...
New York.
Manhattan Square.
On the podium.
Rhodes, as the Military representative, was explaining the "truth" of the Gomera incident to the public and, by way of introduction, presenting today's main character.
After a tiresome official speech, he finally came to the end:
"...I deeply sympathize with the suffering of the Gomera people, but I can assure You that the U.S. government was not involved."
"As for Iron Man and Shield Kid who saved Gomera from peril—"
"Their true identities remain unknown, but given the pressure from public opinion online, the Stark brothers, who are at the center of the controversy, will issue a statement."
"Please note, they will not answer any questions, thank You."
Having said that.
Rhodes walked off the stage to hand over to Tony. When he found that Leon was not with Tony, Rhodes felt a subtle sense of unease and quickly asked, "Where's that kid Leon?"
"He said he was a bit nervous and went to the restroom to relieve himself."
Tony replied casually.
"At a time like this?!"
Rhodes was speechless, only hoping that Leon would arrive in time, otherwise it would be an official incident.
Then.
Tony went on stage and began to speak.
"Hello, hello, hello, good, the microphone wasn't broken by Rhodes."
Tony joked, and the audience below the stage chuckled supportively. Then he pulled out the script Coulson had given him from his pocket.
"Hmm, it's been a while since I've seen everyone, I'm a little nervous, I think I'll just read from the script this time."
"Just yesterday, the armed warlords entrenched in the town of Gomera were wiped out by two superheroes, one in iron armor and the other carrying a shield."
"Some say the Shield Kid among them is my brother Leon, and others say that handsome guy named Iron Man is me."
"Oh, come on, open your eyes and look at my body, do I look like someone who could pull off such a bone-shattering major event?"
"If You can also wake up with a different female companion every day like me, You should be able to understand that this is simply impossible."
At this moment.
Christine, from the reporter group below the stage, spoke up with a question:
"Mr. Tony, we just want to know whether You and Mr. Leon are indeed the superheroes who saved the Gomera region, as speculated by online public opinion."
"Please answer this question directly, instead of using such a vulgar way to clear your name."
As soon as these words came out.
Christine's fellow reporters next to her were stunned: Didn't we agree not to ask questions? You're so brave, aren't You afraid of dying!
Seeing this.
Tony's mouth curved into a smile, thinking, "Here it comes."
Christine was a plant specifically prepared by the two brothers in the reporter group, meant to stall for time, and even the lines were rehearsed.
"Uh, in fact, I know this sounds a bit mysterious, but the official statement has already made it very clear."
"As for suspicion, Miss Reporter, interrupting my statement is one thing, but casually speculating or insinuating that I am a superhero is another."
"I didn't say You were a superhero."
Christine corrected.
"Didn't say? That's great, otherwise it would be a bit far-fetched." Tony smiled, his gaze occasionally glancing at the distant sky.
It should be about time.
"Clearly, I'm not hero material. I have many, many character flaws and have made countless mistakes, most of which You already know."
Except for the first two sentences at the formal opening, Tony was speaking off-script throughout the statement, and by now, he was somewhat like a wild horse running loose.
Seeing this, Rhodes couldn't bear it anymore and quickly went on stage to Tony's side, reminding him: "Read from the script. If You continue to improvise, S.H.I.E.L.D. will have a hard time."
"OK, OK."
Tony readily agreed, but his gaze remained fixed on the distant sky. When a golden light began to flash, his lips curved into a smile, and he looked at the reporters and the crowd, slowly saying:
"Actually, the truth is—"
"I am Iron Man."
As the words fell.
"!!!!!" x N
Except for Christine, who already knew the inside story and remained as steady as an old madam, all the reporters in the audience erupted in cheers, unable to suppress their gossiping instincts, and stood up one after another, asking Tony if what he had just said was true!
However.
This was not the end.
Tony raised his hand to calm the reporters, then pointed with one hand to the Sun in the sky, declaring:
"I'll say it a thousand times, I am also Iron Man!"
"And this—"
"Is the truth You want!"
The reporters and onlookers on site looked up, following Tony's gaze.
In the direction of the Sun, a humanoid figure radiating dazzling golden light was defying gravity, hovering high in the sky like a god on Earth, proudly looking down upon all beings.
Then.
A roar!
The second Sun, into which that person had transformed, fell from the sky.
In an instant.
It broke the sound barrier from a great distance and landed in the specially reserved fan-shaped area in the center of Manhattan Square.
A blinding gust of wind and sand swept past!
The marble floor in the center of Manhattan Square continuously cracked, spreading terrifying spiderweb-like fissures outwards!
An earthquake in an instant.
The light dimmed.
Leon, in a soldier boy suit but without a helmet, exuding a deadly, succubus-like masculine charm at all times, emerged from it.
Under the influence of that evil and elegant aura.
The reporters and audience on site momentarily forgot to breathe.
Step! Step! Step!
Leon walked steadily step by step towards the podium, and Tony gracefully bowed to make way for him.
"An unpleasant accident gave me the power I have today, transforming me from an idle, profligate scoundrel into the superhero I am now."
"We were once attacked, just like Gomera not long ago."
"Before coming on stage, some people wanted Tony and me to say the same old clichés that everyone is tired of hearing, to make our people more accepting and to praise peace."
"But Tony and I don't want to do that, do You know why?" Leon asked, leaning in, and the reporters and audience below the stage said in unison: "Why?"
"Because I believe God bestowed this power upon me. He gave me strength, and at the same time, He gave me the responsibility to save the World!"
"So, Tony and I went to Gomera, found the demons who were spreading war and fear, and killed them!"
"As long as someone dares to covet this beautiful World, as long as someone dares to harm our kind people, then he is my enemy!"
"No matter which corner they hide in, I will make them taste what it means to be—God's judgment, that's my thought!"
"Do what I can do!"
"Do what I should do!"
"Do what is right for the people!"
"A true man, a true hero, should not be timid, but should be open and upright, letting his justice and strength shine into every corner of the World!"
"Am I not the one chosen by God to save You?"
"Protecting our home, protecting our Country, protecting this beautiful Planet, isn't that the noble mission God entrusted to me?"
"But even with the power I have now, I have never forgotten who I am."
"Because it was the 'Country' that nurtured me!"
"Whether in the past, present, or future, I will engrave my loyalty to the 'Country' in my heart!"
"So, remember my name—"
"I am Homelander!"
"And You, my friends, You are the true heroes!"
"Homelander! Homelander!!! Homelander!!!" x N
As Leon's speech concluded, the atmosphere at the scene reached its climax. Both reporters and passersby involuntarily cheered and shouted Homelander's name.
From this day forward.
There is no longer Shield Kid among the superheroes, only—Homelander!