Kane: Awakening in the Marvel Universe with Supreme System

Chapter 8: Ascension and Ambition



The armored SUV pulled into the Kane International compound, its reinforced tires crunching over gravel. Richard Kane stood waiting at the entrance, tension etched into every line of his face__until he saw Alex step out, alive and unharmed.

Alex didn't slow down. "We need to talk," he said, brushing past his uncle and heading straight into the command center.

He plugged a datapad into the central console. The Stark Industries contract appeared instantly on the large screen, its terms clear-cut.

Alex pointed to the highlighted clauses. "We're Stark's exclusive security provider now. Twenty million-dollar retainer. Full access to their R&D systems and threat database. That includes CIA-level intel."

He looked at Richard. "This isn't just a contract__it's leverage. Stark made us his sword and shield. Which means we've inherited his enemies, too."

Richard scanned the document, his brow furrowing. "This is... unprecedented. But Stark's painting a massive target on our backs. We're not just running ops anymore. We're becoming part of the war machine."

Alex's gaze darkened. "Stane painted that target the day he had Father killed. Stark just gave us the ammunition."

Richard hesitated, then tapped into a new security feed. "Speaking of enemies..."

The screen flickered, revealing Reyes__ the former bodyguard, bloodied, restrained in the Interrogation Room, but wearing a smug expression.

"He was the mole," Richard said, his voice tight with grief. The weight of betrayal sat heavy on his shoulders__ this wasn't just another defector. "He confessed under enhanced interrogation. Leaked Marcus's route. Worked with Stane's men."

Alex's expression froze. "Why?"

Richard's face fell, the weight of memory clouding his eyes. He looked away, voice low with sorrow. "He was like a brother to me. I should've seen it coming."

Alex stepped into the interrogation room, the atmosphere tense and focused. The lights hummed overhead as the door clicked shut behind him.

Alex stood beside the chair but didn't sit. "Why, Reyes? Why betray the man who trusted you? Who treated you like family?"

Reyes scoffed. "Family? Marcus was just another rich man who thought loyalty came with a paycheck."

He leaned forward, blood drying around his teeth. "Stane promised permanence. Not just pay. Legacy."

Alex's fists clenched. "You sold your soul for that?"

Reyes's smile widened. "Your father built an empire on shadows and secrets. It's already crumbling__and you're next in line to fall with it."

The room went still. A beat passed.

"No, it won't," a voice said—cold and unwavering.

Alex's hand rose, trembling with rage he could no longer suppress.

 A pulse of telekinetic force lifted Reyes off the ground, choking him midair.

Alex's voice was pure ice. "But you won't live to see it stand."

Crack. The sickening snap of Reyes' neck echoed.

Reyes' body fell, lifeless.

The door burst open.

"Alex! What the hell__" Richard froze.

"Justice," Alex said, lowering his hand. A streak of blood trickled from his nose as dizziness struck, but he steadied himself quickly and wiped it away.

Henderson entered, his expression heavy with grief. He looked at Richard. "Miller's gone. Reyes gave up everything. I was with them from the beginning. And now... I'm the last one standing."

"Then you're the last man I trust to watch my back," Richard said with a hand on Henderson's shoulder.

Henderson swallowed hard. "You gave me this life, sir. I won't betray you. Ever."

Suddenly, brilliant crimson-gold glyphs lit up Alex's vision:

[System successfully integrated with the universal laws.]

[Mission Board Unlocked – Custom objectives may now be submitted for Supremacy Point rewards.]

[Calculating...]

[Defense of Stark Mansion - +100 Supremacy Points}

[High-value infiltrator eliminated - +50 Supremacy Points]

[Telekinesis upgraded to Lv.2 – Capacity: 50kg]

[System Concept Unlocked: Supremity Enhancement - Host may now enhance any concept via SP.]

'You've been quiet... is this what you were working on?' Alex asked inwardly.

[Do not mistake silence for idleness, Host. Integration demands precision. The workings of the system transcend human understanding.]

'Nice to see your ego survived the upgrade.'

[Sarcasm acknowledged. But you must focus, Host. Ascension demands ambition__and now, you're beginning to grasp it.]

Alex blinked. The tone felt different now. Harsher, more arrogant.

'What's Supremacy Enhancement?'

[A new function allowing you to empower concepts such as abilities, formulas, or technology beyond natural limits using Supremacy Points. The Super Soldier Serum you ingested was a trial case; its efficacy was boosted through this very process.]

Alex was amazed. This just opened the door to new possibilities.

Richard stared at Alex's hand. "You've changed."

Alex focused his attention back on Richard and nodded. "The attack at Stark's lit a fire. I'm not letting it die."

Richard placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then, as of now, you're the CEO. Kane International is yours. Marcus would've wanted this."

Alex stared at Richard for a moment, then he nodded. For his goal, for the future he envisioned, this was the only path.

Richard paused, then looked Alex in the eye. "Back there... what was that power?"

Alex considered for a second. "A gift. One I intend to master__for all our sakes."

---

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Alex stood before the tall windows of his office, overlooking the Kane International complex.

Outside, black-armored units drilled in formation. Convoys loaded with new gear rolled across the yard. Inside, monitors streamed updates.

Stark Security: Kane operatives ran sweeps beside Stark drones.

Vault Protection: Biometrics shielded Tony's R&D wing.

Global Ops: Teams in Dubai, Sokovia, and New York—status green.

Henderson entered with a tablet. "Stane tried breaching Level-7. JARVIS trapped him with a decoy net of toaster bots."

Alex smirked. "Let him chase shadows. What's the Malibu update?"

"Stark's holed up in his research basement. No calls, no interruptions—he's been at it for seventy-two hours straight. He has been shipping gold titanium alloy to his mansion for unknown reason."

Alex nodded.

 'Good. Let him build.'

---

10 days later, at the Los Angeles Disney Concert Hall

"Tonight's red-hot red carpet is right here at the Disney Concert Hall, where Tony Stark's third annual benefit for the Firefighters' Family Fund has become the place to be for L.A.'s high society."

Flashes popped along the red carpet outside the firefighter benefit gala. Tony Stark adjusted his suit, with a smirk, he posed for photos.

Pepper trailed a step behind, rolling her eyes. "You're loving this."

"Of course I am," Tony said, sipping champagne. "Charity, cameras, and expensive lighting__what's not to love?"

He was halfway through a question from a Vanity Fair reporter when another voice cut in.

"Tony Stark? Christine Everhart. Quick question—how does it feel knowing Stark Industries' weapons are still being used by terrorists in Gulmira?"

Tony froze. "What? That's impossible."

She pulled out a bundle of photographs, each one more damning than the last—Gulmira in flames, terrified civilians running for cover, missiles clearly stamped with the Stark Industries logo.

Pepper's face paled.

Christine didn't stop. "Care to comment on the civilian casualties?"

He looked at her, lips parting—but the words caught in his throat. A storm churned behind his eyes. Without saying a word, he turned sharply and walked out of the gala, fury and shame simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Tony stormed into his Malibu basement lab, tossing his jacket. The finished Mark III armor flashed with gold and red.

"JARVIS. Pull everything we have on Gulmira. Shipments, manifests. Now."

"There was no authorized shipment to that region, Sir. However, internal data shows Mr. Stane accessed restricted files and rerouted assets under research classifications... just before his clearance was revoked."

Tony was enraged by Obadiah Stane. Tony's eyes locked on the armor.

"They're using my weapons. I think it's time to end that."

He stepped toward the armour, fists clenched.

"Let's see what this thing can do."

The play has officially started.


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