Wakanda Research Center
Nebula was secured on a Vibranium experimental bed, dozens of thin data cables connected to her head, each flickering with a faint luminescence.
Tony and Su Rui stood before the holographic projection, their brows furrowed as they stared at the continuously flowing alien code.
"This thing is more complex than I imagined," Tony rubbed his Sun, his face looking a bit tired, "Thanos's encryption technology is practically stolen from the future."
Su Rui's fingers tapped rapidly on the holographic keyboard, the data stream projected by her kimoyo bracelet constantly changing: "Her memory storage structure is completely different from ours; we have to crack the basic language logic before we can read any valid information."
Tony sighed: "So, we're essentially trying to decipher a diary written in an alien language, and this diary also has a self-destruct program?"
"Pretty much," Su Rui nodded, a glint of defiance in her eyes, "But even the most complex system has vulnerabilities; just give me some time."
Tony glanced at the unconscious Nebula, her mechanical face occasionally twitching under the onslaught of the data stream, as if struggling in a nightmare.
He pursed his lips and suddenly asked, "Does she feel pain?"
Su Rui's fingers paused for a moment, then continued operating: "Theoretically, her pain receptors have been modified by Thanos into a signal feedback system, not true 'pain,' but... if the data stream overloads, her consciousness might produce a stress response similar to pain."
Tony was silent for a while, then whispered, "Then take it slow."
Su Rui looked at him, a slight smile on her lips: "I thought you'd want to pry open her head as quickly as possible."
Tony shrugged: "I did, but... I don't think Chen Tian would want me to become that kind of person."
The laboratory door slid open, and Steve and Natasha walked in.
Steve's gaze swept over Nebula, then turned to Tony: "Any progress?"
Tony shook his head: "Still cracking the basic language layer; the alien code is harder to chew through than Wakanda's Vibranium."
Natasha walked to the experimental bed, looking at Nebula with cold eyes: "How long has she been unconscious?"
"Six hours," Su Rui replied, "Your tranquilizer's effect on her is diminishing; she could wake up at any moment."
Natasha's red lips thinned into a line: "If she wakes up, call me; I'll give her another shot."
Tony raised an eyebrow, a rare smile appearing on his face again: "Wow, Black Widow is extra cranky today."
Natasha gave him a cold glance: "Chen Tian's life is hanging in the balance, and she's the only clue.
Do you think I'm in the mood for jokes?"
Tony raised his hands: "Alright, alright, I was wrong."
Steve walked to the holographic projection, frowning at the flickering code: "So, we have no idea where Chen Tian was teleported?"
"As of now, no," Su Rui sighed, "Her memory only contains fragments of mission execution; Thanos never told her the complete plan."
"It seems this Thanos is extremely ruthless," Tony sneered, "For him, everyone is just a pawn."
Not long after, the automatic door of the laboratory silently slid open, and 2B's slender figure appeared at the entrance.
"Master is very safe now," 2B said, looking at everyone, her tactical goggles slightly turning towards the restrained Nebula.
This gesture made everyone understand the subtext—some things were not suitable to be said in front of this 'pawn of Thanos.'
Natasha's red lips curled into a cold smile, her slender index finger gently tapping Nebula's nape; Nebula's body twitched a few times, then fell silent again.
Su Rui's fingers quickly swiped on the tablet, and the holographic projection showed that the entire laboratory was now enveloped by a Vibranium-grade electromagnetic barrier.
Only then did 2B extend her hand, a chip glowing with a faint blue light appearing in her palm.
Tony practically snatched it and inserted it into a reader, and Chen Tian's holographic image immediately expanded in the center of the laboratory.
"Hey everyone, miss me? I disappeared again, hahaha," Chen Tian laughed lightheartedly in the projection.
"I'm on Xandar now; that damned purple potato monster teleported me here.
Fortunately, I wasn't affected by the Space Channel, so you don't need to worry too much," Chen Tian shrugged and spread his hands.
Tony finally let out a sigh of relief, "This guy, everyone's worried about him, but he's still so carefree."
The video of Chen Tian continued, "I can't go back for now.
