Chapter 175: The Battle Commences, A Steel Torrent

Given that Clark's relationship with Tony had not fully recovered, everyone politely nodded to each other upon meeting, considering it a greeting before they each made their way into the venue and sat down together.

It was unclear whether it was intentional or not, but the seating arrangement on the invitation led everyone to sit together as assigned, naturally forming a group.

Perhaps still upset on Tony's behalf, Pepper chose to sit on the other side, leaving Natasha to sit next to Clark and the others.

Clark didn't mind, after all, he had protected the man who killed Tony's father. Mending their relationship wasn't going to be quick.

With a slight smile, he lowered his voice and asked Natasha, "So, you've finished with SHIELD's business so quickly that you have time for other missions?"

Natasha, with a stern face and a business-like expression, replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Clark, I can't answer any of your questions right now, even if it's just personal. After all, I've only just become Miss Potts' personal assistant, and I don't want her to suspect I'm a corporate spy sent by you."

Although Pepper didn't catch Clark's earlier question, she was quite satisfied with Natasha's response, giving her a big thumbs up, nearly saying "well countered."

You're a spy, and not just any spy, but the world's most professional one!

Of course, Clark could only silently comment on this in his heart, pretending to shrug off a failed flirtation attempt. At that moment, the venue's lights suddenly dimmed, followed by Justin Hammer, the head of Hammer Industries, making his entrance with a dance step to the tune of "Reform's Spring Breeze Fills the Air."

Unlike Tony's grand entrance, Hammer's speech could be summed up in a few words.

One word: Boastful!

Two words: Deceptive!

Three words: Show-off!

Essentially, it was a mix of mutual and self-praise. He started by heavily praising Tony's Iron Man suit, then expressed disappointment and regret towards Tony's hoarding of his technology, before finally revealing to everyone that Hammer Industries had also produced an Iron Man suit like Tony's!

Surprise or not?

When Natasha saw this, she glanced at Clark, who remained calm, and couldn't help but frown and ask, "Did you know this was going to happen?"

"It's better if you don't chat with me, Miss Romanoff. I wouldn't want to cause any misunderstandings with your superiors."

Impression from Natasha Romanoff +8888!

Natasha slightly annoyed, said, "You're the most petty man I've ever met."

"And you're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen," Clark quickly added, "The others are Maria Hill, Sharon Carter, Mindy Macready, Nalan Bai, and Jane Foster."

Impression from Pepper Potts +233!

Clark: ???

As the audience gasped, two streaks of exhaust trailed across the night sky from afar, directly entering the venue. It was an Iron Man suit and an Eastern girl with dark green pigtails, smoothly landing on the stage together.

"Oh, my God, it's Iron Man!"

"And who's that Eastern girl appearing with Iron Man? She can fly too?"

"That girl looks so pretty, and she matches Clark so well!"

Impression from Tony Stark +66666!

With no mood to be jealous of Clark's looks, Tony immediately sought out War Machine, Rhodey. At that moment, including Rhodey's War Machine, all the combat drones in the venue aimed their weapons at Tony... and Clark?

Suddenly targeted by so many guns, Clark was also dumbfounded: Wasn't Ivan Vanko solely focused on seeking revenge against Tony? Why include me too?

However, the guns aiming at Clark were in the minority. As Tony took off, including War Machine, most of the combat drones followed, pursuing Tony into the sky.

Watching a small number of unmanned combat drones remain on the ground, Clark didn't leave the venue. Instead, he flew up and coldly looked at the pile of junk metal: "Steve, Yi Long, prepare for battle. Please cover my back."

As he spoke, the remaining combat drones opened fire on Clark.

"Da! Da! Da! Da!..."

As dozens of fire tongues crazily unleashed firepower, the bullets aimed at Clark became more numerous. Yet, all the bullets aiming at him stopped three feet in front of him as if time slowed down, spinning helplessly in place, unable to advance even a millimeter.

At that moment, a crudely armored figure, far less sophisticated but much lighter, burst through the wall behind Clark. Wielding a glowing blue energy blade, the attacker aimed straight for Clark's back with a speed that broke the sound barrier.

"Clang!"

