The Prophecy Bet

Chapter 35:

"Since you're so interested," I said, locking eyes with the smug reporter, "let's make things more interesting. In two days, I'll be releasing the second volume of *Marvel's Iron Man*. It will show exactly how Tony Stark escapes and where he's found. How about we bet on that?"

I couldn't help but smile. He walked right into it—an opportunity like this doesn't come every day. It's not every day someone volunteers to make a fool of themselves.

The reporter's expression shifted slightly, but I could tell he thought he had me. In his mind, there was no way such a prophecy could exist, no way I could know what I claim to know. He probably already pictured me crashing and burning when the comic released. 

He sneered, "Alright, then. Let's make this bet. If you're wrong—if your so-called comic prophecy turns out to be nonsense—I'll expose you for the fraud you are. You'll have to publicly apologize and admit that this whole 'prophecy' thing is just a scam."

The reporter's gloating expression was almost amusing. He thought he had won before the bet even started. But little did he know, he was walking right into his own trap.

I raised an eyebrow and leaned in, making sure to hold his gaze. "Fine by me," I said, voice steady. "But what happens if you lose?"

His overconfidence was so thick you could practically feel it in the air. He squared his shoulders and smirked. "If I lose?" he said, practically shouting, "I'll kneel in front of Marvel Publishing House, eat a copy of *Iron Man: Volume 2*, and admit I was wrong. You all can be my witnesses!"

The other reporters, sensing the spectacle, began to murmur among themselves. The drama was too good to pass up, and the idea of a bet this ridiculous was newsworthy gold. Every one of them was eager to see how this would play out.

Trying to calm the laughter bubbling up inside, I shot him a smile. "Don't worry, everyone," I said, turning to the other reporters. "The paper we use at Marvel meets the highest standards. It'll be hard to digest, sure, but our friend here won't be in any danger."

I turned back to him, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Angus," he spat. "And you can count on it, Walker—you're going down. I'll expose you for the fraud you are."

"Very good, Angus," I replied with a grin. "I hope you pick up your copy of my comic as soon as it drops."

The gamble was on, and I couldn't have scripted a better way to create buzz for *Iron Man: Volume 2*. Angus thought he was setting me up, but in reality, he was doing exactly what I needed. The bigger this bet got, the more people would be talking about Marvel—and when the comic releases and everything I predicted comes true? Well, that's when things get interesting.

With the bet settled, I finished answering a few more questions before wrapping up the press conference.

By the afternoon, the headlines were already rolling in. News outlets across the country had picked up on the bet.

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*Metropolis Evening News*: "Is Tony Stark's kidnapping part of a conspiracy or a prophetic revelation from the creator of Marvel Comics?"

*The New York Times*: "Jason Walker, owner of Marvel Publishing and the best-selling comic writer, denies involvement in Tony Stark's kidnapping, claiming instead to have the ability to see the future!"

*Discovery News*: "Jason Walker claims that in the upcoming volume of *Iron Man*, he will show how Tony Stark escapes and where he's rescued. A challenge to science, or a hoax?"

*Entertainment Weekly*: "This afternoon, comic creator Jason Walker faced off with journalist Angus in a heated exchange. The two made a high-stakes bet live at the press conference, with Walker predicting the future once again."

*Scientific Exploration Journal*: "Can comic books really predict the future? Walker claims his latest volume will show where Tony Stark is found and how he escapes. Is this for real? We'll find out soon enough."

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By that evening, the "Walker Prophecy" had overshadowed the actual news about Tony Stark's kidnapping. I was all over the headlines. In bars, on the streets, and across the internet, people were debating whether or not a comic could actually predict the future. It didn't matter if they believed it or not. All that mattered was that people were talking—and when *Volume 2* hit the shelves, everyone would want to see for themselves.

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