Marvel: Starting from the Snap

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On his way to Stark Industries, Luke found it difficult to keep his emotions steady. While he had barely passed the first hurdle in this unfamiliar world, the questions that followed lingered heavily in his mind. The strange, floating text that had emerged from the pager earlier continued to haunt him.

He didn't know what it was or what the text truly represented, but he was certain of one thing—this artifact could very well be the key to establishing himself in this world.

*"To transmit one's thoughts to any life form in the universe..."*

Luke reached into his pocket, running his fingers over the small, palm-sized device. It didn't take long for him to deduce its function and purpose. Strictly speaking, it was akin to a universal phone, except it only allowed him to send messages without receiving any in return or engaging in an actual conversation.

On the surface, it seemed like a useless gimmick, but on further thought, it was a terrifying object in the right—or wrong—hands.

A device capable of one-way communication, transmitting messages across the vast distances of space? To less advanced civilizations, this would be akin to a divine oracle.

If he wanted, Luke could relay technological secrets to an uncontacted planet, establishing himself as a god-like figure. More immediately, he could potentially send a message straight to Tony Stark, who, at this time, was likely drifting through space with Nebula.

But Luke held back.

Until he could confirm his safety, he had no intention of revealing his abilities. Furthermore, he hadn't yet deciphered the crimson text or its origins. He had no idea how many similar **[artifacts]** existed in this world or how many other items could evoke the mysterious writing. Lacking the means to defend himself, Luke preferred to remain inconspicuous.

The text had implied that the appearance of **[artifacts]** was closely tied to the "obsessions" of their previous owners. However, what exactly these obsessions entailed, and whether they were connected to heroes or superhumans, was something he couldn't determine yet. To uncover the truth, acquiring more artifacts was paramount.

Luke's ultimate target? Objects left behind by superheroes.

If Fury's "relic" had triggered the crimson text, it stood to reason that items from other heroes—or even villains—would have similar effects. The only question was whether this theory would hold up.

---

The drive was uneventful.

Distracted by his thoughts, Luke paid no mind to the chaos unfolding outside the car windows. His only focus was to reach Stark Industries, secure his position, and, if possible, obtain other artifacts capable of triggering the crimson text.

Stark Industries, once an iconic landmark of New York City, had changed dramatically since Tony Stark shifted the company's focus to renewable energy. Stark had sold the tower and relocated the Avengers base elsewhere.

Rumors abounded regarding Stark's motives—some claimed he was bowing to political pressure, while others suggested he wanted to avoid endangering civilians after numerous attacks. Whatever the truth, New York was no longer the city it had been eight years ago.

Eight years ago, children would gaze out their windows to catch glimpses of Iron Man soaring across the sky. Crime and danger were far more mundane. But ever since the portal had opened above the city, everything had changed.

The emergence of more superhumans brought destruction and violence into everyday life. Gradually, the populace grew numb, losing hope for a brighter future. As Baron Zemo once said, the world was changing people's hearts, leaving few capable of facing the future with optimism.

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Rounding a corner, Luke finally spotted the gates of Stark Industries.

Like the rest of the city, the scene here was chaotic. The sudden "Snap Crisis" had thrown the company's staff into panic. Hours had passed, yet the situation had scarcely improved. People ran in and out of the gates, while others sat on the ground in tears. The missing family members left a gaping void in their lives.

Luke parked his car, casually tossing the keys onto the driver's seat. The vehicle had served its purpose.

Approaching the gates on foot, Luke's attention was immediately drawn to a burly middle-aged man standing near the entrance. The man was holding a box of tissues and awkwardly trying to console a crying woman while also taking a phone call, failing to appease either party.

Though Luke had a good guess about the man's identity, he wasn't entirely sure. He walked over and extended a hand.

"Agent Kaya," Luke introduced himself.

While most of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s field operatives were referred to as "agents" internally, using the title "special agent" was more recognizable when dealing with outside allies. It also helped avoid misunderstandings with organizations like the FBI. Luke chose to reveal his affiliation directly.

The burly man paused, then quickly caught on. Juggling the phone on his shoulder, he freed a hand to shake Luke's.

"Happy Hogan."

The name confirmed Luke's guess. This was Tony Stark's driver-turned-bodyguard—now serving as Stark Industries' head of security.

Before Luke could say more, Happy held up a finger to pause him, then barked into his phone.

"Listen, calm everyone down, okay? For the last time, this is NOT a terrorist attack targeting Stark Industries. The entire world was hit. What? Where's Tony? How should I know? Watch the news, you idiot!"

Slamming the phone shut, Happy handed the box of tissues to the distraught employee and turned back to Luke.

"Agent Kaya, right? Sorry about that. As you can see, things are a bit hectic here. The plane to pick you up is already on its way. You're welcome to wait in my office if you'd like."

From Happy's demeanor, Luke could tell the man was genuinely overwhelmed. His offer seemed sincere.

"If it's no trouble," Luke replied.

"No trouble at all," Happy assured him, waving his hand dismissively. He led Luke toward the building.

"Follow me. It's quieter inside. Plus, there's something I want to ask you about."

*(End of Chapter)*