Iron Man 3 Arrived, Though Late

The image on the television screen abruptly changed, the signal forcibly hijacked. The live sports broadcast was abruptly cut off, replaced by a blinding speck of static. A few seconds later, the static distorted and gradually coalesced into a bizarre symbol—ten rings encircling two crossed scimitars, each ring filled with obscure and ancient characters.

The sign remained visible for only ten seconds before the screen went dark, the camera zoomed out, revealing a desolate desert.

An elderly man in a long robe and with his hair tied in a traditional bun stands with his back to the camera under the blazing sun. Despite the intense sunlight, the whole scene seems shrouded in shadow, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.

Around him, dozens of masked gunmen stood or squatted, armed with AK-47s, RPGs and other weapons, with ammunition boxes piled up like mountains. Their eyes were fanatical and devout, staring intently at the old man's back, as if awaiting divine revelation.

The scene suddenly changed--

Execution ground

A dozen or so men dressed in Middle East attire knelt on the ground, trembling, their foreheads pressed against the scorching sand. The old man slowly walked up to them, his face, framed by sunglasses, slightly lowered, as if scrutinizing a flock of lambs to the slaughter. He reached out and patted one of them on the head gently, but the gesture only made the man tremble more violently.

The old man looked up at the sky, as if listening to some silent command. Then he turned and walked toward the firing squad.

The sound of the bolt being pulled back was clearly audible.

"Some people say I'm a terrorist."

Gunshots rang out, and blood splattered behind the kneeling men as they collapsed to the ground.

"I consider myself a teacher."

The scene shifts again, this time to a frenzied crowd. Countless masked Warrior raise their weapons, firing wildly into the sky while shouting incoherent battle cries.

The scene then switched to a close-up of the old man's face.

"The United States."

The scene suddenly shifts to 1970s United States —bustling streets, hippie revelry, neon-lit casinos, fluttering Stars and Stripes... all these beautiful yet surreal images flash rapidly across the screen.

Then, a contemptuous sneer curled at the corner of the old man's mouth.

"Ready for a lesson?"

The screen suddenly darkens, then a faded old photograph appears— the Sand Creek Massacre, 1864. Horde American women, the elderly, and children lie in pools of blood, while American soldiers stand indifferently beside the corpses with guns at their sides.

"In 1864, at Sand Creek, Colorado, United States. troops, waiting for all the friendly Cheyenne warriors to go hunting, attacked and Carnage their families."

The photos flashed by rapidly, one after another, all historical images of Native Americans being Carnage and their land being plundered.

"Then seize their land."

The scene suddenly shifts to modern times—the Kuwait Ari Ellam Air Force Base, billowing smoke, with explosions sending Kakkō soaring into the sky and debris scattered everywhere.

"The Ali Al Salem Air Base was attacked 39 hours ago."

The old man tilted his head slightly, his tone tinged with a hint of mockery.

"I... I did it."

The scene shifts again, this time to an old church, crowded with women, the elderly, and children attending worship. Outside the church, soldiers are conducting drills, and the sound of gunfire can be faintly heard.

"The old church was packed with women, the elderly, and children, and people were worshipping. The soldiers were out conducting drills; the warriors were nowhere to be seen."

Boom

A blinding white light engulfed the entire screen, and the deafening explosion made the apartment's glass windows vibrate and tremble.

A few seconds later, the image returned to normal, and the old man reappeared in front of the camera with a cold look in his eyes.

"President Ellis, you are still rejecting my teachings, sir."

The scene flashes back rapidly—war rages across the globe, leaving corpses strewn everywhere. Rescue robots and Medical Pod from the Global Defense System dart through the chaos, attempting to save civilians, but what they see more often are helpless cries and desperate deaths.

"How many more times do you think the 'Arbitrators' can save the day?"

The camera zooms in, revealing an old man standing before a burning United States flag, surrounded by countless fanatical Warrior. He slightly raises his chin, his voice low and dangerous.

