Chapter 119 A Press Conference!

Brazil.

This is a country where passion and chaos coexist.

Its passion is born from its chaos.

Here, even a beggar might carry a gun.

Setting aside the fact that Brazil is technically a developed country, its unique characteristics—apart from the infamous gang activity—are most notably its favelas, known worldwide.

These favelas exist just a wall away from wealthy neighborhoods, yet they seem like entirely different worlds.

...

At this moment, Rio de Janeiro Airport.

Phil and his group have just arrived in this country. The moment they step foot on its soil, they immediately feel the foreign atmosphere.

Stockman, lecherous eyes widen as he fixes his gaze on women with fiery curves and revealing outfits, practically drooling.

Phil remains calm, patting Stockman on the shoulder.

"Let go."

With that, he strides into the airport.

Behind him, Stockman and the remnants of The Foot Clan follow.

The Foot Clan remnants are led by the female ninja Karai.

During the NYPD raid on The Foot Clan, Karai narrowly escaped and hid in a safe house until things cooled down. Afterward, she gathered the few Big Foot Gang members who had also escaped and sought out Stockman, eventually meeting Phil.

From Phil and Stockman, she learned of the plan to assemble the complete Mind Transmission Device. Karai decided to follow the advice of these experts.

If they could assemble it, rescuing Shredder would be easy.

Although the incomplete Mind Transmission Device could barely function, its stability was unreliable.

If Shredder were accidentally transported to an unknown location, there might not be another chance.

Faced with the enigmatic Batman, Karai preferred to play it safe. Thus, she dutifully followed Phil and Stockman to Brazil to obtain the final part of the Mind Transmission Device.

They exit the airport.

Suddenly, they notice green military jeeps parked by the roadside.

Phil glances at them, somewhat surprised.

Standing by these jeeps are soldiers, their postures upright and proud. Judging by the flag insignias on their uniforms, they're American soldiers.

What going on?

Phil is deeply curious.

As a journalist, his instincts pick up on something unusual.

However, he is preoccupied at the moment and cannot spare the time to investigate. Reluctantly, he averts his gaze, merely glancing a few more times.

Beside him, Karai and the others look slightly more serious.

They, too, sense something amiss upon seeing the soldiers.

Perhaps something unknown is happening in Brazil.

But it likely has nothing to do with them.

As long as it doesn't involve them, they'll act as if they didn't see anything.

Their priority is to gather the components of the Mind Transmission Device, rescue Shredder, and help The Foot Clan rise again.

As they move away, by the jeeps:

A man, not particularly tall but built with solid muscles, retracts his sharp, menacing gaze.

"Colonel Blonsky, it time to go."

An aide reports to him.

"Understood."

Emil Blonsky nods lightly and takes the passenger seat of the jeep.

Vroom!

The engine roars to life.

"Colonel, what were you looking at just now?"

The driver, an old acquaintance, speaks casually, unlike the other soldiers. "Brazil a great place, full of enchanting beauties."

"I saw some strange people. They seemed out of the ordinary."

Blonsky replies, "But they headed in another direction. They shouldn't interfere with us."

"Relax, Colonel. No one will get in our way."

The driver assures him, grinning. "This is your best chance for promotion. I believe you'll capture that creature."

"Of course."

Blonsky nods.

...

New York.

Anton and Eddie receive a message from Phil, confirming his arrival in Brazil. They know the next step of the plan: to venture into the rainforest and find the final piece of the Mind Transmission Device, lost somewhere on Earth.

The part from the New York Museum was already acquired long ago.

Now, only the final piece remains.

Once they have it, they can execute their plan, forming the initial members of the Justice League and letting them get some hands-on experience.

Admittedly, the alien Lang is an excellent sparring target.

With Anton having already unlocked Cyborg, he can leverage Cyborg abilities to access the War Fortress network. Once they control Lang War Fortress, defeating Lang will pave the way for the Justice League to establish a solid base of operations.

Furthermore, during last night meeting with Nick Fury, Fury mentioned that he would negotiate with the UN Security Council on behalf of the Justice League.

This way, although the Justice League remains an illegal organization, it would have some basis for legitimacy.

Of course, the most crucial factor still lies within the Justice League itself.

Through the Mind Transmission Device, they could make the alien Lang and his War Fortress appear, allowing the world—and the UN Security Council—to witness the alien threat, the League power, and the necessity of its existence.

At that point, even if the Security Council was reluctant to acknowledge the Justice League, it would have no choice but to accept it.

Bringing his focus back, Anton turns his attention to the computer on his desk.

It a live broadcast of a Stark Industries press conference regarding the failure of the "Artificial Sun Experiment."

Otto failure gave rise to Doctor Octopus.

Although his moment was fleeting, the nickname quickly gained traction in the news.

That moniker was originally coined by New York top journalist, Eddie Brock.

Naturally, Eddie wouldn't publicize that the idea actually came from Anton.

"Mr. Stane, does the failure of Stark Industries' Artificial Sun Experiment signify the end of your ventures in the energy sector?"

"Today, Stark Industries' stock has plummeted again, with a market cap loss of over $100 billion. What do you have to say about this, Mr. Stane?"

"Have you considered lifting the ban on Tony Stark and reinstating him as chairman of the board?"

On-screen, a flurry of questions bombards Obadiah Stane, yet he remains unflustered, well-prepared to handle the situation.

"Our expansion into the energy sector has only just begun. I regret the failure of the artificial sun experiment, but there a piece of news you might not know yet: Stark Industries has developed miniature nuclear reactor technology. However, it not yet ready for widespread practical application. When the time is right, we'll bring it to market."

