Tony's condition was apparent from the moment everyone saw him, something was wrong. In the earlier clips, Jarvis had reported that Tony hadn't rested for seventy-two hours, and that revelation made countless people uneasy.
For the citizens of the Federation, Tony wasn't just a hero; he was a symbol of hope, a man who would sacrifice everything for others. No one wanted to see their hero in pain.
The livestream's comment section was overflowing with anxious voices. After watching the new footage, their worry deepened even further.
"Damn terrorists, never stop causing trouble."
"Why can't they just be decent human beings for once?"
"Damn it! Tony just saved the world from the Chitauri invasion, and now this? Can't they give him a break?"
"It's infuriating! These people deserve to pay!"
"I hope Tony doesn't have to face this pain again. Their strength seems overwhelming, he might not make it alone."
"Where's Captain Rogers? What about the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Don't tell me they're all gone!"
"Looks like Tony's on his own. Didn't they all say the others went far away?"
As the outrage of countless viewers erupted, the flickering screen sharpened into clarity.
[ Snowflakes danced across the TV before a voice spoke: "The signal has been restored. Let's review the recent terrorist incidents." ]
[ The news flashed through chaotic scenes and fractured images, "All official channels have been hijacked. The nation has entered emergency combat readiness. Multiple failed attempts have been made to capture the so-called Black-Robed Master. Parliament has activated its latest military resources to respond." ]
[ On-screen, a man cloaked in black delivered a chilling threat. ]
[ The President appeared, announcing, "This is the Colonel I know, Sir Rhodey, soon to become the Iron Patriot." ]
[ In the corner, Rhodey piloted a suit Tony had once worn, now repainted in blue and red. ]
[ A reporter added, "The President has reintroduced the man formerly known as War Machine, now repainted as Iron Patriot." ]
[ The broadcast cut to a talk show. The host smirked: "Same suit, new colors, red, white, and blue. Subtle, huh?" ]
"Ugh, this news doesn't sit right."
"That terrorist's influence must be huge!"
"This is bad, Tony's definitely going to step in."
"Those smirking hosts, are they trying to side with terrorists or what?"
"This whole thing feels wrong."
Inside the Administration's office, Johan's brows furrowed as he studied the footage, his expression darkening.
"During Terra's Earth Era," he muttered coldly, "technology was advanced, yet they tore themselves apart from within. Infuriating."
"They had just survived an alien invasion, and now they turn on each other? It's beyond comprehension."
Humanities scholar Kaede leaned back and gave a cynical laugh. "That's humanity for you, greed wrapped in arrogance. Some lose the capacity to think, chasing nothing but chaos and revenge."
The watchers shared his anger. The difference between that fractured age and the present Federation was staggering.
At the command desk, the director worked rapidly, editing the section about the Mark 42 while complying with the Council's instructions. Once the revisions were complete, he sent them to Elder Gladwin. These real-time updates were vital to the Council's analysis.
The director exhaled heavily. "There's an old saying from the Terra Federation," he murmured. "People never understand pain until it stands before them. I doubt they'd truly grasp fear unless a Chitauri monster appeared right in their faces."
Everyone nodded grimly. It was one of humanity's most stubborn flaws.
The feed changed again, showing Tony and Rhodey sitting together.
"Wait," someone said. "Isn't this the footage from before Tony rushed out?"
The director nodded. "Yes. Let's see what happened next."
[ Rhodey and Tony sat at a small round table, sharing a meal. ]
[ Tony glanced at the television as Rhodey said, "Market research results are good." ]
[ Tony replied dryly, "Good?" ]
[ "The name War Machine sounded too violent," Rhodey said. "Iron Patriot feels friendlier." ]
[ Tony raised an eyebrow. "What's with this Black-Robed Master?" ]
[ Rhodey, mid-drink, nearly choked. ]
[ Tony removed his glasses. "Seriously, tell me about this guy." ]
[ Rhodey sighed, then gave in. "There were nine explosions." ]
[ Tony frowned. "Nine? Only three were made public." ]
[ "Exactly," Rhodey said. "No detonators, no bomb traces, nothing." ]
[ Tony smirked. "You know I can help. Just ask nicely." ]
[ He leaned back, his usual pride returning. "I've got the tech. Navigation suits, aerial control systems, and a new device that can contain explosions mid-air." ]
"Haha, classic Tony, still too proud."