"If you still refuse my teachings..."

You will find out who I am.

"But they don't know where I am."

You can never predict when I will arrive.

A CNN anchor, his face grim, reported, "Just 24 hours ago, signals from multiple major television networks around the world were hijacked by an unknown source. More than a dozen countries not part of the Global Defense System have reported terrorist attacks."

The screen switches to a satellite map, where dozens of red markers flash across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

"According to incomplete Netherworld Television," the female anchor's voice trembled, "The Ni Ri government building was attacked by a car bomb, resulting in at least 50 deaths; a series of explosions occurred at the North Airport, and the death toll is still rising..."

The scene shifted to the White House briefing room, where the United States president, his face ashen, declared, "Today's global terrorist attacks are a declaration of war against the civilized world. We will stand with our allies and Arbitrators..." Before he could finish, the screen flickered again, and the Ten Rings symbol flashed by.

"The course continues." The television screen ultimately displayed this line of small, blood-red text.

Tony sat in the laboratory of his Malibu Villa, a holographic television screen flickering in front of him.

"JARVIS," Tony's voice was terrifyingly low, "Take stock of how many attacks this so-called Ten Rings has actually carried out?"

"According to publicly available intelligence, Sir," JARVIS's British accent was unusually grave, "They have admitted to seven attacks so far, all of which occurred in countries not part of the Global Defense System."

Tony's knuckles turned white. The projected image switched to a live television report: a village in Africa was burning, and medical robots were futilely searching for signs of life in the ruins.

JARVIS continued his report, "All the attacks appeared to be planned, precisely targeting countries not part of the Global Defense System."

Tony kept swiping the holographic map, intently analyzing the Ten Rings attack data, connecting the red dots around the world.

Chen Tian's holographic communication signal came in directly, without any prompts or requests, just like him—coming whenever he wanted.

This is the permission Tony granted to Chen Tian. Only two people have this permission; the other one is Pepper Potts.

"Looks like you received that 'teaching syllabus' too?" Chen Tian's silver hair was a little messy as he yawned.

Tony didn't even look up, just sneered, and with a flick of his finger, enlarged the Ten Rings symbol, making it float between the two men. "This old guy specifically targets vulnerabilities in defense systems. All seven attack locations are countries not part of the global defense network."

"Incredibly precise." Chen Tian squinted. "It's like someone drew him a target map specifically for him."

Both of them fell silent. The red numbers on the projector were so glaring, they looked like dripping blood.

Tony suddenly slammed his fist on the control panel, the metal surface making a dull thud. "We have to do something. This is disrespect for life, and a provocation against the Arbitrators!"

Just as Chen Tian was about to say something, JARVIS timely reminded him, "Sir, Colonel Rhodes requests a communication."

Tony connected the communication, and Rhodes' holographic image immediately appeared in the center of the laboratory. The colonel saw Tony's ashen face and subconsciously took a half step back.

"Tony, calm down." Rhodes raised his hands. "The Pentagon is holding an emergency meeting, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense..."

"Every second they hold a meeting, the Ten Rings can kill one more person!" Tony slammed his fist on the projection table, causing the holographic image to flicker. "Look at these numbers! 50 lives! Right here in the Ni Ri government building!"

Rhodes's expression turned serious. "Listen, I understand your anger. But according to international law..."

"To hell with international law!" Tony interrupted him rudely. "Do those bureaucratic shoddy papers stop the next Carnage?"

"Tony!" Rhodes raised his voice. "Arbitrators have no right to enter unauthorized countries; that's tantamount to military invasion! Do you want to start World War III?"

Chen Tian, appearing in the holographic projection, suddenly chuckled, "Colonel Rhodes, may I interject?" He took a sip of cola, "The Ten Rings have already launched their war. Their targets are precisely those countries that refuse to join the Global Defense System."

Tony whirled around and pointed at Chen Tian: "That's right! This old bastard is mocking us! He's saying, 'Look, your so-called protective umbrella can't cover everyone at all!'"

