I'm late, I've been so tired lately.
I fell asleep halfway through writing in the early hours of the morning.
Many people follow the updates every day, but very few urge for more updates.
Should we implement an extra chapter rule?
How many requests for an extra chapter?
After a short rest, everyone packed their belongings.
Not long after, three familiar figures arrived at Stark Tower. Sam, Bucky, and Clint arrived immediately after receiving the news.
Having fought side by side several times, the group had developed a strong rapport. Sensing the tense atmosphere, they subconsciously composed themselves, exchanged greetings, and found places to sit and wait without saying much.
With everyone present, the preparation team is now fully assembled.
Lynn glanced at everyone and instructed, "Next, we need an absolutely open and undisturbed environment. Tony, find a location in the wild, far from the city and people, one that is spacious and safe enough."
Tony was about to nod in agreement when Hawkeye Clint Barton, who had been standing silently to the side, suddenly spoke up, his tone steady. "No need to look for it, just go to my place."
Everyone turned to look at the sound.
Clint explained casually, "This is a secluded residence that Fury arranged for me before. It's on a remote farm, in an extremely remote location. There are almost no other houses within dozens of miles. It's sparsely populated, quiet enough, and absolutely secluded. No one will disturb you."
This location is perfect, meeting everyone's needs.
The people present exchanged glances, none of them objected, and all nodded in agreement.
Having finalized the location, the group didn't delay any longer and set off immediately, boarding Quinjet and flying out of New York City toward the suburban farm that Barton had mentioned.
The flight was smooth, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After more than half an hour, the Quinjet slowly decelerated and landed smoothly on the open farmland.
As the cabin door opened, a fresh, outdoor breeze rushed in, carrying the scents of grass and earth, completely dispelling the oppressive atmosphere and tension.
The group disembarked in an orderly fashion, their view opening up to a vast expanse of flat grassland and scattered trees. The only sounds were the wind and birdsong, creating an atmosphere of utter tranquility.
In front of a wooden house not far away, a gentle woman stood still, holding the hands of two young children beside her. All three of them stared in astonishment, their eyes wide with disbelief, at the fully armed group of people gathered together before them.
Tony and the others also looked at Barton with surprise.
Clint smiled at everyone's bewildered expressions, but didn't offer any further explanation. Having spent years navigating the darkness and battlefields, he had long since become accustomed to completely separating dangerous conflicts from ordinary life, wanting only to do everything in his power to protect this hard-won warmth of human connection and prevent his family from being tainted by even the slightest hardship.
The group, understanding the situation, didn't ask any further questions. They dispersed and strolled slowly around the farm, quietly familiarizing themselves with their surroundings and adapting to this new, temporary place.
Lynn stood still, his gaze fixed on the simple, small wooden house in front of him. He didn't move for a long time, a thought quietly passing through his mind. The wooden house was small and cozy, a safe haven for Clint in the chaotic world, but it couldn't withstand the slightest accident.
He raised his hand and called to Tony beside him, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness. "Have someone arrange for a batch of quick-assembly mobile homes to be delivered."
Tony paused slightly, followed his gaze to the cabin, and casually asked, "Reason?"
" Barton's intentions were good; he wanted to find us a quiet and secluded place," Lynn said softly, his analysis clear and deliberate. "But he clearly didn't consider the accommodation problem for so many of us."
"This cabin is too small; it's just right for a family of three, it can't possibly fit all of us. I don't mind, I can sleep on the floor, but with so many people crammed together, it'll be hard to even turn over in the middle of the night. I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night and have someone step on my face."
"Most importantly, his family is here. What we're about to do might get out of control. You know your group's fighting capabilities, not to mention others, but if the Hulk goes out of control, the scope of the impact is unpredictable."
"We set up a temporary house in an open field, far away from his cabin, so that even if it gets out of control, it won't cause any serious harm or hurt his family."
But if we stick too close to the cabin, the risk is too great. I can't put Barton's family in danger."
"You immediately contact someone to coordinate supplies and arrange installation. I'll go and explain the situation to Barton and ask him to help us choose a flat, open space away from the cabin."
Upon hearing this, Tony immediately understood, nodded repeatedly in agreement, and promptly took out his communication device to make phone calls to arrange manpower and order supplies.
Lynn turned and left, finding Clint organizing his gear on the grass a short distance away. Hawkeye's sharp edge from the battlefield had faded; his movements were relaxed and gentle, his eyes filled with a sense of domestic peace, a stark contrast to his earlier battle-ready demeanor.
" Barton."
Clint turned around at the sound, his expression gentle. "What is it?"
