— New York, Rhodes Island Industries Headquarters
After wrapping up a productive first day of investigation, Kagura returned to her private room at the Rhodes Island HQ.
Given her current small-sized body, heading home alone was not an option.
If the Avengers or any of her acquaintances caught a glimpse of her like this, she'd have a hard time explaining it away.
As far as the outside world was concerned, Kagura was still resting in seclusion, not leaving the premises at all.
For now, this room at Rhodes Island—deemed relatively secure—was her designated place of rest.
"Cortana, are you there?"
The lights in the room automatically flicked on.
Kagura plopped onto the bed and waved her hand to activate the surrounding holographic interface.
"We gathered a lot of intel today—and a lot of questions too. We need to talk."
"Always at your service, master."
Cortana's voice responded promptly, and a moment later, she appeared at the doorway—dressed in a maid uniform, no less.
"However, it's already quite late. If you'd prefer to rest first, there's no harm in discussing it tomorrow."
"I'm fine~ Synthetic bodies don't need sleep anyway! But thanks for worrying~"
Waving her hand casually, Kagura got to the point. "Let's get down to business. How's the analysis on those weapon samples we received this evening?"
After the group of bank robbers were taken into custody, Kagura made sure to retrieve several alien-tech weapons they had used and had them sent to Rhodes Island for further analysis.
Cortana brought up a report on the holographic display.
"Preliminary results are in. According to VEDA's simulations and diagnostics, these alien weapons incorporate both Chitauri and Dark Elf technologies."
"They've clearly been modified—likely customized for specific criminal operations."
"Oh? So these guys didn't just find alien weapons—they bought them from some organization that specializes in modifying alien tech?"
Kagura speculated, "Which brings us back to the original question: How has an underground arms trafficking ring like this been operating in New York, right under our noses?"
"If we combine that with the intel you obtained from Peter Parker, we might be able to form a few theories," Cortana offered.
"According to the data you retrieved, Spider-Man and his team recently encountered a group that could bypass electronic surveillance and even phase through walls and teleport—these so-called 'Ghosts,' correct?"
"Right. Based on Lila Barton's statements, I suspect those same 'Ghosts' were responsible for the attack on the Rhodes Island convoy."
Kagura nodded. "And these 'Ghosts' likely aren't metahumans. Their abilities resemble manifestations of quantum states in the macro world. In other words—someone altered them!"
"Your hypothesis is highly logical, and very likely to be true," Cortana agreed with a nod.
"To summarize: There's an organization capable of using quantum tech to create 'Ghosts.'"
"They're roaming New York, stealing and collecting high-tech and alien materials, which they then modify into weapons and sell for profit."
"Yeah, that's the picture I'm getting too." Kagura leaned forward. "What can we do about it, Cortana? Any leads?"
Cortana frowned slightly, clearly thinking. "Integrating the Argos Project with CTOS for quantum detection will take time."
"And since we don't fully understand their motivations or capabilities, and haven't even captured a single Ghost yet, taking immediate action is… difficult."
Kagura sighed. "True. No point rushing it. Let's prioritize building a detection system for the Ghosts. If we can't see them, we can't fight them."
"Command acknowledged, master." Cortana gave a polite bow.
"In the meantime, please continue working with Peter Parker and the others. If we can gather more intel on the Ghosts, our response will be that much more effective."
"Got it." Kagura nodded. "After all, this isn't just about protecting my company's assets—it's about the safety of all of New York."
"Oh, and one more thing, master," Cortana added as she turned to leave. "If you have a moment, consider reaching out to Mr. Stark."
"Vision mentioned that Mr. Stark has been extremely anxious about your condition—almost bordering on guilt."
"…Is that so?" Kagura wasn't all that surprised.
Tony Stark was infamous for shouldering the blame for everything, even when it wasn't his to carry. "Alright, I'll shoot him an email later."
"With all relevant intel collected, VEDA will begin deeper analysis immediately. You've done enough for today, master. Please get some rest."
"Alright. Goodnight, Cortana."
Kagura curled up under the covers like a well-behaved little daughter. "See you tomorrow!"
Cortana smiled gently and bowed. "Goodnight, master."
———————————————————————
— Somewhere in New York
I hate this world.
A graceful woman stood atop a building, staring down at the glittering lights of New York City.
She wore a custom white bodysuit, with a hood and mask that left no part of her skin exposed—like a spectral phantom.
The sight of her alone sent chills down one's spine.
Behind this peaceful, prosperous city lurked hypocrisy, lies, and the stench of greed.
She clenched her fists, her chest rising and falling as she tried to suppress the nameless fury burning within her.
And then, suddenly—her alluring figure jerked unnaturally.
This wasn't a muscle twitch. It wasn't a physical spasm.
In that instant, her entire body glitched—like a static-ridden video feed—twisting and phasing out of reality for a split second before reassembling.
It was surreal, as if she didn't belong in this world at all.
'Ever since that explosion, that accident... my world has been destroyed.'
Her breathing calmed. Slowly, she looked up toward the vibrant night sky.
'They took my father. Stole all of his research. And ruined my life along with it. So...'
'Zzt—!'
Another surge of quantum disturbance—this time, her entire body vanished.
'So yes... I hate this world!'