New York, Where the Asura Field Doesn't Exist

New York, the world-renowned capital of economy in America.

Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, and LED billboards flashed in a dazzling array.

Today is another peaceful day—not!

On the bustling streets, every half hour, the distinctive local sirens would blare, and the fervent atmosphere of "freedom" was everywhere.

In fact, ever since Tony Stark publicly revealed his identity as Iron Man over a year ago, New York, home to the headquarters of Stark Industries, had become considerably more stable. After all, before criminals could even attempt a crime, they couldn't be sure if the billionaire playboy wouldn't suddenly descend from the sky in his damn cool Iron Suit at Mach speed to send them to meet God.

Although everyone knew Tony Stark rarely intervened in 'petty crimes' like bank robberies, the sheer despair of facing an opponent with no chance of escape still made many criminal gangs apprehensive.

This perfectly aligned with the current advertising slogan: "2011, Technology Makes the World a Better Place!"

Iron Man was the king crowned by epoch-making technology.

His immense deterrent power as a superhero was, in a way, even greater than a city's police force.

At this very moment.

Tony Stark, known by titles such as Iron Man, playboy, and billionaire, was in a famous New York bar and nightclub, surrounded by a group of scantily clad dancers and models.

"Tony, can we not meet in places like this when we're discussing serious matters?"

His close friend and US Air Force Colonel, James Rhodes, looked exasperated. He was trying to push his way through the crowd of women to get to Tony Stark's side, his dignified and neat officer's uniform clashing with the current environment.

However, the colonel's title was enough to intimidate many. After Rhodes arrived, the women finally dispersed from around the attention-grabbing Stark.

"Changing the venue is impossible, never going to happen. But can you try not to wear that uniform every time? It really ruins the atmosphere and the mood," Stark teased, casually picking up a glass of red wine and swirling it.

"I just snuck out from the base."

Rhodes said this, but he also took a glass of red wine from a passing waiter and clinked glasses with Stark.

Lights blazed, and the music was explosive.

After a drink, Rhodes looked blissfully intoxicated, having quickly embraced the current vibe.

"It's the middle of the day, what's so urgent that you had to find me?" Stark asked casually.

"Right, I almost forgot the main reason!"

Rhodes snapped to attention, looking at his friend seriously, and lowered his voice: "Haven't you been looking for people with extraordinary talents or incredible powers for the past six months?"

"That's indeed the case."

Stark nodded frankly. He hadn't hidden his intention to form a superhero team from his friend. If Rhodes hadn't had his military status, which made it inconvenient for him to act privately on many occasions, he would undoubtedly have been one of its members.

"How's the progress?" Rhodes asked curiously.

"Pretty good, actually. I've already got two or three potential candidates."

Although Stark's tone remained casual, Rhodes could detect his helplessness.

In fact, Stark had only found one candidate, and that was just a few days ago.

The other two were suggested by the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Fortunately, the person he found was unparalleled in both intellect and strength.

This was the only aspect that brought Stark some solace.

Despite how vast the world is, there are still very few humans who possess powers beyond those of ordinary people.

"What do you think about the new superhero in Washington, the Silver-Haired Goddess? She defeated the Hulk's clone, Abomination!" Rhodes asked with great interest.

"Of course, I had Jarvis investigate that the very same night," Stark replied, shrugging and narrowing his eyes. "Although there isn't much information, I can confirm she lives locally in Washington."

The streets of Times Square were crowded everywhere, with Christmas tree decorations visible all around. The festive atmosphere had already enveloped the entire city.

"Xi Nian, what do you think of this one?" Gwen asked, pulling on Xi Nian's sleeve while wearing a Santa hat.

Xi Nian: "It's nice."

"Senpai, what about mine?" Kara nudged the reindeer bell around her neck, which rang with a clear and pleasant metallic sound.

Xi Nian: "It's nice."

Gwen and Kara were essentially dragging the errand-boy Xi Nian around the bustling commercial streets. The two beautiful girls also became a lovely sight in the city.

Although being surrounded by beautiful girls was a pleasant experience, Xi Nian hadn't forgotten his purpose.

Reaching an intersection, Xi Nian suggested, "Alright, I'll take this street, and you two take that one."

"Huh?" Gwen's smile vanished.

"Why?" Kara also looked puzzled.

"Gwen, don't you remember? You came here in advance to do tourism research," Xi Nian gestured. "The streets are so big, you can't possibly explore them all. Why don't we split up? One person on each side. You and Kara can stick together, and that will also ensure your safety."

Gwen's mind went blank. She never expected the excuse she'd made earlier to backfire on her.

"Senpai, I..." Kara looked up, about to say something, but met Xi Nian's smile: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Kara. You and Gwen, look after each other's safety."

Kara's lips parted, and she really wanted to say: You're the one who's most unsafe, aren't you?

She couldn't voice her refusal and could only reluctantly agree: "Okay."

"Then it's settled."

Xi Nian hugged his backpack and walked alone in the direction of a street.

The two beautiful girls, Gwen and Kara, were left at the original spot, looking at each other in bewilderment.

How did things turn out like this?

Xi Nian walked in one direction along the street, taking pictures with his phone to record. He didn't know how long he had walked until a building caught his attention.

It was a memorial hall.

Adult tourists with their children were constantly coming and going, some children holding plastic pentagram shields in their hands, their eyes full of excitement and longing.

Seeing this distinctive scene, there was no need to ask what kind of memorial hall it was.

Captain America Memorial Hall.

As the first superhero created in human history, Captain America's influence in this country was beyond doubt, even though he had crashed and passed away more than half a century ago. But in the military, there were still many American soldiers who regarded him as a role model and idol.

Xi Nian had only heard about it before, but this was his first time seeing the Captain America Memorial Hall.

This was a landmark for tourists visiting New York.

Xi Nian stood in front of the steps at the entrance of the memorial hall, hesitating whether to go in and visit, when a tall young man walked out towards him.

The white youth was wearing casual pants and a jacket, and a baseball cap with a very low brim, his head slightly lowered so his face was unclear. However, Xi Nian was standing below the steps, and from his upward angle, he could clearly see the young man's appearance.

"Mr. Rogers?" Xi Nian asked in surprise.

The white youth was taken aback. He looked at the young man in front of him and nodded slightly.

The one who had just secretly walked out of the memorial hall was none other than the person being commemorated by the memorial hall – Captain America, Steve Rogers!