Chapter 5757: Chapter 4780: X Royal Family: Rebirth (20)

"Nick is already considered a pretty good boss," Steve sighed. "When Carter gave birth, he gave her half a year of paid maternity leave and even a substantial childbirth allowance. But my veteran benefits and military compensations still haven’t been issued; I guess they really didn’t approve them."

"Of course they didn’t approve them," Stark said. "The U.S. Military hasn’t had veteran benefits for a long time. The prerequisite for military compensations is that you must have retired normally and meet a whole bunch of conditions. For someone like you, who has already been reported dead, it’s absolutely impossible to get them."

"And just like you said, Nick is considered a good boss. Because in your situation, not only can’t you get veteran benefits, but you might also be accused of defrauding death compensation."

"The issue is I never got any death compensation!"

"Just because it didn’t reach your hands doesn’t mean they didn’t issue it. As for who got it, it’s definitely impossible to find out. They probably thought about using this to blackmail you, but Nick stopped them."

Steve also leaned back in his chair with a look of despair: "You’re saying not only are they withholding my compensation but they also want to sue me for faking my death to cheat death compensation?"

"That’s already the best-case scenario. In fact, I’ve heard rumors that the military considered declaring you a deserter, using fake death to escape the war, not fulfilling military duties..."

"But when I died, they widely publicized me as a hero."

"Times change," Stark shook his head, "When they needed you, of course, you’re a hero. Or rather, you have to listen to them to be a hero. Otherwise, naturally, you’re a deserter."

Steve was already grinning angrily: "I’ll say it again, America died in the Cold War long ago. What’s alive now is just a corpse."

"There are good and bad people everywhere, many speak on your behalf," Stark comforted, "These years, you’ve lived peacefully without much turmoil; certainly, someone has helped you solve many problems behind the scenes. Whether it’s Nick, Howard, or Bucky, they’re all silently helping you."

"I know." Steve wiped his face, "Because of me, Bucky gave up his space exploration job to stay on Earth and guard. No matter how I persuade him, he won’t listen."

"If America is a corpse, at least our universe is a decent-looking one. But this universe seems to have started rotting," Shiller sighed, "The Alien Army hasn’t even been completely eliminated, and they’re already sanctioning the Mutant Heroes’ homelands on Earth."

"Isn’t there anyone who can manage them?" Steve was fuming at this mention, "Are we just letting them run rampant like this? I can’t accept it!"

"If it’s the Mutant leader of this universe, they might just have to endure and wait for opportunities to open up. But aren’t you familiar with those two from our universe? Revenge never waits till the next day. The Three Great Empires secretly and openly messed with the Andromeda Galaxy many times, with methods way more disgusting than this. Not only were the mutants unaffected, but the Three Great Empires are nearly collapsing."

"Thankfully they came," Steve said, "Otherwise, being called Captain America by the mutants would be embarrassing."

"Hey, can I come in?" The voice of the Main Universe Spider-Man suddenly sounded outside the door, "If not, it’s okay. The mutants just sent someone over, asking us to head over near the volcano and hope we can help discuss the construction of the hot springs resort. Do you want to go?"

"Already starting?" Shiller was a bit surprised as he walked over to open the door, then said, "Aren’t they going to take a break?"

"Right after fighting, the young mutants are very excited. They’re thinking of quickly setting up the resort to enjoy the hot springs. But they’re uncertain about some places and want to seek our opinions."

"Alright, I understand. Come in and sit down, Peter."

He went inside, saw Stark, and said, "You look much better, Mr. Stark, is there anywhere you still feel uncomfortable?"

Stark waved his hand, indicating he was fine. But soon, he seemed to remember something and asked, "Peter, do you catch colds?"

"Colds? Oh, definitely. But ever since I got Spider Power, I almost never catch a cold, although I have been infected with the flu. Viral colds aren’t countered by Spider Power, though my physique helps me recover faster."

"I see. I was worried about you," Stark said, "It’s convenient; our two doctors went to Hong Kong to get some traditional medicine that can prevent colds. Do you want a bowl?"

Steve and Shiller simultaneously turned their heads helplessly. The Main Universe Spider-Man seemed oblivious, saying, "Traditional medicine, huh? I’ve heard about it. On my way home from school each day, the Chinese supermarket owner brews herbs at the door; it looks quite magical. Can I really drink it?"

Shiller sighed, "Of course, I’ll brew it for you right now."

Stark’s mischievous grin was beyond obvious. Steve wanted to warn him but was stopped by Stark. So, after ten minutes, another teary cat head was added to the sofa.

"Why is it so bitter?" Spider-Man really seemed on the verge of tears, chewing on preserved fruits and saying, "And it’s not just bitter; it’s sour and astringent too. My goodness, I’d rather have a cold!"

Stark laughed uncontrollably, looking much more rejuvenated; whether it’s due to the medicine or psychological reasons is uncertain. Rubbing his hands together, he said, "I feel much better, let’s head to the volcano now."

But soon, Spider-Man jumped from the couch: "It seems effective; I feel like I’m sweating."

He wasn’t kidding; indeed, his forehead was sparkling with sweat, which wasn’t there when he first arrived. Spider-Man tugged on his collar and said, "I think this really works. Where did you buy the medicine? I want to buy some to take back, to prevent my aunt from catching a cold."

