Capítulo 16: Chapter 16: A Spectacle Unveiled
Chapter 16: A Spectacle Unveiled
As Andrew transformed into the Ghost Rider, his motorcycle blazed a trail of flames as he raced towards the Stark Tower with fervor.
Simultaneously, billowing black gas emanated from Andrew's body, morphing into chains that extended tens of meters in length. With swift precision, he flung one of the chains towards the nearest black and white suit, ensnaring it. But instead of stopping at one, the chain displayed an uncanny sense of autonomy, wrapping around each suit it encountered. The entangled mass of black and white suits intertwined and soared behind him like kites in the sky.
Tony, anxiously searching for Pepper, was taken aback when he caught sight of the Ghost Rider. He couldn't fathom who this enigmatic and solitary figure was or what he intended to accomplish.
After a few suspenseful seconds, Andrew arrived at the front of the Stark Building. Rather than halting, he accelerated even further. Just as everyone anticipated a collision with the building, Andrew's motorcycle defied all logic and ascended the building's vertical surface, shattering glass along its path. It soared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of brilliant flames.
"That isn't scientific at all," Tony exclaimed in astonishment, his jaw nearly dropping. Even Isaac Newton would have been astounded if he was here!
Others stood transfixed, unable to comprehend the astonishing spectacle unfolding before their eyes. One office worker couldn't resist taking out their mobile phone and exclaiming, "Honey, come quickly! You won't believe what I'm seeing!"
Is this... the Ghost Rider?
Susan, gazing at the fiery chariot ascending into the heavens, found herself in a state of bewildered chaos. The Ghost Rider that Andrew had spoken of had manifested in reality.
A sudden realization struck Susan, prompting her to rush towards Andrew's office. Similarly, Natasha recalled the Ghost Rider's significance and hurriedly reached for her mobile phone to capture the scene.
Meanwhile, high above, Andrew continued to ascend with the aid of his momentum. With a sweeping motion of his right hand, he cast more than a dozen black and white suits skyward.
In the next instant, the suits erupted in a simultaneous explosion, illuminating the entire sky with a radiant white light akin to the dawn of a new day.
Gasps of amazement filled the air, quickly transitioning into jubilant cheers. As the white light dissipated, many individuals looked skyward, eagerly awaiting the hero's return. Yet, much to their surprise, the Ghost Rider vanished without a trace.
"He must be an angel who has returned to heaven after saving us!" one person exclaimed, prompting numerous nods of agreement. It seemed certain.
"Angels? I find it difficult to believe in the existence of such beings in this world. Wait, Obadiah!" Tony's mind suddenly made a connection, and he swiftly searched for Iron Monger, only to discover that his adversary had taken advantage of the previous chaos to escape.
Tony's frustration mounted as he realized the implications of Iron Monger's escape for his future.
Howard approached Tony and remarked, "Tony Stark, this world is far grander than you perceive. You must learn to cultivate humility."
Tony scoffed dismissively, saying, "Humility? Apologies, but the Stark family does not uphold such traditions. We have no need for modesty."
If only I could teach this brash kid a lesson, Howard thought to himself. Suppressing his irritation, he employed his acerbic wit, remarking, "Modesty might serve you better. Remember how unpleasant palladium poisoning is?"
Tony's expression shifted, his face registering a mix of surprise and concern. "What do you mean?"
"Your father served at S.H.I.E.L.D., and after his passing, they seized some of his belongings, which contained the information you seek."
Howard left Tony with that cryptic statement and departed, accompanied by a retinue of robots. Tony stood there, stunned, his voice echoing through the air, "Who are you? How do you know about my father's possessions?"
Howard offered no response. Tony contemplated pursuing him but hesitated. He desired to give chase but was compelled to remain behind and clean up the aftermath. Besides, he had yet to locate Pepper.
On the rooftop of the Rebirth Building, Andrew materialized out of thin air. As he prepared to return to his office, a peculiar sensation seized him, causing him to pause in astonishment.
