Superman in Marvel: Multiverse Ascendant

Ten minutes later...

"How's it feel, Tony? Leaving your temporary home of the past few months? Feeling reluctant?" Leon floated above the cave, holding Tony and Ethan in each hand.

He teased, "This is a rare experience most people will never get. Why don't you share your thoughts?"

Tony's hair was tousled by the wind. "You call this a wonderful experience? Damn it, Leon, it's not like you've become Superman. When I get back, I'll arrange a 'wonderful' experience for you."

"Okay, okay, I get it. You're not in the best mood. It's my fault. I'll be quiet," Leon said, closing his mouth.

Ethan seized the moment to ask, "Mr. Leon, what are you going to do with the base down there? Are you planning to leave it to the U.S.?"

Ethan had no love for U.S. officials, believing that the rampant terrorism was fueled by them.

Before Leon could answer, Tony cut in, "Destroy it. Destroy all of Stark's stuff."

He gestured toward boxes of weapons and ammunition stamped with the Stark logo, his expression grim.

"Got it," Leon said, lifting the two of them higher.

Once they were far enough, Leon shot heat rays from his eyes, instantly detonating the gunpowder in the base.

Boom!

Boxes of ammunition exploded one after another. The explosions fused into a chain reaction, consuming the base in a blazing inferno. A mushroom cloud shot up, and smoke quickly filled the air.

The once sizable terrorist base was no more.

"It's so... horrible... It's all over," Ethan murmured, his face flushed from the heat.

"It's over. Your terrible memories have come to an end," Leon replied, nodding.

"Next, I'll take you to the military base in Afghanistan. Tony's old friend is there. He'll help you get to the U.S."

Leon turned to fly away. "But I won't be joining you. My strength isn't suited to my identity right now."

Ethan seemed to have other thoughts but, looking at the ground hundreds of meters below, he decided to trust Leon's plan.

Tony, whose face had been dark since their escape, hesitated for a moment and asked, "You said it's not suitable for the time being. So what are you going to do next, Leon?"

"Yes," Leon admitted. "There are things I've wanted to do for a long time but couldn't, due to lack of strength."

He spoke calmly. "Once I get back, I can show my strength to everyone while handling these issues. This way, even if my true identity is discovered, those annoying flies won't bother me."

"Once we get back, I'll explain," Leon added. "Even Superman faces trouble from people like Lex Luthor. Imagine what will happen to me, someone who's only been exposed to the sun for six months."

Leon had no doubt that if his powers were exposed, every faction would want him. To avoid that, he needed to demonstrate invincible strength and a ruthless attitude first.

"Why, do you want to convince me not to make too much noise?" Leon asked.

"No," Tony denied immediately. "I just..."

He paused for a long time before sighing, speaking awkwardly.

"Leon, I... I'm sorry for not listening to your advice about shutting down Stark's weapons division."

Tony's face was filled with guilt—not toward Leon, but toward the ordinary people harmed by Stark's arms sales.

Over a year ago, when Stark Industries had gone global with its electronics business, Leon had suggested shutting down the arms division. At the time, Tony dismissed it, thinking Leon, still young, didn't understand the world.

Now, Tony felt deep remorse.

"There's no need to apologize," Leon said, slightly surprised but not shocked. He'd expected Tony to shut down the weapons division, but didn't expect him to apologize.

It seemed Tony had grown a lot during his captivity.

"The past can't be undone. As they say, it's never too late to mend the rift after a sheep is lost," Leon said gently. "You can make up for your mistakes later. And that small arc generator you developed—couldn't it be popularized as a basic energy source to benefit the world?"

"I believe the world will change for the better because of you. So guilt is okay, but it can't keep you stuck."

Tony listened quietly, uncharacteristically not interrupting.

When Leon finished, Tony sneered, "Maybe you're right... And about Obadiah..."

"Obadiah is definitely up to something," Leon interrupted. "You're still hesitating, but I'll wait for you in Los Angeles. Then, we'll go straight to him."

Tony opened his mouth to protest but said nothing. He just nodded quietly.

It seemed Leon's words were starting to carry more weight with Tony.

They say people can't teach others, but experiences can teach. And that was the truth.

After flying for a while, Leon landed in the desert with the two of them.

"Alright, I'll drop you here. The military base is eight kilometers ahead. Here's a signal gun. After I leave, shoot it into the sky, and someone will come to find you."

He handed Tony the signal gun from the terrorist base, then took off, ready to leave.

"Wait!" Tony called out hurriedly. "I forgot to tell you, make sure you bring my armor back, and if the blueprints weren't burned, bring those too!"

"Why didn't you tell me back in the cave?"

"I figured your hands were full, so I'm telling you now."

"Tony, you've got it!" Leon raised his middle finger and shot into the sky, breaking the sound barrier as he left.

On the ground, the two stared after him as his trail vanished in the clouds. They exchanged a shrug.

"Won't your brother be discovered flying like that near the military base?" Ethan asked.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, my brother? Didn't some guy calling himself Superman rescue us and leave? We never even saw his face."

Ethan suddenly understood. "So, this is how we escape? That Superman is such a kind-hearted person!"

...

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