GUARDIAN OF THE MARVEL REALM

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Both Shen He and Tony appeared relatively composed.

Though, from an outside perspective, it looked like the Chaldeans were gradually retreating.

But with alien forces preparing to descend en masse, this was nothing more than a temporary ripple.

In times of war, the needs of individuals often pale in comparison to the primal instinct for survival.

Yet even so, Shen He couldn't simply endure the blows silently. More crucial than tactical response was preventing those in power from forming the illusion that they could manipulate public sentiment to force Chaldea to submit. If that illusion took root, similar attacks would continue—perhaps endlessly. Bo no longer needed Fury or any enforcement; all it took was the weaponization of media influence.

A warning had to be issued.

That was why Tony was here.

"Behind all this... is the World Council," Tony said, his voice unusually serious. "They're the closest thing to a planetary regime. If something destabilizes them, it's not just politics at risk—the entire global system will start to unravel. And none of us want that. I've seen what happens when the scaffolding breaks."

When Shen He mentioned her intent to warn the instigators, Tony hadn't held back his concerns.

He wasn't sure how Shen He handled such situations in other realms, but here—on this Earth—it was a path fraught with danger.

"This is the tragedy of belonging to the so-called order-aligned camp," Shen He replied, calmly meeting his eyes. "We get tangled up in rules and righteousness, trying not to be seen as tyrants. We restrain ourselves more than we should."

"Heh, we all know exactly what kind of person you are," Tony said, shaking his head. He wasn't interested in having another philosophy debate. "Just tell me what you've got planned."

"I've thought through many approaches," Shen He began, her expression unchanging. "Demonstrating overwhelming strength isn't viable. These people are entirely unrestrained even as the self-declared guardians of order. Threats won't shake them. If we act recklessly with force, we risk inciting premature global panic—or worse, forcing alien factions to strike early. As for targeting individuals behind the scenes, they are only extensions of larger interests."

The real world, especially this one, was rarely straightforward.

Violence solved many problems—but it also created many more.

Tony didn't respond immediately.

He knew Shen He wouldn't have summoned him without a concrete strategy.

Sure enough, after a brief pause, she continued:

"So I decided that a verbal warning would be the most appropriate method."

"Verbal?" Tony blinked, caught off guard.

"Yes." Shen He's lips curved into a sardonic smile. "Everyone knows the so-called 'public opinion' is staged. So why should I play by their script? It's time they understand what our rules look like."

"..." Tony frowned slightly.

He had been studying Chinese philosophy and rhetoric recently, but still couldn't fully grasp Shen He's layered logic.

Still, as long as it didn't escalate into a direct clash with the World Security Council, he was willing to trust her.

Over time, Tony had come to understand something clearly:

For Shen He, even the Hydra's old doctrine of "order through fear" wasn't necessarily off-limits if applied surgically. Compared to that, the World Council's manipulation was just a tighter noose.

Despite his reputation as an impulsive genius, Tony Stark was, among the original Avengers, the one most committed to preserving structural order.

"What do you need from me?" he asked.

"I want to hold a press conference," Shen He said bluntly. "I'll appear in person, and I need you to argue with me. Publicly."

"Argue? Now that's something I can do blindfolded."

Tony didn't even bother asking what the goal was. He agreed immediately.

Because he could tell: no matter how calm Shen He looked, the Lord of Chaldea was furious.

That same night, Tony hosted a press conference at Stark Tower, right after stepping out of the virtual reality corporation's headquarters.

He didn't have to call the media—the building had been swarmed with reporters for days.

When the iconic billionaire stepped in front of the cameras, everyone instantly noticed something: he was visibly irritated.

And Tony never hid his emotions well.

"Alright, people. I know what you're thinking," he said as he stood behind the podium. "You're all expecting a bombshell, right? 'Stark's about to drop another headline!' Well, you're half right. The big news... is you. And those protesters camped outside? You can pack up after today. Because I'm not answering to these theatrics anymore."

"Mr. Stark," a female reporter called out, "what exactly happened today? You were at the virtual reality facility all day."

Everyone's face lit up with anticipation.

These last few weeks had been a media goldmine—nonstop crises, revelations, battles, and the occasional collapse of reality itself.

