"Overnight, a dozen or so of the world's top scientists—including Tony Stark—have mysteriously disappeared, and no one noticed."
What is happening to this world?
A series of major events made Nick Fury question whether he had somehow slipped through time.
"For now, we can put the Superman topic aside."
"But what kind of massive organization could possibly pull off something so incredible?"
Nick Fury, lost in thought, couldn't help but suspect that a huge organization was orchestrating everything behind the scenes.
"Could it be…? No, impossible. We already wiped that organization out last century."
To Fury, aside from Hydra—which they had thoroughly destroyed in the last century—there was no other group capable of acting with such secrecy.
"Director, there's actually one special piece of information that wasn't recorded in the data just now."
Noticing Fury lost in thought, Agent Hill suddenly interrupted him.
"You mean to convey some information?"
Nick Fury raised his head, curiosity evident in his voice.
"According to one insider in the CIA, when they searched Tony Stark's mansion, they overheard Stark's secretary mention a theory."
"What theory?"
Fury asked with interest.
She suggested that the newly appeared Superman might have been the one to abduct Tony Stark.
"Superman kidnapped Tony Stark? Why? For money?"
Hearing Hill's news, Fury sank into thought again, weighing the possibility.
"According to my investigation, the military and Stark Industries signed two cooperation agreements yesterday."
"One deals with an accident in a military experiment; the other deals with the newly emerged Superman."
Hill continued detailing her findings.
"The military again! They haven't cleaned up the last mess they made, and now they're meddling in Superman's affairs!"
Even normally composed Fury frowned at the mention of the army.
"If that's the case, the possibility that Superman kidnapped Tony Stark becomes quite high."
Based on this information, Fury estimated the probability of Superman abducting Tony Stark at about one-third.
After all, even someone as unskilled as Tony could figure out what kind of agreement the military had reached with Stark Industries.
It would only take Stark Industries producing a weapon capable of threatening—or even annihilating—Superman for him to have a full reason to kidnap Tony.
"In that case, we need to focus on investigating Superman's true identity. But we must also spare no effort in locating the missing scientists."
"After all, if they fall into the hands of some deranged criminal, who knows what chaos could ensue."
Fury had never underestimated any scientist.
Who knew if they might suddenly develop some revolutionary technology, like the super-soldier serum from the last century?
"But, Director, if he truly is Superman, we may never uncover his real identity…"
Buzz… buzz…
Just as Hill voiced his concern, his phone began vibrating.
"Answer it. I want to know if another major event has occurred."
Fury stopped Hill from leaving to take the call.
"Hello, this is Hill… What? Say that again!"
"Alright, understood. I'll report to the Director immediately."
Another major incident?
Fury couldn't help but pat his own back in ironic satisfaction—wasn't this exactly the kind of misfortune he half-feared, half-expected?
"Director, one of our secret labs has been robbed."
…
PS: The next chapter will follow shortly. Please wait a moment.
Chapter 22: The Challenge of Becoming Black Panther
Just as Nick Fury still burned with anger over anyone daring to rob S.H.I.E.L.D.,
Halfway across the world in Antarctica, Peter had already begun a new round of construction projects.
The ice cave initially spanned only a few dozen square meters.
Under his immense strength and the cutting power of his blazing gaze, it expanded hundreds of times in size.
The area beneath the ice peak was almost entirely hollowed out, forming a maze-like network of dozens of tunnels connecting several large chambers.
These chambers had now been converted into various specialized laboratories.
Peter then imported vast quantities of high-strength steel and advanced lab equipment from around the world.
Some of it came from secret S.H.I.E.L.D. laboratories he had visited before.
After handing over all the advanced equipment to the professional scientists for processing,
Peter began a new round of construction.
The process was rough and straightforward.
Peter first transformed into a skilled assembler, using thermal imaging to cut thick plates of high-strength alloy steel.
He covered the edges of the ice cave's concave areas with the steel sheets.
In an instant, he became a welding technician, fusing the plates together with his heat vision.
At this moment, Peter alone was equivalent to an entire construction team known as the "construction maniacs."
Everyone present watched in disbelief.
In less than half a day, the ordinary ice cave was completely transformed.
The silver metallic walls alone gave the impression of being incredibly sturdy and durable.
"Now we don't have to worry about this place collapsing."
Looking at the almost bunker-like metal walls, everyone secretly exhaled in relief.
"But now there's no chance of escape."
Apart from necessary ventilation holes, the place was almost entirely covered in silver high-strength alloy, like a massive cage trapping them completely inside.
"In that case, to leave this cursed place as soon as possible, it seems we have no choice but to obey his demands and do our best to build the battle suits he requires."
Although unwilling, they had no choice but to follow Peter's instructions.
"Hopefully during this time, we can work together to meet his requirements quickly and leave this place."
Tony looked around at the others, determination shining in his eyes.
He had heard of some of these people before, though today was the first time meeting them.
From this moment, they would fight side by side, willing to give everything for their freedom.
During this period, everyone needed to leave nothing in reserve and fully utilize their talents.
"This is just a nanotech suit. If we work together, building a spaceship and flying out of here is nothing…"
Seeing the trapped scientists with varying degrees of frustration, Tony excitedly encouraged them.
"A spaceship? If I had enough materials, I could build one myself…"
As the Wakandan princess, Shuri explained that she had already built a spaceship two years ago.
However, nanotechnology remained her current area of research and exploration.
"Heh, I hope they give me a satisfactory result soon."
The only exit at the top, made of alloy, slowly closed.
In the next moment, Peter flew off toward his home.
He didn't have much time to stay with them, as his break was ending.
Even as Superman, he still had to attend classes.
…
Meanwhile, in the Wakandan tribe in Africa,
An extremely important ritual was underway.
T'Challa, son of King T'Chaka, was about to receive the Heart-Shaped Herb, obtaining the Panther God's blessing and protection, awakening the Black Panther's power.
This was the second most important day after the election of the new Wakandan king.
At this moment, countless Wakandan citizens had gathered in front of the cave where the Heart-Shaped Herb grew.
Standing on rocks around the waterfall, feeling the rushing water.
They looked at their king with deep respect and love, witnessing the true leader guiding them toward prosperity.
"As you know, Wakandans value peace above all. This is why we have remained hidden for so long."
"Yet, just yesterday, intruders entered Wakanda, abducting the princess—my only daughter."
Facing all the people of Wakanda, the elder king stood in the rushing water, his voice revealing the pain of losing his daughter.
"At this moment, this is not just for my daughter, but for all of Wakanda, for every citizen."
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