I Am in Marvel with Unlimited Cards-Chapter 633: IMUC - 625 The Battle Begins

On the Duel Platform of the Carl Kingdom.

A 3D projection of virtual New York City hovered above the duel arena, displaying the cursor positions of the Red and the Blue team contestants. The crowd of participants and spectators in the arena held their breath, their eyes glued to the projection screen.

Suddenly, the camera zoomed in on a particular area. Three cursors— Two Blue and One Red— were rapidly converging. It looked like a fight between them was imminent.

"Looks like the first engagement is about to happen and it's two against one," Kyle said from his seat in the Watchtower's central hall. His eyes narrowed as a sly smile tugged at his lips. From his lofty vantage point, he recognized the familiar figures represented by the cursors. "Let's see what kind of strength and resolve they bring to this competition, show me what all of you have got."

---

Virtual New York City, Stark Industries Headquarters

On the rooftop terrace of the Stark Industries building, Iron Man sat casually in a chair while gazing down at the eerily deserted city. Dynamic music blared from a nearby radio, and he basked in the sunlight, seemingly oblivious to any impending threats.

'Rustle...'

A swirling fireball appeared on the terrace, opening a glowing portal. Ancient One and Mordo stepped through, one after the other.

"You're finally here. Took you long enough— I've been sitting here for nearly three minutes," Iron Man said, his tone light and unconcerned. Looking at the two sorcerers, he added casually, "Since you two came together, I'm guessing Doctor Strange stayed behind to guard your base, right?"

"You're correct," Ancient One replied with a calm nod while stepping forward.

Mordo, however, looked around cautiously with a tense expression on his face. "Sorcerer Supreme, I don't like this. Something's off. Why would he expose his location so openly?"

"There's no one else here within a thousand meters," Ancient One assured him.

Mordo's gaze remained fixed on Iron Man. "Are the rest of your team guarding your base? Sending just yourself to face us seems... bold."

"Say what you want," Iron Man replied with a shrug. "I'm just here to stall you."

---

Several kilometers away from the Stark Industries building, an explosion shattered the calm environment. Flames and smoke erupted into the sky, and the rumble echoed across the city.

"That's your team's doing," Mordo said, narrowing his eyes as he turned toward the distant blast. He and Ancient One immediately understood the explosion was part of Iron Man's strategy— a distraction while his teammates hunted for their Sanctum base.

Though Doctor Strange was guarding the Sanctum, Mordo's distrust of him lingered. "Sorcerer Supreme," Mordo said urgently, awaiting instructions.

"Go," Ancient One ordered with a nod.

"Understood." Mordo bowed slightly before leaping from the terrace. Runes on his boots glowed as he sprinted through the air, heading toward the explosion.

Iron Man made no attempt to stop him. Though his demeanor remained casual, he carefully watched Ancient One's movements. Once Mordo was gone, Iron Man allowed himself a small sigh of relief. With the Sorcerer Supreme staying behind, the situation was still manageable.

Ancient One broke the silence, her voice calm yet probing. "You're only here to delay me, aren't you?"

"You... you used the Time Stone to see the future, didn't you?" Iron Man's body stiffened, though his suit concealed the unease he felt. He'd heard stories about the Time Stone's power to reveal future outcomes. If Ancient One had used it, the entire competition could be rendered pointless.

"There's no need for that," Ancient One said, glancing at the glowing necklace she wore. "Since the day you built your prototype armor and became Iron Man, I've been observing you. Your actions are predictable. Given your personality, you're most likely executing some kind of strategy right now. Stalling our team's strongest fighter is the limit of what you can do. So right now, your sole purpose is to keep me occupied." She paused, her tone lightening just slightly towards the end.

"It seems the Father was right— you truly are one of Earth's protectors." Iron Man took a deep breath and raised his hands as he spoke. The engines in his palms glowed brightly as concentrated beams of light ignited. "You're right— I'll do whatever it takes to hold you here."

"Let's see if you can," Ancient One smiled faintly while raising her right hand. Golden magical runes coalesced into a weapon that shimmered in her grasp while her left hand rested behind her back.

---

Meanwhile, five kilometers away from Stark Tower, above the streets of virtual New York...

Spider-Man swung through the virtual cityscape with a backpack stuffed with explosives strapped to his shoulders and a stick of dynamite in his left hand. He had just left the smoldering ruins of a church and was now headed for another target.

"Woohoo!" Spider-Man hollered as he pulled on his webbing, veering toward the backside of a towering skyscraper.

Suddenly, a dark figure descended from the sky— Mordo. In his right hand, he held a glowing, fiery whip of magical energy. His cloak billowed behind him as he lashed the whip toward Spider-Man.

Thinking fast, Spider-Man flung the dynamite into the air. The whip struck the package mid-flight, igniting a massive explosion. The shockwave shattered windows in the surrounding buildings.

Using the explosion's momentum, Spider-Man dove toward the ground, landing lightly on a wide road. Thick smoke billowed around him as Mordo emerged from the haze, his left hand glowing with a magical shield while his right still gripped the whip.

His enchanted boots allowed him to pursue Spiderman, walking in the air as he chased after him.

"Hey, that was cool," Spider-Man quipped, glancing back at Mordo. "Were you just running on air? How does that work?"

"With focus, anything is possible," Mordo replied icily. "But where's the third member of your team? Still hiding at your base, scheming?"

"Why don't you try focusing and figure it out yourself?" Spider-Man teased, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring.

Mordo's response was a sharp crack of his whip. Spider-Man reacted quickly, firing a burst of flame-resistant webbing that tangled the whip. With a mighty tug, he yanked Mordo off balance, sending him tumbling through the air.

Mordo landed deftly, his enchanted boots keeping him grounded. His gaze sharpened as he regarded Spider-Man, acknowledging the young hero's skill.

"Let's do this!" Spider-Man taunted, beckoning with his hand. His real mission wasn't just to destroy the churches; it was to keep Mordo distracted.

Yes.

Iron Man was stalling Ancient One, Spiderman was stalling Mordo—that was the opening move of their plan.

And as for the closing act, it was Black Panther's turn.

---

Virtual New York City, U.S. Military's Most Secretive Base

Meanwhile, Black Panther infiltrated a heavily fortified military facility. Using his Vibranium claws, he tore through reinforced steel doors and advanced deeper into the complex.

Finally, he reached a concealed control room. The sign above reads: ''Nuclear Weapons— Military Restricted Area: No Unauthorized Personnel Allowed.''

'(End of Chapter)'

I have finished translating this fanfic, IMUC (I Am In Marvel With Unlimited Cards) and have posted all the advanced Chapters on Patreon (Last Chapter -- 706). (https://www.patreon.com/c/marvel6395). You can read all the advanced Chapters there.