Chapter 39: Stark's Decline

Tony Stark went straight to the press conference venue as soon as he returned.

There were things he wanted to say, for those who had died in the hands of Stark weapons, for the person who had saved his life at the cost of his own, for his tormented conscience and the deep frustration within him.

"... I witnessed young compatriots dying before me because of my weapons, the very weapons I intended to create to protect them."

He remembered the young soldiers he had just met, who were taking pictures and joking with him, only to be slaughtered by Stark's weapons in the next moment during the terrorist attack.

Obadiah Stane lowered his head, his gaze shifting elsewhere.

"I also discovered that the arms manufacturing industry has become indifferent to irresponsibility, and I have become complicit in it."

"Mr. Stark?" a journalist raised his hand.

"Please go ahead."

"What exactly happened there?"

Tony started walking, recalling many things.

"I woke up completely, realizing that I needed to contribute more to this world than just creating weapons that explode."

Looking at the numerous journalists, he declared, "Therefore, I announce the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division, effective immediately, until I decide on the company's new direction."

Obadiah Stane, on the side, was dumbfounded. You managed to survive, but why did you have to complicate matters as soon as you returned?

Stark had already been under heavy attack from Worthington and some sharks who caught a whiff of blood. And now, he was pouring oil on the fire?

What else should a military-industrial giant do if not produce weapons? Brooms?

He quickly tried to seize the microphone with a smile, attempting to salvage the situation. But all the journalists' attention was focused on Tony, leaving him empty-handed.

This was undoubtedly the biggest news of the day. Tony Stark had announced the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division. A weapons merchant no longer making weapons!

"What a show. But now it's my turn," Jonathan said as he approached Obadiah with his colleagues, presenting his credentials.

"Obadiah Stane, you are suspected of arms trafficking, colluding with terrorists, and even murder. Please come with us."

"What?" The journalists and even Tony were stunned by this news.

"Wait, what did you say? Obadiah colluded with terrorists?" Tony grabbed Jonathan and asked, his face filled with disbelief.

Although terrorists did indeed use Stark's weapons, he wanted to believe they obtained them through other means, not that Obadiah had sold them. After all, Obadiah had been like a mentor to him since childhood.

"We have concrete evidence that Obadiah Stane sold weapons to terrorists and conspired with them to murder Tony Stark, that is, you."

"No, it's impossible... Obadiah, is it true?"

Tony turned to look at Obadiah, who was being held by two FBI agents, his face as if the sky had collapsed—just like the expression of a criminal caught in the movies.

He took a step back, releasing Jonathan. "I want to see your evidence."

"Of course, we also need to know the details of your abduction."

...

Originally, the biggest news of the day for the reporters was Tony Stark announcing the closure of Stark's weapons division.

But no one expected it. The news was like a powerful drug, each piece more shocking than the last.

Obadiah Stane had colluded with terrorists!

He was the one who sold advanced weapons to terrorists!

And he had even conspired with terrorists to murder Tony Stark!

It was over. Ink supplies might not be enough to cover it all.

"Boss, we have already acquired all of Stark's stocks. Also, I wanted to ask if we should recruit the Stark engineers who are likely to jump ship due to this incident."

"Of course, with Stark no longer in the arms business, it's a perfect opportunity for us to step in. Go and negotiate with the Stark employees; we want to recruit those who are willing to switch sides. We have many projects coming up, and we are currently short on manpower."

"Understood, Boss."

...

Stark's scandal would create a massive impact. One of the executives suggested recruiting people because Worthington had been operating on multiple fronts and had started several new projects. They were currently facing a shortage of manpower.

With Warren's approval, the executive immediately began the process of poaching talent. After all, Tony Stark had announced the closure of Stark's weapons division, and there was internal unrest within the company. Moreover, Obadiah Stane had been exposed for colluding with terrorists. The employees of Stark's weapons division should consider their future prospects.

Within a few days, Obadiah's charges were substantiated with irrefutable evidence. Stark Industries' stock price plummeted by 60%. Many people jumped ship and sold their stocks, while Worthington eagerly bought them up.

This action raised concerns among some keen observers, but there were not many players who could compete with Worthington in this field.

After all, there was also a hidden organization called the Council of Nine.

Warren mobilized the power of his allies to help him acquire Stark's stocks and informed them that he was confident the stock price would rebound and return to its peak in a certain period of time, with the focus on the energy industry.

Well, whether they believed it or not didn't matter. After all, what they wanted was for Warren Worthington to owe them a favor, and they could use that favor for something else.

For example, the recently established Worthington Energy. With the advancements in battery technology, it had already become a massive unicorn. If it weren't for Warren Worthington, there would already be numerous investors waving their money to invest in Worthington Energy.

Ordinary people couldn't enter this field, but seeing such a large piece of cake made them envious.

The allies of the Council of Nine did not hold high expectations for Stark's future turnaround. They helped Warren this time, and what they wanted in exchange was a stake in Worthington Energy.

Very well, it was reasonable. Warren agreed to their conditions since he owed them a favor, and it time passed quietly.

During this time, Stark's stock price continued to decline, but Anthony Vanco couldn't hide his smile.

"They're finished."

Ivan Vanko made a brief comment and continued tinkering with the heavy pulse rifle parts in his hands.

His father had been kicked out of Stark years ago, so he held a grudge against them. Seeing Stark's decline during this period brought him great satisfaction, and it improved his mood significantly.

However, compared to Stark's decline, he was more concerned about the parts in his hands.

They had already developed the pulse rifle, and now he was considering why not create a sniper rifle with such high initial velocity and kinetic energy.

It would undoubtedly be the most exceptional sniper rifle!