During a break from work, Kagura Hitomi lounged lazily on the sofa.
With the central air conditioning humming softly and an ice-cold soda resting on the coffee table, life couldn't get any more comfortable.
Even though autumn was nearing its end, she was living as if she were still on summer vacation.
"Ahh—this is the life!"
She stretched out like a lazy cat, extending her long, fair legs before rolling around on the sofa.
After all, she was at home, alone, with no need to care about what she was wearing or how she looked.
This kind of carefree existence was her ideal lifestyle.
If only she had a fresh watermelon, it would be absolute perfection!
After a while, she sat up, ran her fingers through her slightly tousled hair, and waved a hand to activate her holographic display, switching on the satellite news channel.
She was curious about what kind of ridiculous headlines were making waves today.
Although the Battle of New York had ended months ago, the aftermath still dominated the news cycle, sparking wave after wave of public discourse.
"The Stark Tower is being renovated into the Avengers Tower?"
"What kind of changes will the Avengers bring to our world?"
"Is it hope or a new crisis?"
"Protection or oppression?"
"Are we entering a new heroic age, or is this the dawn of another medieval era?"
Kagura furrowed her brows.
'Seriously? People were still debating the Avengers?'
'Next channel.'
"Another crime syndicate in Philadelphia has been wiped out by an unknown assailant."
"According to unreliable sources, the mysterious individual was reportedly blown apart mid-fight but walked away completely unscathed."
"Could this be yet another alien?"
Hmm…
'Deadpool, maybe?'
'Nope, not touching that. Next channel!'
"Following the New York incident, the two largest corporations in the world have recently appointed new CEOs."
"Stark Industries is now led by Pepper Potts, while Rhodes Island Industries has promoted former executive assistant Kagura Hitomi to CEO."
"Two women now lead the largest multinational tech companies—coincidence or a sign of the times?"
Kagura chuckled to herself.
'Just a coincidence.'
Rhodes Island Industries had seen a surge in operations lately, making it necessary for her alter ego, "Bruce Wayne," to frequently switch between automated and manual management modes—an admittedly annoying hassle.
By now, she had been "employed" at Rhodes Island Industries for quite some time, fully distancing herself from Stark Industries.
Her work ethic and capabilities had earned her industry-wide recognition, so her credentials as CEO were unquestionable.
A fake identity could only go so far.
After careful consideration, she officially transferred the CEO title to her real self, relegating "Bruce Wayne" to the role of a silent board member and company owner.
As for Tony Stark, he had likely handed over Stark Industries to Pepper so he could focus on developing new Iron Man suits and handling Avengers-related matters.
Rolling over on the sofa, Kagura watched as the holographic display automatically adjusted to her viewpoint.
'Come to think of it, I should check in on Tony.'
'The battle had ended months ago—was he dealing with post-traumatic stress?'
Then, a particular news segment caught her attention.
"Recently, A.I.M Advanced Technology has introduced a reintegration program for disabled veterans."
"The initiative aims to provide treatment and rehabilitation for wounded soldiers, helping them re-enter the workforce."
Kagura's eyes narrowed.
A.I.M Advanced Technology… Its CEO, Aldrich Killian, was none other than the creator of the Extremis Virus.
According to her intelligence, A.I.M specialized in cutting-edge robotics, neuroscience, and genetic research.
Killian himself held a deep grudge against Tony Stark, stemming from a past humiliation.
If the MCU timeline was still intact, this was the moment Killian would start plotting his revenge.
His methods would likely include targeting Stark's loved ones, attacking his home, and harassing Pepper Potts.
'So, the trouble begins.' Kagura frowned.
Killian's "veteran reintegration" initiative was undoubtedly a cover for testing the unstable Extremis Virus on wounded soldiers.
Her research indicated that A.I.M's version of the Extremis Virus was incomplete and highly volatile.
Once injected, it could trigger a catastrophic reaction, reaching temperatures of 3,000 degrees Celsius.
This instability could turn the host into an unpredictable walking bomb—or grant them superhuman strength and resilience.
With A.I.M on the move, it was time for her to step up as well.
Kagura had been keeping tabs on A.I.M since she first spotted their logo two years ago.
She had anticipated their future misdeeds and had taken measures to counter them.
To gain leverage over A.I.M and monitor Killian, Rhodes Island Industries had established business ties with them early on.
However, Killian was a sly operator—throughout their partnership, he never once mentioned the Extremis Virus, revealing nothing about his research.
For a while, Kagura even wondered if her presence in this world had altered the MCU timeline, preventing A.I.M from developing the Extremis Virus altogether.
But a simple "Basic Electronic Hacking" skill had quickly dispelled that notion.
After confirming that A.I.M was indeed developing the virus, she strategically acquired a 30% stake in the company, making her its second-largest shareholder after Killian.
If Killian tried anything reckless, she could bankrupt A.I.M overnight, wiping out everything he had built.
Of course, she wouldn't do that just yet.
There was no concrete evidence that Killian was pursuing the same course as in the MCU.
For all she knew, he might genuinely intend to perfect the Extremis Virus for medical advancements rather than revenge.
If that were the case, it would be an inspiring success story—one where Killian rose from disgrace to scientific renown, standing as Stark's equal in innovation rather than as his enemy.
Even so, intelligence gathering remained a priority.
"Cortana, scan the web for any information on Aldrich Killian."
"Also, maintain close surveillance on A.I.M Advanced Technology. Report any suspicious activities immediately."
"Command acknowledged, Master."
Kagura glanced at her mission log.
[Objective: Obtain and refine the Extremis Virus / 10QP]
Even if Killian did unleash his "Mandarin" persona and start wreaking havoc, destroying A.I.M wouldn't be enough.
She needed a sample of the Extremis Virus for Rhode Island Industries' next-generation technology.
Just then, Cortana alerted her.
"Master, you have new mail."
That familiar feeling…
"A new email? What's it about?"
"It's an invitation from the Deputy Secretary-General of the World Security Council for a medical hearing."
"Rhodes Island Industries has been invited to propose a treatment plan for a young girl who lost her right leg."
"Interestingly, A.I.M Advanced Technology is also on the guest list."
Kagura sat up, eyes gleaming with interest.
"Oh? A.I.M? A disabled girl? Now this is getting interesting."
Straightening her posture, she commanded, "Cortana, send me a detailed report. Looks like it's time for us to prepare—we're attending that hearing!"