"Stark Industries experienced a massive explosion last night. Witnesses claimed that, fortunately, one of Tony Stark's bodyguards…"
On TV, Colonel Rhodes was broadcasting a live press conference about last night's major explosion at Stark Industries, spouting nonsense with a perfectly straight face.
In the press conference's backstage preparation room, Pepper Potts was constantly applying makeup to Tony's face, trying to cover up his minor injuries as much as possible—at least enough to make Tony look like he had nothing to do with what happened last night.
Tony Stark flipped through the newspaper. "Iron Man… that's a catchy name. It's just not accurate; this thing is made of gold-titanium alloy!"
But when Tony turned to the next page, his expression immediately soured. "A huge explosion happened at Stark Industries, the R&D center building was putting on a fireworks show, and the front-page headline isn't about me? These reporters have no taste!"
Staring at the large picture of Wind God on the front page, Tony Stark found it more and more irritating.
Wind God? Silver Armored War God?
You got lucky this time. From now on, all the front-page headlines will be his!
Seeing Tony acting like a jealous child, Pepper couldn't help but laugh. "You were both wearing suits at the time. Who would know you were Tony Stark?"
Tony immediately became even more displeased upon hearing that.
Was Pepper not-so-subtly reminding him that in last night's battle, his Mark performed worse than Wind God?
It wasn't even his fault in the battle!
Was he supposed to tell Pepper that the reason the Mark III wasn't durable enough was because he was ambushed by Obadiah and had his arc reactor stolen?
Losing is losing.
He, Tony Stark, was not someone who couldn't accept defeat. But next time, he would definitely win it back!
"Rimuru's definitely not coming?" Tony asked curiously.
Pepper nodded. "Rimuru said she checked the almanac, and today is a good day for gacha. Whether she can get Illya depends on today!"
Tony Stark: "…"
He actually lost to a shut-in obsessed with fictional characters. His recently regained composure instantly shattered, and his rising unwillingness was almost solidified in place.
With Pepper's help, Tony Stark changed into a handsome suit, and his entire demeanor immediately transformed.
At that moment, Coulson walked in with a stack of speeches.
Since his last failed investigation of Rimuru, he had been sidelined.
Helping Tony Stark clean up the mess and completely eliminate the negative impact of the robot battle was a task Coulson had volunteered for.
For him, this was a heaven-sent opportunity to atone for his mistakes and regain Director Nick Fury's trust.
Coulson was very confident—he had handled countless cases like this.
"It's all set. You were having a party on a yacht with Ms. Potts at the time and were completely unaware of everything. Over thirty people on the yacht can testify for you."
Tony Stark looked at the speech filled with excuses and casually quipped, "Having a party with over thirty people? Can't it just be two people? Me and Pepper!"
Pepper didn't respond—she simply ripped off the tape used to hide Tony's wounds, which was stuck tightly to his face.
Tony let out a sharp hiss of pain and immediately stopped rambling.
"Why isn't Stan mentioned here?"
Coulson: "We handled it. He went on vacation. Small plane accident rates have always been pretty high…"
Tony was speechless. "Don't you think this story sounds too much like a movie script? Saying one of my bodyguards made a robot…"
Coulson was patient. "Mr. Stark, that's not my priority. Just read the statement, and this matter will blow over quickly."
At the press conference.
Seeing Tony walk in, Colonel Rhodes—who was speaking passionately and almost implicating himself—wisely yielded the stage to his good friend.
"The last press conference was a long time ago. I think I'll stick to the script this time!"
This teasing tone immediately made the reporters laugh.
At the last press conference, Tony had shut down Stark Industries' weapons department the moment he opened his mouth.
That was a massive news story, and the reporters present had almost all earned a nice bonus.
It was a very fond memory for them.
Flashbulbs flickered continuously as reporters competed to take photos, but Tony was already well accustomed to all of this.
"Some people suspect I was involved in last night's highway and rooftop—"
But Tony was only halfway through his sentence when a reporter interrupted.
"Excuse me, Mr. Stark, do you really think we'll buy this story? One of your bodyguards magically appearing in armor? Does that sound plausible?"
Everyone looked at the reporter, and Stark did too.
In an instant, Tony recognized her: Christine, a reporter from Vanity Fair.
She had once spent a night studying foreign languages with him in a room!
"You can certainly question the official statement, but don't make wild accusations insinuating that I'm a superhero."
Christine: "I never said you were a superhero."
Tony Stark froze. "No? Well… it does sound too sci-fi. I'm not hero material. I have so many character flaws, and I've caused so much trouble for everyone…"
Seeing Tony spiraling again, flustered by a reporter and his own slip of the tongue, Colonel Rhodes was speechless and couldn't help reminding him, "Stick to the script."
"Alright, alright."
Tony nodded, indicating he understood.
He picked up the small note, ready to read from the script—when he suddenly seemed to think of something.
He put down the script, looked straight ahead, and said, "I—am—Iron Man."
With that single sentence, the entire venue erupted instantly.
Countless flashbulbs fired. Reporters disregarded the on-site order and surged forward, surrounding Tony Stark on all sides.
"Mr. Stark, you are Iron Man, so which suit were you wearing at the time? Was it the cool, shiny silver one?"
Tony Stark's face darkened. This was like exposing a wound that should never be touched!
Seeing Tony's gloomy expression, the reporters immediately understood his displeasure and said in disappointment, "So you were the one in the maroon suit!"
His face darkened further. Sorry he wasn't the Silver Armored War God you imagined!
"With all due respect, according to videos recorded by tourists last night, your performance wasn't very good. Mr. Stark, do you know who this silver-armored superhero is?"
"Mr. Stark, could what Colonel Rhodes said earlier be true? Was that Silver Armored War God really one of your bodyguards?"
"Oh my God! Mr. Stark, are you trying to take credit for your bodyguard?!"
"Mr. Stark, can you tell us the true identity of the Silver Armored War God?"
Tony Stark: "…"
This script isn't right!
Isn't this supposed to be his showtime?
Why did all the topics shift to Rimuru?
Silver Armored War God? Bah!
The scene was incredibly lively. In a corner, Coulson stood alone in the wind, trembling.
It's not the god-like opponent you fear—it's the pig-like teammate!
Tony Stark… even he, an ace agent, couldn't handle him!
By the way… could he report everyone present?