News of the American billionaire hero's arrival spread quickly thanks to photos posted online. Some were perplexed by his arrival, others were delighted, but everyone could only speculate, and no one knew what was going on.
Of course, there was no point in just flying in, but resolving a few issues and relaxing at the same time sounded much better.
After the ceremonial arrival, the guests were transported to the house, where a table with a variety of prepared dishes was already set up and where they could sit quietly and chat, as well as check the health of the director of one of the leading American companies before the operation to remove from the body the Extremis serum that Killian had injected into her.
"I actually think Bruce will be with you," Tony and Alex said, leaving the girls to chat and going about their business.
- He found a reason not to go after Hulk calmed down a bit.
- Is he still sleeping?
- No, our green friend made himself known, but he was acting calmly, so Bruce went to sort this out with a certain Betty Ross.
- Wasn't that his ex? He definitely went to see her to sort things out?
- He didn't specify, but it became clear to both of them why he went to see his ex-girlfriend, with whom they had a lot in common.
- Well, let him figure it out, he needs to take care of his health.
They settled in at the workstation where Alex broadcasts and communicates with people. After a quick setup, the broadcast began.
- Hello everyone, today we will have another member of the Avengers with us...
another broadcast began , which attracted a lot of public attention, considering that one of the most beloved heroes in the world found himself in an awkward situation when communicating with so many people, even Jarvis, filtering messages, did not help.
- Yes, I'm in Russia now.
- No, the communists are not holding me captive.
- We are not having a party here, I was simply offered to communicate with people directly, so I agreed.
- I don't have a super suit with me right now.
Considering that just recently photos of Tony in a slightly different outfit have been circulating online, the Soviet ushanka hat ended up on his head more for the sake of attracting attention than for the sake of keeping him warm.
"We have a little gift for you – at some point in the broadcast, when Stark was already tired of answering questions, the owner of the house attached virtual reality devices that had been installed in advance to himself – after the Battle of New York, people all over the world wrote that they should have done this, or that, when fighting alien threats, so Tony and I will give you this opportunity.
The camera turned slightly and the frame captured an installation that held the man in place but at the same time allowed him to move freely. After putting on gloves and boots, he put on a helmet and started the device.
A first-person broadcast of the Battle of New York appeared on screens around the world. Explosions, wounded soldiers, and civilians falling and not rising were everywhere. Somewhere in the distance, the images of the Avengers could be seen.
a beam hit him and he died.
The character's quick death confused the player himself.
"Well, let's try again," but even that didn't help them get even a few steps further. Wherever the character went, a trap or a new wave of enemies awaited them.
"Let me show you how it's done." While the small playful beating was going on, the former playboy donned another set and stepped into another nearby setup , but even that didn't produce much of a result. Between the two of them, they couldn't achieve anything significant. The only difference was that the first one to be "killed" watched the other suffer.
- What? It doesn't work as well without a suit?
"Ha, watch and learn!" After Tony entered the access code, his character unlocked and a first-person Iron Man battle began on screen, watched by millions. Of course, it couldn't completely replicate the original, but it was enough to impress everyone.
- As you can see, we've prepared, this is an exact replica of what happened that day, so everyone who is ready can join us and take part in this, gather groups, develop strategies, over time your characters will acquire new powers and you will be able to show off your skills.
While the game was being explained, the action continued on the screens, with Iron Man failing and only the Hulk remaining alive. For a moment, everything froze, and then a huge explosion was heard as a nuclear missile landed in midtown Manhattan.
- And here's what will happen if you can't handle it? Show us everything you can. See you all.
And then the broadcast ended.
- Bravo bravo Bravo - with a small round of applause from the girls who had previously been sitting and chatting quietly and without disturbing them, they watched the show to the end. - Tony, I'm surprised, I didn't think you were also involved in games.
- I am a man of many talents, Miss Potts, you have probably forgotten that.
- I just don't understand why you need all this?
Alex began to explain, getting out of the equipment. "The first is that it will shut up many people who say that if he had the same suit as Tony, he would have managed it himself."
- Oh yes, this is very important - the red-haired spy's sarcasm brought a smile to everyone's faces.
"But seriously, in five to ten years, there will be a lot of squads with superpowers like the Avengers. And the people who play these games will approach the issue with imagination. Imagine if a group of people could develop a strategy for ordinary soldiers in such combat conditions. If something similar happens again, people will be prepared to face such an enemy and won't die not knowing what to do."
At that moment, the girls looked at each other, unsure what to say. They both wanted to say that these were just toys, but they couldn't say that right now, because creating tactics was just the tip of the iceberg, and how much more could eventually be added as software under the guise of a game.
- Now that explains what kind of consoles you created for all of this - and then it dawned on her - they are coming out today.
The CEO of Stark Industries immediately began calling her assistants and adjusting their actions.
"It all looks and sounds very complicated," Natasha thought about how these opportunities could be applied in practice, since any conditions could be created that could have a positive effect on the preparation of agents .
"Yes, it took some effort," Stark boasted a little proudly. "
Advanced Level Technology for Real-time Online Navigation (ALTRON)" (ALTRON for short) . We had to create another AI that will process everything that happens there and give us the best possible tactics and strategies that people around the world will come up with. For example, right now it's just a battle in the city, and later we'll add scenarios where people around the world will bring us ready-made strategies and tactics with the most possible and impossible scenarios.
The only woman left in the room examined the installation, and then her gaze became very cunning.
- Show me how it works?
