Night fell.
Justice League base off the coast of New York.
As dusk settles, the night view of the sea is fully visible through the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Soft music flowed gently through the spacious living room.
The dining table was laden with a sumptuous meal meticulously prepared by the chef.
Tonight is the Justice League's internal victory celebration after their resounding triumph in Wakanda.
Since Tony and Steve are still in Kamar-Taj for further studies, the dining table is a little empty tonight.
Luca, wearing a loose shirt, leaned back lazily in the main chair.
To his left, Gwen Stacy, dressed in a crisp white dress, was enthusiastically cutting the steak on her plate.
To the right, Wanda, wearing a red slit dress, her cheeks slightly flushed, occasionally feeds Luca a piece of cut fruit with a fork.
Peter and Pietro sat on either side of the long table.
The two are arguing about whether delivering food using Silk or super-speed is more profitable.
And around the edge of the dining table.
Natasha and Jessica continued working as waitresses as always.
For example, she wore a black and white maid outfit and poured drinks and changed plates for everyone with a blank expression.
To be honest, after being at Stark Industries for so long, they've gotten used to being waiters.
After all, it was just a matter of pouring drinks and such, which was more than twice as easy as the documents they handled at Stark Industries.
Regardless of what the two women thought, everyone else was having a great time.
Seeing this, Luca was also filled with emotion.
He gently picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and his satisfied expression was evident.
Look at these fallen superheroes!
This is the power of capital!
He shook his head, looked out at the night sky, and called out to JARVIS.
" JARVIS, report on the final results of this poverty alleviation effort."
"Yes, sir."
JARVIS's gentle voice came through the miniature communicator in Luca's ear.
"After a preliminary inventory, the total weight of the first batch of Vibranium ore we transported back from Wakanda exceeds four hundred tons. At current black market prices, this is an immeasurable fortune."
"At the same time, Wakanda's Royal Technology Laboratory has granted us full access."
" Mr. Tony issued the order remotely from Kamar-Taj, and I have begun working on analyzing the molecular structure of Vibranium."
"We expect to integrate the Vibranium into the next generation of armor and your suit's upgrade program next month."
Upon hearing this, Luca nodded in satisfaction.
Hundreds of tons of Vibranium are just the beginning.
With Wakanda as a continuous source of materials, Stark Industries ' equipment capabilities will experience a qualitative leap.
What about the external reaction?
"Very enthusiastic, sir," JARVIS continued his report.
"The video of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement that you released on the global internet has caused a huge sensation."
" Stark Industries ' stock price immediately hit its daily limit after the market opened, and the company's market capitalization has exceeded the three trillion dollar mark, firmly holding the top spot globally."
" Wall Street analysts believe that Stark Industries, which controls Vibranium, is no longer just a technology company, but a business empire with the power to set global defense standards."
"Furthermore, the Pentagon and S.H.I.E.L.D.. have been unusually quiet. Director Fury Nick Fury has not made any statements, seemingly tacitly approving of our operations in Africa."
acquiescence?
Luca gave a cold laugh.
Black Nick Fury is probably busy fighting Hydra right now, he has no time to worry about things in Africa.
By the time he finishes investigating the mole, half of the S.H.I.E.L.D.. building will probably be demolished.
After seeing what he had learned, Luca felt completely refreshed.
He could clearly feel that after absorbing the backlash, he had completed another transformation.
His current basic strength under normal conditions has firmly exceeded the level of several thousand tons.
If we add the 70x amplification from the Symbiote Suit...
A destructive force of tens or hundreds of thousands of tons!
To be honest, he had no idea how strong someone at that level was.
But he knew that from now on, no one would dare to raise their voice at him.
"The feeling of getting stronger every day is so addictive."
Luca put down his wine glass, looking at the laughing and chatting people at the table, feeling very happy.
"Everyone."
"Cheers to Wakanda's generosity, and to the technological advancement of all mankind!"
"Cheers!"
Peter, Gwen Stacy, and the others raised their glasses.
Just when the atmosphere at the banquet was at its most harmonious.
"Bite."
The elevator made a soft sound as the doors slowly slid open to both sides.
Pepper, carrying two thick folders, strode out of the elevator.
Behind her followed two men with completely different demeanors.
The person walking on the left is wearing a suit, carrying a red and white white cane, and wearing a pair of red round sunglasses.
Although he appeared to be blind, his chin was slightly raised, as if he were observing the luxurious space with his ears.
The people walking on the right present a completely different style.
He was wearing a worn-out black trench coat over a tactical vest with a white skull print.
He was burly, with a cold and hard face, and exuded a strong murderous aura.
It gives the impression of being a heartless killing machine.
Pepper led the two to the dining table, glanced at Natasha and Jessica dressed as maids, and shook her head helplessly.
Then, the folder was placed on the desktop in front of Luca.
" Luca, these are the two candidates I've shortlisted over the past two weeks."
Pepper pointed to the two people behind her, her tone serious.
"I personally conducted background checks and competency assessments on them."
"Their current operations are all in Hell's Kitchen, New York. They are exceptionally capable, but their methods... well, they are somewhat controversial."
"So I brought them here for you to conduct the final interviews and make the final decision."
Luca put down his wine glass with interest, his gaze sweeping over the two uninvited guests.
In fact, he and Tony had secretly investigated most of the superpowered people in the world long before.
Therefore, he recognized their identities almost instantly.
The blind lawyer in Hell's Kitchen, the vigilante at night.
Daredevil, Matt Murdock.
And, the ruthless killer who strikes fear into the hearts of all New York gangsters.
The Punisher, Frank Castle.
"Interesting."
Luca chuckled inwardly.
Pepper has excellent taste.
Although these two are just street-level heroes, their fighting skills and willpower are absolutely top-notch.
If we can recruit them, the Justice League will have the most suitable people to handle those trivial matters.