Even though Peter didn't consume an ounce of stamina using the Horse Talisman, and even though he could have restored all of Brooklyn in mere minutes, he chose a different path.
To better win over the hearts of the people and to stack political capital for his father-in-law, Peter deliberately throttled his speed.
Several times during the process, he made sure to pant heavily and grit his teeth in front of the live cameras, looking like a man pushing himself to the absolute brink.
The moment the last piece of rubble was restored, and the entirety of Brooklyn stood pristine once more, Peter's body swayed. He tilted backward, falling straight as a board.
Before anyone else could react, Tony—still in his armor—streaked through the air and caught Peter mid-fall. He carried him toward the cameras and addressed Jameson.
"The Arbiter has overexerted himself. He needs immediate rest. I am taking him to my private medical facility for recuperation."
"Furthermore," Tony added, seizing the moment to boost Stark Industries' image, "to honor the Arbiter's sacrifice for Brooklyn, Stark Industries will fund the construction of Arbiter Square. At its center, a massive statue will be erected to commemorate what happened today."
After delivering the PR masterpiece, Tony glanced at George Stacy. "Captain Stacy, I'm leaving the rest to you."
George was no amateur. He tipped his cap toward Tony and the unconscious Peter in a show of respect, then turned to the cameras.
With a face full of solemn duty, he declared that the NYPD would work through the night to maintain order and ensure not a single secondary crime occurred in the restored borough.
With George's public image successfully bolstered, Tony gestured for Jameson to keep the focus on the Captain. He then turned to Captain America, who was still looking a bit dazed.
"Time to go, Captain. Remember to bring that body over there."
Once Steve had blankly hoisted the remains of the Abomination onto the helicopter, Tony turned his attention to Betty Ross. "Ma'am, would you and your friend like to join us?"
Betty was a devoted daughter, but she was sharp. She knew her father, even stripped of power, would never accept Banner, and she feared the military might vent their frustrations on Bruce while he was vulnerable. She nodded without hesitation. "I'm coming with you."
Seeing Betty and the unconscious Banner board, Nick Fury tried to slip into the cabin as well. But Tony, having just set Peter down, blocked the doorway.
"Nic— Agent Fury. Arbiter just gave me a very difficult mission to pass on to you."
"What?" Fury asked, bewildered.
"Keep an eye on the old man over there," Tony jerked his chin toward Ross. "Stay with him 24/7 until he no longer has the capability to threaten the Director or his family.
The Arbiter said if that old geezer pulls any more stunts, your fate will be identical to his."
Fury felt a surge of rage so sharp he nearly choked on his own breath. Motherf—!I, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., am being sent on a low-level tailing mission? He wants us to keep biting each other like dogs? This isn't just an insult; it's psychological warfare!
Yet, under Tony's metallic gaze, he couldn't say no. He certainly couldn't align himself with a disgraced Ross. Gritting his teeth, Fury forced a smile. "Mission accepted."
Once the cabin door hissed shut and the helicopter began to rumble, Tony realized a glaring problem. The pilot had been too close to Peter during the Haki release; he was still out cold.
Tony had flown private jets, but he had never actually piloted an attack helicopter...
As Tony struggled with the controls, Peter—who had been "unconscious"—suddenly sat up. "Aha~ I didn't think there was anything the 'Genius' Tony Stark couldn't handle."
"Who says I can't handle it!" . Forgetting his concern for Peter's "health," his stubborn pride took over. "It's just a matter of glancing at the flight manual for a few seconds~"
He moved to shove the pilot aside to prove his genius.
"Forget it. I trust this more than your driving," Peter said with a snap of his fingers.
In the next second, the Wheel of Fortune—which had been attached to Peter's flight board (and had teleported along with his earlier arrival)—shifted onto the helicopter.
As the Stand took over, the sound of grinding metal and shifting plates filled the cabin! The frame lengthened, the top and tail rotors retracted at high speed, and sleek, sci-fi-esque vector nozzles emerged from the sides.
Within heartbeats, the mundane military chopper had transformed into a high-speed transport resembling a Quinjet!
"Holy shit!" Tony's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He rushed to the window, watching the jet ascend autonomously without a pilot. "This... this is unscientific! Fuck, I mean, even for magic, this is ridiculous!"
"Relax~" Peter stretched lazily, sinking into a now-luxurious leather seat. "Magic has to keep up with the times, too."
As the two discussed "magical aerodynamics," a hesitant voice came from the side.
"Peter..."
"What is it, Captain? Motion sickness?" Peter turned, smiling at Steve.
"No, it's not that..." Steve's expression was tortured. "I just feel... what you did today... was it a bit too much?"
His voice trembled slightly. He wasn't exactly accusing Peter; he was looking for an answer. An answer that would allow him to reconcile his conscience with what he had witnessed.
"Too much?" Peter's smile turned mocking.
"General Ross tried to frame me once, then hid intel and let a monster destroy Brooklyn to catch Hulk. Was that 'too much'?"
"That 'Director Fury' ignored the lives of thousands, waiting for the perfect moment to jump in and play the hero. Was that 'too much'?"
"I saved the entirety of Brooklyn, yet the President didn't offer a single word of praise—he only wanted to shut me up so I'd stay in the country. Was that 'too much'?"
"Compared to them, was threatening a corrupt President to protect myself really 'too much'?"
Steve waved his hands dismissively. "Peter, I'm not saying your act of saving the city was wrong. I just think Nick Fury... Director Fury..."
Peter cut him off brutally. "Captain, you've been observing Fury for a while now. I'll ask you one thing."
"Do you honestly believe that man is a selfless, transparent, and honorable leader?"
The question struck Steve like a physical blow. He fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.
"See?" Peter clapped his hands together with a sharp crack.
"Silent again the moment you hit a hard question."
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