Terra Federation
Four hundred years ago, when the brain–computer interface was first developed, an accident changed history. The system unexpectedly linked to the mysterious Network.
This connection became the beginning of something no one anticipated: fragments of past lives began surfacing, and along with them came the possibility of awakening hidden abilities. For the Terra Federation, this discovery was earth-shattering.
Across the Federation, countless citizens manifested skills, though most were little more than practical life abilities. Only a rare few awakened something greater, something closer to supernatural talents.
Researchers later found that the abilities a person awakened were often tied to the echoes of their former lives, their identities, choices, occupations, and habits. Yet there was a paradox: no one in those past lives seemed to wield such powers directly. Even Aldice, who displayed vampire traits, carried them only because of her ancestral race, not because her previous incarnation had supernatural gifts.
And yet, as their discussion deepened, a startling deduction emerged: in this era of Terra, there might exist extraordinary humans whose powers went beyond mere fragments of memory. The Network, still operating after four centuries, suddenly seemed far more enigmatic.
Johan's quiet words landed like seeds. They rooted deeply in every listener's mind, and silence fell.
"So, the era we think we know is only the tip of the iceberg?"
"There could still be unknown, powerful beings hidden beneath history."
"If that's the case, then artificial intelligence may not be the greatest threat after all."
"The Network… It's strange. For 400 years, it has lingered, yet so few ever questioned why it appeared."
"Could it be that, even in Terra's past, anyone who touched the Network could awaken special powers?"
"In that case, Tony's brilliance, the invention of the suit, wasn't entirely his own? Could it have been inspired, even granted, by the Network?"
They reminded each other that the past-life fragments chronicled in Immortal Warrior were hazy, incomplete. What truly happened in those times could never be fully pieced together. Scholars scratched their heads, their astonishment never fading. The veil covering Terra's forgotten history was only beginning to lift.
Then Tonio broke the silence. "What about S.H.I.E.L.D.? In that era, were they protectors or destroyers?"
The question chilled the room. The fragments they'd seen, Tony's conversations, his choices, his struggles, looked ordinary enough. But S.H.I.E.L.D.'s shadow had always loomed, and in the fractured records of Terra's past, their role was anything but clear. Did they guide humanity, or manipulate it toward disaster?
"The good news," Someone muttered, "Is that Tony doesn't seem to die, at least not so soon."
Heads nodded, and relief lingered. Palladium poisoning could be alleviated with lithium dioxide. A fragile hope, but still hope.
"I want to know what Terra truly looked like back then!" Another voice demanded.
"Perhaps only the Immortal Warrior understands it best," Came the reply.
The discussion spread like wildfire. Experts debated grimly, worried about the deeper implications for Terra's history. Meanwhile, the broader audience latched onto other questions.
"What does that one-eyed man mean? He said Tony hasn't tried everything, what's left to try?"
"Looks like Tony will pull through! S.H.I.E.L.D. seems to have its answers."
"Sure enough, the follow-up's about to get interesting!"
[ By the seaside, Tony and the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. sat facing each other. The Director said, "That device in your chest, it's based on unfinished technology." ]
[ Tony shook his head. "No. It's finished. It only worked after I reduced it," He added. ]
[ The Director tilted his head. "Your father disagreed. He believed the Ark Reactor was only a springboard. A clue toward something far greater. To him, the nuclear reactor was no more than a triple-A battery in comparison." ]
[ Tony sipped his drink, brow furrowed. "You said I haven't tried everything. What did you mean?" ]
[ The Director's gaze hardened. "Your father believed only you had the wisdom and resources to complete the path he began." ]
[ Tony blinked. "He said that?" ]
[ "He did," The Director replied. "If you accept it, you'll uncover the mystery in your heart." ]
[ Tony pressed. "And how do you know my father better than I do?" ]
[ The Director glanced at his watch as two agents brought forward a sealed box, "Because," He said, "Your father was one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders." ]
[ Then he left, leaving Tony staring at the box, shaken to his core. ]
The stream erupted.
"Tony's father is one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders?!"
"No way! I thought he was just a rich industrialist, turns out there's more!"
"What is S.H.I.E.L.D.? Protector of mankind, or something darker?"
"What about this so-called great technology? Could it be the true source of superpowers?"
"Tony's reactor isn't even complete yet? How powerful would the final version be?!"
Theories spiraled. Audiences marveled that in his father's era, advancements beyond the Ark Reactor already existed. It was overwhelming, mysteries stacking upon mysteries. Speculation spread across forums: if Tony hadn't yet "tried everything," what unimaginable breakthroughs still lay hidden?
The one-eyed Director's first appearance felt like a doorway, suddenly opening to reveal a much wider picture of Terra's lost era, its super-technology, secret organizations, and looming crises in the southwest regions. Like a puzzle box, it drew everyone deeper.
The numbers soared, 20 million viewers, an unprecedented record for the feed. Yet even that was only a fragment, a sliver, compared to the billions watching from the Terra Federation.
This exploration post rivaled the most popular before it. Tens of thousands filled its comment threads with speculation and theories:
"Great technology linked to the Ark Reactor, it must be some new energy system!"
"No, it's not just a device. It's a breakthrough power source… or maybe the origin of superhuman abilities themselves."
"Remember what S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Director said, what if this connects to that rumored Avenger program?"
"Elemental powers? Fire, water, rock? Maybe even magic-like attacks?"
"Nonsense! That would've collapsed their power system!"
"Why not? The suit already changed history. Who's to say other abilities weren't real?"
"Stay focused, people, this is tech speculation, not fantasy!"
"Forget all that, the real secret's in that box."
"So does this mean Tony eventually joins S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"His dad's unbelievable. Instead of saving his son outright, he leaves behind riddles!"
"Still… maybe that was his way of testing Tony. Forcing him to uncover the truth himself."
Even the expert panel grew restless. For them, this was no longer just a story; it was the key to unraveling hidden truths in Terra's past.