not to intervene, he would have to rely on his own strength.

......

The Next Morning~

"Last night was tragic. A terrorist group disrupted Hammer Industries' press conference, resulting in heavy casualties, including several high-profile executives and board members."

"Currently, Hammer Industries' Chairman, Mr. Hammer, and Mr. Obadiah Stane are under investigation by the police," the newscaster reported.

Tony Stark clicked the remote, turning off the television.

The dark screen reflected his weary face. He had spent the entire night searching for Bruce Banner but had come up empty.

"Maybe it's time to launch my own satellites, like Umbrella Corporation," Tony muttered.

Suddenly, a frantic knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, "J.A.R.V.I.S., who's outside?"

"It's Dr. Banner, sir."

Tony froze in surprise before rushing to open the door. Sure enough, Bruce stood there awkwardly, wearing only his tattered, ever-resilient shorts.

"Hey, Tony…" Bruce said sheepishly.

Without a word, Tony pulled him inside, glancing outside to ensure no one else was around.

Once safely inside, Tony turned to Bruce, who had settled on the sofa.

"Bruce, how did you get back here?"

Bruce scratched the back of his head. "Umbrella Corporation's helicopter brought me back."

"Umbrella?" Tony frowned. "When did they become so generous? Never mind that—where were you last night? And what was up with your transformation?"

"Transformation? You mean the usual Hulk thing? Though, I admit this time felt… different. I usually don't remember much, but this time, it's all blank," Bruce replied, unease creeping into his voice.

Tony fell silent before asking, "Where did you wake up?"

Bruce's expression grew stranger.

"In the ocean. That's a first for me."

Tony nodded, realizing why his searches had yielded nothing.

"Well, whatever happened, at least the Hulk took out Ivan. That saved us from a bigger mess," Tony said.

Bruce, however, noticed Tony's exhaustion and asked cautiously, "Was the transformation really that unusual?"

"Yeah, you were unstoppable. You almost killed me…" Tony recounted the events of the previous night, leaving Bruce visibly shaken.

"I need to get this under control," Bruce muttered. "Wait—you said Elizabeth showed up later?"

"Yeah, but she's back home now. Her father's got her on lockdown; she can barely leave the house," Tony replied.

"No wonder I couldn't reach her. I'll go change," Bruce said, heading upstairs.

As Bruce disappeared, Tony's expression darkened, "Looks like I need to secure the formula for adamantium…"

........

At S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters in New York~

Maria Hill, flanked by Logan and Victor, strode briskly through the halls, the clatter of her heels echoing against the sterile walls.

When they reached the holding cells, Maria's expression turned grim.

Inside the cell, a man lay in a pool of blood, a dagger clutched in his hand, its blade plunged into his chest. Though it appeared to be suicide, the reverse grip suggested otherwise—a mocking message from the true perpetrator.

"What happened here? Where's Natasha?" Maria demanded.

"Director, Agent Romanoff mentioned needing the restroom last night. She hasn't been seen since," one agent replied nervously.

"We only discovered the body during the morning shift," another added.

Maria's frown deepened. "Search for her! Now!"

"We already did. She's not in the building," the agent reported, his tone heavy.

The unease in Maria's chest grew. Could something have happened to Natasha?

"Director, is it possible Agent Romanoff betrayed us?" one agent suggested hesitantly.

"She is from the Red Room, after all. Maybe she—"

"Enough!" Maria snapped. "Natasha wouldn't betray S.H.I.E.L.D."

She turned to the others. "Secure the scene and wait for forensics to arrive."

"Yes, ma'am."

As Maria stormed off, the remaining agents exchanged wary glances, their unease mirrored in their eyes.

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