NOVEL NEXT Chapter 231: Always Ready
The two men stepped out from backstage, only to be met by a wall of reporters blocking their path.
"Mr. Tony, during the hearing you claimed that no one would be able to develop an Iron Man suit within twenty years. What's your take now that Whiplash has appeared?"
Tony replied casually,
"Ivan's father was one of the original co-creators of the Arc Reactor. I'm not surprised that he was able to miniaturize it."
"This is the continuation of a legacy — a son following in his father's footsteps."
"But as for other companies, like Hammer Industries… even after twenty years, they still won't have a shred of hope."
Hearing Tony publicly speak in his family's defense, Ivan Vanko felt even more certain that he'd chosen the right path.
Then a reporter thrust a microphone toward him.
"Mr. Ivan Vanko, are you ready to become a superhero?"
Ivan adjusted his suit and replied,
"I believe everyone carries the dream of becoming a superhero in their hearts. For me, I've been deeply inspired by the actions of Mr. Smith Dole and Mr. Tony Stark. The moment I finished my Whiplash armor, I contacted Mr. Smith."
"It's an honor that he invested in me and supported me in becoming a superhero."
"You ask if I'm ready? I want to tell you — I'm always ready."
"And it's not just me. Everyone who dreams of being a superhero is always ready."
As Ivan's impassioned words echoed, Smith Dole arrived with his entourage. With Happy and John Wick's help, they quickly escorted Tony and Ivan away from the scene.
Meanwhile, far away in Moscow, Anton Vanko watched his son, confident and sharp in his suit before the media. He was pleased — though Tony standing next to him was a bit of an eyesore.
An Assassin's League member beside him spoke up,
"Mr. Anton, the plane is ready. We should leave."
Anton nodded.
"Thank you."
The League members handled Anton's discharge from the hospital and, through their own channels, immediately flew him to New York. Just as Anton boarded the plane, Clober's agents arrived at the hospital — only to find it empty.
…
With the broadcast of both the Morocco car race and the Iron Man vs. Whiplash match, the internet exploded once more. It also launched Vanko Industries into the spotlight — a company similar to Stark Industries, set to enter the clean energy sector rather than the military market.
As for the public's reaction to the appearance of a third superhero — there was both support and opposition. Supporters hoped more superheroes would mean greater safety and more criminals brought to justice. From the news coverage, it was also obvious Ivan Vanko now had strong financial backing.
Records showed Vanko Industries' registered capital was only one billion USD. But with an Arc Reactor, its value would soar quickly. And with its parent company being Capsule Corporation, its financial resources were virtually guaranteed.
From this perspective, Ivan's Whiplash suit could soon become a smaller-scale version of Iron Man — capable of self-upgrading, powerful enough to fight crime, and wealthy enough to cover any collateral damage. Naturally, this made public acceptance easier.
Critics, however, argued that Ivan should first prove himself by using his armor to fight crime — and only then be considered a superhero.
Compared to the noise online, the military's dissatisfaction toward Tony Stark was more direct. Rhodes, from the Air Force's procurement and R&D department, faced pressure from his superiors, who even threatened to confiscate Tony's Iron Man suits. Rhodes argued back, but with little success.
…
Triskelion Headquarters.
Nick Fury studied the files on Ivan and Anton Vanko, frowning.
"How did Ivan Vanko end up working with Smith Dole?"
S.H.I.E.L.D. had long since stopped paying attention to Anton, especially after his return to the Soviet Union where he was sidelined and unused. But now, his son — as brilliant as Tony Stark — had developed a miniaturized Arc Reactor in such a poor environment.
Coulson reported,
"According to our intel, it's connected to John Wick, one of Smith Dole's men."
"We have records of John Wick traveling to Russia over a year ago — likely when contact was made. Since then, the Vanko family's living conditions have improved a lot."
"When Ivan arrived in New York, his first stop was the Assassin's League base, and the one who greeted him was John Wick."
Nick murmured,
"An early investment?"
"Lucky man…"
Then he asked,
"Coulson, what's your take on Smith Dole introducing a third superhero?"
Coulson replied,
"Director, I think Smith Dole is no longer satisfied with the slow progress of the Avengers Initiative. He's already building his own team. Give him three more suitable candidates, and they could form their own 'Justice League'."
Nick considered this. If Smith kept producing new superheroes, the value of the Avengers Initiative would shrink drastically. He finally said,
"Inform them of the chosen site for the Avengers base. See what requirements they have for it. Also, some of Smith's earlier suggestions have been approved."
"As for Ivan Vanko — increase surveillance. I want to know if he makes any new innovations to his suit."
"And Natasha reports that Tony Stark hasn't yet found a replacement element for palladium, but he seems to have found a way to mitigate palladium poisoning. For now, the symptoms are minimal."
Coulson nodded.
"I'll speak with Smith Dole. But dragging out the Avengers Initiative like this isn't a good plan."
Nick rubbed his temples.
"Coulson, you know the ones we have on record — all these enhanced individuals — but do you really think they're suitable for the team?"
As he spoke, Nick tossed a file onto the desk. Inside were profiles of superhumans that S.H.I.E.L.D. had identified or captured.
(End of Chapter)
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