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Chapter 88: Anti-Tony Armor (3)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to temporarily take over the city's defenses but faced unprecedented resistance. For some reason, Gotham City's rejection of outside forces was beyond many people's expectations, even reaching an exaggerated degree.
When Agent Coulson found Tony, he was sitting in the room playing cards with Crane. The room was still a VIP room provided by Wayne Enterprises, and Tony had been shamelessly staying there since he arrived in Gotham City. The Wayne Enterprises staff had no intention of evicting him—how could the magnificent Wayne Enterprises not afford a single room?
"Mr. Tony, long time no see." Agent Coulson walked in with May, sporting his signature smile. He surveyed the luxurious room and said with a chuckle, "It seems you're living quite comfortably in Gotham; it's like a completely different world from the chaos of the Outside World."
Crane revealed his final cards, the two Jokers, and Tony lost again. His current record was three wins and three losses. Playing cards with high-IQ individuals truly required caution; relying on Tony's continuously improving memory, he had managed to achieve a fifty-fifty win-loss ratio with Crane.
"No need to test me, Agent Coulson, you're just as cunning as Nick Fury." Tony tossed his cards aside and stretched.
May kept a wary eye on Crane, focusing on his clothing, wondering if a lethal Fear Gas might be hidden somewhere. Crane's Fear Gas had taken down even Batman, after all.
"Tony, we want to understand the situation in this city." Agent Coulson's tone became serious. "We want to intervene here, but we've met with immense resistance. It's too strange."
"It's not strange. Hasn't Gotham City always been like this for centuries? If you're a businessman, gang member, or politician, you can come. But if certain Factions want to intervene, it won't work. The people of this city are capable of assimilating individual outsiders, but they can't assimilate a colossus like S.H.I.E.L.D." Tony poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for Agent Coulson, completely ignoring May sitting beside him.
Agent Coulson held the teacup, smiled, and handed it directly to May.
"It seems you know this city very well. So, what about our protagonists, Batman and Joker? Is there any way to find them directly?" Agent Coulson asked.
"No way. Both of them are elusive. Their fights are definitely spectacular. From the current situation, Batman is losing miserably."
Agent Coulson and May exchanged a knowing glance, deep in thought. Intelligence indicated that Tony was secretly selling weapons to the impoverished residents of the Old City, even doing something as incongruous as "installment payments." This suggested Tony was planning something they hadn't yet considered, and perhaps this was the key.
"Then, Mr. Tony, I'll be direct. I imagine you prefer an open and honest approach." Agent Coulson sat up straight, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable sharpness. He asked, word by word, "What is the real reason you're staying in this city and unwilling to leave?"
"I'm developing business for Stark Industries, aren't I? Can't you find that out? I'm a shareholder of Stark Industries!" Tony looked astonished, as if he were completely innocent. "I'm arranging people to set up in the Old City, to kill Falcon's villains. You mean you haven't found that out?"
May felt exasperated. Looking at his innocent, pure face, she wanted to punch him, to smash the teacup in her hand onto his face.
"The person you arranged was already thrown into Arkham Asylum by Batman. Now, scattered civilian resistance organizations have emerged in the Old City, and many areas have become battlefields," May said, annoyed.
"You mean Anderson... The reason I chose that guy is precisely because he's capable of getting things done. Although he might be a bit like a fool when doing things, he's certainly a hard worker." Tony blew on his teacup, savoring the aroma of the tea. "But Anderson isn't the only person I've arranged..."
Agent Coulson's lips curved into a smile, his eyes fixed on Tony's. Their gazes met, both seeing the other's resolve.
"You're using the poor people of the entire Old City as bargaining chips... Tony, what exactly are you doing? I genuinely don't understand. You have a clear objective, yet it's all so confusing." Agent Coulson said, "You could achieve your goal in the most direct way; no one would fight to the death for a bunch of criminals."
Tony stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the prosperous metropolis. Without turning his head, he said, "Agent Coulson, do you know the difference between me and Batman, Captain America, and the others?"
"I'd like to hear it."
"When a diligent civilian is surrounded by ten fully armed gang members, I'll lend a hand. But when that same civilian is surrounded by two unarmed gang members, I'll pretend not to see and walk past, even if that civilian ends up being beaten to death, I'll still pretend not to see." Tony ran a hand over the glass, as if wanting to touch the Soul of the city with it.
Gotham City, the world-renowned city of sin, seemed to glow with a light unique to itself under Tony's gaze.
Agent Coulson and May were pensive; Tony's meaning was clear. People couldn't always wait for heroes to appear; they had to save themselves.
"If they don't even dare to save themselves, passively accepting daily oppression, then even if I rescue them from Falcon today, tomorrow there will still be other gang members, and if not gang members, then corrupt public officials. I merely gave them a choice. Whether they're willing to seize it, whether they're willing to actively use their own hands to change their hometown—the choice has always been in their own hands. No one is forcing them."
Tony continued, "The civilians themselves made the decision. They picked up weapons to resist the gangs. I merely provided them with a channel to obtain weapons, nothing more."
