Chapter 128: Backstage

~..Wind speed 30 knots, altitude 15 000 feet... you are cleared to enter the landing zone...~

With the pilot's announcement, Tony Stark, clad in his sleek red-and-gold armor, leaped from the aircraft door.

The eye-catching Iron Man suit descended in a free-fall pose, cutting through the night sky amidst dazzling fireworks.

Energetic music blared across the stage as spotlights converged on the outstretched arms of the armored hero. Behind him, a row of long-legged dancers kicked in perfect sync, while the audience below erupted into thunderous cheers and applause.

This was the Stark Industries Expo in Flushing, New York. Despite Pepper Potts' objections, Tony had stubbornly gone ahead with this grand solo performance.

The circular stage beneath him rotated open, and several mechanical arms emerged, swiftly disassembling the armor. Dressed in a sharp black suit, the playboy billionaire reveled in the deafening cheers. He loved this feeling, the sensation of the world's attention focused solely on him. The adoration of the crowd momentarily reignited his heart, which was slowly being poisoned by palladium toxicity...

A giant screen displayed the waving flag of the United States as Tony stood at the center of the stage. He had just finished testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where military officials had tried (and failed) to seize his Iron Man technology.

Though energy conglomerates continued to smear his new energy initiatives with negative press, their baseless accusations couldn't shake Tony's resolve. At this moment, Iron Man was brimming with confidence. Even without being a weapons manufacturer, he believed he could usher in a new era of energy under the Stark name!

"Justin Hammer... that clown isn't even fit to lick my boots," Tony thought, smirking at the memory of Hammer's ridiculous antics during the hearing.

"Some say the world's prolonged peace is because of me. Others claim that playboy Tony Stark rose from the ashes, transforming into a superhero, that Uncle Sam can sit back and sip iced tea because a meddling overqualified Iron Man is out there saving the world..."

True to his narcissistic style, Tony basked in the crowd's frenzy like a rockstar, their enthusiasm threatening to ignite the night sky.

As Pepper had warned, Stark Industries had been mired in controversy and criticism lately. Without the Department of Defense as a backer, the military-industrial giant was struggling to pivot.

The new energy sector faced a lukewarm market, and the boardroom was rife with discontent. If not for Pepper's tireless mediation, Tony would have long been buried under the mess.

"...But I'm here to tell you none of that is true. The world's lasting peace isn't because of me. No single person can work miracles. What one man does isn't important, what matters is legacy! What we leave behind for the future. So starting next year, for the first time since 1974, the brightest minds from around the world, across all disciplines, will gather here to share their vision and build a better tomorrow!"

"...We are not important. The legend stands behind me. Thank you, and please, no more talk about me. Welcome to the Stark Expo."

The massive screen behind him began playing decades-old footage of Howard Stark, Tony's late father and former chairman of Stark Industries, delivering a speech.

Stepping offstage, Tony took a deep breath, lingering on the euphoric cheers. He loved the lights, the stage, the adoring gazes, the intoxicating thrill of being the center of attention...

Especially now, when he knew this playboy, with all his accolades and personas, would soon no longer be able to enjoy such moments.

"I wonder if anyone will miss me when I'm gone. Well, Pepper will definitely cry her eyes out."

Alone backstage, Tony pulled out a portable blood analyzer. The palladium toxicity levels had risen yet again. He pursed his lips and exhaled a nearly imperceptible sigh.

Death was humanity's greatest fear and its ultimate destination.

"How rare. Tony Stark actually being humble." A mocking voice came from behind.

"Damn it! Do I have to see you everywhere?" Tony pocketed the analyzer and turned to face Sean, who had inexplicably appeared.

Truthfully, Tony rarely admired or despised anyone, most people weren't worthy of either reaction. But this dark-haired young man somehow managed to earn both.

Tony respected Sean's meteoric rise from obscurity to prominence, yet some innate male competitiveness made him dislike the guy. Perhaps the incident at the gala had subconsciously cast Sean as a rival.

"This is Ms. Potts' invitation. I heard Stark Industries' pivot hasn't been smooth... only securing contracts for wind farms and exhaust treatment plants. Coincidentally, Oscorp has some ideas about new energy as well." Sean spread his hands.

He knew Tony's seemingly reckless decision to shut down weapons manufacturing wasn't impulsive. The genius had found a far more lucrative goldmine. If new energy took off, it could reshape the world's landscape.

That was why energy conglomerates kept targeting Stark Industries. The old guard that monopolized the market through traditional energy would never tolerate Tony rewriting the rules. The Senate hearing was just the opening move... harsher tactics would follow.

Sean's smile faded, "You might not know this, but Oscorp has made significant strides in energy... smart grids, for instance. Nearly all of New York's power supply and circuitry is our work. And Dr. Otto at Umbrella has been developing a cost-effective new energy source. You've probably heard of the artificial sun project."

Tony's defensiveness waned. He had heard of Dr. Otto and had even considered recruiting him for Stark Industries before Umbrella snapped him up.

"I've left all that to Pepper. No need to discuss it with me." Tony glanced at Sean's youthful face, a shadow passing through his eyes.

"As a halfway decent biologist, I feel obliged to warn you, palladium poisoning is... a painful way to go..." Sean could see the darkened veins beneath Tony's makeup.

The palladium toxin was like a sinister flower, creeping from his chest toward his neck, slowly killing the arrogant playboy.

"...You still have options, Tony. Before the toxin consumes you completely, there's still time to fix this."

The man called Iron Man fell silent. For once, his usually flippant expression turned solemn. The dim light in his eyes flickered back to life.

"You wouldn't understand." Tony tapped the arc reactor in his chest, "We all have to leave something behind when we go. My father built Stark Industries, etching our name into history. Tony Stark's departure won't be remembered... he's just a lucky, reckless playboy. But Iron Man? He's worth remembering."

"Is this Tony Stark's hero complex?" Sean asked.

"It's every man's hero complex," Tony replied.

The young man studied the mustached genius whose eyes burned with determination. Softly, he said, "If there were drinks here, I'd propose a toast to Iron Man."

"I don't make a habit of drinking with men." Tony flashed a carefree grin before vanishing into the backstage shadows...

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