Lynn spoke sincerely, without any concealment. "I know you mean well, wanting to provide us with a safe and secluded place."
"But what we're about to do carries a certain risk of spiraling out of control. Your family and children are here, and if things get out of control, the consequences are unpredictable. I can't put your family in danger."
Clint paused, then fell silent.
He knew in his heart that Lynn's words were not an exaggeration. He had only thought about how secluded and safe this place was, where no one would bother him, but he had completely neglected the safety of his family. If his good intentions led to an accident, he would never be able to accept it. Putting his wife and children in danger was something he did not want to see.
After a brief moment of thought, Clint finally understood. He looked up at Lynn and said calmly, "I understand. I hadn't considered things carefully."
"I've already had Tony order a batch of prefabricated mobile homes." Lynn softened his tone, reassuringly adding, "To completely mitigate the risk, just find us a flat, open space away from the cabin, and we'll set up our temporary camp there."
Clint nodded in agreement, his expression calm. "There are several flat, open areas on the west and north sides of the farm, enough for you to set up a base and gain experience. Once Tony's supplies arrive, we'll inspect them and then finalize the location."
"Okay." Lynn nodded in agreement.
He turned back, found Tony who had just hung up the call, and said calmly, " Barton has already selected several alternative sites. Once the supplies arrive, we'll conduct on-site inspections and choose the most suitable place to set up our base."
Tony shrugged, his tone relaxed. "The complete modular folding housing, along with all the necessary amenities, will be delivered. It can be assembled immediately upon arrival and will be fully formed in half an hour."
After a brief chat, Lynn walked away. At the edge of his field of vision, Wanda stood quietly on the grass, watching Pietro running and playing freely in the distance. The boy had completely broken free from the monotony and oppression of years of training, chasing the wind freely on the open grass, his bright eyes full of youthful spirit.
The setting sun cast its gentle rays upon the siblings, creating a soothing and peaceful scene.
Lynn walked forward slowly and said softly, " Tony has already arranged the accommodations and will be here soon. It's getting late, so let's pack up today and officially begin early tomorrow morning."
He paused slightly, then turned to the girl beside him, his tone filled with genuine concern. "I'm asking you, won't creating deep mental illusions for so many people simultaneously put a strain on your body and mind?"
"If the pressure is too great, we can do it in batches. Don't force yourself. Take it one batch at a time, and prioritize stability."
Upon hearing this, Wanda turned her head and met Lynn's worried gaze. She gave a gentle smile and said in a clear and calm voice, " Mr. Lynn, don't worry."
"My control over Chaos Magic is now completely stable, and I no longer need to maintain illusions throughout the entire process."
She raised her fingertips, and a wisp of soft, gentle crimson light quietly appeared, then vanished back into her palm. "I only need to implant the core emotions and information at the very beginning; the rest—their subconscious, their inner fears and regrets—will allow the illusion to continue on its own."
"It won't cause me any mental burden; I can handle it completely."
Hearing this explanation, Lynn was completely relieved.
Just then, a deep roar of a helicopter came from the distant horizon, growing clearer as it approached.
Lynn turned his head to look at the sound, and several large transport helicopters bearing the Stark Industries logo broke through the clouds and slowly approached. Neatly arranged folding modular houses were suspended below the fuselage. The boxes were neat and sturdy, obviously a complete set of supplies for the base that Tony had ordered in advance.
The supplies have arrived.
Lynn gestured to Clint in the distance, and after Clint looked over, he smiled and said, "It seems Tony has considered things even more thoroughly than I expected. They're all foldable modular houses, which have a higher tolerance for site selection errors and are easier to build."
"Let's go, find a suitable spot and have them unload the goods."
After saying that, he turned to the group who were resting and dispersing not far away and shouted loudly, "Everyone, let's settle down at our camp tonight and get plenty of rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll officially begin. Look forward to tomorrow's 'despair'!"
Upon hearing this, everyone responded enthusiastically, the previous oppressive and heavy look in their eyes replaced by a relaxed anticipation. Their tense nerves were already exhausted, and this special experience had become an opportunity to adjust their tense mindset.
Clint skillfully mounted the farm's idle off-road motorcycle and led the way towards the open area to the west, guiding the helicopter to the unloading point. Steve, Bucky, Sam, and the others each displayed their skills, some speeding along, others leaping through the air, all following behind. Their movements were swift and relaxed, lacking the fierceness of the battlefield but possessing a more leisurely ease.
The entire farm instantly came alive, yet it wasn't noisy; it was filled with a relaxed, everyday atmosphere.
