Cracking Ultron's networking mechanism was now within reach.
Anton breathed a sigh of relief.
Lately, he had been closely observing the public's growing obsession with Ultron chips. He'd allowed the situation to escalate—not because he didn't care, but because he chose to let it unfold.
In previous events, Anton had let crises surface deliberately—partly for the sake of justice, and partly because of the story's natural progression.
In the end, justice always triumphed over evil. Regardless of the method, the one who ultimately resolved the issue became the Justice League.
But today's situation was far removed from any expected plotline.
Though still connected to Ultron, the integration of the Extremis Virus and Ultron's AI had given birth to the Ultron chip, pushing everything to an extreme.
With government backing and public enthusiasm, Anton found it nearly impossible to intervene mid-crisis. Even if he tried, it would likely backfire.
Tony wasn't some minor character who would allow Anton to act without resistance. As the CEO of the most valuable company in the world, Tony had resources equal to Anton's—if not greater. And unlike Anton's identity as Batman, Tony had the public advantage. He was the favored hero.
So, Anton chose not to interfere. For now.
Still, he feared the situation could spiral beyond control. If even 10% of the global population received Ultron chips, any future crisis could quickly become irreversible.
That's why cracking Ultron's networking mechanism—and severing his control over the chips—was now the Justice League's top priority. Only then could Anton and his allies have a chance to turn the tide once chaos erupted.
Now, with their research nearing completion, Anton felt true relief. The Justice League finally had a way to counter Ultron. Anton could now afford to sit back and watch events unfold, calm and composed. No matter how far things went, he wouldn't be shaken.
Because now, the Justice League had the means to take down Tony in a single strike.
The soaring popularity of Ultron chips came as no surprise to Tony.
No one wanted to reject them.
Even if the chips weren't entirely harmless, the benefits far outweighed the risks—at least in the public's eyes. The entire world was basking in the massive leaps brought by this new wave of technological evolution, especially those who had already been implanted.
To most people, the Ultron chip was hailed as the greatest invention of the modern era—no contest.
That label had been thrown around in the media many times over the years, but this time, it felt genuine. Everyone believed it.
Tony Stark, the mastermind behind the Ultron chip, was now widely seen as the father of modern innovation.
The military, too, had joined the hype—placing massive orders to implant chips in soldiers and build the ultimate army.
Good news just kept coming.
Tony remained calm, as if he had foreseen all of it. As if he had always known this day would come.
Yet, even as the Ultron chip swept the globe with unstoppable momentum, strange occurrences linked to the chip began drawing attention from certain corners of the world.
Hell's Kitchen.
After the Justice League took over New York, Hell's Kitchen—a place once feared and overflowing with crime—gradually became cleaner and more orderly.
Though the residents still lived on the margins of society, with homeless people scattered across the streets and prostitutes, traffickers, and thugs still lingering, the crime rate had dropped by 70%. People had started behaving with more restraint.
That was, until the arrival of the Ultron chip.
New York, home to Stark Industries' headquarters, became the epicenter of the chaos. While the Ultron chip could be administered in other cities like Los Angeles, New York remained the top choice for most recipients. The influx of people, combined with the pride of being a New Yorker, ignited a frenzy.
Especially after inoculation, the Extremis Virus-enhanced Ultron chip transformed individuals—making them stronger, younger, more attractive. These visible changes fed the population's craving for the chip.
And once again, crime began to rise.
Nowhere was this more evident than in Hell's Kitchen. Robberies and theft surged, giving the NYPD new headaches.
Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil, felt the change on an intimate level—living and working in the neighborhood. Sensing the shift, he reached out to Anton.
Anton explained everything: the dangers of the Ultron chip, its potential for developing self-awareness, and the looming betrayal of humanity.
He also told Matt that the Justice League was already researching how to counter Ultron, but at this stage, there was no way to stop the current momentum.
Matt listened—and understood—but he didn't share Anton's views.
He didn't hate Tony. He didn't see him as a villain. So he decided to take a different approach: confront Tony directly, urge him to take responsibility, and rein in the chaos caused by the Ultron chips.
Stark Tower.
Wearing sunglasses and leaning on a blind cane, Matt walked step by step into the crowded lobby.
Though he couldn't see, his heightened hearing allowed him to map the surroundings with remarkable accuracy. The noise—the low hum of voices, the heavy breathing, the shuffling of feet—told him everything.
The building was packed with citizens queuing to receive their Ultron chips. A third of them were from out of town. Some had even traveled from overseas.
The craze was undeniable.
Matt frowned.
The Ultron chip felt like a virus—spreading at an uncontrollable rate and clouding people's judgment. Its benefits blinded the public to the dangers lurking beneath.
No one seemed to realize that once vaccinated, they weren't just giving up their data and privacy—their lives could end up in someone else's hands.
Worst of all, the chip was a fusion of Ultron's AI and the Extremis Virus.
Matt, as a member of the Justice League, knew exactly what Extremis was: a human enhancement agent. On the surface, there were no side effects. But over time, through his own research, Matt discovered its darker side.
Just like the chip, Extremis gradually eroded the mind of its host.
What's more—it required periodic recharges, ongoing payments to maintain the enhancements. Those who had become younger, stronger, and more attractive couldn't bear the thought of returning to their former selves.
This low-cost "plastic surgery" project was altering society—dragging the world into a spiral of vanity and dependency.
People were becoming more hollow—more fearless.
