Chapter Ninety-Nine: Securing Victory in the Match

Michael had not anticipated such a move, though he was not unprepared. Captain America, overhearing their conversation, could not help but voice his concern.

“We can’t clash with the military. We should call them first and inform them of the situation.”

“No need.”

“But I think there is. Playing a solo game that leads to military casualties is a dangerous idea, and would have irreversible consequences.”

“Captain, you’re overthinking this. There’s no need for combat at all.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Those things—I built them.”

…

“Sir, we’ve detected an unidentified flying object. It’s moving extremely fast, and it’s quite small. Matches the characteristics of Iron Man suits.”

“Stark, let’s see what you’re made of.”

The Navy commander licked his lips, eyes glued to the screen with excitement.

His skepticism was understandable. In American skies, a high-speed unidentified flying object could only be alien—or Stark.

“Alert the Iron Garuru squad. Intercept and teach Stark a lesson.”

“Yes, sir.”

Soldiers rushed to make preparations. Soon, suits launched from the deck, quickly ascending into the sky.

They hailed Michael: “You are now entering American airspace. Please turn back immediately. If you don’t, we’ll take extreme measures.”

Michael smiled. “Red Queen, keep rebooting their systems.”

“Yes, sir.”

Michael didn’t trust the military. Every Iron Man suit he sold contained a backdoor, allowing him to remotely control them at any time.

American soldiers found their systems repeatedly opening and shutting down, leaving them scrambling and unable to stop Michael.

Thus, Michael flew through unhindered.

“What’s going on?”

“No idea. The systems keep rebooting out of control.”

The Navy general slammed his fist on the table, cursing, “Damn Stark, what has he invented this time?”

He refused to believe it was mere malfunction. It could only mean Stark had created something new.

Michael made it to American territory, arriving at the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier.

When Tony passed the Navy’s warship, they were still running diagnostics.

“Sir, the unidentified flying object has appeared again, same route as last time.”

“Again?” The Navy general flung his cap in fury. “Fire! Bring him down!”

“Sir, is that wise? It might be Stark.”

The soldier hesitated. If they really shot him down, it would be hard to handle.

“Idiot! He’s already trampling all over us and you’re still hesitating? Fire now!”

“Yes, sir.”

The warship’s guns quickly targeted Tony.

Tony gave the Navy a speechless glance. These guys were useless—even with advance intelligence, they couldn’t hinder Michael.

Boom—

Tony was blasted away, barely managing to stabilize himself.

“Jarvis, what happened?”

“Sir, we’ve been locked onto by the Navy.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Divert all power to the thrusters. Let’s get out of here.”

Relying on his agility—and since the military hadn’t scrambled jets—Tony quickly escaped the range of the cannons.

Tony landed back on the helicarrier’s deck, bedraggled, and looked at Michael, who lounged nearby. In a tone of resignation, he said, “Alright, you win. Name your terms.”

Michael considered for a moment. “I don’t have any special requests. I’ve never been to a gentlemen’s club, and I’d really like to see someone dance a pole routine in front of me—the kind with clothes coming off.”

“What?” Tony tensed, fearing he’d misheard.

“But I’m a guy.”

Michael grinned mischievously. “No worries, I’ll invite some girls to cheer you on.”

“You’re serious?”

Michael patted his shoulder and turned away.

Tony felt the situation turning dire. If Pepper found out he danced a striptease on a pole, she’d die laughing.

“Can’t I pick something else?”

“Sorry, Tony. I really don’t need anything right now.”

Indeed, aside from super energy sources like the Cube, Michael had no essentials. Money could be earned again, technology could be researched, but the chance to see Iron Man do a striptease was rare.

“Alright, fine. But no photos.”

Michael nodded in agreement.

Steve watched the exchange in exasperation. Was now really the time for this nonsense?

…

Meanwhile, Thor greeted Loki warmly, “Brother, are you ready? Let’s start with a bit of the Ironman Triathlon.”

Loki shook his head, utterly unwilling.

“You agree? Let’s go then.”

Thor, excited, hurled Loki like a shot put.

From Loki’s despairing gaze, it was clear the experience was less than enjoyable.

“Next up, the discus throw.”

Loki was tossed once again.

Thus, Thor played with Loki for over half an hour, while Rhodes, ever the schemer, watched with great amusement.

“Loki, if you ever tire of this, just tell me—what are the Chitauri forces?”

Loki glanced at Thor, determined to keep silent no matter what.

Stumbling along, the group arrived at the base.

They escorted Loki into the helicarrier. Passing Dr. Banner’s lab, Loki gave Banner a sly smile.

Just as Banner looked up, their eyes met.

In Loki’s gaze, something strange flickered, seeping into Banner’s mind.

No matter what, Banner couldn’t shake the memory of that smile. He even caught himself imagining the madness hidden beneath Loki’s mask.

For reasons unknown, Banner felt a growing fear—dread of Loki.

The group locked Loki in a transparent glass cell.

Nick Fury, somewhat careless, ordered Loki’s mask removed, this interrogation laying the groundwork for future divisions.

Nick Fury fell into Loki’s verbal trap, revealing the cell was designed to contain an even greater monster.

Banner immediately thought of himself. Fury had prepared a cage for him all along, confirming that he was never truly trusted.

Disappointment stirred in Banner’s heart, and anger began to smolder, his unease magnified.

Soon, Fury and Loki discussed the cosmic cube. Loki mocked Fury, questioning whether studying the cube’s energy was truly for the benefit of mankind.

This led everyone to doubt—what did Fury really want with the cube?

As Loki said, the cube could provide clean, pollution-free energy for the world, but it could also destroy it. What did Fury plan to do with such power?

Fury then sought out Thor for a heart-to-heart.

Thor, of course, shared everything he knew with the one-eyed commander, revealing that Loki commanded an army from beyond the stars.

As for taking Professor Selvig, it was most likely to open a portal—to bring that cosmic army through.