Chapter 12

"Sir, it looks like this kidnapping isn't just a simple abduction."

Even Jarvis has made the same judgment.

The diary makes it clear.

This kidnapping is a crucial turning point, both for Tony and for the world.

And the result of the kidnapping?

Without a doubt.

Tony Stark not only survives but undergoes a transformation, becoming Iron Man.

So, in this context, how should Tony Stark deal with the abduction?

Seeing that Tony Stark seemed to show an interested expression, Jarvis felt somewhat panicked.

No way, no way. The boss isn't going to actually cooperate with the kidnappers, is he?

Others might not do such a thing, but Tony Stark is different.

He's the most capricious, whimsical, and reckless billionaire ever.

He's capable of doing any absurd thing!

[Just what role will I play when this age of superheroes arrives?]

[But with my current strength, I shouldn't be too bad, right?]

[I dare not say about the long term, but I should certainly make the cut among the original Avengers!]

Tony Stark's gaze immediately sharpens.

After such a long time, Zhou Cheng finally mentioned his own information!

Tony Stark started to pay close attention.

So, this Zhou Cheng, is he also a superhero?

Or to put it more accurately, does he also possess extraordinary powers?

After all, the age of superheroes hasn't arrived yet, so calling it a superhero seems indeed premature.

So what exactly is Zhou Cheng's ability?

A magician?

A sorcerer?

Did he use his extraordinary powers to mysteriously send the diary?

No!

Thinking here, Tony Stark shook his head vigorously.

Apparently, it wasn't Zhou Cheng who sent the diary, but someone else!

This is a headache.

Tony Stark couldn't help but rub his temples.

In addition to the enigmatic Zhou Cheng, is there another even more mysterious person involved with the diary?

Zhou Cheng at least left some clues, allowing Tony Stark to conduct analysis and investigations.

But what about that other person?

Absolutely elusive!

Up until now, Tony Stark has not obtained any information about them, not even a tiny bit!

It must be said, this feeling is really terrible.

Besides these matters, Tony Stark also noticed a word keenly, "Avenger."

Obviously, this is a title, and a title related to superheroes.

It should be an organization consisting of superheroes.

The diary also mentioned "original," indicating that the organization probably has quite a number of members.

It corresponds with the previously mentioned era of superheroes.

The question is, what position does Iron Man hold within the Avengers?

[Hawkeye and Black Widow? I am confident enough to defeat them.]

[Even Captain America is probably no match for me.]

[There's no problem with these.]

Hawkeye?

Black Widow?

Tony Stark tilted his head as he pondered these nicknames closely.

These monikers are not cool at all; they're far from Iron Man's caliber! However, a person's nickname is often not chosen at random; it's usually closely related to their abilities and traits.

So, this Hawkeye has incredibly sharp vision, beyond that of an ordinary person? Like the eyes of a hawk?

Is that ability considered to be that of a superhero?

And what about this Black Widow?

Did she lose her husband?

Or is she deadly, like the venomous black widow spider?

Wait a second!

Captain America!

A slightly startled Tony Stark was in the midst of these musings.

Captain America is supposed to be dead, right?

Could it be that someone else has taken on the mantle of Captain America?

Of course.

Under normal circumstances, it's true that the government wouldn't just give the title to someone else.

But what if we're in the age of superheroes?

Keep in mind, heroes and villains tend to emerge in pairs.

Likewise, a superhero will inevitably have a corresponding supervillain.

Otherwise, what's the purpose of having superheroes?

The diary also explicitly details future crises of terrifying magnitudes.

Aliens, Ultron, the Planning Commission, just reading about these things is hair-raising.

If someone were to make a dazzling contribution during such crises, similar to the original Steve Rogers, then it's possible they could be bestowed the title symbolizing supreme honor.

Or could it be...

That the original Captain America never actually died but instead has been living in seclusion somewhere unknown?

And he's been forced back into action due to the constant emergence of supervillains?

But if you think about it, isn't Captain America already a hundred years old?

Can a super-soldier live that long?

Since the diary doesn't reveal too much, Tony Stark could only speculate so far.

[As for Iron Man… alright, I admit that I can't handle him right now.]

[To be honest, in the early days of the age of superheroes, Iron Man was actually quite formidable.]

[He could even stand toe-to-toe with Thor.]

Humph, little guy, you admit that big Tony is awesome! Tony Stark couldn't be more smug, his mouth curling up in triumph.

Ever since he got his hands on the diary, Zhou Cheng had been nothing but rude to him.

Not only had he constantly nagged Tony about being kidnapped, but he also referred to him derogatorily as "fuzzball" and "piece of crap," making Tony Stark incredibly irritated.

When has he ever been treated with such disrespect?

Now seeing Zhou Cheng personally acknowledge his own "formidability," Tony Stark was immediately elated.

Especially since he could apparently go head-to-head with Thor, the God of Thunder?

Awesome!

Thor, isn't he one of the Aesir mentioned in the diary?

It seems the race of Aesir has truly come to Earth.

And the future me was actually able to measure up against a god!

This is...

Have I, Tony Stark, become such a badass?

"I knew it; I'm the best!"

Tony Stark couldn't help but give himself a pat on the back.

"Wait a second!"

Tony Stark quickly noticed a discrepancy.

If he's a superhero in the future, he should be fighting against supervillains.

Why then would he face off against Thor?

Could it be that the Aesir are actually the antagonists?

This would be completely inconsistent with mythological tales, right?

But then again, myths are just that—myths.

What are myths?

Stories passed down through word of mouth.

It wouldn't be strange for them to have significant discrepancies with reality.