After resolving the situation, Karl returned to his farm through the Shadow Realm. He sat on the sofa and turned on the television — something he hadn't done since arriving in this world.
The broadcast showed the U.S. government presenting Tony Stark with its highest civilian defense commendation. Since Stark himself was absent, Obadiah Stane accepted the award on his behalf.
Karl's eyes narrowed slightly.
That meant Tony was about to depart for the Middle East.
Within months, he would be captured by the Ten Rings, build the first Iron Man armor, and ignite the chain of events that would reshape the modern world.
The age of heroes — and chaos — was about to begin.
Meanwhile, Natasha Romanoff arrived at the location where Karl had neutralized the two surveillance agents.
Her expression hardened the moment she saw the tattoo.
HYDRA.
She had never personally encountered the organization, but she knew its history. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s predecessor had been created to destroy HYDRA.
Yet now, a HYDRA operative had been embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D.
This was no longer an intelligence irregularity.
It was a structural breach.
Worse still, they had unknowingly antagonized Karl — a man who had annihilated organized crime forces and killed Wilson Fisk in a single night.
This was not good.
Karl had previously disabled surveillance rather than kill agents outright. If these two were dead, HYDRA involvement might have escalated the situation.
If Karl had known her conclusion, he might have admired her imagination. He had not killed them for HYDRA ties — only to prevent anyone from spying on May and Peter.
Now that May was part of his life, their safety was non-negotiable.
Several hours later, Natasha returned to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters and headed straight to Nick Fury's office.
Maria Hill was already present.
Natasha paused.
Fury noticed.
"She can be trusted," he said. "Report."
"Director," Natasha said, "Karl eliminated two surveillance agents. One bore HYDRA tattoos and dental modifications matching World War II records."
She displayed the photos.
Fury stood abruptly.
"That's impossible. HYDRA was eliminated after the war."
Hill's expression darkened as she studied the images.
"It's real," Fury said quietly. "They've infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D."
He turned sharply.
"Lock down the information. Suspend active operations. Begin internal security audits immediately."
"Yes, Director," Hill replied.
Natasha added, "Karl likely saw the markings. He may already know."
Fury's eye narrowed.
"Understood. Keep this contained."
He paused.
"I'll meet him personally."
"Yes, Director."
"Yes, sir."
Karl remained unaware that Nick Fury had just uncovered HYDRA's infiltration.
Even if he knew, it would not concern him.
He was currently considering whether to bring May and Peter to the farm — or purchase a residence within the city. New York was becoming increasingly dangerous.
Ultimately, he decided to ask May what she wanted.
At that moment, the system's voice sounded:
[Ding! The host has received one sign-in opportunity.]
[Do you wish to sign in now?]
Karl blinked in surprise.
He tried to recall what might have triggered it.
Had it been defeating Kingpin?
Killing HYDRA infiltrators?
Or simply surviving fifteen days in this world?
He hesitated, thinking.
Elsewhere
"Tony, you should be on your private jet by now," Pepper Potts said through the phone.
"No, no," Tony replied lazily. "If it's my private jet, it waits for me. Otherwise, what's the point?"
"You have to go to the Middle East today. It's a major military contract. Rhodey has already called twice."
"…Alright, alright. I'm on my way."
Tony sped toward the airport in his sports car while Happy Hogan followed in a Rolls-Royce.
Thirty minutes later, they arrived.
James Rhodes stood at the aircraft stairs, arms crossed.
"Tony, you kept me waiting four hours."
"I told you I'd be fashionably late."
"You ignored five calls."
Tony grinned. "Relax. You're about to have the trip of your life."
Soon the plane lifted into the sky.
Inside, Tony resumed his familiar routine — music, drinks, games, and charming flight attendants — much to Rhodey's reluctant amusement.
The journey toward destiny had begun.
That evening, Karl arrived at May's house.
Peter was upstairs playing games.
May stood in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Karl stepped behind her and wrapped an arm gently around her waist.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
"Wasn't this afternoon enough, you rascal?" she murmured.
"Mmm… not nearly enough."
He kissed her softly.
She responded instinctively before pushing him back, cheeks burning.
"Peter is home," she whispered. "And I'm cooking."
Karl smiled and rested his forehead briefly against hers.
"Alright."
He held her quietly.
After a moment, he spoke.
"May… why don't you and Peter come stay with me? New York is going to become dangerous. I don't feel comfortable with you here alone."
She hesitated.
"This is sudden… we've lived here for years. Nothing has happened."
Karl knew words alone wouldn't persuade her.
He lifted his hand.
Cold mist condensed into a small disc of ice above his palm.
May's eyes widened.
"Oh my God… Karl… are you a mutant?"
"No," he said gently. "It's a special ability. And it's why I know things are going to change. I want you safe. You won't have to struggle alone anymore. I'll take care of you."
She looked at the ice, then at him.
Conflicting emotions crossed her face — shock, fear, relief, and something deeper.
"I… need time to think."
Karl nodded.
"Of course."
He tightened his arms around her gently.
And for the first time, the future they might share felt real.
…