Lucifer gently disentangled himself from Harley's vice-like grip, his Basic Empath sensing her overwhelming relief.
He glanced at Raven, who was still adjusting to the sudden shift from the quiet discipline of Ryōzanpaku to the colorful chaos of their home.
"If Tony is looking for me, it means he's finally realized he can't manage the mess alone,"
Lucifer muttered.
He didn't wait. After a quick shower and changing into a clean version of his tactical suit—this time with the Void-Seeker sheathed discreetly along the small of his back—he headed to Stark Tower.
Tony Stark wasn't in his usual lab. He was in the private lounge, looking uncharacteristically tired.
Several holographic files were floating in the air, detailing various "Enhanced" individuals across the globe.
As Lucifer walked in, the security sensors didn't even chirp; Lucifer's Stealth and refined Martial Art Master's Presence allowed him to move like a ghost through the laser grids.
"You're late, kid,"
Tony said without turning around.
"Three weeks late. I was about to send a search party to the moon."
"I was... training,"
Lucifer replied, his voice calm and resonant.
Tony finally turned, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at Lucifer.
He didn't see the scrawny delivery boy anymore.
He saw a young man whose posture was perfect, whose eyes held a terrifying depth of Fundamental Insight, and who carried a blade that seemed to absorb the room's light.
"You look... different,"
Tony noted, stepping closer.
"Heavier. Not fat, just... dense. Like you've been folded a thousand times."
"What did you want, Tony?"
Tony sighed and swiped a hand through the holograms, bringing up a logo: THE AVENGERS INITIATIVE.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is a mess, Lucifer. Fury thinks he can control the world with a few secrets, but the world is getting weirder. I'm moving forward with a private team. A group of remarkable people. But every team needs a specialist."
Tony stepped forward, his expression serious.
"I want to hire you. Officially. Not as a delivery boy. I want you as a Private Security Consultant and Tactical Lead. You'd be the secret weapon. The one who handles the things the 'Big Guys' can't see coming."
Lucifer's Gamer's Mind immediately began processing the benefits.
Working for Stark provided a permanent cover for his activities.
A salary from Stark would be astronomical, feeding directly into his System Fund.
Access to Stark's satellites and S.H.I.E.L.D. databases would help him track his brother.
"What's the pay?"
Lucifer asked bluntly
.
Tony smirked.
"Fifty thousand a month as a retainer, plus bonuses for every 'event' handled. Access to all my tech labs. And I'll pay for a high-end, off-the-books facility for you and your... unique roommates. I heard your big sugar step-sis almost took out a wall while you were gone."
Lucifer looked at the contract.
With his Void-Blade Mastery and Hakai No Ken, he was overqualified for the job, but the resources were too good to pass up.
"I have conditions,"
Lucifer said.
"Raven stays on the payroll as my tactical anchor. And Harley stays under my jurisdiction. No S.H.I.E.L.D. interrogations."
"Done,"
Tony replied, extending a hand.
"Welcome to the team, kid. Try not to break the world on your first day."
[System Fund Update: +$50,000 (Monthly Retainer)]
[Current Funds: $9,525,000]
[Status: Stark Industries Tactical Consultant]