C307

Harry was already familiar with this kind of operation.

The reason he had joined the Avengers in the past was also because of Anton's orders. Now, using his identity as a former Avengers member to test the potential crisis Anton had warned about was simply repeating the same strategy.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Anton stood up. "We already have a solution to this issue, but what we lack most is time. No matter what, we need to buy ourselves enough time."

"Is there anything I need to do?" Harry asked.

"Not for now," Anton replied. "Just keep an eye on the original Avengers. If you see Nick Fury or if he contacts you, handle it however you see fit—just don't lose your temper."

With that, Anton turned and left.

Harry watched him walk away, standing still, lost in thought.

Another alien threat?

In the past two years, Earth had seen several alien incursions—from Lange's invasion, the arrival of Transformers, the Chitauri, and even Asgardians like Thor. Now, there were also the Skrulls, shape-shifters who could disguise themselves as humans.

Earth was at a critical turning point.

Humanity was entering a new era.

"Looks like I've become part of history in the making."

Harry suddenly smiled. Compared to his ordinary life before, he wasn't dissatisfied with where he stood now.

The Next Day

Anton received a subpoena from Z—but not from Nick Fury's intelligence network.

Ever since the uncertain Nick Fury had appeared at Stark Industries, he had disappeared without a trace.

Even the Men in Black Organization had failed to capture any information about him.

Rather than assuming their intel was wrong, this only reinforced their suspicions—the Nick Fury seen at Stark Industries was likely an imposter, a Skrull in disguise.

"You want to meet Maria Rambeau?"

Anton picked up his phone, speaking to his subordinate on the other end.

"That's right," Z replied. "As the head of S.W.O.R.D., Maria Rambeau has been sheltering the Skrulls for years. If she's truly as intelligent as people claim, she must have countermeasures in place against them as well. I want to talk to her..."

Anton thought for a moment.

"No problem," he said. "I'll apply for approval from the World Security Council. You can meet her alone, but don't disclose any classified details—just see what she has to say."

"Understood."

Z nodded before adding, "By the way, we've discovered that Tony Stark has been conducting some kind of experiment at Stark Industries recently. The exact details are unclear, but I suspect it's connected to the fake Nick Fury's visit to Stark Industries."

Anton's eyes narrowed.

"Are you suggesting... I should pay Stark a visit and see what he's up to?"

"Just a suggestion," Z replied. "You're the boss—it's your call."

Anton smirked.

"Sounds like a good idea."

He was never one to micromanage. Z had single-handedly built the entire framework of the Men in Black Organization, proving himself exceptionally capable. If he made a suggestion, it was never without reason.

With that, the two split up.

Anton's application to the World Security Council was quickly approved, allowing the Men in Black Organization to arrange a meeting with Maria Rambeau.

Z, now carrying officially sanctioned documents, headed to the prison where Maria was detained.

Meanwhile, Anton traveled to Manhattan's most central district.

Stark Tower had been rebuilt in just over a month, following its destruction in the Battle of New York.

Anton arrived unannounced.

Of course, with his current status, he didn't need an appointment.

As he entered the lobby, the receptionist at Stark Tower immediately recognized him—even though it was their first time meeting.

She straightened up, her voice respectful.

"Mr. Jameson, welcome. Do you have an appointment?"

Anton smiled.

"No, but I don't think I need one."

He leaned slightly against the counter.

"Tell Tony Stark that Anton Jameson is here to see him."

"This…"

The receptionist hesitated. "I don't have permission to contact Mr. Stark directly." After a brief pause, she added, "But I can reach out to the chairman's assistant. Through her, you can get in touch with the chairman, Miss Pepper Potts. Maybe she can help you."

"As long as I can see Tony Stark as soon as possible, I have no objections."

Anton nodded.

A short while later, inside one of Stark Tower's reception rooms, Anton waited for Pepper Potts, the current chairman of Stark Industries and Tony Stark's former assistant.

"Anton, long time no see."

Pepper—her well-known nickname—looked surprised to see him. Though their encounters had been rare, they were familiar enough with each other.

"You came without notice, and you're asking to see Tony. Is something wrong?"

There was a hint of concern in her expression, betraying her inner anxiety. She wasted no time on small talk, getting straight to the point.

As Batman's unofficial spokesperson, Anton's sudden visit was unsettling—especially given Tony's past conflicts with Batman as Iron Man.

For now, she couldn't guess Anton's purpose.

"There's something important I need to discuss," Anton admitted. "But it's not something I can explain to you. I need to see Tony first."

Pepper sighed, clearly resigned to the situation.

"He's in the lab. I can't easily reach him right now."

After a moment of hesitation, she stood up.

"Come with me."

Anton followed Pepper through Stark Tower to a private research floor, located just below the penthouse. This entire level was Tony's personal workspace, off-limits to most people.

Through the glass walls, Anton immediately noticed a painted Iron Man suit displayed against the wall.

In fact, as he counted carefully, he estimated at least forty suits in total.

It was clear that, ever since the Battle of New York, Tony had been obsessively working on his armor. His research had escalated to an almost frenzied pace.

But that wasn't the only surprise waiting for Anton.

He spotted someone unexpected in the lab.

Doctor Octopus.

Otto Octavius.

Anton turned to Pepper, his eyebrows raised.

"Otto is here?"

She nodded.

"After the Battle of New York, S.H.I.E.L.D. disbanded, leaving Otto and the others without their former protection. However, thanks to the Avengers' involvement, they were acquitted and regained their freedom… Tony offered them jobs here."

"Them?"

Anton narrowed his eyes.

He could guess who she meant—Otto and the Sandman.

At that moment, Tony—who had been deeply focused on his experiment—finally turned and spotted Anton standing beside Pepper.

For a brief moment, he froze.

Their eyes met.

Then, under Anton's watchful gaze, Tony set down the container in his hand and began walking toward him.

….

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