·Marvel Chapter 5.Sat 00:33ShareChapter 5: Tony Arrives.
"This is the coolest thing I've ever seen." Rhodey couldn't help but sigh in amazement as he watched Tony suit up in his steel armor with the help of J.A.R.V.I.S. Even though he had long known that Tony was developing new weapons and equipment, seeing it in action left him completely stunned.
"Help me clear the airspace," Tony instructed, his eyes shining with determination as he launched out of the underground garage. Thanks to Li Yue's advice, he had avoided smashing through the ceiling like in the movie, opting instead for a smooth exit through the garage.
"Cool," Rhodey muttered, watching Tony disappear into the sky. "I'm definitely getting him to make me one of these next time."
Unlike in the movie, Tony had directly used gold-titanium alloy for the Mark II armor's exterior. As a result, his villa never housed the unpainted silver prototype, and Rhodey never had the chance to say his iconic "Next time, baby" line.
As Tony flew at high speed toward Stark Industries, J.A.R.V.I.S. suddenly issued a warning.
"Sir, the remaining energy in your Arc Reactor is insufficient to sustain both long-distance flight and combat."
"How long until I reach the company?" Tony asked.
"At your current speed, you are estimated to arrive at Stark Industries in 3 minutes and 44 seconds."
Realizing he might be outmatched if Obadiah had truly built his own armor, Tony made a quick decision. "J.A.R.V.I.S., activate the remote support program. Deploy F-HK1 battle armor and set its destination to Stark Industries. Launch it immediately."
"Remote support program initiated... Startup complete. F-HK1 battle armor activated. Destination set successfully. The suit is now in autonomous flight mode and is expected to reach the target in 14 minutes and 38 seconds."
J.A.R.V.I.S.'s response reassured Tony.
"Alright, full speed ahead! We need to get to the company as fast as possible!" he commanded. His armor accelerated instantly, breaking the sound barrier with a loud boom.
Back at the villa, Rhodey was just about to leave when he heard a deep rumbling sound. Confused, he glanced around, trying to determine the source.
If someone had been observing from above, they would have noticed a section of the villa's ceiling slowly sliding open, revealing a dark shaft. One by one, rows of bright lights illuminated the cavernous space below, revealing a massive red steel armor standing silently within.
Then, two blinding white lights flashed to life—like glowing eyes staring out from the shadows. The behemoth of metal lifted its head, its hands tilting downward as fierce white flames erupted from its limbs. Slowly, it ascended from the depths, soaring through the opening before tilting forward and accelerating toward its destination.
Rhodey stood frozen in shock. The sight of the massive steel figure disappearing into the night sky was burned into his memory. Words failed him. Just how much had Tony been working on behind his back? He suddenly felt like he was falling behind the times.
Meanwhile, Li Yue, Pepper, Coulson, and several S.H.I.E.L.D. agents arrived at the entrance of Sector 16. When Pepper tried to use her access card, she discovered that it had been revoked. Without hesitation, Coulson retrieved a small, round device and attached it to the door.
"Boom!"
The door exploded open, revealing a suit of black armor inside. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Mark I suit Tony had built in the cave.
Hearing the commotion, Obadiah panicked. Without wasting another second, he inserted the stolen Arc Reactor into his armor's chest. As a flash of white light ignited within, the massive mechanical suit roared to life.
"Kill them!"
Li Yue sighed. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, despite being elite operatives, showed no hesitation in standing their ground. Even as the towering steel giant charged at Pepper, they raised their pistols and took aim.
Obadiah, however, viewed them as nothing more than insignificant insects. With a single swing of his massive armored fist, he aimed to crush them into the ground like ragdolls.
Li Yue sighed again. He wasn't a saint, but he also wasn't the kind of person to stand by and watch others die if he could prevent it. As long as it didn't put him in danger, he had no reason to let innocent people perish.
One of the agents, frozen in fear, could only close his eyes and brace for the inevitable impact. Pepper screamed, and in a desperate act, fired at the hulking machine. But it was too late—the massive steel fist was already coming down on them.