Cold sweat beaded on Rhodes' forehead. "But a program is a program..."

"Procedures are meant to protect people, not harm them." Chen Tian's voice suddenly turned cold. "Colonel, please convey to your president that the Arbitrators will not stand idly by."

JARVIS's voice suddenly rang out in the laboratory, interrupting the three of them:

"Sir, urgent report— the Ten Rings have hijacked global communications again."

The three of them simultaneously turned their gaze to the news screen that JARVIS was projecting into the hall. What they saw was a blinding rainbow signal bar, and then the familiar Ten Rings symbol—ten rings encircling two crossed scimitars—slowly appeared.

Screen transition.

In the dimly lit room, the only light source was a flickering oil lamp, its Kakkō casting a long shadow of the old man onto the mottled wall. He sat calmly in an old-fashioned wooden chair, his hands folded on his knees, as if he had long anticipated this moment.

"President Ellis," the old man's voice was hoarse, "It seems you still haven't learned it."

The scene suddenly changes--

Explode

A hospital collapsed in Kakkō, ambulances were overturned, and the bodies of medical staff and patients were scattered in the ruins.

Gunshots.

Masked gunmen stormed into a school, and the children's screams were torn apart by bullets.

A burning national flag.

In front of the presidential palace of a small country, the corpses of soldiers were piled up like mountains, and the flag of the Ten Rings rose in the thick smoke.

The scene returns to the dimly lit interior. The old man still has his back to the camera, but his voice carries an almost mocking sarcasm:

"Do you think you can rest easy by hiding behind a 'Global Defense System'?"

He slowly raised one hand and waved it gently, as if shooing away a tiny fly.

"You're wrong."

"You are only protecting those who are willing to be protected."

"And those countries that refuse your 'gifts'..."

He gently tapped his temple with his finger.

"... They are paying the price for your arrogance with their lives."

Tony's fists clenched so tightly they cracked. The nanotech armor had silently covered his right arm, but he stared intently at the screen, motionless.

The old man continued:

"Arbitrators? Superhero?"

He chuckled softly, a smile full of sarcasm.

"You can't even save your own people."

The scene suddenly changes--

Africa, a country that is not a member of Global Defense System.

A squad of Ten Rings soldiers was Carnage villagers, the sounds of gunfire and screams mingling together. Not far away, an Arbitrators's medical robot—'White Dove' —lay on the ground, its red optical lens flashing twice before going completely out. Its shell seemed to have been poured with lava, its mechanical arm still stretched forward, as if trying to save lives in its last moments.

"Look," the Mandarin's voice laced with mockery, "Your machines can't even protect themselves."

Tony's pupils suddenly contracted.

That was the Arbitrators's signature rescue aircraft, designed specifically for battlefield medics; in theory, it should be able to withstand attacks from fire.

Unless...

"They possess extraordinary powers," Chen Tian stated, revealing Tony's thoughts.

The old man seemed to have heard those words; the figure in the image leaned forward slightly, and the light of the oil lamp finally illuminated half of his face—his aged skin, deep wrinkles, and those...

Nearly blank eyes.

A tiny dot stood out amidst the vast expanse of white in the eye, and that dot, resembling a pupil, seemed like a black hole that devoured everything.

"Ah, I almost forgot to introduce myself." The old man spoke slowly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "My name is Man, the members of the Ten Rings call me— Mandarin."

He tilted his head slightly, a provocative smile playing on his lips.

"Tony Stark, I heard you really like being a hero?"

"Are you going to bypass that ridiculous law and save these 'arrogant' people?"

"Arbitrators, can you?"

The Mandarin once again merged the figure into the darkness.

"The course continues."

He spoke slowly, then the screen went black and the signal was lost.

The laboratory fell into dead silence.

A few seconds later, Chen Tian slowly raised his hand and drew a line on the holographic map—connecting all the attack locations to form a perfect arc, like...

An ugly smile.