"Rhodey's wearing Tony's armor, and he's still the one boasting!"
"Some of you forget Tony let him use it!"
"Those two are basically brothers."
"The suit's tied to Jarvis, Rhodey couldn't use it without Tony's permission."
"Nine explosions and no devices left behind? That's suspicious."
"Tony's going to dig into this, isn't he?"
"He's turning into a detective-scientist! Love it!"
"No one else thinks he's overexerting himself?"
"He's bragging nonstop now!"
"He's still our Tony, but he really needs rest."
[ Rhodey frowned. "You haven't slept in ages." ]
[ Tony replied, "Einstein only slept three hours a year. Look what he accomplished." ]
[ "People are worried about you," Rhodey said softly. "So am I." ]
[ Tony shrugged. "I'm not here for sympathy." ]
[ Two kids approached, holding sketches. "Can you sign my painting?" ]
[ Tony smiled faintly. "As long as Rhodey doesn't mind." ]
[ "No problem," Rhodey said with a grin. ]
[ The drawing showed Tony's suit soaring through the sky. ]
[ Tony asked, "What's your name?" ]
[ "Aylin." ]
[ Tony smirked at the boy. "I liked your Christmas story." ]
[ Rhodey lowered his voice. "The Pentagon's in chaos. After the Chitauri battle, they need to reassert their power." ]
[ Tony interjected, "That's not a superhero's job." ]
[ Rhodey shook his head. "No, it's everyone's responsibility." ]
[ Tony's body suddenly stiffened. Veins bulged along his neck. ]
[ "Tony? What's wrong?" Rhodey asked, alarmed. ]
[ Tony clutched his head. "I broke his crayon…" he whispered weakly. ]
[ "Are you all right, Mr. Stark?" Aylin asked softly. ]
[ Rhodey reached out. "Relax, Tony." ]
"Something's seriously wrong with him!"
"He's Iron Man! How can this happen?"
"Rhodey, take him to the hospital already!"
"The officials just want to show off, they're shameless!"
"Nine explosions hidden from the public, for image? Pathetic!"
Inside the Administration's training ground, Kasey's fist came crashing down on a tablet, shattering it.
Burton sighed. "Brother, that tablet wasn't ours, I borrowed it from the office."
Kasey's glare was ice-cold. "Those people are useless. Lying to their people again and again!"
The battery sparked and popped. Elenora and the others nearby looked equally furious.
Aldice slammed his fist into his palm. "Officials back then were despicable. They even launched nukes without confirmation!"
"If Tony hadn't been there, millions would've died!"
"The Chitauri War was already humiliating, and they still had the nerve to act righteous."
Kasey sneered. "Typical hypocrites, polished on the outside, rotten within."
Burton retrieved another tablet and resumed the stream.
[ Tony's pupils trembled. His breathing turned erratic. ]
[ A boy asked softly, "How did you escape that portal?" ]
[ Tony staggered, knocking bottles off the table as stunned guests stared. ]
[ Rhodey asked, "Tony, what did he say?" ]
[ On the table, Tony hadn't signed his name, just the words: Aylin, save me. ]
[ Tony stumbled away, dazed and disoriented, "Sorry, I need to check the suit…" ]
[ He reached the roadside. The Mark 7's back opened, and Tony climbed in weakly. Half-kneeling, the HUD flickered to life. ]
[ "Check my heart, my brain, is something wrong?" ]
[ "No abnormalities detected," Jarvis replied. ]
[ Tony swallowed. "Am I poisoned?" ]
[ "Diagnosis: severe anxiety disorder." ]
[ Tony froze. "Me? Anxiety?" ]
[ Outside, the crowd watched Iron Man kneeling helplessly on the street. ]
[ Rhodey tapped the helmet gently. "Come on, man. Open up." ]
[ Tony whispered, "Sorry. I have to go." ]
[ The thrusters roared to life, and the Mark 7 shot into the sky. ]