"I have a question."
Hearing the voice behind him, Nick Fury turned to look at Tony Stark, who had stood up, and said, "Go ahead."
Tony's expression was serious. "Nathan Hawke. The Hawke Group. Superheroes. How much do you know about them?"
"Very dangerous," Fury replied curtly, motioning for his team to follow him out.
Inside the armored car, Fury turned to Natasha.
"Natasha, keep an eye on Vanko Tech's activities—and also on Justin Hammer, Nathan Hawke, and Ivan Vanko. I'll have Coulson and Hawkeye on standby to assist you."
As he looked out at the busy city streets, Fury's tone darkened."I can feel a conspiracy brewing—one that's aimed directly at Tony Stark."
Natasha nodded firmly. "Understood."
Elsewhere — Stark's Workshop
"Dad, are you scolding me again?" Tony Stark murmured as he studied the new element hidden within the holographic model. His life had just been extended—no longer did he feel the creeping fear of death.
"Sir, Miss Potts has sent you an email," Jarvis reported.
"Extract the key content."
"Miss Potts accepted a military invitation and wants to know if you plan to attend Vanko Tech's upcoming Iron Legion Press Conference."
"Vanko Tech sent me an email?"
"Yes, sir. But since you previously blacklisted them, it went to your recycle bin. Would you like me to retrieve it?"
"Just get me the key points," Tony replied, still manipulating the holographic display.
"Also," he added, "prepare my travel outfit and the sports car. Send Pepper a message—tell her to come over. She's going with me, not with those military clowns."
"Vanko Tech? The Iron Legion?" Tony scoffed quietly.
Military Testing Grounds
Ivan Vanko arrived with his latest steel armor prototype for testing. The massive facility was packed with high-tech equipment and military personnel.
Dressed in a black lab coat and safety goggles, Ivan radiated calm confidence as he entered. The gathered officers watched him with anticipation.
A senior officer stepped forward, sharp-eyed and direct."Vanko, can this armor really meet our standards? We need full assurance of stability and reliability."
Ivan smiled confidently."Sir, I can guarantee it. This is my finest work—equipped with a powerful propulsion system and cutting-edge weaponry. It will dominate any battlefield."
The officer nodded. "Proceed with the demonstration."
Vanko stepped into the center of the test field, placed the helmet on, and powered up the armor. The machine roared to life, drawing gasps from the spectators.
"Now," Vanko announced, "I'll demonstrate its mobility and firepower."
The armor lifted off the ground smoothly, hovering with precision. Twin rocket thrusters flared as it shot across the testing zone, followed by a sharp descent.
Raising one arm, the palm-mounted rotary cannon whirred to life. Ivan fired. Bullets streamed forth like fiery serpents, ripping through targets and reducing them to ash.
Next, he activated the missile launcher on his other arm. Locking onto multiple moving targets, he launched a barrage—missiles streaked through the air, exploding in thunderous succession.
The battlefield erupted in smoke and flames. When it cleared, nothing remained but twisted wreckage.
As the demonstration ended, the armor landed smoothly. Ivan stepped out, facing the cheering officers.
"Remarkable," said one senior commander, nodding in approval. "This armor exceeds our expectations. It will serve our forces well."
Vanko smiled modestly. "Thank you, sir. I believe this will give our army an incredible advantage in protecting our nation."
Applause thundered through the testing site.
That day, Vanko Tech secured a $50 billion pre-order from a defense contractor known as Iron Army Industries.
But as he walked away, Ivan sneered."Idiots. They bought scrap metal. The true Eisenach Legion I'm building will be the end of the Stark legacy."
At Hawke Group Headquarters
"You're saying you can't reach Justin Hammer?" Nathan Hawke asked, glancing at his secretary.
"Yes, sir. According to his assistant, he left for a military facility on personal business."
"Alright, that'll be all." Hawke waved her off, then leaned back in thought.
"So… Ivan Vanko has started moving. I wonder what his little conspiracy is this time."A faint, intrigued smile crept across his face.
Press Conference – Vanko Tech Headquarters
The event took place in a massive, glass-walled auditorium. The Vanko Tech logo glowed on the screen as reporters and investors filled the seats, buzzing with anticipation.
When the lights dimmed, a spotlight hit the stage.Ivan Vanko, dressed sharply in black, stepped forward with a confident grin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. It is my great honor to unveil Vanko Tech's latest innovation—The Iron Legion!"
The audience erupted in applause.
Behind him, holograms displayed sleek metal suits glowing with blue energy. Each one looked both elegant and menacing.
"These armored units are the future defenders of peace," Ivan continued passionately. "They are not mere machines—they are the perfect fusion of technology and vision!"
The display transitioned to live combat footage. Multiple armor models appeared—some built for heavy assault, others for stealth and speed. The crowd roared with excitement.
"The Iron Legion will safeguard humanity," Vanko declared. "They will change the nature of warfare—and usher in a new era of strength and security!"
The room thundered with cheers and camera flashes.
As the conference drew to a close, Ivan raised his arms triumphantly."Thank you all for believing in the future—because the future belongs to us!"
The audience rose to their feet, applauding wildly. The Iron Legion had taken the world by storm.
Backstage – Among the Guests
"Tony, what do you think?" Rhodey asked, nudging him. "My military buddies say a general already put down fifty billion as a deposit."
Tony shrugged. "Meh."
"Really?" Rhodey frowned.
"Of course. My armor could crush that junk in seconds," Tony said smugly.
Rhodey sighed. "I mean—don't you see any advantages to their design?"
Tony tilted his head, pretending to think. "Advantages? Hmm… cheaper?"
Rhodey groaned.
Tony smirked. "Come on, I already gave you a suit, remember? My Iron Man armor is leagues ahead of that tin can parade."
Rhodey chuckled softly, choosing not to argue. Deep down, though, he knew Tony wasn't entirely wrong—Stark Tech was still far beyond anything the military could reproduce.
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