The luxury car slowly drove up to the entrance of the Stark Industries Technology Exhibition.
Before the car door was even fully open, a barrage of flashing lights had already illuminated the scene.
Reporters lined both sides of the red carpet, their cameras all pointed at the car doors. A giant screen played a loop of promotional videos for Stark Industries' latest products, with background music that made it seem like humanity was about to enter the space age.
As soon as Happy parked his car, reporters swarmed around him.
" Mr. Stark, I heard that a brand new energy technology will be announced at this exhibition, is that true?"
"There are reports that Stark Industries has recently acquired an energy technology far surpassing current technology. Do you acknowledge that this technology originated from an external civilization?"
" Mr. Stark, will the new armor be officially issued to the military?"
Tony got out of the car.
He was wearing a well-fitting dark suit with a gold badge on his chest, and his hair was styled perfectly. The man who had been complaining about the traffic jam in the car just moments before got out with that familiar flamboyant smile on his face.
At this moment, he was neither the lab fanatic who had stayed up for 48 hours straight, nor the man with dark circles under his eyes who had been dragged back to bed by Pepper Potts.
He is Tony Stark.
A great inventor, a billionaire, a playboy, and Iron Man.
"Everyone, calm down."
Tony raised his hands, gesturing for the reporters not to push, and then walked towards the camera.
"While your questions are all valuable, unfortunately, I'm not the main character today."
The surrounding reporters were taken aback.
Tony turned to the side and pointed to the huge Stark Industries logo.
"Today's main character is Stark Industries. As for me, my job is just to make it look more soulful."
The reporters weren't going to let him off the hook.
"So you admit that the rumors say your new energy technology has surpassed all similar products on the market?"
"Admit?"
Tony stopped, turned around, and put on a thoughtful expression.
That's a very good question.
There was a moment of silence.
Tony raised his finger and pointed to his chest.
The answer is, no, it doesn't need to be acknowledged.
He laughed.
"Because the facts never need my approval."
A flurry of camera shutter clicks immediately filled the air.
Tony put his sunglasses back on and continued walking, surrounded by bodyguards and staff.
" Mr. Stark, are you implying that other energy companies have fallen behind?"
"I didn't imply anything."
Without turning his head, Tony said, "I'm clearly informing them."
Will Stark Industries eventually monopolize the global energy market?
"Monopoly is not a friendly word."
Tony straightened his cuffs. "I prefer to call it, 'Providing the whole world with a single correct answer that eliminates the need for further selection.'"
Behind the crowd.
Chen Mo, holding a glass of champagne, leaned against the railing of the VIP area, watching Tony swagger into the venue under a spotlight.
Coulson stood beside him, his gaze sweeping over the security personnel around them.
"Has Mr. Stark's public image always been like this?"
Which way?
"Confident, assertive."
"You guys at S.H.I.E.L.D.. don't even have this much intelligence? Or are you just looking for a chat?"
Chen Mo took a sip of champagne. "He's toned it down a bit today. Last night he was bragging to me about his armor while wearing pajamas. At least he's dressed today; that's a clear improvement."
Coulson, stumped, changed the subject, glancing at the champagne in Chen Mo's hand.
Where did you get it from?
On the table.
"Those were prepared by the staff for the guests."
Am I not considered a guest?
Chen Mo swirled the glass. "Fortunately, I can't taste the difference anymore, but it looks pretty good."
Coulson paused for a moment, then decided to continue the conversation.
"Mr. Chen Mo, what are your expectations for today's science and technology exhibition?"
"Let's hope Tony doesn't blow up the venue."
" Mr. Stark's technique shouldn't be that inconsistent."
I wasn't talking about his technique.
Chen Mo looked at Tony, who was being interviewed on stage, and said, "I meant his mouth."
Coulson followed his gaze.
Tony had already stepped onto the main stage, which was covered with golden light strips, with a giant screen behind him playing Stark Industries' latest promotional video.
In the footage, clean energy equipment covers the city's rooftops. Smart medical machines operate in operating rooms. Several power plants that do not rely on traditional fuels stand on barren land.
The audience gasped in amazement.
Chen Mo glanced at the equipment.
"These were all modified from Eternals technology?"
"Mostly."
Coulson replied, " Mr. Stark's talent is indeed enviable. Although we've begun our research, S.H.I.E.L.D.. hasn't fully figured out the underlying principles yet."
"That's normal."
Chen Mo took a sip of champagne. "If you could figure this out, Tony would be out of a job."
And what about you?
"I?"
Chen Mo looked down at the cup. "I'll take responsibility for keeping him employed."
Coulson didn't understand.
On stage, Tony spread his arms wide, enjoying the applause from the audience.
The screen behind him switched to a dazzling gold.
"Humans have been searching for energy for decades."
Tony took the microphone, his tone full of confidence.
"Unfortunately, after searching for so long, they still have to wait for me to solve it."
Laughter erupted from the audience.
Reporters frantically pressed the shutter button.
Tony basked in the cheers for a few seconds before slowly continuing, "What you are witnessing today is Stark's redefinition of energy technology."
He raised his hand.
The energy module in the center of the stage activated simultaneously, and a soft golden light quickly spread out. There was no smoke, no exhaust fumes, and no violent vibrations; all equipment entered a stable operating state at the same time.
