Tony had a thoroughly unpleasant time at this meeting.
Having to rack his brain with a bunch of differently colored tin men was truly an energy-draining task. What Tony hated most was using his precious energy reserves to figure out how to deal with scrap heaps whose heads were stuffed full of junk.
Shouldn't the energy that powered the organs of thought be spent more on developing technology?
Midway through, Tony finally reached the end of his patience. He threw down the document in his hand and openly slipped away under the pretense of needing an oil change.
No one paid any attention. Tony had always been like this; what he hated most was doing things according to outdated rules.
"Ladies and gentlemen, carry on. Please excuse me."
Bruce rose as well, straightened his clothes, and offered a polite yet arrogant smile, perfectly embodying the uninhibited air of a business tycoon and middle-aged playboy.
When he pushed open the restroom door, Tony was washing his smooth hands.
"Pretty awful, isn't it? Those politicians love making simple things complicated."
Tony did not even raise his head. Frowning, he carefully scrubbed with a specially made liquid.
Bruce looked at himself in the mirror for a while, then turned on a faucet as well. "Something rather troublesome has happened. I don't know whether you'll understand... but compared to everyone else, you're the only one who's still somewhat reliable."
Tony stopped moving, the corner of his mouth twitching. He had the urge to smash that irritating mouth with one punch.
"Go on. Who's committing crimes again? Mandarin? Lex? Or someone else?" Tony asked.
"Neither. But they're more terrifying than either of them. Our opponent this time is unimaginably horrifying. I can't even see any hope of defeating him."
Bruce took out a paper towel