Poisoning

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A few days later, when Kai was watching short videos, he saw Tony's video about attending the Stark Expo in New York.

The video showed Tony, clad in his Iron Man armor, jumping out of a helicopter from 15,000 feet and landing right in the center of the stage. As Tony struck a confident pose, the crowd roared in excitement.

The stage beneath Tony spun as mechanical arms extended to help him remove the suit, leaving him in a stylish suit. He bowed to the crowd with a smug smile. His high-energy presence masked the exhausted, troubled look Kai had seen just days ago.

Tony began his speech:

"I didn't say that the long-term peace the world has enjoyed these past few years is because of me!"

"I also didn't say that no one else in the world could rise like a phoenix from the ashes the way I can!"

"I didn't even say that the government gets to relax because no one in the world dares to challenge me in my peak form!"

"Tony! Tony! Tony!" The crowd erupted, chanting his name.

Tony continued:

"I am not important, you are not important, none of us are important. What matters is what we leave behind! Starting next year, outstanding talents from across the world will come together to share ideas and build a better future. So... Welcome back to the Stark Industrial Expo!"

Kai watched Tony's speech on the screen, noticing a recording of Howard Stark playing in the background. Howard explained the purpose of the Expo and the significance of technological progress.

When the map model appeared behind Howard, Kai immediately recognized it. That map would later help Tony discover a new element — one that could replace his reactor's toxic core.

In the next scene, Tony secretly tested his blood, revealing 19% toxicity. His confident smile faded into a tired, pained expression.

The following morning, Kai watched Tony's Senate hearing live. Tony's sharp wit frustrated the senator, especially when Tony referred to his armor as "a high-tech prosthesis," drawing laughter from the audience.

The senator insisted, "My priority is to deliver the suit to the American people..."

"Don't even think about it," Tony cut in firmly. "I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. If I hand over the suit, I'm handing over myself."

The senator tried to pressure Tony further by calling Justin Hammer and Rhodey as witnesses. While Rhodes presented a video, Tony seized the moment to hack the system. He displayed failed suit tests from other countries, including Hammer's disastrous attempts.

"It'll take five to ten years for the world to catch up... twenty years for Hammer," Tony mocked.

Tony declared, "You want my product? Don't even think about it! But hey, I just did you a big favor — I alone can maintain world peace!"

As Tony exited, the room erupted in applause.

Meanwhile, in Russia, Ivan Vanko watched Tony's performance on TV. With a grim expression, he continued constructing his own arc reactor and battle suit, determined to avenge his father.

Later, when Tony returned home from the hearing, he checked his blood again — the toxicity had risen to 24%.

"If you continue wearing the suit," JARVIS warned, "your condition will only worsen."

Tony knew JARVIS was right, yet stubbornly refused to stop. He resorted to swapping out reactor cores frequently, but the toxicity kept increasing.

---

Meanwhile, Kai decided to visit Tony to talk things over. When he arrived at Tony's villa, he overheard Pepper scolding Tony.

"What's wrong, Pepper? Why are you so angry?" Kai asked.

"Oh, Kai! Perfect timing!" Pepper fumed. "Can you tell me if Tony's in the wrong here?"

Kai, already noticing Tony drinking his chlorophyll cocktail, suspected things had worsened. Still, he asked calmly, "What happened?"

Pepper launched into her frustration.

"He donated our entire collection of modern art!"

"He didn't even tell me!"

"Guess where he donated it? To the Boy Scouts of America!"

"I spent ten years collecting those pieces — ten years! And he gave them away just like that!"

Pepper's anger was justified, but Kai could see Tony's actions were likely tied to his growing desperation.

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