"Oh? So there really is such a brat out there?"
The Mandarin's voice echoed through the mist, sharp and curious. After listening to Quicksilver's frantic explanation, his brows knit together in thought.
"According to you," he said slowly, "this kid—Ryuuto—has that much power? Strange. I've kept my eye on every mutant worth mentioning, yet I've never heard of him."
Quicksilver, sweating under that predatory stare, forced a trembling grin.
"Mandarin, I swear on my life—every word I said is true! No exaggeration!"
The old man's lips curled into an unsettling smile. "And you're sure he's truly extraordinary?"
A strange gleam flared in Mandarin's eyes, one that made Quicksilver's stomach twist. Even Ariel and Gambit instinctively took a step back, cold sweat running down their spines.
"Y-yes! His strength absolutely deserves your personal attention!" Quicksilver said, forcing his tone into boldness while his legs screamed at him to run.
But fear alone wouldn't get Mandarin to move. So, he went for something that would—ego.
He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "That kid's been on a rampage lately. Wiped out half the strong mutants in the States. Even my father—Magneto—fell to him! Thor, Ultron, all of them! He's been calling himself the strongest in the world!"
The silence that followed was suffocating. Mandarin's face was unreadable, but the air itself seemed to buzz with killing intent. Quicksilver and Gambit could barely breathe.
Then the old man chuckled. Slowly, it grew into booming laughter that shook the mountaintop.
"Heh… interesting. Very interesting! It seems this old man truly must descend once more!"
The ten rings on his hands blazed with energy as Mandarin's excitement reached fever pitch.
"Quicksilver, I'll give you credit for bringing me such delightful news. A peerless master, you say? Hah! Then let it be known—whenever I meet one, I'll see one, kill one!"
Quicksilver flinched but plastered on a grin. "Y-yes! With you moving personally, Mandarin, that kid doesn't stand a chance!"
Inside, his heart was ice. If not for Ryuuto, he'd have run screaming off this mountain long ago. Still, he'd gotten what he wanted—the old monster was moving. This time, that smug ninja wannabe was done for.
Meanwhile, in New York, Ryuuto was finishing up another training session when Shion's voice cut through his thoughts, urgent for once.
[Ding! SSS-Level Emergency Mission Released!]
[Objective: Rescue Iron Man and defeat the incoming enemy!]
[Reward: Classified – "Extremely Generous."]
Ryuuto blinked, rubbing his ear. "Did the system just short-circuit? Since when do I get emergency missions?"
But then it clicked. His eyes widened. "Wait—SSS-level? You're kidding. That's end-of-the-world-tier!"
[Mhm~ it's a tough one, Host. Even for you. The enemy's energy signature is ridiculous. Try not to die, okay?]
"Wow, thanks for the motivational speech." Ryuuto cracked his neck, grinning. "Fine. Let's see who's dumb enough to threaten my planet today."
In a burst of light, the "Red Mirage" vanished into the sky, streaking toward the energy spike ripping through the clouds above New York.
Inside Stark Tower, alarms blared. Tony was already suiting up, HUD flashing red with warnings.
"Hulk, looks like we've got company. Big one. Let's move!"
Banner's voice was gravelly, but eager. "About time! Let's smash whatever it is!"
The radar pinged—one red dot. Massive. Energy levels off the charts.
Wolverine barged in, claws half-drawn. "You two aren't going alone. If something's coming for New York, I'm in."
Hawkeye followed, loading his bow. "Same here. Let's make it regret visiting the wrong damn city."
But Tony shook his head, face grim behind the armor. "No. If this thing's as bad as it looks, you need to hold the line here. Banner and I will engage first."
They locked eyes, mutual resolve unspoken—and then Iron Man and Hulk launched skyward, heading straight for the incoming storm.
Far from the city, in a quiet forest clearing, Quicksilver, Gambit, and Ariel watched from hiding. The Mandarin floated high above New York, glowing like a small sun.
"Quicksilver…" Gambit muttered, voice low. "You think this'll work? What if the kid just runs away?"
"Shut it," Quicksilver snapped. "Just enjoy the show."
Ariel's eyes widened suddenly. "Look! Incoming!"
Two blazing streaks tore through the sky—one of red and gold, the other green and furious.
Tony Stark and the Hulk, heading straight for the Mandarin.