Dr. Otto had used robotic arms coordinated by chips. Over time, these chips evolved slightly, giving rise to a faint AI consciousness. This could potentially manipulate Dr. Otto, explaining his transformation into Doctor Octopus in past scenarios. But now, with the Red Queen's intervention, such concerns were eliminated, preventing that fate.
With the brain-computer interface, Dr. Otto could transmit commands without overloading his brain, effectively enhancing its processing power.
Dr. Otto quickly adapted, using the robotic arms to move without touching the ground, an impressive sight that amazed Gwen.
"How does it feel?" Levi asked, approaching Dr. Otto.
"It's incredible," Dr. Otto replied excitedly. "They feel like an extension of my body."
Previous chips managed only basic operations, but now, Dr. Otto felt the arms were an integral part of him. Eager for advancement, he suggested, "I want surgery for a semi-invasive brain-computer interface."
"There's no need to rush," Levi advised.
Semi-invasive interfaces require electrodes implanted under the skull, a procedure beyond ordinary doctors. "Someone else will test it first," Levi hinted, thinking of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as ideal candidates.
After some persuasion, Dr. Otto calmed down, content with the non-invasive interface, which eased his experiments.
Levi promptly shared the results with S.H.I.E.L.D. Coulson, amidst contract preparations, hurried the process, recognizing its value. With brain-computer interfaces, agents could maintain capabilities, ideal for missions.
"Li, any new technologies?" Dr. Otto inquired, eager for the next project.
Levi checked his reputation points, now over seven million. "Let me think about it," he reassured, eyeing Tony Stark's return.
---
"Achoo!" Tony Stark sneezed, suspecting a cold. That damn wake-up call from Levi left him groggy, canceling his plans. Now, he lounged on a chair, watching a private flight attendant perform a pole dance on his jet.
He'd chosen a fair-skinned, beautiful attendant, serving him solo on his flight back to New York.
The impending clash between New York's titans loomed.
Several attendants danced, electrifying Tony's mood, despite occasional sneezes.
"Damn Levi, ruining my mood," Tony muttered, planning a verbal retaliation upon landing.
The plane soon landed, greeted by Happy the driver and Pepper Potts, holding a cheeseburger.
"I'm a bit hungry," Tony remarked, biting into the burger before handing it back to Pepper, who followed, knowing he'd had enough.
"Did Levi say anything bad about me?" Tony asked.
"No, Tony. I think you should reconcile. There's a saying: harmony brings wealth," Pepper suggested.
"Make peace? Never!" Tony scoffed. "He provoked me! I won't forgive him unless he apologizes publicly!"
Spotting a reporter, Tony adjusted his tie, approaching confidently.
Pepper watched him go, helplessly.
Tony's face reddened in anger during the interview.
"Levi claims I left New York out of fear? That bastard!"
---
"It's rising! It's rising!" Levi cheered in his Maybach, watching his reputation points soar. He popped open champagne, celebrating.
Tony Stark's return was a boon—New York needed him.
2B drove, with Gwen Stacy beside her. Levi poured champagne for them both.
"Boss, what's the celebration?" Gwen asked.
Levi switched on the TV, showing Tony Stark's interview. "Look, Tony's back in New York."
They clinked glasses, Gwen puzzled by Levi's joy. Weren't they rivals?
"Certainly," Levi said, catching himself. "Of course not, I just want to mock him."
Gwen nodded, sipping her drink as they neared Queen's FEAST shelter.
Upon seeing the familiar place, Gwen was surprised. "Boss, is this the place you bought?"
"Yes, why?"
Gwen hesitated, recalling last night's events. "I heard it was robbed."
"It doesn't matter, it's worthless," Levi shrugged. His interest lay in Martin Lee, responding to his initial attack.
Soon, 2B parked outside the shelter, swarmed by reporters.
2B ensured safety before unlocking the door.
"Mr. Levi, what's your response to Tony Stark's claim that you should fear him?"
"See for yourself," Levi replied confidently.