NOVEL NEXT Chapter 229: Whiplash Debuts
In the hotel's executive lounge, Justin Hammer had moved to a new seat and was now being interviewed by Christine.
"Tony and I, we admire each other. We're not competitors," Hammer said with a self-satisfied smile.
"Since he left the arms business, Hammer Industries has grown even faster. Between me and Tony, it's all healthy competition."
Just then, Tony's voice came from the television behind Hammer, prompting him to turn curiously.
On-screen, Tony was answering a reporter's question:
"Having a race car means racing it. Otherwise, what's the point of owning one?"
Staring at the TV, Hammer blurted out in disbelief,
"He's going to race?"
A top-tier billionaire, personally entering a race — and such a dangerous sport at that — completely upended Hammer's worldview.
…
Meanwhile, Pepper Potts, browsing a menu, glanced at the television and spotted Tony. She immediately turned to question Natasha.
"Natalie, did you know he was going to race?"
"I only just found out myself."
Pepper, unsatisfied with the answer, pressed further.
"Can we still stop him?"
Bulma, puzzled, chimed in.
"It's just a race. What's the problem?"
To someone who'd dealt with aliens since childhood, and at sixteen was brave enough to pilot a hovercar across the world in search of Dragon Balls, a race seemed harmless. With healing pods available, as long as you weren't outright dead, you could be saved. Plus, professional race cars and suits had top-notch safety features.
Pepper explained,
"Racing is still risky, and his body's just an ordinary man's. This kind of dangerous stunt isn't suited for someone like him."
"I'd rather he put on the armor and went out as a superhero."
In her view, the Iron Man suit offered more protection than a race car ever could.
Smith Dole stepped in.
"Don't worry. If his life's in danger, I'll step in."
Pepper looked at him.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
She trusted Smith's abilities.
Natasha spoke up.
"Tony just finalized something with the organizers."
Pepper asked,
"What is it?"
Natasha replied,
"After the race, there'll be an exhibition match. Looks like Iron Man and…"
She trailed off, glancing at Smith. She only knew the deal had been made, not the opponent's identity, though she suspected it might be him.
Pepper asked,
"Smith, are you going to have a friendly match with Tony?"
Happy knew the answer but kept quiet.
Smith said,
"Yes, but the opponent's not me. It's a new friend. You'll see soon enough."
Pepper, still puzzled, wondered who could be important enough for Tony to spar with in the armor. Could it be someone like the fighters from the Dragon Ball Tournament? She asked cautiously,
"There won't be any danger, right?"
Smith shook his head.
"Relax, no danger."
"Come on, let's go cheer Tony on."
The group headed to the track to check out Tony's race car.
…
Without Ivan Vanko's sabotage, the race went smoothly. Tony didn't take first place but managed an impressive third — a pleasant surprise to many, thanks to his body being in peak condition.
After receiving his prize, Tony donated the winnings to charity.
Just as the crowd thought the event was over, the host announced,
"Tony Stark has added a special exhibition match against a special friend. Let's welcome them!"
The audience erupted in applause — not only had they seen Tony race, they'd also get to watch Iron Man fight in person.
Backstage, Ivan Vanko donned his Whiplash armor — a sleek, silver-white, half-covered suit with a unique flair.
Staff cleared the track. Happy brought over a suitcase, handed it to Tony, then left the stage.
Hammer, watching from the stands, was baffled about what Tony was planning.
The host asked,
"Mr. Stark, could you introduce your opponent for this friendly match?"
Right on cue, Ivan Vanko strode out from the raceway tunnel in his armor, stepping into the center for all to see.
The crowd froze at the sight — that chest-mounted power source looked awfully familiar. Hammer frowned. Was Stark trying to sell this design to the military?
Tony explained,
"Today's opponent is Ivan Vanko, a shareholder and chief scientist at Vanko Industries — a subsidiary of Capsule Corporation."
"He's also joining my and Smith Dole's team as a brand-new superhero."
"Buddy, tell everyone your name."
Ivan couldn't help but marvel at the benefit of being in an organized team. Tony Stark, notorious in the media for his sharp tongue, was giving him a perfect introduction.
"I'm Whiplash!"
Tony grinned.
"Let's welcome the newest superhero — Whiplash! This friendly match will show you just what he can do."
"One more thing — every single part of his suit was built by him."
He tossed the mic aside.
Hammer's gaze locked onto Vanko. If the suit's energy source was self-built, then maybe — just maybe — it could be replicated. Capsule Corporation's involvement dampened his hopes of poaching Vanko, but if one scientist could do it, perhaps others could too.
(End of Chapter)
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