"They're laughing at us," Tony whispered.

Tony's voice was devoid of emotion, but his expression grew increasingly furious.

"JARVIS, a live global broadcast will be held in ten minutes at the Arbitrator Tower."

Chen Tian and Rhodes both turned to look at Tony, their expressions identically confused. Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. "Live stream? Are you sure we shouldn't be --"

"--Find this old bastard's hiding place first?" Tony interrupted him, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. "No, since he dares to openly provoke us, let him see the Arbitrators's response."

Rhodes stepped forward. "Tony, this is too risky. We don't even know him—"

"--Where is he? How many men does he have?" Tony whirled around, his nanotech armor instantly covering his entire body. His voice, laced with suppressed rage, came from beneath his gold-red visor. "He's just waiting to see our reaction, Rhodes. Waiting to see if the Arbitrators will be held back by those damn rules."

Chen Tian, in the holographic projection, thoughtfully stroked his chin. "Interesting. A direct confrontation?" He suddenly smiled, "I like it."

"Sir," JARVIS's voice rang out, "Global media is ready, including all major television stations and online platforms."

Tony retracted his visor, revealing his resolute face. "Very good. Chen Tian, I need you—"

"2B is already preparing my clothes." These were the words Chen Tian's holographic image left before disappearing. "See you in ten minutes."

Rhodes watched Tony begin adjusting his armor, then hesitated, "Tony, is this really..."

"Rhodes," Tony stopped what he was doing, looking directly into his friend's eyes, "Do you remember why we founded the Arbitrators? To protect those who cannot protect themselves." He pointed to the red dot on the holographic projection, "Now, someone is Carnage innocent people in front of the whole world, just because they're not on the 'protection list.' Tell me, what are we waiting for?"

Rhodes took a deep breath and finally nodded. "I'll mediate with the military. But promise me, don't make things worse."

Tony has reached a plateau in his career. "I only promise one thing—I'll make that self-proclaimed 'teacher' regret his provocation today."

Ten minutes later, in the lobby of the Arbitrator Tower.

The cameras of hundreds of media outlets around the world were focused on the central platform. Chen Tian was wearing a long black trench coat over a hooded sweatshirt. His short, silver-white hair was particularly striking under the spotlight. He held a can of iced cola in his right hand and had his left hand in his trench coat pocket, waiting for Tony to appear.

Tony emerged from the lounge in the lobby, now dressed in a suit. Without exchanging pleasantries, Tony simply raised his hand, and a holographic projection unfolded between the two of them—a Mandarin's eerie, dark eyes.

"Mandarin," Tony's voice echoed across the global live stream network, "The response you've been waiting for has arrived."

Chen Tian smirked and casually tossed the empty Coke can into the air. The metal can traced a silver parabola under the spotlight before landing precisely in the recycling bin. He stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Tony.

"First of all, I have to thank you for your 'teaching demonstration'." Chen Tian's tone was relaxed. "Targeting unarmed civilians, your taste is truly... unique."

Tony picked up the conversation, snapping his the Snap. The holographic screen instantly switched to a three-dimensional world map, with all countries not included in the defense system marked in blood red. "But you're wrong about one thing— the Arbitrators never treat protection as charity." His voice was cold and hard. "The people of these countries also deserve protection; it's just that their governments made different choices."

"And you," Chen Tian's voice suddenly turned cold, "You took advantage of that right to choose."

Tony switched the screen again, displaying the real-time rescue situation at each attack site. "You think this proves we're powerless?" He suddenly sneered.

Tony looked at everyone's cameras, pointed at the reporters, and declared war on the Mandarin.

"Mandarin, my name is Tony Stark. I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward, so I've decided..."

"You're dead."

"I'll come and collect your body."

"No politics involved, just the usual routine. It has nothing to do with the Pentagon, only with you and the Arbitrators."

"If you were a man, I would be waiting for you here."

"10880-90265 Malibu Point, my door is open, waiting for you."