While fending off the combined assault of Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, Tony calmly strategized for a way out.
Various tactics flashed through his mind. He knew that if this continued, he wouldn't just fail to secure Bucky's body—he might end up dead here.
Though he estimated Nick Fury wouldn't do anything severe to him, the cost would likely be substantial. This was not a price Tony was willing to pay.
Beneath his helmet, Tony addressed his AI, Jarvis: "Jarvis, report on the suit's status, remaining energy, and analyze the weaknesses of these three."
No sooner had he spoken than a cold arrow whizzed past him. He dodged just in time.
Though Hawkeye's arrow missed, it sharpened Tony's awareness of his dire situation.
About five seconds later, Jarvis's mechanical voice replied: "Sir, the suit's right leg is damaged, and energy levels are below 20%. A single strong impact will prevent further flight."
"Based on the current data, the probability of our victory is less than 1%. If we retreat now, the success rate is 50%. Sir, I advise you to escape immediately."
Hearing Jarvis's analysis, Tony's brow furrowed, his heart filled with frustration and confusion.
His eyes widened as if trying to pierce through the virtual interface before him. "Jarvis, are you certain there's no other option? Do we really have no other choice?"
He had to find a way to break through this deadlock.
He couldn't return in such disgrace. He hadn't retrieved Bucky's body yet. If he came back later, Bucky might already be buried or cremated to ashes.
If Bucky were merely buried, Tony might still have a chance to dig him up. But he suspected S.H.I.E.L.D. would handle it with utmost secrecy.
If S.H.I.E.L.D. cremated Bucky's body, how could Tony present the corpse to his parents for a final act of filial respect?
Would he have to scatter Bucky's ashes while explaining to his parents that the culprit who harmed their son had been cremated because of Tony's own inadequacy?
Jarvis remained silent for a few seconds, then replied, "Sir, there is one method that guarantees a 100% success rate."
Hearing this, Tony's heart couldn't help but leap with joy.
He eagerly pressed: "Jarvis, tell me quickly—what's the method?" But then his brow furrowed, his mind filled with confusion and doubt.
*What kind of method could have such a high success rate?* he wondered silently.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, as if he had suddenly remembered something.
His eyes widened as he stared at Jarvis and asked, "Jarvis, are you saying..."
Jarvis didn't answer this time.
Tony only heard: "Connecting you to Chen Ye's number."
*Ring... ring... ring...*
Seeing that it was indeed Chen Ye's number, Tony hastily ordered Jarvis: "Hang up immediately, Jarvis!"
He knew Chen Ye's capabilities, and he was certain that if he asked for help, Chen Ye would undoubtedly come to his aid.
But Tony's pride wouldn't allow him to ask for Chen Ye's help. This time, he wanted to prove his own strength to comfort his parents.
Chen Ye had already revealed the truth and even helped him kill his father's murderer. Yet now, he couldn't even secure Bucky's body and still needed help.
His pride wouldn't allow him to do that.
Since Artificial Intelligence couldn't help, he would have to find a way himself.
Tony didn't consult Jarvis, instead focusing all his attention on battling Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow.
Despite using all his skills and strength, he struggled to withstand the combined assault of the three Avengers.
His Iron Man Armor proved increasingly inadequate against their onslaught. As time passed, the armor became increasingly battered, with visible damage appearing in multiple places.
Jarvis's warning blared in his ear: "Warning, warning, armor sustaining widespread damage. Energy at less than 1%." The cold, urgent voice jolted Tony awake.
His body gave out completely, and he collapsed to the ground.
Panting, he cursed under his breath. It seemed he was destined to fail here.
Seeing Iron Man on the verge of defeat, Agent Coulson immediately began flattering Director Fury: "It seems even our Iron Man is no match for the Avengers' combined attack."
Director Fury, thoroughly enjoying the praise, nodded in satisfaction.
This was his first time witnessing the Avengers in action. Just three of them had subdued Tony, filling him with confidence in the team's capabilities.
If the entire Avengers were deployed, he believed they could handle anyone. The threat of Chen Ye, which had previously worried him, now seemed insignificant.
He no longer feared Chen Ye causing trouble; instead, he eagerly anticipated it. This would give him the perfect excuse to deploy the Avengers to eliminate the "unstable element." He couldn't wait to see Chen Ye helpless, begging for mercy as he was locked away.
Despite his inner satisfaction, Black Nick Fury maintained a serious demeanor. "Their coordination isn't perfect yet. They need more training."
Seeing that the situation was under control, Black Nick Fury instructed Agent Coulson, "Take Tony to get treated for his injuries. Make sure to keep the footage of this fight—if the military tries to mock us, we'll show them this."
With that, Black Nick Fury prepared to leave.
Tony had already given up resisting.
He wasn't worried about how S.H.I.E.L.D. would treat him. Once captured, he planned to negotiate with Nick Fury, willing to pay a higher price if necessary.
Still, Tony felt deeply frustrated.
Captain America, having put away his shield, slowly approached the fallen Tony, his gaze complex as he looked down at the man. "It seems you won't be taking Bucky's body after all," he said.
Hearing this, Tony's composure shattered. His right hand weakly pounded the ground, and tears streamed down his face.
He hated his own helplessness, his lack of strength. He knew his father's killer lay within—a corpse—yet he couldn't claim it.
Just as Hawkeye and the agents were preparing to escort Tony away, a strange ripple suddenly vibrated through the air.
A golden circle materialized out of nowhere before the fallen Tony, like a portal torn from another dimension.
This sudden development made Hawkeye and the agents freeze, their eyes narrowing as they cautiously eyed the golden circle.
Then, they witnessed a scene that left them stunned:
A figure slowly emerged from the golden circle.
He wore casual clothes, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, as if everything were under his control.
"This is impossible... Is this magic?" an agent exclaimed in disbelief.
Hawkeye and Natasha exchanged glances as they recognized the figure emerging. Shock and a hint of helplessness flashed in their eyes—they clearly knew this man.
*Trouble's here!*
It was Chen Ye.
Chen Ye looked down at Tony, who lay sprawled on the ground, and teased, "Well, well, isn't this our playboy Tony? What are you doing on the floor? Is it more comfortable down there?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Tony's eyes widened. He struggled to sit up.
Seeing Chen Ye, Tony let out a breath of relief. With Chen Ye here, he knew he was safe.
A wave of shame washed over him—he'd once again had to rely on Chen Ye. *I must work harder to improve my suit when I get back,* he resolved.
A question lingered in his mind: *How did Chen Ye know I was here? Who tipped him off?*
"What are you doing here?" Tony finally managed to ask.
-----------------------
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