"A cruel philosophy, but very practical. Many people wouldn't dare to state it so openly," Agent Coulson said.
"I prefer to call this philosophy 'pragmatic.' Heroes are limited, and Superheroes who can fight a hundred enemies are extremely rare. Yet there are countless civilians who need help. Instead of pinning hope on the ridiculous idea that 'a hero will save me, I just need to silently endure,' it's better to bravely raise a fist and save oneself first. The civilians of the Old City are used to being oppressed; they understand the essential difference between endurance and weakness better than anyone."
As Tony spoke, he took out a cigarette and lit it. "I can imagine with my toes that Batman must hate me to death right now, wishing I'd get out of Gotham immediately. After all, as an outsider, I'm instigating skinny, poor people to risk their lives fighting ruthless gangs. This process is bound to involve tragic casualties, and it might not even succeed. In some people's eyes, this is an unforgivable act; I'm sending large numbers of civilians to their deaths. The number of people dying in a single month now probably exceeds those who died in the past few years."
Both sides fell into a long silence. Agent Coulson silently chewed on Tony's words. This was not only Tony's view of Gotham City but also a summary of Tony's style of action—very important information. After chatting idly for a while longer, Agent Coulson, seeing that he couldn't elicit anything more, courteously stood up to take his leave.
Agent Coulson and May rode the elevator out of the building. May made a discreet gesture to her surroundings, and several hidden Agents silently merged into the crowd and disappeared.
"Do you really believe what he said?" May suddenly asked.
"At least I believe his philosophy. This is also where Tony differs starkly from the public image of selfless, fearless, on-call heroes," Agent Coulson said.
May scoffed. As a global organization, they naturally understood that every year, many natural and man-made disasters occurred worldwide, but how many people received timely help from Superheroes? Instead, there were more brave and fearless citizen heroes who, though they had no Superpower, possessed a courageous heart and drew their swords to help when they saw injustice.
"But one thing is certain: Tony is secretly plotting something. It's definitely not as simple as stirring up the stagnant waters of the Old City. He has a deeper layout, one I haven't figured out yet. From now on, raise Tony's monitoring level by one."
Agent Coulson looked at the gloomy sky, sniffing the air for the scent of an impending storm. Batman, Joker, Tony—each had their own calculations. Only when the truth of everything came to light would they know who the ultimate winner was, and who would suffer a crushing defeat.
This unfortunate city, after all, still needed to weather some strong winds and heavy rains before it could see the precious Sunlight.
(end of chapter)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to temporarily take over the city's defenses but faced unprecedented resistance. For some reason, Gotham City's rejection of outside forces was beyond many people's expectations, even reaching an exaggerated degree.
When Agent Coulson found Tony, he was sitting in the room playing cards with Crane. The room was still a VIP room provided by Wayne Enterprises, and Tony had been shamelessly staying there since he arrived in Gotham City. The Wayne Enterprises staff had no intention of evicting him—how could the magnificent Wayne Enterprises not afford a single room?
"Mr. Tony, long time no see." Agent Coulson walked in with May, sporting his signature smile. He surveyed the luxurious room and said with a chuckle, "It seems you're living quite comfortably in Gotham; it's like a completely different world from the chaos of the Outside World."
Crane revealed his final cards, the two Jokers, and Tony lost again. His current record was three wins and three losses. Playing cards with high-IQ individuals truly required caution; relying on Tony's continuously improving memory, he had managed to achieve a fifty-fifty win-loss ratio with Crane.
"No need to test me, Agent Coulson, you're just as cunning as Nick Fury." Tony tossed his cards aside and stretched.
May kept a wary eye on Crane, focusing on his clothing, wondering if a lethal Fear Gas might be hidden somewhere. Crane's Fear Gas had taken down even Batman, after all.
"Tony, we want to understand the situation in this city." Agent Coulson's tone became serious. "We want to intervene here, but we've met with immense resistance. It's too strange."
"It's not strange. Hasn't Gotham City always been like this for centuries? If you're a businessman, gang member, or politician, you can come. But if certain Factions want to intervene, it won't work. The people of this city are capable of assimilating individual outsiders, but they can't assimilate a colossus like S.H.I.E.L.D." Tony poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for Agent Coulson, completely ignoring May sitting beside him.
Agent Coulson held the teacup, smiled, and handed it directly to May.
"It seems you know this city very well. So, what about our protagonists, Batman and Joker? Is there any way to find them directly?" Agent Coulson asked.
"No way. Both of them are elusive. Their fights are definitely spectacular. From the current situation, Batman is losing miserably."
Agent Coulson and May exchanged a knowing glance, deep in thought. Intelligence indicated that Tony was secretly selling weapons to the impoverished residents of the Old City, even doing something as incongruous as "installment payments." This suggested Tony was planning something they hadn't yet considered, and perhaps this was the key.
"Then, Mr. Tony, I'll be direct. I imagine you prefer an open and honest approach." Agent Coulson sat up straight, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable sharpness. He asked, word by word, "What is the real reason you're staying in this city and unwilling to leave?"