"That might be a bit far," Shiller said, "and although this isn’t a particularly strong medicine, it can’t be eaten often. If you want to regulate your body, you’d probably need a different prescription. Go find Doctor Strange from your universe; he should know something."

"Alright, I’ll ask him, but he seems to still be arguing with Iron Man from our universe, so he might not be too eager to see me," Spider Man said a bit helplessly.

"Those two are arguing?" Stark asked with interest, "About what?"

"I have no idea," Main Universe Spider Man shook his head and said, "But whatever you guys usually argue about, they probably argue about the same stuff."

"Oh, it’s the usual technology and magic stuff," Stark said, "Then he shouldn’t take it out on you; you can go ask."

Main Universe Spider Man nodded, then added, "By the way, can I take a few of these dried fruits? Thor really likes sweets, and I’d like to take some back for him to try."

"No problem, Steven bought several packs anyway," Shiller pulled out a packet from who knows where and handed it to Spider Man, then said, "It was originally intended to take back to our universe’s Thor."

The Main Universe Spider Man left with the dried fruits. Steve, somewhat puzzled, said, "I’ve never heard Thor likes sweets. When we were eating in Asgard, he wouldn’t even touch the honeydew."

"It’s Loki who likes sweets," Shiller snorted and said, "Thor claims he likes it so that if there’s something tasty, he can take it back to Loki."

"So this is for Loki too?" Stark looked at the pack of dried fruits and asked, "Is it just the dried fruits you’re giving them?"

"What else do you suggest? You want them to try some traditional Chinese medicine?" Shiller said, "Earlier I made a mistake, there really is someone in The Avengers who never catches a cold, and that’s Thor and Loki."

"I get it with Thor, he’s Aesir, those God Clan folks are really healthy and never get sick. But isn’t Loki supposed to be frail and sickly?"

"Loki is a Frost Giant," Steve said, exasperated, "Have you ever heard of Frost Giants catching a cold??? "

Stark slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten that, but still shook his head with some regret, "Why can’t the Golden Apple be a traditional Chinese medicine? Then everyone would need it."

Soon they all put on their coats and headed out. Shiller and Steve were just wearing regular clothes, while Stark donned the mecha. Not just for warmth but also because he still didn’t have much strength and needed the mecha to fly him. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Clarkia Island is actually quite large, otherwise, it wouldn’t have both a basin and a volcano. The Central Royal Court is located to the south, and the settlement is also in the south. Going to the northern volcano is a bit far. Stark flew straight there, while Shiller and Steve, halfway through, got impatient and hitched a ride with a Mutant, who telekinesis-ed them over.

Saying they started construction is a bit of an exaggeration, as even the location hasn’t been decided yet. Because when they actually got to the cave under the volcano, they found it to be extremely complex, enough to build an underground city.

Stark’s mecha was bright blue, making it easy to spot. He didn’t join the Mutants or the Main Universe Avengers but stopped at another cave entrance by himself. When Shiller and Steve got out of the vehicle, they came over to him.

"You’re not thinking of going down, are you?" Shiller questioned. The cave he saw was a surface cave, with a vertical drop of over 30 meters, and it was unclear if it even had a bottom, perhaps it was just too dark to see.

"I can feel the geothermal spring below, the humidity and temperature are obviously increasing," Stark said, "The others are in a different cave, maybe not as close as we are. I’m too lazy to argue with them, it’s better to just go down and have a look."

"If the Mutants want to make a movie, this place would definitely be the perfect setting for a disaster film," Steve remarked. The cave wasn’t just deep; it was incredibly large, resembling a sinkhole. Looking down from above, it’s quite grand, but going down would be no different from being in a disaster film."

"Well, you’re the only one who can’t fly here," Stark wasn’t mocking, just concerned. But Steve clearly wasn’t the type to overthink. While Stark was still talking and looking down, Steve brought over a huge stone.

It’s called huge because Captain America had to use both hands to carry it. Steve lifted the stone to his chest and then threw it straight into the pit, and after a while, there was a "thud."

"Are you trying to test how deep it is?" Stark thought and said, "From the speed at which the stone hit the ground, I’d say it’s at least 50 meters..."

Before he could finish, Steve swung his shield and jumped down. Stark’s outstretched hand hadn’t even retracted when Shiller turned into a fog and descended. Stark hurriedly flew down.

"You didn’t forget my shield is Vibranium, did you?" Steve straightened up after landing, picked up his shield, and said, "Whether it’s 50 meters or 500 meters, I can land unscathed."

"Then why throw the stone?"

"Though I hate to say it, Tony, you’re definitely not well; your brain doesn’t seem to be working," Steve sighed and said, "I need to know if it’s land or water down there. If it’s a geothermal spring over 100 degrees, I’d get scalded too."

Stark patted his forehead again, realizing he had forgotten this detail too. However, he was a bit curious and said, "But you can even work in cosmic conditions."

"That’s with a shield and life-sustaining collar. These things usually work by altering the magnetic field around them to achieve life support. But changing substances like water is difficult. So if it were water, I’d have to find a rope and climb down slowly."

"Looks like cosmic work has indeed taught you a lot," Shiller said, "Let’s go check out the front."