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"Start a company? I'm not so sure about that…"
Caught completely off guard, Dr. Otto Octavius instinctively started to refuse.
After all, he'd spent most of his life chasing his scientific dreams, not learning how to run a business.And this wasn't just any business—it would be backed by Superman.
"Don't underestimate yourself, Dr. Otto. I truly believe you have what it takes to be a great leader."
Peter, of course, had no intention of managing a company himself—it was way too much hassle.
Still, looking around, there really wasn't anyone better for the job.
Dr. Pym was getting older—and even his own company was on the verge of being stolen from him.Reed was brilliant, sure, but definitely not the management type.
Only Dr. Otto seemed like a solid choice. He might not have any business experience in this universe,but in another universe, as the Superior Spider-Man, he'd founded Parker Industries and become one of the richest men on Earth.
So Peter figured this universe's Doc Ock might just have the same knack.
"…Alright, Mr. Superman. Thank you for trusting me."
Otto was deeply grateful to Peter. It was because of him that Otto had the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream—in front of the entire world, no less.
He no longer felt the urge to say no, though there was still a trace of worry on his face.
"But, Mr. Superman, if we're really going to start a company… we'll need a serious amount of startup capital…"
"Don't worry about that. The money's taken care of."
Peter turned his gaze toward Princess Shuri… then slowly looked away.
"I just saved someone big and important. I'm pretty sure he'll be more than happy to cough up a couple billion as a thank-you gift."
Peter's lips curled into a confident, "I've got this all under control" smile.
Meanwhile, Tony, after making sure the scene was handled, had already flown back to his own villa.
But with something this big happening, it wasn't going to just blow over easily.
Agent Coulson, a senior SHIELD operative who had been keeping a close eye on Tony's moves, immediately got the news. He showed up at Tony's villa along with Tony's secretary, Pepper Potts.
"Mr. Stark, I want to know exactly what happened just now. And what's with the gear you're wearing?"
"Only then can the Department of Homeland Strategic Defense and Logistics step in and fully sort out this mess," Coulson said.
The fight between Tony and Obadiah had happened right in the middle of a busy downtown street.
Even though the appearance of the monster caused many people to run in panic,
some had seen, or even filmed, Tony in his armor suit.
So, to avoid exposure in the public eye, Tony had no choice but to cooperate with SHIELD and get rid of any risks afterward.
"Sorry, I've told you everything I know. As for the gear on me, that's not something your so-called Homeland... Defense Bureau can get involved in. Damn, your agency's name is really a mouthful."
"Ah-choo!"
"Fuck, who the hell's been keeping an eye on me from behind?"
Tony, sitting casually on the sofa and telling Coulson everything, suddenly sneezed.
"Anyway, I hope you can handle everything like you promised."
He slowly lifted his glass, took a sip, and tried to push down a strange chill creeping into his chest for no apparent reason.
"Mr. Stark, understood. I'll report to my superiors now."
Seeing there was nothing more to squeeze out of Tony, Coulson stood up and prepared to leave.
"Oh, and Mr. Stark, we've already sent people to handle all info that might expose your identity tonight. You'll probably need to hold a press conference tomorrow to announce your alibi."
Before leaving, Coulson reminded Tony.
"Hah, these guys—just like government officials, full of lies."
"I was clearly there tonight…"
Watching Coulson walk away, Tony's mouth twitched with a hint of sarcasm.
"Tony, tonight was really dangerous. Luckily, Superman was here…"
Pepper looked at Tony with worry in her eyes, relieved as she said.
"Don't worry, Pep, even if that guy wasn't there, I wouldn't have gotten hurt."
"After all, the armor I developed isn't paper-thin!"
Tony noticed Pepper's concern and felt a warmth inside, but still acted a little cocky, insisting he could beat Obadiah just like Peter could.
"By the way, about Obadiah, get an investigation team set up ASAP."
Though Obadiah was dead, he'd left a huge mess behind.
Starting tomorrow, there'd probably be some turmoil inside Stark Industries.
"But that's fine, Pep. I'll use this chaos to buy back the company's shares. After this, I can't hand the company over to anyone else."
After everything with Obadiah, Tony seemed to trust no one and planned to fully control the company himself.
"You're the boss, whatever you say, I'll do."
At that moment, Pepper went back to her strong, independent woman mode.
"But about tomorrow's press conference…"
"Don't worry, I'll be there myself."
Tony stood up from the sofa and headed toward the basement as he replied.
"Last night, New York City was hit by two terrifying incidents. Two monsters attacked the city, but thankfully Superman and another mysterious figure clad in unknown metal armor were there, saving innocent people."
"Some sources say the monster that suddenly appeared was actually Obadiah Stane, Vice President of Stark Industries, and that the mysterious man was the famous billionaire Tony Stark…"
"Spider-Man, the true hero protecting New Yorkers second only to the great Superman…"
"The military reported a military base in the uninhabited desert was destroyed due to a trainee's mishandling. Fortunately, no casualties. The military is investigating…"
By early morning the next day, all of New York was buzzing.
In less than a month, New York was attacked by terrifying monsters again.
And this time, two appeared.
One in the city, one in the suburbs.
But the damage caused by the suburban monster was even worse than that in the city.
If Spider-Man hadn't shown up to save all the passengers on a whole train, this might've been the worst disaster in New York's history.
This time, the media finally cleared Spider-Man's name, calling him the most popular hero after Superman.
Even the usually critical Daily Bugle didn't smear Spider-Man this time—they reported it straight.
Of course, these news stories only grabbed the attention of regular citizens.
More media outlets were all focused on the upcoming Stark Industries press conference.
At the conference, nearly every major New York media outlet had gathered, waiting for Tony Stark, CEO of Stark Industries, to step on stage and clarify last night's events.
Backstage, Pepper and Coulson were going over Tony's speech with him.
"Mr. Stark, just stick to the script. We've settled all the issues."
Coulson said calmly.
"Huh? I was on a deserted island vacation last night? You guys sure can spin a story…"
Tony glanced at the paper in his hand, feeling a little speechless, muttering, "Iron Man? That name's not bad…"
Soon, Tony put on makeup and slowly walked out onto the stage.
"Mr. Stark, some say the mysterious man last night was you. What do you have to say about that?"
As soon as Tony stepped up, the whole room erupted into chaos.
"Everyone, quiet down. About last night, and those calling me a superhero…"
"No one's calling you a superhero!"
A tall female reporter interrupted bluntly.
"Ahem, well actually…"
"I am—Iron Man!"
Tony's eyes grew steady and determined as he declared without hesitation.
"Wow!"
The room fell into stunned silence. Every reporter stood up.
"That's right, he's Iron Man."
Suddenly—
A voice thundered from above. Superman appeared in the sky right over the press conference!
"....."