I'll try to bring back some alien technology to upgrade the Arbitrators' tech, so," Chen Tian sat up straight.
"What you need to do first is to eliminate any remaining threats from Thanos on Earth.
2B, Dante, and the others will support your actions on Earth."
"Secondly, quell the conflicts in Africa and monitor dimensional changes."
"I'll be back as soon as possible.
If I can, I'll try to eliminate Thanos's threat outside of Earth.
Oh, and."
Chen Tian remembered something, "Tony, try to contact Thor and have him check if the Reality Stone, Space Stone, and Mind Stone in Odin's vault are missing.
If they're not, have him give them to Bayonetta."
At this point, Chen Tian leaned back lazily in his chair, "Tony, take good care of Earth.
I don't want to come back and see a chaotic mess.
Also, I left you a surprise; 2B will give it to you."
Chen Tian winked at everyone, "Don't miss me too much, love you all, heart sign ~"
The video projection slowly dissipated into the air, and the tense atmosphere in the laboratory finally relaxed.
Tony dramatically spread his hands: "This kid is having fun in space, and he doesn't even want to bring his Uncle Tony?"
He deliberately drew out his words, "My 'Eclipse' armor can fly in space too."
Natasha's tense shoulders finally relaxed, "I knew that kid wouldn't get into trouble that easily."
She twirled a strand of red hair with her slender fingers, "But when he comes back, I'll have to teach him how not to worry his sister."
Steve shook his head with a helpless smile: "Chen Tian's personality has been corrupted by Tony."
Saying that, he ignored Tony's disgruntled protest and looked at 2B, "What's the 'surprise' he mentioned?"
2B proactively walked to Su Rui, took Su Rui's tablet, and placed her finger on the tablet, data streaming across her tactical goggles.
A holographic projection expanded in the laboratory, with large characters reading 'Arbitrators Recruitment Plan.'
Tony stared at the 'Arbitrators Recruitment Plan' on the holographic projection, his eyebrows raised high: "This kid... secretly set up an HR department behind my back?"
Steve carefully examined the files of Nightcrawler, Cyclops, and Bobby, deep in thought: "Scott and Bobby, I've fought alongside them; they're both reliable warriors.
But the situation with the X-Men..."
"Professor Charles is indeed in a difficult situation right now," Natasha interjected, her finger lightly tapping the Mutant Academy's mark in the projection, "After the Council disbanded, the Mutants lost their last official protection.
Although they collaborated with the Arbitrators once before, which eased their situation slightly, discrimination against Mutants by ordinary people still exists."
"Selecting a few from the X-Men to join the Arbitrators won't be difficult; Professor Charles won't refuse.
He urgently hopes to showcase the Mutants' righteousness to the public right now."
Tony turned to 2B, "Did Chen Tian leave any other instructions? About the specific implementation plan for this recruitment program?"
2B's tactical goggles flickered: "Master suggests prioritizing contact with Nightcrawler.
His solo efforts have already caused dissatisfaction among the major gangs in Hell's Kitchen, and they are trying to deal with him."
"Matt Murdock?" Natasha chuckled, "That stubborn lawyer? I bet he'll frown at the word 'organization'."
2B spoke again, "Master specifically mentioned that there are also some potential candidates in Professor Charles's Xavier Academy, but they haven't matured yet and need to be included in long-term assessment."
After listening to 2B, Tony clapped his hands: "In that case, let's get busy!"
He turned to Su Rui, a characteristic Stark smile on his face: "Little princess, would you consider coming to the Arbitrators as a research assistant?
I'm really looking forward to collaborating with Wakanda's smartest brain."
Su Rui crossed her arms, a slight smile on her lips: "Mr. Stark, I can collaborate with the Arbitrators just as well from Wakanda.
Besides..." She winked slyly, "I don't want to listen to your narcissistic speeches every day."
"Hey!" Tony dramatically clutched his chest, "That really hurts.
But..." He shrugged, "Wakanda's lab isn't much worse than mine."
2B timely interrupted their bickering: "Master specifically instructed that Mr. Stark and Mr. Rogers jointly serve as the assessors for the recruitment plan."