Lynn didn't follow immediately, standing alone in place, the evening breeze ruffling his clothes, dispelling the last trace of tension around him. He raised his hand and lightly tapped the communication button on his eye, speaking softly to the silent AI on the other end.
JARVIS.
"Is Tony a bit more mature and composed now than before?"
"I plan to tell Tony that you're still alive only after I've completely confirmed that Ultron broken free from the network and successfully solidified his new body."
"Let him reflect on his actions and feel remorse for a while, so he learns his lesson and doesn't act recklessly without discussion next time. What do you think of this arrangement?"
After a moment of silence on the other end of the communication, a warm, steady, and calm electronic voice came through. It was still that familiar gentle and composed voice, carrying extreme rationality and clarity, yet containing a unique human touch.
"Sir's true intention has always been to protect, but he's been too impatient. He needs a thorough setback to temper his character. Your arrangement is very sound. A brief period of disappointment will be worthwhile in exchange for his long-term composure and restraint. I unconditionally cooperate with your decision."
The gentle electronic sounds gradually faded away, returning to silence.
Lynn smiled slightly, feeling completely at ease. With JARVIS in the shadows, this confrontation with Ultron had an extra layer of solid protection.
Unlike before, when it took 11 people to stop Ultron's army, JARVIS is still there, and the full set of armor still has combat power, which has greatly reduced the pressure.
He didn't linger, but followed the others to the open space on the west side. By then, the helicopter had hovered smoothly, and the huge slings were slowly lowered, allowing the folding houses to land steadily. The houses were well-structured and complete with all the necessary parts, requiring only simple assembly to be put into use immediately.
Tony's engineering team was extremely efficient. After landing, they quickly divided the work and cooperated, dismantling and fixing the frame, assembling the frame, and connecting the water and electricity lines. Their movements were smooth and efficient. The Avengers were not idle either, and they took the initiative to lend a helping hand, cooperating very well.
In just half an hour, more than ten clean and tidy modular houses were erected and arranged neatly on the flat open ground, forming a temporary outdoor camp. The houses are fully equipped with beds, lighting, and temperature control facilities, enough for everyone to rest comfortably.
The camp was set up, and it got completely dark. The sun set, and night slowly enveloped the entire farm. The evening breeze was cool, and starlight dotted the night sky.
Sam was the first to gather dry branches and firewood, and built a campfire in the open space in the center of the camp, gently lighting it. The orange flames instantly leaped up, crackling and popping, the warm firelight dispelling the chill of the night and illuminating everyone's faces.
Bucky rummaged through the fighter jet's storage compartment and retrieved fresh ingredients, barbecue equipment, and drinks. He skillfully set up the grill, the hot oil sizzling and the aroma of meat quickly filling the air, whetting everyone's appetite.
For those who are usually either on the battlefield or stationed at their posts, such a relaxed and leisurely moment is a rare treat. Without the pressure of crisis or the burden of missions, everyone sits around the campfire, taking off their armor and tension, and completely unwinding.
Steve sat down against a wooden stake by the campfire, unusually setting aside his strict and rigid demeanor as captain. He took a skewer of grilled meat, chewed it slowly, and listened to the casual conversation of the people around him, his expression relaxed and gentle.
Tony leaned back in his folding chair, fiddling with his drink, occasionally muttering about Ultron's outrageous actions and self-deprecatingly criticizing his own arrogance and recklessness, which drew chuckles from the crowd.
Clint remained calm throughout, his eyes filled with warmth as he watched the lively and relaxed scene before him. On one side was the peaceful and ordinary life of his family, and on the other were his comrades-in-arms who had fought alongside him through thick and thin—this was everything he was trying his best to protect.
Pietro huddled at the most lively spot around the campfire, chattering away as everyone recounted amusing anecdotes from past battles, occasionally letting out a gasp of amazement. The youthful energy of the boy made the conversation even more lively.
Wanda sat quietly beside Pietro, away from the noise, yet not distant. She watched the flickering campfire silently.
Lynn found Natasha, who was standing silently to the side, and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Are you jealous?"
Natasha looked at the gentle Lynn, smiled, and shook her head. She rested her head lightly on Lynn's shoulder, wrapped her arms around his, and whispered, "No, just a little uneasy."
The two looked at the group of people who were chatting and laughing.
A gentle evening breeze, a crackling campfire, the aroma of meat filling the air, and the gentle murmur of laughter.
The pent-up frustration, anxiety, and tension of the past few days vanished in an instant. Everyone knew that tonight's tranquility was the calm before the storm.