Stark Tower Laboratory
Tony Stark was engrossed in a holographic projection of a nanostructure model, his fingers dancing through the air to tweak molecular alignments. His workbench was littered with metal fragments, energy cores, and a half-empty cup of cold coffee.
"Jarvis, pull up the seventh parameter set," Tony said without looking up, dark circles evident under his eyes.
"Sir, you've been working for 36 hours straight," Jarvis noted. "Per the health protocol—"
"I wrote the health protocol, Jarvis," Tony interrupted with a grin, waving dismissively. "Now, parameters."
The hologram shifted to a complex molecular structure. Tony squinted, then snapped his fingers excitedly. "There! The energy conduction node needs realignment!"
A voice cut in behind him. "You're going in the wrong direction."
"Argh!" Tony nearly jumped out of his chair, dropping a tool with a clatter. "Damn it, James! Can't you use the front door like a normal person?"
James Holden stood in the lab's center, his black armor's golden patterns glinting under the lights. A faint smirk played on his lips. "Sorry, force of habit."
Tony rubbed his temples, picking up the tool. "So, where's the great Superman been?"
"Kamar-Taj," James replied, approaching the workbench and glancing at the hologram. "The Earth's sanctuary of magic."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Magic? I thought you'd had your fill of Asgardian hocus-pocus."
"It's different." James shook his head, his fingers brushing the hologram, instantly reorganizing the structure into a new configuration. "Asgard's magic blends tech and divine power. Kamar-Taj's is pure dimensional energy manipulation."
Tony stared at the restructured model, eyes lighting up. "Wait… this conduction method…"
"More efficient, right?" James smiled. "Magic and tech are just different ways of harnessing energy."
Tony spun to another terminal. "Jarvis! Log this structure! Recalculate energy loss!"
James watched Tony's frenzy with a slight shake of his head. "Keep at it. I've got something to handle."
"Wait!" Tony called without turning. "You didn't tell me about this magic place! Can they really conjure fireballs or teleport with a wave?"
"Pretty much," James shrugged. "But it needs specific artifacts. Their Sorcerer Supreme wanted me to take her place."
Tony whipped around, eyes wide. "What? You're going wizard?"
"Turned it down," James said, heading to the window. "I've got my own plans."
Tony exhaled, then asked, "How strong is this Sorcerer Supreme?"
James recalled the Ancient One's time-piercing gaze. "Stronger than you'd think."
"Stronger than you?" Tony pressed.
James paused. "In some ways, yeah."
Tony's expression turned serious. He set down his tool and joined James. "How many powerful beings are out there that I don't know about?"
"Plenty," James said, gazing at New York's nightscape. "That's why I need to get stronger."
Tony nodded thoughtfully. "So, what's your plan?"
James didn't answer directly. "Ever heard of mutants?"
"Mutants?" Tony frowned. "You mean X-gene carriers? I've heard rumors, but S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files are thin."
"They mostly keep to themselves," James said, heading for the door. "I might need to have a chat with them."
Tony followed. "Hold up! Why the sudden interest in mutants?"
James paused, glancing back. "Because they're among the few who could potentially threaten me. I need to understand them—especially a certain someone who controls magnetic fields." James was bluffing; Magneto might go down with one punch.
He grinned suddenly. "But first, I'm off to teach some kids how to handle their powers."
"Kids?" Tony looked baffled.
"Some college students who stumbled into superpowers," James shrugged.
Before Tony could ask more, James became a black streak, vanishing through the glass into the night.
"Jarvis," Tony said, staring after him, "pull everything on mutants, especially the magnetic guy."
"Data is limited, sir," Jarvis replied. "Should I contact Professor X?"
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Professor X? The mutant school guy?"
"Not confirmed, sir, but network traces suggest he's a key mutant leader."
Tony returned to his workbench, eyes gleaming. "Hold off. Let's crack James's structure first. Once the nano-armor's done…" He grinned at the night sky. "Maybe I'll pay these mutants a visit myself."
New York
James hovered a thousand meters up, his super hearing scanning global anomalies like a radar. A minute ago, he'd caught three voices arguing fiercely. Locking onto the source—a derelict industrial park in Brooklyn—he zoomed in.
Abandoned Industrial District
Sunset bathed the empty lot in orange. Three college students stood among rubble, tension thick.
Andrew crouched, idly levitating a pebble a few centimeters above his palm before letting it drop. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, betraying sleepless nights.
"We need a plan," Matt said, adjusting his glasses, voice low. "That rock… it's not right."
"Not right?" Steve scoffed. "It gave us powers! It's a damn miracle!"
"A miracle like Andrew nearly throwing a car at someone last night?" Matt shot back.
Andrew's head snapped up, pain flashing in his eyes. "I said it was an accident! I just…"
His voice broke, fingers trembling. Nearby pebbles began to quiver.
"Easy, man," Steve said, reaching for Andrew's shoulder, but Andrew shoved him away.
"Don't touch me!"
The pebbles exploded outward like bullets.
WHOOSH!
A black figure landed silently. The flying debris froze mid-air, then settled gently back to the ground.
The trio froze, staring at the tall figure. Black armor, golden patterns, and piercing eyes radiating calm scrutiny.
"You're… the guy with Tony Stark today… Superman…" Matt muttered, nearly dropping his tablet.
James's gaze swept over them, lingering on Andrew. The boy's eyes were red, fists clenched like a taut string ready to snap.
"What did you find here?" James asked, his tone gentle.
The three exchanged glances. Matt spoke first. "A… glowing rock. In a cave."
James nodded, looking toward a dark mine shaft. "Can you show me?"