[Sir, your core energy reserves are down to 24%.]
[Additionally, the toxin levels in your bloodstream have already—]
JARVIS's warning echoed in Tony's ears as he arrived at the temporary base outside Gotham.
Looking at the Mark armor—now reduced from a "fat" configuration to a much slimmer one—Amanda Waller took the initiative and began applauding.
The surrounding soldiers and officers followed suit, their eyes filled with admiration as they clapped.
Everyone present had witnessed Tony Stark's battle on the massive screens.
They knew exactly how terrifying Atlantean weaponry was.
Someone who had charged into that battlefield for the nation, risking his life to strike back, deserved their respect.
Tony raised both hands to acknowledge the crowd, then walked straight toward his heavy transport truck.
Three mechanical arms extended from the cargo bay, immediately beginning to assist with another round of armor module replacement using nearby supplies.
For this battle, Tony had mobilized every available resource within Stark Industries, loading an entire truck with weapons and equipment.
Excluding the Mark IV armor and the Arc Reactor itself, the total value of the weapons alone exceeded one hundred million dollars.
---
"Tony, I'd like to talk."
Having received the news, Ross arrived at the Stark Industries truck with several aides.
"I already know what you want to say," Tony replied coldly through the suit's external speakers.
"Give it up. I'm not selling the Mark armor technology."
Ross countered calmly, "Tony, what you just fought was only a small detachment—barely a hundred troops."
"Do you really believe that one man in one suit can stop an entire Atlantean army?"
"The nation is facing an emergency. We need every possible advantage. Only by transferring your technology to the Department of Defense and mass-producing it can we truly resist them."
"You want funding? Resources? The government can give you everything. After the war, your status within the defense establishment would be untouchable."
"And let's be honest—your technology leaking out is only a matter of time. When that happens, you won't be negotiating from a position of strength anymore."
---
Tony paused briefly, then spoke with absolute seriousness.
"I will do everything I can to help this country."
"But handing over the Mark armor technology?"
"Never."
"I will not be the man who ignites a third world war."
"And even if I gave you everything today, it wouldn't matter. The Atlanteans are already here—you don't have time to build factories or retrain engineers."
"As for the things you'd rather not hear, I'll spare you."
"Tell the people behind you: if they want it, they can come talk to me themselves."
At that point, Tony's tone sharpened into open mockery.
"At least I don't hide in the rear, clinging to life while others bleed."
"Now please step aside, Secretary Ross. I'm heading back to the battlefield."
With the new modules installed and a fresh reactor mounted, Mark IV stepped down from the assembly platform.
---
"I hope you'll reconsider," Ross said with a frown.
"I already answered you," Tony snapped. "Not a chance."
Just as Tony prepared to depart, shouts erupted among the soldiers and officers nearby.
Their reactions immediately drew both Tony's and Ross's attention.
"What's going on, JARVIS?" Tony asked, not bothering to walk over.
[Sir, they're watching combat footage. More precisely—another armored combatant, similar to yourself.]
"What?" Tony asked in surprise.
JARVIS instantly projected the footage onto Tony's HUD.
On-screen, a lone figure was concealed within ruined structures, launching attacks toward the Atlantean formations.
"Who is he?" Tony asked.
[Based on skeletal structure and multi-point facial bone comparison, there is a high probability the subject is Floyd Lawton.]
[A master marksman. Proficient in all firearm categories, close combat, and assassination techniques.]
[Several months ago, he was sentenced to six years for attempted murder. However, a classified special parole agreement was issued by the state.]
Tony frowned.
"That weapon—and that armor—both look highly unconventional."
[Insufficient data. Unable to conduct comprehensive analysis at this time.]
---
Twelve kilometers from the base, within a concealed ruin, Deadshot crouched behind cover, wielding Susie as he unleashed relentless sniper fire toward the Atlantean army five kilometers away.
Each trigger pull caused arcs of blue electricity to spiral around the barrel.
Five centimeters from the muzzle, the energy condensed into a brilliant beam—then broke free from its magnetic containment and shot forward.
The beam's velocity far exceeded that of any physical projectile.
In less than a blink, an energy detonation erupted five kilometers away.
With enhanced imaging support, Deadshot continuously adjusted his firing angle and trajectory, launching shot after shot toward different positions.
Within the Atlantean ranks, blue energy explosions bloomed across the battlefield like glowing flowers.
Compared to conventional explosives, the destructive power of energy-based ammunition was on an entirely different level.
White Atlantean armor, amphibious assault vehicles—even jellyfish turrets—were annihilated in a single hit.
With the ZOE system assisting him, Deadshot's already superhuman accuracy reached an entirely new realm.
He chained kills together—using the movement and reactions of one target to predict and eliminate the next.
Soon, assault vehicles and jellyfish turrets alike fell under his scope.
Even the super sea-snails entered his firing calculations.
In just a few minutes, dozens of turrets, over a hundred vehicles, and thousands of Atlantean soldiers were affected.
Even the foremost super sea-snail showed visible damage.
---
[Dad, move—now!]
Before Deadshot could fire again, ZOE's urgent warning rang out, accompanied by a massive red alert symbol filling his vision.
Without hesitation, he stopped firing and bolted from cover—leaving behind no attempt to erase his trail.
By the time eight Sea Bat flyers reached his former position, Deadshot was already gone.
Without warning, the flyers launched three energy rounds at the abandoned location.
On impact, the energy shells expanded into swelling spheres of annihilation, melting everything within their radius into nothingness.
But instead of continuing to flee, Deadshot halted after gaining distance.
He climbed a high ridge and calmly reassembled his firing stance.
His sights locked onto the pursuing Sea Bat flyers.
"Sweetheart," Deadshot said gently,
"switch to anti-air mode."
_____
T/N:
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