Chapter 136: Steve Chapter 135
In the original storyline, Killian was indeed quite powerful.
Primarily, the Extremis virus not only enhanced his physique but also allowed him to emit high temperatures. Dealing with him was certainly a challenge for Stark.
However, the situation has changed now.
Under the influence of Fang Mo, the entire Marvel plotline has taken a significant twist.
Stark had his physical abilities enhanced by the Golden Apple. To be precise, his physical prowess was now comparable to that of Captain America, perhaps differing only in combat experience.
Moreover, Stark possessed the Iron Man armor, making his combat capabilities far superior to the original version.
Initially, Killian didn't regard Stark's armor seriously, considering it to be fragile like paper that could be easily crushed.
However, when they engaged in actual combat, Killian swiftly realized the extent of his mistake.
Stark's current armor lacked any advanced high-tech configurations. In comparison to high-tech armors, this particular suit appeared to be specialized for close combat.
The shell was more robust and thicker, equipped with soundproofing, shock absorption, and resistance to extreme temperatures.
While long-range heat weapons were removed, metallic blades were added to areas like wrists, elbows, and knees. Hydraulic pumps were installed in the arms, substantially enhancing punching power.
A single punch to Killian's head nearly shattered it.
"Come on, you bastard!" Stark surprisingly used profanity, then fiercely struck Killian's head with his fist, declaring, "I'm going to fight you all day."
"You..." Killian was taken aback, forced to retreat from the impact of Stark's blows.
At that moment, an Iron Man suit suddenly descended from above, opening its chamber behind Killian.
"What's this?" Killian was momentarily puzzled, but Stark's forceful kick to his stomach promptly propelled him into the chamber. The Iron Man suit swiftly sealed itself shut, trapping Killian inside.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., detonate it," Stark issued a cold command.
Upon receiving the instruction, the Iron Man suit swiftly ascended into the air and self-destructed.
With a deafening explosion, a stunning cloud of flames materialized in the sky. However, before Stark could even catch his breath, an orange-red beam suddenly shot out from a distance. It pierced through the flame cloud, slashing across the sky, leaving a massive several-kilometer-wide gap in the clouds.
"!?"
Stark was startled, quickly turning to see Fang Mo holding a golden sword, aimed at the sky.
"What's going on?" Stark couldn't help but inquire.
"Filling in the gaps," Fang Mo retrieved the Nine-Tails' Sword, stating, "This guy can regenerate, but he's simply too feeble. I couldn't stand listening to his nonsensical blathering..."
"Very well."
Stark could only nod, acknowledging the situation. His attention then shifted to Pepper.
Indeed, as mentioned earlier, Killian had abducted Pepper Potts, injecting her with the Extremis virus. It was a timed bomb of sorts, capable of detonating at any moment. Naturally, Stark remained deeply concerned for Pepper's well-being.
However, Stark's own condition wasn't particularly favorable. During his battle with Killian, he had fallen victim to a surprise attack, resulting in burns covering his body and blood trickling from his eye. He appeared quite bedraggled.
Observing Stark's state, Pepper regarded him with a worried expression.
"Displaying their affection, eh?" Fang Mo, upon seeing the pair, playfully wiped his face, positioning Pepper in front of Stark. "Alright, you two have your moment. I'm off to find Fury."
"I owe you a major favor, buddy," Stark addressed Fang Mo's retreating figure, unable to hold back his gratitude.
Fang Mo continued without looking back, simply waving a hand in acknowledgment.
Stark and Pepper were navigating a difficult situation together. Despite any desire to jest, Fang Mo refrained from being a third wheel during this time. Instead, he resolved to stir up some trouble for Nick Fury.
As it turned out, Nick Fury was far from idle.
When Fang Mo located him, Fury was in the midst of rescuing the President of America.
Yes, as mentioned before, the terrorist Killian had suspended the President of America as part of a spectacle to overthrow the government. Fury had just managed to rescue him from a precarious situation.
"Mr. President, congratulations on your rescue," Fury assisted the man in removing his armor and conveyed his well-wishes.
"You..."
The President began to speak, but a flash of darkness saw Fang Mo materialize beside Nick Fury.
"Hmm?" Fury certainly noticed Fang Mo's presence, who at the moment was sporting a rather displeased expression. It was almost as if the word "irritated" was etched onto his forehead. Naturally, Fury couldn't help but inquire, "What's bothering you?"
"Stark and Potts are displaying their affection."
Fang Mo wiped his face and said, "I just couldn't bear watching anymore, so I came down to give you a hard time."
"Could you hold off on bothering me for a while?" Fury quipped, his tone light-hearted. "The President is standing right here. As the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., can you cut me a bit of slack?"
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing Fury's remark, Fang Mo momentarily froze, "Former director? Wait, did you get ousted?"
"Not exactly."
Fury shook his head, offering clarification. "In any case, your warning was accurate. S.H.I.E.L.D... has become a viper's nest. Just a few days ago, there was an attempted coup within S.H.I.E.L.D. Thanks to Captain America and Agent Romanoff's assistance, we managed to eliminate Pierce."
"What? Pierce is dead?"
Fang Mo's brow furrowed. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s downfall should occur after the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. According to the timeline, Iron Man 3 should precede Thor: The Dark World, followed by Captain America: The Winter Soldier. So, how did Pierce's demise happen earlier? Was it linked to Fang Mo's intervention in some way?
"I personally took him down. He was a leader within Hydra."
Fury's tone carried a hint of emotion. Pierce was the one who had elevated him, making him sort of Fury's senior in a way.
To discover that the person he trusted the most was a Hydra member was indeed ironic.
"Fine, he's dead."
Fang Mo shrugged. Pierce's death wasn't a significant concern for him, given the ample other intriguing events occurring within the Marvel universe.
"By the way, where's Stark's good friend?"
Fang Mo pondered briefly before inquiring, "Has Colonel Rhodes shown up?"
"He sustained injuries during the confrontation with Hydra and is currently recuperating in the hospital. Stark decided not to involve him in this matter," Fury explained.
"Ah, I see."
Fang Mo nodded in understanding, realizing that the butterfly effect he had set in motion was growing more substantial.
As Fang Mo contemplated the ripple effects he had caused, the Iron Man armors flying about suddenly erupted into inexplicable explosions. Blooms of sparks and detonations resembled a display of fireworks, unexpectedly creating a picturesque scene.
"Huh?"
Both Fury and the President of Magda gazed upward, perplexed by the unfolding spectacle.
"Damn... as if flaunting their affection wasn't enough, now they're flaunting their wealth."
Fang Mo looked up, unable to contain his exclamation, "No, today I'll give them something grand..."
With that, Fang Mo's thoughts shifted, and he produced a gigantic green crystal roughly a meter in size.
"What's that?"
Fury inquired with curiosity upon spotting the green crystal.
"Take this, Stark!" Fang Mo disregarded Fury and shouted, "A twenty-kilometer-radius Green Gem water display…"
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