Good afternoon, Anatoly Lyapin again, and today we'll be following the grand opening of the hospital founded by Alexey Ledov, a Russian superhero and a man who broadcasts live gaming content to the world. Just the other day, he and fellow businessman Tony Stark launched virtual reality consoles worldwide. According to our data, millions of copies have already been sold in just a few days, with even more awaiting delivery. This was a shock for many people, as there was no advertising or preparation; no one knew about them until they were put up for sale. Some footage online now shows people scrambling to buy one. Stark Industries has already announced that there are still plenty of units in stock, so additional deliveries will be made in the coming days. They're asking people to wait and remain calm.
The presenter took a short break to check the information.
"But all this is a matter for the near future. Right now, preparations are underway for the grand opening of the establishment of the man who, they say, can cure any disease. We have our correspondent, Tatyana, with us at the ceremony, right in the center of the action. Tatyana, what's going on there right now?"
A window appeared next to the presenter , where the correspondent herself stood facing the camera. Several other correspondents could be seen next to her, and in the background stood a modern medical complex.
"Good afternoon, Anatoly. As far as we all know, there will be a short speech before the opening from Dr. Ledov himself, and then everyone interested will be taken in small groups to a separate, fenced-off wing, where we'll be shown and told what's there and what they'll be doing there."
- And what's the situation there?
"Honestly, it feels like we're all on a military base here, not a civilian facility. We had to go through several levels of security to get in. I even saw someone trying to bring a weapon in, but they grabbed him and led him away.
- It looks like all these precautions are not for nothing.
- I think so too, so I'm very interested in what today will bring.
They talked for a few more minutes until the doors opened and people started coming out. Many journalists had already started filming, as the hero of the occasion himself was walking with Tony Stark , and they were chatting cheerfully about something, but no one could hear them. Pepper followed behind them, also carefully exchanging words. Potts and Daria Sycheva, the general managers of the two companies and also having common topics of discussion, were present. Security guards were visible everywhere, inspecting the surroundings and following their targets.
Approaching the podium, Ledov stood behind it while Tony and the principals stood slightly behind him. Looking around the square and seeing hundreds of people standing and watching him, and even more watching him on their televisions, he didn't say a word, but simply looked up at the sky for a moment before lowering his head, a move that many found baffling.
- Hello everyone and please wait another minute, we are expecting another guest without whom we cannot begin.
Literally half a minute later, the answer came in the form of a bright, multi-colored beam that struck a specially fenced-off area.
"Oh my god, it's Thor!" It was a shock for Tatiana and many others there to see the alien god arrive and greet everyone as if they were old friends. Many people around the world had mostly seen him waving his hammer in battle, but to see him standing there in his armor, his bright red cloak, his small crown, and his hammer in his hands. People had never seen him like this before.
Not only did the Norse god descend to earth, but several Asgardians also descended with him , carrying chests that remained locked and were quickly carried inside, something the reporters couldn't help but notice. The young king himself called it "a gift from Asgard ." After such events, all those who had decided not to attend the event bitterly regretted it. After all, such news would not be reported from their sources.
When the solemn greeting ended, Alex finally began his speech.
"Today we've gathered here to ceremoniously open the first complex to help people with particularly severe illnesses. It houses cutting-edge equipment, and the best specialists from around the world will help those who can't do it themselves." While the conversation was going on, there was complete silence, only a slight breeze could be heard. The inspiration for this center was a video of parents raising money for expensive medications for their child. My capabilities—a little water swirled around Alex, giving everyone present a small reminder—are not the only way I can help these children. I don't want to see anything like this in the world again, so such cases will be considered separately, and all expenses will be covered by my company.
a Russian spy with red hair appeared a little to the side of the podium, to whom no one paid any attention yet.
This place isn't just a building; it's hope, it's a light for those who struggle with every minute of their lives. Thanks to the resources I have and the help of friends with various problems, this has all become possible for those who can't cope on their own—for those who need our support and care.
"Let's work together to make this world a better, kinder, and brighter place for those who need our help. Let this center become a symbol of our love, our strength, and our faith in a better future."
Many people already wanted to start applauding, but the speech was not yet completely finished.
"I also want to thank these warriors," he turned his body slightly and pointed at Thor and Stark, "thanks to whom all of this became possible and will facilitate the process of the enormous work that lies ahead of us."
This loud statement broke through the dam of questions that journalists began asking in a huge wave, and the speaker himself wanted to continue, but was not allowed to.
BAM.
Dozens of cameras captured the moment one of the Avengers team members, who had just given a speech, lay motionless behind the podium. Meanwhile, civilians began to panic and scatter, with the exception of a few camera operators, who began scanning their cameras for the possible shooter.
As soon as the shot rang out, Tony grabbed Pepper and threw her to the ground, and one of his suits of armor began to move from the roof of the complex. Natasha grabbed Anna and hid her behind the podium, and the next moment she rushed toward Alex's body to pull him out of the shooter's line of sight, while Thor swung his hammer and flew toward the sniper's probable location.
"Tatiana, are you all right?" The TV presenter was in shock at what was happening. He had witnessed the murder of one of the most famous people in the country and the world.
- Yes, I'm fine, it looks like this is an attempt on Dr. Ledov's life... my God... how could this be? As soon as the operator turned the camera, its perfect appearance disappeared and traces of grass were visible on the clothes.
As panic and alarm spread throughout the area, the operator pointed to a strange phenomenon happening in the stands. To everyone's shock, Alexey Ledov, who should now be lying and bleeding, was now standing, leaning on the black widow who was supporting him and who couldn't believe the bullet hole in his head was healing with a bright blue light, returning him to his normal appearance.
"Oh my God... this is impossible!" everyone in the studio agreed with this statement.