"Although we've battled demons many times and accumulated a large number of demon corpses, we've never conducted in-depth research into demonic or Hell Dimension powers like some military agencies have," Tony Stark mused aloud, hesitating as he considered a plan. "Should we have J.A.R.V.I.S. hack into their database? No, that might not be safe. J.A.R.V.I.S. has undergone several upgrades, but the firewalls on those systems weren't built by me. It's still risky…"
"How about reaching out to Hellboy instead? He might have access to useful intel. Even though the current wave of demons isn't under his command, his status should still give him access to relevant information."
Hellboy had maintained a positive relationship with the Avengers, even with his background tied to military institutions. His connection with the Avengers was much better than General Ross, whose strained ties had never fully healed, or Doctor Strange before he officially joined the team.
Before long, with J.A.R.V.I.S. coordinating alongside Hellboy, Tony Stark acquired a batch of data on demonic legions. However, the results left him unsatisfied.
"Genetic modifications and cloning experiments? That's all? I overestimated the military's researchers. I thought they'd have insights into the deeper workings of Hell Dimension energy," Tony sighed, visibly disappointed.
"With just these genetic profiles, Reed and I could replicate their findings in two days. And it's no surprise—they've never captured any demon lords to study."
"If you're looking for more advanced applications of demonic or Hell energy, I know someone with expertise. I've seen their demon armor and similar equipment," Robert suggested.
"Bruce Wayne?" Tony's eyes lit up before Robert could elaborate further. "Of course! That guy's good at this sort of thing. The Celestial threat isn't just about the Avengers; it's a danger to the whole planet. Even if his methods and ours don't always align, we're on the same side for this. I'll bring him in."
"I'd recommend you send a drone instead. Who knows what he might do if he comes here?" Robert cautioned, shaking his head.
"Good point. That guy's even more paranoid than me. Better to play it safe," Tony admitted reluctantly. "After all, that Skrull impersonator of his didn't feel too far from the real Bruce Wayne…"
---
In the Avengers' training room, Frank Castle began instructing Steve Rogers and the others on mastering Shazam's power. His primary advice: shout "Shazam" to transform at the right moment, and avoid saying it inadvertently during combat.
Fortunately, Steve and the others weren't as vulnerable as Frank. Even the weakest among them, Harry Osborn, could hold his own without Shazam's power, unlike Frank, who reverted to an ordinary human without it.
"Shazam!" At Frank's command, Steve and the other four shouted the word, lightning flashing as their Shazam uniforms reverted to their original clothes. Frank blinked in astonishment, his gaze fixed on Steve, who stood there in his younger, muscular form.
"Oh my god!" Peggy Carter's eyes lit up in the observation room as she exclaimed in surprise. Steve had not reverted to his older self after deactivating the Shazam power—he remained in the prime of his youth.
"I feel incredibly energized. Could Shazam's power have reactivated the super-soldier serum in my body and restored my youth?" Steve wondered aloud. "J.A.R.V.I.S., get Tony or Reed to run some tests."
"I'll handle it. They're likely busy," Bruce Banner offered from the observation room.
Though Bruce wasn't as active in research as Tony or Reed, his expertise in biology and genetics was second to none. As part of the Avengers' research team, he had also worked on their serum projects.
Under Peggy's watchful eyes, Bruce drew blood from the rejuvenated Steve and compared the samples to older data. It didn't take long for him to deliver his findings.
"Congratulations, Captain. The serum in your body has indeed been reactivated, and it's even more potent than before. Your current physique surpasses your prime. In other words, even without Shazam's power or the Green Lantern ring, you're now stronger than you ever were."
Steve frowned slightly. "Why did this happen? Are there any potential side effects?"
"Captain, you were always the most compatible subject for the super-soldier serum, but you weren't the strongest. Even without his metal arm, Bucky matches your physical strength," Bruce explained, pulling up some data for comparison.