However, what seemed like a guaranteed strike was blocked by an arm shield midway. Then, a blast of golden wind hit the attacker's face, revealing the assailants to be Captain America and Yi Long!

Clark had hinted at enemies in that direction by asking Steve and Yi Long to cover his back, misleading the opponent and preparing them to act.

Seeing the enemy fall for it, Clark couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The front assault continued, and he cooperatively pretended to struggle against the attack while allowing Captain America and Yi Long to duel the armored swordsman, speaking firmly, "High energy ahead, non-combatants please evacuate the venue immediately!"

The spectators, shocked by the sudden turn of events, were reminded by Clark's warning that it wasn't safe to stay. They hurriedly ran towards the exits, seeking safety before continuing to watch the spectacle.

Deciding to contain the battle within the venue, Clark remained at the forefront, effortlessly blocking the relentless machine gun fire from the combat drones. After a while, the bullets before him had formed a solid wall, showcasing the ferocious firepower of the combat drones.

Yet, for Clark, this firepower was inconsequential. He continued to pretend to struggle, allowing Captain America and Yi Long to protect him from the armored swordsman.

Eventually, when the last spectator had evacuated, the combat drones' machine gun bullets finally ran out.

At that moment, the evacuating spectators, now safe, noticed Captain America and Yi Long's engagement, with some even shouting Captain America's name.

Even some journalists began furiously snapping photos of their heroic figures, aiming for a sensational story.

Just as Clark had intended, a satisfied smile finally appeared on his face. The "wall" of bullets in front of him vibrated imperceptibly, and within moments, the bullets disintegrated into dust, scattering with the wind.

This demonstrated Clark's improved control over vibrational force following his battle with Tony.

Seeing that some combat drones were attempting to attack the spectators, Clark wouldn't give them the chance. He dived down, weaving through the combat drones, preventing any from breaking his blockade and threatening the onlookers.

This intense news story and fierce battle were a feast for the journalists, who needed no prompting to use their cameras and camcorders to capture the scene, even brainstorming headlines and content for the next day's news.

"Sir, you have an incoming call from Miss Natasha Romanoff."

Hmm?

Continuing the seemingly spectacular but technically simple battle, Clark asked Qin Feng to connect the call with Natasha.

Upon answering, Natasha's slightly disdainful voice came through, "If you're done showing off, wrap up the fight and go help Tony. War Machine is under control, and I need to rush to Hammer Industries' headquarters to apprehend Ivan Vanko, just like that."

Hanging up, Clark's brow furrowed.

With Natasha heading to the enemy's headquarters, following the original storyline, she would sweep through but arrive too late, finding Ivan Vanko already in his armor, seeking Tony.

But now, with subtle changes in the situation, like the appearance of the armored swordsman, what if Natasha isn't late?

Black Widow vs. Whiplash?

The matchup itself was frustrating to contemplate.

Clark suddenly took flight, reaching out with his left hand towards the dozen combat drones below.

"Universal Attraction!"

A massive suction force appeared, drawing the unmanned combat drones into mid-air, losing balance and rendering them incapable of effective attack.

Clark took this opportunity to instruct Qin Feng to call Tony, saying, "No time to explain. Jarvis, take your Queen's Knight 11 immediately to assist Natasha at Hammer Industries."

"Listen, Clark!" Tony's voice came through, "You have no right to command Jarvis; she's my AI."

Clark disdainfully responded, "Natasha is heading to Hammer Industries to find Ivan Vanko, the guy behind these war drones. Do you think he wouldn't prepare an armor suit for himself? Are you comfortable letting a lady confront an Iron Man suit with her flesh and blood? Doesn't your conscience hurt?"

"Why don't you play the hero and go yourself?"

"To disable Ivan Vanko's control over War Machine, we need a computer expert."

"Ha! Got it, computer novice!"

Finally finding a flaw in Clark, Tony seized the chance to mock him, not letting the opportunity pass despite the intense situation.

After hanging up, Clark suddenly felt a premonition of danger as an attacker in armor similar to the swordsman's, wielding an energy stick bursting with electric currents, descended from the sky aiming straight for Clark's head!

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