Chapter 122: Chapter 122 The Iconic Moment! A Call from Phil!

After returning home, Anton accessed Cyborg database and pulled up several photos taken by Cyborg during the battle. He selected the one he found most interesting and sent it via email to Eddie, who had just gotten home as well.

The photo captured Tony Stark, in his Iron Man armor, with his helmet missing. Sweat had plastered his messy hair to his forehead, revealing half of his face—disheveled and clearly in a state of utter defeat.

Iron Monger loomed over him, pinning him to the ground with one hand while raising a massive fist, as if Tony head was about to be smashed like a watermelon in the next moment.

Tony eyes were shut, seemingly resigned to his fate.

"Hmm, this should be a photo Tony remembers for a long time," Anton chuckled.

Tonight, he had considered inviting Tony to join the Justice League, but as the events unfolded, he decided against it.

The reasons were manifold.

First and foremost, Tony was still his arrogant, headstrong self at this stage.

Even during the early days of the Avengers, Tony, Thor, and Captain America clashed repeatedly, each unwilling to give an inch.

Tony and Cap, in particular, never saw eye to eye, their personalities often in conflict.

At the core of their animosity was the issue of leadership.

Both Tony and Cap had dominant personalities, neither willing to yield control or compromise their approaches.

It wasn't until Coulson death at Loki hands that they set aside their differences and began to work more collaboratively.

Even then, their cooperation was predicated on having a common enemy.

Moreover, while their relationship improved post-New York battle, the tension over leadership persisted. The conflict escalated further during Civil War, when the appearance of the Winter Soldier reignited their underlying differences.

But all of that was in the future.

For now, as Anton continued planning the Justice League, his thoughts became clearer.

If Tony joined the Justice League at this stage, it would undoubtedly create conflicts with Batman role.

After all, Tony wasn't the type to take orders or follow advice easily.

Rather than bringing in someone like Tony—who disliked being constrained and often acted on his own accord—it was better to let him develop independently.

Fury Avengers Initiative was still recruiting, wasn't it?

Let Tony go where he was needed.

Besides, even though the Justice League wasn't officially established yet, its founding lineup was more or less set. There was no shortage of members.

Ding!

The computer chimed, snapping Anton out of his thoughts.

He noticed that Eddie had opened and viewed his email. Eddie reply contained no words, just three exclamation marks: "!!!," which spoke volumes about his reaction.

What Anton didn't know was that, on the other end, New York top journalist was having a mental breakdown.

Eddie rare, punctual exit from work the night before had caused him to miss such a monumental event.

He was practically foaming at the mouth in frustration.

While Eddie didn't recognize Iron Monger, there was no way he didn't recognize the other figure in the photo.

Tony Stark.

What a blunder!

Eddie was filled with regret.

He swore to never leave work on time again. From now on, he would dedicate himself to being a diligent, hardworking journalist who would never miss another big story.

Ignoring April on the bed, Eddie sat at his computer, typing furiously. His goal was to publish the article—complete with the most sensational photos—on The Daily Bugle website by morning.

The plan was to ensure that every New Yorker, as they woke up and scrolled through their phones, would see the breaking news splashed across their screens.

Chasing headlines is what The Daily Bugle does best.

The Next Day

The streets of New York were bustling with traffic.

Office workers, students, the unemployed, and even homeless people by the roadside, whether glued to their phones or watching public TVs, all wore expressions of utter shock.

The previous night battle between the two armored figures in Manhattan had spread like wildfire across the city.

The incident buzz had quickly overshadowed the story of Doctor Octopus and the failed artificial sun experiment just two days prior.

This was Tony Stark, after all.

Compared to Tony, Otto Octavius was a nobody.

Moreover, there was another detail that captured everyone attention: the silver giant—Iron Monger—appeared to be linked to Stark Industries.

Many of the onlookers from the night before had seen both figures emerge from the Stark Industries building and continue their fight onto the streets.

Speculation ran rampant.

Could it be an internal conflict at Stark Industries?

Countless people brainstormed theories.

Adding fuel to the fire, Tony Stark detractors began comparing him to Cyborg, claiming that Tony reputation as a genius inventor was undeserved.

The difference in combat ability was like night and day!

Among the various pieces of media circulating, one photo stood out. It was the image of Tony Stark, battered and humiliated, being crushed under Iron Monger foot.

The photo, of course, originated from The Daily Bugle.

Stark Industries Headquarters

Chairman Office

Tony was scrolling through the news on his screen, his teeth clenched in frustration as he came across the photo.

He had no idea how the image had been leaked, but he didn't need to think hard to know it was likely connected to Cyborg and Batman.

Those two had ties to The Daily Bugle, especially that bastard Anton!

There was a good chance this was his doing.

Batman really was just there to watch the spectacle!

"Tony, I've contacted all the media outlets in New York. The press conference is scheduled to begin in two hours," Pepper said as she walked into the office.

"This is the speech draft provided by S.H.I.E.L.D.," Pepper said hesitantly, handing the document to Tony. "While there a photo of you circulating online, most of the on-site witnesses didn't actually notice your face. The photo can be dismissed as fake—modern editing technology can easily create something like that. Also, the shareholders hope you'll maintain discretion. They believe revealing too much could negatively impact Stark Industries' stock price."

"Got it."

Tony took the draft, his anger seemingly subdued. Yet, there was a glimmer in his eyes, hinting at deeper thoughts.

Two Hours Later

Standing at the podium, Tony faced a crowd of curious and expectant gazes. After a moment of silence, he raised the speech draft in his hand and let the pages scatter into the air.

Pepper sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She had a sinking feeling about what was coming next.

Beside her, Coulson also sensed the situation slipping out of control.

In the audience, Eddie, holding his camera, immediately recognized that Tony was about to do something unpredictable.

Another massive headline is incoming. The whole country about to feast on this one.

"I know what you all want to ask," Tony said, scanning the room. After a brief pause, he spoke with calm conviction:

"I am Iron Man."

At the DC Office

Anton turned on his television, watching the live press conference unfold and witnessing the iconic moment.

In truth, Tony declaration of being Iron Man didn't shine as brightly as it did in the original storyline.

With Batman already stealing the limelight, and Cyborg firmly establishing his presence in the public eye as a "real iron man," Tony moment had been overshadowed. Not to mention, his humiliating defeat at the hands of Iron Monger. If Cyborg hadn't intervened, it was questionable whether Tony could have turned the tables at all.

Even so, Tony existing fame allowed him to effortlessly overshadow Doctor Octopus from two days ago, simultaneously propelling Cyborg back into the spotlight.

The keywords "Iron Man" and "Cyborg" dominated online trends, ensuring that neither would fade from public discourse for several days.

Anton, however, had little time to dwell on the aftermath. Just as Tony made his declaration, Anton received a phone call from Phil in Brazil.

The moment Anton heard Phil trembling voice, his expression froze in shock.

"Boss!"

On the other end of the line, Phil was hiding in a room, his face pale with fear. Even as he reported to Anton, his voice shook, and he gulped nervously.

"Something gone wrong! A green monster showed up and snatched the final piece of the Teleportation Beacon! And… we're being tailed by the military!"