Avengers Initiative

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After hearing the Ancient One's slow explanation, Kai finally understood what she meant.

"So that's how it is..."

Kai thought about how everything he did was to gain the power to protect himself and prevent his family and friends from being hurt in future events. Maybe he really didn't have any ambition — he just wanted to live a good life, and things were finally starting to look better for him.

"I've said what I wanted to say. When you're free, you can visit Kamar-Taj for a discussion. I'm also very interested in your 'magic.'"

With that, the Ancient One opened a portal with yellow sparks and left.

Once she was gone, the world around Kai shattered like glass, and he found himself back in the real world.

"Sure enough, I was in her mirror dimension without even noticing."

As Kai spoke, he walked toward the warehouse ahead.

"Well, I guess I can be bolder in the future and do whatever I want. But if Earth faces a crisis, I'll step in to help — after all, this is my home. As for the rest, I won't stress too much."

With that, Kai pushed open the warehouse door and walked in.

He first checked on Gear's progress and then told him to limit his work to four hours a day in the warehouse so he wouldn't overexert himself.

"I've already said the requirements aren't that strict. It's fine as long as there's something useful when the time comes."

"Got it, boss. I'll keep that in mind," Gear replied without even turning his head, still busy with his work.

Looking at Gear's focused expression, Kai knew he probably wouldn't listen and would keep working nonstop anyway.

Kai decided to spend the entire afternoon in the warehouse, finalizing the design of a large robot nearly ten meters tall.

That evening, Kai remembered his earlier promise to meet Ethan for a drink, so he decided to head back to the company.

When he arrived, he saw Ethan busy directing employees, managing the network, ensuring smooth video streaming, and reminding content reviewers to block false information. Ethan had no time to rest.

When Ethan spotted Kai, his eyes lit up.

"Finally! Get over here and help me out. After disappearing for so many days, you finally remembered you have a company, Mr. Kai?"

Kai chuckled awkwardly. Seeing how overwhelmed Ethan was, he didn't argue and instead jumped in to help.

After nearly two hours of hard work, they both finally sat down in their chairs, sighing in relief.

"So, what brings you here today?" Ethan asked directly, clearly still a bit annoyed.

"Actually, I came to grab a drink with you. Since we're finally done here, let's go — the others can handle things for tonight. Let's get out of here!"

Kai dragged Ethan to a nearby bar, where they ate, drank, and talked.

After a few drinks, Ethan started venting about how much pressure the company put on him — everything seemed to fall on his shoulders.

"Alright, alright," Kai said quickly. "I'm free now, so I'll spend more time at the company and help out."

"You said it! Don't forget!" Ethan warned.

Meanwhile, back at Tony's villa...

Tony groggily woke up in bed, unsure how he even got home.

"Jarvis, how did I get back here?"

"Sir, Mr. Kai brought you back to the villa and placed you in your room per Miss Pepper's instructions."

Tony sat up, rubbing his temples. He still felt a bit dizzy from the alcohol. Checking the time, he realized it was already evening.

"No wonder I'm starving," he muttered.

Tony dragged himself out of bed and down the stairs, noticing only a couple of small lights glowing in the living room. Neither Pepper nor Ethan seemed to be around.

Before Tony could ask Jarvis anything, he noticed a figure standing behind the sofa, wearing a sleek black reflective coat.

"I'm Iron Man. Do you think you're the only superhero?" the figure said. "Mr. Stark, you've become part of something much bigger... but you don't know it yet."

Tony squinted. "Who are you?"

The man stepped forward, revealing his bald head and distinctive eye patch.

"Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Tony blinked. "Ha!"

Fury continued, "I'm here to talk to you about the Avengers Initiative."

Tony forgot about his hunger and sat down on the sofa, gesturing for Fury to continue.

"Alright, I'm listening. Go ahead, tell me your pitch."

Fury looked at Tony, unimpressed by his casual attitude.

"Hey, Tony," Fury said. "Don't take this lightly."

"You said I'm not the only superhero," Tony interrupted. "Yeah, yeah, I know. And I know someone else who fits that description."

Nick Fury's expression didn't change — he knew exactly who Tony meant. Coulson had already informed him that Tony was acquainted with Kai.

But since Tony had interrupted, Fury had to pause, regain his composure, and continue.

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