Matt didn't deny that the Ultron chip was an impressive invention with undeniably powerful effects. But pushing it blindly, releasing it to the public without restraint, was a reckless decision. It made the whole world seem like it was stumbling forward, blind to the consequences.
That's why Matt wanted to speak with Tony. To convince him not to act so impulsively.
"Gentlemen."
Suddenly, Matt was stopped by a security guard at the entrance of Stark Tower.
"You can't go in. That's the work area. The queuing area is to your left—I can escort you there," the guard said politely.
"I'm not here to line up. I'm here to talk," Matt replied. "I want to see Tony Stark."
"…???"
The security guard was momentarily stunned. He eyed the man in sunglasses, walking with a blind cane—surprised and slightly amused.
"Sir, Chairman Stark isn't seeing guests today."
"Go tell him Matt Murdock is here. I'm a lawyer," Matt said. "He'll see me."
The guard frowned slightly. He hadn't heard of any "Matt Murdock," and he certainly didn't know if his boss was expecting someone by that name.
But before he could respond, a voice crackled through his earpiece—making his heart skip.
"Let him in."
It was a man's voice—one the guard instantly recognized. It belonged to his boss's boss: Tony Stark's driver and longtime associate, Happy Hogan.
"Wait at the door. I'll come down to get him."
"Understood," the guard replied immediately.
His demeanor shifted at once—his tone more respectful, his posture more formal.
"This way, sir."
A few minutes later, Matt followed Happy up the elevator to the top floor—Tony's private residence.
"Mr. Murdock, Mr. Stark is waiting for you inside."
Happy gave Matt a quick glance, his eyes briefly flicking to the cane in Matt's hand. He couldn't help asking:
"Would you like me to guide you in?"
"No need," Matt replied politely.
Under Happy's curious gaze, Matt navigated the room with ease—bypassing the glass-covered display cabinet, circling around the furniture, and taking a seat on the sofa opposite Tony, all with an unshakable calm.
Then he spoke.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Matt Murdock—also known as Daredevil."
"…What?"
Happy, still standing by the elevator, was stunned by what he heard.
Daredevil?
Daredevil is… blind?
And suddenly, it all clicked. He understood why Tony had personally asked him to greet Matt. Understood how Matt, despite being blind, had effortlessly avoided every obstacle in the room.
After all, a superhero always has a few surprises up his sleeve.
"I didn't expect the first member of the Justice League to visit me would be you."
Tony leaned back casually on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of wine in hand. He studied Matt with an amused smile and a glimmer of curiosity.
On the table in front of Matt sat another glass—already filled.
"Have a drink," Tony offered. "A gesture for our first meeting."
Matt didn't refuse. He took a sip, then spoke calmly.
"I'm here for a simple reason. You've no doubt noticed the spike in crime across New York. It's starting to affect everyday life for ordinary people."
Tony raised an eyebrow.
"And you think that has something to do with me?"
"..."
Matt was silent for a moment.
"The Ultron chip is the root of all this. You turned it into a consumer product—especially with the Extremis Virus involved. Your entire strategy for rolling it out... it scares me."
He paused.
"You're playing with human nature."
"You're wrong," Tony replied calmly. "I'm controlling humanity."
"Control? You call this control?" Matt shot back, his tone sharp.
"Crime is rising in New York. People are fighting in the streets just to afford the Ultron chip. They're robbing, stealing—some elderly are even draining their pensions just to look younger. And you call that control?"
"What if they didn't get the chance?" Tony countered.
"I'm not forcing anyone to get the chip. And besides, the Ultron chip marks a new era for humanity. It's the key to unlocking genetic potential. The Extremis Virus offers a chance to evolve. Statistics show it can extend human life by at least ten years. Shouldn't people have that opportunity?"
"But after inoculation, they have no privacy. No secrets. Not from you," Matt said firmly.
"This isn't evolution. It's you feeding a twisted obsession with control."
"No," Tony replied. "It's the cost. Social evolution always comes with pain. That's inevitable."
Matt leaned forward.
"So that's it? You won't even consider slowing things down? Making this more manageable?"
"Of course not," Tony said, shrugging.
"Because from beginning to end, everything has been under control. It's never once slipped out of my hands."
"..."
Matt was quiet again, his expression darkening.
"I understand now why Anton didn't come himself. He knows you better than I do."
Tony nodded.
"The one who knows you best is usually your enemy. That's why he didn't come—because when we meet, it'll be as enemies. It'll be when the war begins."
"What are you planning, Tony?" Matt asked, frowning. "What could you possibly gain from this?"
Tony raised his glass.
"Like you said—to satisfy my twisted need for control. I want a world that's more manageable. More peaceful."
He downed the drink in one motion.
"I can't accept that future," Matt said coldly as he stood up.
The dullness behind his sunglasses couldn't hide the resolve etched across his face.
"I'll stop you."
With that, he turned and walked out, without hesitation.
Tony watched him go, his gaze unreadable. A faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"No, you won't," he murmured.
"You'll come back tomorrow—and you'll join me."
The next day.
Matt woke to sunlight streaming across a bed he didn't recognize. He stared up at a ceiling that felt unfamiliar.
He turned his head.
Wardrobes. A dining table. A muted, gray-white room. A punching bag. Gym equipment. Colorful objects arranged neatly throughout.
His surroundings were crystal clear.
His vision had returned.
He could see again.
Matt froze—stunned.
And then, as if summoned by memory, Tony's final words from the day before echoed in his mind:
"You'll come back tomorrow—and then you'll join me."
…
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