Obadiah Stane addressed each question systematically: "The drop in our stock value is temporary. Our annual financial reports and a significant volume of business orders are clear proof of our strength. In fact, this year business volume and profits have already surpassed last year. Soon, everyone will see this information."

"And Tony?"

"Tony current condition doesn't guarantee he can take responsibility for the company. However, he has always been the chairman of Stark Industries—this is beyond dispute. Our concern for his health is the only reason we've suspended his work."

"He can resume control of the company at any time, as long as he healthy. And we all want to see a healthy Tony Stark, don't we?"

Obadiah smiled gracefully, delivering his responses with poise.

In the audience, employees of The Daily Bugle snapped photos fervently.

Next to them, Eddie maintained a calm expression, his understanding of Obadiah shamelessness growing ever clearer.

This guy could lie so effortlessly, with such genuine emotion, as if even he believed his own words. Genius!

...

At the DC office.

Anton shared the same sentiment as Eddie.

Obadiah brazenness, coupled with his seasoned responses, slightly altered Anton view of the bald old man.

Although Obadiah was arguably the weakest villain—not just in the Iron Man series but across the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe—no one could ignore his presence.

His influence was more pronounced than 80% of other villains because it was Obadiah scheming that set the stage for an era in the Marvel world.

To be honest, if Obadiah had been as loving as Tony father, Howard Stark, Tony might have led a blissfully happy—and somewhat dull—life.

In such a life, Tony might never have heard the words "I love you 3000."

"The failure of the artificial sun experiment has left Obadiah cornered!"

Watching the live broadcast, Anton mused that the iconic moment when Tony Stark declares, "I am Iron Man," might not be far off.

Coincidentally:

At the press conference, Obadiah was passionately speaking.

"Stark Industries is currently developing a revolutionary weapon. This weapon has the potential to redefine modern warfare and become an essential tool for future conflicts."

Obadiah confidently announced, "Stay tuned—Stark Industries won't disappoint you."

"Could you elaborate?" a reporter asked.

"Apologies, but detailed information about this weapon will be released at a later date," Obadiah replied. "However, rest assured—this is no exaggeration!"

"Once our new weapon is unveiled, every country in the world will place orders with Stark Industries."

His determined tone and confident demeanor swayed many in the audience.

While Stark Industries' reputation had taken a hit recently due to various setbacks, Obadiah words reignited hope among some supporters.

Nevertheless, the company was unlikely to regain its previous market valuation anytime soon.

But Obadiah statements served as a morale booster for those who still believed in Stark Industries.

"Anton, you seem quite confident in the weapon Obadiah mentioned," Betty remarked as she entered the office.

Following Natasha departure last night, Betty had resumed her role as assistant. Noticing Anton watching the news, she raised an eyebrow. "We've become minor shareholders in Stark Industries. If you truly have faith in them, this could be our opportunity."

"Do what you think is best," Anton instructed, his tone certain. "Soon, you'll see a very different Stark Industries."

"Alright," Betty nodded before reporting, "As for Cyborg, its global box office earnings have reached $800 million. Following yesterday news, ticket sales have surged significantly everywhere. Congratulations, Anton—your second film has once again reached extraordinary heights."

Cyborg recent appearance certainly helped. Although activating Cyborg had cost 20 million fan points—along with another million for an hour of external activity—news coverage had caused a surge in fan support overnight, boosting Cyborg balance by over 3 million.

This was enough to keep Cyborg active for several hours.

Green Arrow, being cheaper, required even fewer fan points. With his current balance, Green Arrow could remain active for days.

"What the progress on Superman and The Dark Knight?" Anton asked, shifting his focus.

"Superman is still in production but nearing completion. The Dark Knight is in post-production. Quentin and Jim have high hopes for this film and are striving for perfection, leaving no room for error," Betty explained.

"Excellent."

Anton nodded.

With his career on track, he no longer needed to micromanage the company daily affairs. His primary focus now lay on introducing the Justice League and shaping its future.

From Nick Fury actions, it was clear he wouldn't abandon his plans for the Avengers.

Everyone knew Nick Fury was someone deeply plagued by insecurity.

This likely stemmed from his life experiences. In his youth, during his most secure years, Fury encountered Carol Danvers and became involved in the Kree invasion. This forced him to confront numerous aliens, completely shattering his worldview and leaving him deeply skeptical of his own world.

Over time, his mistrust only grew.

He trusted no one—not even his own allies.

So, when it came to the Justice League, armed with extraordinary powers and alien technology, Fury would naturally harbor reservations.

Even if Batman had consistently fought crime since his debut, who could guarantee he wouldn't someday turn rogue and attempt to conquer Earth?

If Batman called for action, how many in the Justice League would respond?

Fury didn't want to imagine it.

Thus, his trust would always lean toward the heroes he assembled himself.

And even then, the Avengers weren't Fury ultimate contingency plan.

That role belonged to Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, who was out in the universe combating cosmic threats.

In this context, the Battle of New York was likely just a test run for Fury heroes.

Otherwise, Fury would have used his device to summon Carol long ago.

...

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles.

Back at his seaside mansion, Tony Stark watched the broadcast of Obadiah composed responses, intrigued by the weapon mentioned.

As the chairman of Stark Industries, though currently sidelined from all work, his access rights remained intact. He could investigate any ongoing projects within the company.

"Jarvis, search for the highest-classified key projects currently active at Stark Industries," he instructed his AI assistant.

Moments later:

"Sir, all relevant data is now displayed," Jarvis responded.

There were many key projects, but only one or two carried the highest level of secrecy.

Tony found no matches for what Obadiah described.

His expression darkened slightly.

Deep in thought, he stared at the press conference nearing its end, his gaze locking onto Obadiah at the podium. Taking a deep breath, he muttered, "I hope this is just my imagination... Obadiah."