Just as the two were getting along famously, while everyone else attended to their duties in tense silence, Nick Fury strode back into the command room.
The moment he stepped through the door, a rich, potent smell of baijiu hit him straight in the nose, filling the entire command center.
Fury's face visibly darkened in an instant, and the pressure around him grew frighteningly oppressive.
He stared at Tony and Thor, who were comfortably savoring their drinks, his tone icy and full of helpless irritation.
"Tony Stark."
"Don't tell me you're throwing a private party in the command room of my Helicarrier?"
Tony's heart tightened. He wasn't about to take the blame for this. Without a second thought, he passed the buck and protested his innocence.
"I did no such thing! I didn't bring the alcohol. Rimuru brought all of it out! If you want to hold someone responsible, go to him. It has nothing to do with me."
Sold out on the spot without hesitation, Rimuru was immediately amused. He switched straight into shameless mode and spread his hands calmly.
"Director, you can't just say things like that."
"As the saying goes, dismiss the enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically. It's just Loki. There's no need to treat every rustle as a threat and keep everyone on edge."
Fury's temples throbbed at that twisted reasoning, his already dark face growing darker. Gritting his teeth, he asked in a low voice:
"Fine."
"Then let me ask you this: since you're so relaxed, how do you intend to deal with everything Loki has planned next?"
Hearing that, Rimuru thought it was easy enough: unleash Tony.
"Tony, go on, show him."
Just like that, the blame was passed right back.
Tony's mouth twitched. He sighed helplessly, put down his glass, and