"Sorry, but at this point, I have to disclose more details about the Civil War," Nick immediately said.
"Dr. Reed Richards, during a disastrous experimental accident, opened a passage to the Antimatter Universe, bringing some enemies to our universe. However, the matter has been resolved, and there is no need to worry."
"What I want to say is that Dr. Richards opened this passage because he was conducting research on wormholes. Perhaps the term 'wormhole' is a bit obscure, but everyone must have heard of teleportation portals, a technology used for fast teleportation. Although I am not a professional, I believe experts in this field should have heard of Dr. Richards' name."
"Even the leader of Asgard, Odin, acknowledges that Dr. Richards possesses technology in this regard that far exceeds the technological level of Asgard..." Nick turned to look at Thor.
Thor nodded after a brief consideration and said, "That's true, Dr. Richards' technical level is very high, even Asgard's scientists cannot match it."
"So," Nick spoke again to draw everyone's attention back, "regardless of what functions Asgard's shield has, it cannot stop Reed Richards. If he truly wants to leave, no one in the Nine Major Kingdoms can stop him. I believe slightly informed scientists would agree with me."
Iron Man squinted his eyes, having to admit that this indeed was a reasonable reason. There are many sensible people on Earth, whether it's Doctor Destruction, Pym, or Bruce Banner, these scientists understand Reed all too well. If Asgard's protective shield could stop Reed, the passage to the Antimatter Universe wouldn't be so easily opened.
In short, the cosmic structure molded by God cannot stop Mr. Fantastic, so Asgard's technological creations, which are secondary inventions, are even less effective. Although the public may not be able to perceive this intuitively, as long as most scientists do not oppose, the explanation stands as reasonable.
And the scientists will not oppose because this is the truth. No one can stop Reed Richards; the so-called imprisonment is a joke, and that shielding area has now become Reed's territory.
Nick meticulously observed Iron Man's expression, who didn't appear flustered, seemingly holding back information. Nick mentally reviewed recent events to confirm there were no mistakes before he said, "Mr. Stark, I'm afraid you are mistaken. Thor has not imprisoned anyone, let alone persecuted scientists and superheroes."
Nick didn't initially point out that Iron Man wanted to stir up trouble. Because even if he said it, Iron Man could argue that it was a misunderstanding. Now that the investigation is clear, it's good for everyone, and it doesn't prevent him from walking out the door after this, portraying himself in the media as a great figure appealing for the people. Clinging to his performance today would only make people think the Rebirth Alliance is suppressing speech, easily leading to misunderstandings, so after finishing this sentence, Nick changed the subject.
"Mr. Stark, previously, due to mental issues, you clashed with Spider Man. Your medical team submitted your diagnosis report of paranoid delusion and anxiety disorder to us, which is why we did not pursue the matter of attacking a colleague. Is your mental condition better now?"
This was clearly a double-edged trap. If Iron Man admitted in front of everyone that his illness was not better, the stock price of the Stark Group would be in danger. But if he claimed he was better, then the Rebirth Alliance could obviously pursue his attempt to attack Spider Man.
Unexpectedly to Nick, Iron Man directly said, "I'm still recuperating."
All the reporters were stunned, disregarding Nick's earlier warning, and rushed to Iron Man, nearly shoving microphones into his mouth.
"Mr. Stark, is what you said true? Are you really diagnosed with anxiety disorder? How does this affect your life?"
"Will you need long-term recuperation in the future? Are you going to give up on managing the Stark Group and developing subsequent products?"
"Is this your personal decision? Have you discussed it with the directors of the Stark Group?"
Eddie, however, didn't rush forward, standing at the back of the crowd, frowning at Iron Man, knowing there was bound to be a twist. It's hard to imagine what kind of turmoil today's press conference content would cause once exposed; the cafés and pizza shops on Wall Street would be working overtime again.
Nick was evidently puzzled too. Had Iron Man gone mad, daring to admit to so many reporters that he was ill? Could it be that he truly intended to create trouble, dragging everyone down with him?
Now he was rather worried, what if the Stark Group truly collapsed, what would be done?
Nick turned to look at Professor X, only to find Professor X's expression more grave than his own. He knew Professor X must have seen something from Iron Man's mind; this guy is truly scheming, failing one plan only to concoct another.
When the villain resorts to the Method of Exhaustion, a significant dilemma presents itself to the heroes: you do not know which of his schemes is the real trap. With interwoven illusions and realities, it becomes rather perplexing on how to respond.
Now, the normal reaction would be to send Iron Man directly to a sanatorium, but Nick worried there was deceit involved. He frequently glanced at Professor X, wanting to know more, but the other was evidently communicating with Magneto. Nick then looked at Shiller, but Shiller was watching Eddie.