On the giant screen, the energy consumption curve advances almost along the bottom.
"Higher conversion rate, lower loss, more stable output, and no pollution."
Tony's smile grew wider and wider.
"In the past, in order to obtain energy, humanity had to accept pollution, waste, and high costs. But starting today, all of that will become history."
He held up one finger.
" Stark Industries will redefine energy."
Then he extended a second finger.
"Redefining healthcare."
Finally, he opened his arms.
"Redefining technology itself!"
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the audience.
Tony raised his chin, ready to bask in his applause.
Just then, a piercing crackling sound of electricity suddenly came from the side of the venue.
Sizzle!
All the lights flashed simultaneously.
The next second, the metal guardrail near the maintenance passage suddenly exploded.
A burly man in a staff uniform pushed through the crowd and rushed to the front of the booth.
He was tall, with long, messy hair and a crazed expression on his face.
He reached out and grabbed his collar.
Tear!
The work clothes were torn to shreds on the spot.
Below the chest, a crude, circular reactor was exposed. The metal casing was welded crookedly, with exposed wires hanging from the edges, and glaring blue-white arcs of electricity constantly leaping out from the gaps.
Tony Stark!
Ivan grinned.
"Your father's debts are your responsibility to repay."
He waved his hands.
Two Electric Whip shot out from his wrists in an instant.
Blue and white lightning tore through the air, and the Electric Whip lashed heavily against the metal roadblock ahead.
boom!
The roadblock was cleaved in half, the cut surface quickly turned red, and then completely melted into a pool of charred molten metal.
The crowd finally realized what was happening.
The venue erupted in screams.
The audience pushed each other towards the exit. Reporters dropped their cameras. Staff members covered their heads and lay on the ground.
Coulson's expression changed, and he immediately reached for the pistol on his waist.
But just as his hand touched the gun handle, Chen Mo pressed his shoulder back down.
"Don't worry, your little pistol isn't very useful."
"He has highly dangerous weapons and is attacking the venue."
Coulson lowered his voice, "I have to ensure Mr. Stark's safety."
He can handle it himself.
Chen Mo raised his other hand.
An invisible force of thought instantly enveloped the entire venue.
The chaotic crowd was pushed aside by an invisible force, automatically splitting into two sides, and everyone was smoothly transported to the nearest exit.
Someone had just fallen when their body was lifted up by telekinesis.
Someone was squeezed next to the railing, and the railing moved back on its own to make way for him.
Within seconds, all the audience members were evacuated to a safe area.
Coulson watched this scene, and slowly loosened his grip on the gun.
"You mean it's nothing, is that all?"
"Right."
Chen Mo picked up the champagne glass again. "Don't worry, Stark isn't going to be killed by such a small fry."
on stage.
Tony's smugness vanished.
He watched the crowd quickly evacuate, his gaze sweeping over the roadblocks sliced open by the Electric Whip, finally settling on Ivan.
"Hey, Mr. Long Hair."
Tony took a half step back and slightly raised his hands.
"I don't know who you are, nor do I know what my father owes you. But there are many ordinary people here; we can find a quiet place to talk."
Ivan did not answer.
He waved his hands violently.
Two Electric Whip crossed and lashed out at Tony.
Tony immediately dodged to the side.
The Electric Whip grazed his shoulder, snapping the metal support behind him in two. Hot fragments rained down, and several workers who hadn't had time to get away screamed.
Tony's face darkened.
"Damn it! Get out of the way!"
A burst of mental energy stopped the fragment in mid-air, then casually pushed it aside.
Tony turned and glanced at the VIP area.
Chen Mo was leaning against the railing, and not a single drop of champagne spilled from his hand.
Their eyes met briefly across the chaotic venue.
Tony nodded without saying anything.
Next, it was his turn to deal with this madman who had barged into his tech exhibition.
Tony raised his hand and pressed it to his chest.
Buzz!
Golden light burst forth from the Arc Reactor.
Countless tiny metallic particles rapidly spread along his body, first covering his chest, then enveloping his shoulders, arms, and legs. The red-gold armor quickly took shape in the light, the visor closed from both sides, and white eyelights suddenly lit up.
" JARVIS, activate public safety protocols."
"It's done, sir. There are no civilians remaining in the venue."
"Very good."
Tony raised his hands, aiming his palm cannons at Ivan.
"Now we can talk about compensation."
Ivan let out a cold laugh and lashed out with both whips at the same time.
Lightning bolts crisscrossed in mid-air, heading straight for Tony's face.
Tony's palm cannon exploded with a bang.
The golden impact collided head-on with the blue and white Electric Whip, engulfing the entire venue in a blinding light. The glass floor shattered one after another, and the metal display stand was pushed backward.
Ivan was sent flying, and as he lay against the wall, he lashed out with his Electric Whip.
"Is this the power you stole?"
Stolen?
Tony activated the thrusters, propelling himself skyward to avoid the sweeping Electric Whip.
"Dude, I upgraded this myself. That old relic on your chest isn't even as good as my charger."
Ivan suddenly looked up.
Two Electric Whip chased Tony, lashing him into the sky.
Tony flipped in mid-air, his shoulder armor opening, and several miniature missiles were aimed at Ivan.
Say hello to your new friends!