Due to his comrades, the cross-dressing Shadowkhan continued to endure Laufey's harassment, frequently telling Laufey to go to the restroom solely for the purpose of knocking him out. The flight to their destination was approximately 23 hours, so this was going to be a long ordeal.
"I don't know why, Miss, but we've gone to the restroom so many times, yet I don't have a single memory of being in the restroom," Laufey puzzled, asking the disguised Shadowkhan.
The Shadowkhan stared back at him expressionlessly. Without a word, he grabbed Laufey's arm and headed for the restroom once more.
"See, that lady is giving that man quite a lot of chances."
"Can't believe he's all looks and no action, completely wasting those opportunities."
"Every time, you only see the gentleman walk out of the restroom looking apologetic."
There were no other exciting activities on the plane, so the ongoing saga between the cross-dressing Shadowkhan and Laufey was the only source of entertainment.
Silas's Room
"Pfft~ They can do that?" Silas heard the report from the Shadowkhan and almost burst out laughing. Laufey was too amusing; why did he keep pestering his Shadowkhan?
Thump, thump, thump!
Peter knocked on Silas's window, climbed in, and asked, "What's so funny, Silas?"
"Nothing much. Say, why do you always use the window?" Silas quickly changed the subject. It was true that ever since Silas and Peter's identities were exposed to each other, Peter hadn't used the front door, always entering Silas's room via the window.
"It's faster. It's just a window away," Peter explained.
Silas glanced toward the door. "But if you use the door, it's just a door away."
"..." Peter had no reply.
"Alright, what did you need?" Silas asked when Peter fell silent.
Peter quickly responded, "Silas, have you heard about the Oscorp Group?"
"Yes, I have. Why?" Silas had already guessed what Peter was about to say.
Sure enough, Peter continued, "The Oscorp Group was bombed today! The scene was totally chaotic. I was completely overwhelmed." He had been swinging between buildings when he suddenly heard a massive explosion. He immediately followed the sound and found the Oscorp Group building bombed. When he arrived, all he could hear were cries of pain. This scene reminded him of the school bombing. Understanding their fear, he immediately began rescuing people, first those inside the building, then those trapped underneath the debris.
"Silas, do you think that green thing did it?" Peter voiced his suspicion. The scale of the explosion was too similar to the school bombing.
"I don't know, but I can't believe the Oscorp Group was actually bombed!" Silas feigned shock.
"Me neither, Silas. The scene is still utter chaos over there," Peter said, sitting next to Silas.
Freedom City (Tony Stark's HQ)
"Sir, the Oscorp Group has been bombed," J.A.R.V.I.S. announced.
Tony, who was busy improving his armor, froze in surprise. "What? Did that Green Caterpillar really go and bomb the Oscorp Group?" Tony swore he had just made a random comment, yet the Oscorp Group was actually bombed.
"Based on my analysis, Sir, there is only a ten percent possibility that the Green Caterpillar was responsible," J.A.R.V.I.S. analyzed.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Explain."
"Firstly, the method of bombing differs significantly from the Stark Tower attack. Secondly, the Oscorp Group explosion was caused by timed bombs that were planted in advance." J.A.R.V.I.S. then proceeded to infiltrate the Oscorp Group's surveillance.
Although the surveillance cameras were destroyed by the bombs, the previously stored video data remained in the database. Using his abilities, J.A.R.V.I.S. easily retrieved the footage and displayed it on a holographic screen.
Tony looked up and saw the trace of a Shadowkhan on the screen, dropping something wrapped in paper into a trash can before disappearing.
"Of course, it cannot be ruled out that the Green Caterpillar hired someone to carry out the bombing." This accounted for J.A.R.V.I.S.'s ten percent possibility.
"Could it be him?" Tony immediately thought of Silas upon seeing the Shadowkhan.
Tony stopped his work and used his finger to manipulate the screen. "Pull up the image of the Shadowkhan from last time."
"They are identical," Tony said, putting his hand to his chin.
"Yes, Sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. confirmed.
Tony was now confused about what Silas was trying to achieve by bombing the Oscorp Group.
"Next time I see Mingta, I'll have to properly ask him about this," Tony decided he didn't want to deal with it right now. More important than these trivial matters was his own life. If his life couldn't be guaranteed, nothing else mattered.
"Sir, there is an intruder. He is on the balcony upstairs," J.A.R.V.I.S. quickly sensed someone's arrival.
"An intruder?" Tony could hardly believe that someone would enter without his invitation.
To be safe, Tony put on his armor and headed upstairs.
Upstairs Balcony
"Who are you?" Tony asked the shadowy figure before him.
The figure didn't answer Tony, instead muttering to himself, "I am Iron Man. Do you think you are the only superhero in the world?"
"Mr. Stark, you are becoming part of a greater universe, you just don't know it yet." The figure turned around, revealing his appearance: dark skin, an eye patch over one eye, no hair on his head, and wearing a black trench coat.
"The Black One-Eyed Man?" Tony quipped.
Nick Fury, who was about to speak, suddenly scowled.
"Sorry, please continue," Tony said, shrugging.
Nick, not wanting to deal with Tony's attitude, turned back to look out the window. "Gamma ray accidents, radioactive insect bites, and costumed men causing trouble—these things are enough to keep me busy."
"And I have to babysit a spoiled playboy who doesn't play well with others and thinks everything is his toy."
"Who the hell are you?" Tony's smile vanished, and his voice became irritated.
"Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm here to talk to you about the Avengers Initiative," Nick replied, turning back. Seeing Tony annoyed made him feel a little better.
"Why are we getting revenge?" Tony asked confusedly.
Nick answered seriously, "For everyone who has crossed us."
"Alright, can you guys help me catch the person who bombed my Stark Tower and bring him to me right now?" Tony asked.
"If we bring him to you, will you join us?" Nick asked, dodging Tony's question.
Tony shook his head. "No. The front door is that way." He had heard of S.H.I.E.L.D.Pepper Potts had told him about them after his fight with Iron Monger, and he had looked up their information.
"You will join us," Nick said confidently, turning to walk away without further argument.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., is he using the front door?" Tony asked.
"Yes, Sir."
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