A few days later, Pepper came to pick up the injured Stark from the hospital. The driver took Pepper and Stark out of Presbyterian Hospital and onto the main road.
They had not gone far when a violent explosion rang out from the rear of a sedan, followed by the sound of Smoke Bombs being thrown. With faint hisses, white mist spread out and quickly blanketed everything in sight.
Stark hurriedly pressed Pepper down beside him. Bullets whizzed nonstop, striking the bulletproof glass and making the entire car shake.
Stark cursed under his breath and pulled out his phone to summon his mecha, but Pepper shoved him. "Damn it, your injuries haven't healed yet. Call Rhodey first and have him pilot the mecha!"
Before Stark could argue, Pepper snatched the phone away, ducked beneath the car seat, and called Rhodey. "Tony and I were attacked on our way out of the hospital! Get someone here, now!"
The moment she finished speaking, the ground began to shake violently. Heavy objects hit the ground amid the clanking of machinery. Stark turned around and saw several massive robots surrounding them outside the window.
The driver in the front seat had already been shot. Stark had no choice but to climb into the driver's seat himself. Pepper smoothed her hair and said, "Turn right toward the plaza. Reinforcements will spot us immediately there!"
Fortunately, Stark's secure vehicle was sturdy enough. He ignited the engine, accelerated in an instant, and fled for his life.
He slammed a fist against the steering wheel. "Good thing we were discharged at night!"
Then he looked back and saw five or six enormous robots chasing after them. Stark said, "I have to get out and fight. If they plan to self-destruct here, we're in serious trouble!"
"This is downtown,