They were all legendary figures, and Peter Parker was instantly intrigued by this mysterious organization he'd never heard of before.
"That's right," Tony Stark said. "This organization is a special unit created to handle extraordinary events. It's an independent force not under the command of any government or individual."
"And you?" Peter looked at Tony with admiration in his eyes.
"They approached me. Due to some internal issues within S.H.I.E.L.D., Director Nick Fury wants me to form a team, the Avengers." Tony exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze drifting off, as if he were imagining a future battle against a certain purple-skinned titan.
"What about me?" Peter asked, eyes still fixed on him.
An idol was an idol. If even someone like Tony Stark had been asked to lead such a group, that meant he was even more formidable than Peter had imagined.
"That's why I came to find you," Tony said, flicking the ash from his cigarette. "I want you to be the first member of this alliance. So, are you....?"
"I'm in!" Peter jumped up before Tony could even finish his sentence.
"But this organization has certain requirements. You need more than just special abilities," Tony said, smiling slightly.
"I've got this!" Peter declared, immediately springing into action. He fired webs and swung across the room like a trained acrobat.
"And this!" He lifted a massive stone weighing more than a hundred pounds with ease.
"And this!" He leapt straight up, reaching the height of a three-story building.
"And this!" He clung to the wall effortlessly like a gecko.
Watching Peter show off nonstop, Tony nearly burst into laughter. Ah, youth—always eager to prove themselves. No wonder he liked the kid.
"Alright, Peter, this team isn't a circus," Tony said, growing serious. "Having powers isn't enough. Every member must meet three critical criteria."
"What are they?" Peter asked eagerly.
"First: follow orders. No questions."
"And the second?"
"Strictly obey the first."
"Huh? What about the third?"
"If you ever have a problem with your superior's instructions, refer to the second rule," Tony replied coolly.
"Can you do that?"
"No problem, sir!" Peter responded with a firm salute.
"Then here's your first mission," Tony said with mock seriousness.
"Always ready!"
"Within one week—win over Mary Jane," Tony said with a mischievous grin.
"Uh… well..." Peter's face crumbled.
"Hmm?"
"Mission will be accomplished!" he declared, standing tall.
The next day in Washington, D.C., at the awards ceremony.
Drums thundered, fireworks cracked overhead, the Stars and Stripes flapped in the wind, and the venue was packed to the brim.
Tony Stark was nearly squeezed under the table by the crowd.
Such was the price of fame.
Especially when you were both wealthy and wildly famous.
Wearing a sharp suit, Tony stood at the front of the crowd, staring up at the rotund senator onstage—the very one who had once insulted him during a Senate hearing.
"Today, I am honored to present this award to Mr. Tony Stark!" the senator announced. His face looked as if he'd swallowed something foul, but he was forced to go on reading the speech.
"Without a doubt, Mr. Stark made outstanding contributions during the sudden incident at Stark Industries. He safeguarded American lives and property. His actions prove that only Stark Industries truly understands how to master Iron Armor technology…"
The speech went on, but Tony found it surprisingly entertaining.
It was probably the first time in his life he had stayed awake through a speech. Back in school, or at corporate events overseas, he'd be dozing off within minutes. All those so-called leaders—nothing but self-important nonsense.
They strutted around onstage acting noble. But behind the scenes? Who knew how many shady deals were taking place?
"Now, for the second one on today's agenda! Let's welcome Senator Lewis to present an award to New York's outstanding citizen—the chairman of Stark Industries—the people's guardian—the superhero Iron Man—Mr. Tony Stark!"
Wow. Didn't realize I was this beloved, Tony thought.
He stepped confidently onto the stage, facing military officials, government leaders, and representatives from top enterprises in both New York and Washington.
Naturally, journalists from The Daily Planet and Global Daily were present as well.
"Thank you, Mr. Stark. Your exceptional actions have earned this recognition," the senator said, pinning the medal to Tony's chest in front of the cameras.
"Haha, the honor's mine," Tony said with a broad grin.
Moments like this, when the people who couldn't stand you still had to smile and clap—were deeply satisfying.
"Mr. Stark, say a few words!" a reporter called out.
Tony leaned forward to get a look at who'd spoken.
Oh? Wasn't that the stunning woman he'd once spent the night with?
Their eyes met. She licked her lips and gave him a flirtatious wink.
Ah, physical investment. Always a solid strategy.
We're not done, sweetheart.
"Yeah, let Mr. Stark speak!"
Reporters loved stirring the pot. They thrived on drama. Political scandals, celebrity disasters—anything that sold papers and boosted ratings.
The host looked awkwardly at the press officer. After a silent nod, the host finally spoke up.
"Please welcome one of America's most celebrated entrepreneurs—Mr. Tony Stark to deliver his acceptance speech!"
Dun dun dun dun...
The music played as Tony walked to the podium.
Thunderous applause followed.
Now that was popularity. That was prestige. That was the voice of the people.
Tony raised both hands, motioning for silence.
"Today, the sun is shining. Today, the stars blaze overhead. And as a citizen of the United States of America, I have a dream!"
"I dream that one day, this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.'"
"I dream that one day, in Queens, New York, the sons of former Black men and the sons of former White men will sit at the same table as brothers."
"I dream that one day, even America—the world's self-appointed police force will learn to mind its own business."
"I dream that one day, there will be peace."
"I dream that one day, our corporations will move beyond internal sabotage and toward mutual trust and cooperation."
"I dream that one day, the valleys will rise, the mountains will fall, the crooked roads will be made straight, and the light of hope will shine across the entire world!"
Tony spoke with fervor and fire.
But the crowd remained completely silent.
(End of Chapter)
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