Steve raised an eyebrow at this: "Chen Tian, that kid... he certainly knows how to arrange things."
He looked at Tony, "Looks like we'll have to cooperate well."
Tony made a face: "Don't worry, Old Ice Pop, I'll take care of you."
He turned to Natasha, "As for you, want to come meet Nightcrawler with me?"
Natasha elegantly tossed her red hair: "That's exactly what I was thinking.
Matt Murdock isn't that easy to persuade; he'll need some... special negotiation skills."
"Then it's settled," Tony snapped his fingers, "Steve, you and Banner are in charge of contacting the X-Academy.
Natasha and I will go check out Hell's Kitchen."
He looked at 2B, "As for you..."
2B nodded slightly: "I will remain at headquarters, coordinating with Jarvis to monitor global anomalies.
Dante and Uchiha Madara have already departed for the Africa warzone."
Su Rui suddenly interrupted: "Wait, you're just leaving?"
She pointed to Nebula on the experimental bed, "What about this 'trophy'?"
The laboratory immediately fell silent.
Tony stroked his chin, thinking for a moment: "Keep her for now.
Some of the alien technology on her can still improve our technological level."
He looked at Natasha, "Can you give her another shot?
Make sure she doesn't wake up before we get back."
Natasha had already pulled out the syringe: "Gladly."
She skillfully pressed her fingertip into Nebula's neck port, and the poor Nebula was injected with an even stronger toxin.
It was unknown if she would become an idiot after waking up.
"Alright, everyone," Tony clapped his hands, "Let's start this 'talent fair.'
I hope Chen Tian sees a stronger Arbitrators team when he returns."
Steve picked up his shield, a slight smile on his lips: "At least this time, we don't have to worry about him suddenly disappearing anymore."
Tony walked towards the laboratory door, then suddenly turned back: "Oh, and Su Rui, even though you refused my invitation, the laboratory door is always open for you.
After all..." He winked, "Geniuses always appreciate each other."
Su Rui rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips couldn't be hidden: "Go on, Mr. Stark.
Your narcissism level is seriously off the charts."
The moment Tony and Natasha boarded the Silver Winged Star, the fighter jet's AI system automatically activated, and a faint blue holographic projection lit up in the cockpit.
As Tony buckled his seatbelt, 2B's voice suddenly came through the communicator: "Mr. Stark, Master also prepared a special gift for you, inside your 'lovely' armor."
Tony's fingers hovered above the control panel, his brows slightly furrowed: "Wait, what's that little rascal up to now..." He suddenly paused, his expression turning strange, "It couldn't be..."
Natasha, who had already buckled her seatbelt, raised an eyebrow at his words: "What? Our genius inventor suddenly has amnesia?" Her red lips curled into a smile, "I remember someone has a particularly 'cute' suit of armor..."
"Shut up, Natasha." Tony gritted his teeth and pressed the communication button, "2B, you'd better tell me that suit has been destroyed."
2B's voice remained calm: "The Mark-2 original prototype is currently stored in your armor bay, Master specifically instructed that the gift is located beneath the armor's left foot."
Tony slapped his forehead: "I knew it! That kid holds a grudge too much! He hasn't forgotten that prank at the Stark Charity Gala."
Natasha finally couldn't help but laugh aloud: "Tony, are you sure that was just a prank? You know, that car was replayed repeatedly on major media and online platforms the next day, even paired with Chen Tian's embarrassed face."
"That's art!" Tony retorted stubbornly, while quickly inputting commands to pull up the hangar surveillance. The holographic screen immediately displayed the Mark-2 armor painted with a Hello Kitty theme—a pink body adorned with exaggerated cat whiskers, and a pair of fluffy cat ears decorating the helmet.
Tony's expression was as if he had swallowed a lemon: "Friday, immediately initiate the armor's self-destruct sequence!"
"I'm sorry, Boss," Friday's voice responded, "Mr. Chen has modified the system permissions; this command requires biometric confirmation."
Natasha was already shaking with laughter: "Do you need me to help take a commemorative photo? The Arbitrators' group chat would surely welcome this picture."
Tony glared at her fiercely, then reluctantly said: "Fux! Alright, I'll go see what that little rascal is up to!"
