Chapter 87: I Can't Shake the Feeling That Something Is Off

Having completed the transformation of Hill, Roald returned to his modest home in Queens, beginning the monotonous reclusive life befitting a Lich King.

The television was airing today’s latest news from the New York station. A reporter, microphone in hand, was about to deliver a live broadcast in front of Stark Tower. Peter Parker flashed across the screen, and the reporter suddenly found herself holding a fresh set of documents.

Startled by the file Spider-Man tossed her, she quickly became engrossed in the material, its headline reading: “Shocking! What Has Happened to Mr. Stark!” She then began broadcasting to all of New York.

“I imagine that while everyone sympathizes with Mr. Stark’s predicament, you’re also quite curious about what exactly has happened to him. The following information is generously provided by Spider-Man: the latest news described in ‘Shocking! What Has Happened to Mr. Stark!’ Now, Susan Samuel from Liberty Magazine is reporting live.”

“This morning, New York’s new landmark, Stark Tower, was attacked by unknown forces. According to Spider-Man’s account in ‘Shocking! What Has Happened to Mr. Stark!’, this was actually Mr. Stark conducting new energy research. Although part of the tower was destroyed in the experiment, Iron Man Tony Stark has stated that the new technology has been successfully developed.”

“Hmm, congratulations…” The reporter made an awkward but polite gesture.

“Mr. Tony Stark assures the citizens of New York: trust in the heritage of Stark Industries, believe in the effectiveness of Stark Industries’ new energy, trust that Stark Industries can bring new changes to your lives, and believe he can handle everything. He welcomes everyone to attend his new product launch…”

Susan felt the tone was becoming strange. It felt as if she were advertising for Stark—for free, no less. That was intolerable; she wasn’t about to broadcast for nothing, not without compensation from Stark. She quickly shifted the coverage: “Next, let’s take a look at the footage Spider-Man happened to capture as he passed by.”

The video showed Stark Tower, its top floor erupting in fire and explosions, as if the crown of the building had been blasted away. Tony was enveloped in a spectral blue energy, dueling midair with a crimson figure astride a warhorse. The energies radiating from both clashed and flickered like a dizzying rainbow. On the rooftop below, another figure, wreathed in flames, roared loudly.

Soon, the screen showed Spider-Man dangling upside down, filming something and shouting excitedly, swinging along the elevated tracks, “Hey, folks, it’s crazy! It’s amazing! Mr. Stark is just so cool. Hey, my friends, did you see that? That’s Stark, my idol. I know you’re curious about the fiery guy—let’s go ask him. Oh, and the horse—it likes the carrots from Shop A-17 at the Third Market in Queens. We’re already friends…”

Susan: “???”

Roald: “Is this some sort of joke?”

New Yorkers: “Let’s just enjoy the spectacle…”

No one could say how Stark would feel about this broadcast, but it seemed likely that Peter Parker’s salary would be going up this month.

As Tony’s protégé, Peter Parker was a little too devoted to him. Now flush with cash, Peter was letting loose. But Tony enjoyed being admired, no matter how excessive, and by whomever.

Roald switched the TV off. He already knew what had happened at Stark’s place—he’d learned everything through Vekarn’s psychic link.

The Extremis virus, AIM, Killian—the saga belonging to Stark was unfolding.

Back when he’d collaborated with Norman Osborn, Roald wanted to acquire the Extremis virus, but the intelligence was inaccurate and he hadn’t found it. Now, he had no need for it.

He had no interest in participating in that storyline, nor would it yield any valuable returns. Stark would inevitably join the ranks of the Scourge; there was no need to rush.

Roald’s attention was on another matter.

The Helicarrier was now under Hill’s control, currently docked in Washington. The next phase of his plan could begin.

Or, to acquire the Reality Stone, then use its power to alter the energy of the Helicarrier, transforming it into a true floating fortress.

Meanwhile, Nick Fury, after failing to receive any intelligence from the Helicarrier crew for a long time, sensed something was amiss.

Rogers, intent on uncovering Bucky’s identity, began his own plan, preparing to enter the Helicarrier in search of information.

Roald instructed Hill to monitor Rogers, and was also preparing to send Sindragosa to Britain.

In Thor: Ragnarok, the Reality Stone was closely tied to the Dark Elves and Jane Foster.

Find Jane, and the subsequent tasks would become much easier.

Roald immediately reached out to Hill via their psychic link, and learned the general information about Jane Foster.

Moreover, Roald needed Jane Foster to become the new Valkyrie.

Through her, perhaps he could enter Asgard, or obtain the Reality Stone.

“Do you desire power?”

Once everything was handled, Roald sat out on the terrace, following the intelligence relayed by Hill, and used the Mind Stone to radiate his whispers across New York, gradually tracing clues to Jane Foster.

As Roald’s incessant whispering disturbed the sleep of New Yorkers, the dawn broke over Washington, DC.

A new day arrived.

At the headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Washington—or rather, the S.H.I.E.L.D. now controlled by Hill—a Quinjet descended onto the rooftop helipad.

Hill, now back in her S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform, waited for Rogers or Nick Fury to arrive.

The aircraft landed smoothly; the rear hatch opened, and Steve Rogers, shield in hand, stepped out first, immediately spotting Hill waiting on the distant bridge.

Though Hill had always been tough and seemingly devoid of warmth, Rogers felt that she now seemed even colder.

A soldier’s instinct told him something was off. He raised his shield, staying on alert.

Noticing his action, the members of the Defenders squad behind him also tensed up. Matt and Colleen felt it more keenly—Matt’s heightened senses told him something was wrong, and Colleen’s chi perception made her feel as though she was facing a group of mindless corpses.

“Matt…” Colleen quietly warned.

“I know, I sense something’s off too, but the Captain’s in charge.”

Elsewhere, in a safe house, Nick Fury watched Rogers and his team’s actions via computer, analyzing everything. Rogers’ mission was simple: extract Danny, then find the Winter Soldier’s files to use them as leverage to ease tensions with Stark.

He was executing his own plan.