Marvel: Ned the Master of Mystic Arts

"Looks like Earth is about to welcome another strong and brave superhero!" Captain America remarked as he watched the cheerful and childlike Ned Leeds in the distance.

"Perhaps we can finally retire," he added.

At that moment, Tony Stark walked over, having just handed Morgan over to Pepper. Standing beside Captain America, Tony also looked in Ned's direction, though his gaze was focused on Peter Parker.

"To be honest, have you reconsidered my suggestion? You've been in service for ninety years, Cap. Maybe it's time you experienced retirement life?" Tony chewed on something as he reiterated the idea he had proposed back during Avengers: Age of Ultron. "I could get you a farm if you're interested."

"Do you think everyone is as lazy as you, Farmer Stark?" Steve retorted with a faint smile.

Before Steve could be swayed further by Tony's words, Nick Fury strode over briskly, cutting into their conversation.

"Oh, Fury. I didn't even notice you there. What brings you here? Shouldn't you be catching up with your 'old flame' instead of meddling in my affairs?" Tony quipped, taking a jab at Fury while subtly referencing Captain Marvel.

"Do you think I'm here for you?" Fury shot back dismissively before turning to Steve. "Captain, Steve, hey—snap out of it. Now is not the time for you to rest."

"Because you all brought back everyone who vanished five years ago, the world is in chaos again. Sure, there's joy everywhere, but the global order is on the brink of collapse. Without a doubt, this world still needs you."

"Tch." Tony clicked his tongue, unimpressed by Fury's words. However, he didn't argue because he knew Fury was right.

And based on his understanding of Steve, Tony could already predict that, after dinner, the man would grab his shield and leave with Fury.

Even though Tony disagreed with Steve's self-sacrificial way of living, he couldn't help but admire the man.

But, to everyone's surprise, after some contemplation, Steve shook his head and replied, "I believe in the strength of the new generation—kids like him and others. They're incredible."

"As for me, maybe it really is time to try this 'retirement life' Tony keeps talking about."

"Good!" Tony exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "Old-timer, I've got to say, you've made a wise decision. Maybe my father Howard was right about you all along—he always said you'd make the smart choice."

Patting Steve on the shoulder, Tony added, "Don't worry. The best farm in America—aside from mine, of course—will soon be yours."

Steve smiled and shook his head but accepted the gift. He owed the Stark family far too much, more than he could ever repay in a lifetime. Even though his retirement plans didn't initially include owning a farm, it seemed like a fine place to settle down.

"Well," Nick Fury said with a resigned sigh. "Stark always knows how to talk people into things. You and your father are alike in that way."

"Then I'll wish you a peaceful retirement, Captain—no, Steve."

"Thank you, Fury."

With that, Nick Fury walked away. Though he was no longer the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the organization itself was a relic of the past, his influence extended far beyond it. He still had plenty of work to do to ensure the world's safety.

"Don't mind him; he's always like that. I'm sure you're used to it by now," Maria Hill said as she approached with a glass of red wine.

"Oh? And why aren't you sticking close to your boss? I thought you two were inseparable," Tony asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

"As you said, we all need a break, and this happens to be my vacation," Hill replied with a smile, clinking her glass against Tony's.

"Boom!!"

Suddenly, an explosion interrupted their conversation.

"What was that? An explosion?!"

"Damn it! Who would have the nerve to ruin Stark's mood right now?"

The group quickly armed themselves, ready to teach the intruder a lesson.

"Friday, where did the explosion come from?" Tony asked as he donned his glasses.

His farm was massive, so while they had heard the explosion, they couldn't pinpoint its location.

"The residential area," Friday's emotionless voice replied. At the same time, Tony received a message from Pepper: "Tony! Hurry!"

"Pepper!!"

In an instant, Tony's nano-suit enveloped him, and he rocketed toward the residential area, leaving a trail of flames in his wake.

"We're coming too!"

The others wasted no time, each using their unique abilities to rush to the scene.

"Who are you?!" Pepper, clad in her blue Rescue armor, stood protectively in front of Morgan. She aimed her repulsor at the large, nearly-naked man before her, tension radiating from her stance.

The explosion had been caused by her firing a repulsor blast at the intruder when she first spotted him.

"Relax, I mean no harm," the man said awkwardly, holding a tattered cloth over his private parts. He looked at the blue armor in front of him with visible discomfort.

He had just escaped from a hellish situation, only to find himself in an even more awkward one.

If one looked closely, they'd notice that, despite the repulsor aimed at him, his eyes showed no fear—only embarrassment.

"Boom!"

"Bang!"

Before the situation could escalate further, Tony arrived. Without a word, he fired a repulsor blast that sent the man flying.

"Listen, you bastard—you've pissed me off," Tony said coldly.

Though his voice was calm, it was laced with killing intent. If he hadn't built the Rescue suit for Pepper…

Just the thought of what could have happened made Tony lose control. He fired two more laser beams from his palms, hitting the intruder and demolishing the storage area behind him.

"Boom!!!!"

"Are you okay?" Tony turned to Pepper, ignoring the explosion behind him.

His eyes softened as he noticed the fear on Morgan's face. Anger and guilt swirled within him, and he resolved to install an AI security system for the farm.

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