And yet… nothing happened.
The agent cautiously opened his eyes. Instead of being crushed, he found himself standing safely beside his fellow operatives, all of whom looked equally confused.
They had no idea what had just occurred, but Coulson, who had arrived moments earlier, had seen everything.
Li Yue had vanished in an instant—only to reappear a split second later, with all the agents safely relocated to a secure spot. The entire process had taken less than a second. If Coulson hadn't already known about Li Yue's abilities, he would have doubted his own eyes.
Li Yue noticed Coulson staring at him intently, his eyes filled with disbelief. Li Yue sighed inwardly—he had inevitably exposed his superpowers.
Still, what could he do? If it was exposed, then so be it. If he didn't act, no one else could.
"Mr. Coulson, I'll go rescue Miss Pepper first. I'll leave things here to you," Li Yue said. Since his powers were already revealed, there was no point in hiding anymore. The moment he finished speaking, he vanished before Coulson's eyes.
Outside, Pepper thought she had escaped danger when she suddenly received a call from Tony. She hurriedly asked about his condition, feeling relieved when she heard he was okay. However, her relief was short-lived. The ground behind her trembled violently, cracking apart as a massive black steel giant emerged from beneath, its glowing white eyes and chest radiating a blinding light—like a demon rising from the depths of hell.
"Did you really think you could escape? You should just die!"
Obadiah pointed the RPG gun mounted on his armor at Pepper. The barrel spun faster and faster until it fired a rapid burst of bullets, tearing into the ground and kicking up clouds of dust.
At that moment, Li Yue arrived outside and saw Obadiah preparing to shoot. Tony was still too far away, and there was no time to think. In an instant, he dashed toward Pepper, grabbing her and vanishing from Obadiah's sight just as the bullets sprayed wildly, missing their mark.
Obadiah froze, watching as Pepper suddenly disappeared before his eyes. His shots had hit nothing but empty ground. He quickly turned, scanning his surroundings, and finally spotted Li Yue standing in the distance with Pepper.
"Who are you? How dare you interfere with my plans? How did you do that?" Obadiah shouted, glaring at Li Yue.
Li Yue smirked. "Does it really matter who I am? What's important is that you should've learned by now—villains always lose right after they –start talking too much."
"What—?" Before Obadiah could finish his sentence, a powerful force struck him, sending him flying backward.
At that moment, Tony arrived, clad in his steel armor.
"Li Yue, thank you for saving Pepper," Tony said, still shaken. He didn't even want to imagine what would've happened if he had arrived too late. The very thought sent a chill down his spine.
"Alright, Tony, focus. You need to –deal with him now. You're not exactly in the best condition," Li Yue reminded him, glancing at the Iron Monger, who was already getting back on his feet.
"Li Yue, I need you to get Pepper to safety. Leave Obadiah to me," Tony said, his first priority being Pepper's safety.
"No problem. I'll make sure she's safe. You just focus on taking him down," Li Yue assured him.
Pepper, still shaken from her brush with death, had barely processed what was happening. Hearing Li Yue and Tony's exchange, she felt utterly lost. No matter how strong or independent she was, she was still human. Facing death was terrifying, and she had handled it remarkably well.
Before she could say anything, Li Yue vanished again—this time, taking her with him.
Tony watched as Li Yue disappeared with Pepper. With her safe, he turned his full attention to the Iron Monger, his eyes burning with rage. Obadiah had nearly killed Pepper. Whatever lingering familial sentiment Tony had once felt for his uncle was now completely gone. Obadiah was no longer his mentor—he was now his greatest enemy.
"Tony, I can't believe you survived. But coming here was the worst mistake of your life. You should've stayed dead. Now, you'll see just how powerful I've become. Killing you will be as easy as crushing an ant," Obadiah sneered, raising his steel arms and clenching his massive fists, showing off his overwhelming strength.
