Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

The air in the underground command center seemed to freeze, with only the energy fluctuations emanating from Chen Haotian spreading like ripples, carrying a chilling sense of order. A complex, dark blue phantom of runes slowly rotated before him, each rotation subtly distorting the surrounding light, gradually forming a deep spatial passage with edges flickering with unstable electricity. On the other side of the passage, the familiar cool-toned lights and metallic reflections of Stark Tower's laboratories were faintly visible, a stark contrast to the dim, dilapidated state of this underground command center.

"Channel stability 94%, coordinate anchoring successful." Tony stared intently at the holographic data projected by the micro-interface on his arm, his voice slightly hoarse with relief. "Jarvis confirmed, the opposite side is the coordinate point we left at, and the initial estimate of the time flow difference is within an acceptable range."

Dr. Wesker and his researchers watched in stunned silence, observing this scene that defied their comprehension. Their expressions were a mixture of shock, longing, and a barely concealed sense of loss. They knew this door did not belong to them.

Chen Haotian maintained his energy output, his face slightly pale, but his eyes remained sharp. He turned his head, his gaze sweeping over every familiar yet unfamiliar face in Wesker's team. During this time fighting side by side in the world of The Walking Dead, from the initial mutual probing to the later limited trust, facing the zombie horde together, searching for resources, and analyzing the virus, they had ultimately left their mark on each other's life trajectories.

"Doctor," Chen Haotian said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "the passage has stabilized, but we should go."

Wesker took a deep breath, stepped forward, and adjusted his glasses, which had been cracked in the explosion, striving to maintain the composure of a scientist. "I understand. This world... is ultimately our prison." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the tightly sealed silver briefcases and energy shielding containers beside him. "These samples and data..."

“We’ll take it with us,” Tony replied, his tone regaining its usual crispness. “In our world, we have more advanced equipment and a safer environment to continue our research. This may be the key to fully understanding, or even resolving, this disaster someday.” He didn’t make any specific promises, but his words left room for interpretation.

Chen Haotian nodded, adding in his characteristic casual yet thoughtful tone: "This collaboration is... very special. The expertise and initial data you provided are crucial. Remember what we discussed before, about the virus's unusual mutations and the possibility that the metal fragment might point to... external interference." He gave Wesker a meaningful look, not explicitly stating it, but trusting the other would understand he was referring to the possibility of travel and the multiverse. "If our subsequent research yields breakthroughs, or if we find a way to safely travel back and forth and provide effective assistance... we will consider re-establishing contact."

This wasn't an empty promise, but a cold yet hopeful statement based on realistic possibilities. Chen Haotian is essentially a profit-driven individual, but he also understands the value of long-term investment and potential allies. The expertise of Wesker's team is a scarce resource in this specific field.

A glint flashed in Wesker's eyes; he understood the unspoken message. In this desperate world, any possibility from the "outside" was a lifeline. "We understand. We will continue our work, try our best to survive, and... hold onto hope," he said solemnly, then gestured to his team members behind him.

Several researchers quietly moved the last few boxes of sorted supplies—not so critical, but essential for their team's survival—to the side to make room for Chen Haotian and Tony.

"Take care, Mr. Stark, Mr. Chen." Wesker extended his hand.

Tony hesitated for a moment, then reached out and shook his hand, his movements slightly stiff but sincere. "Take care, Doctor. Don't let the zombies breach your new base before we get back." He tried to use his usual teasing tone, but in this situation, it sounded somewhat awkward.

Chen Haotian merely nodded slightly, without making any extra physical movements. His attention remained mostly focused on maintaining the stability of the passage, but a faint, enigmatic smile curved at the corner of his lips: "I hope that next time we meet, it will be in a... more comfortable environment."

The farewell was brief and restrained, without excessive sentimentality. In this apocalyptic setting, survival and rationality took far greater priority than emotional catharsis. Chen Haotian and Tony did a final check of their belongings—mainly the "specialties" from this world: virus samples, energy crystals, research data hard drives, and the tightly shielded DC metal fragment.

Tony took the lead and stepped into the shimmering blue spatial passage without hesitation, his figure instantly swallowed by the distorted light.

Chen Haotian was the last to arrive. Just before he stepped into the passage, he turned back one last time, his gaze sweeping over the underground command post where they had spent a considerable amount of time, over the faces of Wesker's team, filled with anticipation and complex emotions, over this world filled with death and decay, yet struggling to survive amidst the ruins.

"Goodbye, this awful, yet... full of surprises world." He murmured to himself, his voice so soft that only he could hear it, then turned and stepped into the passage.

The instant his figure vanished, the azure runic phantoms abruptly contracted, the spatial passage closing instantly like a calmed lake, leaving no trace. Inside the command center, only the monotonous roar of the old-fashioned generator, the prolonged silence of Wesker's team, and the lingering, faint echo of energy from another world remained in the air. Hope had been planted, but the time and cost required to nurture it were unknown.