Upon seeing Eddie, Nick immediately signaled to the agent beside him. The agent walked over and brought Eddie over. Now most reporters' attention was on Iron Man, with no one having the time to care about what was happening here.
"This can't be allowed to spread," Eddie said, "it will surely cause a huge shock in the financial world, and you won't be able to bear that responsibility."
"You mean, he's causing trouble here and we still have to cover for him?"
"It's not as simple as that," Eddie said. "Logically, he should be more worried than anyone about the Stark Group's stock price. He would also know how much damage his words could do to the Stark Group. A shrewd businessman wouldn't act like this, unless..."
"Sorry, I have to confess a truth that has troubled me for a long time," Iron Man's abrupt voice resonated. "Everyone should be aware of the previous superhero Civil War, right? Although the incident was triggered by an experimental mishap, my irrational actions indeed intensified the war and affected the lives of ordinary people."
Members of the Rebirth Alliance widened their eyes. Good heavens, are these words coming from Iron Man's mouth? What's going on here?
Now they somewhat understand how Thor feels when Loki calls him "Your Majesty." Is this guy about to die and prepared a big revelation for everyone before his end?
Nick sensed something was wrong, and he immediately wanted to send someone to stop it, but with so many reporters around, he couldn't act rashly. So, he called over an agent, intending to create some accidental commotion to end the press conference early.
The agent did receive the order, but never returned. The fire alarm didn't go off, nor did the power cut. Nick was so furious that he gritted his teeth, turning back only to see Carter's icy expression.
Nick couldn't help but cover his only remaining eye.
He knew that Carter, along with some other members of the Rebirth Alliance, had always been resentful that these Civil War instigators hadn't been properly punished. Nick had tried to mediate for a long time without any effect.
Nick had always expressed to them that the reason these people hadn't been punished was that they temporarily had no way to deal with them. The Rebirth Alliance didn't have the capability to carry out a strong capture, so they had to be a bit more tactful, which indeed succeeded in appeasing Carter and the others.
Now, with Iron Man confessing to his crimes as the most crucial instigator of the Civil War, Nick couldn't openly stop it, or else he would surely provoke dissatisfaction from Rebirth Alliance members like Carter. We understood your reasoning when you said you couldn't capture them due to practical limitations, but now if he wants to confess and you stop him, wouldn't you be shielding him?
Therefore, even though Nick knew there was something suspicious in what Iron Man said, he couldn't do anything but anxiously wait in place.
Captain America also sensed deception, but he couldn't pinpoint where the issue was. Such a confession from Iron Man wouldn't benefit himself or the Stark Group. He couldn't have had a sudden pang of conscience, could he?
"This matter has lingered in my heart for a long time, making me restless. My anxiety disorder stemmed from this," Iron Man said, although he showed little sign of distress on his face. "My condition has worsened to the point of experiencing hallucinations and a total lack of self-control. If I don't speak up, I'm going to go mad."
"I'm truly sorry, everyone. If I could face judgment, perhaps I wouldn't be tormented by my conscience like this. But I also understand the war just ended, and the situation is only recently stabilizing. The Rebirth Alliance doesn't want to stir up more trouble..."
Nick desperately wanted to give him a hard slap. How is this our fault now?
Carter was glaring daggers at Nick, saying nothing, letting this judgment issue slide past us! Now, the blame is on us!
Sure enough, his words caused the reporters to clamor. Someone raised a microphone, asking, "So, was it actually the Rebirth Alliance's decision not to hold a trial after the Civil War?"
"Of course." Iron Man nodded and said, "I was already prepared to stand in Court, but I didn't expect that my former colleagues not only didn't pursue my faults, but even gave me the crucial position in the Strategic Security Department. I was deeply moved."
"But precisely because of this, my conscience is heavily burdened. I know I don't deserve this position, and my past mistakes can't be atoned for in such a way. The anguish is unbearable..."
"Then, what do you think was the reason they didn't put you on trial? Was it really because of the camaraderie from the past?"
"Certainly, that must be part of the reason," Iron Man said. "Our camaraderie from fighting side by side might have been their main reason for being lenient. But it might also be because I provided aid during subsequent cosmic battles. They might think that my later contributions could compensate for my errors..."
"But you think they don't, right?"
"Regardless, I have caused harm to many, and this impact has also affected my mental health, leading to my mental illness." A cold gleam flashed in Iron Man's eyes. "As for whether I will undergo long-term therapy as you asked, my medical team advises that yes, I need to avoid stress as much as possible."
Iron Man looked at the reporters in front of him, speaking with an icy tone: "I will resign from all duties at Stark Group and focus on recuperating. Naturally, if the Rebirth Alliance changes its mind and believes I should face the Court, I will attend promptly and accept all judgments they impose on me."