Chapter 144 : Superman and Wonder Woman

"Superman and Wonder Woman?"

Tony looked at the unexpected guests in surprise, immediately recognizing their iconic attire.

Moreover, Tony had a prior encounter with Superman during the early days of his Battle Armor invention.

With his trademark audacity, Tony had challenged Superman to a competition, eager to showcase his newest invention. However, to his chagrin, Superman effortlessly dismantled the armor with a single hand. Tony's pride took a hit, but he quickly rebounded, realizing that his greatest asset was his intellect.

It wasn't until his encounters with Jude that Tony realized the limitations of his intellect, humbling him in the process. Despite the initial blow to his ego, Tony eventually accepted this truth, thanks in part to Pepper's support.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Stark," Clark greeted Tony, extending his hand.

Tony shook hands with Clark, still amazed by their presence. "How did you two end up together?"

"Knowing that he's a supercriminal, shouldn't you be arresting him?" Tony asked, gesturing towards Jude.

Clark smiled. "I don't think that's necessary for now. If we're talking about levels of crime and harm to the people, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the U.S. government rank much higher."

"The leaked black files on the internet have spread globally. Don't tell me they're fake. We all have our ways of discerning the truth."

Tony shifted the conversation. "What brings you here today?"

Jude clapped Tony's shoulders. "Don't be like that, Tony. As the flashy Iron Man, you can't just leave your friends without wine. That's not good hospitality."

"My hospitality is reserved for friends, and you don't qualify. I'd sooner punch you than pour you a drink."

"No problem. If you want, we can have another round of competition. Just don't blame me if you end up crying again."

"You... alright, forget it. Are you really just here for a drink?"

"Of course. Do you have anything else in mind? Diana's right there, tone down your colorful innuendos; we're not here for supermodels."

"Damn it! Don't read too much into what I said. No one would think it's normal for Superman and Wonder Woman to barge into their house and casually ask for a drink. It's not normal."

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Jude replied.

At that moment, Pepper entered the room and was relieved to see Ivy unharmed. "Oh my god, Ivy, are you alright?"

Ivy, not accustomed to such displays of affection, awkwardly reciprocated the hug.

"Don't worry, everything is part of Jude's plan," Ivy assured her.

"Potts, I've said this guy is trouble. He's an enemy, and who knows if he's truly injured. Look at the end of S.H.I.E.L.D., it's a shame," Tony remarked, seemingly unconcerned.

Jude couldn't help but ask, "Tony, aren't you upset?"

Tony snapped his fingers, revealing a hidden wine cabinet. "Although my father had a hand in founding S.H.I.E.L.D., he wasn't involved in its day-to-day operations."

"He was a brilliant scientist, dedicating most of his time to research. His contributions were to the Stark Group, not S.H.I.E.L.D."

"At one point, Nick Fury approached me several times, inviting me to join some Avengers initiative. But even with my father's legacy, I paid him no mind. At most, I wouldn't have thrown him out."

Soon, everyone was raising their glasses in cheers. Ivy and Pepper were particularly excited, bombarding Diana with questions like enthusiastic fans.

"Over 200 years old, Diana? That's incredible! Are you even human?" Pepper exclaimed.

Diana took a sip of her wine. "Of course, I'm human. My mother is Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, but my father is Zeus, king of the Greek gods. I believe that's why I've lived for so long. Normal humans don't have such longevity."

"Wow... Zeus, aren't those characters from myths and legends? Do they really exist?" Ivy asked, intrigued.

Diana smiled. "Gods have existed since ancient times. While they used to dwell among humans, they've since retreated to other realms. However, they still watch over us. When disaster strikes, they intervene."

"Hiccup..." Jude interjected. "I never believed in altruism. Gods are no different; they always want something in return."

Diana frowned at his comment.

Tony chuckled. "As I said, this guy is particularly aggravating."

Clark and Jude clinked their glasses. "I wouldn't say that. Once, the fallen god Athas threatened the world, and Diana and I struggled to stop him."

"True, your resistance to magic is nil," Jude teased.

"Uh... Zeus eventually came to our aid, helping us defeat Athas."

"Hiccup... It's only natural for a father to help his daughter. Besides, when's the wedding?" Jude asked casually.

The mood suddenly shifted as Diana and Clark stuttered out replies. "Well... I need to consult my mother on that," Diana said.

"It's such a hassle. Marriage is the worst. It's like stepping into a grave with one foot," Jude remarked.

"Yes, some might prefer death," Ivy quipped.

"Uh... I feel like I'm being killed," Jude muttered.

Tony seized the moment to make an announcement. "Speaking of marriage, Pepper and I have some news. We'll be tying the knot soon, within a week. Consider this an invitation to everyone but Jude Herbert; you're all welcome."

Little Pepper's eyes sparkled as she looked at Diana. "Although it's sudden, we hope you can attend. It'll be a pleasant surprise."

"Alright, if nothing comes up, Clark and I will be there," Diana replied.

Suddenly, a holographic projection interrupted their conversation, and Jarvis's voice filled the room.

"Sir, the president is holding a press conference. I believe you should watch."

The screen switched to the President addressing the nation.

"Firstly, I must admit that what you've seen is true. The experiments weren't fabricated; they were conducted or are ongoing."

The media erupted in response, and the President continued, "As President, I take full responsibility for these actions. I'll provide a satisfactory explanation."

"S.H.I.E.L.D. and ARGUS will be permanently disbanded."

"Fury and Waller, though deceased, will be forever remembered for their crimes, immortalized in textbooks and legal records."

"The government will compensate all victims, living or their descendants."

After the conference, Tony pondered Kantner's sudden change in demeanor. "Strange, this president seems like a different person, with a completely new approach."

"And to pardon everyone involved... is he joking? How can he easily absolve them of such major crimes? The court won't allow it."

"Hiccup... It's not difficult. I suggested selling landmarks like Presidential Hill and the Statue of Liberty to private investors, generating significant revenue for the government," Jude explained.

"The funds will be used to improve public officials' salaries, securing their support. And if that's not enough, they can sell more landmarks. Hiccup..."

Dealing with politicians, especially those like Kantner, was about rendering them powerless and ensuring they never rose again.

After the turmoil, Nick Fury and Amanda Waller were vilified, becoming symbols of corruption. Even among their peers, they were seen as disgraces, their legacies tarnished forever.

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