In a dimly lit bar, the TV displays news coverage of Tony Stark's press conference, where he revealed himself as the superhero Iron Man. The patrons, a diverse group of locals, chatter amongst themselves, their voices rising above the ambient music.
"Can you believe it? Tony Stark, the big-shot CEO, is Iron Man?" exclaims a burly man, taking a swig of his beer.
"I always knew that guy was full of himself, but this takes the cake," scoffs a woman sitting at the bar, rolling her eyes.
"Nah, man, this is crazy. Iron Man's been saving people's asses, and that's Stark?" a younger patron interjects, leaning forward in his seat.
"Well, if he's the one behind that tin can, then I ain't surprised he's been causing so much trouble," a grizzled bartender remarks, wiping down the counter.
The conversation continues, with the patrons debating the implications of Stark's revelation. Some express admiration, while others voice skepticism and criticism. The lively discussion fills the bar, as the news continues to play in the background, offering a glimpse into the public's reaction to the world-changing announcement.
The grizzled bartender wiped down the counter as the news shifted to reports of a mysterious armored figure known as Kamen Rider. Among the chattering patrons, a man with a rugged appearance and tattoos sat quietly, his eyes narrowing as the footage played.
Xu·Wulfu·Da, the Wolf Grongi in human disguise, bristled with anger at the sight of Kamen Rider.
Xu·Wulfu·Da's brow furrowed as he watched the news footage of Kamen Rider, the familiar blue and gold armor triggering a flood of memories. He had faced this formidable foe in his previous life, only to be struck down by Kuuga's spear. Wulfu had been certain of his demise, but Dai-Shocker's revival had granted him a second chance. Now, with renewed vigor, the Wolf Grongi was determined to seek his revenge and eliminate the one who had once defeated him.
Xu·Wulfu·Da's eyes narrowed as the image of the armored Iron Man figure flashed across the television screen. The Grongi's lips curled into a sneer, his grip tightening on the beer glass in his hand. The technology of the Linto, the ancient enemy of the Grongi, intrigued him, but Wulfu cared little for such matters.
What infuriated him was the resemblance between the Iron Man armor and the image of Kamen Rider Kuuga. The small horns, the large eyes, and the color scheme all evoked the warrior that had once defeated him. Wulfu's rage boiled within, a reminder of his past humiliation at the hands of the Linto's champion. That another of their kind would dare to appropriate Kuuga's likeness only served to stoke the Grongi's anger further.
Xu·Wulfu·Da slammed his glass down on the bar, the contents spilling onto the counter. With a growl, he pushed himself up from his seat, his eyes burning with a primal fury. The news footage had stoked the embers of his long-simmering resentment, and now the Wolf Grongi was consumed by a singular desire – to hunt down this "Iron Man" and tear him apart, limb by limb.
Wulfu no longer cared about the rules or the permission of his superiors. The Gegel, the ritualistic game of the Grongi, could wait. His thirst for vengeance against the one who had once defeated him was too great to be contained. Kamen Rider Kuuga's doppelganger would pay the ultimate price for daring to don a similar form.
…
Ace stands in the upscale hotel room, a slight hum of excitement coursing through him. Stark Industries has arranged everything for Tony's party, and Ace feels the weight of anticipation as he stares at the suit hanging on the back of the door. It's a sleek, tailored ensemble—a deep navy blue jacket that catches the light just right, giving it an almost shimmering quality. The lapels are sharp and well-defined, hinting at both sophistication and style.
He pairs it with crisp white trousers that complement the jacket perfectly, providing a striking contrast. A light silver tie adds a touch of elegance, completing the look without overwhelming it. As he slips into the jacket, Ace admires how it fits snugly yet comfortably against his frame, allowing him to move with ease. He adjusts his collar in front of the mirror, feeling more confident by the second.
His shoes—polished black oxfords—reflect his determination to make an impression tonight. The outfit feels like a new identity, one that balances his Kamen Rider persona with a youthful charm suited for Stark's high-profile event. Ace takes one last look in the mirror, ready to step out into a world filled with possibilities.
Ace steps out of the hotel, the evening air crisp against his skin. A sleek limousine waits at the curb, its glossy exterior reflecting the city lights. He can't help but smile—Stark Industries really knows how to treat their guests. Climbing inside, he sinks into the plush leather seats, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The driver gives a nod, and they pull away from the bustling streets of New York.
As the car glides through traffic, Ace gazes out the window, taking in the neon signs and vibrant energy of the city. He wonders what kind of people he'll meet tonight. Arriving at Stark's mansion, he finds it even more impressive than he imagined. The sprawling estate sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, its modern architecture glowing under strategically placed lights.
Stepping out of the limousine, Ace notices a crowd gathering outside. Tech tycoons mingle with celebrities and military generals—an eclectic mix that fills him with awe. The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter as he makes his way toward the entrance, feeling like an outsider about to step into a world he's only seen from afar.
As Ace approaches the entrance of Stark's mansion, a bouncer stands firmly at the door, scanning the crowd. The man's muscular frame and stern expression suggest he takes his job seriously.
"Name?" the bouncer asks, his voice deep and commanding.
"Ace Ukiyo," Ace replies, feeling a flutter of nerves.
The bouncer checks his clipboard, eyes narrowing as he searches for Ace's name. A moment passes before a hint of recognition crosses the bouncer's face. "Got it. You're good to go." He steps aside, allowing Ace to enter the glamorous world within the mansion.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz