Chapter 51: My Armor Is Itching for Action

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#### "Rhodey! Remember what I told you earlier? The time has come!"

Tony Stark eagerly contacted his best friend, Colonel Rhodes. Although Rhodes had no idea what Tony was planning, he had promised to help and quickly made the necessary arrangements.

The next morning, a military Jeep was delivered to Tony's mansion. Tony immediately dove into his work, modifying the Jeep over the course of two days. By the time he was done, he had successfully integrated his Iron Man armor into the vehicle, allowing him to suit up and become Iron Man anytime, anywhere.

With the final preparations complete, Tony felt completely at ease. The potential attack no longer worried him. Thus, when the Jericho missile demonstration began in Afghanistan, Tony appeared more confident and flamboyant than ever.

"Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, why not both?" Tony declared to the military bigwigs. Dressed in a designer suit and sunglasses, he delivered his speech with his usual flair.

The entire event was essentially Tony's personal showcase. After his grand speech, the Jericho missile was launched. The missile split into multiple warheads, hitting a distant mountain with explosive force. The ensuing fireball and shockwave demonstrated the missile's devastating power.

"To peace," Tony toasted with the military leaders, marking the end of the transaction. Under Rhodey's arrangements, Tony began his journey back, escorted by a military convoy.

Unlike in the movie, Tony and Rhodey shared the same Jeep—one that Tony had modified. The extensive modifications left no room for anyone else. Despite being a military colonel, Rhodey had to drive.

"Okay, Tony. What have you done to this Jeep, and what can it do if that attack in the video happens?" Rhodey asked while driving.

"Calm down, Rhodey. If I told you now, where's the surprise?" Tony replied, nonchalant as ever, holding a glass of wine.

Rhodey shook his head, exasperated. Tony was the only one who could treat such a serious matter so lightly. Despite his frustrations, Rhodey had made additional security arrangements within his authority, just in case.

"I hope we're overthinking this. Maybe that screen doesn't mean anything," Rhodey said sincerely.

"Speaking of that screen, Rhodey, have you found anyone else who can see it?" Tony asked, suddenly serious.

"No, I'm the only one at the base who can see it," Rhodey replied, then looked at Tony. "What about you?"

"I did find someone. A guy named Barton from some Strategic Homeland blah blah blah... God, that name is a mouthful. Anyway, it's an intelligence agency. They warned me, just like you did," Tony said.

Barton had approached Tony shortly after Rhodey left, wanting to warn him and arrange some protection. Tony had dismissed him, but S.H.I.E.L.D. had not given up. They continued to monitor Tony and made their own arrangements, intrigued by the potential of Tony's Iron Man suit.

"What agency?" Rhodey asked, intrigued by another person who could see the screen.

Before Tony could answer, several missiles suddenly flew in, flipping a Jeep ahead of them. Gunfire erupted. Tony and Rhodey exchanged a glance, both shocked and serious. The attack predicted in the video was happening!

"Tony, stop hiding your surprise. I'm ready to be amazed!" Rhodey shouted, drawing his weapon.

"Watch closely!" Tony grinned, pressing a button. His seat reclined, sliding back into the Jeep's interior. Mechanical arms extended, assembling the Iron Man suit onto Tony in a flurry of movement. In moments, Iron Man stood ready, gleaming and powerful.