Not only the reporters on the scene, but the entire United States, and even the whole world, watched Tony Stark's declaration in dead silence. He wasn't just talking. He had purchased the broadcast rights for the giant screens in New York's Times Square for tonight in advance. At this very moment, the earliest blueprints and mathematical formulas for the arc reactor he had built after escaping the cave were being broadcast to the world.
Was Tony Stark open-sourcing these things willingly? Of course not. He understood better than anyone else the magnitude of the impact cold fusion—specifically miniaturized cold fusion—could bring. A revolution in human energy technology? Assuredly. But even more assuredly, a revolution in weaponry.
Ever since becoming Iron Man, Tony had gradually begun destroying the weapons sold by Stark Industries. Tony had seen the people harmed by Stark Industries' weapons; he had seen his savior, Dr. Yinsen, die at the hands of his own creations.
From that day forward, every time he saw a weapon bearing the name Stark, he would instinctively feel nauseous, convulse, and want to vomit. Only by donning his armor could he alleviate these symptoms and go to destroy those weapons.
But whether it was Roxxon or whatever else was behind this, what they were attempting to do was far more malicious. They didn't just want to utterly destroy Stark Industries; they had summoned a devil and used the media to launch a propaganda campaign. They intended to destroy everything Tony had achieved after walking out of that cave—the very thing embedded in his chest.
And as a next step, they aimed to destroy the entire Avengers and their cause, which relied on Stark Industries as its backing.
Why didn't they attack S.H.I.E.L.D.? Why didn't they attack the Ultimates? Why did they only attack the Avengers? Why did Mephisto tamper with so many arc reactors, yet only cause the one in the middle section of Avengers Tower to explode directly?
"I don't know who my enemies are, or if they even acknowledge me as their enemy. It might even just be a flare-up of my paranoia. But regardless, I want to tell them: Bring it on! You cannot destroy Iron Man!"
From this day forward, every mid-tier nation would be able to create their own budget version of Iron Man. Of course, Tony Stark knew this, and that was exactly the point he wanted to make.
He indeed still held the patent rights to these things, but other nations wouldn't care about that. Since he released the arc reactor design today, someone would start trying to build it tomorrow. The Pentagon was no exception; the massive block of text Tony had just delivered was pure, unadulterated spite meant to disgust them.
He wanted the Pentagon to apologize in person and personally rescue Stark Industries' stock price, all without affecting the ownership structure of Stark Industries.
You, Roxxon, can help the US government secure the most petroleum resources in the world? Fine. I can usher the entire world into the era of cold fusion!
And most importantly, Tony Stark, having chosen to do this, decided to shoulder another responsibility—a brand-new responsibility.
Thinking up to this point, Tony shifted his tone. Compared to his previous mockery and anger, it turned into an earnest narration. He sat down on the ground and let out a rare sigh.
"Speaking of which, I can already guess what will happen next. We will have more and more countries, organizations, and even private corporations mastering cold fusion technology. This cannot be stopped, nor can it be prevented. I know that the moment I did this, it was predestined to happen."
"I also know that a long time ago, people—many people—suggested that I share this technology because it could lead an unprecedented technological revolution and allow human civilization to make giant leaps forward. But I didn't."
Tony Stark fell silent for a long moment, and then, before nearly every high-profile reporter in America, he stated the reason.
"Because I was afraid of the responsibility."
"I know how much trouble the arc reactor can cause. I know how much destruction the arc reactor can inflict if it's manufactured into a weapon. I know even better how terrifying this thing would be if it were used on a battlefield. I... I've seen the harm caused by Stark Industries' weapons. I swore never to cause such harm again, so I kept this technology hidden away."
"But today? Today is different. Not just because someone tried to destroy everything I have, but because I know I must shoulder this responsibility. I will not allow my technology to be used for anything other than the righteous path. I don't mind others using this technology to advance scientific development, improve people's lives, or even manufacture defensive weaponry."
"But remember this: Stark Industries has not abandoned these patents. Tony Stark has not abandoned these patents. The moment I discover my technology is being used in any non-defensive, harmful action, no matter who is backing that person, I will rip them out by the roots."
Having said this, Tony Stark snapped his faceplate shut and ignited his repulsors, preparing to take off and leave the scene without giving any reporter a chance for an interview. He left behind only one final statement.
"If you want to use my inventions for war, then fine. I shall give you war—Tony Stark's armor war against you all."
As Iron Man flew away, all the reporters on the scene fell into a dead silence. It took quite a while before a massive commotion broke out.
Mary Jane looked in disbelief at the departing Iron Man armor, then looked at the shorthand notes she had taken. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she hurriedly walked away to send Peter a message.
She wanted to know if Peter's internal sources were supernatural enough to arrange an exclusive interview with Tony Stark. No, just a single opportunity to ask a question would suffice. No! Even just relaying a statement would do!
What Mary Jane didn't know was that the subject of her intended interview was currently in a very poor state. Originally, Tony had intended to fly all the way back to his mansion on the West Coast in one go, but along the way, his PTSD, which had worsened since the Battle of New York, began to flare up. In the end, the armor practically dragged him as it flew to the Avengers Compound.
He knelt on the ground in his armor, then opened his faceplate to breathe heavily, trying to alleviate his stomach cramps. At that moment, someone walked over and helped him up.
"Ah, Steve, did you see the news? How did I do? Pretty handsome, right?"
"You don't have to shoulder the responsibility alone, Tony. We are with you."
The Captain supported Tony as they walked toward the lounge. But upon hearing those words, Tony froze for a moment, then shook his head. "No, this is my business..."
"You are an Avenger, Tony. We are all Avengers. There is no responsibility that you must bear alone."
"We are all here."