Two days later, at 10:22 PM, Tony Stark's car pulled up in front of the Golden Tower.
Of course, the building's name had long since changed.
It had quietly become Heisenberg Tower!
Brooklyn's citizens had no idea why, assuming New York was honoring some German scientist who'd failed to develop nuclear weapons.
And Heisenberg? What could he do but enjoy his underlings' flattery?
Looking at the Heisenberg Tower logo, barely a day old, Tony scoffed.
"That alien is so showy, it's ridiculous!"
As he spoke, following the invitation, he and his driver-bodyguard Happy stepped into the elevator leading to the nightclub.
Exiting the elevator, Happy's forehead was drenched in sweat.
The briefcase he carried was no light burden.
But he had to carry it; it was his boss's last and most crucial safeguard.
Passing through the corridor, they entered the bustling nightclub.
In an instant, blinding lights slammed into Tony Stark's face.
"Let's welcome New York's pride, the world's sexiest billionaire, the youngest genius in scientific history, our superhero Iron Man, Tony… Stark!!!"
"Whoa!!!"
"He actually came! He's turned down Congress twice!"
"He's got the credentials. I'm in love with this club!"
"An astronomy-themed strip party? Genius idea!"
Countless Wall Street customers, drawn by Tony Stark's fame, immediately took notice of Heisenberg's nightclub.
It would become their gathering place for a while—these investment elites.
Don't ask why!
Wherever Stark might appear, that's where they're drawn.
Whether to secure his investment or participate in one of his projects,
whatever you gain, you'll soar with Stark's momentum!
Tony was long used to the commotion. He proudly mingled with those he knew, his banter lightning-fast.
For example…
"Ha, it's you, Luthers?"
"You actually came. Because the real Science Academy wouldn't invite you?"
"So glad to see you here. Your ex is gorgeous, and she was in the last two Playboys. She's amazing!"
"I really don't want to see you, or I'd feel guilty. Guilty that my half-day invention killed your two-year investment plan."
"What do you think of the Science Academy nightclub? It's a genius name, though those professors probably hate it."
"Justin Hammer, not working on your medieval armor? Here to lick my boots for inspiration?"
In short…
With Tony's unique banter skills, he quickly secured his own space.
He had to admit, the club's dancers were top-notch, rivaling some Victoria's Secret shows.
But oddly, he felt a few dancers were dangerous…
Was it his imagination?
Who cares!
Tony soon became irretrievably immersed in the nightclub's atmosphere.
By midnight, Tony couldn't recall how much he'd drunk.
But he finally remembered his real purpose.
He had to meet that alien, in person!
So, staggering, he found one of the waiters serving him.
"Where's your boss? Heisenberg. I need to see him!"
"Please wait. I'll contact him for you."
The waiter was already prepared to call Heisenberg. After all, if his new boss could invite Tony Stark, the notorious playboy, they must be friends.
…
As the waiter called Heisenberg, in a corner of the club, Steve Rogers frowned, scrutinizing the drunken Tony Stark.
"No wonder he's Howard's son!"
Steve sighed.
"That playboy vibe is in his bones!"
"Yeah!"
Coulson, beside Steve, nodded in agreement, sipping his drink.
Hearing this, Captain Rogers looked at Coulson and asked softly,
"Do we really need to meet Stark in this setting? Are you sure he's even conscious?"
"Of course. We've gathered intel. Someone's been waiting to give Stark a long-prepared gift tonight, right here."
"Huh?"
Captain Rogers drank unhappily.
"So he's in danger, and we're not only not stopping it but using it…"
"For a greater purpose, Captain. The Avengers need Tony's power, and so does S.H.I.E.L.D.
And we won't let him get hurt."
Coulson shrugged, equally helpless.
…
Meanwhile, Heisenberg lay bored on the rooftop, wearing loose pajamas, his muscular chest exposed.
He looked almost like the actor who played Superman in the Justice League.
It was midnight, and Heisenberg was reviewing his day's gains.
"Your decision to rule New York has led to over 300 gang members' deaths.
More were affected. You've gained 5.426 units of Origin Substance."
"Five thousand, four hundred, and twenty-six lives altered…"
Heisenberg muttered, smiling.
Just a casual decision had condensed Origin Substance like this.
He couldn't imagine how much he'd gain if he truly destroyed Earth!
"System, how much Origin Substance to send me back to my pre-crossing world?"
"To the DC Universe: 282 units.
To the Origin Universe: 6,440 units."
"Got it!"
Heisenberg nodded, hope gleaming in his eyes.
Once he had enough, he'd visit his pre-crossing Earth.
His parents deserved better lives.
Too bad I can only worry them…
His thoughts were interrupted by a call.
"Hello?"
"Boss, Tony Stark wants to meet you. Your call."
"Tell him to wait!"