"Obadiah, don't kid yourself. That armor you're wearing? I designed it. And I'll be the one to destroy it. When this is over, you'll be rotting in prison—alone. Oh wait, I forgot... the guys in prison are always looking for new friends. You'll be very popular there," Tony taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Obadiah growled. "Save your petty insults, Tony. You're right about one thing—this armor is based on your technology. And that's exactly why you've already lost. You have the mind of a genius, but you waste your talent. Just look at that flimsy armor you're wearing—it's just as weak as you. Now, watch as I rip you out of that tin can and crush you like an insect!"
Obadiah finished speaking and swung his massive fist with terrifying force, aiming straight for Tony.
Tony clenched his right fist and met the attack head-on.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion erupted as Tony's fist collided with the Iron Monger's. Sparks burst from the impact of metal against metal.
However, the difference in their armor size was too great. With Tony's arc reactor running low on energy, the Iron Monger barely moved, while Tony was sent flying backward.
"Sir, energy levels are critical—only 31% remaining. Surface damage to the armor is at 12%. I advise against direct confrontation," Jarvis cautioned.
"I know, Jarvis. When will the support arrive?" Tony asked while dodging the Iron Monger's relentless attacks.
"Sir, the F-HK1 battle armor is large, making its flight speed slower. Estimated arrival time: six minutes."
"Great… I just have to hold on for six minutes," Tony muttered. He had no other options. The Iron Monger was attacking nonstop, and Tony could only rely on his agility to evade. Despite his best efforts, he still got hit a few times. Fortunately, his armor was durable enough that the Iron Monger's attacks didn't cause significant damage—yet.
Meanwhile, Li Yue had handed Pepper over to Coulson, instructing him and the agents to escort her to safety. After that, he found a good vantage point on the street.
From there, he watched as the battle escalated. The Iron –Monger chased Tony out of the company building, and the fight spilled onto the streets. Tony was –barely holding his own—it was clear he wouldn't last much longer.
"Dear viewers, an unexpected event is unfolding! Two unidentified robots have suddenly appeared on the street—and they're fighting! My God, the massive black robot just picked up a car!"
Li Yue turned and saw a young female reporter holding a microphone, broadcasting the battle live.
"His strength is unbelievable! Oh no, he just threw the car straight at the red robot, completely ignoring the safety of the people inside!"
As the fight continued, more and more bystanders gathered, watching in awe. Gasps and exclamations filled the air.
"Jarvis, concentrate all available energy into my chest repulsor—fire!" Tony commanded.
Boom!
Just as the Iron Monger raised his arm, preparing to mow Tony down with his gun, a blinding energy beam shot from Tony's chest, blasting the Iron Monger backward.
A moment of silence.
Then, chaos.
A panicked female driver accidentally slammed the gas pedal instead of the brakes, sending her car speeding toward Tony.
Tony barely escaped disaster, sliding under the car as it passed over him. But before he could recover, the Iron Monger was on him again.
"Tony, your kindness is your weakness!"
The Iron Monger grabbed Tony, one hand around his helmet and the other gripping his leg. With a ferocious swing, he slammed Tony into the ground, then raised his foot to stomp him flat.
"Tony, isn't it ironic?" Obadiah sneered. "You refuse to make weapons, but you've created the most powerful one yet—and you don't even know how to use it properly. But I do. I'll use it to conquer the world!"
He stomped down hard, but Tony's armor was too strong—physical attacks weren't enough to break it.
Frustrated, the Iron Monger grabbed Tony again and hurled him forward with all his might. Tony crashed into an empty bus with enough force to crumple the metal.
"Let me show you what a real weapon can do!"
A missile rose from the Iron Monger's left shoulder and launched straight at Tony.
BOOM!
A fiery explosion engulfed the area, sending Tony hurtling into the sky.
As he fell, he activated his thrusters, stabilizing himself midair.
"Jarvis, divert all remaining power to the thrusters. I'm going to end this with high-altitude freezing." Tony remembered that normal metal would freeze at high altitudes—he could use that to his advantage.
"Sir, that won't be necessary. F-HK1 is now 30 seconds from arrival. Prepare for impact."
"My God! He fired a missile!"
