In the Marvel universe, you start with a colored Hextech item.

Lynn looked at Tony with a half-smile.

He knew in his heart that the other party had brought Happy to his door specifically for more than just expressing gratitude.

Given Tony's personality, his guilt over Killian's affair is genuine, and his desire to find out more about him by showing goodwill is also genuine.

Especially after last night's standoff.

To be honest, he and Tony weren't even friends.

Not to mention that Rhodes had been threatened by him.

This raises questions about Tony's purpose for this trip.

Lynn wouldn't believe it was that simple.

It's probably just preparation for the future.

It immediately opened its mouth.

"The CEO of Stark Industries wouldn't have made this special trip just to thank me, would he?"

"Just a few messages?"

"If you have something to say, feel free to say it."

Tony's relaxed expression faltered slightly.

There is indeed a purpose.

However, now that it has been made so plainly clear, he will no longer hide it.

Tony stared into Lynn's eyes.

His tone was more serious than ever before.

"Lynn, I really want to be your friend."

"I've seen too much darkness, and I know New York needs people like you. In some ways, I acknowledge part of you."

"I think we can join forces. If we combine our strengths, we can do far more than you can do alone. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Lynn raised an eyebrow.

Doesn't he know that few of the forces that actively seek cooperation with him end up well?

He noticed this serious attitude.

But Lynn knew in her heart and immediately had a general guess.

This genius has a deep-seated obsession with foresight, evident in everything from the Mark armor series to the Hulkbuster armor.

He never ignores potential threats.

After all, his current synonyms are "mysterious and powerful".

Faced with this "goodwill" that has a purpose.

Lynn chuckled and spread his hands.

He politely declined the invitation with a warning from Fury.

The so-called alliance...

Essentially, it was a well-intentioned investigation.

He won't easily jump into this seemingly harmless circle.

However, this explanation made Tony raise an eyebrow.

Is this still the Lynn he knows?

He never expected Lynn, who was fearless and dared to confront even the military and criminal gangs head-on...

Why would they take Fury's attitude seriously?

He immediately realized what was happening.

This is merely a polite way of refusing.

But there was not a trace of hesitation in my heart.

"It's okay, I'll show you my sincerity."

As he spoke, Tony stood up and opened the metal briefcase he had brought.

It was a complete set of new blueprints for modifying individual weapons, along with a black access card engraved with the Stark Industries logo.

They pushed it directly in front of Lynn.

"These are the gifts I prepared for you when we first met."

"I'll be waiting for you at Stark Tower tomorrow morning."

"I'll take you on a tour of my workshop. You can look at the inspiration behind the suit design and some of the research and development materials at will."

"There was no gimmick involved; it was just a friend sharing their experience."

Such a large-scale undertaking?

He became increasingly certain that Tony had ulterior motives towards him.

Why would they send him to visit a "secret base" for no reason? Even if there were such a place... it wouldn't be core information.

Lynn: You're treating me like I'm part of the Strategic Deception Bureau, aren't you?

He glanced at the detailed blueprints and access card in the box, then looked up to scrutinize Tony's expression.

They neither immediately agreed nor directly refused.

"Thank you for your kindness, but let's talk about it after I've dealt with my current problems. After all, you did mention Ross and the Security Council."

"They're not planning to give me much free time."

Upon hearing this, Tony immediately burst into laughter.

He knew this was Lynn's biggest concession; at least the door to cooperation wasn't completely closed, and there was still a chance.

He didn't try to persuade him any further, and got up to straighten his suit.

"Then I'll be waiting for your message anytime."

A game of "showing goodwill" has only just begun.

……

The game is not just playing out in one place.

The Pentagon's underground war room.

A top-secret meeting is underway.

The conference room was filled with smoke, and high-ranking officers from various branches of the military sat on both sides of the long conference table.

Each person had a thick, encrypted file spread out in front of them, with only one name on the cover—Lynn.

From the destruction of the Kingpin Empire and the bloody handshake meeting, to the live double kill of Dalio and Killian at the mouth of the Hudson River.

This includes all of Lynn's actions in recent months.

Everything was recorded in great detail.

They even know exactly who comes in and out of the apartment every week.

In the main seat, Ross tapped his fingertips heavily on the file.

