Chapter 21: Stepping Onto the Global Stage

Sokovia kept an impressively low profile, unlike North Korea, which believed itself invincible after obtaining nuclear weapons.

Nonetheless, the name of Umbrella Corporation spread to every corner of the world, marking its formal debut on the global stage.

Sokovia immediately announced its decision to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also made a public statement:
"Sokovia is a peace-loving nation. We will never launch a nuclear strike unless we are severely persecuted."

On the surface, Sokovia's diplomatic tone was as harmless as a rabbit’s. However, behind the scenes, nations around the world remained wary, fearful that Sokovia might lose control.

After all, a new player with an unclear stockpile of nuclear weapons had suddenly appeared. Who could be certain that Sokovia's words matched its true intentions?

Meanwhile, a thoroughly humiliated Tony Stark returned to the United States and immediately rushed his gravely injured friend, Rhodey, to New York Central Hospital.

After a team of doctors confirmed that Rhodey’s fractures could fully heal with a few months of rest, Tony finally exhaled in relief.

In a VIP ward of New York Central Hospital, Rhodey, his face pale, lay on the hospital bed with his right leg encased in thick plaster.

Having just undergone leg surgery, Rhodey was still groggy, but that didn’t stop him from nagging Tony, who sat by the bedside looking concerned.

"Tony, what’s your next move? Umbrella isn’t your average arms dealer. I told you to be cautious from the start."

Tony forced a relaxed smile. "Don’t worry about that now, Rhodey. Your top priority is to rest and recover."

"I’ll handle Umbrella. Iron Man doesn’t go down so easily. You know the saying:
What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.
Have a little faith in me, Rhodey."

Though still weak from surgery, Rhodey voiced his concerns. "Of course, I believe in you. I know you’ll defeat that evil arms corporation one day.

But as your friend, I hope you’ll plan carefully for every fight. Umbrella isn’t a force you can casually take down anymore.

They’ve got two superpowered leaders, advanced Iron Man-like tech, tens of thousands of mercenaries, and even missiles and nukes.

Their strength is comparable to that of a major nation.

If you truly intend to go after Umbrella, I hope you’ll only act when you’re absolutely certain of success. Don’t charge in recklessly like this time without proper intel."

Rhodey’s nagging came from a place of worry.

He feared his impulsive friend might one day make a rash decision that couldn’t be undone.

Tony grasped Rhodey’s hand tightly before putting on his sunglasses, assuming his signature cool demeanor. "I’ll be careful. For now, just focus on your recovery, Rhodey."

With that, Tony left the hospital, choosing not to don his Mark VII Iron Man suit. Instead, he discreetly boarded a private jet and returned to his Malibu mansion on the west coast of Los Angeles.

The moment Tony stepped into his cliffside home, Pepper Potts approached with concern.

"Tony, where were you yesterday? J.A.R.V.I.S. wouldn’t tell me your itinerary. I heard Rhodey got hurt in a battle. You weren’t involved in that fight, were you?"

Tony feigned nonchalance. "Rhodey got injured on a Middle Eastern battlefield. It was just an accident. Of course, I wasn’t involved—you don’t need to worry."

He quickly changed the subject. "Oh, I just had a sudden stroke of genius! Could you make me a cup of coffee and bring it to the garage lab?

You know how inspiration is—it’s like a shooting star. Blink, and it’s gone. I’ve got to get to work!"

Before Pepper could press further, Tony hurried off to his garage laboratory, looking as though he’d truly been struck by a burst of creativity.

However, once alone at his desk, Tony’s anxious façade melted away, leaving only a grim and serious expression.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., start designing a new suit. That crazy woman’s nickname is Scarlet Witch, right? Let’s call it… Anti-Scarlet Witch Armor."

New York, S.H.I.E.L.D. Triskelion Headquarters

Hawkeye Clint Barton and Black Widow Natasha Romanoff were reporting to Director Nick Fury.

During the Sokovia battle, Hawkeye and Black Widow hadn’t even made it to the field. They were stuck on the sidelines, watching helplessly.

Tony had charged in alongside Rhodey with great bravado, only to emerge less than ten minutes later, dragging a gravely injured Rhodey out of the battlefield.

Despite being fully prepared for combat, Hawkeye and Black Widow realized the fight was over before they had a chance to act.

Iron Man and War Machine had lost within ten minutes. Even with two elite agents, the outcome wouldn’t have changed.

"Do you think we can handle these opponents?"

Director Nick Fury played a combat video provided by Tony, projecting the critical ten-minute battle onto a white screen as he sought the agents' input.

In the footage, Wanda Maximoff radiated a mysterious red glow—whether magic or a superpower was unclear. She overpowered War Machine in an instant, leaving him no chance to fight back.

Tony Stark didn’t fare much better.

This superpowered woman was exceptionally strong, easily outclassing Iron Man.

As for Umbrella’s boss, Carl Davis, his abilities seemed formidable too.

He could fly—and quickly at that.

Though Carl didn’t retaliate during the battle, he easily dodged Tony’s attacks, which hinted at something more beneath the surface.

From the footage, Carl’s strength appeared moderate, but his girlfriend’s power was undeniably terrifying.

S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn’t hope to confront them in their current state.

After watching the footage, Hawkeye avoided commenting on the Scarlet Witch's overwhelming power. Instead, he said, "We could probably handle Carl, the Umbrella boss. If I strike while he’s off guard, I can shoot an arrow straight through his throat before he reacts."

Black Widow wasn’t as optimistic. She shook her head. "This Carl isn’t as simple as he seems. Didn’t you notice that during the entire chase, he never once looked behind him?

It’s as though he has eyes in the back of his head. He effortlessly dodged Tony’s attacks.

I suspect he has some kind of danger-sensing ability. It’d be nearly impossible to take him down with a long-range attack."

Hawkeye, reflecting on her words, realized she had a point. He sighed, dejected. "I guess I underestimated them. These superpowered individuals are too tough to deal with."

Nick Fury frowned deeply, equally troubled by the two individuals who had so thoroughly bested Tony Stark.