When the two arrived at the Arbitrator Tower's armor bay in the Silver Winged Star at an extremely fast speed, the ridiculous armor appeared even more glaring under the lights.
"Friday, open the armor's isolation barrier."
"I'm sorry, Boss, the barrier has been set with a bio-voice password by Mr. Chen. I cannot open it."
Tony spread his hands to Natasha, "Nobody told me the password, so let's just forget about it."
Tony was about to back out, but 2B's voice rang out again, "Mr. Stark, please approach the barrier. After scanning your pupils, the password will automatically display."
Tony didn't want to do it. He knew Chen Tian was definitely going to prank him, but Natasha pushed him closer to the barrier.
Tony stood in front of the armor bay's isolation barrier, his expression fluctuating. He took a deep breath and slowly approached the barrier, allowing the scanning beam to pass over his pupils.
A line of flashing pink text appeared on the holographic screen:
"My name is Tony Stank, I'm a billionaire, and also a little princess who loves Barbie dolls and Hello Kitty. Pinky Pinky, Sparkly Little Pink Star ~ Princess Tony ~" (Now, by my command, Pinky Pinky, Sparkly Little Pink Star ~ Princess Tony ~)
The entire armor bay fell into a deathly silence.
Natasha suddenly covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking violently: "I... I need... to record this..." She fumbled for her phone, "Friday... can... can you play it again?"
Tony's face turned from red to green, and finally to a strange purple: "That little rascal..." He gritted his teeth, "I swear, when he comes back..."
"Mr. Stark," 2B reminded him at the opportune moment, but if one listened closely, one could hear 2B barely suppressing laughter, "You need to fully recite the password to deactivate the barrier."
Tony closed his eyes, took a deep breath: "Alright. I am Tony Stank, a billionaire, a little princess who loves Barbie dolls and Hello Kitty ~ Now, by my command, Pinky Pinky, Sparkly Little Pink Star ~ Princess Tony ~"
As the last syllable fell, the isolation barrier made a soft 'ding' sound and slowly rose. What was even more maddening was that the entire armor bay suddenly played the cheerful 'Barbie Girl' background music, and pink lights flashed all around.
Natasha was already laughing so hard she was squatting on the ground, her red hair shaking with her body: "Tony... I never knew... you had such... hobbies..."
Tony, with a livid face, shouted loudly at Friday: "Friday, block all recording functions!"
2B's laughter rang out: "I'm sorry, Mr. Stark, Master specifically set it so that as soon as you recite those words, recording automatically begins. The recording of you reciting the password has already been saved in Master's 'Tony Stank's Cherished Memories'."
"Ah ah ah ah~~~ Damn it!" Tony buried his face in his hands, looking utterly defeated.
Natasha was lying on the ground, laughing. Tony was known for being a prankster, and the Arbitrators had more or less been tricked by him at parties. This was him getting his just deserts.
Tony kicked the armor hard, and the armor plate on its left foot suddenly popped open, revealing a small projection device. Chen Tian's holographic image popped out, a familiar mischievous grin on his face.
"Congratulations, Princess Tony!" The image of Chen Tian laughed, holding his stomach, "I knew you'd do anything for the gift ~"
Tony rolled his eyes exasperatedly. This was a pre-set recording by Chen Tian, so he couldn't exactly vent his anger at a recording.
"Feeling self-conscious? Hahaha!" Chen Tian in the holographic image laughed heartily, but quickly sobered, "Alright, I'm done teasing you. This gift was originally a fallback measure I made, in case something went wrong again when I suddenly wasn't by your side."
Just as Tony was about to erupt, a hidden compartment beneath the armor's foot suddenly popped out a card glowing with golden light. The material was neither gold nor not gold, its surface flowed with patterns like liquid sunlight, emitting a faint hum in the air.
"What is this...?" Tony bent down to pick up the card, a burning sensation on his fingertips.
Engraved on the front of the card was a golden divine bird with outstretched wings—its wingspan, which covered the sky and Sun, was made of pure gold, each feather shimmering with Sun-like flames. The divine bird's head was shaped like a pure gold falcon, its beak open as if to spit flames, its two eyes glowed red, and a large blue gem was on its forehead, with three gems pulsating with an eternal Sun fire.
