Tony: Tell Me, How Much?

Tony Stark's voice was clear and firm, beyond question. "In my personal capacity, I'll fund Warp Group to take care of Ultron and wipe out that damned Demon Engine Legion."

He paused, as though gathering his last reserves of strength, his calm gaze sweeping across every face in the room—shocked, worried, or admiring.

"As for the consequences—"

Tony Stark tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing his trademark smile, thirty percent self-mockery and seventy percent fearlessness. "No matter what happens afterward—S.H.I.E.L.D.'s accountability, Nick Fury's rage, potential political trouble, commercial suppression—every last bit of it will be borne by me alone."

When his words fell, the hall went silent, leaving only the lingering sound of the news broadcast.

Yet everyone's eyes were fixed on Tony Stark, filled with complicated emotions that defied description.

Admiration?

Without a doubt.

Everyone present knew what Tony Stark's decision meant.

It was not merely an astronomical sum of money. It meant openly defying Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D., placing himself in the eye of the storm, perhaps even facing unimaginable backlash and retaliation.

Tony Stark understood the risks better than anyone, yet he still chose the path he believed was "right."

That might have been the greatest difference between him and Nick Fury.

And this courage to step forward in desperate circumstances and shoulder the responsibility alone earned him the sincere respect of every superhero present.

Reed Richards gave Tony Stark's shoulder a heavy pat. Everything that needed to be said was conveyed without words.

Invisible Woman looked at him gratefully.

Even Human Torch, who had been despondent all this time, had a spark reignite in his eyes.

Bruce Banner slowly raised his head and said softly, "If you need me, anytime—"

Black Widow and Hawkeye watched Tony Stark with complicated expressions and gave slight nods