The next day, outside Stark Tower, reporters had already gathered, preparing to cover Tony Stark's latest press conference. The sky was azure blue, and the sun shone brightly, as if everything was as usual. But the atmosphere inside Stark Tower was a bit subtle, especially with the battle from last night still fresh in memory.
Coulson stood outside Tony's office, his face still bearing his signature good-natured smile. He gently knocked on the door, and after receiving a response, walked in, seeing Tony sitting at his desk, seemingly adjusting the smart device in his hand. Tony's face carried a hint of weariness; clearly, last night's big battle hadn't allowed him much rest.
"Good morning, Tony," Coulson displayed his usual friendly smile, his voice steady and gentle, "How are you feeling? Last night's battle was quite something."
Tony didn't look up, still focused on the work in his hands, but his tone carried his unique playfulness, "Oh, are you talking about that big guy last night? Or that 'super helper' who was eating ice cream?"
Coulson smiled, standing across the desk and leaning forward slightly, trying to make the conversation lighter: "Actually, I came precisely because of Dominic. Honestly, his performance was quite astonishing, but the things he said after the battle ended—they made me a little worried."
Tony raised an eyebrow, finally stopping his work and looking up at Coulson: "Oh? Worried about what? Is it because he casually dismantled Obadiah's 'iron can'? Or is it his irreverent demeanor that's keeping you awake?"
Coulson smiled and shook his head, his eyes showing a hint of helplessness: "No, Tony, it's not that. In fact, he said some quite arrogant things after the battle ended. He said—'Rules, morals, these things are just a joke to him; this World only recognizes power, and he is that irresistible force'."
When Tony heard this, his expression became subtle. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes revealing a hint of thought and a touch of helpless amusement, "So you're trying to tell me that our helper from yesterday is a 'pre-warning'? Sounds like a big problem."
Coulson nodded, his voice carrying a hint of caution: "That's right. His power and attitude make us uneasy, especially his contempt for rules and order. To be honest, if he's unwilling to cooperate, or if he wants to do something... this World will be very dangerous."
Tony's lips curved into a mocking smile. He reached out and adjusted the equipment on his desk, saying casually, "Ah, don't worry, Coulson. If I remember correctly, you guys at S.H.I.E.L.D. often break things like 'rules and order,' don't you? Don't you also occasionally bypass some legal clauses and do something special?"
Coulson still maintained that patient smile, his tone gentle and firm: "Tony, you know it's different. Dominic completely disregards rules, and that's entirely different from us carrying out special missions. We act for protection, while he... he's only for himself."
Tony shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes showing a hint of playfulness: "So what do you want me to do now? Issue a warning to him, tell him 'Hey, buddy, don't be too arrogant, we have rules'? If that's the case, then you should issue a warning to me too. I've broken the rules countless times, haven't I?"
The smile on Coulson's face gradually disappeared, and his tone became more serious: "Tony, this isn't about you breaking the rules. Dominic completely disregards other people's lives or consequences. You act to protect this World, but he acts for his own desires and power. That's the biggest difference."
Tony narrowed his eyes, remained silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Sounds like a tricky guy. However, if I'm not mistaken, you guys at S.H.I.E.L.D. should have better ways to deal with this kind of disobedient 'superhero', shouldn't you?"
Just as Coulson was about to say something more, Pepper Potts walked in, her expression slightly anxious, clearly here for the press conference. She gestured to Tony, indicating it was time for him to get ready: "Tony, the press conference is about to start, the reporters are already waiting."
Tony smiled at her, stood up easily, brushed off some dust from his clothes, and said in a relaxed tone: "Press conference, press conference, always these boring public events."
Coulson interjected from the side: "Tony, remember at the press conference, be sure to stick to the prepared content, try not to—improvise."
Tony turned back and gave Coulson a mischievous smile: "Don't worry, Coulson, I'm a man of rules."
Coulson shook his head helplessly and sighed: "Tony, I hope you can follow the rules just this once."
Tony quipped as he walked: "Rules? Haha, rules have never suited me."
