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Chapter Eighty-Five: Life's Victor, Stark
"So, I've been in a coma for more than half a century…"
Captain America was silent, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information he was trying to process.
He quickly lifted his head and asked, "Have you found Bucky's body?"
Thor and Peggy exchanged an awkward glance. After being in a coma for so long, the first thing on his mind was his old friend… Could a friendship between men really reach such depths?
Peggy looked at Thor questioningly. Although Thor had assured her that Captain America and Bucky were not dead, she was unsure whether to disclose this information to Steve.
Thor gave her a reassuring nod, then turned to Steve and said, "After the war, Howard searched the valley below the cliff but couldn't find Bucky. Consequently, the final reports from the three of us only noted his disappearance."
The three of us? Steve understood. He picked up on Thor's implication. With three people missing and two of them known to be alive, Bucky…
…
"…Since then, I've realized that there are many threats in this world that cannot be dealt with by conventional means. Therefore, I plan to assemble a team of superheroes to confront those enemies that are beyond the ordinary scope."
Nick Fury patiently explained the general events since the end of World War II to Steve.
"So, you want me to join?"
"Yes, although it might seem unreasonable to involve a veteran, I must say that the world still needs you."
"I understand. From the moment I took Dr. Abraham's bench, I was prepared for this," Steve replied earnestly.
Thor opened a package to reveal a shield: "This is yours; I had it recolored."
Steve took the shield, gently tracing its lines, lost in thought.
"Alright, Captain, is there anything uncomfortable?" Nick Fury inquired.
Steve shook his head and said softly, "No, I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic. With my awakening, I'm afraid there won't be many familiar faces left. This shield was given to me by Mr. Stark. After all these years, he's gone, hasn't he?"
Thor nodded, "Yes, he passed away a few years ago. He enjoyed his retirement, but although he's gone, his son is still around. I think you'll like him. Once you've adjusted to this era, I'll introduce you to your nephew."
Peggy smiled at Thor and mourned Tony Stark in her own way…
…
The awakening of Captain America was a great relief to Nick Fury. While he may not be the strongest superhero, he was undoubtedly the most dependable.
Even more gratifying was Phil Coulson, who not only met his idol in person but also had the honor of taking a photo and getting an autograph…
The only person feeling down was Tony Stark.
Initially, he was in high spirits.
He had just defeated his formidable foe, Whiplash, and his long-time rival, Hammer Industries, had suffered significant setbacks.
The Iron Monger was implicated by Whiplash and was brought to a military court, and Hammer Industries faced its downfall.
Justin Hammer was also unfortunate. In his attempt to compete with Stark Industries, he had collaborated with Whiplash to manufacture Iron Soldiers, hoping to overshadow Tony Stark.
Unexpectedly, Whiplash used the Iron Soldiers as a tool for vengeance, recklessly launching attacks during a press conference. In his blinded hatred, he even triggered their explosions…
Meanwhile, Tony Stark not only solved his palladium poisoning problem but also appeased the military by providing his friend Rhodes with armor, regaining the trust of Washington.
What pleased him most was using S.H.I.E.L.D. to force a congressman who despised him to award him. Watching the fat man, who wanted to tear him apart but had to smile and praise him, was particularly satisfying.
That night, Stark spent time with Rhodes at a bar, staying out late into the night.