Heisenberg agreed straightforwardly. He wasn't some shy girl. Why hide?
He hadn't joined the party due to lingering uncertainty, not fear of appearing.
So, in his pajamas, he took the elevator to the nightclub.
The crowd was thick, but who could stop Heisenberg?
He knocked over a dozen drinkers, striding to sit opposite Tony.
Grabbing a glass, he poured himself a drink and asked,
"Earth's superhero, huh? Nice to meet you."
"Yeah, I'm Earth's hero. And you? Krypton's criminal?"
Tony sneered.
Heisenberg ignored Tony's drunken mouth, downed his drink, and refilled it, nodding casually.
"Indeed. Krypton's criminal, exile, homeless. Call me whatever."
"And you could turn my armor and me into dust with one punch."
Tony continued taunting, irritating Heisenberg slightly.
"You prefer this hostile banter?"
Heisenberg frowned, but Tony shrugged.
"Or should I blast your head off like you do?"
Tony smirked, adding,
"Can't, since you can't blast my head off!"
"Yeah, you're really asking for it!"
Heisenberg drank unhappily.
He was annoyed. Regardless of Stark's fans, his personality and mouth…
Believe me, no one enjoys sitting beside him. Only those he acknowledges or admires him.
Such a man was destined to have no other friends.
But Heisenberg, focused on the conversation, didn't notice:
Just as he judged Tony friendless, Tony's enemy appeared!
I have no friends, but I've got enemies!
Crack!
As Heisenberg drank, the club erupted in blinding light.
Countless currents, bound by something, slammed into the floor.
Heisenberg and Tony looked toward the source—a shocking figure they both recognized.
Tony was somewhat familiar; he'd seen someone like this in his father's photos.
Heisenberg, however, knew exactly.
"Whiplash? What's he doing here?"
He muttered softly.
"My arrival has truly brought a butterfly effect to this universe."
Meanwhile, Whiplash swung his electric whips.
The fierce sounds and sparks sobered the club's guests.
"What the hell is this?!"
"Is this the club's horror show?!"
"Fuck, my leg!"
One unlucky soul was cut in half at the waist by the whip's current.
"Tony Stark!!!"
Whiplash roared, his anger palpable.
"Since hearing you'd be here, I've waited for this day!
No, since your father stole my father's work, leading to his tragic death, I've waited for this day!"
Crack!
A fierce arc flashed from his hand, leaving a black scar on Heisenberg's week-old floor.
"You and your father—liars, cheats, and arrogant bastards.
But I'll show you: your greatness is built on stealing my father's life's work!"
Crack!
The current-laden whip sliced past Heisenberg, splitting the table he'd been leaning on.
Tony panicked, flipping over the sofa and sprinting toward Happy.
Happy, blocked by the chaotic crowd, threw his heavy briefcase toward Tony.
Thud!
Tony dashed for it, but the crowd was too thick, the chaos too great.
Though only five meters away, he couldn't reach it!
Crack!
The whip struck between Tony and the briefcase.
"What's that, Tony Stark? You're scrambling for it like a fool. Your last resort?"
Whiplash laughed cruelly, stepping toward Tony.
His arcing body blocked Tony's path to the briefcase, leaving him helpless.
"Who are you, buddy? Think your cheap junk can beat me?"
Tony's bravado kicked in. Far from fearful, he mocked Whiplash mercilessly.
"Looks like you've figured me out, but what's there to boast about? Your junk whip isn't even as good as my toys!"
"Haha, Tony, always so stubborn, just like your damn father!"
Crack!
Two whips crossed, slicing past Tony, leaving six-meter scars on the floor.
By now, the club's guests had fled at least twenty meters away.
But they didn't leave. Instead, they were fascinated by the battle.
Iron Man and one of his enemies…
This twist made the night truly unforgettable!
Nearby, Whiplash drove Tony back with his fierce whip.
He relished Tony's fear.
"My father died in a park, unnoticed by anyone.
Yet you enjoy everyone's admiration, flowers, and applause, unconcerned that your success is built on my father's life's work!"
Crack!
This strike was vicious, aimed between Tony's legs.
Luckily, Tony spread his legs, avoiding being split in two.
But evasion was useless; Whiplash was determined to kill.
"You call yourself Iron Man, saving others, but who saves you now?
Tony Stark, you wretched spawn of a wretched family, goodbye!"
Two intersecting arcs lashed toward Tony—inescapable.
But Tony wouldn't go down without a fight.
"You really want me to die in your club? Damn it!"
He shouted at Heisenberg.
And Heisenberg…
He glanced at Captain America rushing toward Whiplash, then at Tony's panicked face.
In a moment, he snatched a camera from a nearby journalist, snapping a photo of Tony.
Then he burst into laughter.
"Tony, you really deserve this, haha!"
Boom!
As Heisenberg laughed, Captain America kicked Whiplash away.