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On the screen, the video continued.
[Back home.]
A mysterious visitor arrived at Tony's house.
Tony walked over and saw it was an attractive woman—she looked familiar.
Tony: "Don't tell me… you're the Mandarin."
Female Botanist: "Oh, seems you didn't recognize me."
My goodness, I'm not surprised at all!
Tony waved his hand.
Tony: "Don't say that—I don't even remember what I had for breakfast today."
Female Botanist: "Listen, I need to talk to you privately. Not here… this is very urgent."
Tony: "Don't tell me my 12-year-old is waiting in the car outside."
Female Botanist: "Already thirteen… no, I really need your help."
Click.
A handbag fell from above.
Pepper's voice came down from the stairs.
Pepper: "Tony, I told you we need to move. Hurry up and pack."
Pepper came downstairs and saw the uninvited guest.
Pepper: "Oh, sorry… Happy is in the hospital. Didn't expect a visitor."
Tony: "This isn't a visitor."
Pepper: "Girlfriend?"
Female Botanist: "Honestly… this should be a one-night thing…"
Pepper looked at Tony with a teasing glint.
Pepper: "Damn it… not surprised at all.Anyway, let's not talk about that. Tony, we need to move out."
Tony turned away helplessly. Since Pepper learned he exposed their home address to the media, he had been repeating that he would move.
Tony: "I said I'm not going."
Pepper was firm.
Pepper: "Leave immediately. Only when I say you can come back, you may return!"
The two began arguing, leaving the botanist awkwardly standing to the side, glancing around the hall.
Suddenly!
She noticed the TV outside Tony's home broadcasting live.
At that moment…
A shell came flying straight toward them!
Stark Tower.
Tony was shocked by the scene in the video.
Tony: "My God! That Chinese gang dared come to our doorstep? And used such extreme methods?!"
Colonel Rhodes, familiar with these groups after years of experience, explained:
Rhodes: "You may not realize this… Terrorist groups like the Mandarin and the Ten Rings ultimately act to save face and increase their prestige.Just like in the past few years with frequent attacks in the U.S., many terrorist groups openly post videos or websites claiming responsibility.You might think if you commit a crime and go public, the police or military will come after you.But Tony, it doesn't work that way!By their logic, it's a matter of honor. They want more people to notice and join them via social media.And you, Tony, by publicly declaring war after their attack… that's a direct slap in their face!If they didn't retaliate afterward, that would be the real surprise!In fact, they'd rather embarrass you live on media to reclaim their pride.So, Tony, I truly think your previous actions were reckless."
Tony listened, stunned.
Although he had supplied weapons to the military before, even watched the video of his capture by the Ten Rings,
In reality, he had never truly confronted such events.
Previously, his attention to social issues and public declaration of war seemed almost trivial—like a WWE performance.
But now, after understanding everything, Tony realized how poor a decision he had made in the video.
Tony picked up a glass of wine.
Clink, clink, clink…
He hoped Mark 42 would give him a surprise.
[Before anyone could react…]
The shell shattered the glass and exploded.
The shockwave threw several people.
Luckily, Tony had preemptively implanted microcontrollers in his arms.
With just a wave of his hand, the Mark 42 parts deployed, covering Pepper.
Despite her being slammed into the wall, the armor protected her completely.
Tony's back ached—he had no armor there.
Struggling to stand, he realized the impact had hurt him badly.
Suddenly!
He saw a massive crack forming in the ceiling above—about to collapse!
Tony thought he might die today.
Pepper, wearing the Mark armor, stood in front of him, blocking the attack.
Pepper: "Time for me to save you."
Stark Tower.
Pepper was thrilled—she could see herself wearing the armor in the future to save Tony.
She had seen Rhodes wear the Mark II and turn into a war machine before,
And now, she couldn't wait to try it herself.
However…
The armor's color didn't suit her. Blue would be better.
What should this armor be called…?
Little Pepper raised her eyebrows.
Got it!
Why not call it the "Rescue Armor"?