Inside the White House, President Ellis rested his hand on a stack of documents, looking across the desk at Vice President Rodriguez.
"The situation's escalating," Ellis said. "The research is confirmed. What's your take on Noah Vale?"
Rodriguez didn't hesitate.
"You mean the biological changes?" he said with a faint smile. "I think it's a net positive."
Ellis raised an eyebrow.
"Think about it," Rodriguez continued. "People are healthier. Lifespans are increasing. We spend billions every year on healthcare—this cuts that down significantly. If anything, we'll just need to push retirement back."
There was a subtle energy to him as he spoke.
Despite being in his fifties, his complexion looked better than it had in years—clearer, stronger, almost revitalized.
Ellis frowned.
"That's not the problem," he said. "Public opinion is turning. People think Noah's gone too far. If we ignore it completely, it could cost us the next election."
Rodriguez's expression shifted slightly.
"You haven't already made a move, have you?" he asked. "You know what he's like. If this backfires, I'm not standing anywhere near the fallout."
Ellis shook his head.
"I'm not doing anything."
Rodriguez understood exactly what that meant.
No support.
No opposition.
Let the situation play out.
If the public clashed with Noah, the administration could stay clean either way.
Wait.
Watch.
Then pick a side once the outcome was obvious.
Ellis leaned back, calm and confident.
"Who do you think wins?"
Rodriguez thought for a moment.
"Noah," he said. "Too many people benefit from him. They just aren't saying it out loud yet."
He paused.
"As long as he still has value, no one important is going to let him fall."
Ellis nodded.
"Exactly. So we let the pressure build—let the public focus on him. We stay out of it."
He spread his hands slightly.
"He's not going to attack the government over this. We haven't done anything to him."
Rodriguez didn't respond immediately.
A faint unease lingered in his chest.
His eyes drifted down to one of the documents.
A hearing.
A public inquiry into Noah Vale's actions and their consequences.
"What's this?" he asked.
Ellis glanced at it.
"Just a hearing. A few people venting. Nothing serious."
He smirked.
"Besides, Fisk said Noah's been off the radar lately. The summons probably won't even reach him."
Rodriguez nodded slowly—
But the unease didn't go away.
At the Doom Corporation, the atmosphere was busy as ever.
Susan Storm and Johnny were focused on their work.
Off to the side, Noah sat casually, flipping through aerospace manuals with mild interest.
He wasn't in a hurry.
Just passing the time.
Then his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Wilson.
Noah picked up.
"Yeah?"
"Mr. Vale," Wilson Fisk said, "the Vice President asked me to pass along his regards."
Noah snorted.
"Rodriguez?" he said. "That's interesting. People don't usually send greetings unless they're nervous."
Fisk didn't respond to that.
"He also mentioned that the current situation isn't favorable for you. He suggests patience. According to him, most of the upper levels are… quietly on your side."
Noah leaned back slightly, amused.
"So he supports me—just not publicly."
A pause.
Then Noah chuckled.
"Sounds about right."
While talking, a portion of his attention shifted to the Interdimensional Chatroom.
He typed casually.
[Deep Blue]:
@Everyone — thinking of hosting a get-together. Anyone interested?
The response was immediate.
A gathering?
Across worlds?
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then messages started flooding in.
[The Noble Blade]:
After everything you've done, I wouldn't miss it.
[Master Ronin]:
Count me in.
[Kana Kimishima]:
I'll come.
One by one, confirmations rolled in.
No hesitation.
No reluctance.
After a brief pause, Noah spoke into the phone again.
"I'm hosting something tomorrow night," he said. "Set it up."
"A party?" Fisk replied. "Of course. I'll handle everything."
Noah ended the call.
In another world, Yue Buqun sat quietly, deep in thought.
If he was going to attend…
He needed to bring something.
A gift.
Something worthy.
After all, Noah had given him a second chance.
But before he could settle on anything, another message appeared.
[Deep Blue]:
Keep it simple. No gifts. I've got more money than I know what to do with. Just show up.
Kana stared at the message and let out a quiet breath.
That's… one way to say it.
She couldn't help but feel a little curious.
Compared to someone like Tony Stark—
How far above was Noah, really?
Elsewhere, in a rundown shrine, the Exorcist looked around at his surroundings and sighed quietly.
One day.
He'd get there too.
The next day passed quickly.
By evening, everything was ready.
Noah stood at the venue Fisk had prepared, glancing around once before opening the chatroom.
Then he sent the invitation.
[Deep Blue]:
Get ready. Accept the invite when it pops up.
A system notification appeared instantly.
Deep Blue has initiated a cross-world invitation. (0/5)
Almost immediately—
Acceptances came through.
Space warped.
Reality shifted.
One by one, figures stepped through, arriving from entirely different worlds.
Meanwhile, in New York—
Outside the Empire State Building, reporters crowded together, cameras rolling.
The hearing had begun.
And for the first time—
Someone was openly challenging Noah Vale.
...
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