Chapter 40 it wasn't luck

Emergency meeting center.

Matthew Ellis frowned deeply as he heard the "beep-beep" from the phone on the other end.

Seeing the President reaction, General Chris knew communication wasn't going smoothly.

This made him feel it was a perfect opportunity.

Ever since the emergence of superheroes, people's expectations of them have soared, leaving him and his team feeling like mere decorations.

It's not only thankless but also subject to criticism for not doing enough despite the efforts.

It's quite infuriating, to say the least.

"President Matthew, I believe these so-called superheroes are utterly untrustworthy."

"They don't respect you at all!"

"You've set aside your authority to deal with these superhumans, yet they show no appreciation."

"They completely disregard your demands, which is exasperating."

"In fact, our weaponry has been upgraded, fully capable of rivaling these so-called extraterrestrials."

"These supposed superheroes are too self-centered."

"And if they cease to support justice, ordinary humans like us might be in danger."

General Chris addressed this issue to Matthew Ellis.

Matthew Ellis's face turned ashen, but he remained silent.

Although he felt infuriated by Indra's actions.

Matthew Ellis couldn't shake off the doubt raised by Indra.

Indeed, Mandarin was a cunning individual.

The last encounter with him—ended disastrously.

Mandarin's provocations, wanton massacres, plunged the entire nations into fear.

Yet this time, Mandarins fell into a trap so easily.

But...

Even though this approach seems flawed.

It's still better than Indra suggesting he confront Mandarins alone.

Before, Tony Stark was adamant that one person could deal with Mandarins.

Only to be defeated the first time.

And narrowly escaped with his life the second time before capturing Mandarins.

Matthew Ellis took a deep breath.

Dealing with one Tony Stark was headache-inducing enough.

Now there's Indra.

He rubbed his temples, trying to maintain the demeanor expected of a leader, and addressed all the senators solemnly,

"Just now, Inferno questioned our plan, so he might not show up on site."

Matthew Ellis's announcement immediately sparked strong dissatisfaction among the senators.

"This is a plan carefully crafted by the Department of Security in conjunction with SHIELD! How dare he question our plan without even knowing what it is?" "President Matthew, I believe there's no need to pay attention to him."

"Battle requires not only brute force but also strategy! And these superheroes nowadays lack any sort of strategy!"

"Our plan appears flawless, with hardly any loopholes, there's no reason to doubt it."

Sarcastic remarks echoed in the discussion.

"Someone who claims to face Mandarins alone questions our flawless plan?"

"I think these so-called superheroes are clearly overestimating themselves."

"Wouldn't Earth be doomed without them?"

Such opposition pleased General Chris greatly.

He felt like it was divine intervention guiding him.

The plan's success, Mandarins now under control, and the notable absence of renowned superheroes—all seemed like signs.

All he needed to do now was to seize the opportunity to capture Mandarins.

Then, tomorrow's news reports would be filled with praises for his achievements.

In this way, he could prove to all citizens that humanity didn't need superheroes.

With this thought, General Chris cleared his throat and turned to President Matthew Ellis, saying,

"President Matthew, I believe Inferno concerns stem purely from fear of Mandarins!"

General Chris's words instantly silenced the room.

"Though I acknowledge Infero's past assistance to you, we can't ignore..."

He motioned for the video of Indra killing Kirian to be played.

"In the video, Kirian seemed unaware of his actions for a period of time."

"I believe everyone is familiar with the Extremis virus."

"While it grants immense power, its side effects remain largely unknown."

"Kirian kneeling to Inferno might have been a result of the Extremis virus backlash."

"This suggests that Inferno, whom we perceive as powerful, might not be truly formidable!"

"So I believe Infero's victory over Kirian was merely a stroke of luck."

Having said that, General Chris paused, observing President Matthew Ellis's expression.

The meeting center erupted into murmurs.

Senators nodded to each other in agreement.

Satisfied with the reaction, General Chris was about to speak when he suddenly heard dissenting voices.

"I disagree; it wasn't luck."