Inside the cave, Tony Stark was shirtless, sweating profusely as he swung a hammer, striking a humanoid armor made of scrap metal.
The miniature Arc Reactor on his chest emitted a faint blue light, illuminating his oil-stained yet still handsome face.
"Ethan, let me tell you, this is definitely the greatest invention of my life!" he boasted, smashing the armor and spitting everywhere.
Dr. Ethan smiled and handed him a bottle of water.
"You've mentioned 'greatest invention' at least fifteen times this morning."
"That's because I have a new one every day." Tony drank confidently, then wiped his mouth, a hint of worry flickering in his eyes.
"Honestly, I don't know what's happening with Pepper and Henry. Pepper must be terribly worried. And that brat Henry—I swear, without me watching, he's probably partying with some third-rate celebrity again, maybe even forgotten I'm missing."
"You mention Henry a lot," Ethan observed with a smile.
"I can tell you care about him deeply."
"Care? Me?"
Tony, like a cat whose tail was stepped on, snapped, "You're kidding. I'm just afraid he'll crash my sports car. That guy's full of flaws—sharp-tongued, troublemaker, always stealing my spotlight.
Most importantly, he's not as smart as me. But I admit, he's talented."
As they chatted, something strange happened.
"Boom!"
A loud bang shook the whole cave, gravel and dust falling.
Before they could react, a powerful force tore a huge hole in the cave ceiling!
A blazing golden sunlight beam poured through, dispelling the darkness.
Tony and Ethan raised their hands instinctively to shield their eyes.
"What is this? Did those guys even call the demolition crew?" Tony grumbled.
Amidst flying dust and light, a figure hovered in the beam.
Dressed in pure black, close-fitting armor that absorbed all light, his silhouette was smooth and powerful, perfectly outlining his tall frame.
Behind him, a black cloak fluttered in the breeze coming through the hole.
The sunlight gave him a golden halo, making him look like a mythic god—mysterious, powerful, oppressive.
The scene resembled the opening of an epic sci-fi film.
"Wow."
Tony watched and couldn't help but complain, "What a showy entrance. Hey, buddy, wrong set! The Star Wars crew's over east."
The black-clad figure ignored his jabs and floated quietly.
Then a mocking voice rang out:
"Tony, it's only been a few days, and you look like a scrap yard owner? And that outfit—tsk tsk, your taste hasn't improved."
Tony froze, eyes wide with disbelief.
As the young, handsome face revealed itself, Tony was stunned.
"Hen… Henry?"
"What else? Think Santa Claus brought you an early present?" Henry approached, scrutinized Tony with disgust, then pinched his nose and fanned the air.
"Damn, how long since you showered? You smell like a bio-weapon."
"Why are you here? That outfit—is this Batman cosplay? Black capes are outdated. The latest trend is…"
Tony snapped out of it and launched into rapid-fire complaints to mask his shock and excitement.
Henry didn't argue but stepped forward and hugged Tony tightly.
Tony stiffened, then embraced his brother just as tightly.
"I'm so glad you're okay," he said almost quietly.
"Of course. I'm Stark." Henry patted Tony's back, then quickly pulled away with a disgusted look.
"Alright, alright, let go. That motor oil smell is killing me."
He picked up a silver briefcase from the ground and tossed it to Tony.
"Your toy. Looks like you need it now."
Tony's eyes lit up as he smiled, hugging the suitcase like a child with a beloved toy, then turned to Ethan.
"Ethan! See? Now we can escape—in style!"
"Those guys should be here soon," Henry reminded.
"Ready for them?"
"Of course!" Tony's eyes flashed with confidence and revenge.
"Let's show them what happens when they mess with Stark!"
He stepped on the suitcase, which quickly unfolded.
Golden-red Mark II armor automatically assembled piece by piece.
The clashing of metal echoed in the cave—a perfect prelude to war.
As the last piece clicked into place, the visor fell, hiding Tony's oil-stained face behind cold metal.
He moved his limbs, savoring the familiar power from the armor, his Arc Reactor glowing brighter.
"Feels great!" His voice came through the suit's speakers.
He turned to Henry, sitting relaxed, and frowned beneath the visor.
"Wait, something's off." Tony circled Henry twice, stretching metal fingers to poke the black armor covering him.
"Stylish, but nothing special. No thrusters, no flamethrowers. How'd you fly down? Anti-gravity tech? When did you make that? And why didn't you tell me?"
"Oh, that." Henry stretched lazily, his bones crackling.
"Just an unexpected body transformation. Hydra's food is awful, but their supplements are effective. We'll discuss it over champagne when we're home. Right now, we have guests."
He gestured toward the heavy steel door of the cave.