Chapter 60 60: “I Am Iron Man”
"Looks like this situation has gotten out of control."
Colonel Rhodes sounded helpless.
"Exactly. As far as I know, the hardline faction among mutants hasn't caused trouble for many years.
But this time, because you started capturing mutants without cause,
you forced them out into action again.
You really need to give an explanation for this."
Tony spoke with a hint of schadenfreude, almost as if kicking them while they were down.
"Tony, I'll report this matter. As for the final outcome, I can't guarantee anything.
And we may need confirmation from the peaceful mutant faction you mentioned."
Rhodey didn't waste words.
"No problem. You'd better reach an agreement soon. From what I've heard, the mastermind has already escaped."
Tony added another piece of bad news.
Liberty Island had already been sealed off the previous night.
And yet, no one was found.
If the mastermind could build one such device,
he could build another.
If he wasn't captured soon, the entire world would remain at risk.
That was a scenario no one wanted.
"I understand. I'll go discuss this with them."
Rhodey left without further delay.
Not long after, another visitor entered.
Phil Coulson.
The ever-reliable agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.,
Nick Fury's right-hand man.
He had trusted Fury since the days when Fury was just a low-level agent.
Over the years, Coulson had come to know countless secrets others never would.
"Didn't expect you to show up right after they left. So—what do you want this time?
Your long-named organization… what was it called again?"
This wasn't Tony's first time meeting Coulson.
Ever since Tony was rescued, Coulson had been popping up now and then,
making what Tony considered rather strange requests.
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
Coulson patiently repeated the full name.
"Right… you might want to consider shortening that.
Anyway, what are you here for this time?"
Tony got straight to the point.
"You'll need to hold a press conference—address the media directly.
Your identity and your armor are now the hottest topics online.
I want to know your real stance."
Coulson didn't have much choice.
The events of the previous night had caused too much of a stir.
Rumors—backed by videos and photos—that Tony Stark was Iron Man had spread everywhere.
There was no suppressing it now.
The only option was to guide public opinion.
"My stance? I just handed a very important report to Colonel Rhodes.
The military will release their statement soon.
If you want more detailed information, I can give you a copy as well."
Tony had no intention of hiding anything.
Whether it was the military or this "logistics division,"
it didn't matter.
This had already happened—and it wasn't over yet.
Magneto was still out there somewhere.
Right now, the priority was finding him.
"Fine. I'll take a copy—I need to report back.
Also, when do you plan to hold the press conference?"
Coulson pressed further.
"Tomorrow. I'll have Pepper arrange it."
"So soon? Shouldn't you focus on recovering first?"
Coulson was a bit surprised by the urgency.
"I know my own condition. My armor has excellent shock absorption.
If I didn't want to deal with reporters today, I'd have held it already.
The next day, Stark Industries was swarmed with reporters.
All eyes were fixed on the company.
Because of what had happened at the summit—or rather, because of the videos and photos that confirmed it.
Tony Stark—the rich heir ,the playboy ,the genius ,the arms dealer ,the man who had nearly crippled Stark Industries—was rumored to be Iron Man.
And now, everyone was waiting for confirmation.
This time, there was no opening speech from Rhodey.
Tony Stark walked straight to the podium.
His expression was serious as he faced the crowd.
"Mr. Stark, was the armored suit at the summit yours?"
"Mr. Stark, are you really Iron Man?"
"Mr. Stark, how did you go from a playboy arms dealer to a superhero?"
"Mr. Stark, is your change related to your kidnapping?"
Questions came flying at him one after another.
Tony scanned the crowd.
"I know what you're all here to ask.
I have plenty of flaws. I'm not even really cut out to be a superhero.
But if 'Iron Man' is the guy flying around in a steel suit, fighting crime—then yes… I am Iron Man."
Tony looked at them calmly.
The crowd erupted.
This—was exactly the answer they came for.