Justin Hammer

"Look who it is, our very own superhero Blake!"

"It's such a pleasure to see you. This plane is really something. I'm Justin Hammer. You might have seen my picture on the cover of 'Time' magazine recently, though it's nothing compared to what you've done!"

Blake didn't expect to run into this guy. He couldn't exactly call him a villain, but he wasn't a good person either. In the movies, he was more of a clown, especially since he deliberately tried to imitate Tony Stark.

Blake was even more surprised that Justin Hammer seemed so enthusiastic to see him. Not only did he greet him warmly, but he even mimicked the motion of Blake slicing through Iron Monger's leg armor with a katana.

"I have to say, that move of yours was absolutely awesome! By the way, compared to Stark, I'm a huge fan of yours!"

Justin Hammer extended his right hand to Blake.

Blake reached out and shook his hand.

This was a contradictory guy who viewed Tony as a rival but also idolized him. He constantly imitated Tony's manner of speaking and walking, especially since Tony announced that Stark Industries would no longer manufacture weapons.

Justin Hammer's company had been flooded with orders from the Department of Defense, their stock soared, and he even graced the cover of 'Time' magazine several times in a row.

This made him even more conceited, thinking he had finally surpassed Tony.

But unfortunately for him, Tony's Iron Man suit took the world by storm. No matter how many orders his company received, in the public's mind, Tony was still undeniably number one.

Looking at the man in front of him, who was trying so hard to emulate Tony's style, Blake found it a bit amusing.

His attempt at humor with his exaggerated behavior was nothing like Tony's innate nonchalance.

"Hey! Blake!"

Blake had no intention of chatting further with this awkward-looking guy and was ready to leave with Darcy and the others.

But Justin Hammer suddenly stepped in front of Blake, blocking his path.

"Wait a minute, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Are you heading to the races? So am I. There's a helicopter waiting for me over there. I thought we could chat on the way if you don't mind. Are these two lovely ladies and this strong gentleman your friends? They can join us too."

As the saying goes, "A fool misses a free ride." Since they needed transportation anyway, hitching a ride on the helicopter seemed like a good idea.

Blake nodded slightly, and Justin Hammer let out a cheer, quickly scurrying ahead to lead the way.

"I don't like this guy. He talks like an actor in a stage play!" Thor bluntly commented.

"I don't like him either. I'd bet anything he's up to no good," Darcy said, holding Blake's hand.

The two had gotten quite close on the plane, and Darcy was very satisfied with Blake. Blake, too, felt like a man parched in a desert who had finally found water, so they decided to extend their brief romance until the end of the journey.

"No matter. We just happen to need a ride, and that helicopter looks pretty good!"

Compared to Tony Stark, Justin Hammer is more of a pure businessman.

In terms of material wealth, he's not lacking compared to Tony—in fact, he might even surpass him.

The helicopter that came to pick him up was a modified Mi-26, developed by the former Soviet Union, and it was over forty meters long.

It was practically the size of a small passenger jet, and the interior was decorated like a small nightclub—exceedingly extravagant.

"You know, our company is developing a suit of combat armor, just like Tony Stark's—Iron Man, you know, 'biubiubiu!' But ours will be bigger, stronger, and more powerful. It's part of a project we're jointly developing with the Department of Defense, and I believe we'll have a finished product very soon!"

As soon as they boarded the helicopter, Justin Hammer pulled Blake to a sofa and sat down, immediately launching into a few disjointed sentences.

"But I heard your project was put on hold after Tony released your experimental video during the last Senate hearing."

Blake unceremoniously exposed his sore spot—just a few days ago, he had been completely humiliated by Tony at the Senate.

"That was just for show. In reality, we've continued our work and even signed a secret agreement!"

Justin Hammer looked smug.

"Well, good luck to you! But I don't see how this has anything to do with me."

Blake responded bluntly, his tone stiff.

"To be honest, we've already signed contracts with the Department of Defense, and those orders are a sure thing. But the public doesn't see it that way—they need to believe our country has armor even more powerful than Iron Man's to protect them. The public needs confidence, and you are their confidence!"

"Me?"

Blake was a bit confused.

"That's right, you. Tony was beaten by Obadiah's Iron Monger, but you defeated that big guy. Everyone saw the video—Tony was sitting there all battered and bruised, but you were the one who took care of it, weren't you?"

"At the Stark Expo, I'm going to request a booth from Stark Industries to showcase our new armor. I hope you'll attend and put on a little fight with our armor—not a real fight, just a performance. You understand what I mean, right?"

Of course, Blake understood what he meant. This guy wanted Blake to publicly lose to his armor so he could demonstrate to the world that he was stronger than Tony Stark.

This wasn't just about Hammer; there was a political angle to it as well.

Just a few days ago, Congress had held a hearing demanding Tony Stark hand over his armor.

For whatever reason, the government wanted to possess weapons that appeared more powerful than Iron Man's—even if it was just on the surface, just to make the public believe it.

"Of course, I understand. I'll do my best to put on a spectacular show and then lose to your armor, right?"

Blake said with a smile.

"Bingo!"

Justin Hammer snapped his fingers.

"That's exactly it. Of course, we won't let you do this for nothing. I'll pay you an endorsement fee equivalent to the highest-paid celebrity in the world, and you'll also gain the friendship of some very influential members of Congress!"

Justin Hammer laid out his offer.

Blake was initially planning to mock him and then refuse outright.

But then, something came to mind, and a mischievous smile appeared on his face as he said:

"Of course, no problem. But we'll need to discuss the endorsement fee in detail. After all, I'll be losing in front of the whole world—this is about my superhero honor, isn't it? How much is that worth?"

For Justin Hammer, nothing was more important than defeating Tony Stark.

Unless he actually developed armor that could defeat Tony, no one would be more suitable for this task than Blake.

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