Marvel : The God Of Punishment System

From Penn's anxious questioning, Jason detected an undercurrent of something unusual. The president's emotions had shifted dramatically – from regret and sadness to wariness and anticipation.

He values Stark far more than Captain America!

Jason immediately recognized the pattern. The corporate forces behind Stark Industries had mobilized their influence. As the Pentagon's most critical supplier, Stark Industries had transformed into the military-industrial complex's premier front company. A web of powerful interests now protected their golden goose.

"Mr. President, may I ask why you're so interested in these particular details?" Jason inquired pointedly.

The phone line went silent for several seconds. Jason remained completely unfazed. "Nobody knows better than me exactly what Stark did that day. After the hammer took control of his mind, he immediately returned to Stark Tower. So compared to Captain America Steve's rampage through the streets, Tony didn't personally destroy any buildings or kill anyone directly."

A flicker of surprise colored Penn's voice. "So... he's innocent then?"

"Ha ha!" Jason's laugh carried no warmth. "If he hadn't launched his special little present from Stark Industries, you might have a point."

"Missile?" Penn's voice hitched.

"That's right. Once Tony regained access to his tower, he used his brilliant mind and cutting-edge tech to launch a very special delivery system. Thank God, I caught it in time, otherwise..."

President Penn swallowed hard, his throat clearly audible through the phone. "What kind of missile? What was—"

"A modified Jericho missile carrying hundreds of engineered bio-warheads. Once detonated, the virus would've blanketed everything from the stratosphere down to street tier across New York City. And with those lovely jet stream winds, the pathogen would've slowly drifted across the entire North American continent. Then spread to Europe, Africa, anywhere the wind carried it! At that point, even a thousand Avengers couldn't have saved this planet!"

The sharp intake of breath on the other end was unmistakable!

When it came to world-ending scenarios, these "brilliant minds" always took first prize!

Penn fell into contemplative silence, his prepared talking points suddenly worthless. He hadn't made this call willingly. Only days into his unexpected presidency, drowning in post-disaster reconstruction nightmares that left him pulling his hair out at night. These political landmines were the last thing he needed.

But the might of America's military-industrial complex wasn't something a mere president could ignore. The pressure from every direction had forced his hand.

Now the words died in his throat.

After the prolonged silence stretched uncomfortably long, Jason mentally sighed. What a complete rookie president – doesn't even understand basic political chess. If this were Freeman, they'd be negotiating terms like old poker buddies by now.

He decided to throw the amateur a lifeline. "You know, I haven't shared these details about Stark's virus missile with anyone else yet. I should probably submit this evidence to the New York People's Court so Tony can receive a fair and public trial..."

"Wait, wait, WAIT!" Penn finally found his voice. "Mr. Jason, America is facing a critical emergency situation. Many of my advisors believe the nation desperately needs Stark's genius-tier intellect right now. I'm certainly not trying to excuse his actions – even if he was mind-controlled, he bears responsibility. But given these extraordinary circumstances, perhaps we could treat this as a special emergency measure and temporarily utilize his expertise for the greater good..."

"Oh? Is that so?" Jason made a show of considering this angle, though his mind was already three steps ahead. Perfect setup for my fishing expedition.

"Absolutely!" President Penn declared with forced enthusiasm.

"Well, if the President himself is requesting this, and since Stark technically didn't cause any direct casualties..." Jason paused dramatically. "I suppose we could release him for now?"

"Excellent! Having him support America's reconstruction is for the best!" Penn's relief was palpable. "And please, let me express my deepest gratitude to you and the Avengers for your incredible service to our nation. I honestly don't know how to properly thank you all!"

Translation: name your price.

"Actually, something just occurred to me that you might be able to help with, Mr. President..."

…

Weeks had passed since the serpent's defeat, and New York was gradually emerging from its shell-shocked state. Late one night, on the edge of Manhattan's prestigious Fifth Avenue, stood St. Patrick's Cathedral – New York's largest house of worship.

"Crunch, crunch..."

An unsettling sound echoed through the cavernous hall. It might have been rodents gnawing on ancient wood, or perhaps the snapping of brittle bones.

"THUD!"

A muffled impact reverberated through the space.

"Clink, clank, clank..."

A long metal spike clattered across the marble floor.

The disturbance caught the attention of a priest making his evening rounds. He entered the main hall, scanning the shadows for the source. Finding nothing obvious, he prepared to leave when something on the floor caught his eye.

He bent to retrieve the spike, then slowly looked up at the massive crucifix dominating the altar. Upon the imposing cross, Jesus hung in eternal sacrifice, his emaciated form nailed in place, body twisted in divine agony.

The priest's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Was he imagining things, or... was one of the nails missing from Christ's right hand?

Am I seeing things? Or is this statue just shoddily made?

Curiosity drove him closer to examine the detail. "CRASH!"

A sudden noise behind him sent ice water through his veins. He spun around, heart hammering.

Half the hall's lights had died, plunging the space into oppressive darkness. Every instinct screamed danger.

"Who's there?" His voice cracked slightly.

"Who's there? There? Right there? Behind me?" His words bounced back in endless echoes through the empty space. No other sound answered.

The priest gripped his silver cross pendant like a lifeline, holding it before him like a shield. "Hissss..."

The dead lights began flickering frantically, as if struggling for resurrection. In the strobing illumination, he glimpsed a small child standing motionless in the shadows.

"Who are you?" No response came.

After an internal battle, he began muttering prayers: "Lord God, Holy Virgin, Jesus Christ our Savior..." The words tumbled faster as he crept forward.

Strangely, as he advanced, the darkness retreated. Divine light followed his footsteps, banishing evil with each measured pace!

This supernatural display filled him with confidence. God himself fights beside me!

He raised his cross high and shouted with newfound authority, "Demon! Reveal yourself! This is the Lord's domain! Evil spirits, begone! Darkness, flee from His light!"

Step by step, he approached where he'd spotted the child. Nothing remained but empty space. His faith soared higher.

Emboldened by divine protection, he strode forward without hesitation, plunging one foot into the waiting darkness...

"WHOOSH!"

Freezing wind slammed into his face like a physical wall. He couldn't keep his eyes open against the supernatural gale. When the blast subsided, he dared to look again.

Horror consumed him. He stood surrounded by absolute darkness. Before him loomed a demon four meters tall, its jagged fangs like rusted sawblades, eyes burning like crimson candles in the void. Its foul breath reeked of corruption and death as it studied him with sadistic pleasure.

"SCHHLICK!"

Searing pain exploded in his chest. Looking down, he discovered an arm thick as his entire leg had punched clean through his body.

"NOOO—" His wail echoed off unseen walls. "God! Lord Jesus! Save me!"

With agonizing effort, he twisted his head back toward the altar. What he saw shattered his reality completely.

The statue of Jesus had come alive! The crucified figure was sliding off the cross, preparing to make a clandestine exit!

Catching the priest's stunned gaze, Jesus froze momentarily. Then he threw divine dignity to the wind and bolted for the nearest exit at superhuman speed!

The demon's rumbling laughter shook the foundations. "HAHAHA! Behold the god you worship! This is your divine protector?"

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