Arrival at New Place & Betrayal

Togo reverted back into a suit, seamlessly forming around Tony's body.

Tony flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar weight return. "I like it this way."

Aria frowned. "I don't."

Before Tony could respond, something caught his attention—massive floating screens above the city. They flickered erratically, flashing images of fights, crimes, and chaos.

He narrowed his eyes. "What are those horrible screens?"

Aria sighed. "That's New Place—the one location where even the System can't control the chaos."

Tony barely hesitated. His instincts kicked in, and he sprinted toward the towering gates of New Place. With a powerful leap, he cleared the gate, landing smoothly on the other side.

Then he saw it.

Three men ganging up on a girl.

Without thinking, Tony charged.

He kicked the first thug in the neck, sending him crashing to the ground, choking for air. The second tried to turn, but Tony grabbed his shoulder in an iron grip, twisting him into a painful hold.

His voice was cold and unforgiving. "If I see you near this girl again… I will kill you."

The remaining thug froze, paralyzed with fear.

Tony turned to Aria. "Tie them up. Take them to the police."

Aria scoffed, crossing her arms. "Why?"

Tony's eyes locked onto hers. "Because I asked."

She rolled her eyes but complied, grabbing the thugs with effortless strength and dragging them off.

Tony exhaled, his focus shifting back to the girl.

Her shoulders trembled. She looked small, vulnerable.

"Hey, are you alri—"

Pain.

White-hot and deep.

Tony's body stiffened. His breath hitched.

He looked down.

A knife was buried in his stomach.

His blood dripped onto the pavement.

His wide eyes flicked to hers—the same girl he had just saved.

She stared back, her expression blank. Emotionless.

Tony stumbled back, struggling to breathe. Why?

The girl tilted her head slightly.

"You shouldn't have helped me."

Then, before he could react, she disappeared into the shadows.

Tony collapsed to his knees, gripping his stomach, vision darkening as the city lights above flickered wildly