The reporter's voice was almost hysterical.
"I hope the red robot is okay! Oh—wait, look! He can fly! He's hovering in the air!"
Li Yue smirked as he listened to the woman's excited commentary. The gathered crowd reacted the same way, murmuring in shock and amazement.
"Wait… what's that?" someone suddenly shouted.
A bright light streaked across the sky like a meteor, heading straight for Tony.
"Move! It's coming right at him!"
Gasps and shouts erupted from the crowd as they watched.
"That's not a meteor—it's another robot! And it's even bigger than the other two!"
The crowd stood frozen, watching in awe as a massive red steel giant descended from the sky, ready to join the fight.
Li Yue looked up at the sky, finally spotting the arrival of the massive red steel armor. He let out a quiet sigh of relief—he had genuinely feared that Tony might be killed by the Iron Monger before backup arrived.
He had been watching closely, prepared to step in if Tony was truly in danger. Fortunately, that moment never came.
"Jarvis, initiate integration."
The colossal red armor hovered in the air. The steel plating on its chest smoothly split apart, revealing a human-sized entry space—like a doorway opening to welcome its master home.
Without hesitation, Tony, still clad in his Mark III suit, entered the new armor. As soon as he was inside, the chest plating sealed shut seamlessly, leaving no visible gaps.
This was the first time Tony was using this new combat system in actual battle. Though he had yet to test its full capabilities, he could feel the sheer power radiating from the armor the moment he raised his hand.
This suit was inspired by an idea Li Yue had given Tony—a semi-finished project based on a complete combat deployment system. Li Yue had envisioned a suit that could be stationed in orbit, ready to be deployed at any time. The system included features such as independent satellite communication, autonomous operation, battle damage support (with spare part replacements), and even a prison-like containment module.
"What was the name Li Yue gave this system again? Oh, right—Veronica. I wonder if Veronica was his ex-girlfriend or something…" Tony mused absentmindedly, despite the tense situation.
"Well, the full system is still theoretical. Who knows how long it'll take to complete? But at least I got this suit working first."
Tony turned his gaze toward Obadiah, who now looked significantly smaller compared to the towering new armor. A smirk formed on Tony's face.
"Obadiah, it's my turn now. Get ready to enjoy the show."
The Iron Monger hesitated. Fear flickered in his eyes as he took a step back.
He had relied on the overwhelming size and strength of his armor to dominate Tony in battle. Tony's arc reactor was nearly drained, while his own was fully charged, and he had stocked his suit with an array of heavy weaponry—creating a massive advantage.
But now…
Tony's new suit was even bigger than the Iron Monger. The craftsmanship was leagues ahead of his own crude design, and worst of all…
It had five arc reactors.
Obadiah's eyes widened in disbelief. He saw the glowing reactors not only on Tony's chest but also embedded in each of his hands and legs.
"I'm screwed."
That was the only thought running through Obadiah's mind.
Desperate, he forced a nervous grin and raised his hands in surrender.
"Now, Tony… my dear friend… how about we stop this and talk it out?" Obadiah said, his voice suddenly full of false sincerity. "Violence won't solve anything. I'll transfer all my shares in Stark Industries to you. You'll have absolute control over the company. Think about it, Tony. This is a good deal."
Tony scoffed.
"Talk? You weren't interested in talking when you tried to kill me. And the worst mistake you made…"
His voice turned ice cold.
"Was trying to kill Pepper."
Obadiah flinched.
"Now, you want to negotiate? Too late!"
With a burst of energy, Tony rocketed forward, his right fist glowing with raw power.
And then, he swung.
The impact was devastating.
The Iron Monger saw that Tony had no intention of backing down and was charging straight at him. Panicked, he fired his gatling gun, unleashing a storm of bullets to stop Tony's advance. At the same time, he began retreating rapidly, desperately trying to put distance between them—he no longer dared to face Tony in direct combat.
Boom!
With just one punch, Tony sent the Iron Monger flying. His massive armored form crashed to the ground, rolling over several times before finally coming to a stop.
