Coincidentally, Steve picked up an artificial intelligence chip labeled EDITH — the same model later used by Spider-Man.
"By the way," Steve asked, "where's Dr. Yinsen?"
Just then, the news report playing on the nearby TV caught his attention. It showed footage of the terrorists who had once kidnapped Tony Stark in Afghanistan.
They had regrouped, now armed with advanced weapons, slaughtering villagers in a small desert settlement.
Among the hostages was Dr. Yinsen — Tony's partner and savior. Moments later, before the camera, Yinsen was executed and beheaded as a warning to others.
"Hiss... why is he there?" Steve muttered. He wasn't afraid, just surprised.
Tony's expression turned dark. His eyes locked on the screen, his jaw tightening. Watching the man who had saved his life die in such a way filled him with rage and guilt.
"Yinsen said he wanted to return to pay respects to his wife and son," Tony said quietly. "I gave him a few days off… I didn't expect this."
His voice was calm, but the fury beneath it was like a volcano ready to erupt.
Steve placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know that feeling," he said softly. "When I took part in the super soldier experiment, Dr. Abraham Erskine took care of me.
"He told me that no matter how strong I became, I should always stay true to my heart.
"I've done my best to live that way ever since. He gave me my chance, and I've always been grateful.
"I believe Dr. Yinsen had the same faith in you. So, do your best, Iron Man."
Those last two words struck deep. Tony looked up at the Mark II Armor standing silently before him, his eyes clearing.
"You're right," he said firmly. "I'm Iron Man. Give me a few days—then do me a favor."
Steve nodded. "I'll let Rhodes know and clear your air traffic. But think carefully, Tony. If you expose yourself, people will come after your armor—just like they covet the serum in my blood.
"There are always idiots who never know when to stop."
Tony barely heard him. His mind was fixed on revenge. "I've got an idea. I'll tell you when I get back."
He was already considering building an alliance — and Steve was on that list. Only by working together could they survive what was coming.
A Few Days Later — Afghanistan
Desert winds swept across rows of mud-brick houses, half-buried in sand and rubble. The villagers screamed as armed terrorists dragged them out of their homes and lined them up like cattle.
One man, desperate to save his son, lunged forward and wrapped his arms around him. The terrorist sneered and smashed the rifle butt into his back, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Before he could strike again—
Boom!
A massive explosion shook the ground. Something huge dropped from the sky.
Out of the smoke, a metallic figure with red and gold armor stood tall — Iron Man had arrived.
The nearest terrorist spun around to fire, but Tony punched him through a wall before he could even pull the trigger.
Bang!
Bullets rained down from all directions, clattering harmlessly against the armor. The ricocheting sounds echoed like metallic rain.
Whoosh!
Tiny missiles launched from Tony's wrists, streaking through the air and striking the terrorists in an instant — bodies flew apart, scattering across the sand.
The remaining six panicked, grabbing hostages and shouting warnings.
Tony's visor display lit up. Jarvis locked onto the six heat signatures.
In less than a second, the shoulder-mounted mini-gun whirred to life—
Rat-tat-tat-tat!
Six precise bursts. Six dead terrorists. Not a single hostage harmed.
Ignoring the frightened villagers, Tony turned toward a nearby structure. The infrared scan showed movement inside.
The local commander was inside, frantically calling for backup when—
Crash!
A steel fist smashed through the wall and yanked him out by the throat. Bones cracked like dry twigs.
"Ah—!"
The man screamed in agony, but Tony ignored him.
"Jarvis," Tony said coldly, "he's yours."
Jarvis translated his words into the local language. The villagers, realizing the warlord was helpless, rushed in and tore him apart in fury.
Tony activated his thrusters, blasting into the air—
—only to be hit mid-flight.
He crashed into the ground, carving a deep crater into the sand.
Shaking off the dust, Tony looked up to see a Stark Industries tank locking onto him.
"So that's how you hit me," he muttered grimly. "Autonomous targeting. Figures."
He raised his left hand.
Whoosh—BOOM!
A missile launched from his wrist and obliterated the tank in a fireball.
As the dust settled, Tony scanned the area again — only to find even more of his own company's weapons stockpiled nearby, including Jericho missiles.
His face darkened. "Never again."
He raised his palm cannon and fired. The entire munitions depot erupted in a chain of explosions, flames devouring the horizon.
Only after the last blast faded did Iron Man lift off and head home.
Thanks to Steve's arrangements, Colonel Rhodes had already been informed. A nearby fighter jet spotted Iron Man but was told by command that it was "a weapons test" and to ignore it.
Back at the Villa
Tony, back from Afghanistan, was in his lab as robotic arms helped remove his damaged armor. The disassembly was slow and rough — the suit had taken a beating.
Steve Rogers and James Rhodes entered the lab together.
Rhodey's eyes widened when he saw the suit up close. "Tony… what the hell is this? You know I lost a fighter jet because of you! Luckily the pilot's okay!"
Tony smirked. "Relax, I'll make it up to you. I'll build you a suit too."
Rhodes blinked. "Uh… well, you know… accidents happen all the time."
Steve couldn't help but laugh.
Rhodes' sudden change of tone was typical — when a free Iron Man suit was on the line, who wouldn't forgive a little chaos?
...
📢 Author's Note
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✅ Part 1 Complete — 117 Chapters
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