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Nolan sat back, listening to Tony with a faint smile.
'Illuminati' he thought. Of course, Stark would choose that name.
It was almost too fitting for the enlightened ones, those who bring light to the darkness, guiding humanity from the shadows. It carried a sense of grandeur and self-importance. Typical Stark. Even after everything, his ego was still intact.
But Nolan could tell this was a different Tony. One who had been through the fire. One who had learned from failure. He hadn't lost his pride, but he no longer pretended he was flawless. That much was progress.
And that name? It wasn't just for the show.
Tony truly believed this group would be the torchbearers of a safer world. Guardians against chaos. But at the same time… judges.
Nolan spoke at last. "If you want this council to work, you'll need more than ideals and a name. You'll need to define its purpose. Set limits. Decide how it operates, how far it reaches, and how it deals with other enhanced beings."
He gave a light chuckle. "Still, the concept is solid."
For Nolan, supporting the Illuminati's formation was strategic. It would grant him streamlined access to global-level data and resource tools that would otherwise require complicated workarounds.
Of course, it might also become a leash.
Nolan was no savior. No idealist. He had no illusions about being Earth's protector. But if he was going to be watched, better to be on the inside.
"I've thought about all of that," Tony said. "And I'd like to invite you to be one of the founding members."
Nolan tilted his head, slightly surprised.
Tony had clearly debated this already. Nolan was powerful too powerful to be ignored. But he wasn't exactly… public-relations friendly. He wasn't patriotic. He wasn't idealistic. He wasn't even particularly sympathetic.
Tony knew that.
But after seeing the sheer force Nolan unleashed on the rooftop, he understood that this man couldn't be regulated.
So he had to be included.
If Nolan couldn't be restrained, then better to let him help build the restraints.
"You want to use my strength to keep the others in line?" Nolan asked, amused.
Tony didn't deny it. "Yes. The Illuminati will be the core of the initiative. I don't want more than six at the table. Just the top minds and forces."
"There'll be support teams and auxiliary bodies to deal with emergencies, but they won't report to us directly. The Illuminati will guide policy. More importantly, we'll be the ones with the authority to evaluate the actions of superhumans and step in when necessary. Even detain or neutralize them if needed."
Nolan nodded slowly. Tony had clearly absorbed everything he hinted at during their last conversation.
Joining might be better than standing in opposition, Nolan thought. Otherwise, I'd end up dealing with both the Avengers and the Illuminati. Why not shape it from within?
While Nolan considered the offer, Professor Xavier was deep in thought.
"You've really been considering the dynamics between humanity and the superhuman," Charles said, a rare note of approval in his voice.
Tony nodded, grateful. Xavier's opinion mattered. He was the de facto monarch of mutant-kind respected, feared, and wise. For decades, Charles had worked to build bridges between humans and mutants. It hadn't been easy. Tensions had escalated. Tragedies had occurred. Even powerful telepaths couldn't control everything—especially not people like Jean.
But Charles had never given up.
"If we have time, I'd be happy to discuss the concept further," he said, smiling.
Beast chimed in from the side. "Professor Xavier has spent his life trying to mend that divide."
Tony offered a sincere nod. "I'd welcome that, Professor."
He wasn't fully familiar with mutant affairs, but even he knew that Xavier wasn't just a mutant he was the mutant.
If he was going to build a global council, Charles Xavier's involvement was non-negotiable.
"Careful," Nolan said with a grin. "Charles is a mind-reader."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Nolan, that sort of provocation is beneath you. I've never used my powers to control others, except when absolutely necessary."
"But you've heard a lot," Nolan replied, not bothering to argue the point further.
Then, turning back to Tony, he said, "Fine. I'm open to joining. But I want to see your full plan first."
"I'm not you, Stark. I'm not doing this for some greater good. I just want a stable research environment. If you want me in the Illuminati… show me you're serious."
Nolan wasn't here to play superhero politics. But if joining this so-called roundtable gave him more freedom, more autonomy, and less interference from nosy government types, then it was worth considering.
Most versions of the Illuminati, across the multiverse, existed for one reason: to prevent extinction-level threats. They didn't get involved in minor Earthbound disputes.
Of course, this Earth hadn't had many apocalyptic crises yet. The only looming threat was a certain purple tyrant.
And if the multiverse eventually unraveled… well, then they'd really need a council like this.
Right now, the Illuminati felt less like a higher council and more like an independent Avengers without government oversight.
"Great," Tony said, visibly relieved. "I'll draft the plans. You can review them and decide. Then we'll hammer out the details together."
He exchanged contact info with Charles and stood.
As he left, Tony actually smiled—genuinely.
This was progress.
Getting Nolan on board was a victory. And if he could secure Xavier as well? The Illuminati might just have a chance of working.
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