"Winged Dragon of Ra..." Tony softly uttered the name that appeared in his mind.
The Winged Dragon of Ra on the front of the card seemed to sense Tony's call, changing its posture and turning its head to look at Tony.
[The spirit sings, the ancient power commands all things! Its life, its soul, even its bones. When heaven and earth converge, begin the ritual to summon the Sun God! Descend, Winged Dragon of Ra!]
Chen Tian's image suddenly became more serious than ever: "Tony, this is not a toy, nor is it an ordinary weapon." His projection suddenly magnified, clearly displaying the card's details, "The guy in this card is a true divine beast—an existence countless times more powerful than those two giant dragons in the Himalayas."
The blood-colored patterns on the back of the card suddenly lit up, forming an ancient sealing array. Chen Tian's voice took on a metallic quality: "See these divine blood markers? Each summon consumes one. But that's not the point..." The image suddenly flickered violently, "The point is, if this guy is fully unleashed, he can even contend with a Dimension Demon God head-on."
"So, keep it safe. Although this card can currently only be used by me and you, this is my gift to you, Tony. I hope you can try not to use this card."
"Remember, Tony, if you encounter something you can't solve, let Dante and them handle it. They are very strong, you know that. Do not use this card unless absolutely necessary, after all, the Winged Dragon of Ra's attack has extremely destructive power."
Chen Tian's video projection smiled at Tony, then completely disappeared.
Tony and Natasha stood in the armor bay, the pink lights and 'Barbie Girl' background music still playing, but the two fell into a long silence. The golden card in Tony's palm was slightly warm, pulsating as if alive, and the Winged Dragon of Ra's patterns shimmered with sacred light under the illumination.
Natasha stared at the card, her red lips pressed together. After a long moment, she spoke softly: "This guy... he's not even this good to his sister."
Tony was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly, his fingers gently tracing the runes on the card's edge: "That kid..." He shook his head, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness, yet unable to hide a trace of satisfaction, "He always argues with me usually, but he always considers the long-term."
Natasha crossed her arms, leaning against the armor, a slight smile playing on her lips: "What, touched?"
"Touched?" Tony raised an eyebrow, feigning disdain with a snort, "I'm just wondering where that kid got this level of toy." He looked down at the card, the Winged Dragon of Ra's eyes seemed to be looking back at him, the golden light reflected in his pupils, "But..." He paused, his voice softening, "It's indeed a good gift."
Natasha chuckled softly, reaching out to pat his shoulder: "Alright, stop being so dramatic, Princess Tony."
"Hey!" Tony immediately glared at her, "Don't you dare mention that word again!"
Natasha shrugged, her smile deepening: "Too late, I've already recorded it."
Tony rolled his eyes, but soon, his expression became serious. He looked down at the arc reactor on his chest, silent for a few seconds, then looked up and said: "Friday, help me contact Doctor Wu, and ask him to schedule my removal surgery."
The AI's voice immediately sounded: "I have scheduled Doctor Wu's surgery for you, Boss."
Natasha raised an eyebrow slightly: "What, you suddenly had a change of heart?"
Tony's fingers gently tapped the arc reactor on his chest, a relieved smile playing on his lips: "Yes, perhaps... it's time to take it off."
Natasha watched him, her eyes softening slightly: "If Chen Tian knew, he'd probably be smug for a long time."
"Hmph, let him be smug." Tony snorted, he patted the arc reactor on his chest, the nanoparticles in the reactor would gather on his left chest. He carefully tucked the card into the inner layer of his armor, "Anyway, when he comes back, I'm still going to settle the score with him."
Natasha smiled and shook her head, turning to walk towards the jet: "Let's go, we still have Nightcrawler to see."
Tony took one last look in the direction of the armor bay. The pink lights gradually extinguished, and the music stopped, but the golden card still seemed to emit residual warmth in his palm. He took a deep breath, stepped to follow Natasha, a faint smile on his lips, with a sense of pride akin to 'my child has grown up'.
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(End of Chapter)