Chapter 415: Tony's Plan
Hope lowered her head in exasperation, giving Scott a sharp look for shouting about things he didn't even understand.
Hank Pym, standing nearby, knew a bit more. The Scepter was brought to Earth by Loki, the mastermind behind the Battle of New York.
"It seems S.H.I.E.L.D. has put out a warrant for Stark, demanding his arrest," Scott added.
"Don't go. I have no fondness for them," Hank said firmly. He had zero goodwill toward S.H.I.E.L.D. or Howard Stark's legacy, having broken ties with the agency long ago. He was still a bit annoyed that Scott had taken it upon himself to help Captain America during the Avengers' Civil War.
"Ah... I understand," Scott said, though he didn't really take Hank's words to heart. The words Stark had said to him in the prison—Who are you?—had left a lasting impression.
"Anyway, stay out of the business between Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D.," Hank said irritably before leaving the room.
"What's up with your dad?" Scott asked, taking a bite of an egg tart. Why was Hank so angry?
"Sigh~" Hope simply sighed.
Queens
Nick Fury hadn't missed anyone. Even Peter, who was deathly focused on calculating the decay algorithm, received Nick's message.
"Mr. Stark?" Peter snapped out of his trance-like calculation upon hearing the news. He looked up and realized it was already 4:30 PM. Usually, Aunt May would have called him for a snack by now.
In the next room, sensing that Peter had been disturbed, Silas peeled the Soundproofing Talisman off the wall. While the talisman blocked external sounds, it couldn't stop electronic devices. Just as Silas put it away, Peter rushed into his room.
"Silas, this is bad! Something huge has happened!" Peter said anxiously.
Silas was likely the only one involved in the Civil War who hadn't been contacted by Nick. That was because Nick didn't know how to reach Silas—he didn't even know who Silas was. Among the Avengers, only Stark knew Silas's identity as Destiny (excluding Wanda).
"What's wrong? What happened?" Silas asked, feigning ignorance. Regarding Tony's situation, Silas could only offer a silent apology, but he knew that as long as he was around, Stark would never truly be in danger.
"See for yourself, Silas." Peter pulled up his phone and played an email. Nick Fury's stern face appeared on the screen, explaining the situation and asking Spider-Man to help bring in Iron Man.
"Do you believe Stark?" Silas asked.
"I'm not sure. In my mind, Mr. Stark isn't that kind of person, but..." Peter was torn. If Stark really had the Scepter and intended to research AI, Peter knew he had to stop him. Ultron had left a deep scar, nearly burying the Earth under Sokovia.
"It all depends on what you think, Peter," Silas offered no advice, leaving it to his brother. "By the way, I won't be participating this time." Silas chose to stay on the sidelines unless Stark truly needed him. He already had a backup plan to ensure things ended perfectly.
Peter didn't say anything more and went back to his room to clear his head. Deep down, he wanted to believe Mr. Stark wouldn't do it.
"Nobody would ever guess the thing is actually with me," Silas smiled lightly. Since Vision wouldn't be appearing, who knew what S.H.I.E.L.D. would do with the Scepter? If they accidentally attracted Thanos early, Silas himself would be in trouble.
In the next room, Peter no longer had the heart to work on the decay algorithm. He tossed the formulas aside, swept the notebooks and pens off his bed, and collapsed onto it.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Who is it?" Peter asked listlessly.
"It's me, Peter. You sound a bit off?" Aunt May's voice came from outside.
"Nothing, May!" Peter scrambled up and opened the door.
"You... remember to clean your room when you have time," May said, glimpsing the wreckage of his room through the gap.
Peter scratched his head sheepishly. "I was busy. Did you need something?"
"I've been calling you for snacks, but you didn't answer. Silas said you were busy, but since it's past four, I wanted to see if you wanted some," May explained.
"Uh... did you call me?" Peter wondered why he hadn't heard a single sound.
"I did. Silas heard me, but you didn't respond," May said helplessly.
"I'm really sorry, I was just too focused." Peter figured he must have been too deep in thought to hear her.
"Do you want some? I brought them up." May held out a tray of cookies. She often made snacks for the Parker brothers in the afternoon.
"Of course, thanks." Peter took the cookies happily. After a brief chat, May headed back downstairs.
"Mmm~ so good." Peter took a bite, feeling a sense of happiness that eased his anxiety over Mr. Stark. He set the cookies down and sat at his computer. He decided to send an email to Mr. Stark. Rather than guessing, he wanted to ask him directly. He believed Mr. Stark wouldn't lie to him.
The Villa
"Whoa~ Wanda! Get over here!" Pietro shouted.
"No need, I already got the message." Wanda walked over to Pietro, holding up her own communicator.
"It's unbelievable. The Scepter we've been looking for is with Stark," Pietro said, stunned. Stark had been quite good to them, especially regarding Wanda. When the government wanted to imprison her, Stark used his influence to let her stay at the villa instead. After the Civil War, he even created new identities for them.
"Do you believe it?" Wanda asked.
"I... I don't know." Pietro sighed. Things weren't looking good for Stark.
"I believe him," Wanda said without hesitation. At the very least, Stark's intentions had always been for the good of the Avengers. He had no reason to hide the Scepter like this.
Pietro stared at her for a moment, then nodded. "If you believe him, then so do I."
"We're on his side this time," Wanda said firmly.
"Fine, Wanda. I've been on Stark's side from the start anyway—you're the one who picked the wrong side last time," Pietro joked.
"Hmm?" Wanda's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Uh-oh!" Pietro immediately covered his mouth, sensing he was in trouble.
North Hempstead
Tony was currently in this town, where he had built a secret base in advance.
"According to the data I've intercepted, Sir, Director Fury has sent your information to all the Avengers," JARVIS reported.
"Has he?" Tony's face showed no surprise; he had expected this from Nick.
"Also, Sir, Peter Parker has sent an email asking if what the Director said is true."
Hearing this, Tony's expression finally changed. The hand that had been working on the console stopped. After a minute of silence, he spoke.
"Reply to him. Ask him what he thinks." Tony didn't intend to explain himself directly. To him, the people who needed explanations were those who didn't trust him, and explaining to them was usually pointless anyway.
"JARVIS, do you know what I'm doing right now?" Tony waved his hand, and a massive holographic map appeared before him.
"I am not certain, Sir."
"Heh~ If possible, the Avengers will reunite." Tony's eyes fell on the various red dots marked on the map.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!