"I'm developing business for Stark Industries, aren't I? Can't you find that out? I'm a shareholder of Stark Industries!" Tony looked astonished, as if he were completely innocent. "I'm arranging people to set up in the Old City, to kill Falcon's villains. You mean you haven't found that out?"
May felt exasperated. Looking at his innocent, pure face, she wanted to punch him, to smash the teacup in her hand onto his face.
"The person you arranged was already thrown into Arkham Asylum by Batman. Now, scattered civilian resistance organizations have emerged in the Old City, and many areas have become battlefields," May said, annoyed.
"You mean Anderson... The reason I chose that guy is precisely because he's capable of getting things done. Although he might be a bit like a fool when doing things, he's certainly a hard worker." Tony blew on his teacup, savoring the aroma of the tea. "But Anderson isn't the only person I've arranged..."
Agent Coulson's lips curved into a smile, his eyes fixed on Tony's. Their gazes met, both seeing the other's resolve.
"You're using the poor people of the entire Old City as bargaining chips... Tony, what exactly are you doing? I genuinely don't understand. You have a clear objective, yet it's all so confusing." Agent Coulson said, "You could achieve your goal in the most direct way; no one would fight to the death for a bunch of criminals."
Tony stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the prosperous metropolis. Without turning his head, he said, "Agent Coulson, do you know the difference between me and Batman, Captain America, and the others?"
"I'd like to hear it."
"When a diligent civilian is surrounded by ten fully armed gang members, I'll lend a hand. But when that same civilian is surrounded by two unarmed gang members, I'll pretend not to see and walk past, even if that civilian ends up being beaten to death, I'll still pretend not to see." Tony ran a hand over the glass, as if wanting to touch the Soul of the city with it.
Gotham City, the world-renowned city of sin, seemed to glow with a light unique to itself under Tony's gaze.
Agent Coulson and May were pensive; Tony's meaning was clear. People couldn't always wait for heroes to appear; they had to save themselves.
"If they don't even dare to save themselves, passively accepting daily oppression, then even if I rescue them from Falcon today, tomorrow there will still be other gang members, and if not gang members, then corrupt public officials. I merely gave them a choice. Whether they're willing to seize it, whether they're willing to actively use their own hands to change their hometown—the choice has always been in their own hands. No one is forcing them."
Tony continued, "The civilians themselves made the decision. They picked up weapons to resist the gangs. I merely provided them with a channel to obtain weapons, nothing more."
"A cruel philosophy, but very practical. Many people wouldn't dare to state it so openly," Agent Coulson said.
"I prefer to call this philosophy 'pragmatic.' Heroes are limited, and Superheroes who can fight a hundred enemies are extremely rare. Yet there are countless civilians who need help. Instead of pinning hope on the ridiculous idea that 'a hero will save me, I just need to silently endure,' it's better to bravely raise a fist and save oneself first. The civilians of the Old City are used to being oppressed; they understand the essential difference between endurance and weakness better than anyone."
As Tony spoke, he took out a cigarette and lit it. "I can imagine with my toes that Batman must hate me to death right now, wishing I'd get out of Gotham immediately. After all, as an outsider, I'm instigating skinny, poor people to risk their lives fighting ruthless gangs. This process is bound to involve tragic casualties, and it might not even succeed. In some people's eyes, this is an unforgivable act; I'm sending large numbers of civilians to their deaths. The number of people dying in a single month now probably exceeds those who died in the past few years."
Both sides fell into a long silence. Agent Coulson silently chewed on Tony's words. This was not only Tony's view of Gotham City but also a summary of Tony's style of action—very important information. After chatting idly for a while longer, Agent Coulson, seeing that he couldn't elicit anything more, courteously stood up to take his leave.
Agent Coulson and May rode the elevator out of the building. May made a discreet gesture to her surroundings, and several hidden Agents silently merged into the crowd and disappeared.
"Do you really believe what he said?" May suddenly asked.
"At least I believe his philosophy. This is also where Tony differs starkly from the public image of selfless, fearless, on-call heroes," Agent Coulson said.
May scoffed. As a global organization, they naturally understood that every year, many natural and man-made disasters occurred worldwide, but how many people received timely help from Superheroes? Instead, there were more brave and fearless citizen heroes who, though they had no Superpower, possessed a courageous heart and drew their swords to help when they saw injustice.
"But one thing is certain: Tony is secretly plotting something. It's definitely not as simple as stirring up the stagnant waters of the Old City. He has a deeper layout, one I haven't figured out yet. From now on, raise Tony's monitoring level by one."
Agent Coulson looked at the gloomy sky, sniffing the air for the scent of an impending storm. Batman, Joker, Tony—each had their own calculations. Only when the truth of everything came to light would they know who the ultimate winner was, and who would suffer a crushing defeat.
This unfortunate city, after all, still needed to weather some strong winds and heavy rains before it could see the precious Sunlight.
(end of chapter)
