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Early the next morning, Pepper arrived at the press conference.
She quickly set up the venue and, while busy, greeted the reporters who arrived one after another.
The press conference was about to begin, but Tony still hadn't shown up.
Rhodey, standing nearby, noticed this and walked over, asking in a low voice, "Why isn't Tony here yet? Should we call him?"
Pepper frowned. She had already tried calling Tony several times, but he never answered.
Trying to remain composed, she said, "Don't worry. If Tony said he'll come, he will."
"I've called him multiple times, and he didn't pick up. But I believe he'll show up if he promised," she repeated, though her voice was tinged with unease.
In truth, even she wasn't sure.
Tony had a habit of skipping press conferences without explanation. Would he let everyone down again?
If he didn't show up, how was she supposed to manage the press conference?
These questions echoed anxiously in Pepper's mind.
As time passed, tension began to build.
The press had already taken their seats, lenses focused on the entrance, anticipating Tony's arrival.
Yet the door remained closed.
Reporters started whispering among themselves, speculating about his absence.
Disappointment and confusion flickered across their faces. They'd all been looking forward to seeing Tony Stark.
Pepper's heart pounded in her chest—she had never felt this much pressure before.
She knew she needed a solution.
Just as she was about to take the stage herself to address the crowd—
A mechanical roar tore through the sky. Everyone instinctively looked up.
A red and gold suit of armor descended from the sky, landing squarely at the center of the press conference platform.
Iron Man.
The room exploded in noise and excitement. Cameras snapped to attention, reporters surged forward.
"Excuse me! Are you the newest Iron Man?"
The figure said nothing, simply standing tall.
The red exosuit gleamed under the sunlight. The arc reactor in his chest glowed brilliantly—cool, confident, and powerful.
The atmosphere instantly shifted to electrified chaos.
"Are you affiliated with Stark Industries?"
"Do you know Mr. Tony Stark?"
"Are you representing Mr. Stark at this press conference?"
Pepper's breath caught in her throat, then relaxed. She recognized the suit immediately.
This was Tony.
He hadn't forgotten the press conference—he just chose to attend in dramatic fashion.
Rhodey hurried to the stage, visibly nervous.
"Everyone, please calm down!" he shouted. His voice carried the weight of authority. "You'll get your explanation soon!"
He attempted to pull Iron Man aside, but the suit was heavy and unyielding.
Tony didn't budge.
Clearly, he wasn't interested in a private conversation right now.
Leaning in close, Rhodey whispered urgently into Tony's ear, "Don't reveal your identity as Iron Man. If they find out, the military and feds will be all over you."
He was looking out for his friend. If Tony's identity became public, the government would immediately demand access to the suit's designs and technology.
As long as they didn't know Iron Man was Tony Stark, he still had some control.
But before Tony could respond, the press broke into a frenzy.
The questions kept coming, louder and more urgent.
Then, suddenly, the helmet retracted with a mechanical hiss, revealing Tony Stark's face.
That familiar smirk. The glint of brilliance in his eyes.
He wasn't just a billionaire or a genius. He was Iron Man.
He surveyed the room, smug and self-assured, eyes twinkling with defiance and charm.
Then, with that signature smirk, he spoke the words that would reverberate around the world:
"I am Iron Man."
For a second, the world held its breath.
Then, like a flipped switch, chaos erupted.
Reporters scrambled to document the moment. Pens flew. Cameras flashed. It was history in the making.
Tony retracted the helmet again, the suit closing seamlessly around him.
Red and gold. Bold and brilliant.
He straightened his shoulders and raised his chin.
With a burst of light and sound, he launched skyward, vanishing into the sky like a comet.
Pepper stood frozen, stunned. Rhodey looked horrified.
The press conference was over, but the questions were only beginning.
That night—
Alex Ray sat at a small diner with a cold beer in hand, eyes fixed on the television.
News channels were flooded with footage: a man in red armor descending from the sky, facing the camera, and saying those iconic words—"I am Iron Man."
Alex cracked a grin. Only someone as arrogant and theatrical as Tony Stark could make such an entrance.
What else could he say?
That was Tony Stark.
He could feel it in his bones—fate had started to move. A major turning point in the Marvel Universe had arrived.
It was time for him to act.
He needed allies. Power. Influence.
A plan formed in his mind—a bold one.
He would build his own team. A team that could rival the Avengers. A team forged not in luxury towers, but in the alleys and chaos of Hell's Kitchen.
Deadpool, sitting nearby, watched Tony's dramatic reveal on TV and decided to imitate him.
He yanked off his red mask, struck what he thought was a cool pose, and said in a deep, theatrical voice, "I am Deadpool."
"What do you think? Handsome, right?" he asked Pietro and Wanda.
Pietro stared at him like he was crazy.
Wanda didn't even bother to respond, turning away without a word.
Alex chuckled, amused by the scene.
Meanwhile, in the void—
A bald sorcerer stood facing a knight clad in magenta armor.
"This is not your realm," the Ancient One said calmly.
The knight muttered, "The power level in this universe is higher than expected. Next time, I should bring Old Man ."
He could feel it. This universe had several forces stronger than even the sorcerer before him.
Without another word, he conjured a silver wall of space with his right hand, stepped through it, and vanished from this world.
The Ancient One stared at the place where the intruder had disappeared.
"There have been too many outsiders on Earth lately. It's time to investigate."
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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đź“š Enjoying the Story? Get Ahead Now!
Can't wait for the next twist or epic moment?
Join my Patreon and unlock 40+ advanced chapters—read ahead of everyone else! 🔥
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Your support means the world to me—thank you so much! 💖
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