Chapter 26: New York, Where the Battlefield of Love Does Not Exist
America, New York City, the world-famous financial capital.
Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, LED billboards flashing brilliantly.
Another day of peace—well, not really.
In the bustling streets, the sound of police sirens rang out every half hour, a strangely fitting part of the city's atmosphere of "freedom."
In truth, ever since Tony Stark publicly revealed his identity as Iron Man more than a year ago, New York had become far more stable. After all, criminals here never knew whether that billionaire playboy might suddenly descend from the sky in his insanely advanced armor, moving faster than the speed of sound, and blast them straight to God.
Sure, everyone knew Stark rarely bothered with small-time crimes like bank robberies. But the mere thought that if he did appear, there would be no chance to escape—that kind of despair-inducing gap in power was enough to make criminals tremble.
It fit perfectly with that year's slogan: "2011, technology makes the world a better place!"
Iron Man was the king crowned with the power of technology.
His deterrence as a superhero, in some ways, was stronger than an entire city's police force.
At this moment.
The man known as Iron Man, playboy, billionaire Tony Stark, was lounging inside one of New York's most famous nightclubs, surrounded by scantily dressed dancers and models.
"Tony, do we always have to talk business in places like this?"
His friend, Air Force Colonel James Rhodes, looked exasperated as he pushed his way through the women to sit beside Stark. His pristine officer's uniform looked completely out of place here.
Still, the rank of "Colonel" was intimidating enough that the women quickly drifted away, leaving Stark free.
"Changing the location? Impossible. Won't happen in this lifetime. But you—can't you not wear that uniform every time? You're killing the mood," Stark teased as he swirled a glass of red wine.
"I just barely snuck out of the base, you know."
Even as Rhodes said it, he grabbed a wineglass from a passing waiter and clinked it against Stark's.
Lights flashed, music boomed.
After a drink or two, Rhodes' expression softened, and he slipped into the atmosphere much faster than he'd admit.
"So, what's the deal dragging me out here in broad daylight?" Stark asked lazily.
"Oh right, I almost forgot the real reason!"
Rhodes straightened, lowering his voice. "For the past six months, haven't you been looking for people with unique talents or unbelievable powers?"
"That's right."
Stark nodded openly. His plan to form a superhero team wasn't a secret from Rhodes. If not for Rhodes' military position restricting his actions, Stark would've pulled him in long ago.
"How's the progress?" Rhodes asked curiously.
"Not bad. I've already got two or three candidates."
Though Stark's tone was casual, Rhodes could hear the frustration in it.
In truth, Stark had only found one candidate himself, and that was just recently. The other two were suggested by Nick Fury.
Still, the one Stark had found—both in brains and power—was far from ordinary. That was his one comfort.
The world was huge, yet humans who had powers beyond the ordinary were vanishingly rare.
"What do you think about that new superhero in Washington? The Silver-Haired Goddess? She took down Abomination, you know!" Rhodes asked with interest.
"Of course I checked her out that same night," Stark smirked, narrowing his eyes. "There isn't much information, but I can confirm—she's based in Washington."
…
Times Square. The streets overflowed with people, Christmas decorations were everywhere, and festive cheer filled the city.
"Xi Nian, what about this one?" Gwen tugged on his sleeve, wearing a Santa hat.
"Looks good," Xi Nian replied.
"Senior, how about mine?" Kara tapped the little reindeer bell around her neck, the crisp sound ringing sweetly.
"Looks good," Xi Nian said again.
So it went—the two girls dragged Xi Nian around the bustling shopping district. Their laughter and beauty drew more than a few eyes as they walked.
For Xi Nian, being flanked by two gorgeous girls was definitely enjoyable. But he hadn't forgotten why they were here.
At a crosswalk, he suggested, "Alright, let's split up. I'll take this street, you two take that one."
"Eh?" Gwen's smile froze.
"Why?" Kara frowned.
"Gwen, you forgot already? You came here ahead of time to scout for tourism spots. The street's too big to cover together. If we split up, we'll see more. And if you and Kara go together, you'll be safer."
Gwen's mind went blank. She hadn't expected her earlier excuse to backfire like this.
"Senior, I…" Kara looked up, about to protest, but Xi Nian's gentle smile stopped her. "I'll count on you, Kara. Watch out for Gwen, and take care of each other."
Kara's lips parted. She wanted to say, You're the one who's not safe. But the words caught in her throat. She could only sigh in defeat. "Alright."
"Then it's settled."
Xi Nian slung his bag over his shoulder and headed off alone down one street, leaving Gwen and Kara staring at each other helplessly.
How had it ended up like this?
…
Xi Nian wandered alone, snapping pictures with his phone as he walked. Before long, a particular building caught his eye.
A memorial hall.
Adults entered with children in tow, many of the kids carrying toy shields painted with white stars, their faces glowing with excitement.
Seeing the scene, there was no doubt what this place was.
The Captain America Memorial.
As the world's first superhero, Captain America's influence in this country was undeniable. Even though he had gone down in a plane crash nearly seventy years ago, soldiers still saw him as their idol.
Xi Nian had only heard of it before. This was his first time seeing the memorial in person. It was one of New York's must-see landmarks.
He hesitated at the foot of the steps, wondering whether to go in.
Just then, a tall young man walked out of the building.
He wore casual pants and a jacket, a baseball cap pulled low over his face. He kept his head down, but from Xi Nian's lower angle on the steps, he saw the man's face clearly.
"Mr. Rogers?" Xi Nian blurted out in surprise.
The young man froze, glancing at Xi Nian before giving a slight nod.
The man sneaking out of the Captain America Memorial was none other than the memorial's subject himself—Steve Rogers, Captain America!
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