As Tony Stark's flamboyant speech was released, the entire social media landscape instantly exploded. The hashtag #Iron Man's Self-Aggrandizement# immediately climbed the trending list. Netizens commented on Tony's "always overflowing with confidence" attitude, and there were many parodies of his various expressions from the press conference. It was simply a "viral sensation" pace—of course, Tony had always loved these moments of being the center of attention online.
Meanwhile, Tony was piloting his Iron Armor, speeding across the city sky, his HUD display locking onto a set of coordinates. These coordinates were precisely what he had been searching for—Dominic's location.
Finally, on the top floor of a skyscraper, Tony saw that familiar figure. Dominic was leaning lazily against the railing, surprisingly holding an ice pop in his hand, eating it while enjoying the night breeze. A few cans of beer were on the ground nearby, empty cans rolling everywhere. Tony's eyes narrowed, and he felt a bit speechless inside.
"How can this guy be so leisurely?" Tony muttered inwardly as he slowly landed in front of Dominic. The Iron Armor made a slight 'thud', and the ground beneath his feet vibrated slightly.
Dominic glanced at Tony, showing no surprise at all. Instead, with a relaxed expression, he raised his hand as if welcoming an old friend, holding up the ice pop and saying lazily: "Hey, Tin Can, you actually have time to come find me? Are you here to eat ice pops together, or to buy me a drink?"
When Tony heard this, his eyes were filled with speechlessness and confusion. He raised his arm and slightly raised his eyebrows: "Ice pop? You're eating ice pops and drinking beer here? Buddy, do you know the whole internet is talking about my press conference just now? Can't you do something a 'superhero' should do, like... get down to some serious business?"
With the ice pop in his mouth, Dominic shrugged his shoulders with both hands and said carelessly: "Serious business? Come on, Tin Can, 'serious business' is just a joke. Don't you think that for someone like you flying around in a tin can, having some fun is the true meaning of life?" As he spoke, he turned around, picked up a can of beer from nearby, and casually threw it to Tony.
Tony was stunned for a moment, his eyes filled with a "are you serious" expression. He helplessly took the can of beer and used his metal fingers to gently pry open the tab, beer foam instantly splashing out. He sighed, his tone full of teasing: "You really let yourself go, huh? Last night you helped me deal with Obadiah, and today you're starting your 'retirement life'? Honestly, this attitude towards life clashes a bit with my style."
With the ice pop in his mouth, Dominic grinned, his expression exactly like that of a "carefree bad boy". He pointed at Tony with his finger and said with a laugh: "Hey, Tin Can, the problem is—you're too serious. Things like superpowers can be used for bad things, but they can also be used for fun. See, I'm not planning on fighting today; I just want to enjoy the night scenery, and—" He picked up the nearby beer and shook it, "—beer."
Tony shook his head helplessly, sighed, and spread his hands: "Alright, since you put it that way... how about we have some 'fun'? What do you think about a flying race? If you beat me, I'll buy you a drink; if I beat you, you have to help me with my new energy project."
Dominic narrowed his eyes, licked the ice pop in his hand, seemingly seriously considering the suggestion. He slightly lifted the corner of his mouth, his eyes showing a hint of playfulness: "Flying race? Oh, you actually dare to suggest that. But then again—" He suddenly flicked the ice pop in his hand, sending it flying over the railing and disappearing into the night sky, then slapped Tony's shoulder hard, "You said it! Get ready to be left behind, Tin Can!"
Tony's lips curved slightly, his eyes flashing with a hint of excitement: "Then let's see who's faster, buddy!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Tony's Iron Armor instantly activated. The thrusters on his feet sprayed dazzling blue flames, and he soared into the air, shooting towards the night sky. Dominic was not to be outdone; his figure blurred, moving so fast it was almost impossible to track, and he instantly caught up.
Above the city, two "superheroes" were engaged in an absurd "flying race" at supersonic speed. They weaved between the tall buildings, leaving dazzling trails of light in the night, like two shooting stars in the night sky. Pedestrians in the city looked up, only able to see two blurry streaks of light streaking across the horizon, having no idea what was happening.
"Come on, Tin Can! Don't get left too far behind!" Dominic laughed loudly in the wind, his voice full of teasing.
Tony's lips curved into a smile, his tone showing no weakness: "I am Tony Stark, speed is a key focus of my design, don't be too confident!"