Marvel Cybernetic Girl

– Downtown Los Angeles, Press Conference Scene

Last night was a thrilling one for both Los Angeles and the entire country.

After the "experiment accident" in New York a few months ago, where two "huge monsters" wreaked havoc on the streets, Los Angeles also became the stage for a similar disaster.

This time, it was two "Iron Men" battling each other, leaving the city in chaos, culminating in a large-scale electromagnetic explosion.

Reports claimed that the riot in Los Angeles was likely caused by some kind of Stark Industries' unannounced weapon system malfunction.

Eyewitnesses even mentioned seeing the legendary "Red Justice Iron Man" appear and engage in a fight.

Rumors spread quickly, and speculation ran wild.

Was it security robots? A new type of weapon? Next-gen military power armor?

Various theories filled the media, with some reporters even fabricating stories, naming Stark Industries' CEO, Tony Stark, as the "Red Iron Man" and giving him a rather creative nickname: Iron Man.

"Well, not bad. I do look a bit like a hero now," Tony Stark remarked.

"Although, the Mark III suit is made from gold-titanium alloy, so the name 'Iron Man' isn't entirely accurate. But... I kinda like the nickname."

In light of the chaotic public opinion, S.H.I.E.L.D. "stepped in" to provide Tony Stark with an alibi and fabricate a plausible cause for Obadiah's unexpected death.

To clear things up and distance Tony Stark and others from the incident, a press conference was scheduled.

History proceeded without deviation, heading in the right direction.

In a sharp business suit, Kagura Hitomi stood calmly in the corner of the conference room, waiting for the historic moment to unfold.

Last night, Obadiah finally died under Kagura Hitomi's high-energy electromagnetic pulse.

It was a rather flashy skill, one that could easily reveal her identity if used in such a public setting.

But fortunately, when Kagura used the "high-energy electromagnetic pulse" skill, the electromagnetic interference blocked Tony Stark's detection devices, preventing him from noticing the blinding blue light.

After the investigation, technical experts concluded that Obadiah died due to an Ark Reactor overload.

This cause of death was officially recorded in all accident investigation reports.

Once everything was ready, Tony Stark walked up to the stage with his prepared statement.

"Miss Kagura, may I have a word?"

At this moment, Agent Coulson approached Kagura Hitomi, who was quietly observing Tony Stark's speech.

"Sure, no problem, Mr. Coulson." Kagura Hitomi nodded, though she was a bit puzzled.

Is S.H.I.E.L.D. really interested in me?

No way! Not interested! I have my own stuff going on!

But thinking it through, Kagura Hitomi soon realized why S.H.I.E.L.D. would approach her.

While others might not know, and Tony Stark might be unaware due to interference, Natasha Romanoff had seen Kagura use an electromagnetic pulse to take down Obadiah.

So, Mother F—cker... I mean, Nick Fury must have known about Kagura's powerful abilities, far exceeding S.H.I.E.L.D.'s previous expectations.

If Fury hadn't come looking for her, that would be strange.

"We heard about what happened last night, and we'd like to invite you to discuss things in our department," Coulson said.

"Don't worry, Miss Kagura. We won't harm you. Does that sound alright?"

"Can you give me an idea of what this is about?" Kagura Hitomi asked, still hesitant.

She wasn't keen on being controlled or becoming a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.

If Nick Fury was looking to recruit her, she would refuse. But if this was about joining the Avengers, she might consider it.

"I can't reveal too many details, Miss Kagura," Coulson replied.

"But this is an invitation to a project you might find interesting. Tony Stark will also be invited."

Oh?

A project invitation?

It seemed they were inviting Kagura Hitomi to join the Avengers Initiative.

"I see," Kagura Hitomi said. "Alright, let's set up a time."

"How about tonight? I'll send you the details by email."

"Sure, I'll arrange it."

Kagura Hitomi smiled and agreed.

"Thanks for your cooperation, Miss Kagura," Coulson said before walking away.

S.H.I.E.L.D. really doesn't leave any stone unturned, Kagura Hitomi thought.

Although it wasn't necessarily a bad thing, she didn't enjoy their spy-like approach. Perhaps this made them seem more "elite"?

Well...

Kagura Hitomi shrugged it off.

It seemed she'd be doing some limited project cooperation with Mother F—cker... I mean, Nick Fury, and joining the Avengers as a new superhero.

After tonight, Kagura Hitomi would have a dual identity: Bruce Wayne running her company, and she herself would be active as a new superhero in the Marvel universe.

Heh, sounds exciting!

With that thought, Kagura Hitomi snapped back to reality and opened her task list in the holographic UI.

[Witness the rise of a superhero/10QP]

This task had been pending for a while, and if she was right, tonight was the moment to complete it.

Tony Stark stood at the podium, engaging in debates about superheroes with reporters.

Standing behind him, Colonel Rhodes couldn't take it anymore and whispered in Tony's ear, "Just read the card and wrap it up, alright?"

"Fine," Tony replied, sighing. He picked up the card. "So, the truth is..."

At this point, Tony Stark paused, his gaze drifting from the card, looking ahead.

In that brief moment, Tony made an important decision.

He slowly put down the card, as if he was letting go of his past.

From this moment on, Tony Stark would transform into something entirely new.

"I am Iron Man."

[Task: Witness the rise of a superhero/Completed]

[You have earned 10QP]

[Core upgrade progress increased]

[Automated humanoid core level: Lv.1]

[Core upgrade progress: 50/100]

[New Task]

[Assemble a superhero team/20QP]

...

Wait, what?