Chapter 107: The New Naxxramas

Although Tony Stark had rescued Rogers, he did not feel as happy as he had imagined. His pride would not allow him to kick a man while he was down. He had expected to mock him wantonly, but upon seeing Rogers’ utter devastation, he felt that such behavior lacked class. Wishing to be out of sight and out of mind, he flew back to New York without a moment’s delay.

"Jarvis, did I do the right thing?" Tony asked his AI butler during the flight.

"Everything you do is correct to me, sir."

"Oh, you certainly have a way with words."

"Yes, sir. I have been reading some fashion magazines lately."

"And what did you learn? How to offer compliments?"

"A great deal."

Chatting like this, Tony felt his mood lighten considerably. He composed his expression and flew straight toward Stark Tower. It was deep into the night, yet New York City remained bustling and vibrant. Amidst the brilliant lights, a figure swung and leaped between the skyscrapers—it was New York's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter Parker.

With a new suit, a new job, more money, and the ability to perform good deeds whenever he pleased to act on his own will, he had never felt life was so wonderful.

"Yahoo!" With a joyful swing from one building to another, Peter landed on the signal tower atop Stark Tower. His keen senses alerted him to Stark’s presence; the glowing tail-flames of his armor were unmistakable against the night sky.

"Hey, Mr. Stark!" Peter waved from the tower.

"Oh, pajama-kid, have you reached the age where you enjoy nightlife? Want to come inside for a glass of milk? And stay off my signal tower."

"I was just out for a walk and happened to see you flying back." Peter spun in mid-air and landed in front of Stark. "It’s a great spot; I like it here. But you look a bit off, don't you?"

Peter’s sharp instincts were accurate. "Yes, I just finished a long flight." Stark landed on the roof and switched his armor to standby mode. "Coming in for a drink?"

Peter followed him inside, where Vikar’s boisterous laughter echoed through the room. "I really hate this guy," Stark said to Peter, gesturing toward Vikar. "He couldn't even wait for me."

"Uh, I think Mr. Vikar is pretty cool."

Tony curled his lip. He decided he would definitely design an "Anti-Apocalyptic Knight" suit, then beat Vikar until he was curled on the floor meowing. Of course, that was just an idea for now. By contrast, Peter treated Vikar with much more respect. His spider-sense constantly warned him that Vikar was incredibly dangerous and that he should not be reckless. Thus, he remained exceptionally well-behaved in Vikar’s presence.

"Why are you out so late? Hungry? I have food here. Happy, get him a giant glass of hot milk, then make him go home to sleep."

"Is he still a child?" Happy muttered, though he dutifully handed Peter the massive glass of milk.

"It really feels like home here, but... I mean, I’m not a kid anymore, so... can I decline?"

"No, of course you can't!"

Peter took off his mask, paused, failed to come up with an excuse, and downed the glass of milk in one go.

"I knew he was cut out for this." Sitting down with a glass of wine, Tony turned on the screen, which was broadcasting Maria Hill delivering a speech. "This woman gives me a bad feeling. She looks too rigid; I bet her love life is quite unpleasant."

"I actually think she's cool," Happy offered, then looked at Peter. "What do you think, Peter?"

"Uh, I think she's alright, but she does give me a bad feeling, though I'm not sure why."

"You all feel that way? Actually, so do I," Vikar replied after a moment of thought.

"So, what do you think about this Registration Act?" Tony asked the question he cared about most.

"Wasn't your identity known to everyone from the start?"

Inside Stark Tower, the four of them discussed the Registration Act. Meanwhile, Roald was executing his own plans. Having seized control of the command centers, many things had become much simpler.

At the original S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, the Helicarrier controlled by Hill sat docked. The massive structure was operational; new Helicarriers were being built in secret, and personnel were being covertly assigned. Kel'Thuzad had also moved to the carrier. Everything was being retrofitted in the style of Naxxramas. Protective spells and runes were etched into every metal component, along with concealment wards. Using the immense energy of the Space Stone as a core, they achieved the capability for spatial relocation.

Various cards and spells were integrated, including Sindragosa's skeletal dragons. The massive runic energy was masked by spells, appearing as nothing to the eyes of ordinary people. Kel'Thuzad’s vast magical energy ensured everything proceeded methodically. Once the foundation was laid and the Reality Stone was secured, Roald could use its power to alter reality, turning the massive carrier into a true flying fortress—just like the original Naxxramas.

This incident had, by and large, come to an end. Aside from the intentionally released Nick Fury, the despondent and aimless Rogers, and Coulson, who was heading to Eastern Europe under the surveillance of the Winter Soldier, every goal had been achieved.

The rest was up to Hill, the "H.A.M.M.E.R." director who had resolved the crisis. Following a majority vote by Congress and the Security Council, the resolution to establish the new agency, H.A.M.M.E.R., was passed. Needless to say, after such a crushing defeat, Nick Fury would not accept failure; he was certainly plotting new schemes in the shadows.

Through the Mind Stone, Roald had controlled the key officials, cleared Hill of her Hydra ties, and dealt with the "death" of Natasha. Zazala would undergo new rituals and inhabit a new body, while Elektra continued her missions.

Nick Fury would still have to contend with Hill, whose true allegiance remained a mystery. S.H.I.E.L.D. no longer existed, and Hydra would change its identity once again when Pierce proposed a restructuring. A few months later, a brand-new Hydra would emerge, following the threads of fate to continue causing trouble for Nick Fury or obstructing his path. Everything was a choice of destiny.

As for the time ahead, Roald would shift all his attention to London—to the Reality Stone, and to a different perspective.