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For the first time, for the first time.
On the screen, a new title appeared:
"Famous Scene 4: Mark 42, First Battle!"
Seeing this title, Tony couldn't help but feel intrigued.
Although the Mark 42 was highly unreliable in its early stages—pieces would scatter and fly straight toward his crotch—
It was painful.
Yes, extremely painful.
And clumsy to boot.
But don't forget—this was Mark 42!
In the previous videos, Mark 1 through Mark 7 each displayed unique characteristics, each with its own signature ability.
And now… the 42nd iteration.
The Mark 42, code-named "Prodigal," was supposed to astonish him.
Tony's gaze fixed on the screen, eagerly awaiting Mark 42's debut.
[At the hospital.]
Tony came to visit his good brother, Happy.
Happy was lying in bed, looking utterly horrific.
Bandages wrapped around his head, a respirator in his mouth. His normally plump body now swollen all over.
He was gasping for air, clearly close to death.
Tony knew Happy was injured, but he had never imagined the damage was this severe!
Tony stormed out of the hospital, filled with rage at the culprit.
And yet, the cursed ones hadn't died. Meanwhile, a swarm of media reporters had gathered at the hospital entrance.
Like sharks sensing blood in the water, they surged forward, afraid to miss anything.
Seeing these reporters, none offering an inch of privacy and all crowding like vultures, Tony's anger only intensified.
Reporters swarmed around him.
Reporter 1: "Mr. Stark!""Our sources say this was another attack on the official. Can you tell us anything?""Hey! Mr. Stark! When can we deal with this guy?""Can we talk?"
A man, clearly a news anchor, pressed his phone so close to Tony's face it almost touched him.
He seemed obsessed with imagining how many fans he could gain from this scoop.
There was no respect in his expression, only casual excitement and a hint of a smile.
At first, Tony wanted to ignore him and get in the car.
But seeing the anchor's brazen expression, he furrowed his brow, unable to hold back.
Tony: "Is this what you want?"
Countless flashes sparkled across Tony's face.
Tony: "I was just about to send a little holiday greeting to Mandarin. Now I know exactly what to say."
The reporter grinned, sensing his followers would explode after this live broadcast.
Tony spoke firmly to the camera.
Tony: "My name is Tony Stark, and I am not afraid of you.I know you're a coward, so I've made my decision.Just wait for your death, brother.I will personally handle your remains.This has nothing to do with politics!This is classic revenge—purely between you and me!Though unlikely, if you are still a man, here's my address: 10880 Malibu Point, 90265.I'll leave the door open for you."
After speaking, Tony grabbed the anchor's phone and looked him in the eye.
Tony: "This is what you wanted, right?"
He turned and smashed the phone against the wall, shattering it.
Ignoring the reporters offering microphones, he drove off.
At Stark Tower, Happy reviewed everything Tony had done for him in the videos.
He was deeply moved.
It had been a terrorist attack, yet Tony had stood up for him, even risking revealing his address.
Despite years of working closely together, sharing camaraderie like good friends,
At the end of the day, Tony was his boss, and Happy was his employee.
Sometimes, in the middle of the night, Happy would wonder if Tony's "brotherly bond" was just a method to push him to work harder.
But now, after watching the video, any lingering resentment faded.
Happy looked at Tony with emotion.
Happy: "Tony, I don't deserve this."
Tony poured a full glass of wine for him.
Tony (nonchalantly): "Hey, what are you thinking? If I die for you, you, Rhodes, and Pepper will have to organize my funeral."
Happy punched Tony on the shoulder.
Happy: "Go to hell."
Tony dodged, smiling.
Happy smiled too. They clinked their glasses.
Sometimes, male friendship is strange.
They often argued over who was whose "father" or godfather,
But when it mattered, they stood together and bore everything for each other.
Rhodes watched the video intently.
Rhodes: "Wait, Tony… that Mandarin… he's extremely dangerous!"
Tony raised an eyebrow.
Tony: "Oh? Who is he?"
Rhodes recalled the military intelligence.
Rhodes: "Tony, remember the Ten Rings? Do you recall what happened to them? This is connected."
He pulled up files on the arrests of the Ten Rings members.
Rhodes: "We have captured Ten Rings terrorists before, but they were just a part of the organization.In fact, their mystical significance is such that removing one member only causes the rest to spread like weeds."
Tony frowned.
Tony: "Isn't that like Hydra? Cut one head, two more grow back."
Rhodes: "Very similar, but they are two different organizations.The Ten Rings, also called the Ten-Ring Organization, has existed since the Middle Ages, centuries-old.Initially, they focused on mysticism, believing in a mysterious power source to enhance themselves and rival an army.
The bald thug who captured you in the cave wasn't the real leader—just a middle manager.Few know the identity of the true mastermind.From the sparse info we have, the leader's name is—Mandarin!And I've heard he is immortal, living from the Middle Ages to today…"
Tony interrupted.
Tony: "Wait, wait. Rhodes, you're going off-topic.I believe the Ten Rings exist, yes.But why are you leaning on mysticism?You're saying the Mandarin is immortal? Lived from the Middle Ages?What mysterious power is the Ten Rings pursuing?"
Tony could rationalize Hulk, Captain America, even Thor as science or aliens.
But Rhodes telling him a person lived from the Middle Ages to today? Too much.
Pepper spoke up.
Pepper: "Tony, let's not get stuck on whether Mandarin is really that powerful.At least we know he's part of the Ten Rings—a standard terrorist organization.And Tony, if Happy is seriously injured in the future, don't be foolish and expose your address to the media.That's literally inviting criminals to your home!!!"
Pepper made a valid point, but Tony didn't care.
Tony: "Don't worry.Haven't you seen my Mark armor evolve to Mark 42?My Mark 1 could kill seven inside a cave and seven outside.Now Mark 42? Don't worry, Pepper.Just wait and watch me unleash the full power of Mark 42!"