"What happened?" Tony snapped. "I lost twenty billion dollars. That's what happened. I expect someone to explain that to me. But what do I get? An overpowered traditionalist who refuses to innovate. Want him to hand over Loki? Please. No one can do that. Now stop loitering in front of my company's doors. I've been cursed out more times than I can count!"

After dropping that line, Tony yanked off his tie in frustration, tossed the mic aside, and strode offstage with stiff determination.

No matter how urgently the reporters shouted, he maintained his grim expression, giving no more than a dismissive glance. His bodyguards swiftly moved in to block off further advances, pushing the crowd back with practiced efficiency.

But even without further statements, his message was loud and clear.

Within hours, media outlets around the world exploded with coverage. Due to the high-profile nature of the event, every agency scrambled to release their interpretation, analysis, and commentary on what had just transpired.

Among them, one widely circulated article stood out for its sharp dissection:

"Virtual Dreams Inc. is far from an ordinary private tech venture. Shen He is no typical CEO. As the founder of the global organization Chaldea, rooted in ancient arcane traditions, he occupies a position far beyond business or politics. The usual tools—protests, media pressure, even legal sanctions—are impotent against someone of his caliber. Furthermore, given the known alliances between Chaldea and external cosmic entities such as Asgard, it's no surprise he refuses to hand over Loki, a figure who's tangled in both divine law and Earth's chaos."

The report went on to draw logical conclusions about Shen He's character.

His Eastern heritage, the long ceremonial robes worn by Chaldeans, the supernatural phenomena tied to their operations—these elements painted a vivid picture:

Shen He is not someone to be manipulated through the fickle storms of public opinion.

Even now, Chaldean Guardians moved unshaken through crowds, unfazed by the rotten eggs hurled their way or the slander shouted from sidewalks.

These developments sparked varied reactions online. Some doubled down with hostile speculation, others backed out of protests out of growing uncertainty. A new faction even rose to defend Chaldea, citing their record—covert disaster relief, stabilizing supernatural breaches, shielding civilians from hidden threats.

After all, everything Chaldea had done thus far radiated one clear intent: preserving human order through unseen efforts.

And then, just as the speculation reached fever pitch, Chaldea made its move.

That same evening, the official site of Virtual Dreams posted a public notice:

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM, Shen He will hold a live press conference.

The announcement immediately drowned out all other coverage.

Until now, Shen He had only appeared once—during the national guardian internship program—to reveal the existence of supernatural forces and Chaldea's mission. The public had only the vaguest idea of who he truly was.

What kind of man stands behind the veil of a world-spanning, magic-infused order?

Was he truly a cold, calculating figure with unmatched might—untouched by mortal law?

Or a silent protector, weary from centuries of safeguarding a world that knew nothing of the threats lurking in its shadow?

The mystery had held the global imagination in suspense for months. With this appearance, Shen He was finally pulling back the curtain.

And not only civilians were watching.

Even the internet's furious debate around Loki's fate had noticeably simmered.

All eyes turned toward Shen He.

The next morning, even before dawn broke, throngs of journalists flooded the grounds of the virtual reality company's suburban headquarters.

It was the first time the company saw such an enormous crowd on its doorstep.

Whether it was citizens concerned about Loki's asylum, scholars tracking the evolution of Chaldea, believers inspired by the Guardians, or skeptics waiting for confirmation of corruption—each group focused their gaze on this singular event.

Despite the company's arcane affiliations, it still retained a solid logistics team. The press conference was organized with stunning precision.

Security maintained crowd control. Recording rigs were set. The press lined the aisles, their lenses and mics all aimed toward the podium.

Then, the moment came.

Shen He walked into view.

He had abandoned the corporate persona entirely.

Instead of a business suit, he wore the full ceremonial Chaldean robe—silver-trimmed with arcane runes, a black sash of leadership at the waist. The hem shimmered faintly, whispering of contained power. Behind him walked Jeanne d'Arc, clad in similar robes, bearing the sigil of divine arbitration.

In that instant, everyone watching understood.

This was not the CEO of a high-tech firm.

This was the Commander of Chaldea.

The veiled sovereign of supernatural guardianship.

And now, he had something to say.

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