Bab 190: Operation Save Tony
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Searching through his parents' belongings, Tony discovered the pendant tucked away in a vault and a birthday card. It was clear his mother meant to give it to him on his birthday, a day that would never come. This final gift became a constant reminder of his loss, and even now, it serves as a shield against the shrapnel threatening his life.
A silent longing for his mother gnawed at Tony. The pendant's mysterious power fueled his doubts. How did his parents acquire such an artifact? Were their deaths genuinely accidental?
Sensing Tony's despair, Yinsen offered words of encouragement: "Don't dwell on it, Tony. Focus on survival. You're Tony Stark, a brilliant genius. You'll find a way out. Let's work together."
Taking a deep breath, Tony lifted his head with newfound determination. "Thank you, Yinsen. You're right. I won't give up. After all, I'm Tony Stark. I entered MIT at 15, graduated top of my class at 21, and took over Stark Industries at the same age. I've overcome countless challenges. This is nothing."
Under the flickering firelight, Tony spread out his blueprints, revealing a design for a mechanized suit.
On Skull Island, Ivan, Howard, and Kyle witnessed Tony's capture. Relief flickered in Howard's eyes. "That's my son. He didn't disappoint me."
Ivan and Kyle exchanged exasperated glances, accustomed to Howard's narcissism.
"He's located. I can send someone to extract him," Ivan offered. "How about it, Howard? Do you want to see your boy?"
Howard pondered for a moment. "No, leave him for now. The terrorists need him for weapons development, so he's relatively safe. Besides, he's already devised an escape plan. Let him achieve it himself. The satisfaction of self-reliance will be his reward. This could be a turning point for him—a bird reborn from the ashes. The new Tony will emerge stronger. However, I would appreciate it if you discreetly ensured his safety."
Ivans's face was smacked with a sly grin. "Agreed, but per our deal, your service term extends by five years. There's another option, of course. Sell your soul to me. It would grant you access to more advanced technology and the freedom to visit your son whenever possible. Consider it, Howard. Sign the contract?"
Howard hesitated. "Let's not."
"Very well. It's your choice. After all, coercion isn't my style."
Though tempted by the alien technology and youthful vigor offered on Skull Island, he couldn't ignore his wife Maria's warning. She had explicitly forbidden him from selling his soul. Despite the allure, Tony clung to her words.
"I'll send someone to watch over your son," Ivans promised. "He won't die, but those Ten Rings thugs are ruthless. While not life-threatening, he'll certainly suffer."
After Ivan stormed out, unfazed by Howard's refusal, his parting words hung heavy in the air. Sixty-five years old. By then, the world would be unrecognizable. Perhaps even a distant memory. In the face of cosmic threats like Thanos or Darkseid, what use would there be for a Howard Stark?
Howard turned to Kyle. "Tony's stuck, but the company can't falter. I have a feeling his return will bring surprises. When that time comes, I'll need your help."
Kyle thumped his chest confidently. "Don't worry about it, boss. Tony's secretary, Pepper Potts, has proven to be a valuable asset. She's held things together admirably in Tony's absence. We'll rally support behind her and keep the company stable until Tony returns."
"Thank you, Kyle," Howard said sincerely.
"No problem. Tony and I see eye-to-eye on some things. With his ingenuity, Stark Industries is destined for even greater things, I have no doubt."
Day after day, Tony painstakingly built a suit of armor in the cave using a hammer and salvaged tools. Meanwhile, Ivan dispatched Arnold with two elite operatives to infiltrate the terrorists' base, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
One day, thanks to the nanobot's intel, Arnold confirmed the armor was complete. Tony's escape was imminent. Kyle, eager to witness Tony's ingenuity firsthand, also made his way near the base.
Yinsen, tasked with equipping the armor for Tony, had planned a smooth escape. However, their operation hit a snag when the terrorists detected an anomaly and started breaching the entrance. To buy Tony time, Yinsen bravely took the initiative to draw fire.
A few hundred meters away, Kyle addressed three figures clad in black suits behind him. "Rescue operation commences. Get Tony and Yinsen to safety."
The three figures, their features obscured by their advanced suits, swiftly acknowledged the order and sprinted with inhuman agility. As they ran, they activated cloaking devices, their forms gradually fading from sight.
They reached the cave entrance within a minute and plunged into the darkness. They wasted no time locating Tony. Upon arrival, they found Yinsen, the doctor from the photo, firing wildly with terrible aim. He'd wasted countless bullets without even landing a hit. One terrorist had him dead to rights, aiming straight for his heart.
In the nick of time, one of the black-clad figures raised their weapon and eliminated the threat with a headshot. The other two followed suit, swiftly dispatching the remaining terrorists. Forced to reveal themselves, the three engaged in a fierce firefight. Despite their advanced weaponry, they were outnumbered and steadily pushed back by the swarm of terrorists.
One of the figures pulled Yinsen behind a pile of debris for cover, and their retreat momentarily halted. "Where is Tony Stark?" they demanded sharply.
"Who are you? Did you come to save Tony?" Yinsen, resigned to his fate, had charged to buy Tony time. Now, seeing unexpected help arrive, a surge of relief washed over him. Who wouldn't cling to life?
"We're the Ciper group. We were hired to extract Mr. Stark." the figure in black rasped.
Yinsen brushed off the mercenary's callous remark. He understood the risks involved in such an operation. Pointing to a nearby door, he said, "Tony's inside but busy at the moment. I believe he'll be out shortly in a low-gear... contraption. You'll be surprised."
The battle intensified. The three mercenaries dropped enemies with pinpoint accuracy with each shot. Utilizing the terrain, they held off dozens of terrorists for several minutes.
Suddenly, a rhythmic clanging echoed from behind, metallic.
Clad in his newly built steel armor, Tony emerged and froze at the sight of the ongoing battle. Confusion clouded his judgment.
Sensing Tony's hesitation, Yinsen quickly explained, "Tony, these men in black are here to save us! We need to join forces and eliminate these terrorists!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Tony charged forward. Terrorist machine guns unleashed a hail of bullets, pinging harmlessly off his armor. He raised his mechanical arms and unleashed two fiery blasts from nozzles on his wrists. The flames engulfed a group of terrorists, their screams piercing the air.
Seizing the opportunity, the mercenaries joined the fray, assisting Tony in mopping up the remaining hostiles. While Tony, an iron juggernaut, led the assault, the mercenaries protected Yinsen, ensuring his safe escape from the cave. One by one, the terrorists fell. Finally, the base's ammunition depot detonated, a roar engulfing the entire structure as it crumbled to dust.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone