Chapter 5: Aftermath (Modified)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
"New Threat or New Hero: Eyewitness Interview"— The New York Times
"Downtown Battle: Military Cannot Evade Responsibility, Ross Should Face Court-Martial"— Herald Daily
"Day of Disaster: Spider-Man Fled Without a Fight"— Daily Bugle
The street battle in New York stirred up a storm, and world public opinion was in an uproar.
This was the first time that a monster-level Combat Power had completely abandoned laws and morals, disregarded civilians, and directly engaged in battle in the bustling streets, resulting in countless casualties.
Afterwards, some bold individuals ventured into the war zone and only saw widespread devastation. An entire street was reduced to ruins, and several nearby streets were also dilapidated, presenting an apocalyptic scene. Countless people wept bitterly for their deceased loved ones amidst the ruins.
Large numbers of citizens spontaneously took to the streets, raising banners during protests and cursing the Military's incompetence.
"Since I can't be protected, then I shouldn't pay taxes. I should pay taxes to those who protect me... It's all Ross's fault."
A person leaning on a cane was interviewed, speaking frankly.
"If it weren't for that person last night, I would have been dead already. I'm very grateful to him... Mutant? Who cares what he is? What the hell does it matter to me! All I know is that he protected me when I needed help the most."
An unprecedented change rattled societal norms, and people began to worry about their own safety. Various protests erupted one after another, and countless experts and professors came forward, citing classics and talking endlessly.
"How do you view this bloody incident?" a renowned talk show host asked.
"This is a man-made disaster that will go down in human history. Our generation will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history; someone must be held responsible..." the old professor of human sociology said.
"Could you please estimate the cause of this incident?"
"It's all Ross's damned fault," the old professor said.
The Military remained silent for a long time. Facing immense pressure from both outside and above, they finally couldn't bear it anymore, claiming that everything originated from the failed Super-Soldier Program, and the Military would terminate the Super-Soldier Program.
Some victims furiously questioned the Military spokesperson, asking, "Could a flimsy 'termination of the program' compensate for the harm they suffered? And shouldn't the Military, as the culprit, offer some explanation?"
The Military spokesperson remained silent for a long time, then answered, "It's all Ross's damned fault."
General Ross was completely disgraced.
...
When Tony woke up, it was already two days later; he had slept for two full days.
Opening his eyes, he saw a hospital room, and he was the only patient in it, clearly arranged specially for him.
The curtains were half-drawn. Outside the window, sunlight was bright, and bird chirps came and went, adding to the sense of peace.
"Is anyone here?" Tony called out, his voice extremely hoarse, which even surprised himself.
Someone pushed the door open and entered, but it wasn't the nurse Tony expected, but a man in a suit with a gentle smile, yet giving off an impression of competence.
"The doctor said you would wake up today. I've been waiting for you for a long time," the man said with a smile. "My name is Phil Coulson, from S.H.I.E.L.D. Mr. Tony, you can just call me Agent Coulson. This is our agency's internal hospital, and you are safe now."
Agent Coulson kept smiling, gentle yet polite, his formal suit impeccable, his tie tightly knotted around his neck.
"Agent Coulson... So, you saved me, didn't you?" Tony sat up, picked up the water on the table—it was surprisingly warm—and drank it all in one gulp.
"You could say that. We indeed put in a lot of effort, and at the same time, we stopped many people who harbored ill intentions towards Mr. Tony."
Agent Coulson briefly explained what happened after Tony fainted, speaking very directly. Many people were very interested in him, using connections and methods to try and take Tony away, but Agent Coulson's side stopped them all.
Among them, General Ross was the most eager and irritable, uncontrollably furious, almost throwing his sidearm at Agent Coulson's face.
It was said that at that time, Ross had received orders from some higher-ups, specifically to bring Tony back.
Tony nodded noncommittally, gesturing for Agent Coulson to sit down and talk.
"Where are my parents?" Tony asked, his voice hoarse, with an unconcealable exhaustion in his tone.
"I have arranged for them to be placed in coffins. I am very sorry for what happened..." Agent Coulson said gently.
Tony stood up. Agent Coulson tried to help him but was pushed away. Tony used the Allspark; a sharp pain shot through his brain, and only a faint trickle passed into his body, far different from his state when he first awakened.
Agent Coulson quickly said, "The doctor said your brain sustained the most severe damage, and these two days of unconsciousness were mainly your brain healing itself."
Tony remained silent, using Allspark Energy to circulate through his body. His condition improved significantly, but he could only recover partially; the effect was not as pronounced. It was clear that the Allspark's primary function was to create and control Transformers, and its effect on himself was secondary.
Tony stood up, stumbled out, his steps faltering, as if he might fall disgracefully at any moment. He knew the outcome clearly, but not seeing them one last time would leave him restless. How could he not see them off on their final journey?
In the enclosed courtyard outside, two coffins were already adorned with stark white flowers. The white, representing purity, at this moment, evoked immense sorrow.
Tony stumbled over and tremblingly reached out to touch the cold coffins. The touch, devoid of any warmth, plunged him into a prolonged silence. Cry? He didn't want to cry; his tears had already dried up.
There was more hatred in his heart.
He hated Ross, he hated Hulk.
"Not far from here, there's a cemetery. Do you need our help moving them?" Agent Coulson said softly.
Tony silently shook his head, tentatively using the Allspark. Each use brought a sharp pain to his brain, and his Allspark dimmed. This was the price. Just as Jean, a Level 5 Mutant, had to annihilate a portion of her Host Personality every time she used the Phoenix Force, each time walking on the edge of life and death, a forced Power Burst also demanded an unbearable and terrible price.
But he didn't regret it. In that moment, since he had the chance to kill Abomination, he was willing to pay any price.
Until the two coffins were placed in the cemetery, Tony remained silent throughout. His square and resolute face carried a chilling stillness.
A gentle breeze blew past, stirring a few strands of his hair. Beneath his cold and desolate expression, a surging, fiery volcano lay dormant.
(end of chapter)