Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

Gotham City's nights always carry a unique dampness and chill, as if even the air is permeated with the city's sins and despair. Chen Haotian, Tony Stark, and Nick Fury appeared in a dimly lit alley, their feet on the waterlogged cobblestones, surrounded by the mixed smells of garbage and rust.

"This is the DC Universe you were talking about?" Tony frowned, looking around, his fingers lightly tapping the controller on his wrist. "The air quality is much worse than in New York, and... why is the architecture here so retro?"

Chen Haotian didn't answer immediately. His gaze swept over the flashing neon sign at the alley entrance, which read "Iceberg Club." Sure enough, the runes had brought them to Gotham, landing them directly near the Penguins' territory.

"Remember our plan," Chen Haotian said in a low voice, "Keep a low profile and first get a clear understanding of the situation in this world."

Fury's single eye gleamed warily in the shadows: "I've sensed at least three surveillance cameras. The security density here is abnormally high."

Just as they were about to leave the alley, a series of hurried footsteps came from the alley entrance. Three young men in tattered jackets blocked their way, holding gleaming daggers in their hands.

"Look what we've found," the leader grinned, revealing a few missing teeth, "Three lost gentlemen."

Tony chuckled and took a step forward. "Kids, I suggest you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Haotian had already moved. Almost instantly, the three robbers were lying on the ground groaning, their daggers appearing in Chen Haotian's hand without him even noticing.

"No need to waste time," Chen Haotian casually tossed the dagger into the nearby trash can. "Chief Fury, please process the surveillance footage."

Fury nodded and took a miniature device from his pocket: "Jarvis, take over all the surveillance systems on this block and delete the last five minutes' worth of footage."

Tony looked at the robber lying on the ground, then at Chen Haotian: "That move you just used... wasn't martial arts, was it?"

"Internal energy," Chen Haotian explained simply, "is something I cultivated in my original world. It seems to be even more effective in this universe."

Suddenly, the sound of a car screeching to a halt came from the other end of the alley, followed by several gunshots. A fat figure staggered into the alley, his tuxedo stained with blood, clutching an umbrella tightly in his hand.

"Mr. Cobblestone?" Chen Haotian recognized the person as Oswald Cobblestone, the famous Penguin of Gotham.

The penguin watched them warily, his umbrella pointed at the three of them: "Who sent you? Falcone? Or Maroni?"

"Relax, Mr. Cobblestone," Chen Haotian raised his hands to indicate harmlessness, "we're just businessmen passing through."

Another gunshot rang out, bullets striking the wall at the alley entrance. The Penguin cursed, looking at Chen Haotian: "If you really want to prove you're not here to kill me, then help me deal with those bastards outside."

Tony and Fury exchanged a glance. Chen Haotian nodded slightly: "Deal."

Over the next few minutes, Chen Haotian displayed astonishing combat skills. He moved like a ghost in the shadows, each strike precisely taking down a gunman. Tony, meanwhile, utilized the armor's partial deployment capabilities, using his hand-held pulse cannon to eliminate two snipers attempting to attack from the rooftop.

As the last gunman fell, the Penguin stared at the three men in disbelief: "Who...who are you people?"

"I've already said, we're businessmen," Chen Haotian straightened his suit cuffs, "but the goods we deal in are rather special."

The Penguin squinted, suddenly recognizing Tony: "Wait...you're Tony Stark? That arms dealer?"

Tony raised an eyebrow: "I used to be. Now I prefer to call myself a pacifist."

"Ha!" the Penguin let out a sharp laugh. "Pacifistas carry around those kinds of high-tech weapons?"

Fury finally spoke: "Mr. Cobblestone, we mean you no harm. In fact, we may have some shared business interests."

The Penguin sized up Fury, especially his one-eyed man: "You look like you're with the government. I don't deal with the government."

"I'm not with the U.S. government," Fury said calmly. "I'm from a... multinational organization."

As they were talking, Chen Haotian noticed a black figure flash by on a distant high-rise building. Batman had already noticed their presence.

"This isn't the place to talk," Chen Haotian interrupted them. "Mr. Copperpott, I think your club would be a safer place?"

The penguin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Follow me. But if you dare try anything funny..." He brandished the umbrella in his hand, "this thing is more than just an umbrella."

On the way to the Iceberg Club, Tony whispered to Chen Haotian, "Are you sure you want to cooperate with him? According to the information Jarvis just gathered, this Mr. Cobblepot is no law-abiding citizen."

"In Gotham, law-abiding citizens don't survive long," Chen Haotian replied. "We need a local guide, and the Penguin controls most of the intelligence about Gotham's underworld."

Fury added, "Furthermore, through him we can access the technology and resources of this world. According to information Chen previously provided, this universe possesses technology far beyond our imagination."

The Iceberg Club's interior was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the dilapidated streets outside. The Penguin led them directly to a private room on the second floor.

"Now," the Penguin poured himself a glass of whiskey, "tell me your true purpose. The CEO of Stark Industries didn't come to Gotham for no reason, and just happened to save my life."

Chen Haotian looked directly into the penguin's eyes: "We are looking for special technological items, especially those of extraterrestrial origin. We are willing to exchange them for technology of equal value."

"Alien technology?" the Penguin mused. "Wayne Enterprises does indeed possess some strange artifacts... but getting close to those collections won't be easy."

Tony laughed: "Nothing is difficult as long as the price is right."

"Price?" The Penguin scoffed. "That arrogant bastard Bruce Wayne isn't short of money."

"We're not offering money," Chen Haotian said, "but energy technology. A technology that can change the entire global energy landscape."

The penguin's eyes lit up: "Go on."

Just as Chen Haotian was about to explain in detail, the window of the private room suddenly shattered, and a black figure slid into the room like a bat. Black cloak, pointed ear hood, and a prominent bat emblem on the chest.

"Good evening, gentlemen," Batman's voice was deep and menacing, "I think you need to explain why you're making a deal with Cobblestone in my city."