Chapter - 20: Telling about Obadiah

"Of course it's interesting. Think about this: if we had portable armour at the time, we wouldn't have been suppressed by the terrorists. We could use JARVIS as a smart center to lock onto their artillery and launch a precise counterattack. 

Additionally, you could fly directly into the sky and deal with them from high altitude. If you create such a thing, you wouldn't need bodyguards to handle terrorists in the future.

And don't you think something like this would be quite flashy and perfectly match your showy, high-profile personality?" Adrian said with a smile to Tony.

"Oh, then let's make portable armour. Actually, I've had some ideas in this regard before. But if we manufacture it, it becomes super strategic equipment, and it could easily have a significant impact on Stark Industries," Tony said.

"Are you afraid?" Adrian asked.

"How is it possible? I just don't want the hassle. But this time, the terrorists were so arrogant, attacking me with my own weapon. They're just asking for it," Tony retorted without hesitation, his face showing anger.

He was truly furious.

After saying this, Tony suddenly looked at Adrian. "Adrian, be honest with me. Do you know who's behind the terrorists who attacked us? Although it's not unusual for someone like me to be targeted by terrorists, it doesn't make sense unless there's a bigger plan. So, who's behind them? Are they backed by some countries, major terrorist organizations, or commercial rivals competing with Stark Industries?"

"That's my brother," Adrian said, praising Tony.

"You're right, I do know who's behind the attack on us."

"Who is it?" Tony said awkwardly after Adrian praised him.

"Obadiah Stane," Adrian said seriously. 

"It's him! How is this possible..." Tony exclaimed in shock, his face filled with disbelief.

"How is it not possible? In Stark Industries, besides you, he is the biggest shareholder. If you and I die, Stark Industries naturally falls under his control. Besides, Tony, you've always been in his way. Who do you think sold the weapons you designed to the terrorists? Obviously it's him or do you think anyone besides him has authority to sell weapons to terrorists behind your back? 

You might believe that the weapons you design save a lot of people, make the United States stronger, and deter terrorists. But to others, you're seen as a notorious killer, one of the most murderous executioners in history. Countless people have died because of the weapons you designed.

Despite indirectly causing many deaths, you've prevented Stark Industries from cooperating with terrorists and shady individuals. This forced Obadiah to conduct secret trades behind your back. 

Even though it's still profitable, it's always been limited. As an arms dealer, he doesn't want to be restricted. Other arms dealers can sell equipment freely as long as they have money," Adrian said, glancing at Tony with a hint of finality.

"This… this…" Tony stammered, his mind reeling from Adrian's words. The revelation struck him hard, making it difficult for him to accept.

He had always seen himself as a messenger of peace, a peace ambassador.

But now, Adrian was telling him that he was one of the most powerful executioners in history. How could he accept this?

"Okay, Tony, don't dwell on these things for now. What's done is done, and thinking about it won't change anything. Focus on building a portable exoskeleton armour quickly. But before that, I need you to create some weight-bearing equipment for me. Even though I have strong power now, I haven't fully tapped into my physical potential," Adrian said, patting Tony's shoulder.

"Well, you're right, the portable exoskeleton armour should come first…" Tony sighed, then nodded. Without saying anything further, he began designing the weight-bearing equipment for Adrian while sketching some design drawings for the portable exoskeleton armour.

Since it's meant to be portable, Tony's focus was on making the exoskeleton armour as compact and efficient as possible.

However, this was the hardest part of the design process. Throughout the Marvel story, creating a truly portable exoskeleton armour was a feat only Tony could achieve.

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Knowledge is power. In all the universe there is no greater truth.

- Dr. Doom

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