The chamber shook violently, dust raining down as Tony's eyes locked on the shadowy figure controlling the Leviathan with ruthless precision.
"Who are you?" Tony demanded, voice sharp through his helmet.
The figure smirked beneath his dark hood. "I am Obsidian, the shadow you cast long ago. Your arrogance birthed me."
Steve stepped forward, shield raised. "We fight as one. You won't win."
Obsidian laughed, a sound like grinding steel. "You misunderstand — this isn't about winning or losing. It's about reckoning."
Meanwhile, Natasha darted forward, analyzing the magical chains binding Pepper.
"Tony, those bindings aren't just magic — they're intertwined with her memories, her emotions. If we break the chains without the right key, it could kill her."
Tony clenched his fists. "Then we find the key. Whatever it takes."
He sent a pulse through his suit, activating a memory scanner designed to reach through mental blocks.
Visions flashed before Tony's eyes — moments of laughter and love with Pepper, their shared struggles, sacrifices, and promises.
Focusing, he projected those memories into the chamber's energy, a beacon of hope piercing through the darkness.
Pepper's chains trembled.
Obsidian snarled, raising a hand to strike back, but before he could, Steve's shield slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave that disrupted the dark energy.
"Now, Tony!" Steve shouted.
With everything he had, Tony surged forward — repulsors blazing, his voice raw and steady.
"Pepper, fight it! Remember us!"
The chains cracked.
Pepper gasped, her eyes clearing for a brief, shining moment.
But then, a new darkness flickered behind her gaze — deeper, more dangerous.
Tony's heart pounded.
The fight was far from over.