Marvel Knight of Zodiac

James leaned back in his chair, recalling scenes from "The Amazing Spider-Man." Hesitation hung in the air before he spoke, "I think I saw something on the news about the Osborne Group developing a technology for compact cable storage. If you're going to be Spider-Man, it'd be a shame not to use something like that to spin webs."

"Let me check it out," Peter replied, his voice cracking with excitement. "Hey, there's a bio-cable with high tensile strength. Each spool can hold hundreds of meters. I could use this to create a web launcher. That's a brilliant idea! I'm on it…"

After hanging up, James pulled out the Zodiac Knight suitcase, contemplating his next move. As a Zodiac Knight Reserve, he understood that there was only one way to grow stronger: he had to comprehend the universe and don the armor.

But he wasn't yet at the level required to wear the Zodiac Knight armor, nor did he know how to retrieve the Saint Cloth from the Zodiac Knight Armor Box. So, if he wanted to boost his strength to take on Hawkeye in the short term, he would have to find another route.

Without access to the Golden Armor, he needed to make do with Bronze. While Bronze Armor couldn't match the defensive power of the Golden Armor, it should still be sufficient against Hawkeye and his deadly arrows.

Initially reluctant to create this suit, James now recognized it as a necessity. Though not as formidable as Golden Armor, Bronze was a rare commodity for him.

Sitting cross-legged atop the Zodiac Box, James made a vow: if he survived the night's training, he would never again allow anyone to threaten him with arrows.

With a determination bordering on desperation, James pushed through a grueling hour-long training session on the Zodiac Suitcase, doubling his effort from the previous night. As exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him, the Zodiac Suitcase finally terminated the session.

Grateful for the intervention, James realized he had nearly pushed himself to the brink of collapse. As he caught his breath, he unconsciously began absorbing the energies of the universe, feeling a tingling power surging through him.

When the energy subsided, James opened his eyes, twin flames igniting within them. The flames spread across his body, tearing away his tattered jacket to reveal a golden-red Vermilion pattern on his back. Then, the flames surged, enveloping him entirely. Five seconds later, the fire dissipated, leaving him clad in a sleek black battle suit.

"Bronze Armor, activate!" he commanded, feeling a rush of power.

The ink-black robes, emblazoned with the Vermilion Bird, provided more coverage than even the Silver Robes, nearly rivaling the Golden Robes. Black wings sprouted from his back, a striking addition that made him feel invincible.

Staring at his reflection, James recognized the true Star Warrior, Sentinel, within himself. As he willed it, the black wings unfurled, lifting him off the ground with a gentle flap.

"Getting more fiery by the minute," James muttered, the black helmet obscuring half his face beneath a tangle of bangs. "Since I've embraced the Sentinel name, it's time to act like a guardian. I'm coming for the Russian Mafia."

With a burst of black wind, James vanished from the room.

Outside the abandoned factory, Clint Barton had relocated to a new surveillance spot. Despite James and Peter's retreat, as an agent, he couldn't afford to linger in the open for long.

Back in the car, Jimmy conferred with Barton over the communicator. "Who were those two?" he asked, fear creeping into his voice. "The one I fought had little combat experience but incredible speed. His body felt like stone. I barely touched him, yet my hands went numb."

Barton, peering through his telescope, replied, "I don't know, but they're definitely not ordinary humans."

"Natasha's at Level 7. If she doesn't know, I certainly won't," Jimmy said, tapping the steering wheel thoughtfully. "But once this mission's over, you'll likely level up and gain access to classified intel."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Barton cautioned. "Even if we make contact, you won't know if your level's up to snuff... Wait, what's that?"

Jimmy looked up, but saw nothing in the darkness. Through Barton's telescope, however, a humanoid figure approached, flapping its wings.

"Whoa! Is this for real?" Jimmy exclaimed, eyes wide.

The flying figure, its wings propelling it at speeds unmatched by any known bird, hovered over the abandoned factory.

"This defies all scientific logic," Barton observed, awestruck. "He's like a real-life birdman."

Knocking on the microphone, Barton whispered, "Nat, I think we're in trouble."

Back in the workshop, Natasha sat with the Rankoff brothers, puzzled by Barton's report. "What do you mean, a birdman?" she asked, brow furrowed.

The Rankoff brothers, equally intrigued, chimed in, "Natasha, what's your take on this?"

"I'm... seeing it for myself," Natasha began to explain when a bright light caught her eye. Through the window, a black "birdman" soared past, wings flapping defiantly.

The compound, bustling with Russian Mafia members, erupted into chaos at the sight. Leaders Vladimir and Antony watched, unwilling to intervene, while their third-in-command sprang into action.