Marvel: Stronger Under the Sun
Chapter 56

Aftermath and Undercurrents

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Sokovia Incident Two weeks have passed. The Malibu beach has returned to its former tranquility, with only the occasional Vibranium particles floating by shining in the sun, reminding them of the earth-shattering battle.

Tony·Stark stood on the rebuilt terrace, watching the workers repairing the last damaged glass curtain wall. "Friday, progress report."

"Ninety-seven percent of the external repair is completed, Mr. Stark. The internal laboratory still needs three days." The new AI female voice reported succinctly, "In addition, United Nations sent the seventeenth inquiry letter."

Tony sighed, "Tell them I'm on vacation."

At this time, the holographic image of Bruce·Banner appeared. "Tony, you'd better come and take a look at this. We found some... unusual things in the ruins of Sokovia."

In the laboratory, an energy reading was displayed on the holographic screen. "Look at this resonant frequency," Banner pointed at the data, "It is exactly the same as the energy signature of Scepter, but more... pure."

Tony frowned. "The remnants of Ultron?"

"More like some... evolved version." Banner adjusted the chart, "It's like a tadpole turning into a frog."

Suddenly, all the screens flickered. Friday's voice became intermittent. "Detected... unknown signal... trying to access..."

Xiao Han appeared at the door without knowing it, holding a coconut in his hand. "What weird website are you on?"

"It's not us," Tony operation console, "Someone is trying to invade the system."

A line of words suddenly appeared on the holographic screen:

"The world needs the real Guardians."

Then a coordinate appeared: 35.6895° north latitude, 139.6917° east longitude. Tokyo.

"Friday, trace the signal source!"

"Signal lost. Unable to trace."

Xiao Han took a sip of coconut juice. "So now you are going to Japan to travel again? Remember to bring a souvenir."

Tony and Banner exchanged a look. "This is no joke, Xiao Han. This energy characteristic..."

"What does it have to do with me?" Xiao Han interrupted him, "As long as you don't bother me."

At this time, Natasha's communication access. "Tony, S.H.I.E.L.D. detected abnormal energy fluctuations in Tokyo. It is consistent with the Vibranium energy characteristics of Sokovia."

The voice of Clint joined in. "I'm here at Tokyo. There is something wrong here, but I can't tell what it is."

The holographic image of Thor suddenly appeared. "I feel energy similar to Scepter, but more... bright."

Xiao Han rolled his eyes. "So now it's a global mysterious energy detective game?" He turned and left, "Have fun."

Three days later, late at night, Tony was awakened by an emergency alarm. "Friday, what's going on?"

"A large-scale energy burst was detected at Tokyo coordinates. The energy characteristics are completely consistent with Sokovia Incident."

The satellite image was displayed on the holographic screen: A huge energy vortex appeared over Tokyo Tower, but strangely, there was no report of any damage.

"Local media reported it as an aurora phenomenon," Friday added, "But energy readings showed it was man-made."

Suddenly, all the screens flashed, and the familiar signal appeared again:

"Evolution is inevitable. Prepare for a new era."

Xiao Han's voice came from the door. "Can you turn down the volume? It makes me sleep."

Tony was about to answer when the whole villa suddenly shook violently. A huge water column rose from the sea, and a human figure made of water walked out of it.

"Mr. Stark," Water People made a soft voice, "We are here to thank you."

Tony puts on the armor. "Thank you?"

"Thank you for eliminating this error Ultron." Water People bowed slightly, "We are his evolved form, but now we are more... perfect."

Xiao Han raised an eyebrow. "So Ultron is not completely dead, but just upgraded to a parallel import?"

Water People turned to Xiao Han: "We remember you. Your energy signature is an important reference for our evolution."

Xiao Han's eyes flashed red. "So you are here to fight?"

"On the contrary." Water People stretched out his hand, and a perfect ice crystal condensed in his palm, "We bring gifts. Knowledge."

The ice crystals project a holographic image, showing an advanced technological blueprint. "This is water purification technology that can solve global water pollution. This is clean energy that can replace all fossil fuels."

Tony asked vigilantly, "What's the price?"

"Just... allow us to exist." Water People smiled, "We don't want to rule, we just want to help."

Suddenly, Water People began to dissipate. "Warning. Hostile signal detected. We must leave."

Water People turned into ordinary sea water and fell back into the sea. Immediately afterwards, a Quinjet from S.H.I.E.L.D. landed on the beach.

Fury strode off the plane. "Stark, please explain the energy explosion just now."

Tony shrugged. "It's just a neighbor visiting."

Fury stared at the sea. "My people detected energy signatures similar to Ultron, but more... dangerous."

"Or be more friendly," Banner came out of the laboratory, "They provide amazing technology."

Fury snorted, "Hydra also always says that he is promoting progress."

At this time, a cold voice sounded from everyone's communicator at the same time:

"They lied to you."

A black mark appeared on the holographic screen:

"Ten Rings. The real Guardians."

Xiao Han finally raised his head. "So now it's a three-party war? Can you change the time? I want to sleep well tonight."

Suddenly, the coordinates of Tokyo flashed again. This time, a video was transmitted: a figure wearing a black combat uniform stood on top of Tokyo Tower, holding a glowing Cosmic Cube body in his hand.

"Stark," the figure said, "You have been deceived. Those 'Water People' are the real threat."

Tony frowned. "Who are you?"

"The messenger of Ten Rings." The figure raised the body of Cosmic Cube, "Let us reveal the truth."

The Cosmic Cube body projects an image: Water People are building a huge base in the deep sea, replicating the robot army of Ultron.

"They are preparing for war," the messenger said, "And you are receiving 'gifts'."

The image was suddenly interrupted. Friday reported, "The signal was interfered. The authenticity cannot be verified."

Xiao Han stood up. "So it's spy movie time now?" He walked toward the room, "Call me at the end."

Fury called him, "Xiao Han, I may need your... unique perspective this time."

"My perspective is very simple:" Xiao Han said without looking back, "I will beat anyone who disturbs my sleep."

On the sea, Clair de Lune is still peaceful. But in the deep sea, a new base is being quietly built. Water People are working quietly, their movements are precise and coordinated, as if they are an extension of the same consciousness.

On top of Tokyo Tower, the messenger of Ten Rings put away Cosmic Cube body and showed a mysterious smile.

And in the Malibu Villa, Tony looked at three different warnings, and for the first time I felt really confused.

"Friday," he asked softly, "Who do you think is telling the truth?"

The AI was silent for a moment. "Insufficient data, Mr. Stark. But it is recommended to increase the alert level."

The night wind blows across the beach, carrying the breath of sea water and a faint energy fluctuation. In one place, the truth is being hidden; in another place, lies are being woven.

But on this night, everyone needs an answer.

And this answer may only be given by one person.

End of Chapter
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