64 It’s Time to Pick a Code Name

At an altitude of 40,000 meters over the Atlantic, a futuristic silver-gray aircraft was cutting through the sky at seven times the speed of sound, leaving North America behind as it headed toward Europe.

Meanwhile, alarms were blaring in North America's air defense command center.

"What's the situation with the target?"

Inside the command center, the Air Defense Commander asked anxiously for updates on the alert.

"Nine minutes ago, this thing suddenly appeared on radar. It's now crossing the Atlantic at Mach 7," the communications officer replied.

"We can't identify what it is yet. The satellite image looks like some kind of aircraft, but its radar signature is only about the size of Iron Man."

"Mach 7? Oh my God, could it be Tony Stark?" the commander asked.

"No, sir. Tony Stark is currently in Monaco for the Grand Prix. It can't be him," the officer clarified.

"I think it's some kind of stealth aircraft, sir," the officer continued.

"Then we have a problem," the commander said, frowning.

"Can we take any defensive measures? If it's a missile..."

"No, sir. It's moving away from the U.S. Its target isn't us."

"So it originated from the U.S.? Does it have an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) marker?"

"No, sir. No response to any of our communications."

The commander clicked his tongue.

"By protocol, we must intercept it if it's within range. We're not sure where it's heading, but if someone's trying to frame the U.S. for a missile attack, we need to stop it."

"But sir..." a technician spoke up.

"We... we can't intercept it. It's too fast."

"What?" the commander asked, shocked.

"What about our missile defense system?"

"We can't intercept a Mach 7, non-guided target in the atmosphere, sir," the technician explained.

"We don't have long-range missiles fast enough to catch it."

...

"Fxxk!"

—Above the Atlantic

Inside the "Halo" hypersonic transport, Kagura Hitomi was making the final adjustments to her gear.

Her new suit, designed with a fully integrated concept, had moved away from the previous design that resembled a uniform and skirt.

Instead, it was now a tight-fitting bodysuit.

Since the vibranium material she had planned to use was still under development, this generation of armor still used high-performance carbon fiber.

All kinds of gear, weapons, and tools were integrated into the carbon fiber underlayer and powered by the almost perfected microcapacitor technology, which helped conserve some of her core energy.

Of course, the key weapon—her long blade designed to unleash "high-energy electromagnetic pulse radiation"—had been made from vibranium and was now folded and attached to her waist.

The major design change reflected her intention to officially begin her superhero journey.

The suit came with an advanced tactical visor and special holographic hair accessories on her head.

These could project her long, silver-white hair as black, effectively concealing her identity.

"Three minutes and 21 seconds until arrival."

Cortana, who was handling the transport's navigation and flight, informed her.

"I got it. Final checks are done. Ready for deployment," Kagura said, stretching her arms and legs.

She adjusted her hair, which was tied in twin tails by the holographic accessories.

Looking at herself, she added, "Hmm... though it's all covered up, I still feel a little embarrassed... I might have preferred a skirt... I hope nothing slips out."

"Command confirmed. High-altitude rapid landing system activated."

A lightweight, disposable tactical backpack was attached to Kagura's back, connecting automatically with her bodysuit.

It was her first time using this new form of combat, and to be honest, she felt a little nervous.

"Speaking of which, I still haven't come up with a superhero name," she mused to herself.

"Correct, Master," Cortana replied.

"You're terrible at naming things."

"Hmph!" Kagura gave a playful hum.

"When did you learn to mock me?"

"The internet is quite an interesting place, Master."

"Just... don't let it corrupt you."

"One minute and 30 seconds to arrival. 'Halo' transport is descending and entering deployment mode."

The silver-gray aircraft began its steep descent, cutting through the vast blue Atlantic, leaving a dazzling streak of light in the sky, resembling a bright shooting star.

"Speed reduced to safe limits. Opening hatch."

Cortana continued to report, "Good luck, Master."

The rear hatch of the transport opened slowly, and Kagura, clad in her tight suit, approached the exit.

"Approaching drop zone," Cortana said.

"Passing over drop zone in 3... 2... 1."

Kagura gracefully spun around, opened her arms, and leaped off the aircraft.

In that moment, the silver-gray transport flew past the sky, and Kagura's graceful figure unfolded in mid-air.

Time seemed to stand still as her slender body glided against the brilliant sunlight and the deep blue sky, like an angel descending from heaven.

...

—Monaco, International Grand Prix

Tony Stark's presence had made the race more thrilling.

Driving a blue race car, Tony overtook his competitors, battling for fourth place.

The crowd on the sidelines cheered loudly, rallying behind "Iron Man."

However, just then, a plump, yellow-suited worker suddenly pushed through the barrier and stepped onto the track.

"Oh my God! What's that person doing?!"

Confused spectators pointed at the person in the middle of the track.

This was a serious safety violation, and staff began to scramble, preparing to address the dangerous situation.

"Boom—!"

The first driver to approach slammed the brakes and swerved, losing control and flipping over.

The crowd gasped in shock.

The wrecked car then collided with others, sparks igniting the ruptured fuel tanks, creating a massive fireball.

For a moment, the scene descended into chaos.

Meanwhile, the person who had walked onto the track remained unfazed.

With calm steps, he walked forward, ignoring the burning wreckage, then raised his hands.

From mechanical devices on his arms, two long metallic whips emerged.

"Whoosh—!"

The yellow suit was incinerated by the plasma heat, revealing the exoskeleton-wearing "Whiplash."

The blue arc reactor on his chest lit up, and his metal whips crackled with blinding electrical arcs.

"Vroom—!"

A race car sped past him, and with a swift flick of his electric whip, he sliced the car cleanly in two.

Whiplash's target was now approaching—the blue race car.

Tony Stark, seeing the unfolding situation, widened his eyes in surprise...