There was no doubt—it was an internal American power struggle, a coup within the country. Everyone's expressions grew serious, yet they continued watching.
Colonel Rhodes spoke up: "Oh my god!"
He glanced at the screen, then quickly ducked back, exclaiming, "He's hanging above an oil tank—they're going to burn him alive!"
"Viking-style funeral! Public execution!" Tony Stark immediately added, as if he were beginning to understand what they were planning.
"Yes, burning him with oil!"
War Machine nodded in confirmation.
The cruise ship's broadcast system began to play.
"The live transmission will begin shortly. Everyone, take your positions!"
In the control room, Killian, beaming with pride, looked at the broadcast feed showing the President and said with satisfaction, "Good. Now, switch cameras A through E and run a full rehearsal!"
Everything was set: the stage was ready, the actors were prepared, all that was left was to put on a grand show.
The whole of America would go wild when this happened—but that was aimed at Sir Mandar, what did it have to do with Killian?
On the contrary, in order to exact revenge on Sir Mandar, wouldn't that mean more business for him?Wouldn't his company's orders be rolling in nonstop?
Perfect.
And on top of that, he could get back at Tony Stark, that damn arrogant fool.
You proud, conceited man—do you regret it now?Regret leaving me out on the rooftop all night in the wind?
"J.A.R.V.I.S., can you try to find any information about him online?" Tony asked tentatively.
He felt like he recognized the man but couldn't place him.
It was just a probing question, but soon, J.A.R.V.I.S. returned an answer.
They had actually found this man's identity online.
"Killian, Ph.D. in genetics, currently CEO of a biopharmaceutical company," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported. "This company mainly researches limb regeneration, similar to the project Dr. Connors worked on with Lin Feng's investment."
More data was immediately projected in front of everyone.
As Killian's information unfolded, Tony suddenly remembered who this man was. Long ago, someone had tried to get him to invest—but back then, Tony was surrounded by a harem of women and paid little attention.
So he had stood them up, leaving them waiting on a rooftop.
Tony had seen this happen many times—so many people wanted his investment—but one of them had actually become a major threat?
Could this be the consequence of his past arrogance?
"You know him?" Nick Fury noticed Tony's expression.
Tony explained the situation briefly, leaving everyone speechless.
They had already seen Tony's arrogance firsthand. When not personally involved, he always acted superior.
Yet if you looked deeper, Tony's pride wasn't really about being a bad person—it was the habit of a spoiled rich kid.
There were many like him in America. The so-called refined, educated, hardworking heirs were mostly fantasy. Most rich kids were brats with bad attitudes.
But to reach Tony's level of achievement, with that talent and without becoming a complete wastrel—that was rare.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Tony forced a smile. A bit awkward, yes.
He was arrogant and often impolite, but he was not unaware of his behavior. He knew many people disliked him—but his pride made him unwilling to change. Back then, he was just a simple, ordinary capitalist heir, without such awareness.
In America, money could indeed make one feel invincible.
Now he realized his mistake—one careless act had produced a supervillain.
"Honestly, Tony, your talent for offending people with your sharp tongue is far greater than your talent for science. That's really your primary skill," Natasha Romanoff teased.
Tony wanted to argue but couldn't—she made a good point.
He had clearly offended many people. But then he saw the screen: he and Colonel Rhodes were comparing gun skills, and he hadn't hit a single shot. Instantly, he felt embarrassed.
He wasn't a professional, had no formal training, but still—it stung. He would have to hire a shooting coach to improve.
Meanwhile, on the screen, their movements attracted the attention of the Absolutes soldiers. These soldiers glowed red and radiated a terrifying aura—it was clear they were no ordinary humans.
Oh god, I really need some weapons! Tony thought. I don't think I can handle even one of these soldiers.
"Yes, we need reinforcements!" Tony nodded.
"Definitely, a lot of reinforcements!" War Machine agreed—but soon, he realized backup had arrived.
"Guess what?" Tony's mood lifted as he saw lights in the distant sky, accompanied by a deafening whoosh.
"All of those?" War Machine said incredulously. He had no idea Tony had built so many suits.
"Yes!" Tony confirmed.
Dozens of suits flew in formation, their appearance in midair astonishing.
The sight didn't just shock War Machine and Rhodes on the screen—it stunned everyone watching outside. These suits were far superior to Tony's previous mass-produced robot armies; they weren't even in the same class.
Those were standard products, but these were clearly custom-made. Each was expensive. For Tony, this fulfilled a long-held plan—truly impressive.
"Merry Christmas, gentlemen!"
Tony was finally returning to being Iron Man.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., target the heat sources of the 'Ultimate Modified' units!" Tony ordered. "Eliminate all of them!"
"Yes, sir!"
Immediately, the battlefield erupted. One suit after another engaged the Absolutes soldiers, and the air above the massive tanker became a chaotic warzone.
"Is this your hobby?" Colonel Rhodes gaped at the sheer number of Mark suits. "This is insane! How much money would this even cost?"
"Everyone needs a hobby, don't they?" Tony smiled faintly, radiating authority.
For those watching outside, it became clear why this scene was one of Tony Stark's iconic show-off moments.
Yet they were even more astonished: the soldiers could fight Tony's suits blow for blow. Each suit was expensive and highly powerful—capable of wiping out a special forces team alone.
But these soldiers held their ground. It completely overturned everyone's expectations.
"These soldiers… are not normal," Steve Rogers said.
Though he was strong from the Super Soldier Serum, there was only one version. But these soldiers looked mass-produced.
It was obvious to anyone that they had undergone some kind of modification—their bodies radiated red light.
"What's the principle here?" Tony asked, studying the Absolutes soldiers.
He recalled Killian mentioning viruses and modifications—but at the time, Tony's mind had been filled with women, not details. Now, only fragments remained.
It was clear the project had succeeded—a project Tony had once thought impossible. He had been proven wrong.
But something didn't add up—why kidnap the U.S. President?
It didn't make sense. If Dr. Killian could mass-produce the Absolutes virus, there was no need for such a risky move. The project alone could have made him a prominent figure in global capital.
Yet he chose this dangerous path—it was illogical.
"Unless the modifications have side effects that prevent the product from being released through normal channels," Tony mused.
Based on his knowledge of the capital world, if this could be widely marketed, Killian's personal fortune could soar into the tens of billions—maybe even trillions. He wouldn't need to risk illegal schemes.
"Side effects—either it's too expensive to market, or the success rate is limited, maybe even fatal. Only those two possibilities," Nick Fury guessed. Having experience with S.H.I.E.L.D. human modifications, he was familiar with the dangers, including his own anti-aging serum.
Tony nodded. "Yes. Either way, this modification is a viable path."
Just because Killian couldn't achieve it doesn't mean Tony couldn't.
Killian lacked money; Tony didn't.
Killian might lack the skill to perfect the concept; Tony had the intellect.
This project… it could work!
-----------------------
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