Furrowing his brow, Andrew employed magical runes to contact the Supreme Mage Ancient One, inquiring, "Supreme Mage, I've sensed the fusion of a new world into ours. Is it mere illusion or a genuine occurrence?"
"You possess an extraordinary connection, and indeed, it is true—the fifth world has merged," Ancient One affirmed.
As she spoke, a luminous curtain materialized before her, revealing a spider descending onto the neck of a high school student.
Perplexed, Andrew questioned, "Why did I not perceive this before?"
Ancient One explained, "Your previous lack of connection with Earth rendered you unaware."
Deep in thought, Andrew severed the connection, contemplating the significance of world convergence. Rather than being perturbed, he welcomed it.
The more worlds, the greater the calamities, and the greater the number of souls to claim.
"This time, I've gathered approximately eight hundred souls, a rather fruitful harvest. Furthermore, it affirms the viability of my plan," Andrew mused, his smile betraying a sense of satisfaction. Returning to his office, he was immediately greeted by Susan, who approached him with excitement.
"Andrew, you are the Ghost Rider, aren't you?"
"Yes," Andrew confirmed, offering no denial of his dual identity as both a Demon King and the Ghost Rider. There was no need to conceal his true nature.
"Are angels truly present in this world?" Susan's enthusiasm grew, and she bombarded him with a series of rapid-fire questions.
"Andrew, does heaven truly exist? And how did you scale the building's wall? It defies all scientific explanation!"
Andrew raised his hand, gently pinching Susan's chin, and whispered in her ear, "Let's go to my place. I will reveal everything to you."
Susan blushed but did not resist. They had spent months together, and it was only natural to progress to the next level. Besides, she felt an indescribable connection.
...
While Andrew reveled in his newfound happiness, Coulson grappled with a sense of despondency as he dealt with the aftermath of the battle. He had an extensive to-do list, including extinguishing fires, transporting the wounded to hospitals, negotiating with the military over spoils, and ensuring strict confidentiality... And, of course, reporting to his superiors.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had no intention of allowing the public to learn about the events that transpired. Their justification: protecting the world, as they self-proclaimed.
"This battle was of such magnitude, suppressing it won't be easy. It seems I won't be getting much sleep tonight," Coulson muttered to himself, surveying the scene. He then dialed Nick Fury's number.
Coulson began by reporting the situation and continued, "Director, I underestimated Obadiah this time. If not for the intervention of the Ghost Rider, the casualties could have been severe."
Nick Fury emitted a derisive snort. "Acknowledging your mistakes allows for the possibility of redemption. Focus on managing the aftermath for now, and I will make my way to you promptly. Additionally, cease your investigation of Andrew Andrew; I will personally assume control of that matter."
Coulson was taken aback. "You, personally?"
Nick Fury affirmed, "Based on Natasha's report, it is highly likely that he is the Ghost Rider."
"He's the Ghost Rider?" Coulson exclaimed, momentarily gripped by fear. Fortunately, he had refrained from directly confronting Andrew, as Natasha had advised. Otherwise, he might have suffered the fiery consequences.
Having contemplated something, Nick Fury issued an order, "Coulson, the Knights of Peace pose a significant problem. Once the immediate matters are dealt with, prioritize finding them as quickly as possible."
Coulson nodded solemnly. "Understood."
...
The following morning, within a hotel owned by Stark Group, Coulson handed Tony a transcript of a speech. He stated, "If you follow this narrative, S.H.I.E.L.D. will expedite the capture of Obadiah and prevent further harm."
Tony accepted the document with an air of discontent. He disliked the necessity of deceit, but he recognized that he required S.H.I.E.L.D.'s assistance in the cleanup. Cooperation was his only viable option.
As Tony pondered, a thought surfaced. He turned to Coulson and inquired, "What do you know about the Knights of Peace and the Ghost Rider?"
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