Iron Man's First Defeat

This was the root cause of Obadiah's willingness to kill Tony Stark. In his eyes, Tony Stark was powerful, yes, but so what? Which scientist wasn't a genius? Which researcher didn't have super intelligence?

You're not the only genius in the world. Even if you are a genius, I can gather ten, one hundred, or even one thousand researchers who can match you.

As long as I have money, I can hire enough researchers to rival Tony Stark.

There's nothing so special about you, Tony Stark. This is the mindset of capitalists.

While Tony Stark was an invaluable asset—a golden goose laying eggs—his presence had created significant conflict with the interests of some shareholders, especially Obadiah.

How ironic it was, a weapons dealer, a merchant of death, somehow having a conscience.

But recently, Obadiah's thinking had been shaken. He had gotten his hands on something new—Tony Stark was developing a battle frame. This project gathered some of the most elite researchers to work on it. When Obadiah saw the basic design, all he could come up with was a stupid, bulky black suit.

The facts were clear: some people were simply indispensable.

But at this moment, Tony Stark struck him unexpectedly. Obadiah wasn't going to take it lying down. He grabbed Pepper as a hostage.

"Tony, you still don't understand how significant this nuclear fusion technology is!" Obadiah laughed maniacally. "Once I fully develop it, it will revolutionize the entire energy industry, and I will become the richest man in the world. But you—you're using such an incredible invention for something as trivial as powering armor. You don't understand the greatness of this technology!"

Despite being hunted by the government, Obadiah knew that as long as he had this technology, there were countries willing to take him in—such as the Eastern powers or Russia. They weren't afraid of the Beacon Country.

With this technology, being the richest man in the world would be within his grasp. The money would be limitless.

After all, Tony Stark was a capitalist. With this technology, he could easily do anything.

"Bring me the information," Obadiah demanded viciously. "Otherwise, I can't guarantee her life."

With that, he hung up.

Tony Stark was left staring at the phone, his face darkened. He immediately said, "J.A.R.V.I.S., how did he get the design drawings of the Mark 1?"

He hadn't actually built the Mark 1; it was just a basic design he had run through a virtual AI for feasibility. The real product would be the Mark 2.

"Sir, he copied the data from your office without your knowledge. He also took one of the Ark reactors you made earlier," J.A.R.V.I.S. explained. "In your permission settings, he had unrestricted access to both your office and your residence. That's why I didn't stop him."

Tony Stark's face twisted in realization. He had trusted Obadiah too much, leaving his office and residence unprotected. Obadiah had the same access as Pepper—something Tony hadn't suspected before.

Now, something crucial was missing. It was too late to regret his mistakes.

No matter how much J.A.R.V.I.S. seemed human, his core was still code, programmed with specific limitations. He couldn't act autonomously like a human.

Had J.A.R.V.I.S. been human, the warning would've come long ago.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., prepare the armor. I'm going to rescue her!" Tony Stark ordered. "Also, create a reminder for me to build a platform for wearing the armor—it'll be far too inconvenient without one."

"Yes, sir!" J.A.R.V.I.S. responded.

A few moments later, Tony Stark was suited up. He activated the flight engine and soared into the sky.

Following the address Obadiah had left, it didn't take long for him to spot Obadiah standing tall, clad in his massive battle armor.

Before Tony could react, Obadiah launched a surprise attack, sending several missiles flying his way.

The missiles came fast and fierce.

Tony Stark didn't even have time to brace himself before the blast sent him flying. He crashed to the ground, the impact so brutal that it felt like his bones were shattering.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., remind me next time to increase the shock absorbers!" Tony groaned, lying on the ground.

He hadn't expected Obadiah to stoop so low and attack him in such a sneaky manner—attacking a young man in his thirties like that!

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