As a large-scale magic comparable to the meteorite flames, what it rained down was naturally no ordinary rain, but a downpour powerful enough to make green plants grow in a desert—and more than enough to extinguish the fires caused by the meteorite flames.
"Come, gather at Stark Tower."
And just like that, a heavy rain lasting only ten seconds put out the flames burning in and around Stark Tower.
The dark clouds slowly dispersed.
A ray of sunlight pierced through the gloom, shining onto the dim battlefield.
That single beam of light grew steadily, spreading until it bathed all of Manhattan.
Tony and the others emerged from their hiding spots and headed straight toward Stark Tower.
"Never thought I, Tony Stark, would have to hide one day."
[Sir, if you hadn't dodged and had been struck by one of those meteorites, there was a 90% chance you would have died.]
"Shut it, J.A.R.V.I.S. I know—no need to mention it!"
Tony grumbled.
He really hadn't expected Mr. Hunter to be a magician.
Wasn't Mr. Hunter supposed to be going the western archer route? Then what's with all the bells and whistles?
A bow and arrows that can discharge energy, the ability to fly, wings, magic, and powerful mental abilities…
How's anyone supposed to compete with that?
"Wow, wow—today is amazing!"
"Not only did I fight alongside Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk, but I also saw such a powerful meteor shower. This is so exciting, so exciting!"
"It's just a pity I can't tell Ned…"
Clinging to the wall of Stark Tower, Spider-Man thought excitedly.
Though the Avengers' thoughts differed, the sentiment was similar: this bounty hunter was seriously impressive—and could use magic.
Aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier—
"Sir, the Council has made a decision," Hill said, glancing between the row of screens and Nick Fury.
"I knew they would," Fury replied, hands on hips. "And I also know what kind of stupid decision it'll be. So I'm going to ignore it. As I said, a bounty hunter we spent tens of billions on will definitely deliver results."
"Director Fury, your Helicarrier is closest to the battlefield," one councilor said coldly. "Please have your fighter jets—"
"That's Manhattan, Councilman!" Fury cut in. "I repeat—this bounty hunter has consistently done things I didn't expect, and this time will be no different. Until the people defending Earth fail, I will not let the 'Big Baby' harm civilians!"
Though Fury had a controlling streak, his motive was clear—he wanted what was best for Earth.
He knew exactly how many would be killed or injured if the Big Baby was launched.
And this wasn't just anywhere—it was Manhattan, the economic heart of New York.
The economic chaos alone would cause lasting, severe consequences for the United States.
"I can't believe that the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. is putting his hopes in… a bounty hunter?"
"And spent tens of billions to hire him?"
"If you don't give the order, it'll be too late when the aliens spread to other parts of New York. You won't be able to bear the consequences, Director Fury!"
Other council members chimed in:
"When did S.H.I.E.L.D. start clinging to outsiders?"
"Tens of billions of taxpayer money…"
"Order it now, Director Fury."
Fury's voice went cold. "Compared to the Big Baby—and to you—I trust him more."
He meant it. Compared to these politicians, he trusted Blaine, who only worked for money, far more.
At least once a contract was signed, Blaine wouldn't stab him in the back mid-mission.
These council members? Different story.
The heroes and civilians were fighting for Earth, and their first thought was not to help but to throw the Big Baby at the problem—wiping out both the Chitauri and the defenders.
If that had been a viable solution, Fury would have considered it already.
But it wasn't. The Big Baby was a drop in the bucket. As long as the wormhole stayed open, more aliens would keep pouring in.
What, were they going to fire a Big Baby every day?
Why couldn't these short-sighted fools understand?
"Director Fury!"
The lead councilor's voice turned icy. "You have one minute to make a decision—or give us a reason not to launch the Big Baby. Otherwise, we'll overrule you and your decision will be invalid."
Silence followed. The councilors simply stared at Fury, their gaze meant to apply pressure.
Fury's expression darkened.
If they were determined to launch the Big Baby, his lone opposition would mean nothing. He knew that.
He had been locked in debate with them for some time, and had not been monitoring the Battle of Manhattan—so he didn't yet know that Su Zicheng had the Chitauri completely pinned down.
But others watching the fight did know.
A minute might be only a few blinks in normal circumstances, but now it dragged like an eternity.
"Sir!"
Suddenly, Hill's voice broke in.
She was holding a tablet, her expression bright with surprise as she showed Fury the screen.
This time, Fury's face shifted through shock, delight, and barely contained elation.
Normally, the ever-suspicious Fury would be thinking three steps ahead.
But this footage was exactly what he needed, and he didn't care to overthink it now.
"Director Fury! Time's up," the lead councilor said, frowning. "If you try to delay further, we'll make the decision ourselves."
Fury's frown eased, replaced by a faint, confident smile.
"No. Wait. Watch this video. After you see it, you'll walk away from this decision."
*************************************
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