Tony took the file and quickly scanned the names listed.
Black Widow. Hawkeye. His eyes lingered for a moment on a pending slot: Bruce Banner.
"Interesting roster," Tony said, tossing the file back to Fury.
"I have a question though—who's in charge of this team? S.H.I.E.L.D.? The World Security Council? Or some secret organization I don't even know about?"
Fury's expression became inscrutable. "Under special circumstances, the team will have autonomy."
"So ultimately, you still call the shots."
Tony shook his head. "Sorry, Nick. I'm not great at following orders, especially from a bossy old man who thinks he knows everything."
He paused briefly, hesitated, and then added, "Also, I really don't like working for an organization that Hydra has already infiltrated more than halfway."
Nick Fury's one eye narrowed. "Hydra? How do you know that?"
"Xiao." Tony lied flatly. "He has… a unique ability. He can see through disguises. He told me at least a third of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are working for Hydra."
The lab went silent.
Fury's face grew grave. Tony could tell he was weighing the credibility of the information.
"Even if this is true," Fury finally said, his voice low and serious, "it only proves why we need someone like Xiao on the team. His ability can root out the spies."
Tony walked over to the window, gazing at the New York skyline. "Xiao isn't someone you can control, Fury. His power… far exceeds anything you can imagine."
"No one is uncontrollable, Stark," Fury said, a dangerous edge in his voice.
"Not even you."
Tony turned, locking eyes with Fury. "Threats don't work on me, Director. I already have a better partner."
The air between them seemed to freeze.
Finally, Fury took a step back, deactivating the holographic display. "We'll keep monitoring your partner, Stark. If he becomes a threat to the public…"
"Save it, Nick," Tony interrupted, waving dismissively. "Instead of wasting time investigating Xiao, maybe check your own base. I hear Sitterville has been showing unusual interest in the Tesseract lately?"
Fury's eyes instantly sharpened.
Sitterville was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent involved in multiple classified projects.
Tony had mentioned the name on purpose—to verify that Xiao had deliberately told him about Hydra's infiltration.
"Thanks for… the heads-up," Fury said finally, turning toward the elevator.
"But our conversation isn't over, Stark. S.H.I.E.L.D. will be watching you."
As the elevator doors closed, Tony exhaled, sinking into a chair.
"Sir," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported immediately, "heat signatures detected in the upper level. Someone is in the ventilation system."
Tony smirked. "Black Widow, I'm guessing? Let her stay. She won't find anything anyway."
He approached a hidden safe and retrieved the modified serum, the blue liquid shimmering temptingly under the lab lights.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., prep the injection sequence," Tony said, his voice firm.
"If S.H.I.E.L.D. has already started moving, we need to accelerate."
"Sir, are you sure you want to use an untested biogenic serum?" J.A.R.V.I.S. asked.
"According to the agreement…"
"I wrote that agreement, J.A.R.V.I.S.," Tony cut him off. "And… I trust Xiao's tech."
Even Tony was surprised to say it out loud. He rarely trusted anyone—especially a human with unknown alien-like powers.
Yet instinctively, he knew Xiao was serious. The serum truly was a gift, not a trap.
"Also," Tony continued, "activate the Iron Legion program. All Mark-series suits, battle ready."
"Executed, sir. But based on analysis of Mr. Xiao's abilities, our weapons are nearly useless against him."
Tony looked at the vial, a grin tugging at his lips. "Who said it's for Xiao?"
He loaded the serum into the auto-injector, eyes sharp and focused.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s sudden visit confirmed his suspicion: Fury wouldn't easily let someone like Xiao operate unchecked.
And if Hydra had truly infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., even more dangerous enemies were likely already in motion.
"Prepare the holographic display. I'm redesigning the Mark armor," Tony said, rolling up his sleeves.
"Also, contact Rhodey—weekend plans are canceled. I have more important work to do."
As the auto-injector pushed the blue serum into his veins, a strange warmth coursed through his body.
He felt his muscle fibers reorganize, his neural responses accelerate, and his senses sharpen.
"Vital signs stable. All metrics significantly enhanced," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported. "Preliminary analysis: muscle density +240%, bone strength +180%, metabolism…"
"Based on muscle density, exerted strength potential: 16.7 tons."
"Sir… you've surpassed Captain America…"
Tony didn't wait to hear the rest. He stood, feeling the power surging through him.
He grabbed a metal wrench and squeezed lightly—steel bent like clay.
"Whoa." Tony muttered in awe, eyes sparkling. "Xiao wasn't lying. This really is 3.0."
He dashed to the center of the lab, a blur to any normal observer, then leapt three meters high, landing steadily on a workbench.
"Sir, heart rate elevated," J.A.R.V.I.S. cautioned.
"That's because I'm excited, J.A.R.V.I.S.!" Tony laughed, jumping down. "This… is unbelievable!"
But his expression soon hardened.
Enhanced physique was just the beginning. He needed to prepare for the coming storm—whether from S.H.I.E.L.D., Hydra, or even more dangerous foes.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., message Xiao. Tell him… I accepted his gift and can't wait to see what surprise number two is."
Outside, the New York night sky darkened under storm clouds.
Inside Stark Tower, a new Tony Stark was being born—not just a genius inventor, but a true superhuman.
Tony knew that from tonight, everything would change.
S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers initiative… all the old keywords suddenly felt less important with Xiao around.
"With power and tech like this…" Tony murmured, gazing at his clenched fists, "maybe we really don't need S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore."