Blue light receded from around Chen Mo.
He landed on a shopping mall rooftop, where the advertising screen beneath his feet was playing the weather forecast for two days later.
Clear skies, light winds, ideal for going out.
Traffic in New York was normal, and all the buildings were standing perfectly upright.
Chen Mo glanced at the Cable Device.
Forty-eight hours earlier.
"The weather forecast didn't mention the end of the world. Looks like I'm early this time."
Chen Mo took the data module from his suit's chest and looked around. After confirming no one was nearby, he lifted the maintenance panel behind the advertising screen and plugged the module into the network port.
Chen Mo could just imagine how long James would plaster him across the front page and curse him out if he caught a photo of what he was doing now.
What could he do? P.P.'s biggest fan was a hater who followed him just to insult him.
The screen flickered twice.
The weather forecast turned into Stark Industries' encrypted verification interface.
Underground coordinates and energy curves began uploading, with Tony's private signature attached at the end.
Thirty seconds later, a suit of Red and Gold Armor flew in from the distance.
The armor stopped on the rooftop and opened its faceplate. It was empty inside.
"Someone used my highest-clearance signature to vouch for the end of the world, and slipped a missing kid wearing a uniform in that hideously tacky red-and-black color scheme into the signature."
Tony's voice came from the armor.
"I've already exceeded today's surprise quota. Get on."
Chen Mo grabbed the hand the armor offered.
"Your future self told me to go straight to Avengers Tower."
"Yeah, I know. He gave very comprehensive instructions."
The thrusters ignited.
The armor carried him toward Manhattan.