His face was filled with undisguised ruthlessness and obsession.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I think I don't need to say anything more."

"A superpowered individual with no background or identity is wreaking havoc in New York!"

"They even declared themselves above the law in front of all of New York, completely disregarding official authorities!"

"Now, countless people on the streets of New York regard him as their savior, their hero!"

"If we let him continue like this... he will crush the dignity of the military and the laws of the country!"

The Army Chief of Staff on one side couldn't help but frown.

Lynn is no longer a secret.

If only a few people knew him before, his name has been presented to everyone since last night.

For every person who likes it, there is someone who hates it.

At least in his view, Lynn's advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

"General Ross, we acknowledge that he is a potential threat."

"But he cleared out the criminal gangs and extremists who had been entrenched in New York for many years, causing the city's serious crime rate to drop by 47%."

"His public approval rating is extremely high right now. If we act rashly, it could very likely trigger large-scale public riots."

Who will bear the consequences?

"as a result of?"

Upon hearing this word, Ross slammed his hand on the table.

Do these people really think this outcome is good?

What if a monster with superpowers rebels against the government and one day tries to overthrow it?

"as a result of?"

"The consequence is that it breeds an uncontrollable monster!"

"If he dares to kill those people today, he'll dare to kill us tomorrow!"

"The plan for managing individuals with superpowers, which I submitted three months ago, was unanimously approved at yesterday's closed-door meeting!"

"Now I only ask you all, is there anyone who objects to this?"

A brief silence fell over the meeting room.

Immediately, a chorus of agreement arose.

No one is willing to take on the enormous risks that may arise in the future for a superpowered person of unknown origin.

In particular, Ross raised points that they could not ignore.

Nobody dared to gamble.

Lynn's conduct is well-documented.

He really wouldn't point his gun at the government or at them?

"very good."

Ross sat back down, a ruthless glint in his eyes.

Finally, his counterattack is about to begin!

The order was immediately issued.

"First, in conjunction with the Treasury Department, immediately freeze all assets related to the Fisker Building and cut off all his financial links."

"Second, file an application with the New York State Supreme Court."

"Within 24 hours, we received a citywide lockdown order for Lynn, prohibiting her from leaving New York, and requiring her to report all travel plans in advance."

"Third... the 'Abomination' project is restarted!"

"Select elite special forces members to form a rapid response team targeting individuals with superpowers, ready to carry out capture missions at any time!"

With the main points set, the meeting concluded.

The generals rose and left one after another!

At this moment, only Ross remained in the conference room.

He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, staring intently at Lynn's photo in the file, his eyes filled with a stubborn determination to win.

At the same time, he didn't forget Fury, who deliberately tricked Lynn in front of him at Fisk Tower.

Rose believes this surprise is exciting enough.

Bronsky's parole application has been submitted!

Since we're facing a monster that defies all logic... we should counter it with another monster!

……

This game of strategy continues to play out at the Trident Building of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Washington.

Fury is facing the five members of the World Security Council.

His demeanor did not resemble Ross's fury and rage.

He glanced at the holographic projection in front of him without any reaction.

He was genuinely fed up with this bureaucratic system that only knew about political risks and manipulating politics.

This completely contradicts the original intentions and mission of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Chief Fury, we need an explanation."

The Russian representative spoke first, his tone questioning.

"The bloody live broadcast from the mouth of the Hudson River brought Lynn's massacre to the attention of all of New York, and even the world!"

"A notorious outlaw who has killed countless people, wantonly slaughtering in public and openly challenging official authority?"

"And you and S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't interfere at all!"

"Is this the security guarantee you promised us?"

His tone grew increasingly intense, eventually becoming almost a complete reprimand and interrogation, questioning Fury's attitude as director!

This is not the first time that Fury has done something that has displeased or even angered the Security Council.

However, this time was particularly special.

If everything hadn't been exposed to the public.

Then they can turn a blind eye.

Fury is free to improvise, as long as he keeps things within reasonable limits.

Furthermore, during that period, Lynn's actions amounted to nothing more than killing a few people, and he did not attract any special attention from the Security Council.

It's no exaggeration to say that...

Lynn was not even good enough for them.

Some of the opinions were merely to express an attitude to Fury.

