In the early morning, New York was bathed in pale golden sunlight.
The glass curtain walls of high-rise buildings reflected the morning sun, traffic on the streets gradually thickened, and steam from coffee shops condensed into white mist in the cold air.
Damian stood in front of the apartment window and yawned. He drew the heavy curtains shut and turned toward the kitchen.
The TV in the living room was on, and the morning news anchor was reporting the weather in a professional tone.
"Urgent interruption with important news: Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Industries, was rescued last night and has returned safely to New York…"
At the sound of the announcement, Damian froze for a moment—then immediately turned off the stove and rushed into the living room to watch the broadcast.
On the screen, Tony Stark, wearing a wrinkled suit and a bandage on his left hand, was helped down from the transport plane by Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes.
Though pale, he still wore his signature sardonic smile. Most striking was the arc reactor glowing faintly on his chest—more like a soft blue beacon than a simple LED light.
Just then, two F-22 Raptor fighter jets roared overhead in low-altitude formation, leaving long contrails beneath the rising sun.
The news anchor's calm, authoritative voice continued from off-screen:
"Mr. Stark has announced he will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. today to reveal major decisions regarding the future of Stark Industries…"
Damian frowned and pulled out his phone. Glancing at the time, he realized Tony Stark had returned far earlier than in the original timeline.
So it had worked—his warning to Pepper about Obadiah Stane.
Moments later, another news segment confirmed his suspicion.
"In related news, Stark Industries executive Obadiah Stane was arrested last night by a joint task force—including agents from the FBI and NYPD—on suspicion of financial fraud, tax evasion, and other charges. No further details have been released…"
As the anchor finished speaking, the camera cut to a high-end Manhattan apartment. Obadiah Stane, clad in pajamas, was escorted from the elevator by federal agents, the tassel of his nightcap still dangling from his bald head.
The broadcast then shifted to Pepper Potts at a press conference.
She stood before the Stark Industries logo in a tailored navy-blue suit. Amid the flashing cameras, she remained poised and professional, addressing the crowd with measured grace:
"First and foremost, on behalf of all Stark Industries employees, I want to express our profound relief at Mr. Stark's safe return.
"While Mr. Stane is under investigation, the board of directors has unanimously appointed me as interim CEO of Stark Industries. In this role, I will…"
She paused, scanning the room of reporters, then continued in a clear, resolute voice:
"We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities. Stark Industries has always operated with integrity, and any breach of our ethical or legal standards will be met with zero tolerance.
"Mr. Stark will personally outline the company's future direction this afternoon.
"But I can assure you: Stark Industries remains committed to innovation and to contributing to global security."
When pressed for details about Obadiah Stane's alleged crimes, she responded diplomatically:
"The investigation is ongoing. We respect the judicial process and cannot comment further at this time."
———————————
Washington, D.C. — S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters
Phil Coulson rubbed his sore eyes and knocked lightly on the oak door of the director's office.
"Come in."
Nick Fury's voice came from inside.
Coulson pushed the door open, placed a thick stack of documents on the desk, and said,
"Director, these are the latest developments regarding Obadiah Stane. Please review them."
Fury picked up the top file, scanned the cover with his one eye, and asked,
"He talked?"
"Not yet—but it won't take long. We've confirmed his financial transactions with the Ten Rings, including three encrypted transfers totaling $48 million.
Stane still denies colluding with terrorists, claiming those payments were merely 'business consulting fees' and that he has no knowledge of the weapons bearing the Stark Industries logo.
The interrogation team's arranging room service for him. Based on my experience, he'll crack within half an hour."
Coulson glanced at his watch with quiet confidence.
"What about Afghanistan?" Fury asked.
Coulson pulled up a satellite image on his tablet and handed it over.
"The intel's been passed to the military. The 10th Mountain Division has sealed off the valley where Stark was found and is conducting a full sweep of the surrounding caves.
Once they locate anything, the S.H.I.E.L.D. liaison team on the ground will report immediately."
Fury nodded, then swiped to another set of blurry surveillance images—two unidentified individuals labeled "Subject Alpha" and "Subject Beta."
"Any leads on these two 'special individuals'?"
Coulson sighed. "Nothing concrete. The woman—codenamed 'Thundergirl'—was first and last sighted during the Manhattan incident, then vanished completely. No credit card activity, no traffic cam hits, not even thermal signatures.
The man—'Night Owl'—is equally elusive, though he surfaces more often. We've managed to piece together a partial profile from witness accounts.
For instance, Pepper Potts confirmed it was Night Owl who provided the key evidence linking Stane to the Ten Rings and illegal arms trafficking.
There's also an outstanding $7 million payment owed to him. Pepper agreed to transfer the funds once the intel's verified. If he wants his money, he'll show."
"Then keep close tabs on Potts," Fury ordered. "Alert me the moment anything changes."
"We're already monitoring all known Stark Industries touchpoints—safe houses, private jets, even the coffee shop Ms. Potts frequents.
I'll report anything the second it breaks."
Fury gave a curt nod, then rose and walked over to the holographic display. He zoomed in on Night Owl's grainy image.
"Has the expert team's assessment on him come in yet?"
Coulson smoothly extracted a file from the stack and handed it over.
"It just arrived. Key findings:
Based on video analysis from the U.S. Route 9 incident and the New York abandoned factory confrontation, Night Owl demonstrates the ability to punch through 30mm rolled homogeneous armor, move at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, and generate flames with temperatures above 3,000°C.
His signature weapon—a massive blade—appears to be composed of an unknown alloy. Preliminary tests suggest its hardness and tensile strength exceed even vibranium.
In summary, the task force estimates a single Night Owl possesses combat capabilities equivalent to an armored brigade, with an urban threat rating classified as 'S-level.'
As for recruitment potential… the psychological team gives it a 2.7% probability."
Fury raised an eyebrow. "That low?"
Coulson offered a wry, tired smile.
"The behavioral analysts say he shows no allegiance to any existing institution or ideology. His actions during intel exchanges don't align with mercenaries, ideologues, or even vigilantes…"
"Then what is he?" Fury pressed.
Coulson hesitated, then said quietly:
"A tourist."