"Your frailty before the serum limited your potential. While the serum cured your ailments and brought you to peak human condition, others—like John Walker—possess base strength far beyond yours. Walker's raw power exceeds yours by nearly twentyfold."
"But now, your perfect physical state—free of flaws—allowed the serum to take full effect when reactivated. The results are what you see now. Shazam's power likely caused a deep-level adjustment to your physiology, which warrants further research."
"Let's get Frank and the others tested as well," Bruce suggested. "J.A.R.V.I.S. may lack Frank's baseline data, but we can analyze Harry's and compare results."
Soon, Harry Osborn and the others joined the lab for tests. After analyzing the data, Bruce delivered a new conclusion.
"While you can't use Shazam's power in your normal state, it still left a subtle imprint on your bodies. You're all in better condition than before, though it's not a direct enhancement—more of a gradual, positive influence."
"That's a relief," Steve said, though he seemed indifferent to the improvements. "Still, with Shazam's power and the Green Lantern ring, these changes don't feel all that significant."
"What do you mean, not significant? You're younger now without needing to transform every time. Isn't that great?" Peggy interjected, rolling her eyes. "You should thank Frank for this. Without him, you'd be stuck as an old man forever!"
"You're right. Thank you, Frank," Steve said with a smile before turning serious. "But we still need you to help us master Shazam's power."
Frank, now more confident in his teaching role, led the group back to the training room. Pietro joined the session with his usual enthusiasm, and the five Shazam-powered Avengers began honing their abilities.
---
Meanwhile, in Gotham City, a drone-like mech emerged from a portal, drawing no attention despite its abrupt appearance. It projected a bright Bat-Signal into the daytime sky, which, though unusual, didn't alarm Gotham's residents. Bruce Wayne, however, noticed immediately.
"A Stark Industries mech?" Bruce frowned as he viewed the footage from his surveillance system. He dispatched a small drone to guide the mech toward a meeting point.
The mech stopped short of the Batcave's perimeter—a clear signal of peaceful intent. Bruce appreciated the gesture, though he remained cautious.
"What's the purpose of this visit?" Bruce, still in full Batman attire, asked the mech. "Why not just use comms? Did you really need to send a mech here?"
"How's your research into Skrull tech coming along?" Tony's voice came from the mech. Tony was well aware of Bruce's projects, given that Robert had rescued him from a Skrull prison.
"Not great. Their technology isn't as advanced as I'd hoped—not beyond the Chitauri level. It's useful for interstellar travel, but that's about it," Bruce replied candidly, though the full truth remained his own.
"That's odd. Galactic civilizations' tech shouldn't plateau like this. Even the Kree Empire's starships max out at planet-destroying capabilities. It's like something's capping their tech progression below mystical power levels," Tony mused.
"Is that why you're here?" Bruce asked after a pause, narrowing his eyes.
"Not entirely," Tony admitted, his tone growing somber. "Earth is facing a massive crisis—something that could wipe out our civilization. I don't know when it'll strike, but we need contingency plans."
"What kind of crisis? Something even Robert can't handle?" Bruce asked, his senses on high alert. If Tony sought his help, the threat had to be catastrophic.
"Robert can deal with part of it, but the rest could destroy everything. We're up against the Celestials—one of the universe's most enigmatic forces. They've shaped Earth's civilizations and eliminated our gods. Their power is on another level."
Tony transmitted a file to Bruce, containing intel on the Celestials and related theories. While he didn't reveal everything, like Earth's dimensional consciousness, he provided enough to alarm Bruce.
"I've heard about your demon armor," Tony said after Bruce finished reviewing the data. "You seem to have a deep understanding of Hell Dimension energy."
"You want to lure Celestials into the Hell Dimension?" Bruce asked, quickly piecing together Tony's intent.
"Exactly. If you can devise other plans, great. But the Hell Dimension seems like the perfect place to redirect disaster—it's one of the few forces stronger than the Celestials," Tony confirmed with a resigned sigh.
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