Bucky's grand wedding was over, but it had become a global conversation piece.
Whether it was the aliens who invaded New York, the enormous warships, or the massive Chitauri crystal now displayed in Times Square—all had become subjects of worldwide discussion.
The invading Chitauri bodies had been recovered by S.H.I.E.L.D., and the warships sent into space.
Now the only alien artifact accessible to the public was the enormous crystal containing countless preserved Chitauri warriors.
The crystal was truly massive, dominating Times Square like a small hill.
Many people approached the crystal with less-than-noble intentions, bringing various tools in attempts to break open the structure and claim the alien technology sealed within.
However, as a crystal created by Marcus's Gara [Glass Lady] form, it was virtually impenetrable. Unless these people had weapons as powerful as Chitauri naval guns, they stood no chance of breaching the enormous crystalline structure.
Many left disappointed after expending considerable energy trying to break the crystal's shell.
The material proved harder than any known substance. Some had even used heavy construction machinery but failed to leave even a scratch on its surface.
This brought relief to Tony and the others, who had been somewhat concerned about security. It also piqued their scientific curiosity.
They wanted to analyze this crystal whose hardness surpassed any mineral they had encountered.
However, Marcus had warned them against tampering with it. His understanding of the crystal far exceeded anyone else's.
Though created from vitrified glass, it differed significantly from ordinary glass.
Normal glass, when broken, would simply shatter into several pieces.
The crystal Marcus had created, while extremely hard, would catastrophically fail under sufficiently violent attack.
If that happened, the hill-sized Chitauri crystal would explode with devastating force, causing extensive damage to the surrounding area.
Marcus had brought back the Chitauri crystal primarily to preserve the alien technology contained within. He had his own methods for reclaiming the glass when needed.
Despite Marcus's warnings, everyone still wanted to examine the massive structure more closely.
Marcus didn't reject their requests. Now that the immediate crisis had passed, he could safely recycle the crystal.
Approaching the structure with the group, Marcus issued a final caution as they neared it.
"As I said before, don't touch it—especially you two, Thor and Dr. Banner."
As he spoke, Marcus's arm transformed into that of Gara [Glass Lady]. The moment he placed his hand on the crystal, the enormous structure began to slowly recede.
All the vitrified material seemed to liquefy, flowing toward his arm like water down a drain.
"The objects inside should be exposed now. You might want to get a better view from above," Marcus suggested.
Following his advice, Tony was instantly enveloped by his nano-suit. The thrusters in his boots and palms activated with a burst of propulsion, lifting him skyward.
Just as Marcus had indicated, the Chitauri warriors at the top of the crystal were gradually becoming visible, though they remained motionless.
These Chitauri were clearly dead, but their bodies appeared remarkably lifelike under the crystal's preservative effect.
"Jarvis, tell Pepper and Happy to bring Stark Industries' engineering team here immediately. There's a gold mine of technology waiting."
Beyond the Chitauri soldiers, there were numerous pieces of alien technology and equipment emerging from the receding crystal.
In addition to the energy spears and cannons they had seen during the invasion, there were weapons of various designs, some evidently powerful even at first glance.
"Stark Industries won't lack for research projects anytime soon," Tony remarked.
He sighed, knowing it would take considerable time to properly study all these artifacts.
Tony felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. With the Chitauri invasion now over, he had begun thinking about Earth's future.
Although the planet remained under the leadership of various governments, he wouldn't entrust the safety of himself and his loved ones to others.
The President of the United States was little more than a puppet of various interests. Placing hope in such figures would be naive at best.
He had been contemplating contingency plans to prevent another alien invasion or at least be better prepared.
Now, with Marcus's battleship and this recovered alien technology, his ideas could begin taking shape.
Though confident in his own technological prowess, having Chitauri technology as a reference would accelerate development significantly, allowing him to create powerful defensive systems for Earth.
As the glass continued to recede, Pepper and Happy arrived with the engineering team.
Seeing the ever-shrinking Chitauri crystal, they paused momentarily in surprise before rushing over with Stark Industries personnel.
The engineering team worked efficiently, loading numerous Chitauri artifacts onto trucks bound for Stark Industrial Park.
All these objects would become research subjects, contributing to Stark Industries' development and global technological advancement.
The activity attracted considerable attention, with numerous media representatives rushing to the scene, hoping to interview Tony.
People worldwide had learned that this enormous glass-like crystal possessed hardness beyond imagination—impervious to any conventional tool or weapon.
Now, they witnessed Stark Industries vehicles continuously shuttling near the crystal, transporting items extracted from within.
"Ms. Potts, can you tell us how Stark Industries is able to mine the alien artifacts inside this impenetrable crystal?"
"Ms. Potts, has Mr. Stark already mastered alien technology?"
"Ms. Potts, could you explain..."
Reporters surrounded Pepper, their questions bombarding her relentlessly.
Even Pepper, veteran of countless press conferences, found the barrage difficult to manage.
"Yes, I have indeed mastered the relevant technology. Is there a problem with that?"
Seeing Pepper struggling, Tony retracted his nano-suit and came to her rescue.
His casual confirmation landed like a thunderbolt among the reporters.
Their speculation was correct! Tony Stark had mastered alien technology!
But as they attempted to ask follow-up questions, they realized Tony had already escorted Pepper away. In their place stood Tony's bodyguard and Stark Industries' security director, Happy Hogan.
"Sorry, folks. The boss is long gone, and this area is still restricted."
Happy smiled broadly, clearly enjoying the frustration of the sensation-seeking journalists.
The reporters were helpless—their press credentials meant nothing to Tony Stark.
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