Obadiah groaned, his body rattled from the impact. But what truly terrified him was the damage to his suit—30% of his armor integrity had been destroyed from a single hit! His once-imposing steel frame now bore a deep, concave fist-shaped imprint, evidence of Tony's overwhelming strength.
Obadiah's heart pounded in fear as he saw Tony charging at him again at incredible speed.
Scrambling to his feet, the Iron Monger unleashed everything he had left. His Gatling gun roared, spewing bullets wildly, and in a desperate final attempt, he fired his last remaining missile at Tony.
Boom!
A massive explosion erupted, sending a shockwave across the battlefield. Smoke and debris filled the air, obscuring everything from sight. Obadiah froze, staring intently at the chaos, hoping—praying—that Tony had been blown to pieces.
But his hope was short-lived.
From within the thick smoke, a shadow emerged.
And then, Tony stepped forward.
His steel armor gleamed, untouched by the blast. He walked at a measured pace, his heavy footsteps echoing like a drum of doom, pounding into Obadiah's chest with every step.
The Iron Monger was stunned.
He had –unleashed his strongest attacks… and yet, Tony stood before him without a single scratch.
Tony's voice was calm, but commanding:
"You're out of tricks. Now, it's my turn."
Raising his right hand, Tony charged his repulsor, energy concentrating at his palm. A dazzling beam of pure energy erupted forward.
The Iron Monger barely had time to react. He twisted his body to the left in an attempt to dodge—a move that saved his life.
But not his arm.
The right arm of his armor was completely obliterated.
The massive steel limb fell to the ground, its edges glowing red-hot from the intense heat. The metal had begun to liquefy, molten drops of iron hissing as they hit the pavement.
Obadiah stood frozen in shock.
For the first time… he truly understood.
If that blast had hit him dead center, he would already be dead.
Tony himself looked at his hand, momentarily stunned by the sheer power of his own attack.
He hadn't expected it to be this devastating.
In front of him, the once-mighty Iron Monger was now reduced to a trembling wreck.
At this moment, the Iron Monger no longer harbored any illusions of defeating Tony. His only thought was escape—if he could get away, he would consider himself lucky.
Frantically scanning his surroundings for an exit, his eyes suddenly lit up—a flash of inspiration struck him.
Meanwhile, the onlookers were left in complete shock.
None of them had expected the smaller red robot to enter the larger one—and even less did they anticipate the incredible power that followed. Moments ago, the black robot had seemed to have the upper hand, yet now it was being utterly overpowered.
They watched in awe as Tony survived a direct missile strike without so much as a scratch. Then, with a single energy blast, he severed the black robot's right arm, as if slicing through paper—except it wasn't paper, it was solid steel!
As the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the turn of events, their excitement quickly turned to terror.
The Iron Monger was no longer fighting back.
Instead, he was fleeing—and he was headed straight toward them!
The moment the onlookers realized his escape path was leading right to their location, panic set in.
"Run! He's coming this way!" someone screamed.
A wave of chaos spread through the crowd. People shoved and stumbled, voices screamed and cursed, and children cried in fear.
Yet, in the midst of all the commotion, two people remained completely still.
One was Li Yue—he knew without a doubt that the Iron Overlord could never catch him.
The other was the fearless reporter.
She stood firm, continuing to broadcast live, oblivious to the dangerous machine rushing straight at her.
The cameraman, however, saw the imminent threat—and instead of warning her, he dropped the camera and bolted.
"What a coward," Li Yue muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "At least warn the poor woman!"
By the time the reporter finally sensed something was wrong, it was already too late.
The Iron Monger was barely a few meters away.
She turned just in time to see his massive steel hand reaching for her, her eyes wide with terror. She tried to run—but at this distance, escape was impossible.
She could only watch, helpless, as the cold, metallic fingers closed in on her.
But then—a figure appeared.
She didn't know when he had arrived or how he had moved so fast.
All she knew was that his back—though not broad—suddenly felt like an unshakable shield.
At that moment, despite the looming danger, she felt an overwhelming sense of safety.
.....
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