The United Nations Decision
At the United Nations headquarters, more than half of the world's representatives had gathered.
The emergency meeting had already lasted five days, all in response to the catastrophe in Italy.
The deaths of hundreds of thousands of people were simply too overwhelming. No matter the cause, an event of this scale was nearly impossible to resolve cleanly.
What they needed… was an outlet for public anger.
And the purpose of this meeting was exactly that—to find a scapegoat.
Carl was the perfect choice.
He was powerful, influential, and—most importantly—reasonable. No ordinary individual could wipe out an entire town in an instant, and the public wouldn't be easily fooled. If they needed someone convincing enough to carry the blame… Carl was their best option.
Now, the representatives were finalizing their plan: how to restrain Carl.
Ever since the Battle of New York, Carl's power had left a deep impression on the world. And after the recent nuclear incident in Vienna, if he were allowed to act freely, no one could stop him.
After the meeting, the same message spread across the globe:
"Five days ago, the town of Valle d'Aosta suffered a devastating attack. Over 170,000 residents lost their lives. Today, the United Nations has issued an official statement.The perpetrator—known as 'Superman,' Carl-El—will be subject to a global SSS-level manhunt.His actions have disrupted the balance of the world. He is a butcher.In the past twenty days alone, nearly 200,000 lives have been lost at his hands…"
Carl's Reaction
Carl switched off the television and looked at the Avengers, who were reacting to the news.
"They're forcing me onto the opposite side," he said flatly.
He tossed the remote onto the sofa and leaned back, his expression indifferent.
Diwan had already been sent away—Carl had convinced her to return to Kamar-Taj. She couldn't help in this situation, and he didn't want her involved. More importantly… he didn't want her to see what might happen next.
Even Carl himself wasn't sure whether he would kill this time.
There were limits to his patience.
And the biggest reason he had held back until now… was Diwan. He never wanted to use his power in a way she would disapprove of.
But this time was different.
He had been helping them track down the real killer—only to end up like this. The fact that he hadn't destroyed the world yet was already a mercy.
Was being kind… really such a good thing?
The Avengers Try to Stop Him
"Carl, lie low for now. Leave the rest to us," Steve said, sensing his anger."There are still two days before the enemy acts again. When that happens, the truth will come out."
If the enemy appeared, everything would be exposed.
Tony didn't join the persuasion. He simply sat there, watching.
Carl glanced at Steve."I really feel like punching the UN headquarters."
Steve quickly replied,"As long as things haven't reached the point of no return, just hold on. In two days, once the truth is revealed, they won't be able to target you anymore."
Carl smiled faintly."Die? They're not even worth that effort."
Rhodey frowned, clearly displeased."I know they're trying to make you a scapegoat. But in two days, they'll understand—you don't actually want to become the enemy of the entire world. That won't benefit you either."
Tony immediately frowned. Rhodey was his friend—but what he just said was badly timed, even uncomfortable to hear.
"Rhodey, you need to think from the Avengers' perspective," Tony said. "Otherwise, you're just making things worse."
Their positions were different.
Rhodey had always served his country. He saw the Avengers as friends—but when it came to Carl, he couldn't fully accept him. After all, Carl was an outsider.
To Rhodey, Carl's attitude—his detachment from the world—was unsettling.
"Unbelievable… Acting like none of this concerns him. Who does he think he is—"
"Colonel Rhodes, this is not the time for that!" Steve interrupted sharply."This is the Avengers' base, not the military. Everyone has their own stance—you can't lose your temper over this!"
If Rhodey continued, Steve would stop him. Carl was already on edge—this would only make things worse.
To Carl, he was the victim in all of this.
And yet Rhodey was still speaking from the other side.
Even though the others didn't openly say anything, their dissatisfaction was clear.
Rhodey noticed their expressions and realized he had gone too far.
"Alright, alright. I was just trying to persuade him," he muttered, sitting down in silence.
Carl gave him a cold, mocking smile."Seems like you still don't understand."
He stood up and looked around at everyone.
"Killing ants doesn't require a reason…The only difference is—I happened to become friends with them."
After Carl Leaves
With that, Carl left the base, leaving behind a group of uneasy Avengers.
He had originally planned to continue tracking the killers and strike back.
But now?
The entire world had turned against him—and Rhodey's words had only made it worse.
Watching him leave, Tony turned to Rhodey with frustration."Why would you say that now? Carl's already been pushed into a corner, and you just made it worse. What happens the day after tomorrow? We don't even know how strong the enemy is!"
Rhodey replied expressionlessly,"He was never one of us. This is something we have to solve ourselves. Relying on outsiders won't help."
Natasha frowned."You don't understand how powerful Carl is. No one can control him. What you're doing is putting us in danger—you shouldn't have said that."
Rhodey looked at her calmly."I've read all the files on him. That doesn't justify his attitude. He sees himself as a god… and us as ants."
Silence fell over the room.
Carl's last words had made everyone uncomfortable.
And in a way… they echoed Rhodey's accusation.
Preparing for What Comes Next
"We need to prepare for the day after tomorrow," Steve finally said, breaking the silence."Whether Carl helps us or not is uncertain. We need backup."
A battle might erupt in two days—and they still didn't understand their enemy.
"I've found two people who might be able to help," Steve added.
Everyone looked at him and Sam curiously.
Sam smiled mysteriously."You'll understand when you see them."
Steve continued,"I found my old friend—Bucky. He fought in World War II. He's my best friend."
Tony spread his hands, looking unimpressed."A showdown between two hundred-year-old men? Sounds about as exciting as retirement home gossip."
Steve ignored him.
Sam grinned."And the one I'm bringing… he can grow big or small. He can be anywhere. I'm really looking forward to introducing him to you."
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