Chapter 117: The Press Conference

"It seems we need to get moving," Tony said.

Banner asked, "So, what should we do now?"

Michael smiled and said slowly, "Expand our influence. Get the news buzzing."

"Tony, hold a press conference. I’ll hold one at the same time."

What was needed now? Naturally, striking while the iron was hot.

The next day, Stark Industries held a press conference, and simultaneously, Angel International held one of its own.

Tony sat behind the desk, waiting for questions, while Pepper Potts went to handle the registration of the Avengers company. He was terrified that they would hype up the Avengers, only to have someone else register the name first—which would be incredibly embarrassing. They might even have to pay to buy it back, so it was better to be early than late.

"Mr. Stark, it is said that you saved New York yesterday and defeated the aliens."

"That is correct."

"Who are you all? I mean, who are the members of the Avengers you have announced?"

"We have the Hulk, the archer Hawkeye, Agent Black Widow, two Spider-Men, the recently popular Electro, the CEO of Angel International, Michael, and Thor from Asgard."

Except for Michael and Tony, none of the others had their real names revealed.

"What is your purpose in maintaining world peace and fighting aliens?"

Tony was speechless. What kind of question was that? Could they not be a bit more sophisticated? "To maintain world peace, of course."

"What is the true function of this organization, the Avengers?"

"Saying 'maintaining peace' is too hollow. Simply put, we are a large-scale, non-profit disaster relief group. We spontaneously want to protect the Earth and humanity. Whether it’s aliens or supervillains, anything that can cause massive harm to society—in short, any disaster beyond the scope of basic science—we will do our utmost to stop."

"Who is the leader of this organization?"

"That would be me, naturally."

"What are the recruitment criteria for the organization?"

"Abilities far exceeding those of ordinary people, and a heart willing to sacrifice for justice, for humanity, and for peace."

On the other side, at Angel International headquarters, Gwen was maintaining order. She had put on her new Spider-Woman suit and stood behind Michael.

"Is it true that you are forming the Avengers to maintain world peace?"

"It is true."

"Mr. Michael, you have never had any heroic deeds. Being with a group of heroes, do you feel pressured?"

Michael was speechless. What are you doing? Do you think you're clever?

Michael said, "Actually, I am a partner to Spider-Woman. Her suit, as well as the antidote used to save the city during the 'Lizard Incident,' were all researched by me."

"May I ask, is your real-life relationship with Spider-Woman that of lovers?"

"Yes, we are currently in a passionate relationship."

"Oh, that’s so cool! So, did you join because of Spider-Woman?"

"That is a factor, but it is more because I am a person of justice."

"Many people witnessed the light beam that opened the cosmic wormhole coming from Angel International headquarters. Are you the mastermind behind it?"

"Certainly not. This location just happened to be exploited by the enemy. They thought the most dangerous place was the safest, but because of that, we discovered them. You could say they were being too clever for their own good."

"Mr. Michael, other heroes, including Iron Man, have titles. What is yours?"

Michael thought for a moment and said, "Dr. Night, perhaps. Compared to physical combat, I prefer using my brains, inventing gear, and preparing in advance to deal with various difficulties."

"Iron Man just announced that he is the leader of the Avengers. Is that true?"

Michael curled his lip and said disdainfully, "Of course not. He lied. I am the true leader; he is merely my assistant."

"By the way, are you also fighting for peace?"

"I prefer to fight for a better tomorrow."

"May I ask Spider-Woman a question?"

"Of course."

"As a girl, why were you able to step up and become a hero?"

Gwen replied, "Because of love and peace, and those who love me."

"And what is your relationship with Spider-Man?"

"We are related."

"Why are you with Mr. Michael? Is it because of his money?"

"If I say no, would you believe me?"

"..."

Some things, you know? They need to create a stir—like announcing the romance between Dr. Night and Spider-Woman.

Or: "Shocking: Besides being Dr. Night's lover, Spider-Woman has this relationship with Spider-Man."

Or: "Dr. Night and Iron Man compete for leadership; the real reason is this."

...

Banner and Steve walked onto a construction site, watching as excavators busily dug pits.

"This speed is too fast." Steve couldn't help but sigh. If it were back in World War II, it would have taken a lot of time to dig such a large hole.

Banner held a document and said helplessly, "Why do I have to work overtime?"

Steve said, "Because you took an advance on your salary."

Max walked over and said, "Mr. Banner, you need to give me a blueprint so I can plan the circuitry."

"Sorry, I only printed this one. If you want one, go back to the company and print it yourself."

"Oh, shit."

Max had no choice but to head back to the company. Michael's plan was to build the entire base within a month, so they had hired a large number of workers to start simultaneously. To finish the Avengers base as quickly as possible, Michael, Tony, and Banner had stayed up all night without sleep, managing to design the entire base in one evening. This morning, Michael and Tony went to hold their press conferences. Consequently, Dr. Banner had to take charge of inspecting the site and directing the workers.

This land was originally a farm, bought by Tony and Michael to serve as the Avengers' base. It had one advantage: it was far away from the big city. If it were attacked, it wouldn't easily harm innocent people. Steve, having nothing to do, had come along as well. Hawkeye and Black Widow had gone back to listen to Director Nick Fury's instructions. As for Peter, he still had school.

Soon, Michael received a court summons. This hearing was different from the last one; this time, someone really wanted to target him, to control him, and it might even affect the other heroes. Michael did not want to become a prisoner, nor did he want to research weapons for the U.S. military, and he certainly didn't want to drag others down. Fortunately, he was no sacrificial lamb.

"Red Queen, delete all evidence against me on the internet."

"Understood, sir. Do you need me to do anything else for you?"

"During tomorrow's hearing, you must seize control of every electronic device with a signal at the scene. Do not let them produce any information that could be used against me."

"Understood."

Even after making all the preparations, Michael still felt uneasy. Where would they strike from? Michael pondered repeatedly, constantly reviewing everything that had happened before. He felt that as long as those people didn't want to break the rules entirely, there were no flaws left for them to exploit. As long as the evidence was insufficient, Michael could be released in court.

"Red Queen, help me collect dirt on all the congressmen and military officers. If you can find actual evidence, that would be best."

Only after doing all this did Michael finally manage to set his mind at ease.