"No, I really think it's too dangerous for him to be out there alone. Maybe we should help him!"
In the secret room at the bottom of the cave, Tony paced nervously. Faint screams from the outside reached his ears, and he finally couldn't sit still. He opened a hidden box in the corner and pulled out a mechanical arm-like contraption.
During their time imprisoned, Tony and Dr. Ethan had been pretending to help Raza build weapons, but in secret, they had been constructing the Mark 1 prototype armor using scraps provided by the gang. So far, they had only managed to assemble an incomplete arm and a few parts.
The arm had a small, homemade rocket inside—not particularly powerful, but probably enough to blast open the iron door.
"You're right," said the kind-hearted Ethan, grabbing an iron rod from nearby and nodding in agreement.
Tony positioned the arm, pulling Ethan to a safer spot. He activated the switch, launching the small 30-centimeter rocket at the iron door.
Just then, the door began to open from the outside—and stepping through it was Carl, returning after wiping out the entire Ten Rings Gang in the base.
"No, get down!" Tony shouted in alarm as he recognized him.
Carl noticed the incoming projectile, and while his mouth twitched in frustration, he quickly formed hand seals and activated the Substitution Jutsu, replacing himself with a nearby chair.
Boom!
The rocket exploded on impact, blowing the iron door off its hinges.
"I swear, Tony, I came all this way to rescue you, and this is how you greet me?"
Carl stood where the chair had been moments ago, glaring at Tony.
Tony, relieved Carl had dodged the explosion with what seemed like a ninja trick, scratched his head and said awkwardly, "We heard the noise and wanted to help… I didn't expect this to happen. Seriously, I'm sorry."
Carl sighed and waved it off. "Well, I've always been broad-minded. I already handled everyone outside—you're free to go."
"All of them!?" Tony and Ethan exclaimed together.
The idea that Carl had taken out so many armed terrorists alone and returned unscathed was hard to wrap their heads around—even Hollywood super-spies had limits.
But after a moment, it made some sense. Clearly, Carl wasn't ordinary—he must be some kind of superhuman, or maybe even a ninja.
The two followed him out of the chamber, winding through the cave tunnel until they emerged into the valley.
What they saw made them both freeze in place. The charred body of the guard at the entrance… and dozens of corpses scattered around—members of the Ten Rings Gang, all with slashed throats or fatal wounds.
Tony and Ethan gasped.
They didn't feel sorry—these people had caused pain and death to countless innocents. What shook them was the sheer efficiency and skill Carl had displayed.
He'd done all this alone… and without a scratch.
---
"The taste of freedom is really something else. Carl, thank you for saving us. When I get back, I'll introduce you to some Hollywood beauties—A-listers only."
As they emerged from the cave and bathed in the long-lost sunlight, Tony's mood improved instantly. His signature wit and charm were back in full swing.
This near-death experience had changed Tony in many ways. With Dr. David's influence, he'd started reevaluating his actions and the value of human life. Still, his sharp tongue, love for humor, and weakness for beautiful women remained intact.
"No thanks, I'm married. That kind of thing isn't for me," Carl cut in with a raised hand before Tony could finish his sentence. "Just remember the promise—when you're back in New York."
Tony blinked in disbelief. "Married? You don't even look that old."
"I just turned 24. Been married for almost two months now," Carl replied, a rare hint of happiness on his face.
Tony shook his head with mock dismay. "Marriage is the grave of love, man. I didn't think someone your age would already dive into the grave. Way too reckless."
To Tony, marriage was a non-existent concept. He preferred quick flings and short romances, never letting anyone close enough for commitment. That's why, even pushing forty, he was still living the bachelor life.
"I don't agree with that at all, and I believe Carl wouldn't either," Dr. David interjected.
Carl nodded. "Absolutely."
Tony shrugged. "Well then, I guess I'll just have to visit your homes and see how picture-perfect they really are."
Carl's face turned cold. "Sorry, but you're not welcome in our home. To be honest, my wife hates you."
"Hates me?" Tony raised an eyebrow, confused. He knew he had a reputation, but women still adored him more often than not.
"My wife's from Sokovia. Her parents were killed by missiles produced by your company ten years ago. If you step into our house, she'll probably beat you out with a broom."
Carl stared him down as he said it.
Tony went silent for a moment. When he finally spoke, it was softer than usual. "I'm sorry. That's on me. If I ever get the chance, I'll apologize to her in person. Even if she hits me with the broom."
"Alright, let's talk about it later. First, let's get out of here," Carl said, waving it off. He knew Tony wasn't directly responsible—it was like blaming a blacksmith for how someone used a sword.
If Tony had personally pulled the trigger and killed Wanda's parents, Carl wouldn't have saved him. He would've killed him without hesitation.
"There are cars at the exit. We can drive out," Ethan pointed to a line of parked vehicles at the far end of the valley.
Carl shook his head. "No need. Military recon planes are constantly sweeping the desert. As long as we create a big enough signal, they'll find you and bring you home."
He leapt down to the valley floor and began gathering missiles, bombs, and other high-grade explosives stamped with Stark Industries logos. After moving them into the cave, Carl gestured for Tony and David to climb up to the ledge above the valley with him—facing the cave's entrance.