But what Lynn is doing now is a declaration, or even a declaration of war, against official forces around the world.

The meaning behind this "signal" is undoubtedly a rather dangerous one.

This will trigger a series of chain reactions.

There is more than just Lynn on Earth as a "superpowered person".

After he activates this button, will all other superpowered individuals follow suit?

How great will the harm be?

Is it controllable?

Everything is unknown!

It was an absolutely massive disaster!

The most important aspect.

The Security Council considered the significance of Lynn's live broadcast.

It's almost certain... he wants to become completely independent!

An uncontrolled superhuman seeks to gain a voice and openly challenges official authority.

If a compromise is truly made.

Does S.H.I.E.L.D. still have credibility?

However, faced with this barrage of questions...

Fury leaned back in his chair, speaking calmly.

Yet every word was clear.

"Fellow board members, I have something to remind you of."

"Lynn massacred Roxon Energy CEO Dario and Killian, a terrorist who conducted illegal human experiments."

Both of them are on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s global wanted list.

"His actions did cross the line of the law, but the objective result was that he helped us eliminate a high-risk target who was wanted by the police."

"And nearly half of New York's underground crime networks."

The British council member interrupted sharply.

"But that's no excuse for his wanton lawbreaking!"

"The Security Council has been informed by the Pentagon that General Ross has reactivated the superpower control contingency plan!"

"And you, you're still defending this dangerous individual!"

"We now formally request that S.H.I.E.L.D. immediately take coercive measures against Lynn and arrest and detain him!"

Fury's expression finally changed, and his brows furrowed.

This is not a good sign.

Should coercive measures be taken against Lynn?

This is undoubtedly the deliberate initiation of a full-scale war.

"Gentlemen! I must remind you of the risks of forced arrests. Do you have a comprehensive war plan?"

"Lynn's strength is unfathomable!"

"Capable of single-handedly killing Dario, who made a pact with the Dark Dimension, and Killian, who controls the Extremis virus."

"If we take forceful action... it will only cause incalculable civilian casualties and huge losses."

"It could even push someone who currently only targets criminals to the opposite side of all humanity."

At this point, Fury raised his hand and pulled up a set of data.

This is the result of a survey conducted after the live stream ended.

When you see the final number...

He knew that Lynn's plan had succeeded.

"Take a close look at this poll data."

"More than 62% of New Yorkers support Lynn, and more than half of the population consider him the guardian of the city."

"Forcibly arresting people now will only trigger large-scale public unrest and may even cause a crisis of trust in S.H.I.E.L.D."

Now.

After a brief silence, a heated debate erupted in the meeting room.

Among them, the representatives from the French and Chinese countries remained on the sidelines.

The American and Russian council members strongly demanded immediate action, while the British council member wavered between the two.

finally.

Fury withstood all the pressure and delivered the final solution.

S.H.I.E.L.D. will monitor all movements 24/7.

Furthermore, Lynn was required to undergo a comprehensive capability test and data collection by S.H.I.E.L.D. as part of an assessment of potential risks.

We should not escalate conflicts before he does anything that harms ordinary people or endangers the safety of the planet.

Any transgressions will be met with immediate action.

The main point is to wait and see.

And there's Rose as an example.

The consequences of dealing with Lynn... will soon be revealed.

Finally, Fury spoke with an undeniable firmness.

"If you insist on forcibly arresting them, then please have the Security Council issue a formal directive, and all consequences..."

"The responsibility shall be borne entirely by the Security Council."

The five board members in front of the projector fell silent instantly.

No one dares to take on this responsibility, and no one will take on it.

The meeting ended with Fury's temporary victory.

Silence returned to the office.

Fury looked out the window, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.

He knew very well that this was only a temporary buffer.

Ross's actions and the pressure from the Security Council both indicate that Lynn's peaceful days are over.

……

Lynn had considered that Ross would take retaliatory measures against him, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Lynn had anticipated that Fury would be under a lot of pressure, but he never expected that Fury would actually be able to handle it.

That evening.

After a friendly exchange with Tony.

Shortly after, he and Frank returned to the apartment.

late at night.

While the two were still fast asleep.

The Tribeca district, which should have been quiet and peaceful late at night, was now bustling with activity and crowds of people.